Topic: Introduction

Hello everyone my name is Tyler, and this is my first time ever putting my writing out there.  Not since the disturbing era of teenage fan fiction have I attempted to put anything of mine online.  Gripping paranoia of rebuke holds me back more often than I'd like to admit.  I would love for someone to show me the ropes around here, thank you very much.

Shearluck

Re: Introduction

Why not start by reviewing a few chapters or stories?  It will give you a idea of what writers have styles that might be similar to yours, and might be helpful as reviewers.  And people usually try to reciprocate with reviews.

If you need a sense of what you might address in a review, you can look for stories that already have some chapters posted.  Many of them will have reviews that you can read.

What genres and forms (short, novel, poetry) interest you?

Welcome and good luck!

Re: Introduction

Hi Shearluck,

Everyone is nervous the first time they reveal their work. Hopefully you're also a bit excited. As njc said, the best way to get started is to find some work you like and start reading and reviewing. Read the types of comments others have made. Ask people for help. They will reply. Happy to help if you have any additional questions.
- C

Re: Introduction

Welcome, Shearluck. I felt the same way. Most folks here go out of their way for constructive criticism. I have been blessed to be a part. Now, I have 2 books in print and # 3 is coming out 2/13/15. You are among friends. Even if they tell you to do something a different way, it's only feedback & all comments are worth reading.

Re: Introduction

Dear Shearluck:

Be very welcome to the site! My advise, select your genre and start reviewing other writer's work. Reciprocating is the secret here. Most writers reciprocate. About how to review, just be sincere and say what you think. Be respectful, though, even if you think something is worthless ("this works needs heavy rewriting" and "this work is crap" basically mean the same, but respect draws the line between them).

Don't be afraid to publish here, most of us are amateurs, and we are all learning from each other.

Kiss,

Gacela.

Re: Introduction

Welcome Shearluck!  We have a huge group of people that have been with an older version of this site for many years. But like you, there is a giant new crop of new faces that have just arrived since the new site interface was launched. It might be a little tough getting attention right away, but there's a few things you can do to help.

First, review as much as possible. As a reciprocal workshop, reviewing is our communication bread and butter. The more you do it, the more people you'll get to know. It takes a little time, but since that's what this site is really all about, it's the best first approach. Second is to join the group called OLD FORUMS and get to know some of the long-time members who comment there most often. Unlike some of the newer faces, we're a bit more familiar with tips and tricks for getting this site to work for you.

Good luck! I hope your membership turns out to be what you're looking for.

Re: Introduction

Oh, and when you find that a cluster of authors you want to exchange reviews with are in some group for that kind of work, join the group.

Re: Introduction

Welcome! Don't be afraid. Most of us don't bite. Lol! You'll be fine.

Re: Introduction

Hey Tyler. Welcome!

Re: Introduction

Shearluck wrote:

Hello everyone my name is Tyler, and this is my first time ever putting my writing out there.  Not since the disturbing era of teenage fan fiction have I attempted to put anything of mine online.  Gripping paranoia of rebuke holds me back more often than I'd like to admit.  I would love for someone to show me the ropes around here, thank you very much.

Shearluck

If this is anything to go by, I think your writing will make for a great read!  Hope you feel home around here soon.
Janet

Re: Introduction

Shearluck wrote:

Hello everyone my name is Tyler, and this is my first time ever putting my writing out there.  Not since the disturbing era of teenage fan fiction have I attempted to put anything of mine online.  Gripping paranoia of rebuke holds me back more often than I'd like to admit.  I would love for someone to show me the ropes around here, thank you very much.

Shearluck

Hello, Shear, good thing about the site is that no one can see you shaking in your boots or whatever, so test the waters and you might be surprised at the results. You will find the good, bad, and ugly comes out in reviews and you must decide what is relevant to your vision of the story. We all have opinions like some other anatomical structure, but yours is the most important. We as a community only point you in different directions to explore; that is where you learn and can also teach. Welcome and good luck. Take care. Vern

Re: Introduction

Welcome!  I have been a member of this site for a couple years now I guess - by far, the best decision I made to improve my writing!  I hope you find the same success here as many of us have.  Take all reviews in - both the good and the bad - and learn from them.  I also agree that reviewing is key to improvement as well.  I find that the things I am the most guilty of doing in my own writing are the things that stand out when I'm reading another's work!

13

Re: Introduction

That's a good point: When you are reviewing, you are studying the works of other authors, and analyzing them, both as a reader and as a writer.  It will cut down on the time you can spend on outside reading, but it can pay you back handsomely in both learning and pleasure.  Then you have to apply the lessons to your own work!

Re: Introduction

I will say with some shame that I thought I'd perhaps get one or two responses.  Thank you all for such a warm welcome, it's such a nice feeling to be welcomed by so many.  I will be taking all of your advice, and begin reading, and reviewing asap.