I always feel like an idiot writing an introduction, as I never quite know where to begin. I've been meaning to get involved with writers' forums for ages now, but always kept getting sidelined by this, that, or your mother, so here goes... hopefully this won't end up with anybody throwing bricks through my front window. I'm a self-published author who writes action-packed, often-hilarious, rock 'n roll-edged vampire books that carry a rather human side to them -- mostly because I can't write gothic prose or teen romance to save my butt, and due to the fact I'm of the mind the whole "sexy" vampire thing has been done to death. I'm more interested in exploring how actual people would act if they were vampires -- how they'd adapt, what they'd do for fun, how they'd embrace their new nature and run with it. Just because you're a vampire doesn't mean you're not still YOU. Agents and publishers don't agree with me, though, and I've gotten quite used to "Well, if you ever write anything along the lines of Twilight, give us a call... we don't know what to make of whatever it is you've sent us." But I've got a nice little group of readers around the world who love my Hollywood Vampires series, and have stuck with me for 13 years now... they're happy, I'm happy, and I've got a day job, so my writing falls under "labor of love hobby." (Though a fan in southern California's actually gonna be making a Hollywood Vampires live-action serial on his internet TV show, so I'm totally hyped about that, whoo hoo!) One of the things I'm most interested in regarding the whole "forum" thing is speaking with other writers and helping to pass on what I've learned of the craft over the past two decades. I LOVE offering advice and encouragement, and it's a real joy when I can help somebody get past their blocks and FINALLY get that story written! So if anybody ever wants to talk shop... yeah, I'm here! And that's that. Gonna go wander off and see what I can find now...
Welcome to the WF! I must say your enthusiasm is infectious, and your idea of the vampire series with a down-to-earth twist sounds really interesting (even if vampires have been done to death over the past while). It's refreshing to have someone join the site who appears to be that bit older, and one who seems to have quite a bit of experience...Young-ish writers like myself, and even ones who are a lot younger will really value and appreciate what you'll have to say, so I hope to see you around in the future!
Thank you! Yes, I've got a wee bit of experience... been writing since I was 15, and doing the Hollywood Vampires since I was 22, so I've been plugging away at the craft for a while! And vampires have TOTALLY been done to death, which is why I tend to go in a much different direction with them -- what I write has more in common with movies like Desperado and Clerks, with a dash of H.P. Lovecraft thrown in. Variety is the spice of life! Hoping to get into a lot of chats and discussions about the craft of writing, and not only help other writers out, but to learn new things myself... I'm of the mind that a "perpetual student" mindset is invaluable to a writer, and that there's always something exciting and interesting to learn. See you around the forums, I'm sure!
Welcome. I have the same problem with introductions. hmm... I think I'd be interested in reading some of your work. I do like the concept.
Hello Matt, Welcome to the Creative Writing Forums. Just so you know, advertising is strictly prohibited on this site. Since someone who apparently didn't know any better asked you for the info, it was deleted without penalty. 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!
Welcome to the Writing Forums, haven't seen an introduction quite like yours before. But that's a good thing! Comedy is always welcome.
