It seems like only yesterday that I was in Junior High scratching down my best ideas and trying to create a book. My first success was my greatest embarrassment, but a great lesson and stepping stone. My two hundred and fifty page creation about dragons in a fantasy world taught me that first, I could accomplish writing a book, and second, that I needed more peer review before I announced it to everyone. Of course back then peer review was trusting people to carefully handle my hard to read handwritten paper. The internet continues to give birth to brilliant ideas and opportunities for individuals looking for them.
Right now I write for several outlets including, Niner Noise, Purple and Blues, and BigWorldNetwork.com. This is a feat I never imagined possible growing up. Each unique site has given me an opportunity to continue working on my writing skills, and share my thoughts. The best part is that anyone with the desire to write can find an outlet for them to share their talent with the world.
Niner Noise (www.ninernoise.com) – Gives 49ers fans picked by the editor an opportunity to write on the fan blog. The vast majority of the articles produced here can be found on www.si.com under the 49ers team page.
Purple and Blues (www.purpleandblues.com) – Gives Utah Jazz fans picked by the editor an opportunity to write on the fan blog. The vast majority of the articles produced here can be found on www.si.com under the Utah Jazz team page.
BigWorldNetwork.com (www.bigworldnetwork.com) – Gives writers an opportunity for online serialized publication with the support of editors and a creative team. Several authors have compiled published paperback and audiobook versions of their series content that was originally displayed on the site.
Sometimes opportunities present themselves. For instance, Eric Melendez openly challenged 49ers fans to write an article worthy of his site. In the big picture, patient 49ers fans will inevitably have the opportunity to try out again. Be patient if you miss an opportunity; be patient and stick with it.
No experience necessary. It is possible to make your own opportunities like Tyson Newman, writer for the Purple and Blues, did. His passion for the Utah Jazz is immeasurable, and he enjoys talking with people about the team often. Tyson decided to focus his love of the Utah Jazz, and applied at www.fansided.com to be a writer for a Utah Jazz blog. With no previous published material and minimal experience, he was brought on to write for the Purple and Blues. He produces some of the site’s best material. It pays to take a chance on an opportunity, even if one doesn’t seem available.
For those with experience and a passion for writing there are opportunities as well. Jo Ann Schneider had taken advantage of writing retreats and conventions, and went looking for other opportunities to share her refined storytelling and found BigWorldNetwork.com. Her tenacious attitude and refined writing skills not only gained her a place on the site, but her story Babes in Spyland is one of the most read on the site. It was only a matter of time before she would take on the next level, and now coming October 2013 from Jolly Fish Press is Jo Ann Schneider’s first published book New Sight. Looking for opportunities to write could lead to becoming the next big thing.
Writers who have experience and passion but not so much confidence have a place. Despite J.C. Thompson’s friends and family raving over his material, he was reluctant to submit his ideas. J.C. finally took a chance, and was rewarded as one of the newest writers for BigWorldNetwork.com. His story Lineage just started its first season, offering a tremendous storyline. Even if you think your work isn’t the stuff of legend, take a chance and you just might be surprised.
Supporting the writing community is vital. I am incredibly grateful for all those who support writers like me. Without Roger Whiting and Morning Breaks Press, I would not have had the opportunity to have my own book Ezekiel’s Gun published. Without the dedication of individuals like Amanda Meuwissen and Wendy Herman, I would not be writing for BigWorldNetwork.com. Without these people and their support for the writing community, opportunities would be few and far between.
These are only a few examples of websites and success stories. There is a whole new world for up and coming writers in the digital age. People are reading more than ever before, and choosing the digital medium to discover new adventures. There are opportunities around every corner if you go looking for them. Trust me they can be hard work, but they are all worth it. I firmly believe that everyone has one good story in them to share with the world.
