I just want to say how happy I am to have found this site. I've always wanted to write, but have always struggled with confidence and actually getting things finished. I've been on here most days since I joined last month, and in that time I've written 5 stories, actually finished them and received good feedback. This has boosted my confidence. Now that I have started writing, I am finding it really hard to stop!
I heartily nominate FanStory as the most helpful website I have ever come across that truly delivers what it promises. Not only is it a forum in which your poetry and stories are reviewed by other aspiring writers (I had 110 reviews of my latest story!), but I've been able to develop my critical skills by reviewing other members' works, as well. There are contests galore to enter, daily, with generous payouts... and... well, I see no reason to go anywhere else!