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Hi all. I have loved delving into this site the past several days. I must confess to feeling overwhelmed and a bit intimidated. Not wanting to waste your time or embarrass myself, I have looked for "beginner" groups in which to post but have found none. Any suggestions?
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I have only been on hatrack for perhaps a month or so, but I love it. I don't think you need to worry have a specific beginners group or experience. We were all beginners at some point, I still consider myself somewhat of a beginner. Even the most seasoned still has something to learn.
My advice, dive right in. There are no sharks in this swimming pool.
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I agree with Osiris. Dive right in. I've been at Hatrack for a little over a year and you won't feel like a beginner for long. That's why there are no such groups. Just be respectful and you'll be fine.
Posts: 1993 | Registered: Jul 2009
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Also, it can't hurt to send a decent single-malt Islay scotch to members of more than 5 years seniority. Mailing address available on request . . . . .
Posts: 683 | Registered: Oct 2004
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I would suggest reading that before you post section though. It gives some good hints for not annoying people - like don't start a thread complaining about how posting only the first 13 is just so unfair and wrong.
Posts: 232 | Registered: Apr 2010
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Just about everyone here tries to treat each other with the greatest respect. When someone enters this forum and demonstrates an earnest desire to improve his or her writing and a willingness to listen and learn, that person is ALWAYS well received. Welcome.
Posts: 2003 | Registered: Jul 2008
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And if you have questions that you want to ask but you feel like you're going to sound stupid, ask anyway. We'll be gentle, I promise! If it helps, just add that you're new to this. We understand. But if you go to a beginner's web site, how will you learn anything? No one else will know anything, either! lol
We're all at different stages in this journey. But even the most successful writers remember what it was like to start out.
I hope you stick with us. I've learned so much from the people here. They are all fantastic, and always very respectful. If you give us a chance, I'm sure you'll find all this out for yourself.
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I think you'll find you "grow up" pretty fast around here. Stick around. Don't worry about wasting our time, it is our choice to read or not read any post, and our responding to it is part of our education as well as yours. As for embarrassing yourself: sharing your words with the world may open you up to embarrassment, but it also opens you up to it's opposite. Don't worry, no fear.
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A far greater concern here than being ridiculed or embarrased is that of losing your identity as a storyteller. Everyone here is for the most part well intentioned and welcoming, and you will learn a lot. But just remember that simply because someone at Hatrack says something...or even if OSC or who ever else says it, doesn't mean its true, for you.
Learn all you can, participate, but just remember to keep confidence in your own stories and style.
posted
Lissa, I was thinking the same thing before I joined up. I've never had any writing experience or education for it at all(other than regular schooling). So I know what you mean about thinking like you're an absolute beginner. But if you've ever given someone driving directions, and they got there with no problems, YOU are good enough to be a writer. LOL
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