Writing.Com 101

Item Types and Their Uses

Items are the building blocks of Writing.Com. Everything you create—stories, discussions, images, and more—is an item in your portfolio.

Most interactions on the site happen through items. You can share writing, join conversations, organize your work, or create interactive experiences.

When creating something new, choose the item type that best fits what you want to do. Each item is saved to your portfolio and assigned a unique ID, making it easy to share and find. You’ll see these same categories when you click +Create Something in the navigation.

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Which Item Should I Choose?
Not sure where to start? Here are some quick guidelines:

I want to write a story, poem, or article

Use a Static Item

I’m writing something with chapters or multiple parts

Use a Book

I want to post regularly like a journal or updates

Use a Campfire Creative

I want others to help continue the story

Use an Interactive Story or a Campfire Creative

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I want to ask questions or start a discussion

Use a Message Forum

I want a private or shared space for a group of people

Use a Group

I want to send something fun or visual to another member

Use a Community Note (cNote)

I want quick participation or voting

Use a User Poll

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I want to upload photos or artwork

Use an Image or Photo Album

I want to upload a document or formatted file

Use a Document

I want to upload audio

Use Audio

I want full control over layout or design

Use a Web Page

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I want to organize my items

Use a Folder

I want to keep track of lists and collaborate with others

Use a Workspace

I want to collect feedback or responses

Use a Survey Form

I want to sell something

Use a Shop

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I want something interactive or game-like

Madlib
Quiz
Crossword Puzzle
Word Search

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Membership Access

Some item types are available to all members (Free), while others require a paid membership level. These are labeled as:

Basic
Upgraded
Premium
Premium Plus

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Writing & Content

Static Item
Standard writing such as poems, stories, essays, and articles.

Book
Organize multiple entries into chapters or sections within one work.
Books can also be set up as blogs for ongoing journals or series of posts.

Campfire Creative
Collaborative storytelling passed from one writer to another.

Interactive Story
Create a choose-your-own-path story shaped by reader decisions.

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Community & Interaction

Message Forum
Start discussions and interact with other members.

Group
Create a private or public space for members to connect and share.

Community Note (cNote)
Send themed e-cards to other members.

In & Out
Create fast-moving chain stories or lists where new entries replace old ones.

User Poll
Ask members to vote on a question or topic.

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Media & Files

Image
Upload individual images to your portfolio.

Photo Album
Share multiple images in a gallery format.

Audio
Upload recordings such as readings or music.

Web Page
Create custom pages using WritingML and HTML.

Document
Upload DOC or PDF files.

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Tools & Organization

Folder
Organize items within your portfolio.

Survey Form
Create custom questionnaires.

Shop
Sell digital goods or services.

Product Review
Review books, movies, games, and more.

Workspaces (Coming soon)
Collaborate on projects and manage tasks.

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Activities

Madlib
Fill-in-the-blank stories with unpredictable results.

Word Search
Create word puzzles for readers to solve.

Crossword Puzzle
Build custom crossword challenges.

Quiz
Create tests or knowledge checks for others.

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Explore more:

Creating and Uploading Writing
Free and Paid Membership Benefits