The Blank Page
a tribute to heroic writers58 total reviews
Comment from DALLAS01
Glad I stopped by to to visit your portfolio. As always, it is with expectations and anticipation that I print out your work and save it for a time when I can read it carefully. Just wanted to let you know, I have yet to be disappointed.
You manifest everything, that you give others credit for in your generous,unabashed praise of their talent.
Late in life we revert to our former glory, become hippies once again, and let it all hang out, believing our unique perspective on life, our reflective emotional angst, sets us apart, but I'm not sure that is true.
( In my case I'm inclined to think it stems from a desire to separate myself from the dreary bore that I sometimes think I have become; due of course, to areas I ignored in lieu of other responsibilities.
How hard is it, really, to spit reality on a blank page, read by strangers (much easier than I imagined. No need to hide who I am, or how I feel, and I still reserve the right to withhold when I am so inclined)
Finally, the third group, people I have never, may never meet, who have willingly walked into my head space and allowed me to linger between their words. (This is the kind of descriptive interpretation that I always reread to absorb the thought.)
If I had a six left it would be yours.
Finally, the third group, people I have never, may never meet, who have willingly walked into my head space and allowed me to linger between their words.
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2011
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Glad I stopped by to to visit your portfolio. As always, it is with expectations and anticipation that I print out your work and save it for a time when I can read it carefully. Just wanted to let you know, I have yet to be disappointed.
You manifest everything, that you give others credit for in your generous,unabashed praise of their talent.
Late in life we revert to our former glory, become hippies once again, and let it all hang out, believing our unique perspective on life, our reflective emotional angst, sets us apart, but I'm not sure that is true.
( In my case I'm inclined to think it stems from a desire to separate myself from the dreary bore that I sometimes think I have become; due of course, to areas I ignored in lieu of other responsibilities.
How hard is it, really, to spit reality on a blank page, read by strangers (much easier than I imagined. No need to hide who I am, or how I feel, and I still reserve the right to withhold when I am so inclined)
Finally, the third group, people I have never, may never meet, who have willingly walked into my head space and allowed me to linger between their words. (This is the kind of descriptive interpretation that I always reread to absorb the thought.)
If I had a six left it would be yours.
Finally, the third group, people I have never, may never meet, who have willingly walked into my head space and allowed me to linger between their words.
Comment Written 11-Aug-2011
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2011
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You too are a generous hidden talent who has always given me nothing but encouragement.
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Thank you, it is well deserved. If you arent already, you need to be in print. Hope you put youself out there and not confine your wisdom to just here on this wonderful site.
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One day I hope to meet you so I can prove to you how I so undeserving, but appreciative of your support.
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you're welcome.
Comment from Judith Ann
This is brilliantly written. The sentiments you lifted up for all to see, are some of mine as well -- but I could not have written my feelings as well as you. I love it when a writer can pen my thoughts when the words escape me. Wonderful essay, you have motivated me to write from my heart as well. Thank you. -Judy
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2011
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This is brilliantly written. The sentiments you lifted up for all to see, are some of mine as well -- but I could not have written my feelings as well as you. I love it when a writer can pen my thoughts when the words escape me. Wonderful essay, you have motivated me to write from my heart as well. Thank you. -Judy
Comment Written 11-Jul-2011
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2011
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Well Judy, I have found that my best writing happens when I don't worry about how people will take it, what they will think of me and what the consequences may be. The beauty of that is that you can usually dub everything you want to say into a character's role in your story. But, when that side of you translates it becomes authentic and totally believable. Afterwards you can say it way a figment of your imagination and who can argue. In this essay I was speaking as me, Ingrid, not a character, but a truly humble participant in a community of insane whacko crazies, that I admire. Thank you for the bouquet of stars.
Comment from Judian James
I am so far behind Ingrid, I almost missed this one. I found it on page six of my PM's! How wonderful. I am so touched and complimented and I agree with your essay completely. "and finally Three, the people I have never, may never meet, who have willingly walked into my head space and allowed me to linger between their words." YES!
"Every time a writer pens something that moves me, I realize that out there, somewhere is a person, breathing, that had geography and circumstance been altered, might have been my friend. Fan Story has allowed me to connect, not only to the story. but also the author." Isn't it amazing and we are so fortunate to have found each other's work and the work of so many talented writers who "reside" here! This was excellent. Thank you again Ingrid. I'm so honored.
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2011
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I am so far behind Ingrid, I almost missed this one. I found it on page six of my PM's! How wonderful. I am so touched and complimented and I agree with your essay completely. "and finally Three, the people I have never, may never meet, who have willingly walked into my head space and allowed me to linger between their words." YES!
"Every time a writer pens something that moves me, I realize that out there, somewhere is a person, breathing, that had geography and circumstance been altered, might have been my friend. Fan Story has allowed me to connect, not only to the story. but also the author." Isn't it amazing and we are so fortunate to have found each other's work and the work of so many talented writers who "reside" here! This was excellent. Thank you again Ingrid. I'm so honored.
Comment Written 11-Jul-2011
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2011
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You do know that appreciate the occassional jolt that some of your poetry brings into my day. I guess writing is really no different from good conversation, allthough that's a pretty rare treat. When you meet people, however that flow near your mind set it's pretty easy to call them friend. I believe that grattiude and offering a very real thanks is rare, but changes things instantly.
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Again, I agree with you completely.
It's quite fascinating isn't it. Who would have EVER guessed when we were kids, that one day we'd be communicating across the planet and making friends whom we may never meet. On the other hand, a lot of the old pleasures, like receiving a card in the mail, are falling into oblivion, which is so sad.
Comment from DrCarter2001
Excellent essay, echo, and I hope a winner for this contest. You've written some wonderful points that are both inspirational and entertaining.
There are a few editing errors to check, that do not detract from the six star quality, but I hope you will correct them before judging. They mostly center around misplaced commas and semicolons. One point stuck out, however, and was big enough to point out:
But, my membership in Fan Story has changed my opinion , opened my heart and at the same time allowed me to categorize relationships, even intimate ones into three groups; One, flesh and blood, in your face people. Two, accessories, bystanders; the cheerleaders and critics of life and finally Three, the people I have never, may never meet, who have willingly walked into my head space and allowed me to linger between their words.
This is difficult to read largely because of the punctuation, making it look like a big run-on. I would suggest one of the following:
Use a colon after three groups and remove the numbers:
"My membership in Fan Story has changed my opinion( ), opened my heart(,) and at the same time allowed me to categorize relationships, even intimate ones(,) into three groups(:) flesh and blood, in your face people(;) accessories, bystanders(,) the cheerleaders and critics of life(;) and the people I have never, may never meet, who have willingly walked into my head space and allowed me to linger between their words."
OR divide them up into bullet points.
"My membership in Fan Story has changed my opinion( ), opened my heart(,) and at the same time allowed me to categorize relationships, even intimate ones(,) into three groups.
1) flesh and blood, in your face people..."
and so on.
Hope this helps. Would love to see this one win the prize. Good luck!
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2011
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Excellent essay, echo, and I hope a winner for this contest. You've written some wonderful points that are both inspirational and entertaining.
There are a few editing errors to check, that do not detract from the six star quality, but I hope you will correct them before judging. They mostly center around misplaced commas and semicolons. One point stuck out, however, and was big enough to point out:
But, my membership in Fan Story has changed my opinion , opened my heart and at the same time allowed me to categorize relationships, even intimate ones into three groups; One, flesh and blood, in your face people. Two, accessories, bystanders; the cheerleaders and critics of life and finally Three, the people I have never, may never meet, who have willingly walked into my head space and allowed me to linger between their words.
This is difficult to read largely because of the punctuation, making it look like a big run-on. I would suggest one of the following:
Use a colon after three groups and remove the numbers:
"My membership in Fan Story has changed my opinion( ), opened my heart(,) and at the same time allowed me to categorize relationships, even intimate ones(,) into three groups(:) flesh and blood, in your face people(;) accessories, bystanders(,) the cheerleaders and critics of life(;) and the people I have never, may never meet, who have willingly walked into my head space and allowed me to linger between their words."
OR divide them up into bullet points.
"My membership in Fan Story has changed my opinion( ), opened my heart(,) and at the same time allowed me to categorize relationships, even intimate ones(,) into three groups.
1) flesh and blood, in your face people..."
and so on.
Hope this helps. Would love to see this one win the prize. Good luck!
Comment Written 11-Jul-2011
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2011
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Wow, what a kaleidescope of commas and semi colons. I won't do another one of those for a while.
I did not win, but took an honorable second. Sacha (Smurpgirl) won and it is also an inspiring essay. You can catch it in the voting booth under closed contests.
This essay opened a lot of discussion and for once it wasn't controversial. I believe we underestimate how a sincere thank you can change a day and warm a heart, but we tend to belittle gratitude with a simple "thanks." Sometimes a little more grants much more.
Comment from Cooper Watt
Well said, Spitual Echo. Well said indeed. An homage, an ode or gratitude and admiration aimed at the ones who've moved you. It's like a poem of prose and praise.
It's nice to see people thanking one another publicly. It's a moving experience to witness. Gratifying. Loving even.
Have an awesome, day. I only wish I was on your list!!
Sincerely,
Coop.
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2011
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Well said, Spitual Echo. Well said indeed. An homage, an ode or gratitude and admiration aimed at the ones who've moved you. It's like a poem of prose and praise.
It's nice to see people thanking one another publicly. It's a moving experience to witness. Gratifying. Loving even.
Have an awesome, day. I only wish I was on your list!!
Sincerely,
Coop.
Comment Written 11-Jul-2011
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2011
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I think people tend to underate gratitude. We think a simple tossed off thanks is all it takes, but telling a person why you appreciate their friendship and what their help had meant to you is a significant moment that is remembered for a long time. I HATE e-mail cards, but when someone eithe makes me a card or buys one then MAILS it to me by snail mail I am over the moon. It is a hidden power we don't exercise often enough.
My post ceated a lot of positive discussion and reflection and for that reason alone I am glad I wrote the piece. Smurpgirl who is an accomplished author and right up there on the list won and her essay is very much worth the read as is Whitteron's that is currently on the feature page.
You might still make it onto my hero list. The few I mentioned are not the exclusive members of my praise and enjoyment and the room where I store heroes has no walls. It can house an entire village.
Comment from Writeaway...
A strong contender for this contest, spiritual Echo, bravo. Your writing is clear, well-written and cleverly cosntructed, I cannot suggest anything for improvment, an excellent job, good luck in the contest, keep writing!! :)
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2011
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A strong contender for this contest, spiritual Echo, bravo. Your writing is clear, well-written and cleverly cosntructed, I cannot suggest anything for improvment, an excellent job, good luck in the contest, keep writing!! :)
Comment Written 11-Jul-2011
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2011
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I didn't win, but I have no sorrows. It was a tribute and one of the most admired writers on this site took first. Smurphgirl's essay can be seen in the voting booth.
Comment from bhogg
A very well written essay. This site really does allow you to grow and become better .... if you're willing to listen. Like you, I feel that I've formed real friendships with people I will never see in the flesh. They are in my head and heart though! Excellent post, no areas to revisit that I spotted. Regards, Bill
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2011
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A very well written essay. This site really does allow you to grow and become better .... if you're willing to listen. Like you, I feel that I've formed real friendships with people I will never see in the flesh. They are in my head and heart though! Excellent post, no areas to revisit that I spotted. Regards, Bill
Comment Written 11-Jul-2011
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2011
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I agree Bill and it's interesting that this posting has really opened up a lot of discussions. We do need to remember there ae real people out there and some who have so kindly given us their support and the benefit of their open hearts. Thanks for stopping by.
Comment from glpar
This is a well written and true accolade to most of the writers I've met on this site. I enjoyed reading it and thank you so much for what you have said.
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2011
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This is a well written and true accolade to most of the writers I've met on this site. I enjoyed reading it and thank you so much for what you have said.
Comment Written 11-Jul-2011
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2011
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Thanks for stopping by.
Comment from denhagan
This is a very enjoyable short story called "The Blank Page" for the contest, where the author shares what has motivated and inspired her in her life regarding writing, with particular emphasis on FanStory's input.
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2011
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This is a very enjoyable short story called "The Blank Page" for the contest, where the author shares what has motivated and inspired her in her life regarding writing, with particular emphasis on FanStory's input.
Comment Written 11-Jul-2011
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2011
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thanks
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You're welcome. Dennis
Comment from JBCaine
Echo-
Very, very nice.
I have been very off and on here at FS, so I don't know most of the current heroes.
Your piece however, is very touching, and does a great job of showing what you've gained here. And given.
-Not a critique, because it's all grammatically right, just, I found the very last paragraph a bit of a stumbling block the first time through.
On second read it is a beautiful paragraph, and it's probably just me that had to pore over each word to catch what it was you were saying. Beautiful sentiment.
Great piece.
JBCaine
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2011
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Echo-
Very, very nice.
I have been very off and on here at FS, so I don't know most of the current heroes.
Your piece however, is very touching, and does a great job of showing what you've gained here. And given.
-Not a critique, because it's all grammatically right, just, I found the very last paragraph a bit of a stumbling block the first time through.
On second read it is a beautiful paragraph, and it's probably just me that had to pore over each word to catch what it was you were saying. Beautiful sentiment.
Great piece.
JBCaine
Comment Written 10-Jul-2011
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2011
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We should all remember to be grateful and humble.
