How did you discover your online writing community?

I was writing screenplays for fun when I met a guy on a screenplay writing board. He told me about Zoetrope and urged me to join. He was a young man but died of lung cancer shortly after I joined the site. I wish I could tell him how grateful I am.

How has online community affected your growth as a writer?

It has affected my growth as a writer enormously. I’ve been encouraged. I’ve been befriended. And, most importantly, I’ve been taught.

How has it affected your writing life?

Whenever I write a short story I use Zoetrope’s workshop as part of my process of revision. I fear that one day the workshop will cease to exist and then I won’t know what to do in terms of receiving feedback on my work.

How has it affected your personal life?

When I first joined Zoetrope, I was wary of online communities. It wasn’t long before I changed my tune. I have met so many wonderful people on Zoetrope. They will be life-long friends.

What have you learned from the experiences you have had?

I’ve not only learned about the craft of writing, but also about the business of writing.

What are your enthusiasms and concerns for the future of online literature and its communities?

I hope Zoetrope continues to function but there have been fewer and fewer people submitting their work to the workshop in the past few years. I fear that at some point in the next couple of years it will shut down.

I am guessing that the lack of use has more to do with people finding other outlets for feedback. Sites like Fictionaut and Red Lemonade.