1. Amymel86

    Amymel86 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2011
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    1

    Newbie

    Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by Amymel86, Feb 22, 2011.

    Hello everyone,

    I'm fairly new to writing and would love some tips on where to start.

    I am constantly having ideas for short stories and novels and I would LOVE to be able to complete one. It's just where to start? I've started writing down thoughts/first chapters a couple of times but find it hard to go much further as I don't seem to manage my time well (always have other 'more important' things that need to be done). Then when I do go back to what I had written, I loose confidence in it.
     
  2. Youniquee

    Youniquee (◡‿◡✿) Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2010
    Messages:
    729
    Likes Received:
    38
    Location:
    Under your bed.
    Hey!
    I have that time problem too...I just write when I can.
    Don't lose confidence! Just write. It's okay if it's not perfect when you first write it. The first draft can be revamped, chopped and edited when you come back to it.
    Just my 2 pennies..
    Welcome to the forum though!
     
  3. TWErvin2

    TWErvin2 Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2006
    Messages:
    3,374
    Likes Received:
    1,629
    Location:
    Ohio, USA
    Amymel86,

    Welcome!

    The best thing you can do is to get your ideas in order and sit down and write. Then go back at it, and continue until you get that first draft of the short story finished. Set it aside for a bit and then revise.

    Don't let other ideas or stories distract you. If you must, just jot a few notes to remember ideas for other projects.

    Getting that first story finished for most is a real motivator to move forward with others.

    Glad you joined.

    Terry
     
  4. Gigi_GNR

    Gigi_GNR Guys, come on. WAFFLE-O. Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2009
    Messages:
    12,140
    Likes Received:
    257
    Location:
    Milwaukee, WI
    Welcome.
     
  5. Eunoia

    Eunoia Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2010
    Messages:
    4,391
    Likes Received:
    81
    Location:
    England
    Welcome. :)
     
  6. Amymel86

    Amymel86 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2011
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    1
    Thanks for the tips and the welcomes! Just been reading some of the short stories - there is some real talent on this forum!
     
  7. Pallas

    Pallas Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2009
    Messages:
    1,172
    Likes Received:
    36
    Location:
    New York
    Welcome to the boards. I'm one of the talents, haha :)
     
  8. ArtWander

    ArtWander New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2011
    Messages:
    394
    Likes Received:
    3
    Location:
    Redlands, CA
    Welcome to the forum! :)
     
  9. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    Hello Amy Mel, Welcome to the Writing Forums.

    Please read How to Use the Writing Workshop before you post there. Posting your own writing for people to comment on 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 Writing Workshop, 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 Writing Workshop, 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 Writing Workshop 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 Writing Workshop 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 the RPG forum for improvisational fiction. Also try 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!
     

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