Hi to all in this Forum.

I've just joined WW on a one-month trial-basis (as my finances are currently somewhat straitened!). I'm hoping that I may be able to afford full membership in the near future. I would be glad to hear from WW members about their experience of using this Forum/website.

I've written various things over the years, ranging from articles in professional journals and newsletters to short stories, poetry, prose and fan fiction. My background is in conservation / environmental education, and I also have experience in photography and performing (circus skills and stilt walking).

I work part-time as a field teacher (taking school groups around nature reserves and farms), but I really want to make a serious effort at developing my writing and earning some money from it as well.

I'd be interested in WW users' suggestions about using this Forum / website... And any general feedback about the whole 'starting out as a writer' thing.

I'll look forward to hearing from you...

Cheers,

RowanLeaf

Hi, Rowanleaf, and welcome to WriteWords

I guess the best advice I can think of is to jump right in.
As a trial member oyu can join one group, and upload one pice of work - you'll find a list of the Groups here:
http://www.writewords.org.uk/groups/
- they are listed in order of activity, and it's best to choose one where members are regularly uploading and commmenting on work.
To upload work click on your 'My WriteWords' in the top right hand corner of the page.

If you need any help just give us a shout,

NaomiM

Hi RowanLeaf, and welcome to WW - as Naomi says, jump straight in - you've obviously got a fascinating CV to draw on for your writing!

Emma

Hello!

Thanks, folks, for your welcome and helpful suggestions. I'll take a look at the groups next week and choose one to have a dip into.

Cheers - ) RowanLeaf

<Added>

(Excuse the bizarre emoticon - was meant to be a smiley!)

Hi and welcome - wow, what a lot of cool things you can do! Particularly impressed by circus skills. I'd agree, just jump in and join a group - it's best to join an active one if there is one that suits your genre.
I've been using this site for years now, for me it's a kind of 'staff room' where I can talk about stuff with 'colleagues'. This can be a lonely business whatever stage you're at so it's good to have people to let off steam to.
Do come into the lounge and private members' areas too - you are very welcome there.
Hope you enjoy WW!