Welcome to the forums, Juliet. As a longtime member and a moderator, I have to say that this community is extremely accommodating and friendly. Believe me, you'll find a place if you decide to hang around, there are plenty of people who tend to be reserved just like you say you are.
Don't worry, you have made a perfectly fine impression. In fact, your informing us of how you feel about how people act towards you is helpful. Take your time as you need it, maybe sit back and watch as well. If ever you need any help, there is always an open line of communication with any staff member, myself included.
I do hope you enjoy your stay and warm up to the forums.
In any event, I'm glad to see another writer join the forums. I do my fair share of it, as well. I've really retreated to writing little philosophical posts and dabble in some fan fiction planning, but what I really do is a lot of roleplay to keep up on my skills. Private ones with a few good friends, mostly, but roleplay regardless.