questions about the Writers Block

[underwhere]

I'm really not sure about whether I want to join. Part of the issue is that I'm not sure I could give the time commitment required to keep my membership in the Writers Block active. Can somebody more familiar with how things work around here give me an outline of the actual expectations for time commitment, both in participation and in completing writing assignments?

Part of the issue is also that I believe my writing skills are, as a general rule, pretty good and I'm not really sure what, at this point, I can truly learn without simply doing more writing and continuing to experiment with it. (I'm working on that independently.) Having said that, my writing skills are far more honed when dealing with opinion pieces and other non-fiction work. I have no doubt that I probably could use some improvement and practice in the area of fiction writing which is one reason I would be tempted to join. Can anybody who has used the Writers Block provide me with some testimonials as to how it has helped you as a writer?

[Dragon's muse]

i'm the level I instructor.

It's not a bad set up. In level one, there are no time requirements. (i can't speak for the other levels.) i post an assignment, usually in the form of a writing prompt, and when you get it done, you post it.

You get the benefit of me and others giving it a read and review and critique. Once you have met the goal of Level one, you get kicked upstairs to level two and Aussiegirl has her wicked way with you.

Drop me a PM if you decide you want to join and i will get you access.

rose
Level I Mentor/Tutor/All-around good egg

[Mad Lews]

Hi Underwhere,

I'm a instructor/tormentor in levels three and four. Evan at that lofty realm we don't put you on the clock. You are here voluntarily and we are also volunteers. I won't sugar coat it. The dropout rate at the upper end of the course is pretty high. All levels stress grammar and punctuation, the third and forth levels get more deeply involved in point of view, plot flow, and general story telling skills. As for actual constraints upon your time the most that might be asked of you is to review the work of others or submit a story to the Library or maybe a contest.

Do let the Muse know if you have an interest.

Yours
Mad Lews

[underwhere]

Thank you, Mad Lews. I did, in fact, already drop Muse a note and have been welcomed already. (I probably should have posted that here so others would know.) In fact, I've already completed my first assignment, which was fun to write, and I'm awaiting the arrival of my tormentor to tell me how I might improve upon it. :)

Actually, though, I'm really looking forward to those more complex parts as I feel that is really where I probably need the most practice. I know I can write well, but fiction is not a genre I've worked with a whole lot, so I figure it is better to start slowly and see where it goes. I'm sure I'll see you around soon enough when I'm ready to be moved along.

[Nikita]

Welcome underwhere. Glad you decided to check out this forum. I hope you've reviewed some of the stories in the library and have bookmarked faves. Dissect them and see why they appeal to you. Don't forget to leave the writer feedback.