My name is Joel and I'm an aspiring writer. I write for the love of the craft, not to get famous or make money. I might be somewhat rough around the edges when it comes to certain writing aspects, but I still try at least. I've written 2 poems, the first of which can be read in both my blog and in the poetry forum, and I'm also currently working on my first full-length novel, of which a part of the first chapter can be read from the novel forum. I only ask for constructive criticism and any support that can be given. When I'm not writing, I'm either playing guitar or playing video games. I'm also autistic, but I don't let my disability get the best of me ever. Well this is pretty much what you need to know about me. I'm a very nice guy if you want to get to know me also.
Hello Joel, Welcome to the Writing Forums. Before you can get critique, you must first give critique. This is not just a quid pro quo, it is because improving your critiquing skills is the primary focus of the Review Room workshop. Improving your critiquing skills will improve your ability to find and fix weaknesses in your own writing. 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 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!
Your name is Joel? My brother's name is Joel! (Are you just as stubberon as him?) As for your being autistic, well, I'm bipolar, and I'm here! Don't let anyone stop you. I'm sure you're an awesome writer. Welcome to WritingForums. Enjoy your stay.
