Old Author Addicted to HubPages

An addiction to anything can be a good or bad thing and I’ve indulged in a few addictions, whether by accident or design, for nearly 75 years. It’s only recently I’ve discovered I have a new addiction – HubPages. Having always loved to write – and being pretty consistent about it – the internet has proven to be a new friend and place to share my work. However, finding HubPages, complete with critiques, friends and yes – a new family – is definitely the icing on my personal writing cake!

Most internet writing communities, at least the ones I’ve discovered, require that I research a particular subject, build an article around that research and then write. The big problem with that is (1) I’m not gonna write about something that doesn’t interest me; (2) I don’t like the research process unless it's something I'm very passionate about. I spent 20 years as a paralegal and did enough research to last me a lifetime and (3) for the most part I’ve always been a story teller. HubPages proved to be the ideal place for someone with my wants/needs to write!

HubPages great variety of writers – and the topics they choose to expound on – has also provided me with excellent reading any time of the night or day. One of the first authors I found was Habee and her choice of topics, including wonderful recipes and original ideas just blew me away.

It wasn’t long until I found Will Starr – storyteller extraordinaire – and his short stories, complete with amazing and surprise endings never fail to keep me entertained – and guessing. He’s also astute when it comes to things political whether writing about it or commenting on what others have written.

For a fact, I’m not gonna miss one of Ghost32’s articles. He’s my up-to-the-minute source for things political – like the upcoming 2012 presidential election and undoubtedly posts some of the most delightful pictures I’ve ever been privy to (yep, that’s a dangling participle)!

I’ve nearly become dependent on Immartin – not only is she an excellent and interesting writer but her willingness to share her expertise and insight with the entire HubPages community is amazing – and certainly welcomed by this novice.

In trying to name all the wonderful and talented writers/friends one finds on HubPages I’m finding there’s too many to list in one article and that’s a most unusual blessing. Where else can one go to find that many kindred spirits? The closest I ever came to a similar situation was many years ago in the horse business. Horse owners are usually a pretty close knit group of folks and share information, remedies, training techniques, etc. – folks of like mind and interests.

On the personal side of HubPages I’ve not only found emotional support but encouragement. I’ve noticed Hubbers are quick to ride to the rescue of fellow Hubbers in a dilemma whether it be business, personal, children or problems learning/using the HubPages website.

The Forums never fail to disclose interesting and varied opinions on a huge variety of topics and Hubbers commenting on other Hubbers work is not only invaluable but fun. Sometime comments can definitely reflect a difference of opinion but then I consider that a good thing -- and interesting.

I’ve written for Helium in the past – in fact have over 50 articles/stories written there – but was not totally into the “grading” system they employ. Helium asks authors to choose a title (or suggest a title) and then every writer that does an article on that particular title is put in numbered order – as in first, second, etc.

It’s great when one’s writing goes to first place – it’s rather daunting when another author’s work, complete with poor grammer, bad spelling and other writing no-no’s outranks an article that’s well written, professionally presented, and yes, more interesting to the reader. I found it, on occasion, discouraging to say the very least.

I’m sure there’s more sites for those of us that write for the sheer enjoyment of it but I’m not interested in going there as I’m happy where I am. HubPages satisfies my writing “Jones” completely.

There’s also another perk to HubPages which was totally unexpected to this old lady. I’ve written a novel which is complete and ready to publish – but been sorely disappointed as to the offers I’ve received from mainstream publishers. So, I’m still sittin’ on that big booger until I can make it work according to my perception of what it should be.

However, in the interim I now find I possess a volume of work that would never have been written if I hadn’t been writing on HubPages. I've put some of my HubPages stories together and wound up with an unexpected book of short stories which is in the publishing process.

The one part of HubPages I haven’t gotten into -- and which is important -- is a Hubber CAN make money writing on HubPages. Being set in my ways, writing for pleasure and often slow on the uptake I’m just now getting into that part of the HubPages package. I'm finding a definite learning curve but it's more than interesting and definitely a challenge.

HubPages is open to all writers -- even the old ones like me and I find that gratifying. Age doesn't seem to be particularly important in the community -- and that's huge -- as today America is pretty much a youth-oriented society. Now, that may not be a perk for anyone else but it sure is for me.

Hell, I’m oldern’ dirt!

AngelaBlair ©2012 All Rights Reserved.