Some hobbyist writers take their craft more seriously than others. Writing is a definite part of their future. However, finding a mature, nurturing online environment for their writing proves difficult. Either the site is too relaxed, unsecured, or inattentive to members with more to say that 500 words. Where can serious hobbyist writers find a more professional environment with a stable attention span?

    Litreactor.com provides serious hobbyist writers with the environment they need, including help from published writers.

    Since its introduction in 2011, Lit Reactor has grown to provide a plethora of useful tools to serious writers. From (expensive) online classes taught by professionals to writer workshops, the site covers every need of a growing writer. However, unlike many writing sites, there is a noticeable difference between free (called “basic”) and paid membership.

    Basic membership provides registered members with varied tools and enjoyment. They have access to the “Writer’s Resources” section, which provides help with outlining, character creating, publishing opportunities, and even the search for a literary agent. Considering the site is backed by professional writers, the sources and opportunities provided to users are legitimate. However, if users do find a problem, they can report it or give a bad rating to the source.

    Basic Members can also enjoy the site’s online magazine. Basic members have full access to book reviews, helpful columns, craft essays from published writers and feature articles. All articles are well-written and quite enjoyable to read. The columns often give helpful advice. Recently, there was a column article discussing the most common and confusing grammatical errors. The article clearly discussed the difference between “who” and “whom” and other conundrums that plague even the greatest of writers.

    Another section provided to basic members are the community forums. The forum boards are lively and respectful. The topics range from discussions about books, authors, writing techniques and questions writers would have. “Lit nerds” are likely to enjoy this section.

    However, those who choose to stick to basic membership miss out on the Writer’s Workshop.  Paid members can submit their work and have it reviewed by other paid members of the site. Reviews are comprehensive, detailed, and genuinely helpful for the most part. The people on this site are serious about writing and will try to help others in any way they can. All genres and story lengths are welcomed. Literature gets at least ten star ratings and two written reviews.

    Other features of the Writer’s Workshop include “Achievement Badges,” which provides landmarks for writers to reach in their submission ratings and their reviews on other’s work.

    Lit Reactor is a site for serious hobbyist writers who are considering eventual publication. Those who do not want to pay for membership (which is nine dollars a month) can stick to basic membership and still receive many of the site’s features. However, paid membership allows writers to have their own work critiqued. Regardless of one’s decision to pay or not to pay, this site may be extremely useful to those who are considering a career in writing.