Sunday 4th January - #musicwriters highlights

It's great to see how well #musicwriters kicked off this Sunday! We had loads of thoughtful comments and topics brought up, so here's this week's summary.

Topic #1 - How do you stand out from the crowd?

@MWritersChat depends on you goals, my content is honest and unbiased to be taken seriously but my alias is corny enough to catch the eye.
— GavTheGothicChav (@GavinJGriffiths) January 4, 2015

@MWritersChat Amusing comments my +1s drop at live reviews #musicwriters
— Elizabeth (@libby_ayres) January 4, 2015

@MWritersChat I'm a walking gimmick. If you see 'tricksy riff' and 'punishing drums' in a review, it's likely mine.
— Ali Zombie (@alizombie_) January 4, 2015

Topic #2 - What are your views on copy and pasting press releases?

@MWritersChat It's only okay if it's not an opinion, and it's kept to the opening paragraph #musicwriters
— Elizabeth (@libby_ayres) January 4, 2015

@MWritersChat blatantly copy and pasting? No, quoting something is fine if done sparingly but copy and pasting is just lazy.
— GavTheGothicChav (@GavinJGriffiths) January 4, 2015

Topic #3 - What releases are you looking forward to in 2015?

@MWritersChat My money's on Marilyn Manson and Atreyu, can't wait to hear what they've got lined up #musicwriters
— Ali Zombie (@alizombie_) January 4, 2015

@MWritersChat I'm looking forward for Three Days Grace and Nightwish albums :) #musicwriters
— Meg(z)han. (@gotmeghan) January 4, 2015

@MWritersChat Coldplay! Interesting how they'll wind things up. @Treasuresmusic are my ones to watch though
— Elizabeth (@libby_ayres) January 4, 2015

Topic #4 - What's your best working environment?

@MWritersChat I occasionally write on the bus but to work properly I have to be at my desk #musicwriters
— Sêan Reid (@seanreid86) January 4, 2015

@MWritersChat I don't have anything that I use when I write. I like to listen to scores/fantasy stuff more than anything #musicwriters
— Meg(z)han. (@gotmeghan) January 4, 2015

@MWritersChat #musicwriters solitude, and a cold beer is all you need. At peace to write freely.
— GavTheGothicChav (@GavinJGriffiths) January 4, 2015

@MWritersChat I love writing in bed. 3am, no distractions, just the music #musicwriters
— Ali Zombie (@alizombie_) January 4, 2015

Topic #5 - How has your site handled the Christmas break?

@MWritersChat Like many we had a quiet period. Only a few posts but nothing major. Concentrated on 2015 #musicwriters
— Sêan Reid (@seanreid86) January 4, 2015

Topic #6 - Inspirational journalists

@MWritersChat I look up to music journalists like @JimDeRogatis and @BenMyers1. Both exceptional writers. #musicwriters
— Mark McConville (@Writer1990Mark) January 4, 2015

Feel free to leave a comment with any topics you'd like to suggest for this week's chat, the poll for suggested topics will go live today, so keep your eyes on the sidebar if you'd like to vote!
Remember, topics aren't compulsory, they're just to spark debate!
Thanks again for all those who got involved on Sunday, hope to see you all back on 11th January!

Welcome to #musicwriters!

Music bloggers, writers and editors - allow me to introduce you to #musicwriters.

If there's only one thing we all agree on, it's that it's tough getting into the music journalism industry. Whatever genre you're interested in, there's always someone with a bigger name and more contacts than you. It's time to level the playing field.

#musicwriters is a weekly Twitter chat designed to help you network and discuss the things you love/hate about the industry with like-minded people.

Every Sunday night between 8 and 9pm, you can come together with other writers and chat either about a suggested topic or whatever you feel like saying that day. Whether you want to share tips on maintaining contacts with PRs or you just feel like ranting about a review you're writing, #musicwriters links you up with other writers, record labels and PR companies to get great conversations up and running.

Just add the #musicwriters hashtag to your tweets so everyone can see your tweets are part of the chat, that's all you need to do!

Our Twitter account @mwriterschat will keep you updated with votes on suggested weekly topics, discussion prompts and will answer any questions or comments.

The suggested weekly topics are by no means concrete - if it doesn't interest you, just talk about anything. We want this to be as laid-back as possible because we know music writers fall into all kinds of genres and styles. There are no rules!

After the chat, you're welcome to share links to your articles, social media, blogs etc. using the #musicwriters tag. If you've had a great conversation with someone, keep in touch!

After every weekly chat, we'll be posting some of the funniest/most popular/most thought-provoking responses using the #musicwriters hashtag on our blog, mwriterschat.blogspot.com. The blog will also hold a vote on a suggested weekly topic where you can submit your ideas and voice your opinion on the shortlisted ideas. Remember, topics aren't mandatory, they're just to inspire and invite conversation.

The first chat is Sunday 21st December from 8-9pm GMT!

Like the sound of this? Get involved! Drop a tweet with the hashtag #musicwriters at any time, whether it's during the chat or not, we'd love to hear from you!