Mslexia

Mslexia, the magazine for women who write | www.mslexia.co.uk

On the web

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ABC Tales

is a place to post your poetry, short stories, nonfiction and biography, and organise them into collections in order to offer them up to the throng of other users for friendly but serious critique and support. With a process called 'cherry-picking' – which allows editors to pick out certain pieces of work and highlight them as must-reads for other users – it's certainly a worthwhile place to test your best: and help others along the way, too.

www.abctales.com

Awfully Big Blog Adventure

is a fantastic blog jam-packed with news, reviews, opinions and more than a scattering of wit and laugh-out-loud humour. Following this blog is like staying in touch with an old friend, and the combination of 'a few scattered authors' keeps the writing fresh and engaging.

www.awfullybigblogadventure.blogspot.com

Birds Eye View

is a vital resource for female filmmakers, especially when you consider that only 7 per cent of film directors and 12 per cent of screenwriters are women.

www.birds-eye-view.co.uk

Bluethumbnail

is a new website that provides a showcase for short story writers with solid, genuine talent; and offers a way for writers to find readers and hopefully, in the long term, a way to earn money.

www.bluethumbnail.com

Bookarazzi

features a blog written jointly by nearly 50 published authors alias BloggersWithBookDeals. It has a writer's room providing advice, events listings and quick-fire interviews. Drop-down menus give access to book and film reviews and links to useful resources.

www.bookarazzi.com

Brit Lit Blogs

is a community of British literary bloggers discussing books, authors, poetry, poets, theory, form, biography, prose and wriring. A great place to familiarise yourself with the blogs that are out there and begin your blogging career: who knows where it might lead!

www.britlitblogs.com

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Disability Writes

dedicates itself to supporting and encouraging disabled writers. The site accommodates all ranges of abilities by offering constructive feedback to subscribers, submitting 'writing challenges,' and offering promotion via the website and printed publications. The forum offers an exclusive literary community to disabled writers, and the comprehensive links section inspires even the ultimate beginner to start scribbling.

www.disabilitywrites.org.uk

Dr Wicked

is a no-nonsense solution to the perennial problem of writer's block, ink in the form of a text editing programme that provides a range of negative reinforcements for writing inactivity.

www.drwicked.com

Essential Writers

is a website for anyone who loves and works with words – including journalists, poets, graphic novellists and short story writers – with features, interviews, tips and blogs.

www.essentialwriters.com

Fallyrag

is a creative online journal free from the shackles of convention, committed to the development of innovative art. Contributions are eclectic and sometimes eccentric – no idea is too weird as long as it's good.

www.fallyrag.com

Folio Match

aims to make it easier for creative students and graduates to break into the industries by providing them with details of events and opportunities that could give them great experience.

www.foliomatch.com

G H I »

Green Metropolis

is a place where you can buy a multitude of second hand books for the flat price of £3.75 each; and receive £3 for every book you sell. With the added feature of a universal wishlist, you can add any book you're lusting after for other users to see – and see if you have a copy of one of the titles that another reader seeks. It's a great way to get hold of new books without costing the planet; and lighten the burden on your own straining shelves.

www.greenmetropolis.com

Global Poetry System

GPS (Global Poetry System) was created by the Southbank Centre to encourage members of the public to seek out, upload and share found poems. Browse by location and discover poetry's many forms – graffiti, billboards, overheard conversations, toilet walls and Facebook updates. Anyone can upload – it's a great platform to share your own work – and many areas of the UK and the world await entries.

www.gps.southbankcentre.co.uk

Green Story

is a collaborative creative writing competition where anybody can help to write a story, a chapter at a time, that encourages readers of all ages to think about how we can best look after trees and the environment. There are three versions of the story, depending on what type of fiction you write: adults', teen or children's.

http://greenstory.co.uk/

Guardian Poetry Workshop

presents writers with an opportunity to submit a poem and receive appraisal from a published poet. Each month a different established poet sets an exercise, explaining why they have chosen that particular topic or technique and offering to help entrants on their way.

http://books.guardian.co.uk/poetryworkshop

Ibiblio

is a user-friendly gold mine of free information on the web. Instead of sifting through search engine results, find collections relating to arts, language and literature at your fingertips.

www.ibiblio.org

International Pen

defends freedom of expression within literature. Link up with women writers across the globe, discover authors in exile and in prison and read new international writing. If reports on injustice such as Mexican journalist Lydia Cacho's year-long court case move you to take action, contact details for all of IP's groups are online.

www.internationalpen.org.uk

Isnoop Magnetic Poetry Generator

is an excellent creative tool of procrastination for anyone who loves to play with words. Enjoy free range over words provided on the interactive fridge, making up phrases and poems of your own as well as using your influence over the handiwork of others.

www.isnoop.net/toys/magwords.php

Issuu

is designed for publishing magazines and portfolios online, but the site caters for readers seeking inspiration too, with a catalogue of publications and a search function. Magazines range from the traditional (high street fashion) to the bizarre (mangled dolls in shrubbery). The basic package for publishers is free, and well worth a look.

www.issuu.com

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Jacketflap

connects you to the work of more than 200,000 authors, illsutrators, publishers and other creators of books for children and young adults. Offers an online database of book-related blogs, networking in the children's book industry, reviews of books and much more. Membership is free.

www.jacketflap.com

January Magazine

reviews anything from girlfriend fiction to articles on Salman Rushdie, and has an extensive blogroll to browse – and subscribe to. Easy to use, oft-updated and full of interesting stuff, it is the perfect e-zine for keeping your finger on the pulse of the book world.

www.januarymagazine.com

Judith's Room

is an online community exclusively for women writers. Users log in to submit writing and communicate with others about all aspects of the writing world, forming a brilliant network of support, inspiration and empowerment. Writers of any experience are welcomed to share fiction, poetry, life and travel writing – and to gain others’ opinions on their work.

www.judithsroom.com

KCRW Radio

offers a collection of audio recordings from their 'Bookworm' show. Featuring interviews from established and upcoming authors of poetry and fiction, including Kurt Vonnegut, Alice Sebold, Maya Angelou, Margaret Atwood, Ian McEwan, Susan Sontag, Joyce Carol Oates and Zadie Smith.

www.kcrw.com/etc/programs

Ladder Writers

is an innovative new website offering writers the opportunity to 'climb the ladder' and become a paid critic or competition judge. It works by earning points, which you do by signing up, entering competitions and sending in illustrations and ideas for improving the site. Alternatively, just enter the competitions – every entry is critiqued, and the winner gets £50.

www.ladderwriters.com

Language is a Virus

provides a multitude of ways to give you new perspectives on your writing: helpful widgets include character name generators, madlib poems, fun prompts such as the poem engine and the cut-up machine. There are also author shrines, articles on creative writing techniques and even a place to showcase your work.

www.languageisavirus.com

The Literary Gift Company

is a must for every lover of literature. Like to bury your nose in a good book? How about a ‘Paperback Home Atmosphere Spray’? For the rebellious reader, there’s the ‘Banned Books’ necklace – and for the baby bookworm, what could be more fitting than an Alice in Wonderland babygro!

www.theliterarygiftcompany.com

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Mostly Life

is a beautifully-presented source of storytelling inspiration providing all manner of word games and exercises to get your creative juices flowing. Users are challenged to use word lists and half-finished stories to inspire their own inventions. It all makes for entertaining reading as well as a useful exercise of the imagination.

www.mostlylife.com

Nameless Letter

is a quirky little site designed to inspire a little happiness, and put a smile on readers' faces. Design a bookmark, display on the website, and hide inside a publicly available favourite book for the next person to discover and enjoy.

www.namelessletter.com

The Never Ending Story

is an online story-sharing site where you can start your own story to be opened up to submission from other users, or submit chapters/verses to stories which have already begun.

www.theneverendingstory.com

Notes from the Underground

is a full-content website for the free creative writing magazine of the same name. Wittily illustrated and smoothly organised, the website offers short and very short stories, nonfiction and cartoons – and welcomes submissions.

www.notesfromtheunderground.co.uk

The Omnificent English Dictionary in Limerick Form

offers a unique angle on the traditional limerick. The ultimate goal is to write a limerick for each meaning of every word in the English language. Submit your own pieces, or use their exciting 'limerictionary' to inspire your work privately.

www.oedilf.com

P Q R »

Penguin Dating

romantically matches people who have a shared interest in literature.

http://penguin.match.com

Plays Poetry and Prose

is a new website for writers that aims to bring people together in an online community, and offers a forum, advice and workshops.

www.playspoetryandprose.com

Poetry Magic

is a website devoted to the craft and theory of poetry, offering practical advice for beginners, critiques and links. It is affiliated with www.poetry-portal.com

www.poetrymagic.co.uk

Poetry Portal

is a comprehensive directory of internet poetry. Includes competitions, events, courses and countless useful links.

www.poetry-portal.com

The Poetry Trust

presents a new digital poetry platform: The Poetry Channel. Set to include podcasts, poets in profile and specially commissioned recordings.

www.thepoetrytrust.org

Pomegranate

is a surprising poetry ezine, created by a group of winners of the Foyle Young Poet of the Year Award in 2006 that showcases work by writers under 30, as well as providing a supportive network for young poets.

www.pomegranate.me.uk

Profwriting

is a new and empathetic – but pragmatic – website giving new writers opportunities to post work for peer review, commission an expert's opinion or to take an affordable mini writing course. Run by the tutors of the highly regarded MA Professional Writing at University College Falmouth.

www.profwriting.com

Pubmatch

is a unique matchmaking website that aims to form literary matches made in heaven. Authors, illustrators, agents and publishers can all join for free, advertise their needs and connect with one another, making this an ideal platform from which fledgling writers can launch their publishing careers.

www.pubmatch.org

Readerville

is heaven online for book lovers. It serves up a combination of weblog and online journal, featuring delights such as 'The Odd Shelf' and 'Most Coveted Cover', with a classy design and easy-to-use interface.

www.readerville.com

Reading Detectives

is the website of book clubs in Grange over Sands in Cumbria, Buxton in Derbyshire, Chorley in Lancashire, Winchester in Hampshire and Tonbridge in Kent, who are looking to uncover fiction, poetry, topography and travel writing about or inspired by their vicinities. With a map, and BBC Radio coverage of their discoveries.

www.readingdetectives.org

Ready Steady Book

offers independent reviews, articles and interviews with, about and by contemporary writers. Keep an eye out for opinions on your favourite books.

www.readysteadybook.com

S T U »

She Tribes

is a cross-generational website covering a wide range of issues important for independent women in the 21st Century. With a strong emphasis on feminist ideals, it provides an alternative to fashion-obsessed magazines, including sections on finance, motoring and political lobbying.

www.shetribes.com

The Short Review

is a user-friendly site that provides a much-needed platform for original reviews of story collections and anthologies. Follow the links to the site’s founder and editor Tania Hershman’s blog for more reviews and for your chance to comment.

www.theshortreview.com

Short Story Radio

is an internet radio station for English language short stories. You can enjoy listening to stories old and new, as well as submitting your own for consideration.

www.shortstoryradio.com

3 Quarks Daily

is a stimulating filter blog which sorts and presents daily links to notable articles in the realms of science and politics as well as literature and the arts.

www.3quarksdaily.com

The Tutor Pages

provides a list of independent tutors in most subjects, including creative writing, either based locally or willing to provide online guidance. Also provides a way to get your own tutoring skills out there for potential tutees.

www.thetutorpages.com

Trapped by Monsters

is a creative blog which charts the misadventures of eight children's authors who, en route to a remote writing getaway, were kidnapped by the very monsters they were about to vilify. With writing tips, book promotions and more.

www.trappedbymonsters.com

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Whisper Poetry

is an online poetry club dedicated to the arts in all forms, and runs annual competitions including those in poetry, short stories and photography. It has an extensive website that includes many ways that the novice, and experienced, writer can find support and opportunity.

www.whisperpoetry.com

Wisplurkers

allows young readers to contribute to a new children’s fantasy book being penned by ‘Maggie C.' Influence the characters and storyline by contributing ideas and interacting with the author. Download past episodes and sign up to have the latest drafts sent directly to your inbox.

www.wisplurkers.net

Without a Box

provides the opportunity for filmmakers and scriptwriters to create an account, and then submit their work to film festivals and competitions. Members have the opportunity for discounted submission fees and emailed reminders for impending deadlines, and the site lists competitions and festivals with dedicated script categories. A true time (and money) saver!

www.withoutabox.com

Wordle

is a fantastic idea. Simply enter your collection of words, whether a story or a random selection, and create a word cloud. The site allows for words to be weighted differently, affecting their size and shape on the page. Visit the gallery for inspiration, and create your own piece of textual art.

www.wordle.net

Wowowow

is aimed at women over 45, and consists of articles and blog-like pieces on political and social issues as well as more lighthearted life-musings. Brought to us by a panel of women from over the pond that includes Whoopi Goldberg and Liz Smith, this is a high-profile affair. All articles invite comment and discussion from readers, which makes for a great community feel.

www.wowowow.com

Write to Done

is a useful resource that covers everything from blogging to fiction writing, steaming past journalism on the way. It is divided into helpful categories, making it great for anyone looking for a bit of inspiration or tips from the pros.

www.writetodone.com

Writers and Artists

is a user-friendly site packed with free content and advice. Search for agents, publishers or editorial services and get advice from industry experts. Subscribe to the e-newsletter RedLetter for extra tips and updates.

www.writersandartists.co.uk

Writing from the twelfth house

is a website run by Anne Whitaker for writers and readers who 'are exhilarated and amazed by the beauty, mystery and complexity of the worlds we human beings inhabit'. It has a useful and eclectic collection of links, and is oft-updated with blogs on a wide-ranging series of subjects.

www.anne-whitaker.com

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