Hello, all!

[diabolicalplotter]

I'm Melissa and am glad to be here. I have been writing for a long time but have not yet actually finished anything. That is my goal; that is why I'm here. I live in the midwest US, and when not working, hanging out with my kids, or otherwise adulting, I am writing, reading, kayaking, or hiking. (Kayaking season is over now for me, as I enjoy the snow and cold weather, but do not want to be submerged in it.) I'm looking forward to meeting people and sharing ideas

 

[pmmg]

Howdy Melissa, Welcome here.

I'm gonna go on record and say, I dont like snow. It was cool when I was younger, but not anymore.

 

[ThinkerX]

Welcome.

I dwell in the far northern part of the country (which is currently alternating between rain and snow).

As to writing, I used to just latch onto an idea, start writing...and not get anything done.

These days - multiple self published books later - I don't begin a story without solid notions about the beginning, middle, and end. And once started, the rule is 'write at leasr a little every day, even if you don't feel like it, even if you think it is horrible.'

 

[pmmg]

'write at least a little every day, even if you don't feel like it, even if you think it is horrible.'

That's really best advice there is.

 

[diabolicalplotter]

Howdy Melissa, Welcome here.

I'm gonna go on record and say, I dont like snow. It was cool when I was younger, but not anymore.

I know what you mean. It was much more fun when you didn't have to drive in it, too. Winter hiking (partly because there are less people!) can be so peaceful, though.

 

[diabolicalplotter]

Welcome.

I dwell in the far northern part of the country (which is currently alternating between rain and snow).

As to writing, I used to just latch onto an idea, start writing...and not get anything done.

These days - multiple self published books later - I don't begin a story without solid notions about the beginning, middle, and end. And once started, the rule is 'write at leasr a little every day, even if you don't feel like it, even if you think it is horrible.'

We are looking at a good amount of snow overnight here. Fingers crossed!

I always have solid ideas from beginning to end... sometimes I think that is part of my problem - too many ideas and not enough focus to stick with one all the way through.

 

[pmmg]

Its supposed to snow here tomorrow. Grrrr....

 

[ThinkerX]

We are looking at a good amount of snow overnight here. Fingers crossed!

I always have solid ideas from beginning to end... sometimes I think that is part of my problem - too many ideas and not enough focus to stick with one all the way through.

Outline. Put the ideas in order. Then write.

 

[diabolicalplotter]

Outline. Put the ideas in order. Then write.

That's what I'm doing now, way beyond any point I've gone before with outlining. NOT outlining has clearly not worked so far, so hopefully this will keep my brain in line

 

[minta]

Hi Melissa! Welcome here

 

[xena]

Hello Melissa, Welcome to the site!

 

[roiess]

I'm Melissa and am glad to be here. I have been writing for a long time but have not yet actually finished anything. That is my goal; that is why I'm here. I live in the midwest US, and when not working, hanging out with my kids, or otherwise adulting, I am writing, reading, kayaking, or hiking. (Kayaking season is over now for me, as I enjoy the snow and cold weather, but do not want to be submerged in it.) I'm looking forward to meeting people and sharing ideas

Welcome, Melissa!

As a professional beta reader, I can tell you that committing to finishing a project is one of the biggest steps a writer can take and you’re already there. Your long experience with writing (and life!) gives you more material than you might realize.

Whenever you’re ready to share a snippet or idea, I’m happy to offer focused, constructive feedback to help you shape it into a finished draft. Looking forward to seeing what you’re working on!