Poor Prose Writers, You Still Here?
A Rambling Essay or Something Like That100 total reviews
Comment from Giddy Nielsen-Sweep
Yes, Mike, everything you say is correct. I would just say that I love reading on FanStory and I use it as my cultural input for the day. I read everything I review but I do admit to reading more poetry, (to make the money necessary to function.) My only suggestion would be that I think more money should be put on the prose... A longer job should pay more money to my mind. This piece may not be a perfect essay but you got your point across clearly and efficiently. Giddy
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Yes, Mike, everything you say is correct. I would just say that I love reading on FanStory and I use it as my cultural input for the day. I read everything I review but I do admit to reading more poetry, (to make the money necessary to function.) My only suggestion would be that I think more money should be put on the prose... A longer job should pay more money to my mind. This piece may not be a perfect essay but you got your point across clearly and efficiently. Giddy
Comment Written 25-Jul-2014
Comment from rama devi
I am certain the minority of Prose writers here are nodding in agreement with all you say. The only prose works that tend to get lots of reviews are the ones on the top of the top page, it seems.
Personally, I came here as a poet and essayist and a long0time reader of fiction, but had hardly ever tried my hand at short stories--and had only edited novels, not written any. It's not in my blood to write a novel. But I developed an interest to cultivate my prose-craft, both for writing and editing purposes, so I find it deeply rewarding to review any length of prose here--especially the finely written prose AND the poorly written prose. Reviewing and offering critique is a superb way to hone your own craft and build 'muse-muscles'. So, even if it does not win member money, it does give value. Not only that, if one reviews the few prose writers here with an attentive thorough review, then one is likely to receive the same care when those reviewees see a post from you.
As far as novels go, I recommend anyone posting a new novel promote their first (or first few) chapter(s) to the top positions. After that, those who are sincerely interested in your story, or in exchanging reviews, will continue to review even if the subsequent chapters are not highly promoted.
Here's an idea: Perhaps we can ask time to make a prose-writing workshop (that can also be a contest, if desired) where every participant writes a story based on the same prompt and each one commits to reviewing the entries of all the others with in depth critique.
Warmly,
rd
PS This style of essay befits the subject and fanstory setting. Thus, I am not critiquing is as a formal essay.
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I am certain the minority of Prose writers here are nodding in agreement with all you say. The only prose works that tend to get lots of reviews are the ones on the top of the top page, it seems.
Personally, I came here as a poet and essayist and a long0time reader of fiction, but had hardly ever tried my hand at short stories--and had only edited novels, not written any. It's not in my blood to write a novel. But I developed an interest to cultivate my prose-craft, both for writing and editing purposes, so I find it deeply rewarding to review any length of prose here--especially the finely written prose AND the poorly written prose. Reviewing and offering critique is a superb way to hone your own craft and build 'muse-muscles'. So, even if it does not win member money, it does give value. Not only that, if one reviews the few prose writers here with an attentive thorough review, then one is likely to receive the same care when those reviewees see a post from you.
As far as novels go, I recommend anyone posting a new novel promote their first (or first few) chapter(s) to the top positions. After that, those who are sincerely interested in your story, or in exchanging reviews, will continue to review even if the subsequent chapters are not highly promoted.
Here's an idea: Perhaps we can ask time to make a prose-writing workshop (that can also be a contest, if desired) where every participant writes a story based on the same prompt and each one commits to reviewing the entries of all the others with in depth critique.
Warmly,
rd
PS This style of essay befits the subject and fanstory setting. Thus, I am not critiquing is as a formal essay.
Comment Written 25-Jul-2014
Comment from mfowler
Hey, Michael, this isn't a rant; it's an honest discussion about how it is. The system could be rejigged to encourage the reading of prose, but there does seem to be a huge imbalance of poets to writers. I've been No 11 (short works) for yonks and I only offer the occasional piece. I didn't put a poem up for a week and slipped ten places. Don't care about the numbers, but it does indicate where the activity is. In your case, I've noticed that you catch my work after the certificate's expired, but you always read and comment in depth (much appreciated, by the way). That shows precisely what you're saying about the time taken on the longer forms. But, as you said, you started off with no intentions of being a novelist, and now it's happening due to the opportunities this site offers. Conversely, my prose has suffered as I now write for the 400-700 word market just so that it gets read. The longer stuff has diminished in quality and effort. I guess what I'm getting at is that we bring to and take from this site what we want, or are prepared to offer. It has the potential for growth (as attested to by your tremendous success over twelve months or so) and it has the potential to make you driven by the psychological ego tricks of ratings, funny money, and hollow/overflattering/destructive critiques. I guess you've just got to develop a personal philosophy about what you want from it, despite its shortcomings. Geeze, I'm ranting now. Great essay, old boy.
SPAG: would chose to read...choose
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Hey, Michael, this isn't a rant; it's an honest discussion about how it is. The system could be rejigged to encourage the reading of prose, but there does seem to be a huge imbalance of poets to writers. I've been No 11 (short works) for yonks and I only offer the occasional piece. I didn't put a poem up for a week and slipped ten places. Don't care about the numbers, but it does indicate where the activity is. In your case, I've noticed that you catch my work after the certificate's expired, but you always read and comment in depth (much appreciated, by the way). That shows precisely what you're saying about the time taken on the longer forms. But, as you said, you started off with no intentions of being a novelist, and now it's happening due to the opportunities this site offers. Conversely, my prose has suffered as I now write for the 400-700 word market just so that it gets read. The longer stuff has diminished in quality and effort. I guess what I'm getting at is that we bring to and take from this site what we want, or are prepared to offer. It has the potential for growth (as attested to by your tremendous success over twelve months or so) and it has the potential to make you driven by the psychological ego tricks of ratings, funny money, and hollow/overflattering/destructive critiques. I guess you've just got to develop a personal philosophy about what you want from it, despite its shortcomings. Geeze, I'm ranting now. Great essay, old boy.
SPAG: would chose to read...choose
Comment Written 25-Jul-2014
Comment from sweetwoodjax
I can understand the frustration here, Michael. I promote my poetry to about 67 cents and it's frustrating that even that won't warrant enough reviews to achieve the all time best status. I won a contest one time that I paid almost a dollar to review and got twelve reviews and 47 votes were cast.
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I can understand the frustration here, Michael. I promote my poetry to about 67 cents and it's frustrating that even that won't warrant enough reviews to achieve the all time best status. I won a contest one time that I paid almost a dollar to review and got twelve reviews and 47 votes were cast.
Comment Written 25-Jul-2014
Comment from Donya Quijote
I didn't find your essay to be a rant. At least in tone it is about as far from a rant as one can get. Want a rant, check out talk radio or Fox News. The tone to me at least is satiric and that's why I am responding. Satire done well can soften the edges of any subject that can get on one's nerves. The reviewing procedures and related complaints here at Fanstory provide writers and poets with much inspiration. I don't mind reading longer works and will, especially if the subject interests me. I also don't mind reading longer pieces done by those who regularly review me and help me improve. I am more than happy to help me fans. I kind of subscribe to the philosophy of you scratch my back; I'll scratch yours. I try very hard to give the posts I review good, worthwhile input. As a teacher I am already programed to do just that and well I came here to learn too. The learning curve, however, does not seem to be curving in my favor and I have reach a seemingly permanent state of writer's block or maybe I should call it Fanstory posting block. I just don't care to share anymore. What I get out, does not come close to the time and the effort I put in. I used to write short stories, vignettes and what not. But helpful suggestions are far and few between and improvement and growth have stagnated. That muse has set sail for better seas. And after playing the contest and writing prompt game recently in an effort to get more reviews and coming up very short, (especially after watching several people review all other entries except mine) I have thrown up the I surrender flag and given up, convinced that my writing must suck and therefore be totally unworthy of being read. With school about to start up again I don't have the time for the game anymore. I stopped by tonight because I am having a bout of insomnia and I am following a novel and am expecting another installment very soon.
I like short stories and always have. I will read a short story on any subject. I enjoy them that much. I will read a novel only if the subject interests me and as long as the installments aren't posted two a day every day. I can't keep up under those conditions with all my other responsibilities and to be honest I'd rather read a novel in hand than on the computer.
I don't know what the answer is to help improve this situation. One problem is quantity vs. quality issue.
All I can do is do what I have done and try to do within the constraints of the time I have. I hope you have approved of what I done with posts recently.
I found no spag typed errors. And I very much approve of the conversation stream and the satiric tone of this "rant".
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I didn't find your essay to be a rant. At least in tone it is about as far from a rant as one can get. Want a rant, check out talk radio or Fox News. The tone to me at least is satiric and that's why I am responding. Satire done well can soften the edges of any subject that can get on one's nerves. The reviewing procedures and related complaints here at Fanstory provide writers and poets with much inspiration. I don't mind reading longer works and will, especially if the subject interests me. I also don't mind reading longer pieces done by those who regularly review me and help me improve. I am more than happy to help me fans. I kind of subscribe to the philosophy of you scratch my back; I'll scratch yours. I try very hard to give the posts I review good, worthwhile input. As a teacher I am already programed to do just that and well I came here to learn too. The learning curve, however, does not seem to be curving in my favor and I have reach a seemingly permanent state of writer's block or maybe I should call it Fanstory posting block. I just don't care to share anymore. What I get out, does not come close to the time and the effort I put in. I used to write short stories, vignettes and what not. But helpful suggestions are far and few between and improvement and growth have stagnated. That muse has set sail for better seas. And after playing the contest and writing prompt game recently in an effort to get more reviews and coming up very short, (especially after watching several people review all other entries except mine) I have thrown up the I surrender flag and given up, convinced that my writing must suck and therefore be totally unworthy of being read. With school about to start up again I don't have the time for the game anymore. I stopped by tonight because I am having a bout of insomnia and I am following a novel and am expecting another installment very soon.
I like short stories and always have. I will read a short story on any subject. I enjoy them that much. I will read a novel only if the subject interests me and as long as the installments aren't posted two a day every day. I can't keep up under those conditions with all my other responsibilities and to be honest I'd rather read a novel in hand than on the computer.
I don't know what the answer is to help improve this situation. One problem is quantity vs. quality issue.
All I can do is do what I have done and try to do within the constraints of the time I have. I hope you have approved of what I done with posts recently.
I found no spag typed errors. And I very much approve of the conversation stream and the satiric tone of this "rant".
Comment Written 25-Jul-2014
Comment from 4hisglory
I think the #1 way to get your pose read is to write about something your audience is interested in. For example, your audience here are writers. So, when you write about writing on this sight, you got more reviews, didn't you. If you happen to write some special field of interest, like sports for example, you may have a small interest on this sight
Second, you need a good hook in the first paragraph to keep their attention should they start reading.
I mostly write short pieces of 300 to 700 words. I'm not much of a poet and write very little poetry. I tend to read more pose than poetry as well, but pick the shorter pieces when I'm short of time. If your writing a novel, maybe breaking it up into shorter pieces will help.
Personally, I wish there would be a lot more pose writers like yourself on this site. I would like to see more contest and prompt for prose.
Keep up the good work! I'll have to read some more of your work. Blessings, LaVonne
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I think the #1 way to get your pose read is to write about something your audience is interested in. For example, your audience here are writers. So, when you write about writing on this sight, you got more reviews, didn't you. If you happen to write some special field of interest, like sports for example, you may have a small interest on this sight
Second, you need a good hook in the first paragraph to keep their attention should they start reading.
I mostly write short pieces of 300 to 700 words. I'm not much of a poet and write very little poetry. I tend to read more pose than poetry as well, but pick the shorter pieces when I'm short of time. If your writing a novel, maybe breaking it up into shorter pieces will help.
Personally, I wish there would be a lot more pose writers like yourself on this site. I would like to see more contest and prompt for prose.
Keep up the good work! I'll have to read some more of your work. Blessings, LaVonne
Comment Written 25-Jul-2014
Comment from A Matter Of Words
I believe there is a collective nod of heads and grunts of agreement with what you have eloquently written. MC. There is nothing more frustrating than seeing the number of views versus reviews on a novel chapter, which fits well within the suggested word count, and knowing it is because it is about the time-reward factor you discuss. Quick money is needed to post, and, as you know, the reviewing and reply process is very time consuming.
Given that is essentially virtual money - though there are those who spend huge amounts of real cash to post - the most obvious solution, is for the powers to be to award novel chapters and lengthy short stories a larger reward.
I am not a poet and am thankful for those few people who support my writing, and offer valuable suggestions on how to improve my work, which is why is keep slogging away.
Thanks for voicing many of our sentiments. Hopefully, this will be the first kick of the can to create enough noise to make a change. Take care....Stephanie
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I believe there is a collective nod of heads and grunts of agreement with what you have eloquently written. MC. There is nothing more frustrating than seeing the number of views versus reviews on a novel chapter, which fits well within the suggested word count, and knowing it is because it is about the time-reward factor you discuss. Quick money is needed to post, and, as you know, the reviewing and reply process is very time consuming.
Given that is essentially virtual money - though there are those who spend huge amounts of real cash to post - the most obvious solution, is for the powers to be to award novel chapters and lengthy short stories a larger reward.
I am not a poet and am thankful for those few people who support my writing, and offer valuable suggestions on how to improve my work, which is why is keep slogging away.
Thanks for voicing many of our sentiments. Hopefully, this will be the first kick of the can to create enough noise to make a change. Take care....Stephanie
Comment Written 25-Jul-2014
Comment from lancellot
Yes, you are rambling, but you show that you know precisely how to get members to review prose. Keep it, make it relatable and most importantly, pay them over a dollar. The real question is, how to get quality reviews?
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Yes, you are rambling, but you show that you know precisely how to get members to review prose. Keep it, make it relatable and most importantly, pay them over a dollar. The real question is, how to get quality reviews?
Comment Written 24-Jul-2014
Comment from Nosha17
I guess, I understand this problem. even though I am one of those 'poets'. Apart from the novels I follow(not too many due to time constraints of writing, editing etc.)I don't have time to review a chapter of a novel that is already mid stream- it wouldn't make much sense to pick up after 10-15 chapters are missed. I always read shorter stories properly, and correct them for people. Maybe, the chapters should be split in two, your chapters are not long. I agree the money earned is harder earned with prose. I have to say also that people who pay a fortune to have their work featured without first trying it out to see if it is well received-especially poetry-are swamping the chances of poorer people to ever get reviewed. I review a lot and earn the money needed to post my poems there if I see it is being well received. Well written commentary, thought-provoking and needs to be said. Hope you get lots of input. Faye
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I guess, I understand this problem. even though I am one of those 'poets'. Apart from the novels I follow(not too many due to time constraints of writing, editing etc.)I don't have time to review a chapter of a novel that is already mid stream- it wouldn't make much sense to pick up after 10-15 chapters are missed. I always read shorter stories properly, and correct them for people. Maybe, the chapters should be split in two, your chapters are not long. I agree the money earned is harder earned with prose. I have to say also that people who pay a fortune to have their work featured without first trying it out to see if it is well received-especially poetry-are swamping the chances of poorer people to ever get reviewed. I review a lot and earn the money needed to post my poems there if I see it is being well received. Well written commentary, thought-provoking and needs to be said. Hope you get lots of input. Faye
Comment Written 24-Jul-2014
Comment from flylikeaneagle
24 July 2014
Michael: I really like your stories and ideas. The photos in your kid stories are fabulous, amazing and how did you do that? So clever. Yes, prose takes more time, attention to detail and chocolate cake to some. But, rhyming is not easy when you are stuck in a ruck or maybe better words work if you flip it around.
In advertising, who is your audience, market, reach? I am learning to jump the hurdles. We don't know what the fans desire. Why do they like pepsi vs coke vs sierra mist or a beer on a hot summer day when they are cooking out with friends? Budget or desires? So I am learning from you and FS friends in writing too. I am new to FS but having fun. Still on the fourth page but won one contest.
You are very creative and think outside the box. Keep up the good work and get published for real!
Better chat with Tom.
Flylikeaneagle
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24 July 2014
Michael: I really like your stories and ideas. The photos in your kid stories are fabulous, amazing and how did you do that? So clever. Yes, prose takes more time, attention to detail and chocolate cake to some. But, rhyming is not easy when you are stuck in a ruck or maybe better words work if you flip it around.
In advertising, who is your audience, market, reach? I am learning to jump the hurdles. We don't know what the fans desire. Why do they like pepsi vs coke vs sierra mist or a beer on a hot summer day when they are cooking out with friends? Budget or desires? So I am learning from you and FS friends in writing too. I am new to FS but having fun. Still on the fourth page but won one contest.
You are very creative and think outside the box. Keep up the good work and get published for real!
Better chat with Tom.
Flylikeaneagle
Comment Written 24-Jul-2014
