Hi Guys, just wanted to introduce myself and ask for some starting advice.

I'm 30 years old and I've been working in the technology industry for the past 12 years. I love my job but I'm bored and looking for a release.

I used to have a real passion for story writing back at school and I'd love to get back into it. I'm not looking to make money from this but I do want to get a sense of achievement.

I'm not as avid a reader as most people involved in creative writing but I really want to jump in and get my hands dirty - where would you recommend I start?

Hi, gingerweasel, and welcome to WriteWords

How about starting Line 1, Page 1, Chapter 1 But seriously, it's best to just dive in. The more writiing practice you get under your belt the better you'll get. It doesn't have to be a novel; it can be a short story, a blog, an anecdote. The thing to accept, though, is the 'shitty first draft'. It's never going to be perfect on the first run though, that's why God invented editing.

All the best with the writing, and if you need any help navigating the site just give us a shout.


- NaomiM


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If short stories are oyur thing then you might consider checking out the Flash Fiction Group because they have regular writing contests, and writing exercises are always a good way of getting the creative juices flowing.





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Just to add, as a part member you can join one Group and upload one piece of work.
You'll find the Groups here: http://www.writewords.org.uk/groups/

hello gingerweasel...just wanted to say that I am a newbie of about a day's "seniority" to you and this is already a very friendly and happy place to be!

Just start writing and see where it takes you!

Hi Gingerweasel and welcome to WW

Emma

Bum on seat, fingers on keyboard (or pen to paper) is sometimes the hardest hurdle to get past! So many other things can get in the way as soon as you decide you want to Write Seriously.

Julia Cameron in her book 'The Right to Write' suggests 'daily pages', where you write whatever comes into your head and nobody else is going to see it, ever. This can release all sorts of ideas and overcomes the paralysing effect of the blank page/screen!

There is also Margret Geraghty's The Five Minute Writer which is worth checking out. And, if you take the plunge and start a novel, there's also Geraghty's The Novelist's Guide

Hi and welcome (from another newbie!)

The flash fiction group is very lively and as NMott suggested you may find that a good place to start - unless you're someone who finds it easier to write more rather than less!

The advice about shitty first drafts is good too. Just get the story on the page, then you can make it look pretty later!

I hope you enjoy yourself with your writing.

Hi, as you're just starting out on this great adventure, and in the interests of balance, I feel the need to say that not everyone works on the basis of expecting to write shitty first drafts. Of course, if you're just starting out, you'll be practising a lot, and much of what you write will not be very good. This is true for everyone. But I'd argue that as you progress, it's wise to keep your mind open to the possibility that you may be the kind of writer who works best by aiming to get it right first time. The crap first draft people tend to believe this is the only way; but actually a lot of writers are more inclined to try hitting it first time. Historically, they've tended to keep quiet about the fact mainly because the many-drafts view has prevailed, possibly because it's linked to the belief that great art must involve endless revision.

Terry

Welcome gingerweasel. My advice is that if you have ideas then by golly go and get them down on paper. Write, write and write some more. Passion is a great starting point!