Welcome to The Writers Bloc, the home base for theOtaku.com's beta-readers and a place for writers to come with questions and learn some new tricks and methods of storytelling, writing, or pretty much anything involving this mutt of a language we call Modern English.

Our Current Pool of Editors and Beta-Readers Includes:

If you have a story, essay, or any written work that you feel could use the assistance of a beta reader or editor, choose a beta-reader from the above list and PM them for availability.

As well, be sure to come visit every now and then to take part in writing workshops and discussions. And of course, if you have your own questions, don't be afraid to ask them here; we're neither teachers nor betters, but peers hoping to help.

The Weekly Schedule:

  • Monday: SomeGuy's Workshop (SomeGuy)
  • Tuesday: Rotating Guest Post (Various)
  • Wednesday: The Wednesday Word (SomeGuy)
  • Thursday: Beck's Workshop (NightBeck)
  • Friday: Open Questions (All)
  • Sunday: Becky's Writers' Block Busters (NightBeck)

So once again... welcome to The Bloc.

(Banner Design Courtesy of Red Tigress - thanks Red!)

Becky's Writers' Block Busters, Session Thirteen

Making this post a bit early, because I'm getting on a plane in the morning. Looks like everyone's lives were as hectic as mine this week, because only Shinmaru and Sangome managed to write something. I totally cannot wait to read their of...

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Beck's Writing Workshop, Session Thirteen

Hey, y'all. It's going to have to be another discussion post this week - Tropical Storm Fay blew out my electricity, so I'm running on my laptop's battery power and my inexplicably still-running internet.

Your discussion question is:

What is the difference between tragedy and angst in fiction? Do you think there's a certain point where the line can be drawn, or does it run on a case-by-case basis? Do you think realism should be strictly adhered to, or is it okay to be a little unrealistic to bring the melodrama levels down?

Metamorphosis Writing Exercise

Hello to you all. I seem to have garnered returning Guest Posting privileges. This go around I intend to do something a bit similar to NightBeck's Blockbusters. I'm sure you're all familiar with the prompts she provides that help writers push t...

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SomeGuy's Workshop, Session Fourteen

Welcome to week two of SomeGuy's combat writing. I hope this can give a bit of a leg up for anyone who deems it necessary to stab a character in their stories. Swords, Steel, and Other Sharp Things...

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Becky's Writers' Block Busters, Session Twelve

Hi everyone! We had another very productive week, it seems. I read pieces from CoLoR Me EviL, SomeGuy, Shimaru, Nehszriah, and Katana, and they were all - dare I say it? - awesome. If you'd like to experience the awesome too, as always, links to t...

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