great site!

[CarolynA]

New here and fascinated by this site and the message boards. What a great resource! I'm gonna run right off after this and post a 4th of July idea I saw at my sister's house yesterday. She's the one who told me about this site.

I'm a writer of short stories and essays and I hope to publish my first book soon. Either that or I have to get a real job and actually, er, work.

I also have four kids, a husband, a house that's too big to keep up with and too small to store all our junk. Know what I mean? But full of love at least. Not to mention also full of Barbie dolls and videocassettes and little wheels off things.

I look forward to meeting all of you.

Carolyn

[Diane]

Hi Carolyn... Welcome to the board!!! Just jump in and post away... and before you know it you'll be as addicted to this place as the rest of us are. LOL Hope to see you posting here a lot more!!!

Diane...

[vea29]

hi! Your going to love it here. Its a great place to get to know people, ask advice about almost anything, and you get answers really quick. I joined about 4 weeks ago and i'm totally addicted. Hope to see more of you!

[darlene]

Hi Carolyn!

Nice to meet you. This is the best place....you'll love it here!

I am a sahm during the summer to 3 kids and my dh! During the school year I am a library clerk at our local high school.

[Leigh]

Welcome Aboard!

[imamama]

Welcome! We're glad to have you!!!!

What types of stories do you write? I fancy myself a writer, too, when I get a few spare moments! I've written one children's book and several magazine quality stories, but haven't had anything published yet Got my first reject letter from Woman's Day! I've submitted some stuff to the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series, haven't heard back on those, yet. Would love to get together and talk about writing with you anytime!! (I'd like to pick your brain!!!! )
Jump in and start posting!!!

[TXmom]

Welcome to the board, Carolyn!

Cathy - you may have some competition - Carolyn might just turn out to be my new favorite funny person!

[CarolynA]

Hi, wow, so nice to meet people already! Thanks for the great welcome, Diane, Vea and Leigh. Darlene, working in a school library has got to be a great job. I worked in a public library when I was about sixteen, loved it, and library work would rank right up there with owning a bookstore on my short list of best jobs.

Amy, sounds like you've started. Lots of people never get even to the point of submitting, too nervous about it. Rejection slips are part of the game. (the crummy part) Personally, I suggest submitting to local or regional magazines first, they are hungrier for material. You can reach me through my website if you want to talk about writing privately or direct me to which message board to use here if you don't mind doing it publicly.

Txmom - now who is Cathy? Where can I read her stuff??

Best to all and thanks again for the welcome!

Carolyn

[Cathy]

Donna, So you'd ditch me for a newbie?? Fine!! You sound happier and pretty up,though, so I'll let it slide.... LOL

Carolyn, Welcome to IB. It is a lot of fun, and there are lots of great ideas and advice floating around. Post a lot so we can all get to know you. It's not usually this slow here, but some of the regulars are out having a real life!! LOL

[Mickey]

Hi, Carolyn! Welcome to IB!

I just went and read your story at the BBC site and you certainly have a way with words! I really enjoyed reading it!

Mickey

[RCT]

Welcome Carolyn.....this is the best site..... hope to see you posting regularly

[Marla]

Hi Carolyn, nice to meet you

My oldest son (10) is very interested in writing, and would love to become an author. He is constantly writing stories, just completed a 30 page story he wants to send to publishers

[RCT]

Originally posted by CarolynA
What a great resource! I'm gonna run right off after this and post a 4th of July idea I saw at my sister's house yesterday. She's the one who told me about this site.

OK who is your sister? what's her nickname? just being nosey....

[CarolynA]

RCT,
Sis is a LURKER. She says she's never posted anything but she loves the Idea Box stuff. She has 2 kids (9 and 7) and works in the school system also, so uses many of the ideas here.

Marla,
At the bookstore, you might be able to find a copy of Children Writer's Markets, a huge guide to the publishers of children's books (don't buy it, just browse, LOL!). However, your son might also consider entering some of the many contests for young writers. A google search should bring up a bunch of links. Some areas also have workshops for young writers. When he starts back to school, his teacher may also know of any local contests or workshops.

Cathy, Mickey and RCT, thanks for the welcome (and the kind words, Mickey!)

By the way - a real life - I've heard of that....interesting concept. What won't these scifi people come up with?

Carolyn

http://www.carolynagosta.com

[imamama]

Originally posted by CarolynA

Amy, sounds like you've started. Lots of people never get even to the point of submitting, too nervous about it. Rejection slips are part of the game. (the crummy part) Personally, I suggest submitting to local or regional magazines first, they are hungrier for material. You can reach me through my website if you want to talk about writing privately or direct me to which message board to use here if you don't mind doing it publicly.

Carolyn

Wow, just took a glimpse of your site... can't wait to dig in and read everything!! Thanks for the tips, I'll take all I can get! You are so right about the rejection letters! I'm sure there are lots in my future, but I'd rather have a rejection letter than to have not tried at all! I've been so busy lately I'm having trouble finding time to look into magazine, etc. to submit to. I do get a weekly email newsletter from www.freelancing4money.com, you've probably heard about it. That's where I found out about submitting for the Chicken Soup series. I don't mind talking in front of the other IBers! I'm sure I'll email you too, though!! I guess general chit chat is a good board to post under. That's where I post most often!!
Gotta run, have an incredible new website to check out!!!!

Thanks again and so glad to have you!!!