What Is PenWag?

PenWag is a gathering place for people that have a story to share, and for people who want to hear a good story. A story well-told. Think about the times you've shared with friends around the campfire, or at lunch at work, sharing stories of the funny or weird things that happen in our day-to-day lives. Or perhaps, as I do, you know stories or folklore from some old-timer. One that comes to my mind is how they had to use dynamite to bury my great-granpda in the stony Ozark hills at Westover, Missouri. Writers and readers are both essential, and I invite one and all to come share whatever story you may have. However significant or small it might be, someone would like to hear your story.

Dedication

This site is dedicated to the two best storytellers I have ever been privileged to know - my Great-Uncle Henry Shoop, and the incomparable Earl Halbert.

Who Pays for PenWag?

PenWag is funded out of my own pocket. Advertising and donations help defray some of the costs (but not much!). Please help out if you're able. Please sign up and share your favorites.

Why Should I PenWag?

Do you want to be a better writer, or perhaps even a great writer? Harlan Ellison said, "When I get up and when I write is different every day, but every day, I write." That's so important for anything we want to do well. We have to do it every day. So, write every day. Should you post all of those write-every-day exercises to PenWag? If you want to, sure. You have my permission. But, perhaps you write something once in a week or two that you particularly like. You have a couple well-worded paragraphs that really show your talent. Post that! This is not like a magazine or book where it has to be finished, polished and perfect.

Second, to improve your writing, read every day. Read what others are writing. See the techniques that work and the ones that don't. Reading other writers' work nourishes the ideas fermenting in your own mind. Visit PenWag every day and read something new.

Third, the biggest contribution that you can make today is to share a story that people will enjoy. Even if you have a story that you think is of little note, don't underestimate the contribution that it could make to this fledgling community. And let me emphasize - it's a fledgling community. We need your help to see it grow, to add the features you want, to add the stories that make this site draw people in.

You can read about why I started PenWag at FuelYourWriting.com