Terms & Conditions (including Copyright Notice and Privacy Policy)
Terms & Conditions Welcome to our website. If you continue to browse and use this website, you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following Terms and Conditions of use, which together with our Privacy Policy, Copyright Notice, Online Customer/Sales Agreement, Website Usage Policy and Delivery & Refund Policy govern Virtual Writers’ relationship with you in relation to this website. If you disagree with any part of these Terms and Conditions, please do not use our website or our services. The terms ‘Virtual Writers.’ or ‘VW’ or ‘Company’ or ‘us’ or ‘we’ refers to the owner of the website. The terms ‘you’, ‘your’, ‘User’, ‘Undersigned’ and ‘Subscriber’ as used herein refer individually and collectively to all individuals, entities and their representatives accessing this Site for any reason; including general, non-member users (individually and collectively, ‘Public User(s)’), registered members and/or users (individually and collectively, ‘Member(s)’) and ‘Writer(s) (defined below). Website Usage The use of this website is subject to the following terms of use: The content of the pages of this website is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice. Neither we nor any third parties provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of the information and materials found or offered on this website for any particular purpose. You acknowledge that such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude liability for any such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law. Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which we shall not be liable. It shall be your own responsibility to ensure that any products, services or information available through this website meet your specific requirements. This website contains material which is owned by or licensed to us. This material includes, but is not limited to, the design, layout, look, appearance and graphics. Reproduction is prohibited other than in accordance with the Copyright Notice, which forms part of these Terms and Conditions. All trade marks reproduced in this website which are not the property of, or licensed to, the operator are acknowledged on the website. Unauthorized use of this website may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offense. You acknowledge that any reliance upon any advice, opinion, statement, or other information displayed or distributed through the site and by Virtual Writers and/or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, licensees and assigns is at your sole risk. Virtual Writers reserves the right, in its sole discretion and without notice, to deny access to the sites and/or services to anyone at any time. You acknowledge and agree that Virtual Writers and/or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, licensees and assigns is not responsible for any materials posted and/or submitted by users of the site and/or service, prior to making any decisions based on information posted on the site and/or service, you are advised to verify the information. Neither Virtual Writers and/or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, licensees and assigns shall have any liability arising from your acts or decisions based upon the information provided on the site and/or service. From time to time this website may also include links to other websites. These links are provided for your convenience to provide...
read moreDash in the Pan
Love short fiction? Well then, you’re bound to enjoy our weekly dash, flash and drabble bulletin. To subscribe, just click on the Dash in the Pan title below and you’ll be taken to our newsletter. Hit the subscribe button on the top right-hand corner of the page (directly above the Editor’s note), and you’ll receive the weekly newsletter in your email inbox every Saturday. If you want your dash piece to be included in the weekly round-up, simply post it to your own blog then promote it on Twitter using the #writersdash hashtag. If you don’t have a Twitter account then email us with the link to your blog. Be sure to send us the page your dash piece is published on and not just the blog url. In the email subject field please put Dash in the Pan so it doesn’t get lost in the crush. Look out for poetry and microfiction from other great sites such as Crap Mariner’s wonderful 100 Word...
read moreWhat is a Word Scrimmage?
A Word Scrimmage is an event in which participants write, or type, as fast as they can for an agreed time, with the aim of increasing the word count on their current novel, or work in progress. The participant who has written the most at the end of the scrimmage is declared the winner. The event is held regularly on Second Life® at the 3d home of Virtual Writers, and on Twitter under the #virtualwriters and #wordscrim hashtags. This word-boosting technique is also known as a word war and is often used during NaNoWriMo and Script Frenzy. Cartoon used with the permission of Debbie Ridpath Ohi at...
read moreHow Do I Join Your Live Events in Second Life®?
You will first need to sign up through the Second Life® website. Go to http://www.secondlife.com to start the process. It’s free to join. Click on the JOIN NOW button and this will take you to the Registration screen. Here, you simply fill in your personal details and choose a name and look for your avatar. Don’t worry too much about your avatar’s appearance as there will be plenty of opportunity to tweak it once you are inworld. Once you have completed your Registration, you’ll be asked to download and install the Second Life® viewer to your computer. You will then be taken to a screen that allows you to choose which community gateway to enter. This is important, as we want you to go through as smooth a transition as possible. Please choose the Caledon (Victorian Steampunk) Community Gateway. Once you have chosen the gateway you will find yourself appearing inworld at the University of Oxbridge in Caledon. Now begins your brief induction. Follow the signs and read the information boards as you come to them. There is also a short Second Life® tutorial provided on screen. Try and absorb as much information as possible, but be mindful that you can always return to Caledon at a later date if there is something you feel you missed. At the very least try and understand the most important concepts such as how to move, how to talk and your camera controls. Once you have completed the Orientation Tutorial you will need to find your way to Milk Wood. This is the sim that is home to Virtual Writers. At the bottom of your screen you will see a search tab. Click on this and look for Milk Wood. Now the teleporting fun begins. Click on ‘Teleport’ and you will be moved from your present location to our welcome area. Make sure you save the landmark so you can easily return there. We look forward to meeting you at one of our various daily writing events. Don’t forget to click on one of the group joiners, so you can stay abreast of happenings in the writing community. You can also join Virtual Writers through the search facility. Simply put Virtual Writers, Inc. under group search, click on the group name to bring up the profile screen, then click ‘View Full Profile’, followed by...
read moreWhat is Milk Wood?
Milk Wood is the celtic-themed, 3d home of Virtual Writers. Here we learn to experiment with the Second Life® platform to cultivate our craft, develop literary poise, and establish a strong, unique voice. The Stone Circle – our stone circle monument is used as a stage and performance arena for book and poetry readings. Take a wander around the standing stones and forested areas for a unique, immersive experience. The Writers’ Camp – our twice-daily Writers’ Dashes are held at the writers’ camp; a delightful woodland spot that is fully equipped with typewriters and desks. You’ll also find a selection of writer’s cabins adjacent to the camp and these are available for rent. Dead Wood Book Fayre portrays the fayres of yesteryear and is ideal if you have books or events that you want to publicize. We can create replica book covers and display them for you as a virtual book; anyone clicking on the book will be directed to either your website or your seller’s page. This is a unique and very effective way of promoting your work. The Celtic Writer’s Cottages at Milk Wood are also available for rent. These can be used as a base for your online writing sessions, or a place for you to display your writing and art. Many of our tenants have been with us for years but we welcome all newcomers. Writers’ Displays – the carpet-covered carts and wagons are used to display the work of our members and are available for rent. Special Events Held at Milk Wood March Poetry Festival An exhibition of work and readings from Second Life®’s most prominent poets. Held the last weekend of March. NaNoWriMo Support A veritable calendar of delights – offered annually during National Novel Writing Month – write-ins, inspirational workshops, pep talks and articles from successful authors. VW Workshops A month-long selection of creative workshops designed to toss participants head first into the process of writing. Held throughout...
read moreWriters’ Dash FAQs
I found #writersdash on Twitter, what is it? The Writers’ Dash (#writersdash) is a prompt-driven, free writing exercise held on Second Life® every weekday. If you’re attending the live event in Second Life® there’ll be an opportunity for you to show your work to the other participants, at the end of the timed writing session. If you’re unable to attend the live event you can share your work on Twitter, Facebook or on our blog – just look out for the prompt post and leave your dash piece as a comment. If you want your dash piece to be included in the weekly Dash in the Pan newsletter, simply post it to your own blog, then promote it on Twitter using the #writersdash hashtag. How does it work? At 5:30am & 5:30pm Pacific Time we share the word prompt on our social media channels; the live event begins in Second Life® at 6am & 6pm PST. Write whatever comes to you. Don’t fixate too heavily on word choice and disengage your inner editor – the key is for you to get the words on the page first; you can worry about editing later. At the end of the timed writing session you can share your dash piece with the other participants for critique, if you wish. Do I have to do the Writers’ Dash in Second Life®? No, you can do it offline, if you prefer. How do I join the live event in Second Life®? You will first need to sign up through the Second Life® website. Go to http://www.secondlife.com to start the process. It’s free to join. Click on the JOIN NOW button and this will take you to the Registration screen. Here, you simply fill in your personal details and choose a name and look for your avatar. Don’t worry too much about your avatar’s appearance as there will be plenty of opportunity to tweak it once you are inworld. Once you have completed your Registration, you’ll be asked to download and install the Second Life® viewer to your computer. You will then be taken to a screen that allows you to choose which community gateway to enter. This is important, as we want you to go through as smooth a transition as possible. Please choose the Caledon (Victorian Steampunk) Community Gateway. Once you have chosen the gateway you will find yourself appearing inworld at the University of Oxbridge in Caledon. Now begins your brief induction. Follow the signs and read the information boards as you come to them. There is also a short Second Life® tutorial provided on screen. Try and absorb as much information as possible, but be mindful that you can always return to Caledon at a later date if there is something you feel you missed. At the very least try and understand the most important concepts such as how to move, how to talk and your camera controls. Once you have completed the Orientation Tutorial you will need to find your way to Milk Wood. This is the sim that is home to Virtual Writers. At the bottom of your screen you will see a search tab. Click on this and look for Milk Wood. Now the teleporting fun begins. Click on ‘Teleport’ and you will be moved from your present location to our welcome area. Make sure you save the...
read moreRegular Poetry Events (UK)
A Ambit (London) Apples and Snakes (London) Acoustic Circus (Newcastle) B Blue Bus (London) Beeston Poets (Nottingham) Back Room Poets (Oxford) Brixtongue (London) Bright Scarf Poetry Night (Richmond) Beehive Poets (Bradford) C Camden and Lumen Poetry CB1 Poetry (Cambridge) Coffee-House Poetry (London) Cafe Writers (Norwich) Come Strut Your Stuff (Liverpool) D Dead Good Poetry Society (Liverpool) Dylan Thomas Centre (Swansea) E F Fourth Friday at the Poetry Cafe (London) First Saturday at the Jago (London) G Grosvenor Poets (London) Glibberbest (Hoxton) H I Inspire Open Mic (London) Irish Poetry Night (London) J K Kent and Sussex Poetry Society (Tunbridge Wells) L Leicester Poetry Society M N O P Poetry in Palmers Green (London) Poetry in the Crypt (Islington) Poetry in the House (London) Poets’ Cafe (Reading) Poet in the City (London) The Poetry Cafe (The Poetry Society) Poetry on the Border (Chepstow) Poetry @ The Room (London) Pighog Poetry Night (Brighton) Poets Anonymous (Croydon) Poems, Prose and Pints (Harrogate) Poetry Island (Blue Walnut Cafe, Torquay) Q R Rhythm and Muse (Kingston upon Thames) RAW (Manchester) S Shortlands Poetry Circle (Bromley) Stanza (Kent North West) St. Ives Arts Club – Cafe Frug (St. Ives) Stanley Writers’ Open Mic Sessions (County Durham) Salt in the Margins (London) Shore Poets (Scotland) Scottish Poetry Library The Spoken Word (York) T Tongues and Grooves (Portsmouth) The Tall Lighthouse (London) Torriano Meeting House (London) U V Ver Poets’ Programme (St. Albans) W Ware Poets (Ware) The Wordsworth Trust (Grasmere) X Y Z If you hold a regular event and would like to be included on our list, please do contact...
read moreWhat’s 500 Word Snatch?
Does the thought of writing a full length novel fill you with dread? It’s easy to feel despondent when you consider the commitment and time required – particularly when you’re juggling a family and a full time job – but the truth is you can make a long story short by taking small disciplined steps every day. As Jack London said, “You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club”. The Challenge Write 500 words a day, for a full 365 days – if you’ve completed NaNoWriMo you’ll find this very easy. 500 Word Snatch is ideal if you have a long-term goal, or need sustained support and encouragement, and we’ll be there to rally you, every step of the way. Obviously, you’re not restricted to writing a novel, you can use the challenge for many different writing forms; outlining, a daily blog, a book of poems, short fiction, non-fiction or even revision; we don’t care what you write, as long as you write. Look at it as an exercise in disciplined creativity. Snatch Rules Aim to write 500 words a day. You’re not restricted to a single WIP, in fact we encourage you to work on numerous projects, just write those 500 words every day, for a full year. If you choose to use our badge please link back to this page. Resources The best way to meet a goal is to track it. Svenja Liv offers various spreadsheets for writers. We think these are perfect for our challenge. There are also some wonderful free word count meters available on the web, our favourites are from Critique Circle , Svenja Liv and Honorless. If you’re easily distracted, try a full-screen text editor such as WriteMonkey. It cuts out all distractions, so you can simply concentrate on writing. If you’re given to the odd bout of writer’s block, you might like Write or Die. You set your word goal, or the amount of time you want to write, then choose a punishment level (in case you fail) and just write. Perfect! Online Meets We’ll be holding regulars meet-ups on our writing sim in Second Life® at 2am Pacific Time on Monday – Friday, 8am Pacific Time on Monday – Sunday, and at 12 noon Pacific Time on Saturday. There’ll be an additional Snatch at Book Island in Second Life® on Sunday at 12 noon Pacific Time. Join our Second Life® group for event reminders, and follow the #500WS hashtag on Twitter for daily prompts. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit our virtual writing community in Second Life®, then make some time this January. You’ll find an incredibly diverse and active community of writers and the level of support is second to none. Our Second Life® Word Snatch meter will be up and working on the 1st January at our virtual writers’ camp. You’ll need to join our Virtual Writers, Inc. group in order to obtain a participant titler (which displays your overall word count above your avatar’s head). To update your word count, wear your Virtual Writers, Inc. group tag and put your total count into the blue alarm clock (found on the round table at the camp), which in turn will update your Second Life® titler. When you drop by the writers’ camp in Second Life®, be sure to pick up the free goodie...
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