your home from home
Writing can be a lonely endeavour and procrastination is often snapping at your heels. We’ve found a joyful, productive way of working and want to share that with you.
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.
“The people who come to Milk Wood to write each day are absolutely wonderful. Some ongoing stories sit in the attic of my mind waiting for the next day’s episode.
Thank you so very much for offering Milk Wood’s writing activities and for the beautiful settings in every part of your sim! It’s a LOT of work!”
– Fran Russell, Former teacher
our virtual home
Milk Wood, reminiscent of old England, is a chocolate box spot with thatched cottages nestled in rolling hills. Inspired by the Dylan Thomas radio drama, Under Milk Wood, it’s been a virtual haven for writers and artists since 2007 and continues to offer a range of writing and reading events, providing opportunities for writers to cultivate their craft, develop literary poise, and establish a strong artistic voice. We find the environment conducive to creativity since it allows the user to immerse themselves in a life-like context, providing a 3D space in which to visualise and fully express their fictional ideas.
There are a variety of spaces available to you in Milk Wood, each created with the writer in mind. We’ve taken great care to cultivate a sense of beauty in every virtual scene, and every available camera angle.
Many choose to join a writing circle and simply ‘park and write’. They log on to Second Life®, find their way to Milk Wood and park their avatar whilst they work. This allows them to pop in and out via the viewing screen to discuss their work, share their goals and achievements, and generally offer support to each other, in the spirit of a true community. Indeed, many of us have become life-long friends.
If this is the kind of writing group that interests you, then come along to one of our meets and see for yourself. The sim is open to the public and is free to visit.
If you’re a group looking to have a presence in the Metaverse, please send a query via our online contact form and we’ll try to assist. We offer premium sim design and creation services (with 17 years experience).
The 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.
The Stone Circle
Our stone circle monument is used as a stage and performance area for book and poetry readings. Take a wander around the standing stones for a unique, immersive experience.
Milk Wood Drive-In
Or maybe you’re in the mood for a movie? Milk Wood Drive-in is reminiscent of the 50s and the place to go for streaming movies. Bring a date, grab some popcorn and beer, or enjoy a movie with friends.
Fiesta Bar and Dance Floor
If it’s social events you’re after, then our Fiesta Bar is worth a shot. This stunning beach bar hosts the occasional group party and DJ event and is close to the main beach. Pull up a stool and grab some salsa and chips, then dance the night away.
Milk Wood Writing Camp
Our rustic campground is open for business in April and July for the Camp Moxie season and is a peaceful spot to sit and contemplate, whilst the campfire burns brightly and the resident bear watches dolefully.
Boho Bean Shack
The Boho Bean Coffee Shack is a sweet spot equipped with pastries and a beautiful view. Hang out or write with your friends.
Forest Coffee Bar
Our Forest Coffee Bar, nestled in the thicket of a forest, is where most of the action takes place. This is a delightful woodland spot, fully equipped with typewriters and desks and plenty of pastries.
Find your happy space
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.
Filmed in Second Life®. Music: Breathing Wind from ClipChamp (royalty-free).
Work can be
Fun!
Work can be fruitful and fun. Come join our online writing community and see how much more productive you’ll become.
