by PC Marks

Created on: January 29, 2009   Last Updated: May 21, 2009

My love for reading and writing has manifested into a Helium addiction.
I happened upon the site by accident a few years ago searching for free websites to promote my novel up pops Helium. I saved Helium to my favorites and continue to visit every chance I get.

When I first became a member I did more browsing and promoting of my novel to gain interest, then my reasoning became less selfish. I began to read the articles others had written and became enthralled.

The words of some of the writers on Helium were put together so nicely I became inspired. Being the competitive person I am, I also put fingertips to keyboard.

I would go to Rate and find myself having an opinion on the subjects presented. I'd click on Write and before I knew it I had a catalogue of articles I had written. Some ranked very well, others not so well but I still enjoy doing it.

After that, I sold my first article through Helium (idiomag.com, the title of the article: Hip Hop), what a boost to my ego! This article has been deleted from Helium after it sold but I have copies that I will give to just about anybody who request it!

Then I began to get emails from fellow writers concerning my articles. I find that feedback is the best form of flattery an aspiring writer can get. My motto is to take the negative feedback as constructive criticism and free help to improve my craft.

The positive feedback I have received is just as valuable. For someone to take the time to write me to tell me they agree/disagree, correct a typographical error, misspelling, grammatical error, etc... is just as appreciated as the negative feedback.

Since joining Helium, I have sold articles to my local newspaper, entered writing and poetry contest and have received accolades/payments for my articles! I actually have a "portfolio."

I too have tried to help other writers as they have volunteered to help me. What better way to learn than hands on people who want nothing from you, appreciate your article and take the time out of their busy day to help a total stranger.

I don't know if the help is inadvertently and we're all just opinionated but either way Helium has given us the tool to voice our opinions, make our points, learn from one another and last but not least, pay us all for doing so!

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