Hatrack River Writers Workshop: The Welcome Wagon!

This is topic The Welcome Wagon! in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
http://www.hatrack.com/ubb/writers/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=001497

Posted by djvdakota (Member # 2002) on :

Gee Whillickers! We have a whole passle of newbies on board right now.

Me, I had to learn all the ins and outs of Hatrack the hard way--trial and error, making mistakes, being gently (most of the time) corrected by my venerable seniors.

So, I thought it might be a good idea for us old-timers to share some advice with the young 'uns.

I'll start with this:
Lurk. Lurk, lurk, lurk. Just watch and read and see how things work around here before jumping in with your thirteen lines. Lurk for a few days at least.

Posted by RFLong (Member # 1923) on :

I'd follow with critique, critique, critique.

It makes you think about writing in the manner of an editor and reader as well as a writer. Just explain you're newish. If I remember right, there's a thread or two on how to critique knocking around here somewhere...

http://www.hatrack.com/forums/writers/cgi/forumdisplay.cgi?action=topics&forum=Ways+to+Critique&number=21&DaysPrune=1000&SUBMIT=Go

(one day I'll work out the UBB codes, I promise!)

My two cents...
R

[This message has been edited by RFLong (edited November 11, 2004).]

Posted by Kolona (Member # 1438) on :

Write...write...write.

Rewrite...rewrite...rewrite.

Posted by Survivor (Member # 213) on :

Read all my posts!

Oh, and also read up on UBB Code and Smilies. Note that links to those pages occur next to the response form, so you never need be without them.

On a more general note, read, read, read. That includes reading your own writing, too.

Posted by Jules (Member # 1658) on :

And the box at the bottom of the page that looks like a copy of the site header contains the thread you're replying to. Took me ages to figure that one out.

Posted by Magic Beans (Member # 2183) on :

Don't take critiques personally, do take them with a grain of salt.

Posted by wetwilly (Member # 1818) on :

If you always do what wetwilly says to do with your stories, you're sure to be a success, no matter what.

Posted by Phanto (Member # 1619) on :

Don't bother unless you're willing to work your ass off for a long, long time. Greatness does not come easily except to geniuses -- and even geniuses need some practice.

Posted by Robyn_Hood (Member # 2083) on :

1 - Don't get discouraged about your own writing if you critique something "phenomenal" by someone else.

2 - Make mistakes. It's one of the best ways to learn.

3 - That said, don't try to re-invent the wheel. The people here are pretty good about offering advice when you ask for it (and sometimes even when you don't ).

Edit: Actually, since the majority of us dabble in Spec-fic, if you are literally re-inventing the wheel, power to ya!

[This message has been edited by Robyn_Hood (edited November 11, 2004).]

Posted by rjzeller (Member # 1906) on :

Survivor may have been joking, but I'd take his prior note seriously. Pay very close attention to any posts from the following people:

Survivor
MaryRobinette
Christine
EricJamesStone
Balthasaar

These folks DEFINITELY know what the heck they're talking about. That doesn't mean you'll always agree with them (and you shouldn't -- heck, they don't always agree with each other); but it DOES mean that they almost always have very well-thought and highly insightful responses. Oftentimes, even if you think they're waaaaaaay out to left field, they still manage to make you think differently about things.

There may be others, but these are they whom I've found consistently offer contstructive and intelligent, knowledgeable advice every time they post.

Posted by Beth (Member # 2192) on :

Jules! I had no idea about the topic appearing at the bottom of the page. Here I've been thinking that having no easy way to refer back to the topic was a major major design flaw. So nice to know.

Posted by Minister (Member # 2213) on :

I'd include a couple of others on that list, but those are sure a good start. Beyond all this advice, enjoy the site as a way to read some quality fiction without paying for a subscription!

Posted by Robyn_Hood (Member # 2083) on :

If you find you've made a mistake and want to edit it, you can.

If you find you've made more than one mistake or if you want to add something, you can edit it again...

And again...

But if you're like me, you don't like having a dozen or so

quote:
[This message has been edited by Robyn_Hood (edited November 11, 2004).]

messages at the bottom of your post.

Well, after you make your alterations and before you re-submit, you can scroll down to the end of your message and delete the umpteen edit messages that are tacked on. After you re-submit a new edit message will be added, but at least it's only one instead of twenty .

[This message has been edited by Robyn_Hood (edited November 11, 2004).]