Feeling...pen tied

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   apricotposted 14 years ago

   Hello hubbing people,
   
   I wonder if you'd mind reading my little, well, it's sort of a problem. 
   I've been on hubpages for two weeks and yes, I would have a million and one questions about what on earth all the computer jargon means but it's not that.  At the moment I'm just here to gain writing experience but I can't help wondering - have I come to the right place?  I mean, I love writing, and I know it takes discipline and persistence and all that and I do have hundreds of things I want to write about...but I feel a bit like a first former who's wondered into the sixth formers' common room.  And suddenly I can't think of a single thing to write. 
   I really think the cat's got my...well, pen, I suppose. 
   I know you're not agony aunts, but I was wondering, do you think I've come to the wrong place?
   yours shyly
   Apricot

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      Lady_Eposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Apricot
      
      I think you have come to the right place because HP allow you a lot of flexiblity. Example, there are no fixed number of words you have to write. You can write about anything and other Hubbers give you feedback on your Hubs, which I think you will find useful as you are looking for experience.
      
      There are some sites that have to check what you write before they allow you to publish or might even want to make amendments, to your writing.
      
      So, stay here for a while and see how you feel.
      
      For help on what to write about, visit link below.
      
      http://hubpages.com/my/ideabank
      
      Best Wishes

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   2. 69

      Jeffrey Nealposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I often get myself into this pickle.  I've 50 topics scribbled on notes to research and write about, but most times when I sit down I just can't seem to find the motivation or muse or whatever.  The only thing that breaks this for me is to start typing.  Anything...it can be goofy, stupid, mean.  What usually happens is stuff starts coming out, and suddenly I'm writing.  That's what has worked for this guy.

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         Ghost32posted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Apricot, Jeffrey puts it very well.  When I'm stuck, I often remember a story I came across years back but which has apparently been around since Renaissance times.
         
         According to the tale, an apprentice sculptor once presented a similar problem to his master, confessing that he couldn't think of "what to make" with his hammer and chisel.  The master's reply:  "Make a pile of chips."
         
         Also, I'd like to add my bit of encouragement:  I firmly believe you've come to the right place.  I've written on more than a dozen other online sites in the past but for some time have limited myself to HubPages.  In my opinion, this site offers more control of your own work, more help from other writers, and more just plain "freedom to write" than anyplace else on the Net. 
         
         And finally:  It may take a while to pick up on all the computer jargon, but you're already well versed in spelling, grammar, and even pacing.  Please don't leave!

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   aquaseaCreativeposted 14 years ago

   I have a report card from the first year of high school that says something like .."seems a little overwhelmed by the competition in this class".  Putting aside the fact that she (teacher) was a moo cow and her class was boring, the problem wasn't ability, just newness / unfamiliarity.
   
   Hubs can be edited over and over and over. You aren't tied to anything - if you get up the next day and realise 'OMG .. that hub is TOTAL crap', just go back and make it less crap.

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3. 66

   apricotposted 14 years ago

   Yep, you're right.  In fact, just hearing a voice out there is enough to make me feel better - thanks!

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   LRobbinsposted 14 years ago

   Hi Apricot,
   
   I'm also relatively new to Hub Pages and find that the more I write the easier it gets to write and think of new topics.  I thnk like anything, it just takes time to get used to the idea.  You're definitely in the right place if you love to write.  It's a very supportive helpful group of people.  Hang in there and keep writing!

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5. 66

   apricotposted 14 years ago

   I think I might start blubbling!  You're all so kind!!  I can't tell you how much you've lifted me up.  I think I'm going to start writing, well, I'll start with a pile of chips!

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