Just another newbie

Ray H

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Hi. Here's a quick bio. I'm 42 with a wife and 3 children. I was a police officer and police sergeant for 14 years plus 4 years in the Army as a military policeman. I am semi-retired now for the last 3 years because I had to retire from the job due to an on-the-job injury.

About my writing: I started writing when I worked the front desk at the police station during the night shift. Some nights it was so boring, I had to write to stay awake. I'm not a prolific writer, only having written about 10 short stories and 3 unfinished novels (I'm easily distracted). I finally got serious about writing 2 months ago. I currently have a WIP that is now over 50K in words. I usually go to the local library, put my earphones in to listen to classical music (no I'm not that pretentious. I use it to drown out the ambient noise even in the library). I write about 1,000 to 4,000 words a day from 3 - 5 days a week.

I used to belong to other writing forums, but quit after I submitted works for criticism, because though my works were received with mostly good reviews, I rarely (only once in about 30 reviews) received any honest professional criticism to make my writing better.

But, here I am again with a new outlook. To be with those and learn from those with the same goals as I have. To be a professional writer. Not necessarily the 2nd author to ever become a billionaire (though that would be nice), but just to make enough money to live off of and do what I love doing... writing and telling stories.
 

regdog

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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
 

CACTUSWENDY

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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.
 

PorterStarrByrd

nutruring tomorrows criminals today
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Hello, Welcome aboard (I have to say that, I'm naughtical)

I'm asking this of every newby I respond to :

How about a few paragraphs of your writing that you are proud of. It'll really help us know you and at least one of your styles a bit better.

Not trying to scare you away but it's never too early to stop being bashful. I promise that I won't critque it on the forum and doubt that anyone else will.
 

Ray H

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Thanks all. I hope I can contribute as much as I think I can gain from this site.
 

AlanF

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Welcome, Ray...Best Wishes with your writing goals.
 

Williebee

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Welcome, Sir.

A lot to see and do here. The active membership runs the gamut from absolute newbie to multi-published author, agent, editor...

And all ages, walks of life, most every corner of the globe.

And the peanut bin is over by the bar.

/Williebee
 

sonyablue

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Welcome! Given your background, I would love to have your thoughts on my WIP sometime, if you wouldnt mind, and I of course would be happy to return the favor. :)
 

Ray H

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Welcome! Given your background, I would love to have your thoughts on my WIP sometime, if you wouldnt mind, and I of course would be happy to return the favor. :)

I would be happy to help. Just a couple questions though. Are you asking me for my professional opinion/experience on a fiction piece? And, did you write the article linked to your response?
 

CarrieAnn

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Welcome from a fellow newbie, Ray. Thank you for your service. :)
 

sonyablue

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I would be happy to help. Just a couple questions though. Are you asking me for my professional opinion/experience on a fiction piece? And, did you write the article linked to your response?

Sorry I guess I should have explained a bit more. I am writing/ghostwriting/helping to write my husband's memoirs of his experiences on the job, so it's a nonfiction book. I'd just like to get your general opinion- whether you like it or not, what you like, what you dont, etc. But it's still a work in progress at this point.

And yes/no to your other question - that's my husband's (new) blog which I edit for clarity and such.
 

Ray H

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Sorry I guess I should have explained a bit more. I am writing/ghostwriting/helping to write my husband's memoirs of his experiences on the job, so it's a nonfiction book. I'd just like to get your general opinion- whether you like it or not, what you like, what you dont, etc. But it's still a work in progress at this point.

And yes/no to your other question - that's my husband's (new) blog which I edit for clarity and such.

Your husband has much more experience than I, but I would be glad to help to give you an honest independent opinion.
 

Ray H

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Thanks all. I believe I will enjoy posting here.