Groups / Bloggers: Let's Make It... / Introduction Post
Hi, I am sort of new here. I haven't really been utilizing this site very well, which I am trying to change.
Anyways, my name is Raven. I am only 20 years old, and I published my first novel last year. Writing was my life, all through high school and I enjoy it so much. Editing, however, is my least favorite. But I was attending college for many different majors, but once I had my son, college fell away. So now I'm a stay at home mom, who writes and blogs, happily.
Once I published my first novel, I encountered many issues and criticisms. Especially for being a newbie, it was heartbreaking. So I created a Facebook group for young writers to have a sort of support system in their writing, publishing, editing, whatever they need. Because I was given much support when I was younger about writing, I always felt like being an author was my dream job. And when I went and gave it a shot, my family wasn't so supportive, constantly saying I needed to "get a real job". I never want another young author to be discouraged from pursuing such a great, and rare, talent like reading. We all deserve to have our stories heard.
My blog, http://thewritersblockblog.blogspot.com/ , is a blog about my writing journey along with some self promotion thrown in there. However I still struggle with getting blog views, and networking. I joined SheWrites to help me promote my own books and give me ideas on how I should market myself. Also, it'd be great to meet a few fellow authors that I can be given positive feedback from.
Thanks for reading,
Raven
Thank you, Marylee...
Hey, Stephanie Monique, you might want to connect with Matthew Peters, dual diagnosed. He has written two fabulous novels, but also has a lot on his blog about dual diagnosis. He is also very "out of the mental illness" closet and would be a good colleague for you. http://www.matthewpetersbooks.com/ You'd enjoy his novel, CONVERSATIONS AMONG RUINS.
That message about "getting a real job" is just so undermining. People who don't write have no idea that THE IS A REAL JOB, even if it is not one that society values (until there's money pouring in). You'll find tons of validation here, and also people struggling with the same issues of time management, purpose, and self-doubt. I'm just curious if you're on Wattpad or not. When I've looked at that site, I've seen a lot of young writers. It's a great place to put your work out there. I actually have a report that has some other resources that might be of use to you. Check out #1. It's for FREE Univ. of Iowa creative writing classes with some of America's most famous writers. Yes, FREE. https://maryleemacdonald.leadpages.co/writing-tips/
Hi Raven,
I am not a 'young' writer, but I have a friend who is and might benefit from participating in your facebook group. Can you tell me the name or link the page here.
Thank you,
Michelle
New Grace News
I blog about my Bipolar diagnosis and slice of life stuff. It's something I've been working on since coming out of my mental illness closet a few years ago. I don't approach my mental health with a typical medication tweaking route. For the most part I live off medication and enjoy hospital visits. I'm trying not to return to the hospital ever again, but I say that every time I leave after picking up valuable information that I can incorporate into my lifestyle. The blog is located at BigUnderDog.org if you want to find out more about me...
Hi Raven,
You should have such a feeling of accomplishment on the publication of your novel, at your young age!
Often, other people don't get it. They say stupid things, like, "aren't you lucky" as if you emptied the scrabble bag and put little words together. Or "Wow! What will you do when you finish college?" Or "you are so smart! I can't even relate!"
Jealousy, laziness, rudeness - where's the kindness? Apparently, writing is largely misunderstood. Perhaps if you had to stand upside down all day to write, you would get more respect - NOT! Perhaps if your relatives cared enough, they would express an interest in how you manage to write with a little one at home.
DO NOT listen to all those voices - or to the hollow silence when you are jumping for joy at completing a writing project and no one seems to care. Some people actually do not read books, and some of these people are proud of this! Eek! Keep writing! As Irene says, you have courage, you follow your dreams, and that is the stuff of life.
Very best wishes, Mary Ellen Latela, @LatelaMary, [email protected]
Hang in there, Raven. Writing takes heart and boundless courage. It can be a blistering place, the vulnerability of it, our heart in our hands offered naked to the world. But hang in there. Don't let anyone discourage you. It takes courage to follow our dreams, courage to offer our creativity. And that's the stuff of life. All the best, Irene
Welcome, Raven. Although there's quite a difference in our ages, I can relate to your struggles. I've written for a long time, but now that our children are grown and I have a bit more time, I'd like to take my writing to the next level. I am a Reading specialist and created a blog for parents and grandparents. I am passionate about providing inspiration and information to parents to help them nurture literacy in the home. I blog at https://[email protected]/
Your blog sounds very interesting. I'll be sure to check it out. Good luck!