1. stevj016

    stevj016 New Member

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    Hey Guys

    Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by stevj016, Oct 20, 2009.

    Hello,

    I'm new here, just thought I would pop by and say hello. I look forward to posting and reviewing, and hopefully improving my writing skills.

    Thanks,
    Stevj016.
     
  2. Alan Lincoln

    Alan Lincoln Active Member

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    Hey mate,

    Great to meet you. All the best and see you arround.

    B.G
     
  3. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

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    Hello Steve, Welcome to the Writing Forums.

    Posting your own work should not be among the very first things you do here. It is worth taking the time 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.

    Also, be aware that posting a piece of writing on any public site, including this one, will greatly diminish your chances of selling it for publication. Removing the writing later does not alter that fact - once posted, it is irreversibly considered published. So do not post anything more than a small excerpt of any piece you are planning to submit for publication.

    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 as well, and be sure to read through the forum rules, 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 constructive critique as a vital 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). Also, please use the same thread for all revisions and additional excerpts from the same piece of writing. See this post, Why Write Reviews Before Posting My Work? for more information.

    And while you're looking around, don't forget to check out our Weekly Short Story Contest and Weekly Poetry Contest. They actually run more than one week apiece, but any member may enter, and all members are urged to vote for their favorites.

    Enjoy your stay here, and have fun!
     
  4. stevj016

    stevj016 New Member

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    Hey,

    Thanks for your replies. I never knew that if I posted work, it reduces the chances of it being published. I do have poetry that I would post without hesitation, but I have just written a short story which I'm very keen to be reviewed. Even though its probably not good, I'm not aware of its quality so I wouldn't want to run the risk of it being good and taking away the chances of having it published.

    Is there any chance that this specific piece could be reviewed in another manner? such as through a PM or something? I'm very new to writing, so this work may be bad, I'm just not sure, but I wouldn't want to ruin its publication chances.

    Advice would be much appreciated.

    Thanks,
    Stevj016.
     
  5. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

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    We don't really encourage private reviewing, although if someone offers, that's up to them. You may not, however, request a private review from anyone who has not offered one.

    Public critique benfits everyone who takes part, especially the critiquers. You learn far more by reading a piece of writing and finding ways to improve it than you get from any comments you receive. Also, practicing critique will help you pick out the problems in your own writing.
     
  6. stevj016

    stevj016 New Member

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    I agree, and I'm very eager to improve my critique skills. I am still very eager to see what others think of my short story though, I just don't want to ruin publication chances. Is there any other way it can be reviewed?
     
  7. Gigi_GNR

    Gigi_GNR Guys, come on. WAFFLE-O. Contributor

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    Welcome!
     
  8. von Pook

    von Pook Member

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    Hello and welcome :cool:
     
  9. stevj016

    stevj016 New Member

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    Hello,

    Thank you all for your warm welcome. Do you guys just think I should post the short story? I suppose it is only my first work, its probably worth just posting it, would you agree? Of course after I've done critiques myself.

    Thanks,
    Stevj016.
     
  10. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

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    If it's a piece you'd like to publish, keep it to yourself. Instead, post other writing. You can use the lessons learned to improve your publication piece, and to build your confidence in your ability.
     
  11. Taylor Nicole

    Taylor Nicole New Member

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    hey, and welcome! :]
     

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