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:
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
Writers Without Walls is a community of writers who believe that creativity knows no boundaries. We are a group of individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, united by a common passion for writing. Our mission is to provide a platform for writers to connect, collaborate, and create without the limitations of physical walls.
In today’s world, technology has made it possible to connect with people from all over the globe, and we believe it’s time to break down the walls that have traditionally separated writers. We want to create a space where writers can share ideas, learn from each other, and inspire one another.
Our goal is not to compete with any web3 or hybrid online publisher. Instead, our aim is to support them. Writers Without Walls will become a centralized, decentralized hub for decentralization in writing. By creating this platform, we offer all web3 and hybrid platforms for writers a chance to compete with the big names in traditional and self-publishing, which have long commoditized our creativity. United, we can bring this revolution to fruition. Currently, as someone deeply involved in web3 since 2017, I see that we are tiny fish in a massive ocean, unnoticed by writers and readers alike, let alone the big players. We need to change this and bring about a transformation in the industry.
Our community is open to writers of all levels, from beginners to professionals. We believe everyone has a story to tell, and we want to help writers find their voice and share their stories with the world. Whether you are a novelist, poet, journalist, or blogger, we welcome you to join us and be part of our community.
Through our online platform, we offer a variety of resources and tools to help writers improve their craft, including workshops, writing prompts, and feedback from other writers. We also provide opportunities for writers to showcase their work and connect with publishers and literary agents.
At Writers Without Walls, we believe that writing is not just a solitary activity but a collaborative one. We invite you to join us and be part of a community that celebrates creativity, diversity, and the power of words. Together, we can break down the walls that have kept us apart and create a world where writers can thrive.
The mission and goals of Writers Without Walls, which is to break down the barriers that traditional industry and web2 conglomerates use to control writers. The organization aims to empower writers by decentralizing the industry and giving individual writers more control over their work.
Decentralization is the idea of distributing power away from a central authority, allowing individuals or smaller organizations to have more control over their affairs. In the context of writing, decentralization means that writers can publish their work without having to rely on a centralized publishing house or platform.
This is made possible through the use of blockchain technology, which allows for a decentralized, peer-to-peer network where writers can share their work with others. By doing so, writers can maintain greater control over their work, including ownership, distribution, and monetization.
Decentralization also allows writers to reach a broader audience, as they are no longer limited to traditional publishing channels. It also enables them to connect more directly with their readers, without having to go through intermediaries such as agents or publishers. The use of blockchain technology also provides greater transparency and accountability in the publishing process, as all transactions are recorded and publicly visible.
Writers Without Walls is more than just a community of writers, it is a movement. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to share their stories and have their voices heard. By breaking down the walls that have traditionally separated writers, we can create a world where creativity knows no bounds.
We invite you to join us and be a part of this movement. Whether you are a writer or simply someone who loves to read, we welcome you to our community. Together, we can build a world where writers can thrive and the power of words can change lives. Writers Without Walls also emphasizes the importance of breaking down mental barriers that writers may put up to sabotage themselves. This is an important aspect of the organization’s mission because many writers struggle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, which can prevent them from achieving their full potential.
Writer’s block: Writers Without Walls can help overcome writer’s block with writing prompts, group writing exercises, and writing challenges. Writing in a supportive and collaborative environment can help get the creative juices flowing and break through writer’s block.
Fear of judgement or criticism: Writers Without Walls is a safe and inclusive community that encourages writers to express themselves without fear of judgment or criticism. Members provide constructive feedback in a supportive and respectful way, which can help writers overcome their fear of sharing their work.
Perfectionism: Writers Without Walls encourages writers to prioritize progress over perfection. Members are encouraged to write their first drafts without worrying about getting everything right the first time. Through feedback and revision, writers can improve their work over time and reach their full potential.
At Writers Without Walls, we believe that everyone has the potential to be a great writer. By breaking down physical and mental barriers, we can create a community that empowers writers to share their stories and achieve their dreams. Join us today and become a part of the movement to revolutionize the writing industry through decentralization and collaboration.
Finally, Writers Without Walls emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the industry. Writers Without Walls believes that readers should decide what the market is, who the popular authors are, and who deserves accolades, irrespective of gender, colour, or any minority group they belong to. This approach is important because it ensures that talented writers from all backgrounds have an equal opportunity to succeed in the industry.
Diversity and inclusivity are vital in the industry as they bring different perspectives and experiences to the table, resulting in more comprehensive and impactful content. It also ensures that underrepresented groups have a voice and are given equal opportunities. Writers Without Walls can promote diversity and inclusivity by:
Encouraging writers of all backgrounds and identities to join and participate in their programs.
Hosting workshops and events that highlight and explore the experiences of marginalized communities.
Providing resources and support for writers from underrepresented groups.
Ensuring that their leadership and staff reflect the diversity they aim to promote.
Collaborating with other organizations and individuals who share similar values and goals.
The Problem
The problem statement for the Writers Without Walls whitepaper is that traditional publishing is difficult to break into, and there are many demands by agents and publishers with little assistance given and little remuneration. Additionally, there is a problem with the web2 monopoly by Amazon, where the algorithm works against the average writer. Writers are expected to have their day job, family life, and write, while also having to maintain all social media platforms and engage. This creates a lot of pressure and can be time-consuming, which can hinder creativity and productivity. When do writers get to write?
Writers Without Walls aims to solve these problems by using existing tools to make one post and engage on all platforms, streamlining the process and saving time. They also plan to implement other tools, such as social and gaming blackouts, for productivity. The front end of the shop will display books in all available formats, and the backend of the profile will allow publishers, agents, editors, etc., to request an audience with the writer. The goal is to turn the industry on its head, freeing creativity and art, and as a result, freeing writers.
In summary, the problem statement for the Writers Without Walls whitepaper is that traditional publishing is difficult to break into, and there are many demands on writers with little assistance given and little remuneration. Writers Without Walls aims to solve these problems by streamlining the process and saving time, implementing tools for productivity, and creating a platform that allows writers to showcase their work and connect with publishers, agents, and editors.
Solution
Writers Without Walls is a solution that aims to provide a platform for writers to connect and collaborate with each other, regardless of their location or background. It is a virtual writing community that offers workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities to writers from all over the world.
The solution is designed to break down the barriers that often prevent writers from accessing the resources and support they need to succeed. By creating a virtual space where writers can come together, share their work, and receive feedback from their peers, Writers Without Walls helps to foster a sense of community and belonging among writers.
In addition to providing a supportive community, Writers Without Walls also offers practical resources and tools to help writers improve their craft. This includes workshops on topics such as character development, plot structure, and dialogue, as well as mentorship programs that pair writers with experienced professionals in their field.
Overall, Writers Without Walls is a valuable solution for writers who are looking to connect with others in their field, improve their writing skills, and gain access to the resources and support they need to succeed.
Technical Details
Writers Without Walls is starting as a community with a newsletter, and they plan to build their platform with the help of their community. Our community which is free to join can be found at WritersWithoutWalls on Patreon
We aim to create the organisation ultimately as a DAO. Built on blockchain technology. The aim is not to compete with existing writing platforms but to offer a hub where writers can showcase their work across all the platforms they choose to use. A centralised, decentralised hub, so to speak.
DAO stands for Decentralised Autonomous Organisation. It is an organisation that is run by rules encoded as computer programs called smart contracts. These smart contracts are self-executing and automatically enforce the rules without the need for intermediaries.
By creating the organisation as a DAO, Writers Without Walls aims to create a decentralised platform where the community has a say in the decision-making process. This means that the community members will have a say in the direction the organisation takes, and they will be able to vote on important decisions.
By starting as a community with a newsletter and building the platform with the help of the community, Writers Without Walls aims to create a decentralised platform, ultimately as a DAO. This will ensure that the community has a say in the decision-making process and the platform is transparent and secure.
Token Economics
The token economics are to be confirmed at a later date. We are exploring the various options and legal ramifications of those for the platform and for users before going forward with anything. We are discussing the potential launch of a new cryptocurrency called EAP (Edgar Allan Poe), with fractionals being an SK (Stephen King). These aren’t set in stone, as again, we need to explore the legalities. The names chosen are just a nod to two of the founders’ favourite writers. We also considering the possibility of individual creator coins being released at a later date, but only after the creators have read and understood the financial, legal, and mental health risks associated with it.
The details of how the cryptocurrency will work and be distributed are still being worked out. This is an important aspect of any cryptocurrency launch, as it determines how the tokens will be valued and traded.
Alexandria Library Reborn
At a later date we aim to build a digital Alexandria Library. It is a unique feature of the platform that allows authors to lease their books to the library, and readers can access any book in the inventory for a subscription fee. This feature is beneficial for both authors and readers.
For authors, it provides an opportunity to showcase their work and gain exposure. By leasing their books to the library, they can reach a wider audience and potentially gain new fans. Additionally, any tips from readers go directly to the writer, which can be a source of income.
For readers, the Alexandria Library provides a vast selection of books to choose from. They can access the books on their devices or enter the VR/AR world and read their book anywhere they can imagine. This feature provides a unique and immersive reading experience that traditional libraries cannot offer.
The subscription fees from readers will be split equally between all writers and the platform (details tbc). This ensures that writers are fairly compensated for their work, and the platform can continue to operate and provide this service to readers.
Services
We have developed tools and are continuing to develop more as we grow. AI tools, publishing tools, and verification tools for writers. We understand and respect the unique relationship between a writer and their craft. In an era where AI’s role in creative fields is both promising and concerning, we acknowledge the apprehensions writers may have about the integrity and originality of their work. That’s why we’re dedicated to crafting AI tools that not only respect but also protect your creative process.
Our suite of SensAI tools – StorySensAI, SummarySensAI, and ConceptSensAI – are designed with the writer’s journey in mind. They are not here to write for you but to serve as your personal writing coach, providing objective, technical feedback while ensuring your narrative’s essence remains untouched and purely yours. We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality and security of your work; the stories you input are not retained or used to train our models.
At WritersWithoutWalls, we believe in harnessing AI’s potential to enhance, not replace, the creative spark within each writer. Our SensAI’s are your writing sensei’s, guiding you with insights and feedback that refine your skills and elevate your craft. Embrace the journey of storytelling with confidence, knowing that your unique voice is supported and amplified, not overshadowed, by our AI-driven tools.
StorySensAI StorySensAI is an AI-powered service designed to review and evaluate your short story based on a set of 20 criteria. When you input your story, StorySensAI will provide specific feedback and a rating out of 5 for each criterion. It assesses various aspects of your story, such as originality, plot, character development, dialogue, pacing, themes, and more. By using StorySensAI, you can gain valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of your story, helping you understand how it stands out, engage readers, and improve overall quality. At the end, you will receive an average overall score, along with a summary of the good aspects, the areas that need improvement, and any significant issues that need attention.
SummarySensAI SummarySensAI is a service dedicated to generating concise summaries of your story. After you input your story, SummarySensAI reads it and creates a summary that captures the key plot points, character arcs, and themes in 100 words or less. The generated summary maintains the original tone and mood of your story and presents the information in clear and simple language. By using SummarySensAI, you can quickly obtain a condensed version of your story, allowing you to have a better understanding of its core elements. You can copy the summary and include it in the StorySensAI review process, facilitating the assessment of your story’s overall structure and content.
ConceptSensAI ConceptSensAI is a tool designed to assess and provide feedback on your story concept. By inputting your concept, ConceptSensAI evaluates it based on nine key criteria. It assesses the concept’s originality, complexity, opportunities for character development, potential for conflict and tension, explored themes, feasibility within the story’s world, audience appeal, and the suitability of the concept’s narrative arc and length. ConceptSensAI helps you gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses of your concept, enabling you to refine and develop it further. It serves as a valuable resource to shape your ideas and ensure that your concept has a solid foundation before delving into the writing process, ultimately enhancing your overall storytelling experience.
SyncroPub SyncroPub is an ambitious concept currently in development, with a beta release targeted for the second quarter of 2024. It represents a transformative approach to digital content distribution, aiming to revolutionize the way writers and content creators publish their work across various platforms. The core idea of SyncroPub is to provide a streamlined, efficient system where a single master document can be automatically adapted and optimized for different publishing platforms such as Medium, Substack, Ghost, and more. This not only promises to significantly reduce the time and effort involved in formatting and publishing content but also ensures that the integrity and consistency of the content are maintained across diverse platforms. As the development progresses, SyncroPub is poised to offer an intuitive, user-friendly interface coupled with intelligent automation features, positioning itself as a game-changer in the realm of digital publishing. The anticipation for its beta release reflects the growing need for innovative solutions in the dynamic and ever-evolving digital content landscape.
AuthentiAuthor In the ever-evolving domain of literary creation, the distinction between artificial intelligence and human ingenuity is becoming increasingly nuanced. Recognizing the importance of clarity and integrity in this new era, we are excited to introduce AuthentiAuthor, a pioneering service set to redefine the standards of authorship and authenticity. Currently in development, AuthentiAuthor is poised to offer a voluntary verification system that allows writers to transparently showcase the extent of AI assistance in their works. From research support to significant content generation, AuthentiAuthor badges will communicate the true essence of collaboration between human intellect and artificial intelligence, ensuring readers are informed and authors’ genuine contributions are celebrated. This service is more than just a verification tool; it’s a testament to our commitment to nurturing the sacred bond between writer and reader, preserving the authenticity of the narrative craft amidst the tides of technological advancement. Stay tuned as we shape the future of trustworthy and transparent storytelling with AuthentiAuthor.
As the visionary founder of WritersWithoutWalls, James “JD” Armstrong embodies the spirit of innovation and creative collaboration. With an illustrious career that traverses the Australian Navy to the forefront of tech entrepreneurship, JD’s multifaceted expertise shines in his ability to lead and inspire. His ventures, notably including StorySensAI, SummarySensAI, and the recent SyncroPub, underscore his commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital storytelling. JD’s holistic coaching credentials, combined with a philosophy that values adaptability and resourcefulness, make him a dynamic leader, guiding WritersWithoutWalls to redefine collaborative creativity in the digital age.
David J Meyer
A Georgia native, founder of SpatiumStories and co-founder of WritersWithoutWalls, brings a unique blend of spirituality and technical prowess to the team. As a seasoned coder with a heart for storytelling, David’s journey from disenchanted student to passionate writer and creator is inspiring. His discovery and subsequent love for immersive narratives like Jurassic Park and Lord of the Rings reignited his passion for writing, transforming it into a multifaceted pursuit that spans fiction, insightful articles, and his own newsletter, Biblit. David’s belief in our innate, God-given ability to create mirrors the foundational ethos of WritersWithoutWalls, where creativity and innovation converge.
Andrew Zavitsanos
The latest luminary to join WritersWithoutWalls as a co-founder, is the epitome of a seasoned generalist, bringing a wealth of over 20 years in project and service management to the team. Hailing from Melbourne, Andrew’s extensive experience in remote work is complemented by his deep knowledge in web3, technology, and people management. With a keen eye for simplicity and a common-sense approach to work and life, Andrew’s contributions extend beyond his professional prowess. His role within WritersWithoutWalls goes beyond managing projects; it’s about enriching the platform with his holistic perspective on creativity, productivity, and the art of writing.
Written by James “JD” Armstrong Founder, Writers Without Walls
Writers Without Walls starts 2025 with exciting new features to support your writing journey. As a growing writing community platform, we’ve built new spaces for creative expression, added powerful writing tools, and strengthened our resources.
Our mission remains clear: to give writers the resources, community, and tools they need to succeed. Every new feature aims to make your writing process smoother and more rewarding.
Let’s explore what’s new and how these additions can help your writing career grow.
Enhanced Blog Platform
Our blog now offers focused categories to match your writing interests:
Writing Tips: Practical advice to improve your craft
Industry News: Latest updates from the writing world
Community: Stories and updates from fellow writers
AI and Writing: Balanced perspectives on AI tools
Web3 Writing: Opportunities in digital publishing
Each category brings fresh insights to help you stay informed and inspired. You’ll find practical tips, real experiences, and actionable steps to move your writing forward.
Join Our Writing Community
Our writing resources platform now includes a relaunched Patreon community to give you more value and support. Choose between two membership tiers that match your needs:
Free Membership gives you:
Regular community updates
Access to public discussions
Basic writing resources
Beyond the Wall Membership opens up:
First look at new writing tools
Your own writer profile page
Chances to promote your work
Guest writing spots
Special resources and templates
Discounts on SensAI Triad
Course discounts
New Digital Spaces for Writers
We’ve created three new platforms to showcase your work and connect with others:
Twists and Turns helps you build your online presence. Paid members can create profiles to display their creative works and connect with other writers.
Perspectives lets you share your articles with our community. Add your RSS feed or send links to get your work listed and seen by more readers.
Trusted Paths connects you with quality opportunities. We carefully check each partner, platform, and publication to ensure you find genuine chances to grow your writing career.
Writing Tools and Technology
The SensAI Triad writing tools form the core of Writers Without Walls features, designed to enhance your writing process. Each tool respects your privacy – we don’t store your data or train on your content.
StorySensAI acts as your writing coach. It studies your work and offers tips to make your stories stronger. Think of it as a skilled reader who helps polish your narrative skills.
SummarySensAI helps you create strong book descriptions. It looks at your full story and helps you write summaries that grab reader attention.
ConceptSensAI works as your brainstorming partner. Share your ideas, and it helps you explore new angles and plot directions.
We’ve also launched StorySurge, your book launch assistant. Input your launch date, and it creates a custom calendar with key tasks and deadlines. Export your schedule to your preferred calendar app and stay on track for launch day.
Coming Soon: New Tools
We’re developing more tools to support your writing:
ArticleSensAI
Reviews your articles
Offers writing tips
Helps strengthen your content
PromptVault
Generates unique writing prompts
Helps beat writer’s block
Sparks new story ideas
Your Creative Digital Brain
Tracks your writing projects
Makes updates simple
Keeps ideas organized
Syndrome Slayer
Tackles imposter syndrome
Builds writing confidence
Provides emotional support
StoryPlotterAI
Helps structure your stories
Perfect for new plotters
Makes outlining easier
Take Your Writing Further
Now is the perfect time to join Writers Without Walls. Start with our free membership to explore our community, or dive straight into Beyond the Wall membership for full access to our tools and features.
