Welcome… I’m New Here! Hello!

[Josephine]

I joined a few weeks ago and since then have been nervously lurking. But here I am taking the plunge: hello everyone!
I'm based in Manchester and love reading classic crime and spy novels, as well as the odd twenty first century murder. My favourite recent read was The Strange Death of Fiona Griffiths by Harry Bingham, although I realised partway through it's in the middle of a series so now I have to go and find the first two books I missed.
I'm in the throes of writing a novel, my first if I finish it, and I'm finding it both absurdly fun and impossibly difficult. I'm hoping to improve my crit skills while I'm here, which is something I'm not very confident in (whilst being SUPER critical of my own work).

 

[Vagabond Heart]

Hello Josephine, and welcome to Litopia.
I totes agree with your description, 'absurdly fun and impossibly difficult.'
xxxx VH

 

[Josephine]

Hello Josephine, and welcome to Litopia.
I totes agree with your description, 'absurdly fun and impossibly difficult.'
xxxx VH

Glad to hear it's not just me!
Thanks

 

[RK Wallis]

Welcome aboard @Josephine Oh I'm totally with you too, writing a book is fun and difficult, so so so difficult. It's meant to get easier ... one day Hopefully, we help you on the path forward. But do let go of any hopes of perfectionism. That could cripple you before you start - give yourself permission to make mistakes. We all make them so you won't be alone or judged. We just try our best to encourage support one another while providing honest criticism

 

[Josephine]

Welcome aboard @Josephine Oh I'm totally with you too, writing a book is fun and difficult, so so so difficult. It's meant to get easier ... one day Hopefully, we help you on the path forward. But do let go of any hopes of perfectionism. That could cripple you before you start - give yourself permission to make mistakes. We all make them so you won't be alone or judged. We just try our best to encourage support one another while providing honest criticism

Thank you! Yes definitely familiar with crippling myself with unrealistic expectations. Slowly learning to cut myself some slack...

 

[Barbara]

Welcome to the Colony.

 

[CageSage]

Hello, welcome. It's definitely tough to finish the first one, but it teaches so much ... and it's addictive.

 

[James Marinero]

Welcome! Do try to enjoy writing...

 

[AgentPete]

@Josephine welcome! How are you finding it so far?

 

[Hannah F]

Hi, Josephine. Welcome

 

[Josephine]

@Josephine welcome! How are you finding it so far?

Friendly! <3

 

[Paul Whybrow]

Welcome to the Colony.

 

[Julie]

Welcome Josephine. Ah, Harry Bingham of Jericho Writers (formerly The Writer's Workshop). Yes, I think he's written quite a number in that series. Looking forward to you sharing some of your writing. Best wishes

 

[Jonny]

Hello @Josephine

A very warm welcome to Litopia. Hope you enjoy it. Here's a good link to point out a few of the key areas of activity.
How-to Guide

But, don't be shy. Best thing to do is dive right in.

If you need any further help getting around the colony, then please send me a PM and I’ll be happy to assist if I can.

 

[Ancora Imparo]

Hello and welcome, @Josephine! I'm with @RK Capps on that one, too. It's hard enough being a writer without beating yourself up about it. But we're all the same. Been there, done that

Do try out the Workshops, and remember to offer your own critiques of others' writing – reading other submissions is a good way to learn what works and what doesn't. Look forward to seeing you around the colony. If you've any questions about anything, I'm happy to help any time.

 

[Dorm Ant]

Greetings. I am a stone's throw from Manchester (if you put the stone in a trebuchet and aim uphill).

 

[Josephine]

Greetings. I am a stone's throw from Manchester (if you put the stone in a trebuchet and aim uphill).

I'm actually moving a trebuchet throw from Manchester this month! Headed for the lovely Calder Valley.

 

[Josephine]

Thanks all! I feel well and truly welcomed.