Reviews from

Interview with...JSD

Teacher, Writer, Rebel with a Cause

27 total reviews 
Comment from Carol Clark2
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a good interview. You asked great questions. I like that you gave John lots of space to answer them. I'm sorry he's frustrated about the contests, and I agree with you that there's more to this site than contests. I do hope he renews his membership next month. Thanks for sharing. Carol

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2024
    I asked him if he's reconsidered but I haven't heard back yet. There's still time; he's probably pondering. Stay tuned.
Comment from Y. M. Roger
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Such a beautiful interview for multiple reasons, not the least of which is that you've managed to bring out a depth of John (not too bad like a 'Dear John letter) that readers may not have known but that would truly lead to a further appreciation of his work... the whole 'yes, the pen is even more beautiful if one knows the feel of the hand holding it' (of course, there's a mirror image to that thought, but it doesn't seem to apply here - lol!) But you've also managed to show the world a depth of our Red here that many may not have known before... although you have lived through your pen for many years now and some of us are more familiar than others (lol!). Overall, the interview is a masterful mix of emotion and fact that keeps the reader's interest from beginning to end... I guess I'll have to read some of this JSD's writings now: he and I are certainly on the same page with teaching (yeah, I'm back there now, but for how long?) as well as the line about egos being too sensitive... to that, I would say that although true, it's not their fault as they are a product of their upbringing (and Lordy-Bee are they ever pampered these days -- reality is NOT something they are ready for in the least!). Although I'm too old to concern myself with bubble-wrapping words... lol!
Beautiful offering, Red... ;-)

 Comment Written 17-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 17-Apr-2024
    This is such a well-thoughtful and supportive review, Yvette. I couldn't appreciate it more. Thank you for the in-depth-ness of it and all the time and consideration that went into is, as well. Very much appreciated. I repeat: SOO very good to have you back among us. I honestly did miss you so very much. xoxox
Comment from Lisasview
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Wow, what an amazing interview!!!
I agree with so much that
John said about Fan Story.
I too am thinking of leaving.
I love the connections I have made but .....
Lisa

 Comment Written 17-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 17-Apr-2024
    I totally hear you on this! Trade-offs, I guess, right?

reply by Lisasview on 18-Apr-2024
    Yes, but time to do all we want to do is what matters.
    Lisa
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2024
    Whoa! Look at you getting all philosophical this morning!!
reply by Lisasview on 20-Apr-2024
    Am I?
    Lisa
Comment from jenintorre
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Well I don't usually review stories unless they're very short as I have lack of concentration but when I saw that your interview was JSD I was so delighted and so keen to read it as I had wondered what had happened to him and really missed his excellent writing (also my fan). I so hope he returns although I agree with his disgruntlement about this site. A cracking interview, thanks so much. Jen.

 Comment Written 17-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 17-Apr-2024
    Thanks for this supportive and enthusiastic review. I appreciate it very much! xoxox
Comment from Michele Harber
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Another very interesting interview, Rachelle. One of the things that makes you a good interviewer is that you always know so much about your interviewee and his or her work.

John is an interesting subject, between his body of work (with an exorbitant number of six-star ratings!), and his strong opinions. I was a bit surprised at the vitriol towards some of the contests. If I don't like a contest, I merely don't enter it, but to each his own.

I'm sorry to hear he'll be leaving the site, as his work is of such high quality. Perhaps enough positive reaction to this interview can change his mind. Thank you for giving us insight into the person behind the poetry.

 Comment Written 16-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 17-Apr-2024
    My pleasure!! Thanks for the kind review. xo
reply by Michele Harber on 17-Apr-2024
    My pleasure in return. (Why are we pleasuring each other on FanStory??)
reply by the author on 17-Apr-2024
    Because we're exhibitionists, duh!
reply by Michele Harber on 17-Apr-2024
    Sorry, I guess I couldn't see the forest for the trees--or the bushes.
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2024
    Uh, no bushes here!! Bare like the surface of the moon, Baby.
reply by Michele Harber on 18-Apr-2024
    TMI!!! And I really don?t want to hear about lunar landings!
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2024
    And I'm guessing no FLASH Gordon talk, either?
reply by Michele Harber on 18-Apr-2024
    It depends on what Gordon looks like. I think Chris Hemsworth, who plays Thor in the Marvel movies, is gorgeous. I heard that, in his latest movie, there was a scene where he would flash his tush. I went to the movie just to see that scene--and I wasn't disappointed!
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2024
    I don't know, Michele; $15 for the ticket, $10 for a bucket of popcorn, $5 for a bottle of water...that's not even a cheap thrill.
reply by Michele Harber on 18-Apr-2024
    Let's see. I only paid $10.00 for the ticket, and didn't buy snacks. Plus, the theater has nearly fully-reclining seats. So, it actually was a cheap thrill, and a comfortable one too.
Comment from Douglas Goff
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Oh my, what a fun interview. Great job Rachelle. As a big fan of John's works, I was very sad when he tapered
Off and said he was not renewing.

I think if you are here simply for contests then disappointment may come. But maybe not if you inly do committee contests?


Anyhoo, I came to learn to write and stay for the people. I have many friends in here that I adore.

Re-evaluate, John. You are a FS treasure!
D

 Comment Written 16-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 17-Apr-2024
    Yes, same for me, Doug. The contests were making me crazy with the predictability of who would win - not because they were well-written, but because they had a lot of friends and family who were advised (in the "blind" contests, mind you, to vote for them.)
Comment from mermaids
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this interview. JSD sounds so talented, I will have to check his portfolio. I love that he enjoys punk rock, he has many sides to him. It does seem that teachers retire early everywhere, they retire early in the states as well. The dialog between the two of you is true to life and holds the reader's interest. Excellent writing here and nothing less than a six.

 Comment Written 16-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 16-Apr-2024
    Wowie zowie! This is so generous and thoughtful, mermaids!! Thank you for this support and encouragement and enthusiasm. Definitely check out John's portfolio. I know you won't be disappointed. xo
Comment from T B Botts
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hello Rachelle,
Well done on your interview with John. I haven't followed him, but he does sound interesting. I prefer stories over poems, though I do follow a few very good poets on this site. I thought you did a very thorough interview that was both informative and entertaining. This is the second one you've done right? Nice job.
Have a blessed evening gal.
Tom

 Comment Written 15-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 16-Apr-2024
    Thank you for this, Tom; I appreciate your feedback very much. This is actually the fifth one I've done: Michaela Moore, Debbie D'Arcy, Lea Tonin, Gretchen Hargis, and now John. I'm kind of getting in to them and enjoying the process a lot. Who knows; I could be coming for YOU soon!! xoxox
reply by T B Botts on 16-Apr-2024
    Hi Rachelle,
    I didn't realize you had done so many. Actually, Helen (Lenochka) interviewed me a few months ago, so I doubt that anyone would find me interesting enough to want to read a second interview.
    I had forgotten about Lea Tonin, but I don't recall reading the other two. So much to read and so little time.
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2024
    I hear THAT!! I'll have to go back and check that interview with Helen. (I love her interview style! It's always creative and fun.) xo
Comment from LJbutterfly
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this exceptional Six Star interview. I especially enjoyed your humorous responses to John's answers to your questions. Priceless...Calgon, Take me away. Since I read mostly prose, I've missed out on John's talent.

OMG! I stopped writing this review just now, and took a quick look at John's portfolio. I randomly selected a poem to read called "Christmas Love." It is a deliciously romantic sonnet written to his young lover suggesting she forget what people think and the two of them can just "kiss the day away." OMG! I'm going back to read more. This man can't leave.

Thank you Rachelle, for this entertaining and enlightening interview.

 Comment Written 15-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 16-Apr-2024
    Wow! What a wonderful review this is to read, LJ Butterfly!! I appreciate it VERY very much!! Hopefully, John is reading and re-thinking his decision!! xoxox
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Excellent interview with john. It's too bad he is leaving and I haven't had an opportunity to meet him. I had to take a two year break for heath reasons. You asked good questions, thank you.

 Comment Written 15-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
    I had no idea, Gypsy! Are you alright now? That is a huge break of time.

    You still have time to read through his portfolio. And maybe, if enough people encourage him, he will stay put!

    Thanks for taking the time to review this and for your warmth and encouragement. Very much appreciated. xo
reply by Gypsy Blue Rose on 15-Apr-2024
    Yes, I'm Allright. Thank you
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2024
    Okay, good. Glad to read that.