1. NeeNee

    NeeNee Member

    Joined:
    Jul 4, 2016
    Messages:
    68
    Likes Received:
    33

    Better Late Than Never - Hi Everyone

    Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by NeeNee, Jul 18, 2016.

    I have been posting in the creative writing forums for about a week now and today realized there was more on this site and that's how I found this forum. I am enjoying reading about everyone, their lives, their ideas and so forth.

    Here's a little about me.

    I'm 51 years old, always loved to read, enjoy writing short stories for my own amusement although until recently haven't done it in years.

    I have a BS in Sociology, went to college for the first time when I was 30 and got my degree in three years. Looking back kind of wish I had taken my time and pursued something like English Education but I was in a hurry to get out so I could get working to support my son who was three at the time.

    I have worked a variety of jobs, had a variety of relationships (only married once and once was enough), lived in several different states including MN, TN, GA, AL and OH. I was raised in Ohio and by choice rather than circumstance I currently live in TN.

    My son is now almost 24 years old and a junior in college, he is a History Education major and works as a substitute teacher during the school year a couple of days a week. He lives at home with me and I think he is a very strong writer and he often times helps me when I get stuck with my writing.

    I am going back to school this fall - I want to pursue a Master's in English - Creative Writing but I kind of feel like I would be jumping off the diving board into the deep end of the pool by going straight in after 18 years so I am going to take a few laps around the shallow end first to wake up the muscles before diving into the deep end called Grad school. So this fall I am taking some undergrad level English classes, I want to take at least one literature anthology course and at least one creative writing course. The other two are debatable and will depend on what's available when I am able to register next week.

    My ultimate goal is to write a novel but I am also interested in either working for a small local publishing company (I am not interested in relocating more than two hrs from where I currently live) and I am also interested in possibly being an adjunct English teacher at a local college or even for the college that has been so good to me over the years The Univ of TN, Chattanooga.

    Currently I work two jobs, I have been an internet marketing research assistant for over three years but the work isn't steady lately so I can't depend on it. So I work at a call center, I've been at the call center for almost a year now. When school starts in the fall I plan to go back to substitute teaching, something I did when my son was in grade school for about five years. I want a schedule that is flexible and I have some control over if I want to work or not and substitute teaching offers me that.

    So hello everyone. I am enjoying getting to know all of you.
     
  2. Terrie000

    Terrie000 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2016
    Messages:
    95
    Likes Received:
    19
    Location:
    Minnesota
    Wow going back to school at this time... impressive. I'm 31 and I don't want to go to school anymore. I just graduated last year with a Master in Biochemistry and I decided that's it for my brain. I really not sure why I'm here since everyone here either 1) Love to read 2) Love to write and 3) Got some English/writing education. I am none of the 3.

    I only read books that are required to read for school. I never written anything other than school assignments because I HAD TO. English is not my native language. But I think an impulsive moment with some inspiration and wild imagination is enough to get me started on writing a fantasy novel.

    Don't think this place is good for in depth critique or find enough people to really read and take the time to response to your novel. But I think this forum is good for general questions and suggestions. People will share their ideas and knowledge and help you brainstorm about a topic you want. Anyway, see you around!
     
  3. NeeNee

    NeeNee Member

    Joined:
    Jul 4, 2016
    Messages:
    68
    Likes Received:
    33

    I enjoyed school very much. If money were no object and I had all the time in the world, I would have stayed in school. I have been back a couple of times since I graduated, I took teacher prep courses and then decided that I didn't want to be a high school English teacher after I took the Praxis exam and was about four weeks before the end of my student teaching. I was miserable. I tell my son that if I had to do it now, instead of spending eight weeks on Romeo and Juliet I would just teach the highlights and be done with the stupid thing in two weeks. I hate Romeo and Juliet. That was back in 2000 - 2002 in Ohio btw.

    I took a photography class just for the fun of it about a year ago and really enjoyed it but I don't see myself doing anything with photography so don't foresee myself taking more classes in photography, it was just fun to learn about the medium.
     
  4. Terrie000

    Terrie000 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2016
    Messages:
    95
    Likes Received:
    19
    Location:
    Minnesota
    I find it hard to be making a living as a writer... well, don't quote me for this as I have never written one and gone through any publication yet. I'm just talking with my general public conception of being a writer. There are so many books out there, how many copies do you have to sell to actually make a profit and how long does it take a person to write a novel? For me, I'm extremely slow and novice, so it would probably take me several years to a decade to write my first book... so similar to your photography class, I guess writing is something I do just for fun.

    I also like photographing btw, but never taken a course, too lazy to learn about all the features in my DSLR (just bought it last year on Black Friday, a Nikon 3300)... definitely don't think I can make a living shooting photos, although I know some very successful wedding photographers that can make a living from it. I guess it's like publishing books, how do you make yourself standing out against all other books? And with the e-books nowadays, how do you even prevent people from just downloading and passing your story to another friend for free without paying (maybe there's a way to prevent that nowadays? I don't know for sure).

    Lastly, I like school... as long as my brain still functioning and able to memorize stuffs... haha. I find that is less true as time pass by...
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice