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Every now and again, it seems a software company sells you their product not just because they want your money, but because they’re genuinely interested in what you’ll do with it. I’ve always had that feeling with companies such as Toon Boom, Boinx and Corel (specifically with Painter). Now, add Mariner Software to that list, as they’ve just announced the launch of writerspub.com.

Mariner develops and publishes various tools for writers, including Mariner Write for general word processing, StoryMill for novels, and Montage for screen and stage plays. Writerspub.com is a place where users of these tools (or any word processing app, really) can publicly share and critique their work and the work of others.

A totally free web site, writerspub.com is designed as an environment for the writer to engage with one another. Those who are new to writing are especially encouraged to participate, as it will allow them to interconnect with both amateur and professional writers. With a writerspub.com account one can can upload a story or other written work, create groups and write reviews. To encourage involvement, writerspub.com has a point-based reward system. The concept is simple – the more the writer reviews others work, posts comments, etc., the more points are earned. After earning enough points, the writer will be able to post his or her own stories for review.

This “The love you take is equal to the love you make” approach guarantees participation in order for the site to be useful, which should help to build a strong community. Yes, we’ll only be reading other people’s works so that our own can be read, but it’s all good. It’ll be a great way to find some gems, and hopefully provide motivation and ideas for our projects. I’ve got my second novel and play sitting in limbo, as they have been for quite some time, and perhaps something like Writerspub.com will give me the incentive to finally get those projects finished.

Features of writerspub.com include:

• A Writers Forum: view announcements; hang out at “The Lounge” and discuss anything you want; learn how to find agents and write synopses; share the craft of writing with other members
• View members who are online at the same time
• Invite friends
• Browse by author or by genre
• Give an opinion or a critique of others work
• Share your vision

“Developing creative writing software is a passion for us,” said Michael Wray, president of Mariner Software. “It just made sense to create a venue for everyone who loves the written word in all its forms, to come together, share and review each others work.”

To sign up for your own personal account, visit www.writerspub.com. If you see a guy in there with a hooded robot for his avatar, that’s me. Say hello.