Not Just Another Noob Thread...

Er, actually, it is... I'm sorry, I just wanted you guys to like me

Okay, enough insanity, just thought I'd pop in and introduce myself. I'm a 27 year old history student from the UK. I've loved writing since childhood, but kinda strayed away for more than a few years to pursue other creative interests like making music and drawing. However, I'm now firmly settled again with my first love, and it's really what I'm best at, I think.

I find that writing can be a painstakingly slow process sometimes, and I haven't completed nearly as much as I would like. I've written a couple of short stories, a sort of YA novella (which was really only begun as an exercise to shake the cobwebs off, but spiralled as these things do!) and am currently working on my first novel, which I'm slightly unsure how to classify (although Medievalist's explanation of Bildungsroman seems to fit). I would consider myself primarily as a horror writer, although everything I've written seems to be in every genre but, which may be quite telling!

I've never shown my work to anyone other than my girlfriend or family. It would be really helpful to get some neutral advice, so when I pluck up the courage I may post something up in the SYW forum. And then brace myself...

Anyway, I've rambled on for long enough. It's great to meet you all, I've lurked for a while and know that there are a lot of intelligent and friendly people here, and I'm looking forward to being part of the community.

Thanks guys

Bud: the good luck is appreciated! Sometimes wonder if it wouldn't be easier to just jack it in, but something keeps driving me on, and I know I won't be satisfied until it's finished, no matter how bad it is! I suppose most writers have thoughts like that at some stage though.
CACTUSWENDY: salted, thank you...

Thanks for the welcome everybody

Nickie: I really enjoy learning about history too, but it hasn't really translated into my fiction as of yet... I've always been slightly daunted by the idea of trying to portray a certain time/era authentically, and so I have a lot of respect for you for doing so
I do have some good ideas for some supernatural style tales from my favourite periods (Victorian/Edwardian and Inter-war Britain) which I hope to work on in the future.

Jerry Phoenix: I'm sure I'll take the plunge in SYW sooner or later, but I'm the kind of person who will think, "ok, just one more re-write/draft before I post it", which will then go on and on, until I eventually never end up posting it at all! I honestly annoy myself no end, but I'm making a conscious decision to stop being so ridiculous, stop being such a wuss and go for it!

Greenify13/Christine: Thanks for the suggestion, I might just do that. Must stay off the Guinness though, or my already meagre output will surely grind to a complete halt!

Marcus: Good luck with the studies my man, going to uni was definitely the best thing I've done, although I left it a bit late! What are you looking to study? And, yes, this site is a real goldmine for information and solid advice. I've been to quite a few writer's sites on the web and this is the best by far imo. Hope to see you around too!