MauriceArh

Hi Steve, thanks for the follow. I’ve just taken a look at the first chapter of your book. Good start. I’m currently reading SomerSchool’s Olympus so I’ll come back and have another look once I’ve finished that.

knotanumber

Always good to see another software guy on Wattpad. I've been in software for a little over 20 years myself. I have to admire your risk tolerance to go it alone; I'm a bit too attached to having a regular paycheck myself (and I have a few more family obligations than back in the heady dot-com days). Anyway, best of luck in your writing journey. I'll definitely check out your work and give you some honest feedback. A couple other moonlighting programmers you might want to check out: @mauricearh and @darrenjohnsonauthor

ningalloon

@knotanumber The self promotion stuff is just awkward and embarrassing to me. It'd be nice if we lived in a world where merit mattered more than marketing, but I know the reality there.
            
            I also know i tend to be long winded in writing in general, so I did my best to be concise, and I'm certain I've failed at that a good few times. I was gifted a copy of The Elements of Style after the book was done and i love going through that. I want to do more editing specifically with that book in mind. They really emphasize brevity there too.
            
            I've seen some if your notes on other work and i like how brief/blunt your they are. Very useful and very efficient. I welcome any criticism you might have!
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knotanumber

@knotanumber I know what you mean about publishing. Frankly, I don't enjoy the marketing and self promotion aspect. The "Field of Dreams" delusion that if you write your book, the readers will come, I've found to be a bit naive (unless you're writing a teenage vampire novel). And then there's the fact that I would rather be reading, writing or critiquing. I've been enjoying wattpad for just that reason. It's great motivation to get feedback, both the kudos and criticisms.
            
            Fair warning. My approach to writing is similar to coding (which I don't do as much hands-on as I used to). I believe in refactoring and I think every line should earn its keep--or else what is it there for? Tight writing=good writing, is part of my philosophy. But I welcome feedback too. Like you said, I think we programmers have an edge here (aside from the prima donnas, of course).
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ningalloon

@knotanumber thanks! I appreciate any critiquing that comes my way. I wonder if we coders are trained by our careers to be so tolerant to criticism. Everyone has an opinion about their software, lol.
            
            I had done freelancing for years as a side job, but i partnered up about 10 years ago and switched to full time. I work coding, he does marketing/client management/budgeting...pretty much anything that isnt coding! My wife loves the self-employed lifestyle so much that she'd hate for me to get a real job now, even if it is stressful at times. 
            
            Now I'm very addicted to writing. The book I've been adding on here is actually completely done. It's just my first work and im not sure what to do with it. I'm planning on adding a few chapters each week. My family and friends all love the book and they've read it multiple times and helped with editing. They all are really pushing me to publish, but man... It's either impossible to find an agent, or impossible to get the money together to do it right.
            
            I'll have to check out your stuff and those other writers too. Thanks again for the welcome! I already love it here :)
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