Hi: You haven't heard from me in quite a while. I went back home to New Orleans in June for 8 days and took my 13 year old granddaughter Simone with me. She fell in love with New Orleans and can't wait to go back. We really had a ball and did everything I wanted her to see and do. My second book about New Orleans is coming out in about a month. Titled Behind The Columns. I also have my own web site. www.arlettegaffrey.com/ Hope you'll check it out.

Hello! I'm Teresa, and very pleased to have found my way here. Not sure that I have much in way of wisdom to contribute with, I'm not a published author but I do enjoy writing and reading, and look forward to reading up on all the excellent threads here.

Hi Carrie:
It's me Arlette Gaffrey. I know you haven't heard from me in quite awhile. But I dd want to tell you that I now have my very own web site. It's so beautiful and I really love it. If you would care to check it out simply go to www.arlettegaffrey.com/

My second book is now in the process of being born. It's in the hands of the publisher. I'll let you know at the time of delivery.

Thanks
Arlette3@cox.net

Greetings from Bedford by the river, England.....I am spending a bit too much time swimming and not too much time writing, I am afraid....nevertheless, I thought I would add my two penn'eth to Carter's comment.

So, Apoorva, personally, I think writing is 20% talent and 80% persistance!

Keep at it and exercise self-control....it's like going into a cake shop and taking bites out of lots of cakes without ever finishing one, if you don't....

You can do it....and one day you might come up with The Story of the Century!

Hugs,

Carrie

Maybe you could start trying to combine your ideas so you can have less that you need to think about. Also, you could go back to the older ones and since they might seem new, you could work on those. YOu could keep going back to old ones untill you get to a good part in one and can't put it down.

**Carter**

Hi, I'm Apoorva, and I'm so glad to have randomly come across this website!!! And the simple reason why I joined this group was that I love writing. I love every bit of it. But [just like Angel said:] I never managed to finish any of them. I can't find a way out of this problem. The stories just crash, and even though I still have the half-finished manuscripts, I can't get through any of them. With every idea, I feel like I just HAVE TO put it down on paper, after doing which, in a matter of a few days, I lose the charm of it, and another idea strikes me, so I start working on that instead. I definitely need a bit of help, but I'm confident that I will be able to complete a story one day...

I'm Carter and I joined this group to see what people where talking about these days. I am a writer by heart and always loved it. I taught myself how to read when I was four and loved it since then. Writing came along with that. I have only posted one short story on Goodreads and I have made a few comments in this group also.

**Carter**

P.S. Check out my story! It's called Wind Chimes. Feel free to comment.

Hello Tirition: Glad to hear you are writing a book. What is it about? You said you started several projects but never finished them, please don't keep doing that otherwise you'll never get published.
Maybe the reason you never finished those projects was because your heart wasn't really into them.
When I decided to try and write a book I thought long and hard about what subject was truly close to my heart, and realized that it was my home town New Orleans. Once I knew what I wanted to write about all I had to do was figure out a story where New Orleans was also a main character just like the people in the book. As a result after a great deal of research and remembering stories I'd heard while growing up I started to write. Took me about four years of research and writing and re-writing and finally I had a 384 page historical novel. A World Of His Own - In The Land Of The Creoles has been so well received. I've gotten 24 reviews, most of them are rated 5 stars. If you go to www.Amazon.com you can read what people wrote. That fills my heart with joy. So don't give up. Write from your heart on a subject you are passionate about, and you too will see your book published. Good luck, and God Bless. Arlette

Hello! I'm Tirition, and I'm currently writing a book, (I have about fifty pages). I started writing for National November Writing Month this year. I have started other projects but never finished them, so I'm hoping to get farther with this one.

Hi! I'm new to this group. I've been writing since I was nine. My fifth grade teacher did an excellent job of cultivating that talent and desire and at ten I wrote a horror book (akin to Christopher Pike books) and was asked to read it in front of the class :) I was an Creative Writing major in college before having to switch to General English.

For the past couple of years I've been writing various drafts in the fantasy/urban fantasy/romance ilk and am currently giving a go on a story I started in high school but have completely revamped as of recently entitled The Kellers (working title). I plan on having a sequel.

I plan on finishing and trying to publish my novel (by seeking an agent) sometime next year. I usually have a problem dedicating time to writing and there are weeks and months where I won't - which is a very bad thing that I'm trying to break.

I love character development, mystery, romance and some sort of overarching "point" to a story. I love dialogue but I also like introspection. When writing the urban fantasy-romance, I tend to use the third person subjective "Mac knew what she was doing but she didn't like it. Not at all." -- and I use multiple person narrative with the third person subjective POV.

When writing short stories that are not in the genre, I tend to use first person present tense as in " I knew what I was doing but I didn't like it"

I used to have a group of friends that wrote and I edited their works, usually as a content editor and I don't like to be too negative so I temper my comments with good points - constructive criticism.

I guess what I would like to do is find people who would like to read my work and offer feedback. However, I'm not all that great at taking criticism - it's another thing I have to work on - fear of not being good or interesting. I will get past that though. I have to. :)

Hello to everyone who has recently joined. Glad to have you here! Please feel free to share your wisdom and any helpful links and info in all the threads on this group. Thanks!

Hey there! I'm an avid reader and have also written and published two mystery novels, Genesis Beach and Just North of Luck. The third novel, Hell Swamp, will be released in February 2009. The publishing company and I are currently working on the cover design and a video trailer to go with it since the trailer for Just North of Luck has sold some books.
I'm writing the fourth novel. Willing is the working title, but I've changed my mind so many times about that.
I don't get to read many blogs and when I write something, it's generally short. It's nice to meet you guys and I hope to interact more often over the next few months.

Hi Folks:

I am Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor of the book reviewing and author interviewing site, bookpleasures.com.

Our site has posted over 2500 book reviews and over 450 author interviews.

Our reviewers come from all over the globe and from different professions. We review all genres.

Incidentally, I am always on the lookout for new reviewers to join our group. If you can write an intelligent review and you wish to receive complimentary books, please let me know.

Regards,

Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor Bookpleasures.com

I am Marc Vun Kannon, author of Unbinding the Stone and its sequel, A Warrior Made, the first two books in the Flame in the Bowl series. I don't know how many books there will be in that series, since the story keeps growing on me as I tell it. I'm working on the third book right now, currently called Tales of Uncle. I have several other stories out there, some of which are listed in my profile. I never took a writing course, I do it all based on my own reading, so I'm always on the lookout for helpful tips, and I have a few of my own to offer.

Besides working on my fifth book, I remodeled my kitchen, plus put down brand new beautiful carpet. I've spent the past three years totally refurbishing my home. Now it is so gorgeous I never want to leave it.

Hi Chase! Great to have you join us! Hi Heather! The same goes for you. ;) Please feel free to add some of your favorite website links to helpful information.

Cheers, Karey

Yes I really can spell literature!! Sorry!

Hi everyone,
Hello Abigail. Many of the forums are very interesting, I have only posted in one so far, I have just been reading and digesting a lot of the information. Welcome!! I haven't been on a lot myself. I haven't been on a lot since I joined, mine are train rides to various destinations, seeing the beauty and wildlife this country has to offer in obscure and not oft traveled spaces. And, new grandbaby, grandsons for the summer bringing about lots of pool and movie time. I am also working on my Masters in secondary education, I will be teaching Language arts, Literture, Composition, and Theater....can't wait, school starts Tuesday.

Happy School everyone!!
Kristy

Wow. It's been a long time since I've been here. Sorry. Summer. Airplane rides to various destinations. We won't talk about the same-day roundtrip flight to Chicago from Salt Lake.

But I'm back. How was everyone's summer? What did you do?

Hallo! I just joined goodreads and I have been looking for some interesting forums. I love to write, but I never really thought of publishing until recently. I know my writing could use a bit of work, so this forum sounded really interesting.
Abigail

Hi,
I am Kristy, I love reading and writing, I still haven't listed all of my reading in this website....maybe one of these days. I am finishing my Masters in secondary education in English, Literature, and Composition. I have had a story published in an e-zine, and two poems published. I love to write poetry, and I have a few very short stories, and I have been working on a fictional book from the inspiration of my Mother-in-law who passed away in 2002. The published story was the inspiration of my own grandmother who was my heart and died in 1976. She LOVED to write, and I just recently re-typed and put together all of her stories in two booklets for my Mother and her sister. Guess that is enough for here.
Kristy

What do you mean, "the characters become too much of a hassle"? Although you can expect your characters to need some gentle guidance, trying to control them is a surefire recipe for writer's block.

Maybe this morning's post from my blog about writing will help: http://thevoiceofyourmuse.com/2008/08/fr...

It's titled "Free Your Characters. Free Your Story." and it's adapted from my book The Voice of the Muse: Answering the Call to Write (http://calltowrite.com).

Hey! You can call me Angel. (any random nickname is fine too.) I've been trying to write multypl (wat ev) stories for a LONG time. I'm into fantasy books. (And writing them) Every single one of them have crashed and have never finished. I think I'd probably need help writing all of my stories.

Most of them start really well, but the characters become too much of a hassle and it becomes a complete narative.

I always think: I have too many ideas, and not enough paper! ':|

Hi everyone, my name is Dan. I was told about this website by a friend, and I think it's a lot of fun. I used to write for Rotojunkie.com but have begun my first serious novel (although not very seriously). I love to read and to hear people's opinions on books no matter how different or similar from my own.

Hi! I am Melanie and I love to write. I am not a "joiner"-out of fear? and rejection? I am not sure but this group sounds very interesting. Writing usually comes easy to me; the hardest part is the physical part...typing or penning it. However, I will honestly say that being reviewed terrifies me.
I am a mema and of course my family loves my writing. I know that there is alot that I can learn from all of you very gifted writers and I look forward to being a part of this group. I like to write children's stories, poetry and short stories.

Hi All--

I am catching up on email from a while back and realized I joined but never got around to introducing myself to the group. My name is Richard Newman, though I publish as Richard Jeffrey Newman, because there is another poet with the same name who is the editor of a well-known literary magazine, and I want to make sure people don't confuse us—which they were doing for a while.

I am a poet, essayist and translator. My own book of poems, The Silence Of Men, was published in 2006 by CavanKerry Press, and I have three books of translations from classical Iranian poetry out. I am the literary arts director of a NY-based cultural group called Persian Arts Festival, and I make my living as an Associate Professor in the English Department of Nassau Community College in NY, where I coordinate the Creative Writing Project.

I am looking forward, now that the semester is over, to being a little more active on Goodreads.

Rich Newman

Hey, I'm Rebekah. I'm 12 years old and in the sixth grade at Ann Richards school. Last year I wanted to be an author of books, but now I think I like poetry better, but I love to read big fat books!

Hi I'm Bridget and you guys have no idea how wonderful it is to surround yourself with people like you!! Those who dream of having the time to wander through bookstores, those who carry a paperback in your purse beneath the cell phone and keys, those who get excited about the channel called book tv on c-span and goodreads. I'm a writer and have written two books so far. The first one called Master and the sequel Alex. It's a historical, horror/romance. I'd never really tried to write until I turned 40, after that the stories began writing themselves. Still love to read as much as I like to write. In a coffeeshop right now and can't wait to begin editing my short story. Just a note, Urbis is a good source as well for having others review your writing, but goodreads is great. Now I have hundreds of books recommended to me that I can't wait to dive into. Can't thank you guys enough for being out there!!

Hi, I'm Stan, and I am an aspiring novelist and an entrepeneur. I finished a first draft of a 400 plus page novel called Caldera a few years ago and then put it away. I'm still trying to figure out what to do with it, in part because I feel like it needs a complete rewrite and I'm not sure I'm up to it. I've started other novels but never finished any of them. I'm kind of stuck because I really admire great fiction (like Hemingway and Faulkner, etc...) and am a little embarrassed by the type of novel I was working on, because it is popular fiction!

I'm also a bit of an entrepeneur and really enjoy social networking sites like this one. I'm in the final stages of getting ready to beta launch a website called www.textnovel.com, which will be a way for authors to write novels online using email and cellphones (text messaging). This has been a big phenomenon in Japan and China and I'm hoping it works here. It will include some social networking features and voting (and ability to invite people to subscribe to your stories).

If anyone has any ideas about how to best market it or get the word out, let me know. I'll be offering a $1,000 prize to the winning story (contest ends December 31, 2008) and hopefully I can partner with a publishing house and during the second year will be able to offer a much larger prize. My blog is at www.textnovelblog.com.

HI I am al raines. website: www.alraines.net

i am the author of 3 books -

November Rain, a supernatural love story : http://www.novemberrain.in,

The Prayer, a horror novel in a new style called Cinema in Words :
http://www.theprayer.in

Soul Search Engine, a spiritual quest novel in 99 pages spanning from big bang till now :
http://www.soulsearchengine.in

all the books are doing well. and I am happy to be on goodreads to see so many people loving so many books.

Books are the only sign - we are still civilized.:))

Hi Group!

I'm Ann from Atlanta. I'm a full time writer, which is to say I'm on a tight budget :). I've published over fifty short stories since 2004. My selected Black Mountain stories are featured this month at The Dead Mule. My essay, Surviving Mom, was chosen to appear in Marlo Thomas' latest collection, The Right Words At The Right Time Vol 2. I've several essays that have appeared in anthologies. My first love is literary fiction. I'm a book reviewer with over twenty published reviews. And most of all, I love to read.

I joined this group to be exposed to other writers of the same and different genres.

Ann Hite

Hi All!
I'm Rosie from Utah. I'm majoring in Illustration... choosing my major was difficult because there were (are) only two things that I've ever really truly wanted to do (Draw and Write) and I couldn't choose between them. (Illustration seemed a good compromise. :) I chose art because I don't have the same confidence in writing... I always end up convincing myself that whatever I've written isn't any good and that nobody would like reading it anway. I do, however, love reading, whether or not my writing is deficient :)

Hello Everyone!

My name's Joan, and I have never had anything published...yet! At the present time, I'm a busy mom of 3 kids, ages 13 on down to 2 and a half, as well as a first grade teacher in our hometown. I love to read, love to write, and love it when I find time (or make time!) to do either one. I also enjoy do-it-yourself projects, swimming, kayaking, arts & sciences, math, etc. etc. Always a new adventure! :)

I discovered this site through my new Goodreads friend Lynda Coker; Lynda, thanks so much for this connection! Ever since completing my masters' degree (Creative Arts in Learning, through Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts), I've been jotting down ideas for children's books and poetry chapbooks that have been rattling around in my mind for many years. Perhaps this group will be the fuel I need to get the fire started! I'm looking forward to learning about, and learning from, other group members! :D

Busy girl there, Tony.
Be sure to tell us all about the adventure as those books move into the marketplace

Hi, my name is Diane Smith and I am a youth services associate at a public library in Kentucky. I am working on my Masters in Library Science, and would like to write my own fantasy book sometime (when I'm done with grad school).

Did I ever introduce myself? I'm the original Forgetful Professor.... Guess I'd better do that now. Toni V. Sweeney, here. Be sure and include the "V". There are at least eight other Toni Sweeneys out there! I'm a currently out of work grandma transported from the wilds of Georgia to California by way of Nebraska (and if that isn't a wild stretch of climates and temperatures, I don't know what is!) Under my own name, I write science fiction/adventures and horror. Under the pseudonym "Icy Snow Blackstone" (Which is my great-great-great-great-greatgrandmother's real name), I write futuristic/paranormal romances. Under the name "Toni-Paul Vissage" I write dark fantasy and horror. Don't let the name "Sweeney" fool you. I'm French-Alsation. The Sweeney came from the Mister and Himself's long gone to his reward, whatever that might be. Currently, I have contracts out for three books coming out this year and I'm trying to get myself into talking with other writers, etc. Up until now, I'm been just involved with writing. My new publisher says I've got to get out and work a little. Fine with me. Writing's no work at all! :)) <- Big Writer's Grin.

Hiya all. I joined some (weeks?) ago but have been insanely busy. This summer I'll be finishing up revisions on my first-or-fourth novel, a pre-apocalyptic speculative thriller. Then comes time to send it out into the world, and no I'm not conflicted about that at all.

As for reading, I love most genres. A good story is a good story, no matter what label it wears.

Hi. I tried to vote (say HI) for my favorite genre when I first joined, but there was no FANTASY. So I waited thinking it would soon be posted. Now the poll says closed. Still no fantasy? And no, SF is not fantasy, LOL even if, like paranormal and horror, it is all considered spec fiction.

I vote for FANTASY!

Nice to meet you all. Pamela

Hello everyone, I'm Cissy, from Finland. I've always been intrigued by literary mysteries and myths, and I would love to write a book one day. I'm currently working on one but it's still in early stages. I tend to dream my stories, which is a bit odd, I guess. This looks like a great group. :)

Hi: My name is Arlette. I am an author with one book published. I self-;published my book after hitting my head on the publishing brick wall for almost 15 years. So far my book has been well recieved.
About myself. I am a native of New Orleans, and a French and Spanish Creole. I don't live in New Orleans any more. I was married to a Career Naval Officer who was also a fighter pilot. I was a stay at home mom all my married life, and I loved every minute of it. Also loved every minute of Military life. It was wonderful although lonely at times.
I have three grown children, one daughter and two sons. All very successful and all in long happy marriages and they all own their own homes. So they can't come back, only kidding. I have six grandchildren ranging in ages 25 to 7 years. Three boys and three girls.
Now that I am alone, my great passion is writing books. So far I've written four and am working on my fifth. I am getting ready to publish my second book in the very near future.
Sorry this is so long.

Hello, my name is Jeanne. I just joined. I'm a third year uni student. I'm currently studying politics, though I am unsure if this is what I want to be doing. For the first two years of uni I studied Egyptology. I love reading and I have always wanted to write. Creative writing was always my strong point in school. I have even brought some of my teachers to tears. I mostly read sci-fi and fantasy but if a book appeals to me I'll read it, no matter the genre. As I said I love to read and write but I haven't read or written as much as I would have liked. I'm hoping to change that. I want to say that I am excited to join this group and hope to learn from other members.

Bonjour de Paris, France !!..........

Glad to meet you and to join You imagine!

I am a trainer and a coach in self development, management and communication.
I liked to work with people to develop creativity, imagination and communication skills.

May be, I would like to write poetry or a book.

"You Imagine" is a great idea and I hope that your project will grow up every day.

I particularly like You Imagine's icon. Where did you find this wonderful picture?

Every day, I like to find this wonderful "pig" on my Goodreads's home page..... LOL

Hi!
I'm Allie, and I love reading and writing more than almost anything in the world. I love fantasy and fiction, but History and historical fiction iterests me a lot as well. I also love to dance. I'm one of the younger members of this group, but I still love writing and have a ton of stories and ideas jammed up in my head and would love for anyone to give me critique and tips.

Hiya everybody! My name on here's Shanna Starle, even though its not my real one. It could be a pen name... I'm a Sophomore in High School and a good ol' band geek.

Anyway, I joined so I could see what other authors are up to, even though I don't consider myself an author just yet, I haven't finished my story. But I do love writing and reading fantasy. I hope to publish my story one day, so I'm hoping to get some tips on how to go about that.

And this looks like a perfect place to do just that! Not to mention I can meet people who think like me. Perhaps then I won't think I'm crazy... *laugh*

Hello everyone. I'm J.P. Lowe, a small press author. I've published three poetry chapbooks and, most recently, a collection of my short stories titled PARIAH TALES (Onzo Imprints, 2007). http://pariahtales.blogspot.com

I joined this group because I think writers are often too isolated; I was looking for a community of like-minded individuals. I think I've found it here. Thanks for letting me sit in!

Heyas, I'm Ariel. I am an artist by trade...used to work in advertising, but I burned out, and now I paint watercolors. (www.yelodoggie.com)
I am an admitted dog junkie and have volunteered in companion animal rescue for the past 20 years. My first book, Born Without a Tail is about my misadventures in pet rescue.

If you want to know what matters to me, please visit my website, and click on the easter eggs in the paint daubs to get into the top secret areas of the site. (you'll see what I mean once you get there)Explore, explore, explore, there's lots to see. And if by chance you view my YouTube videos, please rate them and leave your comments!

I'm Teri. I'm an educational consultant in New York City, mainly working with families who choose alternative forms of education. I taught writing for many years and worked as an advertising copywriter before that. I've never written a single piece of fiction, but I fantasize often about doing so.

HI! My name's Heather, and I'm a 10th grader in MI... can't tell you where, or my parents might ground me. I'm workin on a couple different stories right now, when I have the time, and I was curious about the group!

Hello,

I go by Chase here. I am a writer. My interests are broad and encompass novel writing, poetry, non-fiction, children's literature, and so on. I like meeting new people and talking about books, writing, the process, and techniques. I have just joined recently and am building my space here. It will be nice to get to know some more people here.

~~Chase
http://wanderingwriters.org

Hi. I'm Ephona. Though that is not really my name, it'll probably be my pen name. Anyway, I am in 8th grade and have so much planned. I started to love writing in 5th grade and started writing a book which really needs some CRITICAL revising or needs to be scrapped all together because it's not that great. Anyway, in 6th grade I got the idea for my series which is what I'm currently really into right now. I have many other books planned too; most of them trilogies or just one book.
I joined this group so I can get tips and share ideas and info with other people. I'm looking forward to it! ^-^