I just wanted to mention that Alicio en Mirlando is read out loud for free download online here:
Librivox: Alicio en Mirlando

Librivox has a lot of good books (a lot!) but not many Esperanto books.

I then got a postcard at Lernu from toni692 and ended up in a good long conversation with him (and he corrected all of my mistakes in every message). This gave me the bug and solidified my desire to master the language.

I recently got a message from him as well! I am working on my reply, very slowly.

carozy:Thank you both for your responses. I plan on trying to communicate once I start the Mi estas komencanto course because that has a lot of useful phrases for initial conversations with people. I also am excited about reading some books in Esperanto. I wonder how do people find the books? I guess just a google search? Also, how do I learn the grammar? Maybe in the introduction section of this website? I have only just begun exploring this website, and just figured out the electronic dictionary on the right, lol.

I believe I also have a Teach Yourself Esperanto book, but I moved at the start of summer and I'm afraid it's buried in a box somewhere in the garage right now. Maybe I should dig it out though.

Thanks again for your input! Very helpful.

Carolyn

Hi Carolyn,

I am a beginner as well and although I haven't worked through all the course material provided on this site, I am frequently writing mails with some people here. And during our conversation, I learn a lot. I just look up the words because I want to tell him about my life and it is much different from Ana Panas life So it is kind of "learning by doing". It is motivating because I always get a response from him and learn something new.

I hope you still enjoy learning

Diana

carozy:Hi everyone,

I am just beginning (like this week) to learn Esperanto. So far I like it. I'm somewhere in the teens of the Bildoj Kaj Demandoj course. For those who are fairly fluent in Esperanto, I'd like to know how did you achieve that? What courses should did you take and in what order? Did you use flashcards or Anki? I have not set up my Anki yet and have not been using flashcards. I've been just going over the lessons again when I have time.

What would you recommend for a beginner like me?

Any responses would be appreciated. Thanks for your help!

Carolyn

I don't consider myself to be highly-fluent in Esperanto, but I feel like I'm quite good at my current level. To echo what others have said, learn the grammar. Learn it all. It can be difficult if you're not familiar with learning languages, but even then, if you apply yourself you'll see it all come together. Esperanto grammar is brilliantly arranged and so easy to pick up and remember.

To expand your fluency and vocabulary, use the language. For example, I like to leave comments on Google+ in Esperanto. It throws some people for a loop, but Google's embedded Translate option fixes the problem. You learn what you use, and even if you have to keep Lernu or Google Translate open in a separate page to look up vocabulary, it's a great way to work on your skills.