Hello, Let me introduce myself. My name is Geoff, I'm 29 years old, work as a chef, and have been writing since I could pick up a pen - although I haven't wrote much in the last two years. I have no ambition to become published - not, yet anyway - as I am happy in my chef career. My writing is solely for fun. That doen't mean I don't want to take it seriously. I know my strength's (dialogue), and weaknesses (slow scenes), and I'm hoping to imrove both areas through the help and advice offered on this site. Thank you
Hello Geoff, Welcome to the Writing Forums. A little over a year ago, I felt as you do. I only wanted to improve my writing for my own enjoyment, and for what I post on my web site. Since then, I have begun to develop a novel that I hope will be publishable. Beware! The writing bug's bite is potent! 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 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 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? for more information. Enjoy your stay here, and have fun!
Great to have you with us Geoff. Any secret recipe's you care to share? *Kidding* Although I do think there is a thread going with some mighty fine recipes and discussion on spices and cooking methods. I'm the queen of take out and even I enjoyed that thread. Hope to see you around.
