Aspiring writers worldwide will be able to discuss their work with well-known authors as part of an online project developed in Co Longford.
A website - www.virtualwriter.net - has been created by Longford County Library and Arts Services. It is for people who want careers using different types of writing, i.e. from novelists to advertising copywriters.
Mr Fergus Kennedy, county arts officer, said the results of a national library service survey found that new technology, such as computer games and the internet, were the reasons why young people were "drifting away" from reading quality literature and doing creative writing.
He said it was decided to turn "the adversity to advantage" and use technology to appeal to younger writers in an online forum. This would offer professional advice and be a location were people could have their work published.
The site's development, which Mr Kennedy said cost approximately €80,000, is joint-funded by Longford County Council and the Arts Council.
Rather than having a completely text-orientated site, there was a strong interactive element, said Mr Kennedy. People who logged on could participate in online discussions with published authors, which were mediated by the county's writer in residence, Mr Paul Perry.
A "very successful" online discussion was already held with writer Emma Donoghue, author of the novels Stirfry, Hood and Slammerkin. The interview took place while she was in France, said Mr Kennedy.
People who visit the site must register a short profile of themselves before they can submit their work by e-mail.
Several genres of writing appear on the site: poetry, fiction, drama and creative non-fiction. People can also submit reviews about books, albums and films. Younger writers can also submit material to the site's e-zine, Zenith.
Details of courses, careers, and competitions for creative writing are also linked on the site.
There is also a guide to getting published, which includes the example of local writer Kitty Rodgers, who has signed a three-book deal with Poolbeg publishers.