I joined steemit over seven months ago now, and my only real regret is not signing up earlier. 

I had a blog years ago where I wrote about being a new mother, but besides that I really hadn't done any writing publicly. 

When I joined I wasn't sure what I was going to write about, I had been thinking of writing a novel and been jotting down some notes - but I wasn't sure I wanted to write that live for the world to see. 

<center>http://imgur.com/iZYmTEC.jpg</center>

So instead I decided to write a spin off story of sorts, I'd use the world I had been creating for my novel and write about other characters - not any from my original main storyline idea.

Well as it turns out I got through seven instalments before I realised the stories were going to clash, if I kept going I would reveal things from the main story. 

<center><strong>The Seven Instalments</strong></center>
<center><strong>Part 1 <a href="https://steemit.com/fantasy/@krystle/part-1-disturbance">Disturbance</a></strong></center>
<center><strong>Part 2 <a href="https://steemit.com/fantasy/@krystle/part-2-survival-original-fiction-for-steemit">Survival</a></strong></center>
<center><strong>Part 3 <a href="https://steemit.com/fantasy/@krystle/part-3-escape-original-fiction-for-steemit">Escape</a></strong></center>
<center><strong>Part 4 <a href="https://steemit.com/fiction/@krystle/part-4-shelter-original-fiction-for-steemit">Shelter</a></strong></center>
<center><strong>Part 5 <a href="https://steemit.com/fantasy/@krystle/part-5-the-discussion-original-fiction-for-steemit">The Discussion</a></strong></center>
<center><strong>Part 6 <a href="https://steemit.com/fiction/@krystle/part-6-the-long-watch-original-fiction-for-steemit">The Long Watch</a></strong></center>
<center><strong>Part 7 <a href="https://steemit.com/fantasy/@krystle/part-7-the-kawahlin-original-fiction-for-steemit">The Kawahlin</a></strong></center>

My very first fiction post earned me $13.63 not much but for an unpublished author I was stoked, and better yet this was my second ever post - in total for the seven posts I made $44.82, some were lower paying some higher. 

But the point is as a new writer I was being paid, getting feedback from readers and it didn't cost me a single cent.

Payouts are not guaranteed on the platform, just because you are here and posting doesn't mean you'll be getting paid every post - it is really important to realise you still need to work hard and keep posting even if you aren't earning.

<center>http://imgur.com/FyBKqNY.jpg</center>

It is crucial to realise the payments are a pleasant and at times occasional bonus, if you're serious about writing or blogging your main goal should always be to create great content - you write because you love to write not for the hope of money.

On top of all of this and more valuable (IMO), steemit provides you with an opportunity to reward the people who choose to interact and engage with you on your content. 

Having the opportunity to engage with your readers is invaluable, especially if you are writing a first draft like I am.

When I get feedback on something I have written, I can upvote that comment this will result in that commenter to also receive a payment - most are small amounts, but small amounts add up fast. 

This means that on steemit people are incentivised to comment and interact with you, because they also benefit from the effort. 

You also have the opportunity to engage with fellow writers, and see what content others are creating - there is an amazing collection of authors and artists on steemit that are worth following.    

Another great perk is that all work you submit, is protected by the blockchain - this means if your personal backup is destroyed, it is still going to be available on steemit. 

Since I finished the first series, I knew I wanted to write my main story here on steemit and so I started first with a Masters of Knowledges record and then onto research for my novel. 

I may not have made a large amount of money but I have started valuable work on a massive story, I have started to gain a following and even have some regular readers. 

Steemit doesn't ensure success but it gives you the best chance I've found so far too earn while you write with no need of agents or publishers - you control what you write and when.

<center>http://imgur.com/xwLPmEZ.jpg</center>

I just see in this day with hardcopy books on the decline and more and more people opting for the digital download instead, what is the point in holding out hope an agent or publisher might agree to work with you?

As far as I can see there is none, this doesn't mean I won't pursue being published someday but for now while I'm still writing the story I can earn a little to help buy supplies I use.

I have written a similar <a href="https://steemit.com/steemit/@krystle/why-steemit-is-an-amazing-platform-for-new-authors-to-self-publish"><strong>post</strong></a> a few months ago that covers my views in a lot more detail.

But as I am starting to make contact with other authors on twitter and recommending that they come check out steemit, I thought a post explaining why I recommend this platform was in order. 

I have been an active users for seven months now and I intend to keep writing as long as the platform is available, I truly cannot recommend steemit enough for writers trying to catch a break - and get some recognition for their hard work. 

<center>http://imgur.com/1rTOMBf.png</center>

<center>**Like what you've read so far?**<br /><strong>Check out <a href="https://steemit.com/fiction/@krystle/progress-on-my-story-proof-of-ink-easy-access-links-to-the-story-so-far">my story</a></strong><br><a href="https://steemit.com/@krystle"><img src="http://imgur.com/MuQYMot.png"> <img src="https://www.steemimg.com/images/2016/08/30/krystle8a9f5.png"></a> <br/><strong>or follow me on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Krystlehaines">@krystlehaines</a></strong></center>