On September 1, 2007, I launched Writing Forward. On that day, five years ago, I never could have imagined that it would become what it is today.
Back then, Writing Forward explored all forms of writing, not just creative writing. Posts about business writing and copywriting were mixed in with posts about fiction and poetry. I was excited if the site got ten visitors in a day. Now, it gets tens of thousands of visitors every month, and it’s been recognized twice by Writer’s Digest as one of the best websites for writers.
Writing Forward has been an incredible experience for me. Through it, I’ve found my voice, connected with tons of wonderful writers, and learned more about writing than I thought possible — and there’s more yet to learn!
However, the fifth anniversary of Writing Forward never would have happened without all of the passionate, supportive readers, friends, and fans. I offer my deepest thanks to everyone who has visited this site; from loyal subscribers to occasional passers-by, from quiet lurkers to active tweeters; all of you have made Writing Forward what it is today.
Time for Change
I’m thinking about adding a new topic to Writing Forward. You can see the list of topics we explore across the top of the page, under the header. I have a few ideas knocking around in my head, but if there are any writing-related subjects that I don’t cover here, but that you’d like to see addressed, let me know by leaving a comment.
Let’s Celebrate! 101 Creative Writing Exercises on Sale All Month
To celebrate our five-year milestone, I’ve dropped the price of 101 Creative Writing Exercises. Throughout the month of September, the Kindle and all Smashwords versions will be 99¢ and the paperback will be available at Amazon for just $6.99.
This book is perfect if you’re looking for creative writing ideas, want to acquire new writing tools and techniques, or just want to get more writing practice. It takes you on a writing adventure through fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Click here to check out some samples before you buy.
Amazon Paperback $6.99 |
Amazon Kindle 99¢ |
Smashwords 99¢ |
Thank you all for your support. Here’s to another five years (and many more) of writing!
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Congrats, Melissa! Five years can be considered a long time in the world of blogging. The site has certainly come a long way as well!
Also, wow, can you believe I’ve followed your blog since the end of 2008?
Thanks Kelvin! Wow, you’ve been visiting and commenting for a long, long time! Thanks for all your support!
Congratulations, Melissa!
Your site is a delight. I’m not sure when I first found you but I’ve been along for the ride ever since.
Your 101 Creative Writing Exercises is also a treasure. I’ve used and loved my copy for a while now.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much, Yvonne. Happy journaling!
Congratulations, Melissa!
I embarked on my writing path about two years ago and stumbled on your blog only months ago. In those few short months I’ve been the lucky recipient of such a wealth of knowledge. All of us should be thanking you, not the other way round.
Here’s a toast to another five strong years for you and I’m looking forward to the riches you bestow!
That means a lot to me, Paul. Thanks so much! Keep writing!
Melissa,
Thank you for sharing your writing thoughts and tips for five years. I’ve shared your blog with many writers. Each one has thanked me for the gift of Writing Forward, the gift of you and your talents.
Congratulations !
Thank you, Teri. I appreciate your support.
Congrats, Melissa! I’m glad I could be a small part of this journey. Thank you again for publishing my first ever guest post.
Thanks, Alana! I’m honored to have published your first guest post, and you’re more than welcome to guest post here again.
Happy Blog Birthday Melissa! You have accomplished so much in five years and graciously given so much to the writing community. Wishing you many more years of writing success!
Thanks for being so warm and generous, Karen, and for making my blogging experience so happy and positive.
Congrats! Even though I recently just started following writing forward I wish you many more years of great success.
Thank you, Michael! I wish you many years of writing success!
Happy anniversary! Just bought the book for my Kindle…thank you! 🙂
Thank you so much, Tammy! I hope you find it inspiring.
Congrats! Good for you, Melissa!
Jeez, your blog is already so informative; I don’t know what else you could add. Maybe a section about author success stories or something like that? I find it interesting to learn how many times my favorite (now-famous) authors were rejected before getting published, or how close some of the greats were to giving up before they caught their big breaks. Not sure if you could get an entire category about that or not, but that’s all I can think of right now. I’ll let you know if there’s anything else.
Here’s to another 5+ years! 🙂
That’s a great idea. We can learn a lot from observing other authors, especially the successful ones. I’ll have to add that one to the list of possibilities. Thanks, Jill!
Happy Birthday, Writing Forward!
Re. topics… I like Jill’s suggestion (success stories).
Thanks, Don!
I am so grateful I found your site. I have learnt so much from your hints and also hearing about others. Success stories would be good and perhaps their journey along the way. I have recently published my first fiction novel and I find it interesting that some friends are not commenting at all. Those that are, are giving me constructive feedback which is helpful for my next book. All in all though I feel good when people email me to say they couldn’t put the book down. Keep up the wonderful work Melissa I have passed your blog site on to so many others and they like me love it.
Happy 5th Anniversary
Thank you, Desley (I love your name, by the way). You’ll find that some of your friends and family aren’t interested in your book, and that’s okay. I’m writing a science-fiction novel, and I don’t expect most of my friends and family to ever read it simply because they’re not into science fiction. That’s just the way it goes. Don’t worry, you’ll find your readers elsewhere.
Congratulations on five years of supporting writers to achieve their dreams. I’ve visited Writing Forward many times over the last two-three years, and I always appreciate the tips, techniques and wisdom you share so generously. Love 101 Creative Writing Exercises, too!
Thank you so much, Kern! Your readership and support means a lot to me. Keep writing!
Happy anniversary and thanks for sharing with us.
Thanks, Bonnie!