Reviews from

My Simple Farewell

No fireworks, just a nod of complete approval

25 total reviews 
Comment from Jeffrey Mitchell
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I enjoyed reading your post, people alike gather to encourage, comfort, and help one another. Our craft is putting thoughts to words, to express how we feel. Words are powerful and take on a life all to itself.

 Comment Written 25-Sep-2020

Comment from CAChesse
Good
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Not sure I would categorize this as fanfiction, but thoughtful piece. It is like this with all online homes, I find. People come and go online and their absence is felt all the more because they were never 'really' there.

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 11-Apr-2017


reply by the author on 11-Apr-2017
    I appreciate the read. Thanks.
Comment from apky
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I'm taking it for granted that this is true and you did have people here who meant more than just another writer to you. Why do I find this so amazingly unusual, touching and comforting?
Well I only started posting on Feb 7 2017, so...

 Comment Written 23-Feb-2017


reply by the author on 23-Feb-2017
    Yes, it was listed as biographic, but I had to go back and see what you'd read. I posted that almost four years ago, and with probably somewhere around 500 stories in my portfolio, I couldn't remember it from the title.

    It's funny that you should pull that story out, as my membership cpmes due in July and I'm not sure whether I'll stay. This is a great literary gumnasium and the feedback and friendships, support and also harsh criticism will help any writer to excel. There are superb writers on site, and I recommend you start with those appear in the top ten as they've earned their rank with dedication and a huge body of work.

    I'm afraid I'm not as active here as I once was, but let me know when you post a story and I'll look at it. I don't do poetry. Thanks for the read and the stars.ry gym
reply by apky on 24-Feb-2017
    You're welcome, you earned the stars.

    I've only began and published chapters of my thrillerotica Golden Shana: The Chase. Other books of mine in print are listed under "Books" in my account. Have a look at the chapters and let me know what yoz think.

    Thanks in advance.
Comment from BethShelby
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

From this very moving piece, I'm touched but not quite sure who is leaving. I thought for a little while it might be you speaking of yourself in third person, because I know you've taking a bit from someone lately who hasn't dealt with you kindly. I'm always sad when talented writers go away with no fanfare. There have been many in the three years I've been here. I hadn't realized that Captain Jack was gone. I did keep up with Bob and Joey but he's still in my life by the way of e-mail. At any rate, I'm sorry someone, who I'll no doubt miss as well, is leaving us. You've made the loss real with your words.

 Comment Written 15-Jan-2013


reply by the author on 15-Jan-2013
    Its Realist101, Susan and it is because of someone on site, primarily, but may not be the only reason.

    If I go out, it won't be bacause of someone like my latest 'critic. If he got to me too badly I'm certain I would blow more lava than Vesuvious.
reply by BethShelby on 15-Jan-2013
    Please tell me it isn't Realist101/Susan. She needs this site more than anyone I know.
    She's one of my favorites.
reply by the author on 15-Jan-2013
    And there you have it. It is indeed our #1 author of short works and unless she changes her mind, tomorrow is the last day as she told me she would be here.
Comment from lakeport
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

My simple farewell indeed but it is not always easy to say, but every beginning has an end, I enjoyed reading your story. God bless you. Hugs!lakeport,

 Comment Written 15-Jan-2013


reply by the author on 15-Jan-2013
    Thanks very much. Very true.
reply by lakeport on 15-Jan-2013
    your welcome.Hugs!lakeport.
Comment from forestport12
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I'm not sure if Bob (Mastery) has had his story published. I've heard from his every great once in awhile. I do miss Whiteron and was wondering what became of her. If I can remember that far back, I thought you stayed in touch.
I was suckd into her real life drama with the wealthy Ponzi family.

 Comment Written 15-Jan-2013


reply by the author on 15-Jan-2013
    cheryl loved with her current husband and is the property managaer for an exclusive enclave. She sent me pictures and a web site a while back. Yes, I was really into her book, and while she finished it, I'm not sure she'd sone anything with it, but it halped, immensely, her purge. She became obssessed with writing it and it did have an affect on her present marriage, but not fatal.

    Nancy Wagner wrote back and said Bob's going through some depression since completing his book, but she has a mutual friend...maybe that's you, who has met Bob for lunch. She's got him working on some stories for P&S. What happened to Erik, I do not know. Miss him. He was an on site playmate, trading insuts that were based on showmanship, not anykind of real truth or mutual respect. Dan got his feathers in a know, over something and pretty much fired FS as an influence. And the beat goes on...
Comment from mtnspirit
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi Spiritual Echo,

This is a lovely tribute to a friend and fellow fanstorian. I have often thought of others and why they left. Many just simply drop out of sight. As far as ratings go I pay them little attention. I am here hopefully to improve on writing and of course enjoy time with friends.
I thank you so much for sharing this write and as usual it is impeccable.

 Comment Written 15-Jan-2013


reply by the author on 15-Jan-2013
    In so very many cases the departure is caused by irritation and the very thing you mention, the ranks begin to mean more than the writing. Some have forgotten the passion and get caught up with the competition.

    Others, llike Melinda, who recently passed away, had FS as a source of great enjoyment and a way they could still stay in contact with the world as their ability to leave home diminished as illness over came their ability for basic social outlets.

    But we should be mindful of how powerful and lethal words can be if misuse or launched like bullets. I'm afraid that is what seems to have happened in this case.
reply by mtnspirit on 15-Jan-2013
    I wholeheartedly agree. There is no excuse for striking verbal abuse (and thats exactly what it is) at another writer. I am so glad you decided to share your opinion of this subject. My hat is off to you.
Comment from LAFraser
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Dear Ingrid, thank you for this beautiful post. It is evident you spent some valuable time reflecting on your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes, the written word, when we don't have a face to put with it, or a voice we can hear, can be read differently from what we intend to say, as writers. I misunderstood you once upon a time, and for that I am deeply sorry. I am not sorry for having 'met' you, for I have been blessed by our acquaintance, and the words we have shared on these pages. I am also leaving FS. I've been out for awhile due to illness. When I saw this post, I wanted to be sure to thank you for the efforts you put into helping others with their writing. It is appreciated very much! Blessings, Lisa

 Comment Written 15-Jan-2013


reply by the author on 15-Jan-2013
    It is not a bad thing for a person to give up something to move forward towards something that works better.

    FS remains a discipline tool for me to write more and often. Many people here can be directly tributted for helping me grow into a strnger, better writer.

    It's only when someone quits, then lets any influence of the positives destry the joyfulness of the process. I am very afraid that the lady I wrote about will crawl into a pit and pull the covers over her head.

    I'm sorry that your health is causing you to stop your membership here, but I sincerely hoe that you will find other ways to express yourself and you won't allow your gift to be put into hibernation.

    Thank you for a very gracious response to y post and the bouquet of stars. ingrid
reply by LAFraser on 15-Jan-2013
    Thank you, Ingrid! I pray the lady you speak of will continue writing each day, as I will be. You're welcome for the stars. You earned every one of them. Thanks again, for all you do to encourage others. Blessings, my friend. ~Lisa
Comment from jjstar
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Beautiful writing and so true. I too, am heartbroken as two of my dear friends (one whom I have never met)have told me they are done as well. I know the reasons and agree, but lament the loss of their words. In just one short year on FS I have seen the many facets of the site.

I think the key to staying happy on this site is not to take ourselves too seriously. It reminds me of my job. As a teacher, for the first few years, I fussed and fretted if my class was unable to master (lets say fractions),and worried what would happen to them as they moved on to the next grade or school. I nearly drove myself insane with worry. As I grew and spent more years teaching, I learned that as kids grow and develop, they'll have many more opportunities (a lifetime really)to master fractions. At some point I was able to let go.

I think if people take the system (rankings, reviews, praise, what have you), too seriously, it will drive you crazy. I, for one, use FS only as a tool to force myself to finish a project I've started. I've started so many (crocheting an afghan, redesigning a room, planted gardens), but somehow never finish. I am bound and determined to finish this book, but have given up thinking that the system, flawed, has any real significance, value, or meaning.

I enjoy reading, enjoy my friendships, but understand how people get bent out of shape.

So, yes...enjoy it for what it is, but don't drive yourself nuts over the system..:)

Thanks for posting this! :)

 Comment Written 14-Jan-2013


reply by the author on 14-Jan-2013
    I agree with almost all you've said. Where I differ a bit is that I have two, as you say, very dear Friends of whicj one,
    Avril, is an incredible writer and an extremely open editor who has helped me immeasurably to improve all aspects of my writing.

    I'll miss Susan and I still miss those that have gone.
reply by jjstar on 14-Jan-2013
    Oh no! Avril's leaving? That is dreadful, but I understand. She is an accomplished writer and has so much opportunity. I will miss her horribly though. Is the Susan you're referring to Realist? I love her writing and we have had some wonderful conversations. They will be a horrible loss for FS.
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2013
    NO! YIKES! Susan is going not Avril. Yes, Realist101
Comment from barkingdog
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

We have lost so many, for what ever reasons, this past year. When Livingwords left, so much seemed to change and very quickly. He and Capt. Jack were integral parts of the core.
I don't think the site has recovered. It seems more mechanical, selfish--impersonal now.
I kept waiting for another post from Bob. A most supportive and genuine fellow.
It's all about attitude, I think. And too many don't think. They force out opposing opinion or style and easily wound any fledglings.
I keep hoping, the strong armed will withdraw, but they plant their pens hard and poison spreads. I stay clear of the blogs. It takes a strength that I, most timid, can't muster.
So, here's to the many who've chosen to leave. I miss their diverse voices. Voices that added a needed balance to what now seems a tipping scale.

 Comment Written 14-Jan-2013


reply by the author on 14-Jan-2013
    Yes, I think they're missed, certainly by me and now it appears Realist101 has called it quits. So sad.
reply by barkingdog on 14-Jan-2013
    Did she give a reason. Those I've spoken to just don't like all the in-fighting. Territorial control, religious zeal, break-down of the reviewing process(low-star opinions on topic rather guidance to improve the post) and a general lack of respect for those who need this contact with the world (disabled, elderly, etc.)

    Why is she leaving? She is so popular.