Hi there, I sort of introduced myself last week. I haven't been able to read all the pages of messages in this group. At the moment, thanks to technical difficulties, we only have 1 computer up and running. Plus, I homeschool 2 of my daughters. (I have 5 and then 1 son. So, 6 kids total.) They use the computer for school, so it's not available to me as often as I would like. =(

Someone may have already posted similar messages, if so, I hope it's alright if I do it again. I confess, I've never been a part of a writing group before. I was encouraged to join one and I've wanted to join one but was a little nervous about doing so. I suppose mainly because I didn't know what to expect. (I admit, I'm also a pretty shy person until you get to know me.) I would try and create a support system around me besides my family and somehow I always just end up having to learn things and figure them out for myself. I know that happens to all of us but just when I would think I'm on the right track, ie: talking to other authors friends, searching for tips, tools, etc., I don't know, the support system sort of fizzles. It's not that I need someone to hold my hand, I just might have a specific question or looking for a suggestion regarding something. Has that ever happened to any of you? Am I making sense, at all, even just a little? Regardless, I'm not afraid to figure things out on my own, it's just nice when you can talk to someone who has been there or are experiencing similar things. Obviously, since most of us, if not all are LDS, I can say, prayer and guidance from the spirit has always been a constant for me. As I am sure for all of us.

Now that I've babbled on long enough , how have you found being a part of this group or any other writing group helpful? I'm kind of not sure what to do here. Where I have been writing poems and stories for quite a while, I am new to having it open to the public. ie: my website. Although, I have written just about all of my poems as gifts for others.

There was another post asking why you like to write. I've read some of the responses but not all yet. So, I'm curious, do you write as a hobby? Are you pursuing writing as a career? Like some of the responses I've read, I've always enjoyed reading and creative writing. For me, I feel like I am free when I write, as if I can be the "real" me, or should I say, the me I feel I am deep inside? When I say that, I mean, without a title, ie: daughter, sister, mother, father, store clerk, doctor, truck driver, Sunday school teacher, Scout leader, etc. Do you ever feel like there's more to you than meets the eye? Perhaps the dreamer? The more confident one on the inside than what shows on the outside, that inner-self that says, "I can do that!" Does it feel like a gift/blessing from Heavenly Father that is meant to be shared?

Please tell me about yourself. I look forward to learning more about each of you and supporting you as I in turn as for support. Most of all, I look forward to making friends in the writing world!

Thanks!
Cheryl