Many thanks to Ozhm, (Helen) for nominating me Writer Of The Month.  I feel very privileged to be asked especially when there are so many excellent members here writing top rate stuff.

Helen's questions evoked so many memories about Writelink and my past writing life that I was in danger of embarking on an autobiography!  Don't worry, I've spared you that, here's the abridged version!

1. When, why and how did Writelink begin?

Writelink began in 2000 from a collection of my personal writing links. I’d just discovered the web and realised what a marvellous resource it was and how much help there was available. The links were mainly to markets and contests, but did include a couple of very useful writing sites, now sadly gone.

I built the site as a convenient way of organising these links and finding them quickly. Social book marking wasn’t around then.

2. How did you attract the first members, and do any of them still belong?

Initially I did not set out to attract members. The site was for my personal use, but from the beginning it began to get visitors. No idea why as I didn’t know anything about search engines and site promotion! I can only assume it was picked up by a bigger, more heavily trafficked site.

It wasn’t long before I got requests for updates and also for information on various writing aspects so after a couple of months I started a newsletter. The first one went out to 20 subscribers! There are now around 8,500!

The site got bigger and bigger and more time consuming until I had to make the decision to either let it fold or charge a subscription fee. As you know, I chose the later! This enabled me to pay for redesigns which not only made it better for members, but cut down on Admin time.

Yes, some of the original members are still Writelinkers. In fact, we have quite a loyal membership base even though not all are active on the site. People join for different reasons and may also leave us for a year or two and then return.

It does have to be promoted now though as there are ongoing costs. The main way I do this is through the contests. Not only are they popular with the membership, but they engender free publicity as other writing sites are willing to link to them.

3. Has it achieved what you wanted it to achieve?

That’s a difficult one! It has in respect that it has created a safe environment for normal, decent people to interact with one another without the fear of unpleasantness from the strange element that often riddles community based websites. I’m also rather proud of the Resources and the quality of the articles posted which are all based on personal experience.

What is a little disappointing is the fact that so many members fail to realise that communities like Writelink will not turn them into successful writers over night. Freelance writing is a business and like any other business you have to market yourself and deliver a good job if you want to be successful. No editor or publisher will fall over themselves to read your work, yet so many writers have this expectation which is surprising when there is so much on the site to explain the realities of freelancing and how to be successful at it.

4. How do manage to keep up with the family, the farm and Writelink as well?

I don’t think I do! I always seem short of time and find myself continually changing “hats” especially in the summer when I have to help out with hay making. Luckily my children have all flown the nest so I no longer have to cook for a regiment! I do look after my little granddaughter one day a week so I’m back in touch with child care and find it incredibly demanding. I don’t know how I managed four!

5. Has it helped your own writing?

Definitely. It’s amazing how answering queries for others can clarify a situation for yourself. Also, due to time restraints, I have learnt to write very fast so I rarely procrastinate.

6. What’s on your writing list for this year?

As I’m 60 this year, I’d like to publish an anthology of my poetry, some of which has been set to music so it will probably be a poetry/song book. I’ve also got an idea for a folk opera which I’d like to get off the ground.

7. What advice would you give Writelink members?

Be very clear about what you are trying to achieve. If you need to make money from your writing, target proper publications which pay realistic rates and don’t waste time on websites which pay for page views or advertising share.

Novelists should set regular time slots aside and write every day. I would also suggest they the first draft to a plan. Contrary to popular opinion, it doesn’t stifle creativity, but actually aids it as well as speeds up the writing process.

Poets should be realistic about their work. There is a huge amount of good poetry about, but few outlets for unknown poets no matter how talented. Small publishers are very choosey who they take on so most will have to self publish. I actually think this is a great route to take because once you have a nicely designed anthology you can do readings to various groups who expect to pay their speakers and possibly sell a few copies along the way.

1.

What a wonderful post! Thank you so much, Sue. I particularly like your advice to members!

Thank you Helen, hope it helps!

A great interview, Sue, and inspiring, too.

Very interesting, Sue, I do believe I might be one of those very early members and have always enjoyed the site. Your help has been invaluable to me personally and I'm sure many members will agree on that. I have great admiration for the amount of time you devote to Writelink in your busy and successful life both personally and professionally. Thank you, Jeanne

That's very kind of you Jeanne.  Writelink has taught me so much and I have to admit the lessons haven't always been easy!  It's great to see how members progress though.  The one thing I've realised is that everyone who spends a reasonable amount of time with the site and is active on it, improves their writing considerably.

I think you unconsciously absorb the different styles just by reading and interacting with other people's work.