It's a dream of many writers to spend a week, a month, or longer at a writer's colony. These retreats offer writers a quite place to work, free of family or other responsibilities. Online writer's colonies cannot provide the physical getaway that many authors desire, but they can provide the community, inspiration, and motivation that so many find invaluable.

One such online community is Litopia, which describes itself as "the net's oldest community for writers." This free online writing site includes a "salon" where members can chat about the writing life, and a "sweatshop" where writers can hone their craft with guidance from other members, among other features. It's the brainchild of literary agent Peter Cox, who also accepts submissions from unpublished writers who have gone through the Litopia critique system.

Perhaps the most Character Approved aspect of Litopia, however, is how it embraces technology to help build the writer community. Radio Litopia is a volunteer-run online radio station that broadcasts programming of interest to writers and readers. Shows include "Between the Lines," which features interviews with well-known authors, and "The Debriefer," which features twice-monthly episodes about legal issues as they relate to writers. "Litopia After Dark" (which is on a brief hiatus until June 3rd) is a virtual salon that allows listeners to participate via live chat. It covers any and all topics of interest to writers and readers. A new project is "Open House," which comes out of beta testing on June 12th. This weekly show allows for participation via Skype or telephone, as well as by chat room.

Litopia has also embraced the recent publishing technology to create Muse Magazine, a quarterly e-zine that is free to download. Compiled by Litopia members, the each issue is themed and includes interviews with authors, articles dedicated to the craft of writing, book reviews, short fiction and more.

If you're a serious writer, published or not, Litopia is a community worth exploring. It might not be a month-long stay in a cozy house with all meals provided, but this online writer's colony may do as much, if not more, to improve your writing.

[Image: Litopia]