gwenllian wrote:Hi cdafrica,
I'm new here too! I've been writing a fantasy fiction for nearly 40 years! However, I wasn't a Christian then, so find it needs some tweaking before I'll be happy to let it loose on the public. I've written a bunch of other (Christian) stuff since, though have never submitted anything for publishing because nothing has been completed yet!!! (Never forget that more than one '!' is a sure sign of insanity!)
I assume you live in Africa somewhere, so do I. Durban SA. And you? I'm not sure how your story has progressed since May - I've only seen your message now. I hope you've got it moving satisfactorily. Here are a few tips, just in case.
I've learned, from a writing course years ago and from a great deal of fruitless experience, that it helps to make a list of potential chapters and make notes in each one, mapping out the basic structure of your story - then go back and pad it out. Also, one needs to 'become' your character in order to get her properly active in the story. When she begins to develop a personality of her own, then the story will run more smoothly. I find that getting into a really hot spot, where it's God or death, generally helps a character to turn to the Lord pretty satisfactorily. Hope this helps a bit! God bless your efforts!
Hi there. I'm delighted you found FW! It is an awesome site. You might want to pop over to the Newbie Nook and introduce yourself and share what you're looking for in a website. This is a link that will take you there. More people are likely to see it there as well'.
viewforum.phpThere are quite a few people here from Africa. Never in a million years would I have ever guess I'd have an opportunity to become good, close friends with people from all over the world! It still amazes me at time. I live in a super rural part of Western NY. FW was an answer to my prayers. I had been to other writing sites but felt that any sample writing I shared was ripped apart. This was going to be my last attempt and I hit gold! Now I'm nearing the 3 year mark ans still thank God daily for the blessings I've reaped here at FW.
One of the things that have helped me the most is the writing challenge. We have 4 quarters where the topics are linked together. Then for 10 weeks on Thurs at 10 am (Eastern Time) a new topic is announced as well as the winners from the previous week. The top 10 winners overall are given an Editor's Choice award and will have the opportunity to be published in a FW anthology. It sounds like the perfect fit for you! I too used to have trouble finishing stories but since there is a deadline the challenge really lit a fire under me. For many weeks I submitted a story in every challenge. You do have to be a paying member to enter (Gold or Platinum) but if you can afford the few dollars each month it is so worth it!
The topic that is up right now is Blessed (the authors are kept anonymous until the judging is complete) It's fascinating to read everyone's story on the same topic. Part of the challenge, of course, is to stand out and write on topic but from a different perspective than everyone else. The new topic is cup and the entries have to be in by Thursday at 10 am (ET) I hope you'll check it out. There are all type of genres represented. My favorite is children's stories but you'll also find devotions, Biblical Fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, romance, memoirs, poetry and on and on. You don't have to have a Christian message but it must be appropriate for a Christian site.
Along with the challenges, the message board is another great place to get feedback, ask questions, and just make friends from the prayer request to the Water Cooler there is something for everyone. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have and again
by DearGod:WithLove » Sun Aug 19, 2012 5:02 pm 
Oh well, you're still welcome here, too. 
