virtual
writers
Virtual Writers is a popular online writing community, active since 2007. We are committed to showcasing both experienced and emerging writers in a range of interactive and immersive environments. Our compelling calendar of events provides opportunities for writers to cultivate their craft, develop literary poise, and establish a strong artistic voice.
What we do
Dedicated to providing all writers with the space to learn and grow.
Our Philosophy
We believe in equality and fairness, and seek to find ways to be inclusive and welcoming to all. Our philosophy has always been that Virtual Writers be available to both the seasoned and emerging writer: there’s a place for all at our table. We’re particularly welcoming to minority groups and those underrepresented in publishing.
Writing Space
Our main meeting spaces are online in the Metaverse. We find these environments conducive to creativity since they allow the user to immerse themselves in a life-like context that provides space to visualise and animate their fictional ideas. A 3D mood board, as it were.
Events
We host events daily at our sim in Second Life® and occasionally on OpenSim and other platforms (such as X). We also participate in the more intense annual writing challenges (such as Moxie Madness) and offer writing workshops and mentoring.
Writing Challenges
Whether it’s the daily writing sprint, National Novel Writing Month (now replaced by Moxie Madness), Camp Moxie, or our Poem-a-Day Challenge, we’ll be right beside you, cheering you on. You’ve got this!
Services
We offer sim design and creation. If you’re interested in your own group space, please visit our sim in Second Life® to see the possibilities first hand, then submit a query via our online contact form
Group Members' Books
We’re proud of the work of our members and we want to share that work with you. We’re the quintessential cheerleader.
helping writers achieve their goals
Since 2007 we have offered writers a space to meet and work. Long before Covid and Zoom. We like to see ourselves as trailblazers.
online events over 17 years
members
social media followers
Cups Of Coffee
our writing space
Our main online writers’ space is in the form of a 3D digital community where avatar versions of ourselves move, communicate, and socialise using mouse, microphone, and keyboard controls. We find this type of virtual environment ideal for busy writers as it enables them to attend live events without the need for travel. The writer is able to meet with group members, write, promote his work, and meet with other professionals all from the comfort of an armchair.
JOINING the daily meets
Joining is as easy as 123.
Although we have several virtual spaces available to us on other platforms, we’ve tended to sway more towards Second Life® as the graphics quality and ease of use makes it one of the best platforms for meeting, creating, and learning on.
Over the years we’ve developed a rich and engaging 3D experience for our members. We wanted to create a space where users could ‘park and write’, dipping in and out of conversation throughout the course of their day (almost like a real-world work space). This environment – combined with the regular meetings – helps build a daily structure and creates a sense of accountability, leading to greater productivity.
Sign Up with Second Life®
Open up the Second Life® website and click on the SIGN UP tab. 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 develop it more to your liking once you’re inworld.
Download the Second Life® Viewer
After you’ve completed your Registration, you’ll need to download the Second Life® viewer so you can use your avatar.
Click on the Download tab and follow the instructions. Once you have the software on your computer you can log on to Second Life®.
Enjoy a Brief Inworld Induction
After your Registration and avatar creation is complete and you’ve installed the viewer on your machine, you’ll be taken inworld for a brief induction.
Follow the signs and read the information boards as you come to them. There are also various short Second Life® tutorials provided on screen. Try to absorb as much information as possible, but be mindful that you can always return to the induction area at a later date if you miss anything. At the very least, try and understand the most important concepts such as moving, communicating, and camera controls.
If you should need further assistance, one of our hosts at Milk Wood will be happy to help. There is a short learning curve but very soon it will become second nature to you.
Teleport to Milk Wood
Once you’ve completed the orientation tutorial, make your way to Milk Wood. This is the home of Virtual Writers, or at least our main base.
On the URL line type in Milk Wood and you’ll be moved from your present position to one of our landing spots. A short distance away you’ll find a row of notice boards. Walk towards them and click on the Join Group sign so you can receive inworld notices of writing and poetry events across Second Life®. If you should miss the opportunity, 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 ‘Join’.
We look forward to meeting you at one of our various daily writing events. Please give yourself plenty of time to sign up and become acquainted with the viewer before attending any events.
Supportive
Virtual Writers was first founded to provide an online space for housebound creatives, long before the advent of Covid and Zoom. We’ve been providing virtual spaces for all creatives since 2007.
Global
Friendly
Inclusive
Free
Testimonials
Over the years we’ve worked with some fabulous writers.
‘I’ve attended Milk Wood poetry readings, daily dashes, and the intense annual NaNoWriMo event in November. Milk Wood provides a forum for interacting with other writers, both newbies and published professionals, and a place to promote books and literary events. Last, but not least, it’s a place to write alone with others. It’s possible to join a writing circle and set your avatar to work at a computer while you type away on a real world project. There’s always someone to offer encouragement, sympathy or advice when you hit a snag or need a break. And, of course, when the well of inspiration runs dry, it’s helpful to stand on a craggy cliff and watch waves break on the shore.’
‘Virtual Writers has helped raise the profile of independent writers working through modern social media to distribute their work and to connect to their readers. [They’ve] helped me personally to reach a larger audience and to feel part of a larger community of 21st century writers.’
‘I can’t describe Andie Pring and Virtual Writers any other way except exceptional. A+ Service, even for an F writer like me.
Andie Pring is everything I’m not: organized, connected, and sexy. Well, I’m not discombobulated, but don’t have her connections.
Andie Pring is first class, even when working with a second-class citizen like myself.
Virtual Writers caters to three types of writers: great writers, good writers, and me. It’s good to be bad—especially when I’m great at it.’
‘I’m very pleased to say that my last blog tour was the best one I’ve ever had. I came across Virtual Writers on the internet and really liked the professional look of their site and the services they offered. After biting the bullet and committing to the tour, I’m glad to say that I wasn’t disappointed. I loved working with Andie Pring and her team. It was a polished and hands on service that left no doubt as to what you were getting. It was delivered on time, professionally and always with a virtual smile.’
‘I’m thrilled my Publisher chose Virtual Writers for my book tour. The book is so dear to me, and it deserved a good tour, but I had no idea where to begin. For an introvert and not great self-promoter, Andrea and her team made it incredibly painless. Everything was so well organized, with great instructions and tips on how to approach each “stop.” The tour garnered some fabulous reviews and visibility I never could have gotten on my own.
Andrea kept the momentum going, making the interactions fun and, I think, fun for the readers as well. I felt free to promote in a way that was true to my personality and my book, and I didn’t lift a finger when it came to collecting entries for prizes, etc. Questions were answered promptly, and there was a good deal of hand-holding, I’m grateful and a little embarrassed to admit. Even if my publisher were to stop booking Virtual Writers, I would commission them myself for my next release! A fabulous, professional company. Don’t hesitate to let them help you market that book of your heart.’
More than just a writing group
See below for our other services.
Editorial & Mentoring Services
Coming soon!
Online Workshops
A month-long selection of free creative workshops designed to toss participants head first into the process of writing. Held throughout November in Second Life®.
If you’re interested in holding a workshop or other writing event at our sim, please submit a query.
Sim Creative Services
We offer sim design and creation. If you’re interested in your own group space, please visit our sim in Second Life® to see the possibilities first hand, then submit a query via our online contact form.
it’s Free
Join our online community TODAY!
Want to take your writing to the next level? Then sign up for your free Second Life® avatar and come join the party. You’ll become a member of a friendly, diverse community and the support is second to none.
