Hi everyone

[Panda]

Hi all. I've been a fan of fantasy stories for a long time, but only recently decided to try writing. I've had an idea for a story floating around in my head for years, so I figured I'd try to make a novel of it. Worst-case scenario, I get an interesting experience and have to cross "professional writer" off my list of things I want to be when I grow up. (I'm a 31-year-old computer programmer and I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. )

When I started writing my story, one thing I never expected was how much research I'd end up having to do. I never thought I'd find myself worrying so much about making sure a fantasy story was realistic. It's been fascinating so far, watching HEMA videos on youtube and reading historical nonfiction, but I feel like the more I find out, the more questions I end up with. Hoping you guys can help with that.

Oh, and if anyone was wondering, "Panda" is my best friend's nickname for me (my real name's Amanda) and the cat in my profile is Vicki, AKA The Big Furry Cat, who is currently curled up next to me, snoring.

(by the way, what's up with the post tags? I just previewed my post and apparently it's automatically being tagged with what looks like every noun in my post? )

 

[Tom]

Hey there! Welcome. Hope you like it here.

Don't be afraid to jump right in--the sharks won't bother you as long as you don't splash too much.

 

[CupofJoe]

Hail and well met Panda
Glad to have you here.
I've managed to cross off a lot of potential careers over the years but I'm still holding out for Cloud Comptroller or Tree Whisperer...
Share what you know and learn what you need...

 

[Panda]

Oh man, I never even considered Tree Whisperer. That would be awesome, because you'd get winters off.

 

[CupofJoe]

Oh man, I never even considered Tree Whisperer. That would be awesome, because you'd get winters off.

Oh No... Winter is the busy time, that is when the trees need Whispering the most... Everyone wants to be around them and talks to them in the "Leafy" pretty months. In the winter when the trees are naked they need the reassurance and contact...
In reflection... Maybe I've thought about this a little to much...
Anyway - there is a sad Oak I have to cheer up... TTFN

 

[Panda]

Congratulations, you have now made me feel pity for trees. I just looked out my front window and reassured the snow-covered shrubbery that I still love it.

 

[Fyle]

Welcome to the grind！


Enjoy.