THE LIBRARY #2 - A New Curation Post for Readers and Writers
This is post 27 in @dragosroua's January 30 day writing challenge.
The Library - For Writers and Readers.
Welcome to my newest initiative - The Library. A brand new, writing focused curation post. Coming out of the ideas and discussions generated in the Seeking a Community of Writers post, I wanted to be able to pursue that idea even further. I know there are writing communities on Discord (of which I am also a member), and there are also curator blogs on Steemit. So this idea is nothing new. But I want for The Library to be a curator post focused solely upon writers, and the world of writing.
I intend to post this once per week, and dedicate space for other writers out there who are writing stories, blogs about writing, even blogs about books and reading. The more I explore Steemit, the more I come to realise that there is still so many bloggers out there who I have not encountered yet. People producing quality material, but not always finding the audience they deserve.
This idea is founded with those principles in mind. It's to help share the often disconnected writing worlds here at Steemit with each other, in the spirit of support and creative encouragement.
This is in no way meant to indicate the best (or worst, by omission) posts on Steemit. These are the ones that I saw - and that I liked - during the previous week, taking several factors into consideration, such as number of days since it was published, whether it is a series or not, and the overall quality of the writer's other material.
I can be contacted via DM on Discord if you see a writer who you believe needs to be brought to my attention for future editions of The Library (it may be yours, but I will give more weight to those who recommend other writers).
To start with, the writing groups on Discord that I frequent are:
- The Writer's Block - how to join. Their Steemit address is @thewritersblock
- The Isle of Write - how to join. Their Steemit address is @isleofwrite
If you know of any others then feel free to mention them in the comments section.
The Writers' Workout: Characterization and POV Exercise
@thewritersblock have started hosting a series of writer's exercises, to help writers to hone their creative writing skills. The first in the series was on Characterisation and POV, and the follow up exercise continues this exploration by looking at deep POV.
@guytmartland has released a new story just in time for this next edition of The Library. I had inteneded to share one of his last posted stories which had been posted 5 months ago. Obviously well outside the voting time frame, the story is so well written that I wanted to share it and at least possibly introduce @guytmartland to some new readers.
However, seizing the opportunity wonderfully, a new story appeared at his blog, and having just read it myself, I can say that it is a worthy addition to this edition of The Library.
The Gift is a wonderful alternative point-of-view story. Read it, change your perspective, and see if you find yourself looking at cats just a little bit differently.
The earlier story I mention is Space Cold. I wont describe it. I'll just suggest strongly that you read it and see for yourself.
I have been a fan of Autumn Christian's writing since I stumbled onto her blog many months ago, which can be found here: @snowmachine. Having already had both full length and short fiction published, the quality is certainly some of the best you will find here at Steemit. Her writing tends to be to the darker, more surreal side, but evocative, and written in a beautifully unique voice.
Little Owl is a suburban nightmare. Written as subtle horror, it tells the story of a woman trapped in world that she doesn't belong to. A world that is as eager to spit her out as she is to flee from it.
I wrote a book review post on one of Autumn's novels called Crooked God Machine, for those who may wish to follow up on her published material.
STRUGGLE #02 - Dealing with the pain
@multi4g has published a well written article looking into one of the very real issues that writers face on a regular basis - rejection. This is part of an ongoing series of articles looking into the issues facing creative people. In this episode he discusses the nature of rejection, and makes suggestions from his own experience about how to deal with it.
How Poor Worldbuilding Destroyed Talentless Nana
@cheah discusses the art of world building, and looks at several examples of where it has been done successfully. He then turns the focus to the manga Talentless Nana and how it was let down, ultimately, by a failure to grasp the significance of world building. This is an interesting break down of the topic, and a great primer for authors, and budding authors who wish to delve deeper into their study of this topic.
Adventure Reading Contest - Dressing for a Date With History
@winstonalden has provided an amusing and entertaining entry for @therovingreader's contest. Going beyond just delivering a story, he has packaged it in such a way as to draw the reader into it. The medium itself has become as much a part of it as the content. Take a look and see for yourself.
@aschatria has another writing contest hosted by both the Die Hard Steemit and The Isle of Write Discord groups. Details can be found at the link, if you fancy testing out your short form writing abilities. For the sake of full disclosure, I have an entry in this weeks contest, but the more the merrier.
@jeffways addition to the free write exercise has produced a gem of a story this week. Short, and to the point as these stories often are, this one really packs a punch and delivers a compelling story.
Book Review: Trainride Elsewhere (A Poetry Collection)
@poetrybyjeremy has delivered a book review worthy of inclusion in this second edition of The Library. Sharing some of author John Thompson's work and going into details about his own thoughts and feelings about them, this post acts as an invitation to delve deeper into John's work, and explore the creative vision that is contained within.
Thank you for choosing to spend some time with me as we explore a selection of the writing talent that has been delivered over this past week here at Steemit. I encourage you to explore all these entries if you have the opportunity, as I work diligently to help expand the writing and reading categories, and develop a broader readership for the authors here.
Images sources from unsplash.com and used with permission.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you liked it then please like, comment, and follow.
@naquoya
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Links to earlier works
Who is Naquoya
- Fiction
My Fiction Writing Collection
Writing Myself Out of Existence
When the Levee Breaks
Reality Fading
- Blog Posts
Notes #1 - #39 - Notes From An Amateur Writer Collection
Notes #40 - Read, Write, and Face the Future
Notes #41 - What Are Some Of Your Favourite Books?
Notes #42 - Website Review: Fiction University
Notes #43 - Seeking a Community Of Writers
Notes #44 - What Are Some of Your Favourite Characters?
Notes #45 - When Madness Came Knocking
Notes #46 - Why Do I Write?
Notes #47 - Books vs Movies: Who Wore it Better?
Notes #48 - Google Seems to Know Me too Well
Notes #49 - Conversation With My Multiple Selves
Notes #50 - Revisiting Childhood With Storm Boy and Mr Percival
Notes #51 - Some Of The Books That I Am Reading
-Ramble On (Humour based fictional travel blog)
#1 - Introducing My New Travel Blog
#2 - Making a Deal With the Devil
#3 - Getting Arrested, For Resisting Arrest
Reviews
Altered Carbon - Richard Morgan
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larrson
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep - Philip K. Dick
American Gods - Neil Gaiman
Fight Club - Chuck Palahniuk
Crooked God Machine - Autumn Christian
-Poetry
My Poetry Collection
GREAT post with some awesome members- which I have read some of their posts and follow already!
Thanks for your support. Seems we have similar tastes. I'll try to surprise you next week!
This is an amazing initiative @naquoya. I can't wait for new editions of The Library to help me find all those great writers I might not come across otherwise. And the writers themselves should be so appreciative to get the extra attention.
Hopefully I can build this into a weekly staple with lots of readers. It has started well. The more people I can help introduce to a variety of authors the better. Variety and quality is really what The Library is about.
Thanks for the visit.
I'd love to see it as a weekly staple. What you've discovered and shared already are gems, some of which I don't think I would have come across on my own. Little Owl was especially good.
Glad I could help find some new talent. That is my goal. There are still so many that I have yet to discover myself, but we build a network through endeavours like this.
And yes it will be weekly - every Saturday.
Great post! Wonderful idea, I'm about to launch something similar myself, but not quite ready to say what until it gels in my brain. Thanks for doing this, we writers need to stick together! @markrmorrisjr
Thank you, glad you can appreciate the purpose behind this. I think more ideas like this will help the writing community to flourish here even more. Look forward to seeing what you have in store. All the best.
Well, I'd just like to get beyond the two dozen vote blockade per post that seems to be the ceiling right now for me.
I know the feeling.
It is an honor, sir, to be part of your list.
I see a few of my usual favorites on here, and lots of new stuff to explore - so well done!
Glad I could include some authors you weren't familiar with. I hope to mix it up somewhat each week. And very happy to have included your work here, it was a well deserved entry.
Brilliant series @naquoya. I'm fairly new here but I'm always looking for good articles, some of which are often buried in the categories. I'm glad there is someone like you to help us source good content. Keep it up ... following :)
Articles and storeis can be buried so quickly, it's a nightmare sometimes for authors. Hopefully this can help. Even if it introduces you to a new author so you can follow up their work in your own time - I consider that a success.
Thanks so much for you visit and comment. All the best.
Love this series, @naquoya - thank you for it!
Glad you noticed "The Gift" - "so well written that I wanted to share it and at least possibly introduce @guytmartland to some new readers"
Space Cold, inspired by the real-life Blue Dogs of Mambai, is a personal favorite of mine. So to is his more recent Spacecraft Cover https://steemit.com/keangaroo/@guytmartland/spacecraft-cover
Both stories written for a Steemit Writing Contest prompt. #GottaLoveSteemit writing workshops!
Yes, I noticed the name thanks to you and the Isle of Write's Discord group. Had to follow up, and glad that I did. Space Cold is brilliant.
Thanks for your visit and comment :)
What a fantastic blogging/curation project you have going here! I am always looking for new stories to read and also writing contests to enter. I really appreciate the obvious time and effort you put into pulling these writings together and giving you own personal review of each of them.
Fantastic post! Thanks for sharing!
@byn
Thanks @byn, glad you can the value in this project. Whilst it is a bit of work to put it all together, I do wander around Steemit looking for things to read anyway, so thought I may as well put the finds to good use. I like how it has turned out so far.
Great selection of writers! Your post IS like going to the library! #qurator
Yes, I very much hope for it to be like one. And you don't need a membership card here. Thanks for visiting :)
This was a great post! If I get the chance, I might enter the flash-writing contest, even though it's not my typical writing. Steemit has been very encouraging to interact with other kinds of writers (not only poets). Thank you for including my book review! The author of the book (John Thompson) has been praising my review and it warms my heart that my review may have an impact and have others come across his work!
Thanks for taking a look. Yes, if you get the chance see how you go with the writing competition. I think it will be getting run each week. I was more than happy to include your post, as it was exactly what I am looking for. Perfect fit for what I intend this post to be about. Glad to hear the author is happy with your efforts. Hopefully a few more people will have a chance to view it now.
Cool, thank you. Did Link charm you with his pretty eyes ;)
Was it that obvious? doh...
You saved me a post informing you of your inclusion, but seems you've worked that much out. Worthy inclusion :)
Ginabot keeps me informed 24/7. Thank you so much for including me. We should talk when I an back home. I have a project that might interest you :)
Ginabot is a very helpful assistant.
Okay you have my attention - curiouser and curiouser. I look forward to hearing from you.