THE SECRET DIARY OF CLUELESS NEWBIE #271828

Day 1:

I just got a terrific idea for a short story. This is going to be brilliant, the one that finally gets me published. I posted the great news on the newsgroup.

Day 2:

The idea is great, but where's the story?

Day 3:

Realized that ideas are not plots. Posted revelation to newsgroup, though the others remain strangely silent.

Day 4:

Started working on the plot but I must not be an outliner because there was no inspiration. Went to the newsgroup to talk about inspiration. Participated in a long thread about favorite villains.

Day 5:

I should probably have a villain (or antagonist as some say in the ng) in my plot.

Day 6:

Posted to the newsgroup that I write using the 'organic' method. Participated in debate over writing methods.

Day 7:

Got stuck on the first paragraph. Posted message to newsgroup about beginnings and someone suggested a book on beginnings. Like I have time to read while I'm doing all this writing.

Day 8:

Someone posted on the newsgroup how important opening sentences are. Spent all day writing the perfect opening line.

Day 9:

Have named my main character (or protagonist) Sylvynyaea. What a great name. Talked about writing in irc tonight.

Day 10:

I did it! I wrote the first scene, all 200 words. Posted that I wrote today to the newsgroup. Spent next two hours answering other posts.

Day 11:

I just got a terrific idea for a short story. This is going to be brilliant, the one that finally gets me published. I posted the great news on the newsgroup....