A writer's good friend - the Internet

I'm really excited to be connecting with you about this very important part of me - Writing. It's what I feel strongly about and would like to discuss as many aspects of it as possible in the hope that I am able to reach out to some of you who wish to publish your own books/articles. Some years ago, I wrote an ebook titled 'Positive Thoughts for Writers'. I sold it to an online publisher called Echelon Press. The company has since expired from the realm of the Internet, though I still have one hard copy of my work left. But so many of the steps that I took to reach my goal (at the time) were significant. I learned a great deal, as you often do, from varied experiences as you get through the Writing Life.

• Don't be afraid to explore new forms. The tried and true are always there, but with this wonderful entity aka Internet, one can do so much these days.


• There is no substitute for actually writing. The Internet can, and should be used as a tool. It shouldn't be an end, merely the means to an end. You can spend days and days looking up obscure references about the mating habits of lemurs, for instance, but unless you actually craft an article about lemurs, it's of no use.


• Not all online publishers are legit. I can't emphasize this point enough. Check out the company thoroughly before you commit your work to one of them. Read between the lines. Anyone can, one fine day, open up a 'Publishing House' in cyberspace. Check their past work, who the main 'publisher' is, and what his/her credentials are.


• Keep your copyright to yourself. Don't be fooled into gifting it away.

More later.