Reviews from

Interview with...JSD

Teacher, Writer, Rebel with a Cause

27 total reviews 
Comment from jmdg1954
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Incredible. Your style of interview draws the reader into the room as if you two are center stage and we are there for the joyous ride.

You have the ability to draw the specifics from the interviewee and a charismatic style to make a reader (listener) smile, chuckle and laugh.

I look forward to reading these. Now I'll have to go take a peak at his portfolio, especially... The Storm.

Thank you, Rachelle for posting.

John

 Comment Written 15-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
    John, this is as sweet a review as I could possibly receive. Thank you times a million zillion. I genuinely do appreciate this very, very much. This was exactly what I was hoping someone would say to me. xoxox
Comment from lyenochka
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Thanks for posting this even if it seems like it's after John has left Fanstory. I'm glad he shared his writings here. Your interview was great. I knew about his love for punk music when I interviewed him. Hope he's keeping in touch with others here. Great questions!

 Comment Written 15-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 15-Apr-2024
    No, Helen; his membership expires at the end of May - next month. We have one month to change his mind still.
Comment from Daylily
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I know for certain I would have loved to take your writing classes. I did not start learning to write poetry until I was fifty.

Your interview with JSD sparkles. You definitely have a talent for encouraging people to speak from their hearts.

XOXO
Lily

 Comment Written 14-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 14-Apr-2024
    Wow, what a REALLY nice thing to say! Thank you for the love and encouragement every time, Lily. You can't know how much I appreciate it. xoxox
Comment from Wendy G
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

A wonderful interview, and I remember being impressed every time with John's real poetry, deep, thoughtful, original and creative, and obviously the product of considerable work and time along with his gift. You have drawn him out beautifully, and helped the reader to know him better, as he was always a quite enigmatic figure. Thanks for sharing your interview, done of course in your own unique style.
Wendy

 Comment Written 14-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 14-Apr-2024
    Thank you, Wendy. I appreciate the warmth of your words and the extra sparkle of the six stars.

    I have to ask, though: 'unique' in a good way, or a 'that is one weird interviewing style' kind of way. (You know you can always be honest with me!!) xoxox
reply by Wendy G on 14-Apr-2024
    I enjoy it! I can ?hear?you speak. And I can ?see? you smile! It?s definitely a good thing as I ?feel? your enthusiasm and excitement about all you do and say!
reply by the author on 14-Apr-2024
    Oh, PHEW!! Thank you! xoxox
Comment from tfawcus
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I've read a number of interviews on FanStory, but none to match this one. There is a genuine spark here. It reveals as much about the interviewer as the interviewee!
Shades of The Dead Poets' Society in John' teaching methods. No wonder that didn't go down well at Repton. I, too, am a product of the English Public School system.
There's much to dislike and much to like about FanStory. John has mentioned both. I think it's really about picking one's own path through and ignoring the silliness. It's a site that is catholic enough to meet many diverse needs, and that is one of its chief strengths.

 Comment Written 14-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 14-Apr-2024
    Well, that's a very good way to put it, Tony. It can be something different for each member.

    Thank you for the very kind review and for the extra stars, as well. Very, very appreciated. xoxo
Comment from Spitfire
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

What a delightful interview. I will, for sure, look up John now and read 'The Storm' . Is that his picture? I loved how you squirmed at his mention of a mosh pit. I would too. Everything you write is gold, Rachelle. XXX

 Comment Written 14-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 14-Apr-2024
    Oh, Spitfire! What would I do without your super generous reviews? Thank you for always making me feel good about what I've shared, and thanks, too, for the extra star. Very, very appreciated. xxxo
Comment from nomi338
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This was a wonderfully conducted interview. I felt like I was in the room during the engrossing conversation. Much of what John said I am in total agreement with. One of my pet peeves is that some people on the site lure you into becoming their fan and then they bombard you with whatever comes into their mind. I am too kind to ignore them and I am unable to unfriend them.

 Comment Written 14-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 14-Apr-2024
    We'll have to entitle that: When being a good guy works against your favor.

    I, though, have nothing but GRATITUDE for what a sweet, good man you are, so thank you for this wonderful review and for always making me feel so good about my posts. VERY much appreciated.
    xoxox
reply by nomi338 on 14-Apr-2024
    I cannot resist praising those who have earned it. You come by your praise by way of earning it, therefore It is well deserved.
reply by the author on 14-Apr-2024
    Oh, you SWEET-talkin' reviewer, you!!! xoxox
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I have been a fan of John's for a while now and I agree his poetry inspires. I also agree with the ideas for improvements on this site. Thank you for sharing this with us. You're doing a service for us to get to know each other better.

 Comment Written 14-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 14-Apr-2024
    Come on, Barbara - let's sing!!
    Getting to knowwwwww youuuuuuu,
    Getting to know all ABOUUUUUUt youuuuu!!!

    So satisfying, isn't it?

    Anyway, thank you for this very nice review, which I appreciate immensely, and I'm sure John will, as well. Tom? Well, probably not so much, but he'll just put it into the circular file and go on about his day...
    xoxoxo
reply by barbara.wilkey on 14-Apr-2024
    So true.
Comment from GWHARGIS
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Very interesting fellow. Punk was born of rebellious poets. Read some of the lyrics. My husband is a punk rock afficionado. Mosh pits are just another way of expressing yourself. He's lived a very colorful life and seems at peace with that. That's the best. No apologies, no explanations. Another great interview. Gretchen

 Comment Written 14-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 14-Apr-2024
    Thanks very much, Gretchen. I appreciate the feedback! xo
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I wondered what happened to this member Rachelle and I wasn't a bit surprised by his answers here, although I did learn a little bit more about him. I do think that if member dollars were offered, more members would vote in the contests too, so I liked that suggestion. You uncovered some personal facts about him and I enjoyed your witty comments in between Rachelle, a fun read, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 14-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 14-Apr-2024
    Thank you, Dolly; I always appreciate your encouraging feedback. xo