Hey!

Hi, I'm Red Ashes! You can call me Ashes, or Red, or Ash... Hmm, I like the sound of Ash...

I'm new to this place - well, obviously - and I was wondering what kind of information could be useful to me; about the critiquing system here and maybe the lengths of the writing that I can post?

Otherwise, hallo, and... Nice to meet you too!

Hi Ash! Welcome to YWS! *hands cookie*

Useful things to know? Well, the most useful information right now are the rules, me thinks.

1) (This will answer your questions about the critiquing system) The 3:1 ratio! Basically for every piece of your own work that you post on YWS (be it a poem, a chapter or a photo) you need to do 3 reviews. Reviews should be at least 250 characters long (three lines) and should really be helpful and constructive for the author.

2) This is a writing site so we ask that you don't tlk lyk dis, OR LIKE THIS!!!!!! And dont even miss out your apostrophes or capitalization like i am doing. *shudder* This rule also applies to the chat room.

3) Rating your work. If it involves swearing, mature scenes, excessive violence or anything else that might not be appropriate then please rate it accordingly. (E for everyone, 12+, 15+, and 18+)

4) Be nice! So no cussing outside of your stories and no flaming other members.

5) Have fun! But that isn't hard to do.

Now, to answer your other question! If you're posting up a story on YWS, then please post it as separate chapters! Also, if the chapters are over 1,500 words then it's best if you split the chapter up as well and make it "chapter one, part one" etcetera.

And something else that's useful? The Buddy System! If you PM anyone on this forum then they'll be your mentor for your first month on YWS! Definitely a useful thing.

Now, some questions about you!

What do you write? What do you read? What's your favourite holiday? Do you dress up for halloween? Tea or coffee? Watched any good films lately? Chocolate or sweets? What music do you listen to? What inspires you to write the most? Are you a cat person or a dog person? D'you love or hate marmite? What is your favourite word? Do you prefer to write by hand or by typing? What can't you live without? Are you looking forward to Christmas? Tell us three interesting facts about yourself!

See you around! And if you have any questions then feel free to PM (private message) me!

*high fives*

~Amy

Wow, thanks, I didn't think a reply would come so soon! Makes me feel *special*

Thank you very much for the useful tips, they will definitely help me along. I will take them to heart.

You've got quite a few questions as well! I guess I could try and answer them, so, here goes;

I write historical fiction and fantasy mainly, but I try sci-fi a bit (never turns out well, though). I only write prose, no poems, lyrics or anything else for me. I read... well, lots of stuff. Again, mainly historical fiction and stuff with fantasy elements in it, but I read quite a lot of other types as well. I'm pretty open when it comes to reading. I don't really have a favourite holiday; I just like holiday, full stop. I don't do halloween: basically all the places I've lived don't go crazy for it, so... Neither do I. Tea, definitely (I'm English, what can you do?) Um... I liked the movie... Stardust, um... I don't know, I guess I loved Twilight and New Moon (And no, not because there are hot guys in it.) Chocolate! It's the best thing ever! All music, I don't have preferences. Oh, but not anything too loud and bangy. I get ideas from other people, mess with them until it becomes my own and, voila... Also, I get ideas from art. Dogs. They're my favourite animal of all. I love Marmite - again, I'm English... My favourite word is oyster; it sounds nice when you say it. Or, and, as you may come to see, I use it too often in my writing. Typing. My family, I adore them all. Yay! Christmas! I can't wait! Interesting facts, hmm...
1) I'm a huge fan of Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer. Everyone in my family teases me for it.
2) I love silver, hate gold.
3) I'm just, plain hyper!

~Ash~

English! *high fives* And, what's even better, you're a fellow Brit who likes marmite. Everyone else has said no to that questions. *sad face*

And tea is totally a requirement for us, don't you think? Plus it makes you look like a real writer.

I love historical fiction, it's one of my favourite genres to read, but I've never tried writing it. I'm more of a short story person myself.

Anyway, it was nice to get to know you! I'll definitely look out for your work, feel free to PM me and I'll review it for you!

~Amy

Thanks, fellow Brit! Who couldn't like Marmite? Hahaha! Almost everyone!
Sorry, randomness...

Thank you a lot for your warm welcome,


~Ash~

Sorry Ash, I don't even know what marmite is But then again I'm not British I bet you want to know about all the purdy colors since Amy told you all the rules.

As you may have noticed Amy (AquaMarine) has a blue user name she is a greeter It is her job along with all the other greeters to well greet new members like yourself

The next color is for the instructors They review and help to instruct other members. They give really good critiques and will help you become a better writer.

Next, the Junior Moderators or JM's the prowl the forums and make sure they are running smoothly.

Moderators make sure the site is running smoothly and we aren't getting in to trouble ( )

Administrators or Admins make this site happen Nate the amazing creator of this site is one of them.

Last but certainly not least are Distinguished Members. They retired Mods or they have just done really good things for the site. Be nice to them they are awesome.


Hope to see you around. PM me if you have an questions or just want to chat
~peanut~

Haha, okay then Ash.
Welcome to YWS!
I am JustDance but you can call me JD, lot less work to type, no?
So you are british? Haha, that is awesome. You must have an accent then? We have many brits on here too, like Amy.

Here are some useful links for you:

Nate's FAQ for New Users
Nate is our admin of the site, the ‘boss’ even if you would like to say. Here is a link with some basic questions and answers for newbies (like yourself) to help you around a bit more.

Snoink's Welcome New Members Thread
Snoink is one of the Mods of this site! Here is a link where you can introduce yourself a bit more, and get to meet even more (some new, some old) members of this site. Include what basics like your hobbies, favorite reads, favorite movies, music, etc in your post.

Making Posts
This link should be a big help as far as learning how to post, and what other things you should keep in mind when posting a piece of work on YWS.

Chat
We have our very own chat here at YWS. You can meet new people, Word War, play games like Apples to Apples, etc.

Hope this helps!
PM me anytime for a good chat, or if you have any questions.
-JD

Thank you so much! You guys are so nice!

Wow, we can get jobs?! That's so cool! So, that can be an objective for me! Get a job! Alrighty-then... I don't think I'll remember all those colours - there are just too many! 'PM me' that sounds so professional! > Sorry, kind of hyper right now. <

Brits Rule! Um... Thanks JD, will definitely have a look-see. Wow, so much to do.

See you soon,

~Ash~

Oh, Ash, talking about getting jobs, eh?! You need to be a member of YWS for at least a month before you apply to be either instructor or greeter (the rest you can't apply for)!

And yeah, "PM me" does sound formal, but people do really mean it! So feel free, honestly!

*hugs*

~Amy

Well, yeah, I know I can't get a job now! But it's something to hope for, right?

Thanks for your trust in me! (Does that even make sense? Probably not, I'm tired right now. Sorry, ignore...)

Nighty, night,

~Ash~

Oh, of course!
We love to always get new people helping out around the site.
Just a small wait, good luck!
-JD

Hello! Welcome to YWS!

I just saw a critique you did and thought I should come welcome the officially awesome newbie I'm Stella, your resident ruby slipper wearing witch slayer, and one of those JMs that, ahem, "prowl the forums."

(I don't. I rarely prowl. I prefer sneaking.)

Anyway, these guys have all the basics covered (a few of them may have just been made Greeter and thus are ultra-keen), so I'll just say "hi"! Also, I love tea. I'm a bit of an addict really, though I'm not British, I'm Irish. Still, good to see another European braving the waters of YWS (seriously, being surrounded by so many Americans gets a bit overwhelming!)

But yeah. Feel free to give me a shout if you need anything or want to randomly talk about cheese, or fairies, or fairies eating cheese- or if you want a review!

See you around!

-Stella x

Welcome to the site Red Ashes!