How Writers Without Walls Started
Plus, the whitepaper draft.
We really have to go back to 2015, when I died. I was hit by a truck while on my motorbike. Long story short, I had multiple injuries, but the killer was a shredded descending aorta. You can read the full story here.
It was after getting out of hospital (2 months) and a few months later, when I went for a heart check, that I found out I had died. This news made me sit back and reflect on a few things. The only real regret that I would have had at that time, if I had died, was not publishing my book of short stories. Do You Dare?
I had written them between twenty and thirty years ago. I got them edited and the cover art sorted. I published it on Amazon in February 2018. Joined Twitter to create a social media presence. I’m not a salesperson, like most writers, we just want to write. Like most writers, we have jobs, families, etc.
This is where I found out that for an agent to even look at a writer, they needed to have a minimum of 50,000 followers across all their socials and engage with them daily. Then, you get the privilege of paying them to represent you, regardless of whether that gets anywhere.
I get it. It’s big business despite there seeming to be a trend of fewer people reading. As of 2023, the global book publishing revenue stands at $129 billion, jumping from $122 billion in 2018. (see here)
I just had one question. When do writers…. write? Social media is consuming enough as it is. On top of everything else we have going on. Someone once tweeted something along the lines of “Single parents, when do you get to write?” I posted this picture and said. “When you figure it out, let me know?”
This is when the idea behind WritersWithoutWalls started formulating. Disrupting the publishing industry, both traditional and self-publishing. Putting the control back in the hands of the readers and the writers. Instead of being dictated to by suits in an ivory tower who only care about what sells. Funny enough, what sells is what they distribute and market extensively on. Or being slaves to the secret algorithms, amongst other things, when it comes to Amazon.
Yes, it’s an ambitious project. People who know me, know I don’t do things by halves. lol.
So here is the draft whitepaper for WritersWithoutWalls.
WritersWithoutWalls Whitepaper
Introduction:
Writers Without Walls is a community of writers who believe that creativity knows no boundaries. We are a group of individuals who come from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences but share a common passion for writing. Our mission is to provide a platform for writers to connect, collaborate, and create without the limitations of physical walls.
In today's world, where technology has made it possible for us to connect with people from all over the globe, we believe that it is time to break down the walls that have traditionally separated writers. We want to create a space where writers can come together to share their ideas, learn from each other, and inspire one another.
Our community is open to writers of all levels, from beginners to professionals. We believe that everyone has a story to tell, and we want to help writers find their voices and share their stories with the world. Whether you are a novelist, a poet, a journalist, or a blogger, we welcome you to join us and be a part of our community.
Through our online platform, we offer a variety of resources and tools to help writers improve their craft, including workshops, writing prompts, and feedback from other writers. We also provide opportunities for writers to showcase their work and connect with publishers and literary agents.
At Writers Without Walls, we believe that writing is not just a solitary activity but a collaborative one. We invite you to join us and be a part of a community that celebrates creativity, diversity, and the power of words. Together, we can break down the walls that have kept us apart and create a world where writers can thrive.
The mission and goals of Writers Without Walls, which is to break down the barriers that traditional industry and web2 conglomerates use to control writers. The organisation aims to empower writers by decentralising the industry and giving individual writers more control over their work.
Decentralisation is the idea of distributing power away from a central authority, allowing individuals or smaller organisations to have more control over their affairs. In the context of writing, decentralisation means that writers can publish their work without having to rely on a centralised publishing house or platform.
This is made possible through the use of blockchain technology, which allows for a decentralised, peer-to-peer network where writers can share their work with others. By doing so, writers can maintain greater control over their work, including ownership, distribution, and monetisation.
Decentralisation also allows writers to reach a broader audience, as they are no longer limited to traditional publishing channels. It also enables them to connect more directly with their readers without having to go through intermediaries such as agents or publishers. The use of blockchain technology also provides greater transparency and accountability in the publishing process, as all transactions are recorded and publicly visible.
Writers Without Walls is more than just a community of writers, it is a movement. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to share their stories and have their voices heard. By breaking down the walls that have traditionally separated writers, we can create a world where creativity knows no bounds.
We invite you to join us and be a part of this movement. Whether you are a writer or simply someone who loves to read, we welcome you to our community. Together, we can build a world where writers can thrive and the power of words can change lives. Writers Without Walls also emphasises the importance of breaking down mental barriers that writers may put up to sabotage themselves. This is an important aspect of the organisation’s mission because many writers struggle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, which can prevent them from achieving their full potential.
Writer's block:
Writers Without Walls can help overcome writer's block with writing prompts, group writing exercises, and writing challenges. Writing in a supportive and collaborative environment can help get the creative juices flowing and break through writer's block.
Fear of judgment or criticism:
Writers Without Walls is a safe and inclusive community that encourages writers to express themselves without fear of judgment or criticism. Members provide constructive feedback in a supportive and respectful way, which can help writers overcome their fear of sharing their work.
Perfectionism:
The Writers Without Walls encourages writers to prioritise progress over perfection. Members are encouraged to write their first drafts without worrying about getting everything right the first time. Through feedback and revision, writers can improve their work over time and reach their full potential.
At Writers Without Walls, we believe that everyone has the potential to be a great writer. By breaking down physical and mental barriers, we can create a community that empowers writers to share their stories and achieve their dreams. Join us today and become a part of the movement to revolutionise the writing industry through decentralisation and collaboration.
Finally, Writers Without Walls emphasises the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the industry. Writers Without Walls believes that readers should decide what the market is, who the popular authors are, and who deserves accolades, irrespective of gender, colour, or any minority group they belong to. This approach is important because it ensures that talented writers from all backgrounds have an equal opportunity to succeed in the industry.
Diversity and inclusivity are vital in the industry as they bring different perspectives and experiences to the table, resulting in more comprehensive and impactful content. It also ensures that underrepresented groups have a voice and are given equal opportunities. Writers Without Walls can promote diversity and inclusivity by:
Encouraging writers of all backgrounds and identities to join and participate in their programs.
Hosting workshops and events that highlight and explore the experiences of marginalised communities.
Providing resources and support for writers from underrepresented groups.
Ensuring that their leadership and staff reflect the diversity they aim to promote.
Collaborating with other organisations and individuals who share similar values and goals.
The Problem
The problem is that traditional publishing is difficult to break into, and there are many demands by agents and publishers with little assistance given and little remuneration. Additionally, there is a problem with the web2 monopoly by Amazon, where the algorithm works against the average writer. Writers are expected to have their day job, family life, and write, while also having to maintain all social media platforms and engage. This creates a lot of pressure and can be time-consuming, which can hinder creativity and productivity. When do writers get to write?
Writers Without Walls aims to solve these problems by using existing tools to make one post and engage on all platforms, streamlining the process and saving time. They also plan to implement other tools, such as social and gaming blackouts, for productivity. The front end of the shop will display books in all available formats, and the backend of the profile will allow publishers, agents, editors, etc., to request an audience with the writer. The goal is to turn the industry on its head, freeing creativity and art, and as a result, freeing writers.
Solution
Writers Without Walls is a solution that aims to provide a platform for writers to connect and collaborate with each other, regardless of their location or background. It is a virtual writing community that offers workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities to writers from all over the world.
The solution is designed to break down the barriers that often prevent writers from accessing the resources and support they need to succeed. By creating a virtual space where writers can come together, share their work, and receive feedback from their peers, Writers Without Walls helps to foster a sense of community and belonging among writers.
In addition to providing a supportive community, Writers Without Walls also offers practical resources and tools to help writers improve their craft. This includes workshops on topics such as character development, plot structure, and dialogue, as well as mentorship programs that pair writers with experienced professionals in their field.
Overall, Writers Without Walls is a valuable solution for writers who are looking to connect with others in their field, improve their writing skills, and gain access to the resources and support they need to succeed.
Technical Details
Writers Without Walls is starting as a community with a newsletter, and they plan to build their platform with the help of their community. Communities are currently -
WritersWithoutWalls on Entre.
WritersWithoutWalls on CommonGround.
Website WritersWithoutWalls (under construction)
We aim to create the organisation ultimately as a DAO. Built on blockchain technology. The aim is not to compete with existing writing platforms but to offer a hub where writers can showcase their work across all the platforms they choose to use. A centralised, decentralised hub, so to speak.
DAO stands for Decentralised Autonomous Organisation. It is an organisation that is run by rules encoded as computer programs called smart contracts. These smart contracts are self-executing and automatically enforce the rules without the need for intermediaries.
By creating the organisation as a DAO, Writers Without Walls aims to create a decentralised platform where the community has a say in the decision-making process. This means that the community members will have a say in the direction the organisation takes, and they will be able to vote on important decisions.
In summary, by starting as a community with a newsletter and building the platform with the help of the community, Writers Without Walls aims to create a decentralised platform, ultimately as a DAO. This will ensure that the community has a say in the decision-making process and the platform is transparent and secure.
Token Economics
The token economics are to be confirmed at a later date. We are exploring the various options and legal ramifications of those for the platform and for users before going forward with anything.
We are discussing the potential launch of a new cryptocurrency called EAP (Edgar Allan Poe), with fractionals being an SK (Stephen King). These aren’t set in stone, as again, we need to explore the legalities. The names chosen are just a nod to two of the founders' favourite writers. We also considering the possibility of individual creator coins being released at a later date, but only after the creators have read and understood the financial, legal, and mental health risks associated with it.
The details of how the cryptocurrency will work and be distributed are still being worked out. This is an important aspect of any cryptocurrency launch, as it determines how the tokens will be valued and traded.
Alexandria Library Reborn
The Alexandria Library is a unique feature of the platform that allows authors to lease their books to the library, and readers can access any book in the inventory for a subscription fee. This feature is beneficial for both authors and readers.
For authors, it provides an opportunity to showcase their work and gain exposure. By leasing their books to the library, they can reach a wider audience and potentially gain new fans. Additionally, any tips from readers go directly to the writer, which can be a source of income.
For readers, the Alexandria Library provides a vast selection of books to choose from. They can access the books on their devices or enter the VR/AR world and read their book anywhere they can imagine. This feature provides a unique and immersive reading experience that traditional libraries cannot offer.
The subscription fees from readers are split equally between all writers and the platform. This ensures that writers are fairly compensated for their work, and the platform can continue to operate and provide this service to readers.
Date - TBC
Services
We are developing some AI tools, publishing tools, and verification tools for writers. We understand and respect the unique relationship between a writer and their craft. In an era where AI's role in creative fields is both promising and concerning, we acknowledge the apprehensions writers may have about the integrity and originality of their work. That's why we're dedicated to crafting AI tools that not only respect but also protect your creative process.
Our suite of SensAI tools (a play on sensei) – SummarySensAI, ConceptSensAI, and StorySensAI – are designed with the writer's journey in mind. They are not here to write for you but to serve as your personal writing coach, providing objective, technical feedback while ensuring your narrative's essence remains untouched and purely yours. We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality and security of your work; the stories you input are not retained or used to train our models.
At WritersWithoutWalls, we believe in harnessing AI's potential to enhance, not replace, the creative spark within each writer. Our SensAI's are your writing sensei's, guiding you with insights and feedback that refine your skills and elevate your craft. Embrace the journey of storytelling with confidence, knowing that your unique voice is supported and amplified, not overshadowed, by our AI-driven tools.
StorySensAI
StorySensAI is an AI-powered service designed to review and evaluate your short story based on a set of 20 criteria. When you input your story, StorySensAI will provide specific feedback and a rating out of 5 for each criterion. It assesses various aspects of your story, such as originality, plot, character development, dialogue, pacing, themes, and more. By using StorySensAI, you can gain valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of your story, helping you understand how it stands out, engage readers, and improve overall quality. At the end, you will receive an average overall score, along with a summary of the good aspects, the areas that need improvement, and any significant issues that need attention. Planned release February/March 2024.
SummarySensAI
SummarySensAI is a service dedicated to generating concise summaries of your story. After you input your story, SummarySensAI reads it and creates a summary that captures the key plot points, character arcs, and themes in 100 words or less. The generated summary maintains the original tone and mood of your story and presents the information in clear and simple language. By using SummarySensAI, you can quickly obtain a condensed version of your story, allowing you to have a better understanding of its core elements. You can copy the summary and include it in the StorySensAI review process, facilitating the assessment of your story's overall structure and content. Planned release February/March 2024.
ConceptSensAI
ConceptSensAI is a tool designed to assess and provide feedback on your story concept. By inputting your concept, ConceptSensAI evaluates it based on nine key criteria. It assesses the concept's originality, complexity, opportunities for character development, potential for conflict and tension, explored themes, feasibility within the story's world, audience appeal, and the suitability of the concept's narrative arc and length. ConceptSensAI helps you gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses of your concept, enabling you to refine and develop it further. It serves as a valuable resource to shape your ideas and ensure that your concept has a solid foundation before delving into the writing process, ultimately enhancing your overall storytelling experience. Planned release February/March 2024.
SyncroPub
SyncroPub is an ambitious concept currently in development, with a beta release targeted for the second quarter of 2024. It represents a transformative approach to digital content distribution, aiming to revolutionise the way writers and content creators publish their work across various platforms. The core idea of SyncroPub is to provide a streamlined, efficient system where a single master document can be automatically adapted and optimised for different publishing platforms such as Medium, Substack, Ghost, and more. This not only promises to significantly reduce the time and effort involved in formatting and publishing content but also ensures that the integrity and consistency of the content are maintained across diverse platforms. As the development progresses, SyncroPub is poised to offer an intuitive, user-friendly interface coupled with intelligent automation features, positioning itself as a game-changer in the realm of digital publishing. The anticipation for its beta release reflects the growing need for innovative solutions in the dynamic and ever-evolving digital content landscape. Date TBC.
AuthentiAuthor
In the ever-evolving domain of literary creation, the distinction between artificial intelligence and human ingenuity is becoming increasingly nuanced. Recognising the importance of clarity and integrity in this new era, we are excited to introduce AuthentiAuthor, a pioneering service set to redefine the standards of authorship and authenticity. Currently in development, AuthentiAuthor is poised to offer a voluntary verification system that allows writers to transparently showcase the extent of AI assistance in their works. From research support to significant content generation, AuthentiAuthor badges will communicate the true essence of collaboration between human intellect and artificial intelligence, ensuring readers are informed and authors' genuine contributions are celebrated. This service is more than just a verification tool; it's a testament to our commitment to nurturing the sacred bond between writer and reader, preserving the authenticity of the narrative craft amidst the tides of technological advancement. Stay tuned as we shape the future of trustworthy and transparent storytelling with AuthentiAuthor. Date TBC.
The Team
James "JD" Armstrong
As the visionary founder of WritersWithoutWalls, James "JD" Armstrong embodies the spirit of innovation and creative collaboration. With an illustrious career that traverses the Australian Navy to the forefront of tech entrepreneurship, JD's multifaceted expertise shines in his ability to lead and inspire. His ventures, notably including StorySensAI, SummarySensAI and ConceptSensAi, underscore his commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital storytelling. With SyncroPub and AuthentiAuthor to come. JD's holistic coaching credentials, combined with a philosophy that values adaptability and resourcefulness, make him a dynamic leader, guiding WritersWithoutWalls to redefine collaborative creativity in the digital age.
David J Meyer
A Georgia native, founder of SpatiumStories and co-founder of WritersWithoutWalls, brings a unique blend of spirituality and technical prowess to the team. As a seasoned coder with a heart for storytelling, David's journey from disenchanted student to passionate writer and creator is inspiring. His discovery and subsequent love for immersive narratives like Jurassic Park and Lord of the Rings reignited his passion for writing, transforming it into a multifaceted pursuit that spans fiction, insightful articles, and his own newsletter, Biblit. David's belief in our innate, God-given ability to create mirrors the foundational ethos of WritersWithoutWalls, where creativity and innovation converge.
Andrew Zavitsanos
The latest luminary to join WritersWithoutWalls as a co-founder is the epitome of a seasoned generalist, bringing a wealth of over 20 years in project and service management to the team. Hailing from Melbourne, Andrew's extensive experience in remote work is complemented by his deep knowledge in web3, technology, and people management. With a keen eye for simplicity and a common-sense approach to work and life, Andrew's contributions extend beyond his professional prowess. His role within WritersWithoutWalls goes beyond managing projects; it's about enriching the platform with his holistic perspective on creativity, productivity, and the art of writing.
