While I appreciate this site is only in Beta, am I the only one who's frustrated that we can't create an author's profile or search properly or message each other? And there's no way to raise problems, questions or suggestions with Fictish, no 'Contact Us' and, in fact, no info about who/what Fictish really at all.

So, in the meanwhile, shall I start a thread?

I'm ShortAndSweet. I came upon Fictish by accident as it's not really promoted. I'm female, an early-retired Computer Specialist, an ex-carer and from England - which you may have noticed from my British spelling and my iffy American dialogue - specifically the North-East, Geordieland as we call it.

A decade ago I used to write a lot of fan fiction, so I've done my apprenticeship, but I'm strictly in this for fun only so I don't need any literary criticism just the occasional enthusiastic encouragement if you can manage it. Currently I find I have a lot of time on my hands so I thought I'd give the creative writing another try.

Please feel free to comment. Please also feel free to add your self-introduction to this thread. I don't know whether this sort of 'story' is allowed on this platform but, hey, I might get to hear from a monitor (if there are any).

Greetings, everyone on Fictish,

I’m new to Fictish. I am AzaleanTyrant, or you can call me Chantel. I've always struggled with introducing myself to people, whether in the real world or online, and engaging in meaningful conversations or forming connections. However, I genuinely believe that having a community and the ability to connect with people is essential for authors to grow. I live in quiet NW Iowa, working a part-time retail job, but I’ve always craved being something more creative, more interesting.

I’m really into rich world-building and love fantasy, survival books that delve into detail about plants. (I grew up reading My Side of the Mountain and the Jim Kjelgaard books.) I used to be able to read and walk at the same time. The first story on my page was something I’ve been sitting on for a long time.

This is all I have for now. Feel free to ask questions.