RAOK day 3

It's day three here at The Bookshelf Muse, celebrating Random Acts of Kindness in the writing community. As I mentioned yesterday, the Industry is showing their own RAOK spirit and appreciation for writers by offering some amazing RAOK gifts for you to win. Yesterday, some lucky writers scored Scrivener Software and a Query Tracker Premium Membership!

Here's the deal: with all the turmoil in our industry right now, Becca and I felt a bit of kindness could go a long way. And so many wonderful people felt the same way, allowing us to Blitz the community! If seeing so much generous spirit has moved you to surprise someone with a RAOK yourself, please add your blog to our link list at the bottom of this post!

Tune in each day this week to help us keep the RAOK spirit alive, celebrate the contribution of writers, and who knows, maybe win something that will make your writing path a bit easier!

Today, you have 5 chances to win, so read on!

RAOK Gift #1: FOUR Scrivener Software packages (2 PC, 2 Mac)

Scrivener is billed as 'your complete writing studio' and it really is. This software, developed by a writer for writers, is the complete package. How many notebooks do you fill up as you research, brainstorm, outline, create character sketches and finally draft and revise your novel? Well, flipping through that stack of paper or set of binders is a thing of the past with Scrivener. Organize, storyboard, make notes and research all in the same place, and best of all, access it all as you write. The index card and cork board system is nothing short of brilliant. Simply put, Scrivener is a writer's best friend. I love how they evolve to serve writers in this new world of publishing, like using the compile feature to export manuscripts to Kindle or epub formats!


More good news: David and the crew at Scrivener loved the idea of RAOK for writers so much they are giving out software packages every day this week!

RAOK Gift # 2: THREE Critique Circle Memberships (1 year)

The Critique Circle has a special place in my heart, not only because it's where I realized I knew only a fraction of what I thought I did 'cut my teeth' as a writer, but because this is where Becca and I met. One chance critique has led to many years of friendship and support, and this is one of the great aspects of an online community like Critique Circle.

CC is a password-protected critiquing site based on the tit-for-tat principle. You critique other member's work, and members critique your own. Each piece you put up will earn an average of 6-8 critiques. This is a lot of feedback to help you get your manuscript ready for publication. With thousands of members, you WILL find people to critique your work. Membership is free, but as a premium member, you can create private forums and story queues and invite smaller critique groups to! This site consistency earns Writer's Digest top 101 sites for a reason. If you are looking for a solid & safe site for your work and want to find a critique group that is all about working together to improve, this is the place.

Want to win one of these Amazing RAOK Gifts? Of course you do! Just fill out this FORM, and one more thing...consider spreading a bit of Kindness.  Visit some blogs and comment. Tell someone you appreciate their help. Maybe even offer up a RAOK salute of your own!