Hello there,

This is surprisingly intimidating, anyway let me introduce myself.

Name Dave (yes, I'm not really called purpletandem), age 48, married, one son aged 15/16, impecunious frustrated and depressed - that's me.

I'm 10 years into my second career - as a computer programmer, having had a previous 10 year career as a lawyer (solicitor). Maybe it's time for another change?

I started dabbling with poetry and an idea for a novel during that last transition but it all fell by the wayside, mainly because I hit a block after about 20000 words. I just couldn't come to terms with what was coming out in the writing. After that it all got kind of forgotten about.

Well something has got me thinking about writing again, and peeping the head above the parapet for critique, which I guess is why I'm here, and why I am upgrading from trial membership.

So, I'm looking forward to contributing to the community. I have been impressed, and thus somewhat daunted, by the standard of what I have read here, and the standard of commenting - so, fire away! This is where I find out if I can take criticism, or just crumple!!

All the best,
Dave

Hi, Dave and welcome to WriteWords.

I don't know about intimidating, but certainly when I first joined I found the site a confusing maze of groups and forums, so if you have any questions don't be afraid to stick your hand up from behind the parapet and ask away.


- NaomiM

Hi Naomi, and thanks for the welcome.

Actually I don't think I am quite understanding how the groups work, or how to get feedback on stuff. Is that mainly done through the groups?

Is there a Getting Started or FAQs section anywhere that I have missed?

Kind regards,
Dave

Usually you get an explanatory email when you join a group, but that doesn't help when you haven't chosen one yet
For general info. you can take a tour of the site:
http://www.writewords.org.uk/tour.asp

For a list of groups, click on Groups at the top of the webpage:
ie: http://www.writewords.org.uk/groups/
Or click on Writers' Forum on the top right, and you'll see the groups listed down the right hand side of the page.

As for which group to join, that partly depends on what you're writing - be it short stories, novel, SF, Crime, etc. Some groups are quieter than others, so for a represntative range of feedback it's best to join one of the more active ones (it's worth checking the dates of postings in the gourps to see which are quieter than others).
There will be a short wait while your application to join is pending. Then it's simply a matter of uploading a piece of work. There is a 2 day wait between uploads, although it can take members a week or two to get round to reading it, so probably worth waiting a fortnight between uploads (your earlier work will automatically be stored in the Archive when you upload something new).
With regard to feedback, the site relies on reciprocal critting between members within the groups. You can join as many groups as you want (depending on available space) but that will increase your critting load. You can also move around the groups until you find one you're comfortable in.
It's also worth putting up a note in Topics section of the group when you upload new work, and you can put a link to it in the Introduce Your Work forum, otherwise it can be overlooked if members are busy.

(PS. If the group you want to join is full, send a WWmail to the group host asking if space can be made for you).

- NaomiM

Thanks, that's very helpful.
pt

Hello, purpletandem (great name), and welcome to WW!
Susiex

Yes, great name, and welcome to WW.

Emma

Thanks to everyone who said hello, I appreciate the welcome.
pt

It's good to see you jumping in, purpletandem (love that name), eg, on the S&O Group. Your contributions are much appreciated.


- NaomiM

Hi Naomi,

Yeah, when in doubt, get stuck in... Cheers

As regards the name, I dreamed (dreamt?) it up a while back for an email address. Having just googled it, I see you get back me (on WW and PM) and multiple instances of underwear! (Thongs or boxers, take your pick!!).

pt