Hi People, I just thought I’d introduce myself and share a little background. I started writing, seriously, around three years ago, when I was fortunate enough to gain ‘early retirement – far too young if you ask me – and am now on my second novel. I used the first to learn, and mostly find my voice. So, here’s where I’m at. After several edits, I thought I had completed my story and sent it to five carefully chosen agents (UK). Incidentally, my first tale received a 100% auto-reply, thanks, but no thanks. My second novel received a profoundly different response. All five thanked me for a great read – or words, to that effect – however, all suggested it had an insufficient edge. I went away and analysed their words, over and again. I then set about my novel with a scythe, cutting words, paragraphs, and whole chapters. I sharpened the dialogue, and attempted to make it more believable. I showed more action with fewer words and so on and so on. 120k became 85k, and finished a tad over 100k. I was harsh; I knew I had to be. I let the ball hit, hard... Joining this forum is my next step. I need to learn more, gain critiques and offer my views. I need to be among like-minded people. I must move forward, but can’t do this alone. I do hope this is the first of many great journeys on this forum. By the way, I have a thick skin. SteveM
Welcome to Writing Forums, SteveM! I hope you find what you're looking for here, whatever your interests in writing. This forum aims to provide the best workshopping resources on the internet, and to that end we have a few rules which you should familiarise yourself with before you get stuck in. The main section of the site is the Writing Workshop, where members can post their writing in order to receive critique of their work. However, before we allow members to post their work, they must have met some basic requirements. Firstly, you must have been a member for fourteen days, and have made twenty posts on the forum overall (please note, posts in Word Games do not count towards this). This is so that members, when they post their work, have familiarised themselves with the forums and contributed to them (as well as hopefully learned something for themselves). Secondly, members must provide two constructive reviews of other people's work for each piece of their own that they wish to post. This is because we believe that the focus of workshopping should be equally upon giving reviews as receiving them, as they allow a writer to practice and improve their editing skills, which they can then apply to their own writing. Beyond the Writing Workshop, you will find that we have extensive forums for discussion of aspects of writing, as well as a community area for general discussion. We also run periodic short story and poetry contests, which are good for challenging yourself and expanding your skills. If you have any questions or problems, then the moderators (myself, Cogito, Lemex and Dante Dases) should be your first port of call. Any technical problems with the site itself should be directed to Daniel, the site administrator and owner. I would recommend you have a look over the rules so that you know what to expect, and what is expected. But aside from that, I hope you enjoy your time here. Banzai
Hi Steve Wow! Positive comments on your second submission - that's wonderful. Just wondering if you write in a genre? I look forward to reading your material.
Hi Quille, Now, there's a question, what genre. I guess my tale is 'Young Adult Fantasy', although I have tried to leave you wondering if it is a fantasy or just all in her head. It's certainly not mainstream fantasy. Interestingly, I've been told - by many - I have a woman's voice, hmm, whatever that means. However you dress it up it's fiction, or is it. Sorry, nothing like a cliff hanger to annoy you, he-he. It will/may all become clear once I add some... Steve
