Like many frequenting this forum, I've always dreamed of becoming an accomplished writer. I've toiled endlessly on unfinished ideas and stories, always too shy about my own work to ever take the next big step. However, over the past year, I've had the awesome opportunity to work side by side with another author on some script and novel ideas which is when I had an epiphany: writing is more fun and creative when working with other people. A quick trip to trusty Google led me here, where I hope I can help others with their creative works and, when I finally work up the courage, post my own works of art(?) as well. I look forward to seeing your creations, Ethan
Hi Ethan and welcome to the forums. I work alone. Although I do have two daughters to show my work to and I trust their feed-back, even if I don't always take it. Don't be scared to send your stuff out to editors or comps. after all you are not face to face with them, they don't know who you are or what you look like. Best of luck with your writing.
I FOUND THIS PLACE THROUGH GOOGLE TOO! We're EXCELLENT people. Epiphanies are pretty awesome. From about September 2009 to the beginning of April this year I had them pretty regularly. Those and self-realisations. Kind of depressing, sometimes... Oh well. Welcome to the forums, you lovely, lovely man.
Hello Ethan, Welcome to the Creative Writing Forums. 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!
