Learning How To Write, Right Here
Using the resources and a few ramblings as always.76 total reviews
Comment from Taffspride
Excellent Michael, I have read this, and can find nothing that needs editing or changing. Nor have I (yet) read other reviews.
I think you have achieved what you set out to do. Given reviewers, and would-be writers a plan on how to achieve their goal.
Your advice is sound, and right on the mark. I must confess I chuckled at the following.
Fixes can be shown to you. It may not be with a pat on the head and a little kiss, but it will help you improve. Are you tough enough to take it? To be candid, it might rip your tender little heart out and make you cry (and that's the guys). Still interested?
to put my spin on it. Read the fixes, walk away, cry if you must, stamp your little foot, have a little tantrum, then go back and re-read what the reviewer has said. More often than not you will see it is right, and makes your prose/poem read so much better.
Unfortunately not every-one sees it that way. Perhaps after reading your well written essay they may. One can only hope.
*Whatcha gonna do with all that loot, Homes? (I wondered here if you meant Holmes?) Perhaps I was not reading it correctly, that has been known to happen.
All I can say in summing up, we need more essays like this periodically, lets get writers and reviewers on the same track.
Thanks for sharing.
Iechyd da
Ann
reply by the author on 26-Mar-2014
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Excellent Michael, I have read this, and can find nothing that needs editing or changing. Nor have I (yet) read other reviews.
I think you have achieved what you set out to do. Given reviewers, and would-be writers a plan on how to achieve their goal.
Your advice is sound, and right on the mark. I must confess I chuckled at the following.
Fixes can be shown to you. It may not be with a pat on the head and a little kiss, but it will help you improve. Are you tough enough to take it? To be candid, it might rip your tender little heart out and make you cry (and that's the guys). Still interested?
to put my spin on it. Read the fixes, walk away, cry if you must, stamp your little foot, have a little tantrum, then go back and re-read what the reviewer has said. More often than not you will see it is right, and makes your prose/poem read so much better.
Unfortunately not every-one sees it that way. Perhaps after reading your well written essay they may. One can only hope.
*Whatcha gonna do with all that loot, Homes? (I wondered here if you meant Holmes?) Perhaps I was not reading it correctly, that has been known to happen.
All I can say in summing up, we need more essays like this periodically, lets get writers and reviewers on the same track.
Thanks for sharing.
Iechyd da
Ann
Comment Written 25-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 26-Mar-2014
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"Homes" is a slang term that apparently isn't known outside the gangs of the U.S. Hahaha. Many scratched their heads over that one!! It comes from home boy which means "one that lives in the neighborhood". I love your take, walk away, have a fit and then come back and re-read. That is exactly what I do!! Pretty mature, right? The ones that don't see it that way aren't going to improve their writing skills. That's what is so nice about being on line. No one sees you having a fit in your room! Thank you for the wonderful review! mikey
Comment from janalma
I try to do all that you've mentioned and have since I started. Doesn't help me much. So, whatever.
To get people to read my stuff at all, I enter contests. I never win, but at least a few read. Oh, well.
Nice article. Works for some.
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I try to do all that you've mentioned and have since I started. Doesn't help me much. So, whatever.
To get people to read my stuff at all, I enter contests. I never win, but at least a few read. Oh, well.
Nice article. Works for some.
Comment Written 24-Mar-2014
Comment from Selina Stambi
#5: Respond to reviews .. amen! I've stopped reviewing some folks entirely because they don't even acknowledge detailed reviews.
Mikey, I read N.K. Wagner's article and her author notes referred to this one, so I had to pop in to read.
You, dear sir, have the gift of precipitating a spate of debates.
You forgot to mention the cut and past reviews ... well written with a smooth flow of words ....!!! :)
Well done - again!
Sonali :)
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#5: Respond to reviews .. amen! I've stopped reviewing some folks entirely because they don't even acknowledge detailed reviews.
Mikey, I read N.K. Wagner's article and her author notes referred to this one, so I had to pop in to read.
You, dear sir, have the gift of precipitating a spate of debates.
You forgot to mention the cut and past reviews ... well written with a smooth flow of words ....!!! :)
Well done - again!
Sonali :)
Comment Written 24-Mar-2014
Comment from JBCaine
Michael-
Let me start by saying that you will find no useful feedback in this review.
I did read it all the way through, and saw no errors needing correction.
My own reviews tend to be more along the lines of what I liked or did not like about a piece, although if I notice a glaring grammar issue or even a line seems out of kilter to me, I will mention it to the writer, maybe even make a suggestion. But in the main, I don't think or process things at a deep enough level to realistically provide much insight.
I don't know that this makes my reviews completely worthless, but I do know that I don't feel like a thief.
I am not familiar enough with your stuff to post any opinion on your writing, but I thought this one was pretty accurate, and fairly well put together.
To quote your piece, "So, we can pause here, have a group whine, and move on."
At any rate, you've made some good points here. FS is a great place to improve one's writing, if that is what one is looking for, and it's also a great place to get a cheap thrill by 'stealing' member bucks and raising one's rating by the sheer volume of mediocre-at-best postings. (or just outright buying member bucks for those trust-funders out there...)
Best to you in your efforts.
JBCaine
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2014
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Michael-
Let me start by saying that you will find no useful feedback in this review.
I did read it all the way through, and saw no errors needing correction.
My own reviews tend to be more along the lines of what I liked or did not like about a piece, although if I notice a glaring grammar issue or even a line seems out of kilter to me, I will mention it to the writer, maybe even make a suggestion. But in the main, I don't think or process things at a deep enough level to realistically provide much insight.
I don't know that this makes my reviews completely worthless, but I do know that I don't feel like a thief.
I am not familiar enough with your stuff to post any opinion on your writing, but I thought this one was pretty accurate, and fairly well put together.
To quote your piece, "So, we can pause here, have a group whine, and move on."
At any rate, you've made some good points here. FS is a great place to improve one's writing, if that is what one is looking for, and it's also a great place to get a cheap thrill by 'stealing' member bucks and raising one's rating by the sheer volume of mediocre-at-best postings. (or just outright buying member bucks for those trust-funders out there...)
Best to you in your efforts.
JBCaine
Comment Written 24-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2014
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Quite useful actually. That's a good approach to reviewing. That is for the most part what I want to know, what do you like or dislike and did I miss any glaring errors. Also, did any of the lines not make sense. There's a few people that give some plot ideas or even style advice that helps, but not many are skilled enough to offer anything worthwhile, I'm not. You're on the money about the rating's game. But, play the game and you will be writing your brains out. That's my motivation. I'm a real do nothing type if I'm not pushed, so the ratings and all that are a nice little artificial push. mikey
Comment from dreamin'
Hi Michael,
Thanks for a very good essay. I gave it five stars, not to be nice, but for the content. It was entertaining while also being informative.
I absolutely loved this statement in paragraph 4 - "I have hired you to read this. I'm paying you for your opinion and asking you for whatever help or advice you can give me to improve this piece and improve my talents as a writer." I hope most people on this site want the same thing, but I'm not entirely convinced of that.
A few things of note for me: In your third paragraph, you wrote: "Those THAT are reading this..." I would have written the sentence "Those who are reading this..." because I have always followed the rule WHO is used with people, and THAT is used with objects. However, I discovered it is acceptable either way, so I will not correct you.
All of the steps you included were spot on, the most important being to write every day. I recently rejoined Fan Story hoping to find the desire to do just that. I figure writing reviews must count for writing... right?
One other step I would add is to print and read aloud your piece before posting. It is amazing the number of errors I find when I do that--a missed word, a wrong word, the sudden inspiration of a better word. Reading aloud, whether it's you or someone reading to you, is a valuable tool.
My philosophy on critiquing is if I am going to say something negative about someone's work, I will always make a suggestion of how I might change it. I then add a disclaimer that at the end of the day the piece is theirs, and any suggestions I make can be taken freely, or not used at all.
I would be remiss if I did not comment on the fact that your essay did not go full circle from your opening statement. You started with "Why are you reading this?" and brought it up again in paragraph 4. The essay ended with a comment about critiques.
Perhaps, instead of starting the final paragraph with "In that vein...", it could have been something like this: I ask again, why are you reading this? If you are one of those that receive an unwanted critical review and end up having a cow, don't worry, we will discover who you are, and leave you alone. But, if you are willing to have your guts torn out to get better, ask and ..."
Michael, thank you for the reminders. My mind keeps going back to your statement: "I'm paying you for your opinion and asking you for whatever help or advice you can give me to improve this piece and improve my talents as a writer." It made me realize it can never be about the money. It's nice to have, but can't be my reason to write.
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2014
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Hi Michael,
Thanks for a very good essay. I gave it five stars, not to be nice, but for the content. It was entertaining while also being informative.
I absolutely loved this statement in paragraph 4 - "I have hired you to read this. I'm paying you for your opinion and asking you for whatever help or advice you can give me to improve this piece and improve my talents as a writer." I hope most people on this site want the same thing, but I'm not entirely convinced of that.
A few things of note for me: In your third paragraph, you wrote: "Those THAT are reading this..." I would have written the sentence "Those who are reading this..." because I have always followed the rule WHO is used with people, and THAT is used with objects. However, I discovered it is acceptable either way, so I will not correct you.
All of the steps you included were spot on, the most important being to write every day. I recently rejoined Fan Story hoping to find the desire to do just that. I figure writing reviews must count for writing... right?
One other step I would add is to print and read aloud your piece before posting. It is amazing the number of errors I find when I do that--a missed word, a wrong word, the sudden inspiration of a better word. Reading aloud, whether it's you or someone reading to you, is a valuable tool.
My philosophy on critiquing is if I am going to say something negative about someone's work, I will always make a suggestion of how I might change it. I then add a disclaimer that at the end of the day the piece is theirs, and any suggestions I make can be taken freely, or not used at all.
I would be remiss if I did not comment on the fact that your essay did not go full circle from your opening statement. You started with "Why are you reading this?" and brought it up again in paragraph 4. The essay ended with a comment about critiques.
Perhaps, instead of starting the final paragraph with "In that vein...", it could have been something like this: I ask again, why are you reading this? If you are one of those that receive an unwanted critical review and end up having a cow, don't worry, we will discover who you are, and leave you alone. But, if you are willing to have your guts torn out to get better, ask and ..."
Michael, thank you for the reminders. My mind keeps going back to your statement: "I'm paying you for your opinion and asking you for whatever help or advice you can give me to improve this piece and improve my talents as a writer." It made me realize it can never be about the money. It's nice to have, but can't be my reason to write.
Comment Written 23-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2014
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Hi. What an excellent and productive review. Not just the specifics which are most appreciated, but the thought process and approach as well. Some good tips to consider on all of my writing. I do try to read out loud, but it is so much better to read to someone for a reaction. Thanks so much for taking the time and for your insights. Great response which I've copied and put into Word to reference. Thank you kindly. mikey
Comment from ravenblack
The honest review is really the best tool for improvement, yet still I see many posts fraught with glaring errors that, if they were to send it out for publication, an editor would skewer- and most of the reviewers, including those in the top, don't point them out perhaps not wanting to make waves. A critique, an honest critique does not mean you have to swing a sledgehammer in a China shop. But saying nothing is like letting the sledgehammer fall.
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2014
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The honest review is really the best tool for improvement, yet still I see many posts fraught with glaring errors that, if they were to send it out for publication, an editor would skewer- and most of the reviewers, including those in the top, don't point them out perhaps not wanting to make waves. A critique, an honest critique does not mean you have to swing a sledgehammer in a China shop. But saying nothing is like letting the sledgehammer fall.
Comment Written 23-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2014
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So true. Honestly, I don't bother when I know the writer doesn't want it. But, I see sonnets where a line has nine beats and twenty reviewers haven't pointed it out. Hell, I'd want to know. I'd want to know early BEFORE everybody read it! It's easy to make a mistake like that. I put a 5-7-5 in a contest one time with 8 syllables in the 2nd line. Just a dumb mistake. Bless the first reviewer that pointed it out. Beats everyone thinking I'm a moron. Hahaha. But, then there are some that you point it out to that will tell you to go to hell. So, I suppose in time we get to know who's who or we just do what's right and let the chips fall. mikey
Comment from GWHARGIS
I guess my Baptist upbringing is still haunting me. I never thought of paraphrasing what others have said. Just as well. I love to read pieces like this because each one points out something that either I have forgotten or didn't know was important. I used to love Edward Baldwin's tips for writers. You are exactly right about giving personal feedback. I don't know enough about grammar or punctuation to critique anything other than the basics. I love to hear how my characters or the story has moved the reader. This was great. Now just let someone paraphrase this little tangent. LOL.
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2014
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I guess my Baptist upbringing is still haunting me. I never thought of paraphrasing what others have said. Just as well. I love to read pieces like this because each one points out something that either I have forgotten or didn't know was important. I used to love Edward Baldwin's tips for writers. You are exactly right about giving personal feedback. I don't know enough about grammar or punctuation to critique anything other than the basics. I love to hear how my characters or the story has moved the reader. This was great. Now just let someone paraphrase this little tangent. LOL.
Comment Written 23-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2014
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Yes! I didn't want to mention names, but what a great example. Edward Baldwin's writing tips. Those were one of the first pieces to go in my library. Can you imagine. All that info for free. Several other authors write on similar topics. Invaluable information. Plus, you can talk directly to them. I'm terrible about punctuation myself, but I know when I enjoy something or when something sounds off. People buy books because they enjoy them, so whether one does or not is good to know, I think. Great response. Love your insights. Thank you, mikey
Comment from Spiritual Echo
The answer to your unfinished final thought is seek and ye shall be humbled.
If I was a good teacher, standing in front of my creative writing class, I'd centre you out in a heart beat. I'd make you stand at the front of the class and watch you pee your pants in anticipation of the rocks that you anticipate rolling down the mountain and plummeting your head. After asking, only mildly interested in your head ache, I'd send you back to your seat with an A and instruct you to re-write the whole damn thing screaming from the bottom of the mountain at the selfish prick who was shooting down confetti from lofty heights.
The A plus would depend entirely on whether the pain tablets worked and your willingness to climb.
You are amazingly funny, in a sad, but very real way. When I discovered all the vibrant rainbows that fluttered in your brain, I was most intrigued. I remain, even today, fascinated by your mind-set and appreciative of your nakedness when you write. Nothing is sacred, nor should it be.
A few weeks ago, a very illiterate writer--I swear, told me he would survive to kick dirt on my rank. I offered to help. He wanted competition, not help. I know I can wrestle people to my level. After that, it's up to them to display the hybrid quality of their writing and create a platform of unique and stunning performances that will entertain and fascinate.
Like you, I know there is a formula to achieve the numbers.
I have played the game for five years, preferring to be at the top than somewhere in the middle where I might be judged as the best of the worst or the worst of the best.
But then, two or more weeks ago, I got tired of writing. Like you, I can spew, write on demand, about almost anything, on a moments notice.
On nights when insomnia takes over I know you'll post somewhere between 12:15 AM and 1:AM. Sometimes I read, as in the case of your book, I skip.
I suspect that you may be feeling somewhat frustrated. How dare these idiots put me in third position...like you state, there are better writers that don't play the game.
It's fun, for sure, and I read your essay when you roared with Lion Status at number one and understood the silly joy and glee, and lets not forget that you post to the full capacity of the allotted budget--another point you make well, but may pass over most heads.
For a lifetime, I absolutely can't call you Mikey, so Michael, what is a writer to do with the desires, the obsessive writing and ever-growing talent?
First of all, identify editors that can actually help you instead of gilding your status.
Second, go outside of FanStory and see how your writing stacks up against 'common' talent.
And last, congratulate yourself for the awareness that this is a $7 a month vanity site that despite all criticism has become a daily writing discipline and a place where like-minded people meet.
Did I earn my $1.06? A real life editor charges between three and five cents a word to review. ingrid
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2014
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The answer to your unfinished final thought is seek and ye shall be humbled.
If I was a good teacher, standing in front of my creative writing class, I'd centre you out in a heart beat. I'd make you stand at the front of the class and watch you pee your pants in anticipation of the rocks that you anticipate rolling down the mountain and plummeting your head. After asking, only mildly interested in your head ache, I'd send you back to your seat with an A and instruct you to re-write the whole damn thing screaming from the bottom of the mountain at the selfish prick who was shooting down confetti from lofty heights.
The A plus would depend entirely on whether the pain tablets worked and your willingness to climb.
You are amazingly funny, in a sad, but very real way. When I discovered all the vibrant rainbows that fluttered in your brain, I was most intrigued. I remain, even today, fascinated by your mind-set and appreciative of your nakedness when you write. Nothing is sacred, nor should it be.
A few weeks ago, a very illiterate writer--I swear, told me he would survive to kick dirt on my rank. I offered to help. He wanted competition, not help. I know I can wrestle people to my level. After that, it's up to them to display the hybrid quality of their writing and create a platform of unique and stunning performances that will entertain and fascinate.
Like you, I know there is a formula to achieve the numbers.
I have played the game for five years, preferring to be at the top than somewhere in the middle where I might be judged as the best of the worst or the worst of the best.
But then, two or more weeks ago, I got tired of writing. Like you, I can spew, write on demand, about almost anything, on a moments notice.
On nights when insomnia takes over I know you'll post somewhere between 12:15 AM and 1:AM. Sometimes I read, as in the case of your book, I skip.
I suspect that you may be feeling somewhat frustrated. How dare these idiots put me in third position...like you state, there are better writers that don't play the game.
It's fun, for sure, and I read your essay when you roared with Lion Status at number one and understood the silly joy and glee, and lets not forget that you post to the full capacity of the allotted budget--another point you make well, but may pass over most heads.
For a lifetime, I absolutely can't call you Mikey, so Michael, what is a writer to do with the desires, the obsessive writing and ever-growing talent?
First of all, identify editors that can actually help you instead of gilding your status.
Second, go outside of FanStory and see how your writing stacks up against 'common' talent.
And last, congratulate yourself for the awareness that this is a $7 a month vanity site that despite all criticism has become a daily writing discipline and a place where like-minded people meet.
Did I earn my $1.06? A real life editor charges between three and five cents a word to review. ingrid
Comment Written 23-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2014
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Competition not help. What an odd mindset. Why not get the help to assist in destroying the competition? (In a sweet loving way, of course.) Excellent points and wonderful advice as always. You know that I do listen and consider what you say very seriously. I'm being kind in my little post. With the resources available here, only an idiot couldn't improve. Excellent writers willing to help in a way that can't be found anywhere else, and for free! I am looking outside now. It is a world I know nothing about and I don't feel like I've learned enough about writing yet. But, I know there will come a time when I need to know what is beyond this little oasis, hopefully soon. Yes, you certainly earned your $1.06! The question is, how many zeros should be added! Thank you so much, for this and as always, for everything. michael
Comment from donaldww
I read this work in order to make the so-called money, but didn't check to see how much is on offer, nor what any other reviewers have written. As far as what I'll do with the funds, not sure. Hmm . . . Let's see . . . How many ways can one spend FS loot?
I enjoyed reading the post, but have next to no ideas for improvement. I think this piece accomplishes what you set out to achieve. You have provided an excellent bit of advice, with a bit of humour on the side.
My single suggestion is that in point #2, it is proper to use italics rather that bolding to indicate emphasis.
I cannot believe I am writing that.
Also, you might consider adding they're to show the holy trinity of there words: there, their, and they're.
Good luck with the improvements!
Cheers,
DW
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2014
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I read this work in order to make the so-called money, but didn't check to see how much is on offer, nor what any other reviewers have written. As far as what I'll do with the funds, not sure. Hmm . . . Let's see . . . How many ways can one spend FS loot?
I enjoyed reading the post, but have next to no ideas for improvement. I think this piece accomplishes what you set out to achieve. You have provided an excellent bit of advice, with a bit of humour on the side.
My single suggestion is that in point #2, it is proper to use italics rather that bolding to indicate emphasis.
I cannot believe I am writing that.
Also, you might consider adding they're to show the holy trinity of there words: there, their, and they're.
Good luck with the improvements!
Cheers,
DW
Comment Written 23-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2014
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Two good tips. Much appreciated. I didn't know about the italics. I read things based on the title sometimes or a particular writer. Once in awhile I'll read a two center if I like the author. But, usually the high paying ones are better! Thank you kindly, mikey
Comment from Adri7enne
I'm first struck by the honesty of the post. It sounds sincere, Mikey. You're just a real nice guy, aren't you? LOL! It shines through.
I agree that reviewing honestly is part of the learning process on Fanstory. I often find myself giving the same advice to newbies that I received when I arrived years ago. After 6 years???,I've learned to distinguish the good advice from the 'not so good' and I value my better reviewers so much.
Your post was fun to read. I didn't find any weak spots. But that's what happens to me when I read something I enjoy. I go along and enjoy the ride. Fun stuff, Mikey.
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I'm first struck by the honesty of the post. It sounds sincere, Mikey. You're just a real nice guy, aren't you? LOL! It shines through.
I agree that reviewing honestly is part of the learning process on Fanstory. I often find myself giving the same advice to newbies that I received when I arrived years ago. After 6 years???,I've learned to distinguish the good advice from the 'not so good' and I value my better reviewers so much.
Your post was fun to read. I didn't find any weak spots. But that's what happens to me when I read something I enjoy. I go along and enjoy the ride. Fun stuff, Mikey.
Comment Written 23-Mar-2014
