Hi all, I started writing seriously back in November 2023 as a way to deal with a personal tragedy. What started out as a kind of therapy quickly evolved into an obsession. I've discovered things about myself and how I view the world that I didn't know was possible to obtain through this medium. I read/listen to books on writing like some read the Bible, and I think that this motivation really helped me as I struggled to learn how to tell a story. Since I began writing I've had two stories published with small online magazines, and have a third slated for publication in April 2025 for real money! It was a strange kind of validation, and one that I didn't know I needed, but it's given me a lot of confidence to keep chugging along. I'm focused primarily on short stories right now, but I have finished the first draft on one novel and started and abandoned two others (die, die, die, my darlings!). If this is a long introduction, I apologize. I feel like there's so much more I can say, but will spare anyone who was already kind enough to read this. I look forward to engaging with this community and talking with all of you who take writing seriously. PL
Welcome Pequan72. What genre is your novel? The knowledge of this sight runs deep and they're also helpful.
Hello and welcome PL, yes writing can be very cathartic - and addicting! Glad you've got the enthusiasm for it. You'll find a supportive community here. And you might like to check out the monthly story-writing contests! Looking forward to seeing you in the forums!
Thank you for the kind welcome! Yes I’m very interested in the contests and will likely be participating.
The Flash Fiction contest (max. 500 words) is open now until the end of the month https://www.writingforums.org/threads/flash-fiction-contest-136-theme-west-street.178043/ We're in the voting stage right now for February's short story contest, but a new short contest opens every month on the 1st https://www.writingforums.org/weekly-short-story-contests/
