What is a good online community to post my own stories?
I am an aspiring artist and writer wanting to go into writing and animation. I have many different concepts for stories but I have no way to publish them in a way that would get me any sort of publicity. I would love it if someone could provide me with a free, online site that would allow for me to post my stories and at least try to get my name out there.
4 answers
angie azur
angie’s Answer
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My Thoughts:
Blogspot.com is a free blog site - I am also a writer and artist, and that's where I post small articles and interviews with other writers. I will caution you, though, in this world of putting everything out there on the internet - DON'T DO IT! Keep your big ideas and great new concepts close to your heart. They are yours, and if you put them up for all eyes, someone will use them.
So....small steps. Get your degree in animation, writing, or both....and get in with a great group of honest people working toward the same goals. People will steal ideas, and the publicity you are hoping for is just an illusion. It will mean absolutely nothing until you have a book out or artwork sold with your name. Build your brand first before you search for likes or publicity.
Everyone is trying to do what you want to do, too. Do you know what that means? No one is standing out. There's too much noise. So.....stay focused. Don't get pulled into the machine of likes and notices.
Somehow we've become worker bees for social media companies. We don't work for them, but they make money on us posting our original art and our writing. It's a sticky web. We all want to be noticed and to feel good enough. You already are. You don't need to be seen on any social media sites, but your ego does. So, check in with yourself. Put your head down and do the work....get off the internet and learn your craft inside and out. Write your books or screenplays and query. Do the work and get contracts before you post about your work.
Good luck, and stay quiet about your big ideas....until they are in contract with your name on them!
Write~on
Angie
Michelle’s Answer
If you have drawings to go alongside your writing - Webtoon seems like the perfect spot for you. Let me tell you a little about Webtoon and some success a few have seen recently....
Alice Oseman is a 28-year-old YA author from the UK. Though she got her first publishing deal at 17, she became a frequent publisher on webtoon - allowing everyone to read her series "Heartstopper" for free. "Heartstopper" might sound familiar to you because Netflix made it into a show! She was also able to publish the graphic novel series of Heartstopper in print - you can find it at major retailers all over.
The other person I'll mention is Rachel Smythe. She created Lore Olympus and published it on Webtoon - and it became one of the most-read series on the platform. "Lore Olympus" has now been published in print and you can find it just about anywhere. I frequently see copies at Target and Barnes & Noble. I've also heard rumblings about it being turned into an animated series.
For Webtoon, what I noticed about successful folks is that they're constantly publishing on the site. They stick to a schedule and if it ever deviates they let people know. They also leverage social media as well. Getting publicity for you work will take a lot of dedication and use of various platforms. Please know that success doesn't come right away - it takes time and dedication. Maybe your first story doesn't stick - that's ok. Move on the the next one. The thing you MUST do is to keep writing. Just keeping writing, always.
Good luck!
Michele’s Answer
Keep in mind that there are many stories on Scribd and on other free sites. You are competing with other people for attention, and you are not really getting much publicity.
Check out these next steps for additional ideas. Good luck!
Michele recommends the following next steps: