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Hey everyone

My name is Steven and I'm a new member

Ive been reading books for a few years and really devoted my self to it for the past 2-3 years. Ive had a good idea for a few years now and finally I started putting it down after a number of people persuaded me to. I've never seen myself as a writer but I dont have a bit of a crazy mind and a good imagination. Anyways, I've witten a rough draft of the story line and I've got about 10 000 words now on main characters and a few main twists. Few mature writers have read it and they said that it is a very good idea with alot of potential. I write sometimes once or twice a week and sometimes four or five times, sometimes i really feel like it and ideas keep poping up. Now im at the point where im not sure whats enough and what isnt, if i should make it first person or third, order of things, style etc etc so no i need advice and help from someone. It is a fiction/crime book, with a lot of feelings/events ive experience thourough life incorporated in characters as well some true crimes. Setting is based in 90's "i think". Im in Brisbane, so If you know someone on here or  a place that could have a look at what i have and evaluate it professionally or point me in right direction, it would be greatly appriciated.

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Welcome aboard Dmso, you've come to the right site, but the wrong forum for answers to your questions on writing. Take a look at the The Writer's Forum under Bookclubs and Workshops.  There you'll find just the help and encouragement you're looking for.  Fiona even drops in regularly to review and assist.

Keep on writing,      Phil

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Indeed, you would be welcomed into the ample bosom of the writer's forum.  We really don't have enough males - poor Inky does seem to cop more than his fair share of the abuse.    Nah, we luv ya, Inky.

Can i also sugget, Steven, that you join your local bookclub (doesn't have to be within your chosen genre) - they're a great source of support, ideas, good novels recommended and a pool of people happy to read drafts of your novel (well, hopefully).  Also, you might like to try your local writers' centre - google 'writers centre queensland' and you're bound to come up with something.  Writers' Centres are a great source of support and information (say she who hasn't actually gotten off her butt yet and joined our wonderful local centre).

You may find a TAFE course on creative writing, or similar, useful. 

Plus, if you've written out 10,000 words, then you're well on your way to being a writer.  You just need to sit down and write.  Don't worry about how it sounds when it first comes out - just write.  Set yourself a word limit per day and try to keep to it.  You may need adjustments in your word limit from time to time as your life drops in and out of crises, but meeting your daily word limit (even if it's only 100 words/day) gives you self-discipline and enough of a sense of achievement to keep you going.  Keep looking forward with your writing - don't read what you've already written.  If you write regularly, you'll keep the threads of the story in your head and won't need to look back. 

Also, read, read and read some more within your chosen genre - try to work out what makes a good novel good and a bad novel bad.  This is where your bookclub will come in useful - they're normally filled with pretty bright people - they're also you're market.

I can't see why you claim to have a lack of imagination though - you've had at least one idea, ergo you have an imagination.  Unless, you stole your idea from someone else, in which case you would be resoundingly rejected from our ample bosom!   

Good luck, Steven.  Might see you in the Writer's Forum - each week Tues evening. 

Md

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Thanks Phil and Marryd thats a bit of help already

I will post the same post in the right forum.