
Newbie's Guide to AQ Connect
#1
Posted 29 October 2010 - 04:55 AM
POPULAR
Welcome to AQConnect. As new members of the forums, you have an unique perspective on what it's like to join our writing community, and for this reason, we'd love to hear from you.
Feel free to post a few tips and suggestions in this thread for the reading pleasure all your fellow newbie members who would like to get involved, but just don't know how or where to start.
Every single member of AQConnect was once a "new member," so we value everyone's contributions.
Happy AQConnecting...
#2
Posted 29 October 2010 - 07:00 AM
POPULAR
The biggest tip I learned as a beginner on this awesome site is this:
Don't be afraid, be respectful.
In other words, your opinion matters. How you view something or what you feel about something is uniquely yours and it is not wrong. So, don't be afraid to voice your opinion and don't be afraid if someone contradicts you. Instead, respectfully listen to the thoughts and opinions of others. You might be surprised by what you learn--or what you can teach.
The writing biz is complicated. Every day I learn something new and I've been at this for a long time. In fact, one of the most valuable things I've learned about my writing came from a peer so new to the process she hadn't even finished her own novel yet.
Don't be afraid. If you have a question ask it. If you have an opinion share it.
Be respectful. Treat others as you would like them to treat you. If you want a critique, give one. If you disagree with commentary, listen to it then ignore it.
In the process, you'll learn great things, meet great people and be a part of the best writing community on the web.
Oh yeah, and if you write for kids, PM me and I'll provide a password so you can learn a little more about the nuances of the juvenile biz. We've got great members who can help answer questions and address concerns specific to this age group.
Cat Woods
Juvenile Junction Group Moderator
Words from the Woods~ Blog for Cat Woods
From the Write Angle~ Group Blog
Whispering Minds~ Blog for A.T. O'Connor
#3
Posted 29 October 2010 - 12:38 PM
#4
Posted 29 October 2010 - 12:53 PM
Cat Woods
Juvenile Junction Group Moderator
Words from the Woods~ Blog for Cat Woods
From the Write Angle~ Group Blog
Whispering Minds~ Blog for A.T. O'Connor
#5
Posted 30 October 2010 - 10:49 AM
POPULAR
I would think the most apprehension lies in the area of being hesitant to critique others. I was slightly apprehensive because I didn't feel like I had the experience to comment on other's work. I'm not a heavy now, yet I do comment on certain threads. I find, that a lot of the crit I give mirrors that of what has been offered to me at some point to a certain degreee. I have however, begun to incorporate my own opinions into it. I've learned one very valuable lesson about querying. TAKE YOUR TIME! Evaluate carefully. With this particular part of your journey, slow down.
One thing I have started doing is NEVER writing a revision the day I recieve the critique. I find myself reading the crit several times before I respond, IF I respond at all. You have to evaluate the crit carefully because despite the seeming experience level of the critiquer, it is your story and YOU know it best.
That is not to say that you should not listen to the fine folks' advice on here. Personally, my query isn't anywhere near the same as the first one I offered. This has come as a result of advice and direction I have rec'd here. There are some wonderful, talented people on here who are gracious with their time and can be very helpful. You have to decide who, which and what critique is important to you and how to use it. Ironically, even a poor critique at times, can be helpful.
Be mindful, involvement is what makes this site go round. Please take, we welcome it, but give as well. It is understood that most will stack up on the side of take at first but once you have picked up a thing or two and feel you have something to offer, please do.
Good Luck to you all.
#6
Posted 31 October 2010 - 12:22 PM
I love connecting with and helping other AQCers outside this forum as well. You can find me all over the place!
If you are looking for more about writing, you may find my blog helpful, as well as my Twitter feed:
*The Helpful Writer *Twitter
If you are a parent, you might be interested in my ideas on growing happy, healthy kids who'll thrive in this ever changing world (includes crafts, activities, games, articles, and fun!):
*Twitter *Blog *Pinterest *Facebook
I write stuff (www.jeanoram.com)
#7
Posted 01 November 2010 - 03:11 PM
POPULAR
#8
Posted 02 November 2010 - 09:43 AM
Also note that there is a handy search function that helps you find those old threads. (Up at the top of the page under your profile picture.) I use it to find topics that I know are on here, and I'm sure they'll be handy for the new arrival looking to see if a topic has already been discussed. And hey, even if nobody has commented in that topic/thread for a long time, go ahead and post something in there--it'll bump the topic back up to the top of the group's list and maybe renew the conversation for those who are wondering the same thing(s).
Enjoy!
I love connecting with and helping other AQCers outside this forum as well. You can find me all over the place!
If you are looking for more about writing, you may find my blog helpful, as well as my Twitter feed:
*The Helpful Writer *Twitter
If you are a parent, you might be interested in my ideas on growing happy, healthy kids who'll thrive in this ever changing world (includes crafts, activities, games, articles, and fun!):
*Twitter *Blog *Pinterest *Facebook
I write stuff (www.jeanoram.com)
#9
Posted 02 December 2010 - 04:44 PM
Would just like to say thanks for the warm welcome. First impressions are that this is an excellent website and really friendly. My only fear at the moment is making a fool of myself by not understanding how to write to people so I hope I haven't over written what you have said.
Take care.
Steve.
Ditto-ing AQCrew's welcome.
The biggest tip I learned as a beginner on this awesome site is this:
Don't be afraid, be respectful.
In other words, your opinion matters. How you view something or what you feel about something is uniquely yours and it is not wrong. So, don't be afraid to voice your opinion and don't be afraid if someone contradicts you. Instead, respectfully listen to the thoughts and opinions of others. You might be surprised by what you learn--or what you can teach.
The writing biz is complicated. Every day I learn something new and I've been at this for a long time. In fact, one of the most valuable things I've learned about my writing came from a peer so new to the process she hadn't even finished her own novel yet.
Don't be afraid. If you have a question ask it. If you have an opinion share it.
Be respectful. Treat others as you would like them to treat you. If you want a critique, give one. If you disagree with commentary, listen to it then ignore it.
In the process, you'll learn great things, meet great people and be a part of the best writing community on the web.
Oh yeah, and if you write for kids, PM me and I'll provide a password so you can learn a little more about the nuances of the juvenile biz. We've got great members who can help answer questions and address concerns specific to this age group.
#10
Posted 23 December 2010 - 03:19 PM
Thanks for the warm welcome and the great advice for Newbie's

I have never been published so this is my biggest dream right now. I am all thumbs with it comes to "what to do???" Do I need an Agent, what is the market like, what is the cost associated with it? Should I focus on fiction or non-fiction? The list goes on and on...I have some great book ideas but they are all in my head! Getting published will be a great and wonderful accomplishment!
Storyteller
#11
Posted 20 January 2011 - 06:29 PM
#12
Posted 20 January 2011 - 06:45 PM
And welcome to AQC!

"But that's OK. There's treasure children always seek to find.
And just like us, you must have had, a Once Upon A Time."
~Elton John
#13
Posted 21 January 2011 - 09:25 AM
So I wont.
As Clippership stated, I have found that taking time to look around, check out the site and the posts by individual members is a great way to get familiar with the community and how it works. I am a newbie and I jumped in with both feet which is good, I think, but after taking more time to look around and learn, my stunningly ridiculous questions may now be cut to a minimum. :) Actually no question is ridiculous and no member has yet to make me feel otherwise. All that has been stated above is a good example of what any fellow newbie here can expect as far as suggestions and responses. To be cliche to the point that I would merit the much sought after "green puke face" emoticon, This Site Simply ROCKS!
#14
Posted 24 January 2011 - 11:38 AM
Enjoy!
I love connecting with and helping other AQCers outside this forum as well. You can find me all over the place!
If you are looking for more about writing, you may find my blog helpful, as well as my Twitter feed:
*The Helpful Writer *Twitter
If you are a parent, you might be interested in my ideas on growing happy, healthy kids who'll thrive in this ever changing world (includes crafts, activities, games, articles, and fun!):
*Twitter *Blog *Pinterest *Facebook
I write stuff (www.jeanoram.com)
#15
Posted 24 January 2011 - 10:29 PM

#16
Posted 25 January 2011 - 05:20 AM
So far I have found the site easier to navigate than some others I have been a member of and the comments left by people on here in the forum to be clear and concise and informative.
I am looking forward to getting to know a lot of you and if I get nothing else out of this, I know I will walk away with some more information to file away in that ever expanding filing system I call my brain.

#17
Posted 01 May 2011 - 05:39 AM
#18
Posted 04 May 2011 - 01:36 PM
Ria
#19
Posted 17 May 2011 - 12:11 PM
Such a wealth of helpful information here. Loving it.
"My heart overflows with a good theme;
I address my verses to the King;
My tongue is the pen of a ready writer." Psalm 45:1
#20
Posted 26 May 2011 - 03:49 PM

Regards,
Phoebe
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