Thread: Greetings, Fellow Writers

Hi, my name is T.J. Cruse and I'm a newbie to this forum. Currently, I'm getting an early start on a mid-life crisis (kidding). Actually, I've recently been blessed to sell a software company that I co-founded and I've got some time on my hands.

When I was a kid, I would sit and write comic books and short stories. Writing was a hobby all the way through high school where I wrote for our literary magazine. During my senior year, we had 'college day' and the only thing that made an impression on me was a list they gave us that outlined the average starting salaries of graduates of various bachelors programs. Immediately, I scanned the list for English Major and was crestfallen to see $11,000 (this was 1988 by the way). Discouraged, I moved over to the salary column until I found the highest number $38,000. I followed the dotted line over to the left. Huh, 'Electrical Engineer.' Well, that's me, I thought. To make a long story short, I got the engineering degree and enjoyed a nice 15-year career in the software business. Now, I've got some options about what I do next so I've returned to an old flame, writing. Maybe this goes nowhere. Maybe as a writer I turn out to be a pretty good software engineer. I guess we'll find out.

I enjoy a variety of prose but tend to favor mysteries, thrillers, and the occasional sci-fi story. My favorite writers are Harlan Coben, Dennis LeHane, Ace Atkins, John Sandford, Greg Isles, and Neal Stephenson.

Hope you enjoy my stories.

TJ

Hi there, TJ! Let me be the first to welcome you to Writing Forums - and may your stay here be a happy one!


Nickie

Hey there TJ and welcome

Welcome to the forum, TJ.

Sam.

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like based on your work selling your software company you have the ability and perseverance to make writing work for you.

Welcome and good luck!!

Hello there and welcome to the family!!

Hi TJ Cruse. I didn't realize it was you until I saw your note at the class. Just thought Tom Cruse decided it was time to give up acting.

Our backgrounds are similar, except I sold my business 20 some years ago. Did some light contract programming, and then decided to retire.

Red, No Brakes, Jellyfish, Mishy, and a few others have signed up her too.

Check the place out, and I'll be looking for your story. You can create a new thread for the first section, and then add the rest as a reply. I haven't written anything that long, but others have.

You may not get replies right away. Look for people who give good replies, and send them a private message asking for comments.

Good luck,
Jim

hey TJ! Nice to see you on board as well.

Funny Just Jim, I never made the connection with Tom Cruse. But, I'll make him a deal. If he'll give up acting, I'll give up writing

Good to hear from some classmates. I'll be looking for your stuff. I posted my first story in the fiction thread. It is a sci-fi story.

Hi and welcome to the forums.

Hi TJ,

I saw your post on the online class and thought I would drop you a line welcoming you to WF. I hope you enjoy your time here!

DD