hello everyone. I'm goin into my juinor year of high school and ive been interested in writing for a while, although i don't actually write very much. Its one of those things i always want to do but i never actually do it. But recently i actually began writing a bit here and there, but reading back on the stuff after i write it, it really needs work. So i guess im really just here to poke around, see what information and advice i can find, and maybe post some of my stuff after i work on it a bit. I am also very into music and have been playing guitar for years. the biggest problem i have with writing music is lyrics, so i'm hoping i can work on that, maybe by starting with poetry. Charlie
Hello Charlie, 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. 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!
Hey Charlie welcome to Writing Forums! Does anyone call you Chappy? I've always liked that nickname... As a teen writer myself, (Junior next year) I can tell you this forum has everything you need to improve. I'm not sure where you'd start lyric-wise, I'm into short stories myself but I guess it's like short stories... just start critiquing others to the best of your ability while continuing to write and post your own for critiques from others. It's amazing how well it helps! And if you ever do want to get into short stories, I'm always free if you feel like pming me with questions. I can't say I'm the most experienced, but I can try helping at least. Good luck and have fun, Nate
