Don’t be a lurker! Have a write. Even if you write about not wanting to write. The first story is the hardest, but it gets easier after that. Remember that it doesn’t really matter what other people think of your writing — this is not a test. If it helps, I see it as long form social media. A place to share ideas and to have conversations.

I therefore spend quite a lot of time reading and posting comments on various stories that interest me. There’s very little open hostility — and even in my most viewed story (Nazis in the Classes) there are only a handful of idiots spoiling for a fight — those who disagreed tend to debate rather than denigrate and that makes you a better writer and a better thinker.

I recommend just getting started. All the most awesome writers on here had a first article at some point. :o)