Write For GWJ! (call for writers)

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As we bid farewell to one of GWJ's most prolific and creative voices, we look at the same time toward the future of the site. The (temporary?) loss of one feature spells the opening for new voices to be introduced, and while we do loves us our Fletcher, we also love the opportunity to introduce new and incredibly varied talents to our readership. After all, Fletcher himself came to us via an open call for writers in the aftermath of losing the equally valuable and talented Sway. So, now we call once again to our readers and bid the next talent forward. We are looking for gifted writers with an engaging and unique voice.

There is work involved, of course, but for someone out there with the talent and interest, there is a spot on the GWJ roster for your voice. Details for entry and what we're looking for are below.

The Short of It:

- We are looking for 2 writers
- We are going to be choosy, and are looking for untapped, raw talent that is open to development.
- If you're interested in writing for GWJ on a permanent basis, craft an article related to gaming (editorials and reviews are fine) of approximately 1,000 words.
- Submit your piece as an attachment (.doc, .pdf, or .txt) to [email protected] with the subject Call For Writers Submission.
- Be clear, insightful, readable, witty, and smart.
- We will be accepting submissions through May 1st

The Long of It:

We are looking to expand our writing pool by two, should two solid candidates present themselves. We seek one regular writer, primarily of editorial content, who is willing to contribute one full length article at least once every other week. This person will be expected to have a strong voice, engaging writing style, and ability to speak to a breadth of gaming related topics. We are looking, in short, for a writer of untapped talent.

We are also looking for a periodic writer who will be invited to occasionally contribute editorial and review material. This writer will be expected to submit at least one piece every three weeks. Technical proficiency, and a clear, clean voice are no less important here.

Promises of fame and fortune would be, I think, as blatant a lie as I could manufacture in such a short span of time, however, it's not completely without precedent that writing for the site has been the springboard to bigger and better. We take pride in seeing some of our most significant contributors build a portfolio of work and experience with us here that they are able to turn into the beginning (or middle) of a writing or editorial career, and for those of you interested in testing the waters of writing in the gaming industry "… well, there are worse places to start. You will find one of the most supportive and free environments in which to write as, perhaps, exists on a site of any credible size.

What I am looking for is talent and potential, so if you think you've got the chops for writing, and you wouldn't mind a few thousand close personal friends giving you a read every few weeks, then write up roughly 1,000 words on your favorite gaming subject and send it to [email protected] as a .doc, .pdf, or .txt with the subject Call For Writers.

I look forward to seeing the talent of our community!

- Elysium

Comments

Lobo wrote:

I should also emphasize that we are just as interested in submissions from lurkers as we are in those from established names in the forums. Even if you've never before posted to GWJ, I encourage you to send in an article.

Actually, in this vein, I wouldn't mind seeing a forum pop up that is simply devoted to those who wish to pretend they are as good as the wonderful writers on this site, and would like to contribute in a more organized way. I know we have a Games and Platforms section already, but it rarely gets used in this way (although that could be due to sheer intimidation. I know I'm quaking in my boots just thinking of submitting.)

Whoever becomes the regular writer should have to change their screen name to tornado shanks.

I too am contemplating sending in a submission. I think I might, if I can churn something out that I feel good about. I really enjoy all the writing that gets posted here, as it helps give gaming a good name with all the wonderful arcticles full of wit and/or intelligence and proper spelling. So, kinda completely unlike what I do.

ARGGH! So bittersweet, like arugula slathered in honey. I guess I will have to package the 26 episode run of GWJ Radio in a Limited Edition Boxed Set and post it for sale. For only $19.95!

Seriously, Russ, best of luck to you. You will be missed. I guess it's the CAG cast for me!

p.s. Are you going to finish that Scotch?
... Eat that last slice of pizza ?
... Take that 360 with you ....

^_^

Quintin_Stone wrote:
Podunk wrote:

I've always kind of wanted to apply but I have a fatal combination of too lazy, too busy and not that great of a writer. It would be a big disappointment for everyone. :lol:

Separated at birth!

Looks like we are triplets!

Looks like we are triplets!

Oh, but hell yes.

I simply prefer to consume.

The engineer in me would bore the world to death. Now, if GWJ ever needs amateur video editors -- I'm all over that.

I considered trying for the job, but, well, when I write, nine times out of ten, it's about stuff that isn't true, so... yeah, I'd lie too much.

Logan wrote:

I considered trying for the job, but, well, when I write, nine times out of ten, it's about stuff that isn't true, so... yeah, I'd lie too much.

Somehow, I think I'd find that wildly entertaining. Especially if we don't know exactly which part(s) of the article are lies.

Deva, your front-page articles were so great, I think you should absolutely continue when time allows. Your Christmas from a gamers point of view article and your gamer recipes stand out in my mind. This site could use that kind of contribution anyday.

DuckiDeva wrote:

Last, but not least, always remember that once you've had your way with a gamer, it's only polite to release them back into the digital wilds. It is their native habitat, and really"…there's nothing more heartwarming than watching a happy gamer scamper back to the killing fields.

Pure gold. In fact, I think I need a new sig, and this is it.

Good luck to everyone contributing to the call for new writers.

Deva is still technically a writer for the site, when she has the time and inclination. She is aware that the door is always open for her pieces. The same, obviously, go for Fletcher and Sway for that matter, should their situations alter again to a place where they have the opportunity, time, and desire to send us their art.

Thanks for the submissions so far. I feel confident in saying that we will see some outstanding new voices on the front page very soon.

Keep the writing coming folks. We're just getting started here! I think the coming year will be a remarkable time of growth and recognition for the site.

I have to admit, I'm thinking about it again. I'd really like to start writing again. It's been a long time since I've done anything semi-professionally for a website. Hell, last time was A Land Far Away (sweet persistant world mod for NWN based on Forgotten Realms). Let's see what I can come up with... Anyway I could get like... an extension though? I've got a lot of stuff coming up this week.

I've been think about it a lot. I would also like to write for any kind of publication again.

I used to write front page articles for my college newspaper, although, I was also one of the cartoonists. Might not be the most prestigious reference.

Anyway I could get like... an extension though? I've got a lot of stuff coming up this week.

Deadlines are part of the deal. Seeing how potential writers deal with that is as much a part of the procedure as how well they write.

Do you truly only want one 1000 word piece? or can we send in a few if we get all juicy in the creativity department?

Even though I am but a lowly coffee grinder and Lurker extraordinaire, I may throw my hat in the ring and see what happens. Do you give out door prizes for runner-ups? Perhaps a small bit of candy? A dried up PEEP leftover from Easter that is crunchy on the outside and marshmallowey on the inside?

Do you truly only want one 1000 word piece? or can we send in a few if we get all juicy in the creativity department?

Yup, send your single best, your favorite. As I hinted at in the response to Demos, this also about seeing how well people follow guidelines. Also, I'm going to be reading a number of submissions, and I don't need 3 huge pieces to be able to see who fits what we're looking for.

Save that creativity and ideas for the articles you might eventually write for the site.

agh, I am not sure if I will do this.. as I tried a couple times, but after 600 my words fell apart, maybe because I was trying to be controversial or something. But 1000 words is quite a good article length. I may be able to come up with something again, just need to play more games.

Armisius wrote:

Even though I am but a lowly coffee grinder and Lurker extraordinaire, I may throw my hat in the ring and see what happens. Do you give out door prizes for runner-ups? Perhaps a small bit of candy? A dried up PEEP leftover from Easter that is crunchy on the outside and marshmallowey on the inside?

You're insane if you think we'll give up our dried up Peeps for the n00bs. They're the best perk of this job. Oh, crusty Peeps, how I love thee, let me count the ways... Nobody better be touching my Peeps.

Peeps are disgusting, vile little things. The n00bs can totally have mine.

I will come for your PEEPS in the night beware, for I shall steal them away from under your drooling lips.

No, you're not listening, I will give you mine. Well, technically they're not mine, they belong to my wife and daughter. I'm sure I would be doing them a great favor by giving them away, though.

duckideva wrote:

... OK, probably not...as it turns out, I don't really have that much to say about gaming. Lots to say about technology, politics, world affairs, elegant pornography, the best way to roast an exotic animal, and why hipsters should be clubbed like baby seals; but really that much about games. )

Now...if someone wants to make a game where we get to club hipsters as foreplay, and have sex while making molten chocolate cake and ... I'm totally your reviewer.)

Front page or not, I'd like more posts from Deva like this.

I'd like screenshots.

At the recommendation of a few GWJers, my submission is sent.

booty wrote:
duckideva wrote:

... OK, probably not...as it turns out, I don't really have that much to say about gaming. Lots to say about technology, politics, world affairs, elegant pornography, the best way to roast an exotic animal, and why hipsters should be clubbed like baby seals; but really that much about games. )

Now...if someone wants to make a game where we get to club hipsters as foreplay, and have sex while making molten chocolate cake and ... I'm totally your reviewer.)

Front page or not, I'd like more posts from Deva like this. :)

Separated at birth.

The wheels of my chair crackle with Peep dust when I move along the wooden floor.

That's not peep dust, that's your body turning into dust because all you eat is candy and Red Baron French Bread Pizzas.

I know Bill has his own thing, but is it too much to hope that he might submit?

Chum wrote:

I know Bill has his own thing, but is it too much to hope that he might submit?

I've been barking up that tree for YEARS