Hi everyone at the Water Cooler. My name is Tony Velasquez and I've been lurking this site for a little while now.
For some time I've had people tell me I should write a book, even my own mother, and other close friends of mine. Apparently they think I have somewhat of an overactive imagination or something...
Therefore, I recently decided to sit down and actually try and write a novel. I've written lots of other stuff before, mainly stories for myself, fan fiction of television shows I like. I used to write nonsensical stories when I was a kid about characters I'd made up. But I've never ever submitted anything to serious publishing.
I've always been a reader and love to read Tolkien, Lewis, TH White, and various other authors. Personally, I think Steinbeck is the best writer I've ever encountered but that's a hard call to make. There was a sci-fi story called "The Way Station" that has haunted me for years as it was so good. Recently my girlfriend has become interested in the works of EM Forester and I kidnapped her copy of Maurice as soon as she bought it. Forester's writing, like so many others, just sucked me in and made me feel as if I'd been taken into his book like Harry Potter in the "Chamber of Secrets". Hopefully my writing can do that to people as well some day.
I began my tenative first explorations into the writing world by searching how to format a manuscript; so I could be typing my novel in the proper form from the start. I found the website of the authoress Holly Lisle. If you haven't visited her site, I'd recommend it. She has guides on writing and style, opinions and sage advice. I dont agree with _everything_ she says, but no one should ever agree with everything someone tells them anyway... I grew up in Oregon: Question Authority!
But reading Holly Lisle's sage advice brought me here where I found out the unfortunate fact that there are scammers and predators in the writing world as well as any other. The warnings section of this website fast became my area to read completley. My manuscript is now nearing 100 pages but I dont think its ever too early to start thinking of where to send it.
I really enjoy this website and reading the advice and stories people have posted here. It is clear that people here are trully serious in their attempts to write. I wish you all luck on your writing endeavors under the condition that you wish me luck; because I think I'm going to need all the help I can get!
For some time I've had people tell me I should write a book, even my own mother, and other close friends of mine. Apparently they think I have somewhat of an overactive imagination or something...
Therefore, I recently decided to sit down and actually try and write a novel. I've written lots of other stuff before, mainly stories for myself, fan fiction of television shows I like. I used to write nonsensical stories when I was a kid about characters I'd made up. But I've never ever submitted anything to serious publishing.
I've always been a reader and love to read Tolkien, Lewis, TH White, and various other authors. Personally, I think Steinbeck is the best writer I've ever encountered but that's a hard call to make. There was a sci-fi story called "The Way Station" that has haunted me for years as it was so good. Recently my girlfriend has become interested in the works of EM Forester and I kidnapped her copy of Maurice as soon as she bought it. Forester's writing, like so many others, just sucked me in and made me feel as if I'd been taken into his book like Harry Potter in the "Chamber of Secrets". Hopefully my writing can do that to people as well some day.
I began my tenative first explorations into the writing world by searching how to format a manuscript; so I could be typing my novel in the proper form from the start. I found the website of the authoress Holly Lisle. If you haven't visited her site, I'd recommend it. She has guides on writing and style, opinions and sage advice. I dont agree with _everything_ she says, but no one should ever agree with everything someone tells them anyway... I grew up in Oregon: Question Authority!
But reading Holly Lisle's sage advice brought me here where I found out the unfortunate fact that there are scammers and predators in the writing world as well as any other. The warnings section of this website fast became my area to read completley. My manuscript is now nearing 100 pages but I dont think its ever too early to start thinking of where to send it.
I really enjoy this website and reading the advice and stories people have posted here. It is clear that people here are trully serious in their attempts to write. I wish you all luck on your writing endeavors under the condition that you wish me luck; because I think I'm going to need all the help I can get!
Tony! Welcome to AW.
to AW, Tony! All the best with your writing.
