Hi there, my name is Lucas. I had a nice novel writing career a couple of years ago, but then, well, house, baby, job, you know. However, two weeks ago I found some of my old stories on a USB memory stick. Most of them in German. And some really nice projects I want to work on now. My genre is mainly Science Fiction. Problem is: German Science Fiction is completely ill-reputed, mostly of the over-academic approach to the story ideas. Sometimes it feels likge readers rather want blueprints and manuals instead of interesting stories about struggling human beings. Even really funny books which were translated from English to German and reviewed with high enthusiasm completely flop in the German market. Well, enough of whining, fact is: I want to write more in English now. For joy on the one side and to relax from my PhD writings on the other side. What I'm looking for? A buddy or mentor or guide to get me in. I'm a bit out of practice and would be glad if someone can lend me a helping hand in plotting, character devlopment, fooling around with the story idea, just to get back into fiction again. Someone who can nudge me a bit. Hope this makes sense ... So far, so good. Hoping for a nice time-out here and looking forward to hop on board! Best, Luc
Welcome, Luc! There's much to absorb in your first few weeks, so I recommend you jump immediately into discussion threads and do critiques of others' work (in Workshops) as much as you can before beginning a direct discussion of your writing. Thus you will get to know people here and develop a feel for 'the road'. One of the great moderators here will be along soon to give you an introduction of workings and details for WF. In the meantime, fill out your profile and reply to the 'Who Are You...' thread above. Come and visit with us in The Lounge for a bit and meet people-things there!
Hi again, Lucas! We've already 'met,' but I want to again, extend a welcome to you. I'm one of those odd people who rather enjoys the 'scientific' aspect of Sci-Fi. (I guess they call it 'hard sci-fi?') I always like to think about Science Fiction as speculation about the 'possible' future we might have. As somebody whose knowledge of physics and other hard sciences is zip, I am probably the most gullible of readers. But still, I read hard sci-fi with a great deal of interest, when I can. I'd love to 'know' what's really 'out there.' Of course speculating about the future is less exciting, now that it's rather obvious we won't be going to the stars soon, but still it fascinates me. You're right though. The human part of the tale is also important. I'm impressed that you're not only tackling a challenging subject, but are willing to do it in a language that is not your first! Wow. Anyway, I definitely look forward to your contributions to the forum discussions. Dive in and have a good time, getting to know us and letting us get to know you. I'm sure your experience with writing and your straightforward attitude towards what you want to write will be extremely valuable to us. If you encounter any difficulties getting settled, feel free to contact me and I'll do what I can to help. See you around the threads! Cheers (again), Jan
