If You've Just Joined, or You're Thinking of Joining Us...

It can be a little overwhelming, coming into a new Club site and seeing how much content is there. Relax. Think of the Writing4Success Club as a comfortable place to be. Take your time, explore, and get to know what's on the site before you start to download. Click on links, and see where they take you. You can't get lost: the navigation links are always there.

Think about your own needs, too. If you're fairly new to writing, you might need to build up your reference library. There are hundreds of articles on this site that can help you sharpen your skills. Think about how you can use these articles. (Does it work best for you to print them out, or just bookmark the page in your 'Favourites' list so you know where to find the advice when you need it?)

If you like to print out advice on technique, and file it in organised folders, then the 'printer friendly' icon on the articles pages will be your best friend. Click on this icon, and print out the article by itself, without the website navigation columns taking up space.

If you're pushed for time, then the podcasts might be just what you need. Download them and transfer them to your MP3 player, and you can listen and learn while you're driving, cleaning or doing exercise.   

Some people learn better if they watch a video (or like it just for a change). We have a constantly growing library of video tips, plus interviews with authors, editors and agents. Remember that you will have a better video experience if you take a few minutes to let it all download first - then it should play through smoothly.

Here is a quick tour showing what you'll find on the site:

ARTICLES: We have over five hundred articles on writing technique and career building, and this list is constantly growing. Inside the membership site, you'll be able to search for a particular topic using keywords, and you'll also find articles on similar topics linked, so you can easily find them.

PODCASTS: We have downloadable audio as MP3s divided into quick 'bites' (just a few minutes on a certain topic - for example, one article from a tipsheet) or with several topics grouped into one MP3 recording. Download these onto your MP3 player and listen in the car, while exercising or while relaxing. (We don't recommend listening while you go to sleep... you're likely to find your brain humming with new ideas and insights!)

VIDEO TIPS: Sometimes it helps to have someone walk you through something as it's being carried out, rather than to just read about it. Our video tips are just another way of looking at things. (If you'd like to be 'shown' how to do something, ask... we'll add your request to the list.)

INTERVIEWS: There's nothing like hearing it straight from the horse's mouth. Some of our interviews are videoed, some are in the form of articles... but all offer you insights from people who are actually working in the field.

MINI-COURSES: A mini-course is often just what you need to get you started! This ever-growing list will let you dip your toe in the water or help you sort out small problems before they grown into bad habits.

JOIN THE WRITERS' COMMUNITY: Writers usually work at home, spending hours by themselves. Some live in isolated communities, or keep odd hours because of their paid employment. We have members all over the world, and it's more than likely that someone will be awake and browsing the forum at the same time you are. Check in every day to see what's new in the forums, and feel free to ask questions. There's sure to be somebody who can help!

You can also fill in your Member Profile. This allows you to link in with writing friends in this community, and to keep a blog that they can view. You can also upload photos for others to view when they access your profile.

PHOTO GALLERIES: We have four photo galleries: Two of them (book covers and book launches) are for public viewing, but only members can upload photos. This means that you can post pictures of your books for everyone to view, and invite others to see pictures of your latest book launch. The other two forums (social and writers) can only be viewed by members.

REVIEWS: Want to know what other people think about software, books, and services? You can read reviews of all these things in our 'reviews' section for members.  

DOWNLOADS: We have a growing list of downloads for members. This ranges from handy checklists and posters for writers, to sample PowerPoint presentations and handouts for school visits.
 
DISCOUNTS: Many people every year sign up for Writing4Success courses or to buy our books. Members will get a discount on these, and every so often there will be a surprise sale for members only.

This is just a quick review of what you'll find here. In the coming months watch for special web events for members, so you can learn online.

IF YOU'VE JUST JOINED... browse around; post to the forums, upload some photos... we're looking forward to meeting you!