Hello!

rosehips · Feb 14, 2011

Hi all,
I'm new to the Cooler and happy to be here, as a writer aspiring to get published and someday quit my day job.

Where do I go to get advice on my novel's opening? I have two possibilities and am very torn between the two. I noticed there's a forum called Ask an Agent, or something to that effect. Is it okay to post there, or should I lurk for a while? I've gotten a lot of "lay" opinions on the openings, and while more are certainly welcome, I'd love to get the input of professionals, as well.
Anyway, thanks for having me here. I look forward to getting to know you.
- Rose

A La Vanille · Feb 14, 2011

Hello rosehips!
I would recommend going to the Share Your Work forum and get advice for your opening there. But before you do, it's wise to comment/critique on other's works also. You know, tit-for-tat.

I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time here!

Mumut · Feb 14, 2011

I agree with A La Vanille. Have a look in SYW and see what other writers are being advised to do on a huge number of subjects concerning their work. I found it really useful. And later, when you feel ready, give your opinions to others. That's also a great learning tool for yourself.
Oh, and welcome, rosehips. Enjoy the Cooler.

Sydneyd · Feb 14, 2011

Hey there rosehips! I would also recommend going to Show Your Work for advice on your novel opening. You have to log in 50 posts before you can post there, but that is so easy to do, dont let the number intimidate you

Until then be sure to roam around the other forums, there is SO MUCH good information all around here. Hope to see you around!

llbabb · Feb 14, 2011

Hiya, Rosehips. Welcome.

regdog · Feb 15, 2011

Don't forget to read the Newbie's Guide and enjoy AW

Members who want to start a thread in Share Your Work to have work critiqued need
50 posts. So take some time to read the stickies, greet fellow newbies, critique other members’
works, or join a discussion.

I have passes for the pool on the roof, only $10

jeffo20 · Feb 15, 2011

Welcome to the boards, Rosehips.

I haven't shared anything of my own yet, having just hit the magic, 50 post number myself, but I've read through a lot in the Share Your Work section (and even commented on a few). It's been very helpful to me so far, as has this entire board.

Nickie · Feb 15, 2011

Welcome to the forums, Rose.

Nickie

Kczimmy · Feb 15, 2011

Welcome Rosehips-

Lots of good advise here.

Enjoy.

Kurt

smoothseas · Feb 15, 2011

Welcome aboard...

VP_Benni · Feb 15, 2011

Welcome Rose

~Amber~

rosehips · Feb 15, 2011

Thanks for the welcomes and the pointers, guys! I'm glad to be here. It looks like a great community.

thehairymob · Feb 15, 2011

CACTUSWENDY · Feb 15, 2011

Welcome to AW. Hope you enjoy your stay with us.
How do you like your popcorn?

If you go to the bottom of the page to the ‘forum jump’ you can scroll down and find all the areas of this place. Most of the SYW areas require the password of ….vista. A word to the wise, (50 posts), it would be a good idea to participate first in helping others before you think about posting your own work. After you have been around here for awhile, then post something of your own for help. Good luck.

Mystery1 · Feb 15, 2011

Welcome, Rose.

Sharon

Splendad · Feb 15, 2011

Welcome, Rose! This is the best site in the wide world for writers. I'm relatively new, too, but the experts have spoken (share your work threads) so I'd follow their suggestions. One thing I wouldn't be afraid to do is ask questions if you can't find your answer with a search (and sometimes, even if you can find an answer with a search, so much time has passed that, maybe, that question needs to be asked again or updated; just my 2).

jefferyborders · Feb 15, 2011

Welcome, try the "Hook me in 200 words and you'll earn a rep." that is a good place to test your opening.

rosehips · Feb 15, 2011

Thanks, everyone.
Jeffery, that sounds interesting!

Konah · Feb 15, 2011

Welcome, Rose!

I hope you enjoy your time here at AW, people are pretty active here and through various social sites. As everyone's pretty much answered your question, I'll hold off

Hope to see ya 'round!

Konah

BunnyMaz · Feb 16, 2011

Hi! There's loads of places here to get critiques on your work - the SYW section is the main one for that, once you've made the 50 posts minimum

pfunk · Feb 16, 2011

Greetings from another newbie. I can only echo what everyone else has said. Dig around in all the forums for examples, opinions, etc. You'll find answers to questions you didn't even know you had!

rosehips · Feb 16, 2011

Thanks, everyone! I've been having a good time so far!

rosehips · Feb 16, 2011

Jeffery (or anyone): since I want opinions on two possible openings, can I still go to the forum you suggested? Or should I post on the appropriate genre forum, get the opinons, and then post it there? Or would the same people see it and be annoyed?

cooeedownunder · Feb 16, 2011

Welcome

Hello!

Mr. Boo is watching you.

Well begun is half done...

Aye, ye scurvy dog!

Yes is the answer

The Scavengers

Tyrant King

Not too old to learn

Walking the Tightrope

Life sucks... Then ya die...

likes a colorful font

Mr. Boo is watching you.

If I had a brain I'd still be dumb

An old, sappy, and happy one.

Make-believe

Correcting a man? Be right.

Blathering Blatherskite!

Mr. Boo is watching you.

Ruining your porn since 1984

Mr. Boo is watching you.

Mr. Boo is watching you.

Grateful for the day