Sneaking in the back row...

I'm from America, but I am currently living in Japan as an English teacher and ALT. I enjoy writing very much, but I don't consider myself a writer. I'm not sure why, I just don't at this point in life. I've written a novel, but it won't be leaving my filing cabinet in America anytime soon, as it was written in High School, and I believe it to be utter crap. But, I guess we all need that "intern novel" to get us in the mode of writing everyday and considering what works and what doesn't.

Since then, I've written short stories, a few plays, poems, skits, and started other novels. Some were for creative writing classes, others were for my own pleasure or just because I had something to say or experiment with.

In addition to writing, I love analyzing books, short stories, and plays...hence, I was an English major. I minored in theater, because I also have a passion for acting, philosophies on acting, theater history, and play analysis. I love seeing groups of people coming together to tell a story and tell it well.

Like I said, I don't necessarily consider myself as a writer. I usually feel like I'm on the other end of things. I tend to analyze writing...what is working, what is not working, what do I interpret from the writing, and what the writing may be saying in a bigger scheme of things. There's so much a story can say about our culture, history, and identity that even the writer may not be aware of. That's where I often find myself.

Welcome to the board! its great to have you

if you have any issues or queries feel free to pm me or the other mods.

Everything you've said about analysis of plays, poetry and acting holds true for myself as well.

One thing where we differ though is that in my opinion anyone who completes a piece of work whether it is a poem or a 300,000 MS is a writer in my opinion! Don't sell yourself short!

Hihi! Welcome to the boards! I'm Ren, one of the moderators here. Sometimes I think I over-analyze stuff, but maybe I think too much. I agree with Emily! I mean, your one novel and collection of works is definitely more than I have finished (gonna finish it someday!) and I'd still like to consider myself a writer. :p Welcome to the boards! Any questions, don't hesitate to send me a PM. I'm friendly.

<3 Ren

Hello and welcome! There's another member living in Japan - Tulsa, where are you?

Ah, haven't we all hated what we've written? Just don't make the mistake I did and destroy your novel. Keep it, maybe you can revise it someday.

Welcome! It's great to have you here!

Ooh, Japan! That's pretty awesome.

I'm Novel, one of the mods here. Feel free to PM me if you need anything!