Frequenty Asked Questions

Will my submissions on TaleBait get published?

Yes, that's the plan! Submissions that are voted into a permanent storyline on Hooks & Storylines may be published as part of a "Best of TaleBait" project. Angler names will stay with each installment so you are recognized.  

How can writing on TaleBait improve my writing?

TaleBait offers you an opportunity to practice and stretch your writing skills in a stress-free environment. No job, no paycheck, no project, no reputation (if you’re using a fictitious Angler name), is at stake. Relax. Rejuvenate your imagination. Be creative. Have fun.

Why use an alias as my Angler name?

An alias frees you to explore new styles and genres without worrying about falling flat. Maybe you’re a nonfiction writer and want to test the waters in Sci Fi, Romance or Mystery. Maybe you’re a fiction writer with a great reputation in one area who wants to sample other genres. Maybe you just lack confidence in your skills. Using an alias gives you a stress-free opportunity to test the waters safely.

Why use an identifiable Angler name?

Let readers know you as a writer. TaleBait serves a diverse group of writers, each harboring different motivations for sharing ideas. As the site’s activity grows I hope to offer several opportunities. Published writers can get attention by sparkling in Hooks & Storylines and sampling their work on Open Water. My plans for the site include a means for published authors to promote their work through Angler Profiles.
Aspiring authors can refine their skills and catch the attention of others. I’m looking for tales on Hooks & Storylines to publish as “Best of TaleBait 2010.” If your submissions are voted into the storyline you will be credited.

Can I create two Angler profiles?

Absolutely. Sign on with a different email address to create more than one Angler account and keep your options open.

How does TaleBait kick start my creativity?

TaleBait loosens your imagination. It provides a safe harbor for spawning creativity. Writers can play (and work) together to spark one another’s imaginations.
Good writing balances control and creativity. Too much control kills creativity. When you contribute to the collaborative, continuous stories on Hooks & Storylines, you absolutely cannot control the outcome, no matter how hard you try. You write for the simple joy of creating without constraint (other than keeping the characters consistent and the story compelling, please).

My entry on Hooks & Storylines got a “questionable grammar” rating, but I don’t see a problem. What should I do?

Post the entry on your Angler page in Open Water and ask for clarification and feedback. While some grammatical errors are clear (like a commasplice or subject-verb agreement), other “errors” may reflect a difference of opinion on style. Ask your critique partners to help you spot and improve any weaknesses.

I'm having trouble posting an installment on Hooks & Storylines. What do you suggest?

Are you using Firefox as your browser? We are experiencing some issues with extra code showing up in the text boxes when you use Firefox. Try using Explorer as the browser.

Drop A Line if you have a question.