The entire reason I'm here is to hone my chops, and I agree that practice at critiquing others is probably even more effective in this than having your own work done. I'm really happy to see that not only practiced but actively supported here. Hi! The A is for Alan, my professional pen name (man, did that sound pretentious!) so please feel free to call me that. I write poetry and short fiction, have worked for a couple magazines where I've been assistant editor, written columns, op/ed, and reviews (restaurant) as well as editing contributed work. Some writers I admire: Salinger, Raymond Carver, e.e. cummings, Auden and Ezra Pound among others. I've worked as a chef most of my life and that's one brutal way to live. Was considered among the top chefs in Canada at the height of my cooking career, but it wasn't my love. I'm pursuing my love here! So I'm off to the Review Room.
Hi Alan, Welcome to the Writing Forums. I'm glad to see you started by looking around the site. I wish everyone would. I've already seen your first critique, too. Nice work! So by all means, enjoy your stay here, and have fun.
