The Never Starting Story
Viewing comments for Chapter 50 "What to Show the World"A collection of things that fit nowhere else.
23 total reviews
Comment from Alena Smith
I got my scotch here that i can share :)
I honestly thought it was great! I was following your thoughts word for word.
I am an artist a well, I paint, draw, so on. I am my worst critic. even with my painting, which is considered beautiful by many people, in my eyes is just not right. like you (usually it's my father), I am nervous that someone will come by and just shit all over it.
it takes a lot of guts to do what you do and I applaud you for that. we can get so stick in our routines that we don't even think anymore.
I love thought provoking pieces that make me think and give different perspectives, so, keep doing what you are doing.
I know you are doing good, because you reached me, and I know you reach others. that's how you know.
you, or any other ones of us, will never be satisfied with our work, and that's something we need to accept.
it's scary for me to just write something dark from the bottom of my soul, because someone might come by and just tear you a new one, as if your own wasn't enough.
no, I thought it was a great story! wouldn't change a thing, not even your author notes.
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2013
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I got my scotch here that i can share :)
I honestly thought it was great! I was following your thoughts word for word.
I am an artist a well, I paint, draw, so on. I am my worst critic. even with my painting, which is considered beautiful by many people, in my eyes is just not right. like you (usually it's my father), I am nervous that someone will come by and just shit all over it.
it takes a lot of guts to do what you do and I applaud you for that. we can get so stick in our routines that we don't even think anymore.
I love thought provoking pieces that make me think and give different perspectives, so, keep doing what you are doing.
I know you are doing good, because you reached me, and I know you reach others. that's how you know.
you, or any other ones of us, will never be satisfied with our work, and that's something we need to accept.
it's scary for me to just write something dark from the bottom of my soul, because someone might come by and just tear you a new one, as if your own wasn't enough.
no, I thought it was a great story! wouldn't change a thing, not even your author notes.
Comment Written 16-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2013
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I appreciate the personal insights very much. It is nice to know I am not alone. I feel silly sometimes taking a deep breath before I press enter. But, sometimes it just feels like everyone is going to discover you now. hahaha. Thank you very much, mikey
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I even feel that way when I'm writing reviews :)
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Yes! Like, "I know you idiot, that is why I wrote it that way"!! hahaha.
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very good!!!
sadly, it still wont get through to them, no matter how much time past by and you think they get it, they never will. their heats are just frozen and the "holy" people are the biggest critics in the world.
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sorry, wrong piece, still the same moral.
how about that scotch?
:)
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The scotch sounds good. The vodka better. mikey
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Hey, Mikey. I am Russian, vodka it is!!!
Comment from Barb Hensongispsaca
your weird...but I love you. Because your weird,,,I think...oh, well. I reserve judgement till the next one now. This was informative and...well...and....ugh...
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2013
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your weird...but I love you. Because your weird,,,I think...oh, well. I reserve judgement till the next one now. This was informative and...well...and....ugh...
Comment Written 16-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2013
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Hahaha. Don't worry the next one is less,....ugh....hahaha. mikey
Comment from Hadria
For the love of Mike, Mickey (sorry, didnt mean to write that!)
Every writer that ever was feels pretty much all the things you feel. I recently read a book that was a number of poets writing about the poems a another well kmown poet, and one of them said " The most difficult thing about being a poet is keeping on being a poet" and I think that could be said of any writing. It is essentially a solitary lonely pursuit.
There is occasionally a moment when something seems to take off and write itself and you feel in your bones that it is good - but those moments are very, very rare. I cant claim to have written much, but I have read voraciously all my life , and I do know good writing when I see it. I am enjoying yours immensely. Actually, one of the few things I have had published was a small piece about hedgehogs for a Radio Programme called Sunday Miscellany which has been running for years. I got to read it on the programme, and then it was included in a book of pieces from the radio programme...... I was so proud of myself, and I got paid money for it, that always helps the self esteem! Just let it flow!
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2013
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For the love of Mike, Mickey (sorry, didnt mean to write that!)
Every writer that ever was feels pretty much all the things you feel. I recently read a book that was a number of poets writing about the poems a another well kmown poet, and one of them said " The most difficult thing about being a poet is keeping on being a poet" and I think that could be said of any writing. It is essentially a solitary lonely pursuit.
There is occasionally a moment when something seems to take off and write itself and you feel in your bones that it is good - but those moments are very, very rare. I cant claim to have written much, but I have read voraciously all my life , and I do know good writing when I see it. I am enjoying yours immensely. Actually, one of the few things I have had published was a small piece about hedgehogs for a Radio Programme called Sunday Miscellany which has been running for years. I got to read it on the programme, and then it was included in a book of pieces from the radio programme...... I was so proud of myself, and I got paid money for it, that always helps the self esteem! Just let it flow!
Comment Written 15-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2013
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How exciting. What a great honor for you. I won a little contest with a short story and won twenty five dollars once. It may as well have been a million. It was one of the proudest days of my life. I know exactly what you mean. I think that is the best advice. Keep writing. I have abandoned it in the past. I know that it is foolish to do that. I sure enjoy it here with folks of a like mind. It does encourage me to know that I am not the only crazy writer around! Thank you very much for this wonderful advice. Very appreciated. mikey
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
It might have been rambling to you, Mikey, but it made a lot of sense to me. I think it is quite normal to think and feel that way about your own work. I know I do all the time. Why would I even consider I can write when there are so many amazingly talented writers out there. Am I just be rather disrespectful to the famous and proven writers, even thinking I can write? Your writing has opened up the questions and doubts and everything I know we all share deep inside. It is natural! Wonderful piece of writing. xsx Sandra
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2013
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It might have been rambling to you, Mikey, but it made a lot of sense to me. I think it is quite normal to think and feel that way about your own work. I know I do all the time. Why would I even consider I can write when there are so many amazingly talented writers out there. Am I just be rather disrespectful to the famous and proven writers, even thinking I can write? Your writing has opened up the questions and doubts and everything I know we all share deep inside. It is natural! Wonderful piece of writing. xsx Sandra
Comment Written 14-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2013
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That is so true. Sometimes I read something here and it gives me chills. Not because it is so wonderful. It is the idea that I am supposed to follow it with one of my little pieces. Scary. But, then I have someone tell me that. I feel so strange when I hear that. It makes me want to laugh. But, then it is so nice to hear. I think a lot of it is just being blinded by fame. It is hard to remember that fame doesn't mean that something is good but, mainly it doesn't mean something is better. Emily Dickenson was one of the great writers of all time when no one knew she existed. Being discovered didn't change how well she wrote. I really do go off on tangents. hahaha. I so appreciate your input. It is so comforting to know that a really top notch writer feels just the same way. Thank you, mikey
Comment from Deniz22
As rants go, (and they do go, on and on usually) this is a good one. Good as in honest. Fortunately, I have your answer, so look no further. :) Pomposity hopefully out of the way?
A man that will take either side of a debate may exhibit his skill as a writer, but he will never stir the heart of his reader. Oh, he may get by a time or two with new audiences, but eventually both he and his audience will tire of the charade. We want someone who will share well from his heart something that has truly gripped his own inner being. There are lots of people who want to make a splash but they simply don't weigh enough to do anything but drown.
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2013
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As rants go, (and they do go, on and on usually) this is a good one. Good as in honest. Fortunately, I have your answer, so look no further. :) Pomposity hopefully out of the way?
A man that will take either side of a debate may exhibit his skill as a writer, but he will never stir the heart of his reader. Oh, he may get by a time or two with new audiences, but eventually both he and his audience will tire of the charade. We want someone who will share well from his heart something that has truly gripped his own inner being. There are lots of people who want to make a splash but they simply don't weigh enough to do anything but drown.
Comment Written 14-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2013
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Good points and on the money I think. What worries me here is that I don't think that they would get satire especially dark satire. I know a couple writers that are viewed as very dark when in reality they are not. They are just illustrating something and people aren't getting it. But, your point is well taken and I do agree. It isn't a good idea to straddle the fence and try to please everyone. It is best to take a stand whatever it may be and stand strong for it. Great advice, thank you, mikey
Comment from Sasha
1. Only you can answer this one.
2. If you like it, it is good.
3. If you don't like it, maybe it isn't so good. But then you have to take into consideration that although you don't like it, someone else might. I know many famous authors that say "Yeah, I wrote that and won an award for it, but it was one of the worst things I ever wrote."
4. Don't you have a favorite? If you do, than it is your best. I am sure your readers have a favorite which goes on their favorite list.
5. Never stand naked in a gym, you are just asking for trouble!
6. Accept the fact that not everything you write is Pulitzer material...but of course I could be wrong.
7. You never receive enough positive responses to make you feel that you are good.
Writers are either full of themselves and think they are the next Tennessee Williams, or have no ego and wonder if they should look for a job as a welder.
Me, I just write and don't really care what anyone, but me, thinks about what I write.
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2013
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1. Only you can answer this one.
2. If you like it, it is good.
3. If you don't like it, maybe it isn't so good. But then you have to take into consideration that although you don't like it, someone else might. I know many famous authors that say "Yeah, I wrote that and won an award for it, but it was one of the worst things I ever wrote."
4. Don't you have a favorite? If you do, than it is your best. I am sure your readers have a favorite which goes on their favorite list.
5. Never stand naked in a gym, you are just asking for trouble!
6. Accept the fact that not everything you write is Pulitzer material...but of course I could be wrong.
7. You never receive enough positive responses to make you feel that you are good.
Writers are either full of themselves and think they are the next Tennessee Williams, or have no ego and wonder if they should look for a job as a welder.
Me, I just write and don't really care what anyone, but me, thinks about what I write.
Comment Written 14-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2013
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That is all excellent and I need to read it over and over. The best idea is to reach the point where I feel like you do in the last line. That sounds wonderful. I feel that way in every other aspect of my life. The only thing I fret about is writing. Not poetry either, just prose. Maybe when I get more of the basics like punctuation and basic technical stuff in my head I won't worry. I know I worry less now as I think I am getting better, thank you very much, mikey
Comment from nelliesellie
Thinking of writing your life story is a good way to deflate the ego. I don't know how presidents do it. I only have one recommendation. Keep sex and violence separate. Maybe a separate chapter with warnings. But this is what many people want to hear about. You life is interesting. You developed strong values. I think it is because of the early exposure to mental illness. Great work.
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2013
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Thinking of writing your life story is a good way to deflate the ego. I don't know how presidents do it. I only have one recommendation. Keep sex and violence separate. Maybe a separate chapter with warnings. But this is what many people want to hear about. You life is interesting. You developed strong values. I think it is because of the early exposure to mental illness. Great work.
Comment Written 14-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2013
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fortunately no violence in my life other than punching a couple bullies. everyone backs down from me. hahaha, they think I am crazy I guess! You are correct about the mental illness, it taught me to be slow to react and that is a great benefit to me. mikey
Comment from Nosha17
I think every writer probably has these thoughts, but it is only natural. I am tired of reviewing some of the stuff that is presented to us. I resent having to review 3 lines of nonet nonsense or haiku or whatever, and there are many others out there who feel the same because they have told me so. I am sure you will agree. We are creating what we feel is good for the public to read about, but there are so many restrictions like you talked about in your essay. There is no freedom, we all have to adhere to the norm. You are doing a good job writing what is in your heart and like the rest of us will continue to do so to give vent to our frustrations and simply cannot live without writing. Well-written. Faye
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2013
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I think every writer probably has these thoughts, but it is only natural. I am tired of reviewing some of the stuff that is presented to us. I resent having to review 3 lines of nonet nonsense or haiku or whatever, and there are many others out there who feel the same because they have told me so. I am sure you will agree. We are creating what we feel is good for the public to read about, but there are so many restrictions like you talked about in your essay. There is no freedom, we all have to adhere to the norm. You are doing a good job writing what is in your heart and like the rest of us will continue to do so to give vent to our frustrations and simply cannot live without writing. Well-written. Faye
Comment Written 14-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2013
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You are so correct. It is a test of our abilities to figure out what to say about a three line poem when we are required to use ten times as many words as are in the poem. ha! But, like you say, just write what we feel and try not to worry about it. It is frustrating. But, it is always nice to hear when a good writer likes something you wrote. mikey
Comment from Sueellen11
Great Micky,, yes how do we know if a prices of are work is good,, we don't Micky,,, you can only please some of the people some times,, and non of the people all the time,,it's a matter of if the reader like it or not,, you can do a brilliant poem,, novel,, or paint the perfect picture,,, but there will always be someone who does not like it and bag it out,,, I believe we are only as good as our readers our critics find us,,, I for one,, know you are a great writer,, a artist in your fields,,blessings Micky,, never lay that pen down,,merry Christmas,,
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2013
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Great Micky,, yes how do we know if a prices of are work is good,, we don't Micky,,, you can only please some of the people some times,, and non of the people all the time,,it's a matter of if the reader like it or not,, you can do a brilliant poem,, novel,, or paint the perfect picture,,, but there will always be someone who does not like it and bag it out,,, I believe we are only as good as our readers our critics find us,,, I for one,, know you are a great writer,, a artist in your fields,,blessings Micky,, never lay that pen down,,merry Christmas,,
Comment Written 14-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2013
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That is so nice to hear. I know you are right. I suppose we should be happy that some of the people like it some of the time. That is pretty nice actually. But, it is sure a drag when they don't!! mikey
Comment from CR Delport
Mike, I think it all depends on why you write and who you're writing for. When I write a story I write it in such a way that I enjoy reading it.`Raven is quite open and honest about her feedback and if she doesn't like it, she tells me. If she likes it, that's good enough for me. So far everyone that has read my Arora stories, loved them. The problem is to convince a stranger that this is a book they should read. I write books in the hopes that I would sell millions of copies, but if I don't, it is not the end of the world. At the moment I have people who read the books and keep asking me when's the next one coming out. That feels pretty good. So my advice would be, if you enjoy it, and Donna enjoys it, why worry too much about what anybody else thinks? I think you're a very talented writer and enjoy reading your stories and poems.
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2013
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Mike, I think it all depends on why you write and who you're writing for. When I write a story I write it in such a way that I enjoy reading it.`Raven is quite open and honest about her feedback and if she doesn't like it, she tells me. If she likes it, that's good enough for me. So far everyone that has read my Arora stories, loved them. The problem is to convince a stranger that this is a book they should read. I write books in the hopes that I would sell millions of copies, but if I don't, it is not the end of the world. At the moment I have people who read the books and keep asking me when's the next one coming out. That feels pretty good. So my advice would be, if you enjoy it, and Donna enjoys it, why worry too much about what anybody else thinks? I think you're a very talented writer and enjoy reading your stories and poems.
Comment Written 13-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2013
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Good advice. I must admit I hope the earth will read what I write. But, I am happy with every single person that likes it. I don't like a lot of what I write. But, I do like some of it. And when I like it I must admit, I don't care what anyone thinks. Thank you so much for your input. It gives me a lot to think about. mikey
