Things People Love:
- Tips: Remember that this is a story website, so people love to hear your advice on writing. Your column can be about a certain genre, or how to use proper punctuation. It can be on anything from writing a short story, to ending a novel, to developing characters! Columns will always have more of a chance of being spotlighted on the front page if they're about writing.
- Courtesy: We also look for politeness. If you're insulting members and peoples' writing left, right and centre, chances are that you're not going to be spotlighted. Don't mention names, be nice, and it will pay off.
- Originality: Come up with a creative, original idea. Give instructions on something that no one's ever written a column about before. Just try and keep it relating to the site.
- Correctness: Run a spell check and ask another writer to take a look at your grammar. Not only is it pleasing on our eyes, but it really makes you seem like a more skilled writer. if i wrote somethin badly you would think i was jus young n a bad writor? But because I edit my work, that won't happen!
- Appearance: It might not seem like a big deal, but if a user doesn't like the background/font combination on your column, they'll avoid reading it. It's simple enough: dark fonts on light backgrounds and light fonts on dark backgrounds. If you can read it from three feet away without having to highlight it, it may be okay. If you're unsure though, you can always ask for a second opinion!
All in all, if you write a really good column, we'll read it. Think of something that will benefit everyone, or even a small group of fiction writers. Here's some ideas to get you started:
- How to Write Science Fiction Stories
- How to Write Humor Stories
- How to Write Horror Stories
- How to Create a Perfect Setting
- How to Narrate Effectively
- How to Run a Group Well
- How to Edit Your Work
Those are just a few prompts, but any other tips and advice could also make a good column. Remember that if you base your column on what someone else has said, you must credit them when you write your column.
Remember also that if your column is for informational purposes, you don't really need comments. You can turn comments off by editing your column and unclicking the "allow comments" box. You may want this if you're asking for suggestions, or advice, but if you're delivering solid fact, comments aren't really necessary.
Alright. I guess that's all. Hekate and I will be looking forward to seeing some great columns to spotlight over the Summer. To write one now, click here.
Please send an Im to either Kari or myself when you have written a column and we'll review it.
