Why Should I Write for Searchwarp? One Writer's Perspective on All The Many Choices
Posted: Friday, August 14, 2009
by Camille Strate
JoyZAChoice
I'm guessing it's been about 2 years now. Judging from the articles I've got listed and some that aren't here anymore, that should be about right. I've also submitted (and had published) articles on various other sites, all which will remain unnamed as it has no bearing on this piece. In all, today I write for a grand total of 5. Some of those pay very small stipends, others merely serve as another venue in which to stretch my creative wings. They're all quite different, these other sites I write for, but in all there are 2 that seem to have served me best. Those are Searchwarp and 'the one to be left unnamed'.
Regardless of how I do it, I monitor (not too closely as it's far too time consuming and I'd rather be writing than researching such things) to see which articles appear on search engines at what level of listing. This is my gauge for where to write and how often. Works for me. But...back to why Searchwarp is among my top picks.
I've been writing since about the age of 13. Mostly it was a way for me to vent and not try to kill my little sister or other annoying people in my world at that time. And, while I did not have the courage nor the confidence to do much with those past creations, I didn't stop writing. I always fancied myself an "author" and knew that I'd take the leap one day...but didn't really know when or how. Then, a couple of years ago, when I was met with a very dire and hostile physical malady, I was left to my own devices. That is to say, I really couldn't do much else. I was house-bound, immobile and utterly incapacitated by physical pain. BUT...my brain seemed to be in fine working order.
One day a friend suggested I write for online eZine sites to assuage my angst and to hone my talents as well. She thought it'd be a good distraction for me and wanted desperately to help me work my way through this horrible experience. Not having much else to do anyway, I began to search for places to do just that. Searchwarp was among the top sites in this research. And so...I 'joined' the party and began this adventure with no expectations save distraction and a place to get better at my craft.
Since that time I've had several periods of lapse, for varying reasons, but always come back because, frankly, I miss the vibe. Which leads me to my point (oh yes. I do have one.)
Writing for Searchwarp has provided the following enhancements to my life:
- Honing of Said Craft ~ When I look back on those first articles, I'm almost tempted to delete them. They are nowhere near as well-written as those I write today. It takes dedication, commitment and fearlessness to be good at any craft. Writing is no different. The more one writes, the better they get. That is...if they are open to criticism and suggestion. Which leads to reason #2 ~
- Honesty & Integrity of Present Authors ~ The other writers here at Searchwarp are some of the most ethical, honest and well-spoken you'll find anywhere on the web. Add to that their genuine regard for your offerings, and their constructive critiques...and it just makes for a very productive environment in which to grow as a writer. They are neither malicious nor mean-spirited. Every single comment I've ever gotten on a piece was, at the very least, constructive...and at best...utterly encouraging. These are fine folk and their talents are immeasurable. In short, they've helped me grow more confident and have always been very kind about it. Which then, of course, leads to the next benefit of writing for Searchwarp ~
- I've actually made friends here. I may not have met them all face-to-face, but they are friends. They care about me...and each other...and it's not just some facade to get people to read their stuff. It is an authentic compassion that reaches far beyond the distances of Cyber Space. These people give a rip. And I can't even begin to tell you how much that matters. Writing can be a very lonely business. And feedback, especially when given in such a caring manner, is absolutely invaluable. I don't care what anybody says...writers, like most extraordinary creative souls, have egos. And while I may be aware of this and do my best to kick it to the curb...the fact remains that it matters. It matters because there is still a part of my puny human that needs to be told, "Bravo. Good job. Keep going." There may come a day when this won't be a part of my truth, but for now it is...and that's okay with me. It's food for my creative Genius that apparently is in need of such nourishment. I shan't make apologies for who I am.
- The Team Behind The Scenes ~ Now, before I go any further with this part, please let me say that I've only actually had contact and/or interaction with 3 of the staff. So, I'm not quite sure how many others there really are, nor what they may do to keep this site as fabulous as it is. To them I tip my hat. I know you're there, I just don't know who you are. That said, the other members of this staff who have assisted me over the course of these past years have been utterly, absolutely, and impeccably efficient. They respond (usually) within a few hours of any given request, issue or concern I may have. And I'm not talking about automated replies. I'm talking real-in-the-flesh-honest-to-goodness emails directly to me from one of them. They step right up to the plate, handle the issue...and offer kind words of encouragement the whole way. How could you not delight in such a team? These folks are THE BEST!
- Lastly, but certainly not least , the overall experience ~ In the times I've been absent, sometimes for a few weeks, other times for months, each time I return I am met with enthusiastic "welcome back! We've missed you!" Now, this may seem a bit pathetic to some, and frankly..I don't give a flying rip. I'm not interested in judgments of my psychological state. Nor do I care about whether (or not) this sounds remotely egotistical. Because that's not where it's coming from. The feeling of community on this site is extraordinary. And from where I sit, community ROCKS. I happen to live (by choice) in a very remote area where I am required to travel at least 30 minutes to get to the nearest 'hub'. Again, by choice. I'm a hermit and I seek neither sympathy nor prayer for this choice. But the fact remains that due to said choices I am not often surrounded by 'community'. And so, having this one, here at Searchwarp, is a great and lovely pleasure that adds incredible energy to my world. An energy that I am deeply grateful to have.
P.S. I must offer this as a gesture of my gratitude to all of you who have been so loyal and kind. I did not intend to do this when I started this piece...but now, after all is done...I am compelled. Call it a 'whisper'...or the voice of Creator. No matter. It just needs to be done!
If you happen to be one of the folks who heard about my new book and have not yet ordered one for your own: I would LOVE for you to read it. I believe it will have an enormous impact (of course I do! I wrote it, for Pete's sake!) and you may just find equally entertaining. So...to that end...if you'd care to have a copy of the eBook, please let me know. I'd rather not do an "advertisement" here as I do not wish to over-step boundaries nor sound like a salesperson! (I also don't want to piss anybody off!) All I'll say is: if you want a copy, gimme a holler. I'll "hook you up" with half off!
P.S.S. If, however, you wish to have the paperback...you're welcome to order it via the link on my bio! Every read makes a difference!
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Girlfriend ~~ I love this piece! I for one, think you are a precious soul and I just love our friendship :-) I am going to order your book chickie :-) Many hugs and blessings!!TeresaTeresa~I feel the same (about you), Dear One! Your light shines brightly and warms me to the toes! Thanks for ordering the book. I really think you'll enjoy it. And then..you can tell all your friends! Have a terrific weekend!Hugs~
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