Coffeehouse for Writers

This is a writing community, combined with a useful online business providing courses and workshops for writers. The first thing to greet you is a funky Flash intro which is well worth watching. It has a feel a little like the American comedy Friends. Maybe this is just what you need to get you in the writing mood first thing on an otherwise dull morning. The site is neither too busy or too boring and the tone and atmosphere are friendly and welcoming.


The opening page has the latest site news but to really get around, click the tabs at the top of the homepage.


SPECIAL FEATURES


Make Friends All the links in this section run down the left of the page, with some tasters in the main column of the page. Here you'll find a variety of email lists, including The Poetry Café; Coffeehouse Buzz where you can brag about your successes; WriterSwap Knowledge Exchange where writers swap advice and expertise to help with research for projects; Coffeehouse Writing Perc for brewing fresh ideas; and Coffeehouse Percolator where members offer helpful feedback on each other's work. Find out more about these last two lists in the Get Motivated section of the site.


Also in this section are personal classified ads and writers looking to make new friends with other writers.


While you're here, why not sign up for both the free newsletters filled with advice about writing and being a writer.


Learn the Craft Lots of online writing workshops, covering all areas of the writing process. They involve students who have access to a private message board and a tutor online. Assignments are set and critiqued, like any other writing course, but these you can do at home, when it suits you, and, as is suggested, in your pyjamas and slippers if you like. They all cost you money, many are in the region of $75, some are considerably more. Payment is via a PayPal account, which you will have to set up first.


Writing Tips Helpful articles and, not unsurprisingly, tips for writers.


Other Features There are lists of current competitions and a very useful Grammar Test.