So I just joined this forum last night (Or more like much earlier this morning) and through a random Google search, no less. xD It seems like a nice place so far, and I like the way everything is set up. Well I guess I should tell some stuff about myself... I'm 18 years old, living in Canada, Ontario (Toronto region), and currently just a High School graduate who is figuring out College stuff. I've always liked to read and write since I was pretty young, but started really writing when I was in Grade 8. I've made up a few short stories, and have had a few ideas for bigger stories but unfortunately they've never turned out too well. I'm hoping to change this. I also frequently write poetry, while some of it is better than others, I usually write it first and then post it for review as I feel that way people can view it rough, just as I had written it. Then, I will go over my work with my personal and given critique. So thanks in advance for any welcomes, and hope to see you all around. Keep writing! ~Matt
Hello Matt, Welcome to the Writing Forums. Posting your own writing for comment 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. 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 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 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. 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). 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 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!
I completely agree in the use of the Review system you have here. I used to be on another writing forum that did something similar. It's a good system to get everyone involved in each others works. As for the publication, anything I've written to this point I would not consider "good enough" to publish. I'm still working on many things, and participating in a community forum is one way of getting the assistance I need. Have met a few people around The Lounge as well, but I do plan to look around some more when I have some more time. Thanks for the welcome! =]
