A newbie saying hello

Welcome to TNBW, Iris!  I know it can be scary to put yourself out there, but it is a rush of sorts - with a hint of dread too - but I encourage you to do it anyway   I hope you like it here!

Welcome, Iris,

If you want to get over your fear of vulnerability, this is the place. Here, everything you write is awesomeness wrapped in incredible. That's may sound snarky--and it is--but it's not a bad thing. A writer's ego is as fragile as a dandelion (not those yellow ones; the white fluffy ones that disintegrate at the slightest breeze.)

What is your preferred genre? What POV do you usually write in? If you were on a deserted island, what book would you want with you?

The three secrets to being a successful writer: Taste the world--experience things outside your comfort zone; Know the audience for whom you are writing; Never lose your passion; if you love it, your reader will feel that in your words and they will love it too.

Welcome, Iris! I hope you enjoy your time on the site. You'll find some talented writers here who are very generous with their time and expertise. Good luck! Gray

Hi Iris:  Welcome.  This is by far the best writing-forum/group I've seen on the web.  There are others that claim their fair share of successful writers, but we have our fair share, and success is up to the writer, imo.  (But hey, I belong in the 19th century; what can I say? I believe a guy without a college degree can go around and ask people if they would be willing to give him money so he can come up with his software ideas, and, twenty years later, become the richest man on the planet.  Obviously absurd.  Bill Gates is an urban legend.)

Family?  Once upon a time, we fought like one, but the people here all are professional writers, aspire to be professional writers, or have professional writing thrust upon them.  And they will be very helpful.

I loved most all of it, but Sydney and Perth were my overall favorites. Sydney is the only large city (about two million) I have found that I actually wouldn't mind living in. The mass trans combining trains, buses, ferries, is to die for. Everything was overbooked for the race in Melbourne so we didn't stay the planned time and left the day after arrival -- might've been different another time. Did the camel ride on the beach at sunset at Broom on my birthday and that was fantastic. Kind of disappointed with Ayers Rock after all the hyped expectations, lol. Wonderful country all in all and I heartily recommend to anyone who has the opportunity to take advantage. We were there about six weeks total and even that wasn't enough. Biggest regret is we didn't leave nearly enough time for your neighbor, New Zealand -- only a week which was way too short. Take care. Vern

Welcome Iris! I agree with everyone above. This is a fantastic place to polish your writing. And 'Awesomeness wrapped in incredible' is just about right. Although some critiques can feel harsh, trust me - those critiquers see the awesome potential and only hope to help. Even when I disagree with someone's opinion, I learn from them. You never have to fear rejection in here. Take what you need for your piece, and file the rest away. I eagerly look forward to reading your work. I'm stepping out on a limb and writing fantasy for the first time.
Write On!
MzP

Welcome to TNBW!

Hi Iris,
I have also written primarily for myself my entire life. This site makes it very easy to "put yourself out there"! i have received many very useful reviews and lots of encouragement. You will too!

Hi ATS. It's been a long, hard day when your poor blurred brain reads 'drag' as "clothing more conventionally worn by the opposite sex, especially women's clothes worn by a man."  : ) I've stranger friends.

As another 'old' member, I say welcome to TNBW! I, too was nervous, back in '09, when I joined, and put my first story out. But I must say, it was the best move I ever made. I've learned so much from writers here; their input has been awesome. So... buckle up and have some fun!