Tag: Writers Without Walls

How to Grow Your Readership
How to grow your readership in 2025 with Writers Without Walls starts with understanding that building a successful author platform requires more than exceptional writing—it demands strategic marketing skills and a supportive community. Whether you’re a debut novelist, seasoned non-fiction author, or aspiring freelance writer, mastering digital marketing is essential for connecting with readers and growing your career.

What is Writers Without Walls?

Writers Without Walls is a revolutionary community dedicated to breaking down barriers in the publishing industry. Founded on principles of collaboration, creativity, and empowerment, we believe that every writer deserves the tools and support needed to succeed. To learn more about our mission and founding story, read our complete Writers Without Walls Origin Story.

Introducing Wisdom Without Walls: Marketing Education for Authors

Wisdom Without Walls

Wisdom Without Walls is our comprehensive educational platform featuring marketing and business courses specifically curated for writers and authors to assist in growing your readership. From social media marketing to email list building, these courses address the unique challenges writers face when promoting their work.

Exclusive Community Discounts Available Now!

We’re offering special discount codes exclusively through our Patreon community:
- Paid Members: 80% OFF all courses
- Free Members: 60% OFF all courses
Join our Patreon community at Writers Without Walls to access your exclusive discount code!

Essential Marketing Courses for Authors

Social Media Marketing for Writers
- Facebook Pages Marketing Hero – Build an engaged readership community on the world’s largest social platform
- Instagram Marketing Hero – Showcase your writing journey and connect with your readers through visual storytelling
- Pinterest Marketing Hero – Drive traffic to your author website and book pages using strategic visual content
- LinkedIn Marketing Hero – Perfect for non-fiction authors and building professional publishing connections
- Twitter Marketing Hero – Engage with readers, authors, and industry professionals in real-time conversations
Author Platform Fundamentals
- SEO Marketing Hero – Help readers discover your books and author website through search engines
- Email Marketing Hero – Build and nurture a loyal reader list that becomes your most valuable marketing asset
- YouTube Ads Marketing Hero – Promote your books through targeted video advertising campaigns
Specialized Marketing Strategies
- WhatsApp Marketing Hero – Connect directly with reader groups and book clubs
- Reddit Marketing Hero – Engage authentically with niche communities and genre-specific audiences
Double the Free Resources: Two Prompt Packs Available

We’re excited to offer writers two opportunities to enhance their creativity:
1. Join our Patreon Community – Receive a free prompt pack of your choice plus access to exclusive discount codes
2. Register at Wisdom Without Walls – Get an additional free prompt pack when you sign up
Choose from our extensive collection including:
- Creative Writing Prompt Pack
- Content Creation Prompt Pack
- Copywriting Prompt Pack
- Social Media Management Prompt Pack
- Goal Setting Prompt Pack
- Personal Growth Prompt Pack
- Editing and Proofreading Pack
- Plus more.
Why Authors Need Marketing Skills in 2025

Traditional publishing gatekeepers no longer determine a writer’s success. Today’s authors must master:
- Social media engagement to build authentic readership relationships
- Email marketing to maintain direct communication with fans
- SEO optimization to help readers discover their work organically
- Content marketing to establish authority in their genre or niche
- Paid advertising to expand reach beyond organic followers
Join the Writers Without Walls Community

Ready to transform your author platform? Start by joining our supportive community at Writers Without Walls on Patreon, where you’ll:
- Access exclusive discount codes for marketing courses
- Receive your first free prompt pack immediately
- Connect with fellow writers sharing similar challenges
- Participate in live discussions about marketing strategies
- Get early access to new resources and training
After joining our community, visit Wisdom Without Walls to explore our complete course library and claim your second free prompt pack.

Start Building Your Author Platform Today

Don’t let another month pass without investing in your author platform. Join our Patreon community now to unlock exclusive discounts and begin your journey toward sustainable writing career success.

Write boldly. Market strategically. Grow your readership.

Written by James “JD” Armstrong
Founder, Writers Without Walls
May 26, 2025
Level Up Together: Our New Referral Program is LIVE!
Hey Writers Without Walls fam!

Remember when we first launched our referral program? Our goal, as always, was to build this supportive, sustainable creative space together, recognizing those of you who help bring fellow writers into our fold. We truly believe our strength comes from our members actively building this community with us, outside the traditional publishing structures.

We want to thank everyone who participated in that initial phase! However, as many of you know, we hit some significant technical roadblocks along the way. We found that off-the-shelf solutions and initial setups struggled to perfectly match the unique way our Patreon community operates.

The biggest hurdle? Ensuring our system could accurately recognize and reward both our Free and Paid Members for bringing new paying members into the community. For us at Writers Without Walls, the principle that all active members contributing to growth should be rewarded is fundamental. It’s core to our “supporting each other” ethos, and it was simply non-negotiable. We couldn’t compromise on that fairness.

So, what did we do? We rolled up our sleeves!

Chaos in creating the Referral Program

We made the decision to move away from systems that didn’t quite fit and invested time and effort into building our own custom referral platform from the ground up, right here at referrals.writerswithoutwalls.com. It was a journey involving plenty of code, deep dives into the Patreon API, database design, and more than a few late-night troubleshooting sessions! But we did it because we needed a system built by us, for you – one that truly reflects our community structure and values.

Today, we’re thrilled to announce the relaunch of the Writers Without Walls Referral Program on this new, dedicated platform! It’s designed to reliably track your referrals and ensure rewards are issued correctly based on your membership status when a referral qualifies.

How the NEW Referral Program Works

It’s simple to get started:
1. Be an Active Patreon Member: You need to be currently supporting Writers Without Walls on Patreon (either the Free level or the paid “Beyond the Wall” tier).
2. Login to Your Dashboard: Head over to referrals.writerswithoutwalls.com and log in using the “Login / Sign Up with Patreon” button. This connects your Patreon account to our referral system.
3. Get Your Unique Link: Once logged in, your dashboard will display your personal referral link (it looks like …/index.php?ref=YOURCODE).
4. Share Your Link: Share this link with writer friends, colleagues, or anyone in your network who you think would benefit from our community but isn’t a member yet.
5. Track & Earn: When someone clicks your unique link, uses the Patreon login button on our landing page, and ultimately becomes an active, paying member of our “Beyond the Wall” tier, the referral is linked to you in your dashboard (initially as ‘pending’).
6. Reward Trigger: After your referred friend successfully maintains their paid “Beyond the Wall” membership for 30 consecutive days, a reward credit is automatically calculated and added to your referral account balance!
Our Fair Reward Structure

We believe every active member’s contribution matters. That’s why:
- If you are a Paid Member (“Beyond the Wall” tier) when your referral’s reward is processed (after their 30 paid days), you’ll earn a $5.00 credit.
- If you are a Free Member (an active patron) when your referral′s reward is processed (after their 30 paid days) you′ll earn a $2.50 credit.
(Please note: Self-referrals aren’t eligible, and the referred member must join the paid “Beyond the Wall” tier and remain active for 30 days for the reward to trigger. Your own membership tier status is checked when the reward is due).

Redeeming Your Hard-Earned Rewards

You can check your available credit balance anytime on your dashboard. Currently, you can request to redeem your credits for:
- 1 Month of “Beyond the Wall” Membership: (Requires a $5.00 balance). Let your referrals pay for your access!
- Eligible Items in our Patreon Community Shop: Apply your balance towards designated digital products or merchandise (details and credit costs marked in the shop).
To redeem, simply visit the “Redeem Rewards” page accessible from your dashboard. Please allow some time for manual processing. (See the full Terms for details).

More Than Just Credits

Remember, participating in the referral program isn’t just about the rewards (though they are nice!). It’s about actively:
- Helping us build a truly sustainable, independent community for writers.
- Making our resources and support network accessible to more creatives.
- Connecting with passionate, like-minded writers.
- Strengthening a platform that champions writers outside traditional industry gatekeeping.
Ready to Start Referring?

Log in to your dashboard now to grab your unique link and start sharing!

Let’s Go!

Have questions? Check out the full Referral Program Terms & Conditions or visit our Support Page.

Let’s level up this community, together!

Written by James “JD” Armstrong
Founder, Writers Without Walls
April 18, 2025
Unlock Your Voice: Share Your Perspective
Are you a writer looking for a platform to share your unique voice and insights with the world? Do you want to be part of a vibrant community that celebrates the power of authentic storytelling and community dialogue? Look no further than Writers Without Walls’ Perspectives platform.

As a member of our Patreon community, you’ll have the opportunity to list your latest article on our dynamic community platform, showcasing your work alongside other talented writers. For just $5 AUD a month, you’ll not only get to share your writing with a global audience, but also enjoy a range of exclusive benefits that will help you grow as a writer and connect with like-minded individuals.

What is Perspectives?

Perspectives is a curated space where Writers Without Walls members can share their thought-provoking articles, personal essays, and cultural commentary. Our platform is designed to foster community dialogue and celebrate the diversity of voices within our community. By joining us, you’ll become part of a collaborative hub where you can share your ideas, learn from others, and gain valuable feedback on your work.

Benefits of Joining Our Patreon Community

As a paid member of our Patreon community, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits, including:
- The opportunity to list your latest article on our Perspectives platform
- Access to exclusive writing resources and tips
- Connection with a community of like-minded writers
- Opportunities for feedback and growth as a writer
- And more!
Why Join Writers Without Walls?

At Writers Without Walls, we believe that every writer deserves a platform to share their unique voice and perspective. Our community is built on the principles of inclusivity, diversity, and creativity, and we’re committed to providing a supportive and stimulating environment for writers of all levels.

By joining our Patreon community and listing your article on Perspectives, you’ll not only be sharing your work with a global audience, but also contributing to a vibrant community that celebrates the power of storytelling and community dialogue.

Join Us Today!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to unlock your voice and share your perspective with the world. Join our Patreon community today and start enjoying the benefits of being part of a dynamic and supportive community of writers.

Sign up now and take the first step towards sharing your writing with a global audience. We can’t wait to read your work!

Written by James “JD” Armstrong
Founder, Writers Without Walls
March 23, 2025
Grow With Us: Introducing the Writers Without Walls Referral Program
Are you part of our Writers Without Walls community? We’re excited to announce our new referral program that rewards you for sharing our creative space with fellow writers!

Why We Created This Program

At Writers Without Walls, we believe in building a sustainable, supportive community where writers can flourish outside traditional publishing systems. Our strength comes from our members, and we want to recognize those who help our community grow.

How It Works

Getting started with our referral program is simple:
1. Be a member of Writers Without Walls on Patreon (free or paid tier)
2. Access your personal referral dashboard
3. Share your unique referral link with writers in your network
4. When someone joins our paid membership using your link, you earn credits
Your referral needs to maintain their membership for one month before credits are applied to your account—ensuring our community grows with committed members.

Rewards That Matter

We’ve structured our rewards to benefit everyone in our community:
- Free members earn $2.50 credit for each new paid member they refer
- Paid members earn $5.00 credit for each new paid member they refer
There’s no ceiling on your potential rewards—refer as many people as you like and watch your credits accumulate. Plus, your credits never expire, so you can use them whenever you need.

More Than Just Rewards

When you participate in our referral program, you’re doing more than earning credits. You’re:
- Helping build a sustainable community for writers
- Making membership more accessible for everyone
- Connecting with like-minded creatives who share your passion
- Strengthening a platform that exists outside traditional gatekeeping
Ready to Start?

Join our community today and access your personal referral dashboard. Every writer you bring into our fold strengthens our collective voice and expands our creative possibilities.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Who will you invite to Writers Without Walls?

Written by James “JD” Armstrong
Founder, Writers Without Walls
March 18, 2025
Recalibrating

Why We All Need To Take Stock

Burnout.

This is the word I’ve been searching for to describe how I have been increasingly feeling.

Burned out.

Over the last 12 months, there has been an increasing dissatisfaction and disillusionment with my 9-5 job. Sure, there’ve been plenty of instances over my 35+ year career where I’ve “had enough” of the bullshit (as according to Andrew 😊). We all have these moments. They are point in time, they pass, we get over it and we move on.

What I have been experiencing of late is something different though. It feels different. The symptoms aren’t fleeting.

I look forward to the weekends and dread Mondays, more than I ever have.

Everything with work feels repetitive and pointless.

We recently purchased a new caravan. We’ve had a caravan since 2010 but we’ve “outgrown” that one now that our boys no longer come along. So we thought we’d treat ourselves to a bit of luxury and we upsized (ie. Queen size bed, toilet and shower).

Andrews new caravan. His assistant in recalibrating?

This should be a happy time, with plans afoot for the next lot of trips.

We have one planned, but all I can think about is coming back to the job, and the feelings associated with it.

I enjoy watching YouTube. In my YT travels, looking for resources on how to best use Obsidian purposefully and intentionally (to better capture and create notes), I stumbled across a creator named Wanderloots who has produced some informative videos on his journey with Obsidian. What I also quickly discovered, more importantly, is that he has a newsletter on recalibrating oneself…and starting again.

And he’s not simply giving it lip service. He is living the process, having quit the corporate life as an IP lawyer and patent agent, to follow a more intentional and creative path.

As I started reading the early issues of his newsletter, Recalibrating, my own situation crystallised for me. Recounting the beginnings of his own process of recalibrating, the feelings and emotions he exhibited were all relatable.

This is what I was feeling.

There have been many instances where I’ve tried to do more than just “phone it in”, tried to push through and get over the “slump”. But I quickly realised that it’s more than that.

I’ve been with this company for almost 18 years now. Initially, I thought that what the role has become has shifted from when I started. But it hasn’t. It has the same responsibilities and demands that it did when I accepted this expanded role 8 years ago.

Maybe the expectations of me have changed? I can confidently say that I have very similar deliverables, to the business, that I did early on. Scale has changed, sure. We’re bigger now than we were 8 years ago. But the deliverables are constant.

The change in this role is me. I’ve changed.

Grown. Moved on, perhaps?

And how could I possibly ever plan for that?

It has tilted me off axis. It seems I want and need more than the repetitive nature of this corporate life (quarter after quarter, from one financial year to the next, where only the number changes, staff goal-setting and performance reviews, blah, blah, blah).

Even if my mind had yet to grasp it, my body has been telling me that it needs more. It deserves more.

I should have realised this sooner. When I tried talking to family and friends about how I was feeling, I kept referring to it as Groundhog Day. A day that repeats. Over and over. This is exactly how it’s been feeling for me.

Now that it has a name, I need to learn more about it. I need to learn how others have tackled it and come out the other end. This is why Wanderloots’ journey is now so interesting to me.

And I don’t expect the solution to this is to take a holiday. I’ve had plenty of those, even as I’ve been feeling this way, yet it’s all still there upon my return. No, a holiday isn’t the answer.

It is clear now that my priorities have changed. What I’m looking for has changed. What I need has changed.

I am 56 years old, in my last 10 years of meaningful employment – far shorter, if I have my way. But things need to change. And I need to make the changes.

I do not want to spend these years the same way I spent the last 10. I cannot. I will not.

The local football team that I support had a defining game many years ago when they drew the line at what they were prepared to accept internally…and from opposition teams. The bullying. The disrespect. They drew a line in the sand that day and have been far better for it in the decades since.

This is my line in the sand moment.

I need a recalibration. I owe it to the next phase of my life.

Until next time.

Written by Andrew Zav

Co-Founder, Writers Without Walls

March 11, 2025
Showcase Your Creative Work: Join the Writers Without Walls Featured Authors Gallery
Transform your author presence with a dedicated spotlight in our Twists and Turns gallery. As a Writers Without Walls member, you’ll join an exclusive community of authors showcasing their creative works in our professionally designed showcase platform.

Your Author Showcase Includes:
- Custom author profile card with your photo
- Genre and writing style highlights
- Social media integration (Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram)
- Current and upcoming work promotions
- Direct links to your published works
Two Ways to Shine:

Member Gallery Spot ($5/month)
- Permanent profile card in our author gallery
- Social media links and bio
- Book/writing project highlights
- Network with fellow authors
Featured Author Spotlight (Premium)
- Premium positioning for new releases
- Enhanced visibility for your work
- Promotional highlight space
- Perfect for book launches
- Increased community exposure
Why Join Twists and Turns?

Our curated platform offers:
- Professional author presentation
- Engaged writing community exposure
- Cross-promotion opportunities
- Genre-specific visibility
- Direct connection with readers
The Power of Community Showcase

At Twists and Turns, we understand that author visibility matters. Your profile card becomes part of a growing community of writers supporting writers, creating opportunities for:
- Cross-genre networking
- Collaborative projects
- Shared audience building
- Professional connections
- Marketing synergy
How to Join
- Become a paid member of Writers Without Walls
- Submit your author profile information
- Provide your high-quality author photo
- Share your social media links
- List your current and upcoming works
Ready to Showcase Your Work?

Join our community of featured authors and give your creative work the platform it deserves. Your author journey gains momentum when you’re part of a supportive, professional community dedicated to celebrating and promoting diverse voices.

Join Now

Contact us to learn more about our featured author opportunities and premium positioning options.

Written by James “JD” Armstrong
Founder, Writers Without Walls
March 5, 2025
Write for Us: Submit Your Guest Post to Writers Without Walls
Write for us at Writers Without Walls

Are you ready to share your unique perspective with a growing community of writers and write for us? Writers Without Walls welcomes diverse voices to our blog, where emerging and established writers can showcase their work, insights, and experiences in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Our Platform’s Mission

At Writers Without Walls, we believe every writer has a story worth telling. Our blog serves as a dynamic space where writers from all backgrounds can:
- Share their creative journey and insights
- Connect with fellow writers
- Build their online presence
- Contribute to meaningful discussions about writing and creativity
What We’re Looking For

We welcome thoughtful, original content that resonates with our writing community. Our blog currently focuses on these key areas:

Writing Tips
- Craft discussions and techniques
- Productivity strategies for writers
- Genre-specific writing advice
- Editing and revision guides
- Writing tools and resources
Industry News
- Publishing trends and developments
- Market insights and opportunities
- Technology impacts on writing
- Industry events and conferences
- Changes in the publishing landscape
Community
- Personal essays about your writing journey
- Writer interviews and profiles
- Writing group experiences
- Collaborative writing projects
- Writing community initiatives
AI & Writing
- AI tools for writers
- Balancing AI and creativity
- AI’s impact on writing craft
- Ethical considerations
- Future of AI in writing
Web3 Writing
- Blockchain publishing opportunities
- NFTs and literary works
- Web3 writing platforms
- Tokenization of creative work
- Emerging Web3 writing communities
Articles should be between 800-2000 words, allowing enough space to explore your topic while maintaining reader engagement. We particularly value fresh perspectives and real-world experiences within these categories.

Join our Community: Become a member through our Patreon (free membership available)

Prepare Your Submission: Polish your work and ensure it meets our guidelines

Submit Your Work: Visit our Submissions page to complete the submission form

Include Your Bio: Tell us about yourself (50-100 words) and share your social media/website links

Review Process: Our editorial team will review your submission within 2-3 weeks

Benefits of Contributing

When you publish with Writers Without Walls, you’ll receive:
- Full attribution and bio placement
- Links to your social media profiles and writing platforms
- Exposure to our engaged writing community
- Opportunity to build your online portfolio
- Network with fellow writers
- Establish your authority in your chosen topic
Join Our Community

Ready to share your voice? Visit our Submissions page to learn more about our guidelines and submit your work. We look forward to featuring your unique perspective and helping you connect with fellow writers who share your passion for the craft.

Remember to check our submission guidelines for detailed formatting requirements and style preferences.

Questions about the submission process? Our editorial team is here to help.

Submit your work.

Written by James “JD” Armstrong
Founder, Writers Without Walls
February 26, 2025
AI vs Writers: Why Creativity Can’t Be Automated
It’s coming for our jobs!!

The digital world is buzzing with one burning question: Will artificial intelligence replace writers and artists? Short answer: Not a chance.

The Fear of Technological Disruption

One of the most recognisable and made-fun-of-catch cries in history, thanks to South Park. First, it was the women, then the immigrants, then computers, robots, self serve checkouts. But, unfortunately, some small-minded people are still scared of pretty much every single one of those coming to take their jobs.

Some are justified in their fears because they suck at their job. Spend too much time complaining about someone coming to take it, protesting about it. So not only do they suck at it, they suck at even trying to do it. The job still has to get done, right?

Consider these eye-opening statistics:
- The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2025, while machines may displace 80 million jobs, they’ll simultaneously create 100 million new jobs in the IT industry alone.
- A Harvard Business Review article (November 2, 2021) emphasizes that automation is about job transformation, not just job destruction.
My Personal AI Experiment: Art and Writing

Let me share a personal experience that perfectly illustrates AI’s limitations. When I needed an image for my award-winning short story “Santa’s Snow Globe”, I spent a week wrestling with AI art generators. The result? Frustration and zero progress.

None of them came close to getting what I wanted. I’m no expert on AI word prompting, but a few better than I had a go, they got the main part of the image…. close. It was painfully clear that I was going to need a human artist.

Someone that could get a “feel” for what I wanted. Start working on it, and show some draft work. Some back-and-forth, suggestions from the writer and the artist. Working together. We eventually got close enough to what I wanted, we had a timeframe issue as well. The turnaround was less than 72 hours. The artist was a friend and was happy to work for % of sales and winnings. You can’t do that with AI.

I would have happily paid up front too. Pay people what they are worth, for the work they do. I get quotes most of the time, time permitting, I don’t haggle. If it’s within my budget, I’ll pay. If it’s not, I don’t get it done.

Anyway, I’d spent a week or more trying to get this image through AI and had ended up frustrated and hadn’t written my story either. While she was working on the art, I wrote my story. The art was finished before the story was. The lesson I learnt, artists aren’t being replaced by AI. Not the talented ones, for work like that. The other lesson I learnt is, don’t waste so much time with AI.

I discovered something crucial: talented artists bring something AI cannot – human intuition, creativity, and nuanced understanding.

The Unbeatable Human Touch in Writing

AI can generate text, but it can’t replicate:
- Your unique voice
- Authentic emotional depth
- Creative intuition
- Personalized storytelling
When I challenged ChatGPT to write in my style, it failed spectacularly. The generated story was bland, missing the raw authenticity that defines my writing.

ChatGPT apologised for the misunderstanding and wrote another short story in my style.

Did it, though?

Not even close. I found the story not only relatively bland, but it had a feel-good ending to it. *shudder*.

For a long time, many writers would be scared of someone taking their idea and writing their story. Myself included. As I got older, I realised something. So what? What if they do? For starters, if they get it out and published before you do. Good on them. That’s on you. You had a head start and you blew it. More importantly, no one will write my story idea, the way I will write it. And lastly, it won’t be written with my “voice”.

AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement

Here’s my perspective: AI is a tool, much like any other technological advancement. It can:
- Assist with repetitive tasks
- Provide writing suggestions
- Help overcome writer’s block
But it cannot replace the magic of human creativity.

Ethical AI Use in Writing

If you choose to use AI in your writing process, transparency is key. My recommendation?

My only sticking point was, I believe, being transparent. That’s my opinion. If I used AI to assist me in writing an article. It’ll be clear to my readers that I have. I will say, AI wrote X percent of this. I wrote the other X per cent. Or, as in this article, you’ll soon see. Screenshots of my conversation with AI.

How you display that is up to you. I have no doubt we’ll see a backlash against those that use AI without being transparent about it with their followers and the public. People will feel cheated. Will lose trust in that artist or writer. Trust takes time to build. It can be destroyed in seconds. Value it.

The Future of Writing in an AI World

Writers shouldn’t fear AI – they should learn to work alongside it. Enhance your skills, stay curious, and remember: no algorithm can replicate your unique perspective.

As I always say, “It’s been done before!” But not with your voice, your style, your creativity.

Key Takeaways:
- AI transforms jobs, it doesn’t eliminate them
- Human creativity remains irreplaceable
- Transparency is crucial when using AI writing tools
- Embrace AI as a collaborative tool, not a competitor
Lastly, my conversation with ChatGP from a Mar 2023, things have changed a little.

Join the Writers Without Walls Community

Are you ready to navigate the AI writing landscape? The future belongs to those who adapt, innovate, and stay true to their creative spirit.

At Writers Without Walls, we believe in a simple mission: writing tools should assist writers, not replace them. We’re building a community of forward-thinking creators who see AI as a collaborative partner, not a competitor.

Why Join Writers Without Walls?

Get early access to cutting-edge writing tools

Connect with like-minded writers

Exclusive discounts on our innovative AI writing assistance platform

Be part of a movement that puts human creativity first

Ready to revolutionize your writing journey?

Join our Patreon Community

Stay updated on our latest tools and resources

Connect with writers who are shaping the future of creative writing

We’re not just writing the future – we’re creating it, one authentic story at a time.it.

Written by James “JD” Armstrong

Founder, Writers Without Walls
February 19, 2025
The Journey to Honest AI: Building StorySensAI

StorySensAI logo

A recent interaction with a writer using StorySensAI sparked an interesting conversation that perfectly captured why I spent a year developing this tool. Their response was humorous and insightful:

“The application is quite complete, it analyzes your story from a lot of angles and doesn’t mince words… The best thing is that this way I hate the AIs more and not the human beings who criticize my writing.”

The Psychology of Writing Feedback

We’ve all been there. You share your first story with friends or family, and their response is predictable: they love it. It’s amazing. These well-meaning loved ones tell us white lies to spare our feelings. While their intentions are good, this creates two significant problems.

The Impostor Syndrome Trap

First, as readers, we usually know deep down what quality our writing is. When we receive over-the-top praise, something interesting happens: instead of logically recognizing it as gentle encouragement, we internalize it. Then our subconscious mind, always trying to protect us, starts its sabotage campaign.

To shield us from the pain of honest feedback, it plants seeds of doubt. We stop sharing our work because we fear being exposed as imposters. The safest path becomes never trying at all.

The Ego Inflation Problem

The second scenario is equally problematic. Sometimes, we let our ego embrace the narrative that we’re amazing writers. We might be okay, or even good, but believing we’re already exceptional removes any drive to improve. This can lead to years of stagnation until someone finally provides honest feedback. And it crushes us.

The Birth of StorySensAI

This psychological minefield is exactly where the concept of StorySensAI originated. AI doesn’t love you. It doesn’t understand or care about your feelings unless programmed to do so. And that’s where I hit my first challenge: most AI models are programmed to be non-confrontational, avoiding criticism and sugar-coating their responses.

Breaking Free from Sugar-Coating

When I started building StorySensAI, it fell into the same trap as other AI tools – being overly generous with ratings and consistently positive feedback. It would give my early stories, written 20-30 years ago, scores of 4 out of 5 or higher. As their author, I knew better.

While these stories were meaningful to my development and enjoyed by readers, they weren’t masterpieces deserving such high scores. More importantly, if a story I wrote at 21 scored 4.5 out of 5, where was the room for growth? How could this reflect the improvement in my writing after 30 years of life experience?

The Year-Long Journey to Honesty

It took a full year of development and refinement to get StorySensAI to provide genuinely useful feedback and accurate scoring. The breakthrough moment? When it rated one of my early stories at 2.75 out of 5. That sting of criticism told me we were finally on the right track.

But accurate scoring was just the beginning. We needed consistency and constructive criticism. Specific tips for improving our writing.

Why Honest AI Feedback Matters

Unlike ChatGPT and other AI models programmed to be eternally encouraging, StorySensAI follows a different philosophy. It’s not here to make you feel good – it’s here to help you become better.

When my newest story achieved a 4 out of 5, it meant something real. The detailed breakdown showed exactly where improvements could be made, providing actionable insights rather than vague encouragement.

The Human Element

It’s important to note that AI doesn’t always get everything right. StorySensAI assesses writing from a technical viewpoint, and you don’t have to accept every suggestion. As humans, we’re unpredictable, we break rules, often deliberately, for specific effects. This is something AI can’t fully grasp, which is precisely why using AI to write your story is pointless. It can’t capture YOUR authentic voice.

The SensAI Triad Philosophy

SensAI Triad logo

StorySensAI, along with its partners SummarySensAI and ConceptSensAI, form the SensAI Triad. Each tool evolved to meet specific needs in the writing journey, but they all share one fundamental principle: they will never write or rewrite for you. Not even a single sentence. This is a line we won’t cross.

The Evolution of SummarySensAI

SummarySensAI logo

What started as a support tool for StorySensAI, helping to maintain plot consistency during analysis, has grown into something more comprehensive. SummarySensAI now helps writers create promotional summaries for their work, crafting intriguing teasers for social media that capture readers’ interest without spoiling the story.

ConceptSensAI and the Myth of “No New Stories”

ConceptSensAI logo

ConceptSensAI was born from a common discouraging comment in writing circles: “There are no new stories to write about – they’ve all been done before.” This tool challenges that notion by analyzing how your unique perspective brings fresh life to classic themes.

I could share one of my own unique story concepts as an example here, but that highlights another reality of being a writer – the natural hesitation to share our ideas publicly before they’re fully realized! This is exactly why ConceptSensAI is valuable – you can test your concept’s uniqueness privately, getting feedback on whether your twist on a classic theme brings something new to the table, all without revealing your story idea to potential… let’s say, ‘inspiration seekers.’

The Power of Individual Voice

But here’s the thing about story ideas, even if I shared my concept and someone tried to write it, they couldn’t write my story. They might use the same premise, but they’d write their version, with their voice, their experiences, and their understanding of human nature. Just like AI can’t replicate human creativity, no writer can truly replicate another writer’s voice.

This is what makes writing so uniquely human. Two writers could start with the identical premise – a haunted house, a love triangle, a heist gone wrong – and end up with completely different stories. It’s not just about the plot points; it’s about the writer’s voice, their perspective, their way of seeing and describing the world. This is something ConceptSensAI understands and factors into its analysis – it’s not just about whether a concept has been done before, but how your unique voice and perspective might bring something new to it.

Looking Forward

Today, when writers interact with StorySensAI, they might wince at its directness, but they know they’re getting genuine feedback. As our user humorously noted, they can direct their frustration at the AI rather than human critics. Behind this joke lies an important truth: real improvement comes from facing honest feedback, not gentle platitudes.

The journey from those early, overly generous ratings to today’s precise, honest feedback system mirrors the path many writers take: moving from seeking validation to embracing constructive criticism. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s always valuable.

Ready to experience honest, constructive feedback? Join our Writers Without Walls community on Patreon to stay updated on new tool releases and get early access to our growing suite of writing tools. Community members get first access to try new features, exclusive discounts on our services, and much more.

Learn about our latest tools and services in our recent blog post about our expansion. Writers Without Walls Expands.

Written by James “JD” Armstrong
Founder, Writers Without Walls

February 13, 2025
Writers Without Walls – Origin Story
Sometimes the most impactful ideas are born from moments of frustration. In 2018, I came across a tweet that would plant the seed for what would eventually become Writers Without Walls. The tweet stated that literary agents were requiring writers to have a minimum of 50,000 followers across social media platforms and maintain constant engagement with their audience.

As a single father without a support network, this struck a particular chord with me. I distinctly remember seeing a tweet from another writer asking, “Hey writers who are single parents – when do you find time to write?”

My response was this photo that said it all: my young son perched on my shoulders while I attempted to look at the camera, a perfect visual metaphor for the balancing act parents who write must perform. I captioned it simply: “When you figure it out, let me know.”

JD, single parent and writer when allowed.

The photo, both humorous and telling, perfectly encapsulated the reality many writers face: trying to balance their passion for writing with the demands of parenthood, work, and now an increasingly complex publishing landscape that demands constant social media presence.

The Birth of an Idea

The traditional publishing industry has created a system where writers, most of whom don’t make a living from their craft, are expected to juggle full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and an exhausting social media presence. The question that kept nagging at me was simple yet profound: “When do writers actually get to write?”

This question became the catalyst for Writers Without Walls. The vision was clear – we needed to create a system that would support writers rather than burden them with additional obstacles. The journey from concept to reality wasn’t straightforward. I initially explored various platforms, including Web3 solutions, but finding the right foundation and building trust within the writing community proved to be a careful, deliberate process.

A Serendipitous Connection

The project took a significant turn on September 1st when David Meyer posted on Twitter: “I subscribe to the Poets & Writers magazine and it’s absolutely wonderful! It gives me inspiration and encouragement in the crazy writer and publishing world. Now, who wants to start a Web3 Writers magazine with me?”

My response? A simple “Oh oh. Oh Oh.” accompanied by a gif that captured exactly what I was thinking – this was the moment, the opportunity I’d been waiting for. What started as a lighthearted Twitter exchange would blossom into a partnership that would reshape our vision for the future of writing.

JD’s Twitter screenshot

David and I quickly discovered we shared more than just a passion for writing – we both had similar frustrations with the current publishing system and a vision for how Web3 technology could revolutionize the industry. This chance interaction on social media became the catalyst for what would become Writers Without Walls as we know it today.

Evolution and Growth

What started as a response to industry barriers has evolved into a comprehensive platform supporting writers at every stage of their journey. Writers Without Walls isn’t just a community – it’s a movement aimed at decentralizing the writing industry and giving power back to creators. You can read about our goals in our whitepaper.

Today, we’ve expanded beyond our initial vision to include innovative tools and services:
- StorySensAI, SummarySensAI, and ConceptSensAI: AI-powered tools designed to support, not replace, the creative process
- SyncroPub: A revolutionary publishing tool in development for streamlined content distribution
- AuthentiAuthor: A verification system ensuring transparency in AI-assisted writing. (To be developed.)
Plus more tools available soon and more in development. Join our community to get first look in and beta access invites.

Building the Future

With the addition of Andrew Zavitsanos to our founding team, bringing over 20 years of project and service management experience, Writers Without Walls continues to grow and evolve. Our mission remains unchanged: to break down the walls that traditionally separate writers from success, whether they’re technological, social, or economic barriers.

We’re building more than just a platform – we’re creating a new ecosystem where writers can thrive without sacrificing their creativity or well-being. From our fortnightly newsletter to our growing suite of tools, every aspect of Writers Without Walls is designed with one goal in mind: supporting writers in their journey to make a living from their craft while maintaining their artistic integrity.

Join the Revolution

What began as a response to an unrealistic social media requirement has grown into a movement that’s reshaping how writers connect, create, and succeed in the digital age. We invite you to be part of this revolution – whether you’re a seasoned author or just beginning your writing journey.

Writers Without Walls stands as a testament to what’s possible when we challenge the status quo and put writers’ needs first. Together, we’re not just breaking down walls; we’re building bridges to a future where creativity knows no bounds.

Are you ready to join a community that puts writers first? Visit WritersWithoutWalls.com to learn more about how you can be part of this growing movement.

Written by James “JD” Armstrong
Founder, Writers Without Walls
February 9, 2025