Hi everyone, A quick search on Google led me to this forum, which I joined in part to get feedback on my writing, but also to understand more about the writing process and improve my skills in this beautiful art. What better way to do that than by chatting with other aspiring writers, right? I am 27 years old, and have been working as an English teacher for 3 years now. I have loved to write since childhood, but for several reasons - most linked to an overly acute sense of self-criticism and terrible lack of self-confidence - my habit of writing short texts dwindled and faltered, and I found it horribly difficult to start again. Every time I put pen to paper with the thrill of perhaps having found a wonderful new idea, the pen became like a sledgehammer, the blank page seemed to dilate and expand, and I felt as if a black hole had just ripped itself open in the middle of my skull, sucking away my words and ideas, and leaving me to write a load of nonsense which probably wouldn't even impress a three-year-old. Writing became associated with frustration and criticism, and I shied away from it, believing in the popular myth that a writer is someone with talent and inspiration, period. As a teacher, I often give creating writing prompts to my students as assignments. Since I started my career, the hunger to write again, and perhaps once and for all overcome the black beast that is my low self-esteem and lack of belief in my ability has timidly and resolutely made itself known, and I began to read various books for aspiring writers. The latest, Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury, has taught me to approach writing differently and to reject the fantasy of the innately talented individuals whose pen produces beauty without a hint of effort. I now understand that good writing stems from hard work. I also have bought a few exercise books to get me started. However, I hope to expand my horizon (and readership) on this forum so as to discover my worth and witness sparks of progress, no matter how slow they may appear. All in all, I look forward to reading from you Cheers, ColdReverie
View attachment 14711 Not the most ergonomic pen, but hey whatever works and gets the job done. Good luck, and have fun.
