Hatrack River Writers Workshop: I Owe You Hatrack Folks a BIG Thank You

This is topic I Owe You Hatrack Folks a BIG Thank You in forum Grist for the Mill at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by Crystal Stevens (Member # 8006) on :

I just checked my profile and can't believe how fast time has passed since I joined this forum (One of the best moves of my life, I might add

.).

I know I've been missing from the forums, but I'm determined to finish one of my stories. I'm concentrating on my novella about Wyatt the horse abuser. It's coming along just great, and when I finish this round of revisions, I will be submitting it... my first submission to be exact. Can't wait to start receiving those rejection slips .

BUT while I was working on this story, I read some of the others that aren't finished. What a shock! The one I quit working on to finish my novella was so terrible I couldn't get past the first paragraph. It was terrible! And I wrote that not more than six months ago!

This proves how much I've improved all due to you folks here on Hatrack. I feel like I've taken a course on creative writing and come out on top. Like a sponge, I've absorbed what you folks offered and prospered more than I ever imagined. "Thank you" seems way too little to say for what I've learned from this forum. YOU FOLKS ARE FANTASTIC!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU (one more time), THANK YOU.

[This message has been edited by Crystal Stevens (edited November 23, 2009).]

Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :

Usually it takes a year or so for any good feeling I have about what I've written to wear off...in the meantime I veer from "this is garbage" to "this is great." Nowadays, I like to let them cool off for a few months before starting the second draft---and they usually don't look so bad by then.

I haven't been as involved in the passing-around-of-actual-stories as maybe most of you have, but, to a certain extent, just writing up something to post keeps me sharp.

Posted by Crystal Stevens (Member # 8006) on :

Thanks for the reply, Robert.

I was using my own stories as an example of how much my writing has changed (and improved) due to the knowledgeable folks here on Hatrack. This of course includes you too, my friend.

I've read in several different "how to" books that if you want to be a writer, you should write something everyday. I always thought anything written online, like what I'm doing right now, should count in that respect even though I'm not working on any given project. Like you, I do believe it keeps a writer sharp and on his toes if he(she?) doesn't have time for anything else . That said, it's time for me to get back to my novella. Time's awastin' !

[This message has been edited by Crystal Stevens (edited November 24, 2009).]

Posted by Bent Tree (Member # 7777) on :

I have quite enjoyed watching you grow. As well as seeing others come form their first 'waking from a dream' story in F&F to seeing their first sale in Publications & Reviews. From time to time I even go back and look at some of my first posts and become amazed at the progrees which I have made. I too am really thankful for this place and the people in it. I would not be where I am today without you guys.

Posted by InarticulateBabbler (Member # 4849) on :

Hatrack is a great springboard. Its members are among the strongest learners seeking publication, the most tenacious with regards to beginnings, and some of the best friends I have.