I can never remember which side of the brain is analytical and which side is creative, but after close to 15 years using just one side as a biotechnology chemist (we are not all as dull as Hollywood might lead you to believe), I have finally decided it was time to clean the cobwebs out from the other half before it undergoes complete atrophy. I was inspired by my dearest friend to take this creative plunge. He passed away far too early in life at just 35 years of age, but left me with wonderful memories that I will never forget. He made a courageous life change after 15 hard years in sales (everything from copiers to cleaning supplies) and quit his job cold in order to go back to school to get a degree in education. I am certain he would have made a great teacher. Writing has always been a true passion of mind since I was old enough to read, but somehow, I ended up becoming a scientist (maybe because I was too short to play in the NBA). Once you pass 40, though, time seems to accelerate (I guess Einstein was right about that one) and you realize that if you don't pursue your dreams soon, life will pass you by before you know it. Anyway, I am pursuing my dreams now (but not quitting my day job, just in case), and regardless of how things turn out in the end with this new endeavor, I can at least reflect upon this decision when I am old and decrepit, and say, I gave it a shot, and had fun in the process. I look forward to releasing some of my written work into the ethereal realm of cyberspace, and perhaps create something others might enjoy as well, even if it is just a few anonymous souls. And if not, well, the test tubes will always be waiting for my glorious return. Regards.
Hello Doppler, Welcome to the Writing Forums. I'm a former research electrochemist, currently a software engineer, so I won't be throwing any silica-rich mineral aggregates. Posting your own work should not be among the very first things you do here. 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. 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. And while you're looking around, don't forget to check out 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!
Hi! I actually think a biotech chemist sounds pretty neat, but I wouldn't know. Don't worry if you think 40 is too old to seriously get into writing because that is so not true. In a way you have a lot of advantages. Life experience is definitely helpful in writing! Good luck.
Hey doppleplotter! Welcome to the WF! Very nice introduction. I can't wait to check out some of your work. Nice to meet you - Jack
