My Greetings to everyone interested in writing good prose or would just like to express themselves in written form. I’m a new member to the forum and consequently have a lot to learn about this hobby / business / obsession (delete if not appropriate).

As a mature writer (can I say this so soon, writer I mean) and struggling to satisfy my desire because believe me, it is a desire that I cannot shake from me, no matter how hard I try. I try and write good prose that is both entertaining and makes good sense. Perhaps it is a need to entertain, a desire to express myself and be noticed, (now that’s a sad comment). I don’t know, I only know that I love writing, anything and everything that comes into my head. I am finally realising that this is what I want to do with my life.

Now for the step back to reality, am I cut out for this, I mean, can I write good enough prose to entertain. Does the above example look grammatically correct? I certainly like writing from the hip, (I think this is called free writing) if you will forgive the metaphor. I write what I feel and then go back and edit my work afterwards, and I am finding that I am devoting just as much time, if not more, to editing my work rather than creating new work and I know that this is a problem I will have to address. Someone said to me that you write as good as you read, maybe so, I used to read a lot. I now read where and when I can find the time, I also write this way too.

Which ever way I approach this, I know that it will not be easy, I will have to work hard to find my style of writing and write good enough to be noticed, even may I say it, good enough to be published, wishful thinking I know. I am sure that those of you reading this will help me if I am doing things wrong. What is important is the desire to create and entertain.

Good luck to all of you who also share my desire.

By for now.

Paul Hannaby

Hi Phannah

Just thought I'd say hello to a fellow newbie, I don't feel so alone now!
Good luck with your venture. After reading your introduction, I'm sure that the author within will soon be set free.
This seems like a good place to be after the welcome I received.

Clondon

Hi Phannah, and welcome to WriteWords.

Do get stuck in. It's a big, busy site, so if you get lost, ask a Site Host, or just stand in a forum and yell for help!

I am finding that I am devoting just as much time, if not more, to editing my work rather than creating new work and I know that this is a problem I will have to address.

I don't think it is a problem, necessarily: most writers find that the first draft of anything is only the start, and the real work goes on in the re-writing: once you know what you're trying to say and have some words to work on, you can start making it be the right words. On the other hand, there comes a point where you're just pushing commas around on old work, because it's easier than dragging new stuff up from nowhere. One of the things writers gradually learn is to tell the difference between necessary revising and editing, and getting stuck in a loop of fiddling without really making progress either on that piece, or on the next.

Emma

Hi, Phannah, and welcome to WriteWords. If you need any help navigating the site just give us a shout.

I am finding that I am devoting just as much time, if not more, to editing my work rather than creating new work and I know that this is a problem I will have to address.

As I see it, it's only a problem if you're only editing the first chapter, or first page over n' over again.


- NaomiM

A very succinct point Emma. It's very easy to get stuck in a loop if your creativity starts to flag. Before I even begin to write the story, I write a synopsis, then if I get stuck with the plot I will refer to that. As I tend to write in bursts I think that a synopsis is essential to keeping the story on track. I can then change the synopsis if I think the outline of the plot is not running right.

If I find I am writing in circles, then I will stop and do something else until my inspiration returns or if I work out a solution to a problem then I refer to the synopsis to check it's validity, then I read what I have written previously, then I start writing again.

It's all good clean fun!

Paul Hannaby

Hi, Phannah - welcome!

Your post about avoiding being stuck in a loop is interesting. You'll find that people here divide roughly into planners and 'pantsers' (those who don't have a synopsis in advance to work to but do it by the seat of their pants!) No one method is 'the best', and different things work for different writers. But the joy of WW is in sharing experience and mulling over the possibilities with other people who've been there and understand.

Rosy

Hi Phannah

Sorry I'm a little late in my welcome (been away for a couple of days.)

Welcome to WW. I hope that you find everything you need here in terms of support and encouragement. If you get stuck with site navigation or questions about your writing etc just "shout" - someone will always come to your rescue.

Nicci

Rosy - love your word 'pantsers'... he he!

Welcome, Paul. As others have said, spending more time editing than writing first drafts is not a problem - it's pretty normal, and generally it's the way to produce good work.

I recommend critiquing others' work and being critiqued by others as a good way to develop your ability to judge others' work objectively and also, crucially, the ability to judge your own. Then you'll know when you've finished editing and should move on rather than 'gold-plating'.

Good luck!

Deb

Hi Deb
Like the way you put it about 'critiquing others' but how do I go about doing it with no material?

I feel that I should dip my 'toe' into the subject of writing short stories for a while, it's a refreshing change which can give me the opportunity to test myself, and hone my technique.

Paul

First you need to choose a Group to join, Phannah, and then critique the (more recently) uploaded work within that group.
If you click on the Groups button in the orangy-brown row along the top of the page you'll see the complete list. Short Stories is a good one to join if that's the sort of thing you're writing at the mo.



- NaomiM