WYRM is the asylum for speculative fiction writers who are dedicated to giving in-depth, constructive reviews and appreciate the same in return. Our focus is on fantasy and science fiction, but all manner of speculative fiction is welcome.

We deal in short stories and novels in any format (such as static items, book items, and folders). Novels, novellas, and novelettes will be tackled on a chapter-by-chapter basis.

Members of WYRM are expected to offer in-depth constructive criticism for one another, but we also strive to get to know one another in our general discussion forum. Members are encouraged to visit the discussion forum, which is open to all group members, no matter where they are in the induction process.

We use the general discussion forum to share news and updates, ask advice on our writing endeavors, and stimulate one another's creativity. (Sometimes, "stimulating one another's creativity" involves telling jokes, just saying hi, or sharing ups and downs.)

When we get to know each other this way, we can better understand one another's ideas and goals. It's just one more tool for making us better reviewers and better writers.

As for member obligations, each member is required to turn in one review per week. The weekly reviews a member turns in must consistently meet our high standards in its substantive and constructive qualities. A review is required each week even if the member does not receive a review that week, but we do our best to ensure that the giving and receiving ratio is fair.

It is not required that a member have an item up for review at all times, as we know that writers do not always have an item ready for analysis. However, members are still required to do their weekly reviews unless they choose to go on hiatus, which is available to Full Members only, and not for extended periods of time.

What the acronym, WYRM, stands for is far less important than what the group stands for. And the group stands for itself. For its members. There is no group leader, only Application Period Members, Probationary Members, and Full Members.



When Longswords, Lasers, & Literature looked as if it was about to go into retirement, many of us were devastated to see our time with some of the most dedicated reviewers we had ever known coming to an end. Fearful that we might lose all that we had worked for, WYRM was set up as a haven in case LL&L went down. It was also an opportunity to change the rules around and try new things. We had this lifeboat, stocked and ready to shove off should our ship succumb to the waves.

It didn't (at that time), but this dream of a group that was centered on its members did not die. WYRM has a longer period between acceptance and elevation to Full Member status, but Full Members are entitled to everything that is usually reserved for group leaders. There will always be someone updating the boards, changing out items that need changing, and keeping up with which members fulfill their duties. As the Full Member who houses this group item, I make the pledge that if no one else can meet these obligations, I will always find time to do it.



There are two steps in the WYRM application process. Both were inspired by LL&L, as they have proven to be excellent in the way of assessing a potential member's attributes.

Please note, WYRM only accepts applications from Writing.com members who are eighteen years of age or older.

[ Step One ]
Review an item listed in the "Application Review Forum"  and make sure you post your review to that forum. You will find sample reviews from some of our members in there. We also mark which application reviews make the cut. This should give you an idea of the types of reviews we expect.

[ Step Two ]
Once you have completed Step One, please fill out the "Application Form" 

If accepted, you will enter an Application Period of two weeks, during which time you are expected to submit one review per each of those two weeks. That's a total of two reviews that must meet or exceed the quality of the application review the member submitted in Step One of the application process. (That does not necessarily mean it needs to meet or exceed the application review's length. Never confuse quantity with quality.) It is also a time for Application Period Members to get a feel for how we do things. And we're not heartless. We'll be there to answer any questions, offer guidance, and encourage you however we are able.

After fulfilling the requirements of the two-week Application Period, the member becomes a Probationary Period Member. You may then submit an item for review and other members of WYRM will be free to offer criticism.

After a Probationary Period of four additional weeks, the Probationary Member will become a Full Member, assuming you continue to meet WYRM's requirements. Full Members are eligible to vote on group matters (including the induction of new members and implementing new ideas for the best ways to run the group), and they have full editing privileges on WYRM group pages such as the WYRM Review Forum, which is where members' items are linked for review.

If you have any further questions about WYRM, or if you need to have anything clarified, then please stop by our public forum, linked under "Current Events."



WYRM runs some public activities for all members of WDC. We have a signature shop and an annual marathon reviewing and writing contest. We also reward reviewers on the public reviewing page. If you would like to check out some of WYRM's events, follow the links below.

"WYRM's Gauntlet"  [18+]
Check it out now, my funk-soul brother. Unless you're scared?

"The Image Bucket (Closed)"  [ASR]
Image shop from WYRM to help raise funds for the group's contests and review rewards.

"Talk to the WYRMs"  [18+]
This is the place to get in touch with the group as a whole. Ask questions, leave comments, or just let us know you stopped by.



We use donations to award public reviews (of all genres), give merit badges out to shining reviewers of speculative fiction, and pin awardicons to outstanding pieces of speculative fiction or pieces concerning in-depth reviewing. Once a year, we will be using them to run our contest, "WYRM's Gauntlet" .

                                       "The Image Bucket (Closed)"  [ASR]
                                          390,800

                                       "Longswords, Lasers, & Literature: CLOSED"  [13+]
                                          248,969

                                       The Dark Lady
                                          134,678

                                       Lukewarm
                                          38,000

                                       Arwee
                                          110,000

                                       Raine
                                          10,000

                                       Lynn McKenzie
                                          25,000 + 43,000 for "WYRM's Gauntlet" 

                                       badvoudou
                                          34,000

                                       Rìley
                                          2,600

                                       Gabriella's 6th !! :))
                                          50,000

                                       Brooke-Reading Dear Me Letters
                                          25,000

                                       Satuawany
                                          101,010

                                       Schezar
                                          69,000

                                       Stargopher
                                          120,000

                                       Giselle
                                          5,000

                                       Asymmetrical
                                          20,952

                                       Jace
                                          10,000

                                       Ariana
                                          28,500

                                       Natalie
                                          1,900

                                       Lorien
                                          950

                                       Rogue♥SimplyPos+WDC
                                          100,000 for "WYRM's Gauntlet" 

                                       ~j
                                          100,000

                                       SoCalScribe
                                          100,000 for "WYRM's Gauntlet" 

                                       ozhan
                                          5,000

                                       Riot™
                                          100,000

                                       Anonymous
                                          28,941