I think I want to start writing fiction, short stories or maybe a novel. Questions.

[Denninmi]

I used to write a bit years ago for my own enjoyment. I never shared my fiction writings with anyone. I had several college professors who really praised my general writing skills on term papers and projects, but my style of writing is often overly complicated and verbose, so I'm not really the best writer overall. I don't know whether or not other people would even want to read anything I wrote, or if it would be so bad it would bore them to tears or make them scream in disgust.

I seem to have gotten the bug to do this again, as a late-night hobby to fill some sleepless hours, which is mainly when I used to do it anyway.

So, my basic question is, in this modern day and age, is there an internet forum of some sort where amateurs can post what they write for their own fulfillment, to be critiqued, just for fun, for purely non-commercial purposes? I think there probably are. Are there pros and cons to doing this. Or, should I just keep it all on the hard drive, never to be seen by another human?

Or, is this a really dumb idea?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Go for it!

I don't know about elsewhere, but right here on DU, there is a Writing Group:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1202

It's pretty quiet in there, but it is convenient!

As to pros and cons: It's important to separate YOU from Your writing. So when someone criticizes your work, you don't take it personally...Believe me, I've been there.

I would really encourage you to get it out there. There's a good chance that something you wrote will touch another person, make them laugh or think, or open a door for them.

Good luck!

[msedano]

2. zoetrope is your place

http://www.zoetrope.com/

[HopeHoops]

3. Yeah, here on DU. It's called the "Writing" group. Also try "Writer's Market" online.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1202

As for the "Writer's Market", you can order the book WITH the 1-year subscription from Amazon for about $5 more than the online subscription costs without the book. That's the way to go.

On Edit: Get the "Deluxe Edition" - that's the one with the online subscription.

[Baitball Blogger]

4. The writing group has been very instructive and encouraging.

You can ask for the other sites where writers get together on the net. Some people on DU have been around to the conferences as well as other net forums.

[CherokeeDem]

5. Began writing again two years ago...

Much like you, I hadn't written in years and really wanted to write a novel (sci fi). I began by writing fanfic just to hone my skills, and re-learn how to construct a story. I posted a lot on fanfiction.net which is the sister site to fictionpress...all original work. I am certain there are many more avenues for you and I wish you luck. I am now on my 17th chapter of the novel I wanted to write, only 3-4 chapters to go. If my story is never read by anyone but my friends, I can tell you that this has been the most creative, fulfilling task I have ever attempted. Writing is a pleasure (most of the time).

www.fictionpress.com

World's largest short story, fiction, and poetry archive and community where writers and readers around the globe gather to share their passion. (This site provides for reader reviews.)


Best of luck and enjoy...write what you want, it's so much fun!

[GreenPartyVoter]

6. As a former book reviewer and story editor, I recommend these two books for your how-to library:

(They also helped with my own writing, when I was dabbling.)

"Self-Editing for Fiction Writers" http://www.amazon.com/Self-Editing-Fiction-Writers-Second-Yourself/dp/0060545690/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343842115&sr=1-1&keywords=self-editing+for+fiction+writers

"Story" http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51HD3nuwb7L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg (Yes, it's for screenplays, but the principles of developing arcs are the same for the written word.)

Good luck, and have fun!

[raccoon]

7. I encourage you to try some post-apocalyptic stuff. Or a mystery set in your

area.

[DryHump]

8. Go to...

...everything2.com. Great place to write and be read.

[pitohui]

9. it's a fine idea

why keep it on the hard drive, we have a rare opportunity in human history to publish for free for the amazon kindle

i've done so myself although not fiction, apparently i like to consume fiction not create it

[MiddleFingerMom]

10. Check your local college for writing workshop courses or day/evening one-time seminars.

.
.
.
I took several workshop courses in both writing AND poetry and the improvement in virtually
ALL the students involved was petty impressive.
.
ESPECIALLY the poetry workshops. That prof was one of the best of my college experience
and ironically, he HATED the fact that he had to teach in order to pay the mortgage. He
was a fairly successful "young" poet (in his 40's).
.
At the first workshop, we were ALL reluctant to say anything negative about each others'
work. It really was the equivalent of "Well, I like your poem because it's got a good beat
and you can dance to it".
.
He let it go on for awhile and finally stopped us and told us how much our participation in
the group effort sucked. I remember this line -- "If you want someone to tell you that your
poetry's wonderful... show it to your MOTHER!!!"
.
.
.