Pen! So glad you made it up here! You know, we do serve more than coffee here - so just name your poison, er, preference! And don't be too intimidated by the conversation - all comments are welcomed and encouraged!
I am overwhelmed and flattered by the compliments, to be sure! I had never thought myself a good writer whatsoever, and it always surprises me to hear people say so. But to the "newbies" and "virgins" I can offer some advice, having been where you are now.
First, realize that you will make mistakes. And big ones. You will get the time period wrong. Or mix up characters. Or get the details wrong. It's going to happen. Hopefully, whoever you are writing with (and this includes most) will be understanding and forgiving, and will offer advice and correction with patience and consideration.
Second, don't be fearful to just jump in. Yes, it is a bit frightening when you join that first thread and you know no one on it! "Will I measure up?" "Will I be just as creative?" "Will everyone end up hating me?" "Will no one 'play' with my character?" You will find that if you are open to suggestions, try not to take over a thread, have a LOT of patience, people will be happy to accept you and play your character.
I'll share a secret with all here - when I first started posting with Ariosto? I didn't like him very much. (Ari - you know I love you to pieces!) I though his style arrogant and a bit stand offish, and rather avoided him. Shocking I know, but I was new and there were no "OOC" threads to "air" out things. Then we became involved in a thread together, and I saw a whole different side of him, and now it seems we are more in sync than not. That happens here. It's important not to judge people too quickly, or by a certain character they are protraying. Get to know the person first - through OOC threads or through PMs. You may be amazed.
Third, if you can find a mentor, and think it might help, by all means I think that is a great idea! There are many of the "oldsters" here who would gladly offer advice and assistance to those who are committed. I think it's a great idea.
Fourth, respect other's style, but never think they are better than yours. We all write differently - and differently doesn't mean better or worse. Ari has a great talent for humor. I never seem to pull that off as well as he does. It doesn't matter. Others can go into wonderfully descriptive passages that place you in the heart of the action. Others can describe a passionate scene with such steaminess that, well, you simply must take care of some personal business. But there is room for all styles, and never under-estimate your own. Each person has a contribution to make that is valid and wonderful.
Fifth, if at all possible, write a story here at Lit. Yes, it can take some time, I know. But there are some valuable lessons to be learned. One, writing for an audience that is unknown. Two, submitting your story to an editor (I HIGHLY recommend this!) who is impartial to your story, and allows you to hear good and bad regarding your story in a way that is helpful. Third, it is a bit of a thrill when your first story is published, I must admit, and it helps with the self-esteem. Fourth, you will receive anonymous feedback from the general public that can be really helpful and encouraging. All of this will help with your writing here at the SRP.
For those who felt the impact of 9/11: most of the writers here at Lit basically "shut down" for a least a week or more. I know I did. I just didn't have the heart to write erotica at that time. It was to be expected, and most writers allowed for that. But I must admit, it did feel good to "get back" with it - almost a healing process and a way of saying - "we will not crumble".
Many writers often have to leave for periods of time due to RL constraints. Hey, it happens. For the most part you will find it is not held against you if you return. We've all been there. Most writers here would say that if you feel the need to bow out, even temporarily, that it is only considerate to let your fellow writers know. A simple PM or an OOC is usually all that is needed. Given this, most will understand and move on, and welcome you back with open arms.
Ultimately, the idea here is to have fun. I have noticed quite a few very good writers sticking strictly to the OOC threads such as here or at the Cafe, seemingly "waiting". What for? Yes, those venues can be fun, but they are not threads. Get out, find new threads developing, or ask originators if you can join, and just jump right in! Sticking only to the OOC threads is not going to get you known to other writers who do not frequent the OOC threads. Only by taking that leap of faith, and jumping in and hoping for the best, will you be able to truly start working on your abilities and talents.
I get a lot of compliments, for which I am deeply grateful. But, I ask anyone here to go back to my earlier stuff (you can just press the "Search" function - and you may have to page back a bit, sorry!), and read it. It was not fully developed. There were MANY flaws, some run-ins with other characters. And this is only on the surface! You should have seen the PMs and emails!!! The point is, I didn't give up. I listened to the help that others gave, and followed the advice of older members. I also read others work, and picked out what I liked. So, please don't think of me as something, I don't know, above average. I'm just a gal who likes to write and have fun. Plain and simple. So enjoy!
I am overwhelmed and flattered by the compliments, to be sure! I had never thought myself a good writer whatsoever, and it always surprises me to hear people say so. But to the "newbies" and "virgins" I can offer some advice, having been where you are now.
First, realize that you will make mistakes. And big ones. You will get the time period wrong. Or mix up characters. Or get the details wrong. It's going to happen. Hopefully, whoever you are writing with (and this includes most) will be understanding and forgiving, and will offer advice and correction with patience and consideration.
Second, don't be fearful to just jump in. Yes, it is a bit frightening when you join that first thread and you know no one on it! "Will I measure up?" "Will I be just as creative?" "Will everyone end up hating me?" "Will no one 'play' with my character?" You will find that if you are open to suggestions, try not to take over a thread, have a LOT of patience, people will be happy to accept you and play your character.
I'll share a secret with all here - when I first started posting with Ariosto? I didn't like him very much. (Ari - you know I love you to pieces!) I though his style arrogant and a bit stand offish, and rather avoided him. Shocking I know, but I was new and there were no "OOC" threads to "air" out things. Then we became involved in a thread together, and I saw a whole different side of him, and now it seems we are more in sync than not. That happens here. It's important not to judge people too quickly, or by a certain character they are protraying. Get to know the person first - through OOC threads or through PMs. You may be amazed.
Third, if you can find a mentor, and think it might help, by all means I think that is a great idea! There are many of the "oldsters" here who would gladly offer advice and assistance to those who are committed. I think it's a great idea.
Fourth, respect other's style, but never think they are better than yours. We all write differently - and differently doesn't mean better or worse. Ari has a great talent for humor. I never seem to pull that off as well as he does. It doesn't matter. Others can go into wonderfully descriptive passages that place you in the heart of the action. Others can describe a passionate scene with such steaminess that, well, you simply must take care of some personal business. But there is room for all styles, and never under-estimate your own. Each person has a contribution to make that is valid and wonderful.
Fifth, if at all possible, write a story here at Lit. Yes, it can take some time, I know. But there are some valuable lessons to be learned. One, writing for an audience that is unknown. Two, submitting your story to an editor (I HIGHLY recommend this!) who is impartial to your story, and allows you to hear good and bad regarding your story in a way that is helpful. Third, it is a bit of a thrill when your first story is published, I must admit, and it helps with the self-esteem. Fourth, you will receive anonymous feedback from the general public that can be really helpful and encouraging. All of this will help with your writing here at the SRP.
For those who felt the impact of 9/11: most of the writers here at Lit basically "shut down" for a least a week or more. I know I did. I just didn't have the heart to write erotica at that time. It was to be expected, and most writers allowed for that. But I must admit, it did feel good to "get back" with it - almost a healing process and a way of saying - "we will not crumble".
Many writers often have to leave for periods of time due to RL constraints. Hey, it happens. For the most part you will find it is not held against you if you return. We've all been there. Most writers here would say that if you feel the need to bow out, even temporarily, that it is only considerate to let your fellow writers know. A simple PM or an OOC is usually all that is needed. Given this, most will understand and move on, and welcome you back with open arms.
Ultimately, the idea here is to have fun. I have noticed quite a few very good writers sticking strictly to the OOC threads such as here or at the Cafe, seemingly "waiting". What for? Yes, those venues can be fun, but they are not threads. Get out, find new threads developing, or ask originators if you can join, and just jump right in! Sticking only to the OOC threads is not going to get you known to other writers who do not frequent the OOC threads. Only by taking that leap of faith, and jumping in and hoping for the best, will you be able to truly start working on your abilities and talents.
I get a lot of compliments, for which I am deeply grateful. But, I ask anyone here to go back to my earlier stuff (you can just press the "Search" function - and you may have to page back a bit, sorry!), and read it. It was not fully developed. There were MANY flaws, some run-ins with other characters. And this is only on the surface! You should have seen the PMs and emails!!! The point is, I didn't give up. I listened to the help that others gave, and followed the advice of older members. I also read others work, and picked out what I liked. So, please don't think of me as something, I don't know, above average. I'm just a gal who likes to write and have fun. Plain and simple. So enjoy!
)
