Hello, everyone. I have a bit of a lone wolf complex, so I don't usually seek out forums or writing groups, but I'm hoping to read about your experiences and dig up some encouragement and motivation here.

I'm 22 years old. Last summer, I completed my Bachelors of Science in Psychology, and then I realized, "I don't want to do this. Not now." I wanted to do something selfish. I wanted to do something that I loved. I picked writing.

I had started a few novels when I was pre-teen age, but of course, as I grew older, I recognized them as "practice runs" and discarded those projects. A couple years ago, I started up another novel based on a D&D campaign. It was a naive project, and I didn't expect to show it to anyone or even to complete it - I just did it for myself. Then, I started taking it more seriously. I tried to rebuild the world and keep writing the story, for my own sake.

Then, one day, it was done. I couldn't believe it. I had written a 50,000+ word novel. I realized that this was something I could do, something I could enjoy. I had an idea for another book that I wanted to start writing. I recognized my desire to be an author.

I shared the book with my fiancee. I edited the entire novel twice. I actually began sending query letters to literary agents. Here's the problem: I don't really think that my first book is sellable. But I do think I could write one that is - a novel filled with my own unique characters, places, and plots.

Right now, I'm not in school and I'm not working. I can only afford to do this thanks to my fiancee supporting us both, so I need to work hard. I don't know how much time I have to dedicate myself to writing before I need to re-enter the "real world."

I'm going to try. Wish me luck.

Welcome to the forums, Tragic! Congratulations on that first novel. The first completed novel usually isn't the saleable one. Depending on your skill level, the second or third won't sell either. But don't let that discourage you if you love writing. I hope to see you around the forums. I think you'll find the community easy to get into.

Wow, your story is very inspirational to me. My story would sound like child's play compared to yours. Oh, and it's pleasure to see you here.

~ The Essential Writer

Welcome!
It's great to see a new face around here. :)
Feel free to PM me if you need anything - providing you don't mind the fact that I'm pretty much a pre-teen myself (I'm almost 13).
Have fun, and I wish you the very best of luck.

Hello Reality, Welcome to the Writing Forums.

I enjoyed having the opportunity to say that! :)

Posting your own work should not be the very first thing you do here. It is really worthwhile to see what other people have done to improve their writing, and see if some of it applies to your writing as well. That is part of why we require members to review other members' work before posting their own for review. On the other hand, there are no restrictions, other than content and copyright rules, on showcasing your work in your member blog.

If you haven't explored the site yet, you should probably do so soon. Newcomers often gravitate to the Lounge, the Word Games, or the Review Room, but there is much more to be discovered if you poke in the corners. Remember to check out our FAQ (http://www.writingforums.org/faq.php) as well, and be sure to read through the forum rules (http://www.writingforums.org/showthread.php?p=101625#post101625), too, to avoid any misunderstandings or hurt feelings. Respect for one another is our principal mandate.

As for the Review Room, new joiners often wonder why we do things a bit differently on this site than on other writing sites. We emphasize reviewing as a critical writing skill. Training your eye by reviewing other people's work helps you improve your own writing even before you present it for others to see. Therefore, we ask members to review other people's writing before posting work of their own. The Review Room forums on this site, therefore, are true workshops, not just a bulletin board for displaying your work (and on that note, please only post each item for review in one Review Room forum). See this post, Why Write Reviews Before Posting My Work? (http://www.writingforums.org/showpost.php?p=65432&postcount=1) for more information.

Enjoy your stay here, and have fun!

Welcome to the forums, Tragic! Congratulations on that first novel. The first completed novel usually isn't the saleable one. Depending on your skill level, the second or third won't sell either. But don't let that discourage you if you love writing. I hope to see you around the forums. I think you'll find the community easy to get into.

Thanks for the encouragement. I hope that I'll be able to contribute around here :)

Wow, your story is very inspirational to me. My story would sound like child's play compared to yours. Oh, and it's pleasure to see you here.

~ The Essential Writer

Really? Wow, thanks. That's really nice to hear. And I'm glad to be here. I've done the forum thing before, but I'm looking forward to doing it again.

Welcome!
It's great to see a new face around here. :)
Feel free to PM me if you need anything - providing you don't mind the fact that I'm pretty much a pre-teen myself (I'm almost 13).
Have fun, and I wish you the very best of luck.

I don't mind! I think it's fantastic. You're getting a way earlier start than most people do.

Thanks for the good luck wishes. Right back at you!

Welcome :)

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