Posting original writing on blogs - good or bad?

[mary_j_59]

Hi, everyone! A question below for writers - amateur, aspiring and pro:

[Poll #1671093]

You see, I've read in several places now that publishers, editors, etc, frown on posting snippets of works in progress. But I don't know - it doesn't seem harmful to me, provided the snippets are (1) short, and (2) fairly polished. I know that I have been dying to read R.J. Anderson's Ultraviolet for years, ever since she posted a first chapter for comments! I also know that some writers who are now published developed a fanbase by publishing fanfic on their journals, as well as on archives. In some cases, publishers have asked them to take their writing down, and they have done so.

I know this is a tricky question, because, legally, putting something up on your blog can be seen as publishing it. So - what do you think?

Comments

[anne-arthur.livejournal.com]

Well, I think I'd agree with Puckling about the fanfic that gets published being very much in the minority. And, to be honest, I don't really know that I want the hassle of trying to get published. I write because it's fun, and because making up stories is part of who I am - and I post it on LIvejournal to give me an incentive to work the story out properly, and to make it at least semi-respectable - and because of the pleasure of having it praised by other people, and of reading other people's takes on the same fandom. But just occasionally I do wonder if I'm being very stupid!

[mary-j-59.livejournal.com]

You certainly aren't! I love your fanfic, and am very impressed by the novel-in-progress. And I think the most important thing about writing is that it should be a journey, and one that brings the writer and others joy. My two cents, of course! BTW, are we going to see any more of Leo and Margaret (hope I've got the names right - Mr. and Mrs. Prince.) I liked them!

[anne-arthur.livejournal.com]

'It should be a journey, and one that brings the writer and others joy' - exactly! And I hope I'll have some more about Leo and Mary (how could you forget that name?) soon!