So, I'm finally getting around to throwing my hat in this here introductions ring.
My name's Ryan, I'm a Computer Science student at Brigham Young University, and I've always liked writing. I wrote my first story in first grade - it was about a pair of M&M's that came to life and it covered a single handwritten page. (I think I was on a "Short Circuit" kick at the time.) Since then, I've written little bits of fiction here and there, but never anything serious. Well, I'm trying to change that - I want to start producing potentially salable material.
I don't really aspire to write full-time - it's far easier to profit by writing code, I'm already good enough at that to get paid for it, and I love it as much as I love writing fiction - but I would love to be able, some day, to sell a story here and there.
I don't really harbor any illusions that my first serious attempt at a story will actually sell, but your wonderful feedback is pushing it closer than I could have on my own. Thank you all for that, and thanks for welcoming me so readily into the group.
Oh, I also love to read! And critique things I've read. I have strong opinions, and I hope that I don't offend people by letting those show through in my critiques. As I told one person, if I opine strongly about your work, it's because I like it enough to become invested in it! Anyway, I live in fear of offending someone with my critiques, so please accept my apologies in advance if it should happen to you.