Thoughtful Poems and Prose
Viewing comments for Chapter 17 "Competition"Commentary and Philosophy
17 total reviews
Comment from Carolyn 'Deaton' Stephens
You have nailed the essence of participation. I like what you said,,,, winning is relative to each individuals goals. The rider who purposefully lost the race was the winner of it all. He lived for the good of those around him. He participated in life. His ride was something he 'did', his action of compassion was who he 'was'.
A beautiful inspiring write.
Happy New Year to you too Nicole.
:-) Carolyn
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2016
  |
You have nailed the essence of participation. I like what you said,,,, winning is relative to each individuals goals. The rider who purposefully lost the race was the winner of it all. He lived for the good of those around him. He participated in life. His ride was something he 'did', his action of compassion was who he 'was'.
A beautiful inspiring write.
Happy New Year to you too Nicole.
:-) Carolyn
Comment Written 01-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2016
-
Thank you for your kind review, Carolyn.
Nicole
Comment from w.j.debi
Excellent advice to begin the new year. As long as you are improving you are winning, and that is the goal. I love the example of the man who gave up winning the race to help another and is remembered every year. Be our best and help raise others. Thank you for the wisdom.
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2016
 |
Excellent advice to begin the new year. As long as you are improving you are winning, and that is the goal. I love the example of the man who gave up winning the race to help another and is remembered every year. Be our best and help raise others. Thank you for the wisdom.
Comment Written 31-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2016
-
Thank you for reading.
Happy NY!
Nicole
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I happen to agree with you 100%. The 1 -5 rankings are simply the people who posted most often, it has nothing to do with their actual talent. People like me who can only post once a week, my paying job interferes, don't have a chance I am just happy that I finish as high as I do compared to those who post daily. Great job here.
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2016
|
I happen to agree with you 100%. The 1 -5 rankings are simply the people who posted most often, it has nothing to do with their actual talent. People like me who can only post once a week, my paying job interferes, don't have a chance I am just happy that I finish as high as I do compared to those who post daily. Great job here.
Comment Written 31-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2016
-
Thanks, Barbara.
Nicole
Comment from pbroussard209
This is an excellent motivational write, one that everyone should read and take heart in. You have hit on one of the most important aspects of this site, one that many forget or never quite understand.
When I first started posting on FS I was a horrible writer, with some potential. I have now been on here for a few years and now, I am a better writer with a little more potential. I will probably never be a great writer, but I accept that, but it wont keep me from pushing myself to write better.
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2015
|
This is an excellent motivational write, one that everyone should read and take heart in. You have hit on one of the most important aspects of this site, one that many forget or never quite understand.
When I first started posting on FS I was a horrible writer, with some potential. I have now been on here for a few years and now, I am a better writer with a little more potential. I will probably never be a great writer, but I accept that, but it wont keep me from pushing myself to write better.
Comment Written 31-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2015
-
Thanks for reading, Trish. You are right--we have learnt so much here. Happy NY!
Nicole
Comment from justafan
I love this! I like to think my writing has improved from working in close proximity of this site with such talented writers as you, hon. What you say is true. Winning is not always everything. :)
Happy New Year!!
Missy
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2015
|
I love this! I like to think my writing has improved from working in close proximity of this site with such talented writers as you, hon. What you say is true. Winning is not always everything. :)
Happy New Year!!
Missy
Comment Written 31-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2015
-
Thank you, Missy. The contest is far from over and anything can still happen. Thank you for reading this. It's already New Year here. Happy 2016.
Nicole
Comment from Dean Kuch
Great advice, Nichole. I completely agree.
Hey, I'm here to tell ya, I never go into a new year at FanStory saying, 'I'm gonna be in that top five, dammit!' I think if we make that our ultimate goal, then we've lost sight of what FanStory was designed to do for us. There isn't a single one of us who doesn't put their heart and soul into everything they write--be it poetry or prose. I can almost guarantee it. If you're fortunate enough to be able to divide your time between both prose and poetry while being successful at it--hey, go for it, knock yourself out (and hopefully score a few knock-outs with those who care enough to read your work as well). If you happen to be better at poetry, then by all means, concentrate on poetry if that's where your passions lie. But, if your sole purpose for writing here is to win a trophy, a few prizes, and a contest or two, then in my mind you've already lost the battle. We write because we love to write, and it's as simple as that. People will either like our work, or they'll absolutely hate it (I can attest to the latter, LOL).
The main thing is if one loves to write and wants to make something of themselves while doing so, then one must simply...write. Always focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.
Happy New year to You & Yours
~Dean :}
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2015
|
Great advice, Nichole. I completely agree.
Hey, I'm here to tell ya, I never go into a new year at FanStory saying, 'I'm gonna be in that top five, dammit!' I think if we make that our ultimate goal, then we've lost sight of what FanStory was designed to do for us. There isn't a single one of us who doesn't put their heart and soul into everything they write--be it poetry or prose. I can almost guarantee it. If you're fortunate enough to be able to divide your time between both prose and poetry while being successful at it--hey, go for it, knock yourself out (and hopefully score a few knock-outs with those who care enough to read your work as well). If you happen to be better at poetry, then by all means, concentrate on poetry if that's where your passions lie. But, if your sole purpose for writing here is to win a trophy, a few prizes, and a contest or two, then in my mind you've already lost the battle. We write because we love to write, and it's as simple as that. People will either like our work, or they'll absolutely hate it (I can attest to the latter, LOL).
The main thing is if one loves to write and wants to make something of themselves while doing so, then one must simply...write. Always focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.
Happy New year to You & Yours
~Dean :}
Comment Written 31-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2015
-
What you say, in this instance, is true, Dean.
The contest is far from over and anything can still happen. Thank you for reading this. It's already New Year here. Happy 2016.
Nicole
-
It's always a pleasure, Nichole.
~Dean
Comment from giraffmang
Hi Nicole,
I like this piece very much and it is a great way to sign the year off with. you are probably in next year already as I'm writing this!
I work with children and young people with special needs and I know they far outshine anything I do in way of achievement. It's all relative.
Great words and all the best for 2016
G
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2015
|
Hi Nicole,
I like this piece very much and it is a great way to sign the year off with. you are probably in next year already as I'm writing this!
I work with children and young people with special needs and I know they far outshine anything I do in way of achievement. It's all relative.
Great words and all the best for 2016
G
Comment Written 31-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2015
-
Your work sounds rewarding.
Thank you for reading this. It's already New Year here. Happy 2016.
Nicole
Comment from c_lucas
It matters not whether you win or lose but how you will yourself judged at the end. This is very well written with a smooth flow of words, making for a very good read.
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2015
|
It matters not whether you win or lose but how you will yourself judged at the end. This is very well written with a smooth flow of words, making for a very good read.
Comment Written 31-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2015
-
True, Charlie.
The contest is far from over and anything can still happen. Thank you for reading this. It's already New Year here. Happy 2016.
Nicole
Comment from Robert Louis Fox
Thank you for sharing your wisdom and good wishes for the new year. I like your outlook. Funny, as I read this, one of your lines struck me: [Equality does not exist--it never will.] It struck me as the moral of the understory in your book about Sylvia.
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2015
|
Thank you for sharing your wisdom and good wishes for the new year. I like your outlook. Funny, as I read this, one of your lines struck me: [Equality does not exist--it never will.] It struck me as the moral of the understory in your book about Sylvia.
Comment Written 31-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2015
-
Maybe there's a subliminal message there.
Thank you for reading this. It's already New Year here. Happy 2016.
Nicole
Comment from Annette Gulliver
What you say is true, Nicole. Not everybody has the opportunity to shine. Many great people go about their daily lives, unnoticed by the masses. Success is a personal thing, you either crave it, or you are happy with the scraps.
I have learned so much about writing since joining FS, and I do hope it shows in my writing. I am just thrilled to think that someone is interested enough to read my ramblings, let alone be a great success.
I wish to many hours of happy writing in 2016.
Annette
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2015
|
What you say is true, Nicole. Not everybody has the opportunity to shine. Many great people go about their daily lives, unnoticed by the masses. Success is a personal thing, you either crave it, or you are happy with the scraps.
I have learned so much about writing since joining FS, and I do hope it shows in my writing. I am just thrilled to think that someone is interested enough to read my ramblings, let alone be a great success.
I wish to many hours of happy writing in 2016.
Annette
Comment Written 31-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2015
-
Your story is good, Annette. I've read too many boring 'published' books.
Best wishes with it in 2016.
It's already New Year here. Happy 2016.
Nicole
-
Happy New Years Day to you, Nicole, although you saw it 2 hours earlier than us here in OZ. Thanks for the compliment. I hope to finish my book in the next few weeks. Fingers crossed.
Annette
