Tales of sandwiches and intrigue

Hello everypony!

I have just finished formatting and uploading my first two fanfics: 'Clear Waters and Obscured Connections', and 'Two Awesome Fillies'. Writing them was an experience. I gotta be honest, this is the first time I have ever put down words on the page under the pretense of fiction. Yet through their inception during many sleepless nights to the addition of flesh to the mere skeletons of ideas which constituted their origin, it has been a wonderful experience. So here's to new beginnings! *raises glass*

But seriously, I am taking my baby steps here, and I am bound to take a tumble here and there. That is why, at this stage, I need all the guidance I can get. I know a lot of you probably have much much more experience reading and writing than me, and that is something I can use. Basically, what I am trying to get at is that any critique you can offer is highly valued. Is my sentence structure too formulaic? Is my pacing too uneven? Is my dialogue contrived? Are there any plot gaps? Do you spot any abuse of cliches? I want to hear about it all. Critique on all aspects, from the over-arching ideas to the smallest details such as word choice and formatting is what I am hoping to hear. My stories may be my babies, but I am already trying to look at them in as much of an objective light as possible. If I have created a very ugly baby, then I do not want to deceive myself into thinking it is beautiful.

And on top of that, I will always be looking out for ways to improve. I have been with the fandom since summer last year, and I can honestly say, I am pretty much immersed in the culture and loving it. I try to read fanfiction as often as I can. I've been reading since long before I started writing, and I have been quite impressed with the quality of what I've seen. So keep it up, and hopefully I can contribute things which you will enjoy as well!

It is nice to meet you all!
-canterlots