Greetings, all! My name is Rene and I am an English teacher in Massachusetts, working specifically with at-risk high-schoolers and those with special ed. needs, behavioral issues, and/or criminal histories. On the side, I've also been trying to start writing again. Sadly, I admit it has been a while. My last full written work was a feature-length screenplay (locally award-winning) -- but that was in 2008. I'm not primarily a screenwriter. I have also written plays, poetry, short stories, and one "badly-needs-to-be-rewritten" novel. I am an aficionado of Gothic literature--dating all the way back to its folkloric roots--as well as classic weird tales (I am a Lovecraft lover, through and through). Honestly, the only modern horror author that I truly admire is Stephen King (but then, who can't help but admire him?). In addition to this ongoing obsession of mine, I have been studying and researching Arthurian legends and history for over 12 years. A while back, I wrote an Arthurian novel but, perusing it now, it is utter trash. My research in hand, I'm working on outlining a much better adaptation. However, due to a highly stressful lifestyle for various medical, familial, and financial reasons, I have not been writing for two years--only bits and pieces. Thus, here I am, seeking out fellow writers. I have been alone for far too long. Companionship and camaraderie can go a long way, sometimes.
Hello Rene! Welcome to the Writing Forums! This is a great site for meeting fellow writers-after all this site's full of em'! Classic weird tales and legends are always a blast to read!
Hello Rene, Welcome to the Creative Writing Forums. Please read How to Use the Writing Workshop before you try to post there. Posting your own writing for people to comment on should not be among the very first things you do here anyway. 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 Writing Workshop, 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 Writing Workshop, 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. We also impose a two-week waiting period before you may post writing for critique, to give you time to become familiar with what is expected and how the site operates. The Writing Workshop 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 Writing Workshop 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 the RPG forum for improvisational fiction. Also try 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 Rene. I like a number of modern authors who fit what you're talking about. I like Lovecraft, of course. For modern writers that tackle similar subject matter: Neil Gaiman Caitlin R. Kiernan Elizabeth Hand Other writers I like include Dan Simmons, some of the Richard Laymon stuff, Brian Keene, Straub, and Joe Hill.
Oooohh I love horror! Welcome! I had an English teacher in 11th grade who inspired and pushed me in a way that improved my quality of writing more than you could imagine. When I get published, her name will be on my dedication page. So I'm sure as a teacher you do a lot. Teachers impact people so much, at least the good ones, but don't often get the credit they deserve.
All my English teachers were fantastic, but like Mallory, my 11th grade teacher was outstanding and really pushed me to write better. She's the main reason I got a scholarship so I could go to college, and she's probably the reason I'm studying english. So know that you do have an impact. random I know, but is your username a salute to the dead poet society? Welcome Rene
