I joined about ten days ago, initially taking out a trial but pretty sure I'll become a full member if it seems right. But I just don't know how to get started here. Do you have a section where you take new members under your wing?
I write (and illustrate) EFL children's picture books. Have had two published in Japan and am negotiating a contract for a further two right now. I also write short fiction. I was looking for a WriteWords group to join but most seem to be full.
Well - hello everyone!

Pattacake

Hi Pattacake,

Welcome! I think I must be guilty of taking the last space in the children's group; if that's one you were trying to join I apologise, but keep your eye out because there are a few members on there who haven't posted in a while so a space may become available soon. In the meantime, you can always upload some work in the general archive, and then pop into children's to leave us a message about what it's called and where to find it - I'm sure a few of us will be happy to take a look.

A few of us have been dabbling in picture books and we could definitely use your expertise, so drop by.

Myrtle

Hi Pattacake,

Members are removed from groups after 3 months of inactivity. Others decide to leave if they feel they are not using the group much. The best thing is to check daily.

If you are looking for feedback on a piece I suggest you upload it and it will appear in the main archive. You can also place a 'signpost' in the Introduce Your Work forum.

Welcome to WW.

Thanks for replying!
I wasn't sure which group to join. Though I have had children's stories published I'm trying to hone my skills more on adult fiction at the moment. The children's books are REALLY simple, aimed at five to eight year-old children learning English as a foreign language. For native English speakers it would be more of the two to three year-old range.
I haven't written stories for children above that age. The pictures are as important as the words in telling the story.
Whilst I've been waiting and negotiating (one and half years!) to get the next two books published I've been writing lots of short stories for adults.
Is there anyone else here into writing both for adults and children?
I don't really want to upload work immediately but maybe get to know some of you and the site first.

Hi again,

I'm in a similar boat - I write lots of books for very young children, commissioned by publishers, and I'm working on a novel for the 8-11 bracket, but I've also been writing adult fiction for a while (nothing successful yet!), so I'm a member of Fiction II as well as Children's. I hope I never have to choose between writing for children or adults, but I find myself being stuffed into pigeon-holes occasionally.

M.

Sounds like we have a lot in common! I like the balance and variety of working on different things.
Do you get involved in marketing as well? I've been doing quite a lot of book readings and narration concerts (with piano).
By the way, although I'm originally from Kent, I'm based in Tokyo now. Where are you?

Hi Pattacake

Can I stick my nose in and say 'Hello' and welcome. You asked about help and support for new members? Well this is basically it and the Forums of course which you can access from the Home page.

I have been using the site for about six months and I think it is absolutely brilliant. 'Seek and ye shall find, ask and it will be given unto you' just about sums it up.

If you have a question just ask. You are likely to be swamped with erudite and considered answers.

Everyone is very supportive, though if you ask them to crit your work they will do just that. Trust me it is worth the bruises to be told the truth about what works and what doesn't.

But so far I have yet to come away without learning something. Best thirty-five quids worth I have ever spent.

So while I, hopefully, have you attention, may I ask you a question? What is the Japanese word for foreigners? Especially Western Europeans and Americans.

Cheers

John

Hello Prospero,
I believe you are in Short Fiction 1 which I have just joined so you may be hearing more from me than you expected!
I am gradually finding my way around the site which has become easier since I became a full member. Have already posted a question which solicited some extremely helpful and well-considered responses.
Now about your Japanese question. The word that most Japanese would use to describe a foreigner, particularly a Westerner, would be "gaijin" (gai=outside and jin=person). This is slightly colloquial. The more formal and correct term is "gaikokujin" (gai=outside, koku=country, jin=person) and this would be used in newspapers etc. and, curiously enough, would be the more likely verbal description of foreigners from China, Taiwan, Korea and other Asian countries. Even though to Western ears "gaijin" might sound ruder than "gaikokujin" many Japanese see the former as more of a term of endearment. Most foreigners here hate both words as we have to hear them so often!
Hope this answers your question. I can elaborate further if need be.
Pattacake

Hi again Pattacake,

Sorry, hadn't realised you'd left a few questions for me. I've never been involved in promoting my books - tend to be the silent, nameless author. Are child audiences as terrifying as I imagine? Still, it must be very rewarding to see that instant reaction to something you've written.

Myrtle

Hello Myrtle,
I don't think child audiences are as scary as adult audiences! But the thing with children is that they're so honest. An adult will usually sit quietly and politely even if they're bored out of their skulls but children? Never! So I have to give them a song and a dance and a game and some colouring to do as well as reading the story. It's a hard life...
Pattacake