Welcome to Absolute Write Water Cooler
Welcome, writers! Absolute Write is a moderated, free, online community of writers, agents, editors, and publishers. Absolute Write provides information about writing as well as editing, publishing, and agents. We welcome writers of all levels of experience and ambition.
PLEASE NOTE: We have a strict zero-tolerance policy for anything AI-generated or AI-assisted, be it creative writing, forum posts, graphics or even your avatar. Use of any material that has been generated with the assistance of AI will be deleted, and the member using it banned.
Please read The Newbie Guide to Absolute Write
Can't log in? You may need to reset your password. Check your email (and spam folder!). The email you register with us must be valid. If you're having troubles, use the Contact Us button at the bottom of the page.
Welcome, writers! Absolute Write is a moderated, free, online community of writers, agents, editors, and publishers. Absolute Write provides information about writing as well as editing, publishing, and agents. We welcome writers of all levels of experience and ambition.
PLEASE NOTE: We have a strict zero-tolerance policy for anything AI-generated or AI-assisted, be it creative writing, forum posts, graphics or even your avatar. Use of any material that has been generated with the assistance of AI will be deleted, and the member using it banned.
Please read The Newbie Guide to Absolute Write
Can't log in? You may need to reset your password. Check your email (and spam folder!). The email you register with us must be valid. If you're having troubles, use the Contact Us button at the bottom of the page.
New Members New
Here’s the spot to introduce yourself. Come on in and tell us a little about yourself! Mods: CMBright .
- Threads
- 23.1K
- Messages
- 454.8K
Absolute Write FAQs New
Wondering how AW works? The answer is probably here in Frequently Asked Questions about how to use Absolute Write. Mod: Maryn.
- Threads
- 1.3K
- Messages
- 14.3K
Bulletin Board
This is for official announcements from AW staff about the Water Cooler. Members cannot start threads here.
- Threads
- 219
- Messages
- 9.9K
Be Excellent To One Another New
Times are tough for many. Here we care for ourselves, share a laugh or three, help someone who needs it, and distract ourselves. Mods: Maryn .
- Threads
- 34
- Messages
- 977
Tech Tools and Tech Help New
What hardware and software are you using? Ask questions and get help here. Mod: RichardGarfinkle
- Threads
- 3.8K
- Messages
- 44.4K
From Other Forums and Message Boards
Check in, post an update, or set up a temporary refugee camp during outages of Internet haunts elseweb. No dissing other message boards or moderators, though! Mod: MacAllister.
- Threads
- 88
- Messages
- 1.4K
International District New
A gathering place for members from around the world. Mods: Chris P, Unimportant.
- Threads
- 382
- Messages
- 15.5K
Office Party New
Writers goofing-off, making friends, and getting to know the community. Before starting a new thread, please check for existing threads (games, etc), and please focus on positive things rather than "things we hate". Do not start display threads. Mods: Silenia, Unimportant
- Threads
- 19.2K
- Messages
- 1.8M
Goals and Accomplishments New
Discuss your writing goals and how you’re reaching them. Guidelines. Mod: RichardGarfinkle.
- Threads
- 6.3K
- Messages
- 138.7K
Rejection and Dejection New
Tales of woe and methods for dealing with rejection. Mod: Lakey
- Threads
- 2.7K
- Messages
- 182.2K
Basic Writing Questions New
Basic Writing Questions (BWQs) are perennial questions from new writers or those reaching a new stage, general in nature, including how to write, what to write, or why to write one way or another. Read the Introduction and the other Stickies. Do not post fiction or poetry here. Mods: Janine R , Roxxsmom , Lakey, Maryn .
- Threads
- 12.6K
- Messages
- 322.8K
Blogs, Podcasts and Social Media New
Blogging, podcasting, social media posting. Mod: Alessandra Kelley
- Threads
- 3.6K
- Messages
- 94.6K
Comic Books, Graphic Novels, and Manga New
This board is for discussion of creating, writing, illustrating, or enjoying comic books, graphic novels, or manga. Mod: Alessandra Kelley
- Threads
- 835
- Messages
- 8.8K
Freelance Writing
Paid writing for magazines, e-zines, newspapers and digital media. Mod: Unimportant
Not a forum for ads.
- Threads
- 905
- Messages
- 13K
Nonfiction New
Here we discuss all forms of non-fiction writing regardless of subject, format or audience. Mods: bunny hugger, RichardGarfinkle
- Threads
- 2.2K
- Messages
- 21.3K
Novels New
This board is for discussing all aspects of writing novel-length works of fiction. Mods: Sage, Unimportant.
- Threads
- 15.5K
- Messages
- 550.6K
Outwitting Writer's Block New
Writer's block is a reality for many writers. Here we discuss methods of coping with writer's block and do not debate its existence. Read the Guidelines before posting. Mod: Lakey
- Threads
- 756
- Messages
- 13.1K
Poetry New
Here poets discuss the writing, reading, publishing, and appreciation of all forms of poetry. This is not a display site for poems. Mods:TexasPoet, RichardGarfinkle
- Threads
- 3.4K
- Messages
- 64.3K
Scripts, Stage, and Screen
Writing scripts for theatre, movies, television, radio, and podcasts; discussing format requirements and software for scripts. Mod: mrsmig.
- Threads
- 4.4K
- Messages
- 50.5K
Short Fiction
This is the place to discuss the short story, from flash fiction to novelette and novella. Mod: Unimportant
- Threads
- 2.1K
- Messages
- 34.1K
Writing For Kids New
Picture books, middle grade, chapter books: this is the place to discuss reading and writing children’s books. Mod: Sage
- Threads
- 2.6K
- Messages
- 46.7K
Write 1 | Sub 1 New
Just what it sounds like — for those committed W1/S1 writers: Here’s a place to spread your wings. Whether it’s a novel a year or a flash piece a day — write one, submit one.
- Threads
- 173
- Messages
- 29.8K
Young Adult New
This is the place to discuss reading and writing books for teens. Mod: Sage
- Threads
- 4.2K
- Messages
- 680.4K
AW Roundtable New
Honing our craft and sharing what we’ve learned. Mod: Lakey
- Threads
- 7.5K
- Messages
- 232.1K
Bewares, Recommendations & Background Check New
Check in here to share experiences and observations about publishers, agents, and producers.
Be sure to check the Index before starting a thread.
Mod: CaoPaux.- Threads
- 5.9K
- Messages
- 312.7K
Grammar and Syntax
This is the place to ask about grammar, punctuation, tenses, and all things syntax. Mod: Maryn .
- Threads
- 3.8K
- Messages
- 57.5K
Research New
- Threads
- 10.9K
- Messages
- 159.2K
Publishing FAQs and Resources
What are royalties? What are standard contract terms? What does this line in my contract mean? How do I find an agent? Mod: CaoPaux.
- Threads
- 38
- Messages
- 250
General Publishing Discussions New
Publishing trends, royalties, contracts, finding a publisher—the business side of writing. Mod: CaoPaux.
- Threads
- 1.1K
- Messages
- 17.7K
Ask the Agent New
Our guest literary agents answer your questions. Mod: CaoPaux.
- Threads
- 5.4K
- Messages
- 74.7K
Ask the Editor New
Ask questions here about edits and editors. Mod: CaoPaux.
- Threads
- 992
- Messages
- 12.7K
Book Promotion Ideas and Advice
How can the author help with book promotion? How can you promote your books? What shouldn’t you do? Mod: CaoPaux.
- Threads
- 1.3K
- Messages
- 14.9K
Self-Publishing: Print, Audio, Digital, Papyrus or New
Informed choices. Hard truths. No us-vs-them. Mod: CaoPaux.
- Threads
- 3.1K
- Messages
- 62.1K
Art & Design
All discussion related to art for books. Mod: Alessandra Kelley
- Threads
- 878
- Messages
- 12.3K
Animals and Nature New
Feathers, Fins, Fur and more.... Mods: Alessandra Kelley, RichardGarfinkle
- Threads
- 932
- Messages
- 15.7K
Bio, Autobio, and Memoir
Here we discuss writing about real people. No legal questions, please. Mods: mrsmig .
- Threads
- 620
- Messages
- 8.2K
Contemporary Literature
Post-WWII fiction, poetry, and drama reflects and shapes our world while refining our understanding of people everywhere. Mods: mrsmig .
- Threads
- 317
- Messages
- 11.8K
Erotica New
- Threads
- 2K
- Messages
- 35.6K
Historical Writing New
Resources and discussions for those writing about the past, whether fiction or nonfiction. Mod: Lakey.
- Threads
- 1.5K
- Messages
- 29K
Horror New
Fiction that evokes dread, distress, or fear through its use of dangerous situations, themes, or images. Mods: Silenia, Unimportant
- Threads
- 1.4K
- Messages
- 124.5K
Humor
Whether fiction or non-fiction, if the intent is to amuse the reader, this is the place to discuss it. Mods: Silenia, Unimportant
- Threads
- 551
- Messages
- 254.6K
Mystery | Thriller | Suspense New
Mod: mrsmig.
- Threads
- 1.8K
- Messages
- 69.4K
Religious and Spiritual Writing New
The place to discuss all things faith-based. (See this board for sub-genres.) Mod: RichardGarfinkle
- Threads
- 1.7K
- Messages
- 39.4K
Romance | Women's Fiction New
Whether it’s a love story or any book that appeals to female readers, this is the place to discuss what you’re writing and reading. Mods: Silenia, Unimportant
- Threads
- 2.6K
- Messages
- 52.4K
Science Fiction | Fantasy New
Mod: mrsmig.
- Threads
- 8.7K
- Messages
- 457.8K
Sports and Fitness
Discussion of writing about sports, athletes, and physical fitness.
- Threads
- 341
- Messages
- 14.2K
Pop Culture
Movies, music, politics, art, and all that cool stuff we want to write, read, and just can't help talking about.
Movies, music, politics, art, and all that cool stuff we want to write, read, and just can't help talking about.
AW Bookclub New
Talk about that book you just couldn't put down. Mod: Sophia
- Threads
- 1.6K
- Messages
- 40K
- Threads
- 584
- Messages
- 11.1K
Games New
Games, Gaming, Writing for Games. Mods: Sophia, RichardGarfinkle
- Threads
- 1.1K
- Messages
- 20.9K
Music and Songwriting New
What are you listening to? What are you writing? Mod: Sophia
- Threads
- 1.2K
- Messages
- 30.4K
Now We're Cookin'! New
Writing about recipes, restaurants, reviewing, and food in general.
Harriet Van Horne said, "Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all." Mods: RedRajah , Unimportant
- Threads
- 1.3K
- Messages
- 33.2K
PoC
Writing perspectives, situations and characters by and about People of Color. Discussions focussing on race/cultural-concerns, topical news items, and other miscellany may also occur at random. Read the Stickies, especially this one. Mods: Unimportant
- Threads
- 358
- Messages
- 9.1K
QUILTBAG New
Writing about or writing from non-heteronormative perspectives, situations, and characters. Read the Sticky before posting. Mods: alexp336 , Unimportant
- Threads
- 659
- Messages
- 17.4K
AW Writing Lab
Roll up your sleeves, put in your BIC time, and write! This area is for posting work for sharing and critting. Only original work that is unpublished and intended for critique may be posted here.
Roll up your sleeves, put in your BIC time, and write! This area is for posting work for sharing and critting. Only original work that is unpublished and intended for critique may be posted here.
Intro to Share Your Work | Posting and Critting
Forum guidelines and info you need to read before posting. Post material for critique in the genre sub-forums below.
Private
- Threads
- 5.3K
- Messages
- 24.7K
Flash Fiction
Flash Fiction is no longer active. This forum is read-only.
- Threads
- 1.2K
- Messages
- 9K
Writing Exercises, Prompts & Whimsical Pursuits New
Writerly games, including prompts to start your muse, Flash Fiction and other writing-related challenges. Come try your skill, or join a game in progress. Mod: Sage
- Threads
- 988
- Messages
- 769.5K
Forum statistics
Voluntary Subscription
If this site is helpful to you,
Please consider a voluntary subscription to defray ongoing expenses. Here are some other ways to help AW.
Please consider a voluntary subscription to defray ongoing expenses. Here are some other ways to help AW.