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Nay Connell
09-15-2004, 04:45 PM
...but I'm glad to be here!

Hello there! I've finally got a few minutes now to sit down and post my Newbie introduction here. I've been spending so much time in the Blurbs and generally just sifting through what seems like a million-and-one informative (but a tad overwhelming!) threads. PFFA people, you were certainly on the right track when you named it a free-for-all!

Okay, my name is Naomi Mc Ardle (Connell is my father's name.), I'm twenty-three, a mum of two, and an aspiring childrens' writer. I'm waiting back on publishers' replies on my first kids' book, The Magic Door (a working title!). They say to give it four to six weeks before expecting word; my manuscripts were sent off a month ago so the time is nigh... and my nerves are just about shot!

Poetry is not a career or a serious obession for me, but I love the English language in all its guises and so want to do my very best (being ultra-competitive has nothing to do with it, nu-uh ;) ). I'd class poetry as an hobby, and while I don't think I'm great at it, I think I've been blessed with a fundamental grasp on words and how they work. How-everrr... that's not to say that I don't have a lot of work to do, and so that's why I'm here! My reading and writing are considerably better than the average Joe's, and so it's my goal in life to make sure I don't let any talent I may have go to waste.

Things here got off to a bit of an iffy start, and with my inherently argumentative nature it was less of a gentle introduction to this site and its rules, and more of a swift kick up the bum! Learning is the key, and it was the key-word when it came to shutting up and agreeing to behave in future, as I'd rather improve my work and my knowledge of poetry than end up sitting outside the back door, rubbing my bum and looking for another place to go.

I've come to a few realisations over the last few days here; there's a mine of information on poetry in all its forms, styles, and structures, well-informed and educated members to lend insight and unbiased criticism, new people to meet and new arenas of thought to delve into... One thing that will definitely come in handy is getting used to finding my work savaged and ravaged when it doesn't come up to scratch. I'm young, and inexperienced, and will need to develop a veritable HIDE to deal with the scathing opinions of editors and critics, as I AM serious about my goal to become a childrens' fiction writer. I need honest appraisals of my work; "ohhh this was realy good i liked ur work so much plz go and read my pomes, they remind me of urs" is not something I want to see tagged on to a piece I've slaved over. I have a feeling that if I get back on to the right track here, and do as I'd like to be done unto, those are words I will not find here. Let's hope, anyway!

I've rambled on for long enough, I think, as I said...

"glad to be here!"

Nay

HowardM2
09-15-2004, 05:01 PM
That's exactly the attitude we look for in members here; keep up that attitude and you'll soon have the restrictions currently in place lifted. Good luck.

Howard

Nay Connell
09-15-2004, 05:44 PM
I'll do my best... every fibre of my being wanted to stamp my feet and leg it off into the sunset, but...

that's just juvenile and it's time to grow up and take the shit to get the shine!

Kristina9178
09-15-2004, 07:08 PM
I think I had a similar start. I guess I should have checked my pride at the door...lol. I think I'll hang tight and try my hardest to keep my mouth shut. The critique here is much better than elsewhere. Good luck in all of your ventures, Nay, and keep me up to date on you children's book.

-Kristina

River Not
09-15-2004, 07:37 PM
hi Nay.

good luck with the book and all.

Nay Connell
09-15-2004, 08:09 PM
Ah, thanks for the good wishes, they'll come in handy! *Settles in comfortably*

I'm off to go read more Blurbs... they're strangely compelling!

Todd Wylie
09-16-2004, 12:13 PM
Hello Nay,

I'm glad you made it through your first turbulent days too.

Oh, and thanks for the warning. I almost just submitted this critique to one of your poems.

"ohhh this was realy good i liked ur work so much plz go and read my pomes, they remind me of urs"

I would have felt foolish.

Good luck on your book.

Todd

Nay Connell
09-17-2004, 09:52 PM
Aw, Todd, after the fab comment on "Fairview", I don't think you could be that mindless if you tried :P

Phoenix'84
09-21-2004, 03:00 PM
Hi Nay!

Cool to know we're not alone in the world! I think the first time you receive an honest crit you gotta suck it up and take it, cause the urge to vomit is almost too great to suppress! (especially when all you've ever heard from mates and such are things like 'aww, that's so nice' etc.) I wasn't really expecting 'honesty' when I posted, but it's refreshing to know there's no toeing the line here!

Good luck with the book and stuff, keep me up to date!

Nay Connell
09-21-2004, 03:45 PM
Hey Phoenix, thanks for the words of comfort :)

It was a bit galling, when I came... not that I minded the criticism, just... oh, I was being a pissy madam and the fault was my own. *kicks herself*. But I've settled in, and it's an easy enough ride, now. Hasn't been anything since that first submission that's rattled my cage, thankfully!


LOL, get this...


I've been thinking so much about the book, that I'm hoping it gets rejected! I'm no longer happy with where it's going, and want it all back so that I can make it much better, and now, having said that, I bet it'll bloody get accepted!

Thanks again :)

Nay

Phoenix'84
09-21-2004, 04:13 PM
I know what you're saying! It's something of a reality check when the ego get's punctured (or at least it was for me!;) )
But to get back to the issue of the book...
OF COURSE they'll accept the copy now that you've decided you want to change it... it's a little thing called 'Murphy's law' *lol*
If anyone ever happens to get their hands on this Murphy guy, please let me know, I have some issues I'd like to discuss with him...

No, seriously, don't worry, I'm sure it'll be fine. I always find that thinking too much does the brain damage, you gotta use it only when ABSOLUTELY necessary... heehee... it's like a good pair of shoes, they last longer when you don't wear them every day!

Nay Connell
09-21-2004, 08:54 PM
SHOES!!

Someone after my own heart, I love shoes...

Sorry, forgot I was in a poetry forum, for a sec... they should add stipulations that shoe-fetishists face being moved to Outside if even a kitten heel gets a mention...

Oh, that Murphy fella's a terrible one for taking the mick, I expect that's how he came to be called "Sod", as well!

The problem with my ego is that it was grossly inflated by having the compliments heaped on in what were a lot of one line comments, at another site. You kinda get a fat head, and stop trying after a while. So I deleted all my posts and swore I wouldn't write any new poetry until I got all my old pieces polished off as nicely as I could get them. Since I came here, well, I'm very happy with the progress I've made so far. Hope it continues!

Thanks for your time, It's very nice to meet you :)

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