The online writing community at Daily Kos has launched a weekly platform called the Fiction Works in Progress diary, designed for authors to share their microfiction, serialized stories, and other ongoing projects. This initiative aims to foster collaboration and creative feedback among writers, providing a supportive environment for those looking to improve their craft.
Engaging Community for Writers
Participants in the Fiction Works in Progress series are encouraged to post excerpts from their works in the comments section of each diary entry. By using a specific format, including the title of their work prominently at the top of their comments, writers can help readers easily navigate between different submissions from week to week. This organized approach allows for a more engaging experience, as readers can follow the development of individual stories over time.
Writers interested in feedback are invited to clearly indicate their requests, utilizing bold text for emphasis. This encourages constructive criticism, with an emphasis on actionable advice. For example, a comment such as “I didn’t feel a connection to your protagonist” is preferred over vague statements. This guideline aims to maintain a positive atmosphere where writers can feel comfortable sharing their work and receiving feedback.
Steps to Participate Effectively
To participate, writers must follow a series of straightforward steps. Firstly, they copy the information shared in the previous week’s diary into a designated blockquote in their draft. Next, they apply relevant tags to their submissions, including the series tag—FictionWIP—as well as other community tags such as Readers & Book Lovers and FreeWriters. This tagging system is crucial for ensuring that their work reaches the broader audience interested in the series.
Once the time for their diary entry arrives, writers publish their drafts, transforming them into full entries accessible via the Daily Kos platform. They then share the URL of their published diary in the community comments, requesting reblogs to increase visibility. Finally, they include their own work excerpt in the comments, encouraging others to engage with their writing.
While sharing work online can be beneficial, writers are cautioned about the implications of posting their manuscripts publicly. Many publishers and agents may decline submissions that have been made available online due to the risk of copyright infringement. For those planning to pursue traditional publishing, it may be advisable to refrain from posting complete works. However, self-publishers or those not seeking publication elsewhere may find this a valuable opportunity for exposure and feedback.
The Fiction Works in Progress diary serves as a vital resource for writers at various stages of their creative journeys. By participating regularly, authors not only improve their skills but also contribute to a vibrant community that values storytelling and artistic expression. The initiative highlights the importance of collaboration in the writing process, allowing individuals to share their passions and foster a culture of creativity.
