Hello! Pleased to find this site, I've had the writing obsession ever since I learnt to write but it's only recently I've decided to try and harness it instead of just dreaming about writing something I'm trying to write a novel while shelving ideas for two more, I very occasionally write poetry if the mood grabs me and I'm fighting bouts of writers block intermixed with doubt about whether I really have any plot or just a few ideas loosely hanging together, while desperately trying to stop writing only notes and start writing 'real' story! I'm almost a total amateur, I know what I like but need so much more practice, organisation, and critique from people who won't just say "sounds ok but why don't you write a horror story, I like horror stories". I devour read almost anything but especially love Terry Pratchett and would give both my legs (I need my arms to type) to write like him.
Hi, and welcome! I'm pretty sure you'll find everything you need here! PM me if you need anything (click on my display name, then click on 'Send Private Message').
Thanks, have seen some fairly unhelpful writing sites in the past, this one looks great. Thanks for the offer, will keep that in mind at the many times I don't know what I'm doing
Thanks Stuart - I enjoy the thrill of a story far more than the art of the craft if you know what I mean, which isn't a bad thing but yes, still a lot to learn!
Hello Clare, Welcome to the Writing Forums. 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!
