How many writers are there on Second Life?
By all accounts, the answer is quite a lot.
Every now and then I’ve thought about the possibility of joining Second Life. I say ‘possibility’ because I have never actually seriously considered doing it. I’ve always believed that if I did my ‘first’ life (the one that is sitting here typing this out now) would all but disappear. I know I’d get sucked in and that’d be that.
There are thousands of avatars - and writers - waiting to meet you on Second Life
But I stumbled over a great blog today – I’m not sure how, but there it was – and I’m reconsidering my doubts. Purely for professional reasons of course.
The blog is called Writers in the Virtual Sky – a great name in itself, and luckily it’s attached to a great blog. It’s devoted to writers and the resources they can find in virtual online worlds, chiefly Second Life. And it was quite an eye opening experience too.
It seems that you could actually think about making money as a writer on Second Life if you wanted to. Some writers set up readings, meetings, stores that promote their real life books, and much more besides. Some simply connect with other writers (apparently Written Word is a fantastic group for this purpose).
So maybe it’s time I did take the plunge? I must admit to feeling rather overwhelmed by it – and yet simultaneously quite excited by the possibilities. Just think, it is perfectly possible to enhance your writing career by creating another version of you on Second Life. That’s a bit bizarre and yet perfectly wonderful at the same time.
But since I am still sitting on the fence at the moment, I’d love to hear from any other writers out there who have already taken the plunge and started wandering round this other world. How is it working out for you? Share your thoughts here – you never know, it might just persuade me to finally join!
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Hi Allison,
Well I’ve been a second life resident for a couple of years now. However, I have to admit that I haven’t really accessed the writing scene there at all. I do find Second Life to be a very hard medium to get into. A short tutorial and then you’re done, off to the big bad virtual world, knowing no one and having not a clue what to do. I set up a little business selling flowers, but, as you say, it could be a great medium for writing and one that I should explore more.
Having a business on Second Life must be interesting. Hope it has worked out well for you!
Hi Allison!
It was great fun to read this post — thanks so much for your kind words about my blog. I do hope you check out Second Life. As Geoff indicated, it does take a learning curve to get to the point where you’re in business there. But there’s also a lot of help (including my own series for writers on learning SL). For me, it certainly was worth the learning time. If there’s anyway I can help, let me know. Same goes for you, Geoff!
I’m also interested to see how your other readers respond to your question.
Joan (Alas Zerbino in Second Life)
(By the way, what a treat it’s been to find your blog — beautifully designed and written! And full go great info – I love your “Page of Fives”!)
Thanks for responding, Joan – it was great to hear from you and thanks for your kind comments! I shall indeed get in touch if I do decide to make that big leap into Second Life.
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