A new initiative on the Daily Kos platform aims to foster a supportive environment for writers through its Fiction Works-in-Progress series. This weekly community diary invites authors to share microfiction, ongoing serialized stories, and excerpts from larger works, creating a space for collaboration and feedback.
The Fiction Works-in-Progress series encourages all writers on Daily Kos to participate by posting chapters and excerpts in the comments section. Each submission should include the title of the work, formatted for easy identification. This allows readers to track various projects from week to week, enhancing engagement within the writing community.
To request feedback, writers are encouraged to clearly indicate their desire for constructive criticism by using bold text. Feedback should be actionable and sincere, allowing for meaningful dialogue among participants. For instance, instead of vague comments, readers might express, “I didn’t feel a connection to your protagonist,” promoting a more productive discussion.
Writers are reminded to ensure they are comfortable receiving feedback before making requests. This initiative aims to cultivate a positive atmosphere where individuals can share their work, celebrate progress, and indulge in their passion for writing.
How to Participate in the Series
Participating is straightforward. Writers need to copy the boilerplate text from previous entries, which serves as a guide, and include it in their draft. They should also assign relevant tags, such as FictionWIP, Readers&Booklovers, and WriteOnFictionWIP, to help followers locate the entries easily.
When the scheduled time arrives, writers simply publish their drafts, transforming them into full diaries accessible to the community. This process not only encourages regular contributions but also ensures that each writer’s work receives the attention it deserves.
Writers are then invited to share their published diary URL in a comment, requesting reblogs to broader groups like Readers & Book Lovers and FreeWriters. This increases visibility and fosters connections among writers and readers alike.
Considerations for Sharing Work
Writers should proceed with caution when sharing their manuscripts online. Many publishers and agents may reject submissions that have been publicly accessible, due to the risk of copyright infringement. If an author intends to pursue traditional publishing, limiting the public availability of their work is advisable. However, those considering self-publishing or sharing their work solely within the community may find less concern regarding this issue.
As the Fiction Works-in-Progress series gains momentum, it is poised to become a valuable resource for writers seeking feedback and connection. By participating, authors can not only refine their craft but also build a community that celebrates creativity and collaboration.
