Hoss in College
Dan Blocker acting up in school37 total reviews
Comment from Annmuma
If a piece has to be 100% accurate in order to be called 'non-fiction', there would a lot less 'non-fiction'' stories.
A good author is not just reporting 'facts' but telling a story using those facts as the basis of the story in hopes of creating an atmosphere and a feeling of the actual time and place. Otherwise, the result sounds like something from a reporter or maybe a text book.
I would classify your story as non-fiction, based on the facts as told to you.
In my mind, fiction is a MADE-UP STORY while non-fiction is BASED ON ACTUAL FACT. The facts can be surrounded by other known and assumed truths of the time, the people, the place while not be directly connected to that specific story..
By the way, I really enjoyed your 'NON-FICTION' story of 'Hoss'.
ann
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2025
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If a piece has to be 100% accurate in order to be called 'non-fiction', there would a lot less 'non-fiction'' stories.
A good author is not just reporting 'facts' but telling a story using those facts as the basis of the story in hopes of creating an atmosphere and a feeling of the actual time and place. Otherwise, the result sounds like something from a reporter or maybe a text book.
I would classify your story as non-fiction, based on the facts as told to you.
In my mind, fiction is a MADE-UP STORY while non-fiction is BASED ON ACTUAL FACT. The facts can be surrounded by other known and assumed truths of the time, the people, the place while not be directly connected to that specific story..
By the way, I really enjoyed your 'NON-FICTION' story of 'Hoss'.
ann
Comment Written 16-Mar-2025
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2025
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Ann, I knew you would give a good analysis of the question. Thank you for the six stars and for the wise words. Terry.
Comment from jim vecchio
I enjoyed this immensely! I often write about well-known figures, much of it fiction. I know in my older, college days, if someone kept a journal on me, the tales would truly surprise you. I hven't been doing s much reviewing I used to due to health situation, but I'm glad I read this!
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2025
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I enjoyed this immensely! I often write about well-known figures, much of it fiction. I know in my older, college days, if someone kept a journal on me, the tales would truly surprise you. I hven't been doing s much reviewing I used to due to health situation, but I'm glad I read this!
Comment Written 16-Mar-2025
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2025
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Jim, thank you for reading and for the six stars. I know reading is an issue for you, so I appreciate your effort. Take care. Terry.
Comment from giraffmang
Hi Terry,
Well, with so many of these anecdotal type of things, the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle, fully lost except for those actually there.
This is why there's a difference between a memoir and an autobiography. One deals with the fact, one deals with the recollection of those facts. A subtle yet define able distinction.
All the best
G
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2025
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Hi Terry,
Well, with so many of these anecdotal type of things, the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle, fully lost except for those actually there.
This is why there's a difference between a memoir and an autobiography. One deals with the fact, one deals with the recollection of those facts. A subtle yet define able distinction.
All the best
G
Comment Written 16-Mar-2025
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2025
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Garth, excellent points, thank you. Terry.
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
Every writing class I've taken over the last 3 years has made the point that good fiction is a lie. No one wants to hear truth, as that is what they live with every day.
I'll tell you who is creative and spontaneous - it's Mr. Richardson!
Well, if you're taking opinions, I say non-fiction. It happened, and all we can do to get it as close to the actual event is research it as best we can. I guess if you're writing from what you've been told about the event, then you get a little closer to that line.
But it was an interesting story, as I know who Dan Blocker is and this is a totally new light you've shined on him. I met him once when he was hired to sign autographs at the opening of a car dealership in West Palm Beach; he didn't smile once during the event, and I thought he looked to be the saddest person I'd ever seen.
Nice to hear from you, Terry:-)
xo
Pam
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2025
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Every writing class I've taken over the last 3 years has made the point that good fiction is a lie. No one wants to hear truth, as that is what they live with every day.
I'll tell you who is creative and spontaneous - it's Mr. Richardson!
Well, if you're taking opinions, I say non-fiction. It happened, and all we can do to get it as close to the actual event is research it as best we can. I guess if you're writing from what you've been told about the event, then you get a little closer to that line.
But it was an interesting story, as I know who Dan Blocker is and this is a totally new light you've shined on him. I met him once when he was hired to sign autographs at the opening of a car dealership in West Palm Beach; he didn't smile once during the event, and I thought he looked to be the saddest person I'd ever seen.
Nice to hear from you, Terry:-)
xo
Pam
Comment Written 16-Mar-2025
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2025
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Hi Pam, good observations, thank you for reading. Terry.
Comment from Karen Cherry
I don't know if it's true or not, but it was entertaining. I write mostly true non fiction. I think as time goes by we edit the story to be more entertaining, or more educational. Or, maybe we just goose it up a bit to be a better read.
Good story. Read my " Genoa, Texas", and tell me if you can see what part is added or goosed up.I don't even know if I know for sure. Karen
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2025
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I don't know if it's true or not, but it was entertaining. I write mostly true non fiction. I think as time goes by we edit the story to be more entertaining, or more educational. Or, maybe we just goose it up a bit to be a better read.
Good story. Read my " Genoa, Texas", and tell me if you can see what part is added or goosed up.I don't even know if I know for sure. Karen
Comment Written 15-Mar-2025
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2025
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Karen, thanks for reading. Terry.
Comment from Michele Harber
Unless everything ever said or done was video- or audio-recorded, I think we have to accept as non-fiction anything "related to the best of my memory," preferably with a few corroborating memories to back it. In other words, if this is to the best of the recollection of the people from whom you heard it, I would call it non-fiction.
While, during the early run of "Bonanza," I was the perfect age to have a crush on Little Joe, I didn't. While I found Michael Landon very attractive (it was hard not to), I found the character a bit too cocky and, often, immature. Hoss, on the other hand, had a childlike innocence and sweetness that I found absolutely charming. Of course I have nothing to back this (so this sentence is speculation, not non-fiction), but I always got the impression that Hoss' personality and appeal reflected those of Dan Blocker himself, although I assume he had a bit less naiveté than his character.
Hoss always seemed charming and likeable, as did Dan Blocker in any TV appearance. He also seemed as though he had a good sense of humor, so this prank seems right in character with the persona he portrays. Thank you for taking the time to focus a spotlight on someone who I feel sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of his better-known co-stars.
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2025
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Unless everything ever said or done was video- or audio-recorded, I think we have to accept as non-fiction anything "related to the best of my memory," preferably with a few corroborating memories to back it. In other words, if this is to the best of the recollection of the people from whom you heard it, I would call it non-fiction.
While, during the early run of "Bonanza," I was the perfect age to have a crush on Little Joe, I didn't. While I found Michael Landon very attractive (it was hard not to), I found the character a bit too cocky and, often, immature. Hoss, on the other hand, had a childlike innocence and sweetness that I found absolutely charming. Of course I have nothing to back this (so this sentence is speculation, not non-fiction), but I always got the impression that Hoss' personality and appeal reflected those of Dan Blocker himself, although I assume he had a bit less naiveté than his character.
Hoss always seemed charming and likeable, as did Dan Blocker in any TV appearance. He also seemed as though he had a good sense of humor, so this prank seems right in character with the persona he portrays. Thank you for taking the time to focus a spotlight on someone who I feel sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of his better-known co-stars.
Comment Written 15-Mar-2025
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2025
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Thanks, cool review. Terry
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My pleasure. I appreciated the story. 😀
Comment from Sarah Probe S.
many thanks is for sharing your stories Terry, i like stories based on true facts and real lives, this one has again left me captivated til the last paragraph,
well done,
and best wishes. Sarah
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2025
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many thanks is for sharing your stories Terry, i like stories based on true facts and real lives, this one has again left me captivated til the last paragraph,
well done,
and best wishes. Sarah
Comment Written 15-Mar-2025
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2025
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Sarah, thank you very much. Terry.
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cheers 🌹
Comment from Jay Squires
I'd say this is representative of the best fiction (or non-fiction) I've read by you in a long, long time. And I've read a considerable amount. You may be retired from regular posting here, and I may only pop on only occasionally to read a thing or two. But the day that our two events, like cosmic twinklers align, I feel fortunate indeed!
I miss you, Buddy.
Jay
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2025
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I'd say this is representative of the best fiction (or non-fiction) I've read by you in a long, long time. And I've read a considerable amount. You may be retired from regular posting here, and I may only pop on only occasionally to read a thing or two. But the day that our two events, like cosmic twinklers align, I feel fortunate indeed!
I miss you, Buddy.
Jay
Comment Written 15-Mar-2025
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2025
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And me as well, my friend. Thank you for stopping by and dropping the stars and your wonderful words. Terry.
Comment from patcelaw
This is very well written, and I would consider it to be non-fiction for the most part. I enjoyed very much listening to it. By the way, I met Dan Blocker at a party a friend of mine had when I lived in California. He was a gentle giant of a man. And he was a very nice gentleman. Patricia.
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2025
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This is very well written, and I would consider it to be non-fiction for the most part. I enjoyed very much listening to it. By the way, I met Dan Blocker at a party a friend of mine had when I lived in California. He was a gentle giant of a man. And he was a very nice gentleman. Patricia.
Comment Written 14-Mar-2025
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2025
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Patricia, thank you. He was also very smart.
Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)
This story highlights one of the aspects of American college studies that I find extremely strange. You can start out in year 1 with one set of subjects, then twist somehow and end up with a totally different degree. This would not be possible in the UK. I can't decide which is the better option, but it all fascinates me. kay
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2025
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This story highlights one of the aspects of American college studies that I find extremely strange. You can start out in year 1 with one set of subjects, then twist somehow and end up with a totally different degree. This would not be possible in the UK. I can't decide which is the better option, but it all fascinates me. kay
Comment Written 14-Mar-2025
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2025
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Thanks, Kay. American students change their minds depending on which way the wind blows or what girl or guy is in what class. Often, the degree earned has nothing to do with what happens in their future. Terry.
