Words
The end of a life-long dream28 total reviews
Comment from robyn corum
Brett,
I think there are always peaks and valleys here when it comes to prose. You cannot let the FS bubble affect your decisions about writing in the real world.
I know many successful writers and without fail, they say the path to success is to write. Having one book on the shelf will not make you rich, not will five. It is when you have ten or fifteen that you will start to see rewards.
If you get discouraged what do you do? Keep writing. It is the answer to everything.
But perhaps it is time to find new characters. It could also be you are burned out and a bit bored with Cody.
Open up a new document and start free writing using the first character names that come to you and just sit there and keep going until you have fifteen pages.
Throw away the first five. Then see what you've got.
Good luck!
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2020
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Brett,
I think there are always peaks and valleys here when it comes to prose. You cannot let the FS bubble affect your decisions about writing in the real world.
I know many successful writers and without fail, they say the path to success is to write. Having one book on the shelf will not make you rich, not will five. It is when you have ten or fifteen that you will start to see rewards.
If you get discouraged what do you do? Keep writing. It is the answer to everything.
But perhaps it is time to find new characters. It could also be you are burned out and a bit bored with Cody.
Open up a new document and start free writing using the first character names that come to you and just sit there and keep going until you have fifteen pages.
Throw away the first five. Then see what you've got.
Good luck!
Comment Written 27-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2020
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No, I am most definitely not burned out on Cody. In fact, I am currently writing the next book in his series, among other projects...one I had not planned to post on FanStory and still don't. Do appreciate your comments and suggestions though.
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Sure. Good luck!
Comment from Eve Vasa
Hi, I know what you mean about prose writers here, and you are right, the site is geared toward poets and the poems are getting shorter and shorter. I think it is the mad dash for funny money to promote. But, this is not a serious writing site, and many people get visions of grandeur from the sixes they get from the friend base they have built, but a lot of the poetry is old hat. And that is the demographic, they are writing the same way they've written for the last 60 years and aren't really up to date. I feel the same demographic is also listening to the same music htey listened to in their hay day, and that shows you a lot. They haven't moved on. Stuck in the mud, I'm afraid. And they write formally and contrived, but that is not what is popular or selling. but poetry is a waste of time if you want to monetise your passion.The best way to do get your poetry noticed by a publisher is if it is part of an anthology to go with a novel. Publishers appreciate that, but trying to get a book of poetry published without paying for it yourself, don't hold your breath, lol
Magazines are the best bet for poets, and if you are a prose writer. Take a master class of an author you like, they are such a boost to your creativity, so much more than a 'how to' book. And just keep practising. I can't stress that enough. How do you get to Carnegie Hall? But don't publish yourself, you end up being the biggest consumer of the product as you buy it back to hand out for free to family and friends. A recipe for financial disaster, lol. Imagine if businesses did that. Your money would soon disappear, but unfortunately hopeful writers are falling for that trap more and more. I come here for a laugh and a bit of fun, not much else, but I glean the odd phrase here and there too.
Nice to read you tonight and all the best for the future, cheers, Eve
reply by the author on 31-Mar-2020
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Hi, I know what you mean about prose writers here, and you are right, the site is geared toward poets and the poems are getting shorter and shorter. I think it is the mad dash for funny money to promote. But, this is not a serious writing site, and many people get visions of grandeur from the sixes they get from the friend base they have built, but a lot of the poetry is old hat. And that is the demographic, they are writing the same way they've written for the last 60 years and aren't really up to date. I feel the same demographic is also listening to the same music htey listened to in their hay day, and that shows you a lot. They haven't moved on. Stuck in the mud, I'm afraid. And they write formally and contrived, but that is not what is popular or selling. but poetry is a waste of time if you want to monetise your passion.The best way to do get your poetry noticed by a publisher is if it is part of an anthology to go with a novel. Publishers appreciate that, but trying to get a book of poetry published without paying for it yourself, don't hold your breath, lol
Magazines are the best bet for poets, and if you are a prose writer. Take a master class of an author you like, they are such a boost to your creativity, so much more than a 'how to' book. And just keep practising. I can't stress that enough. How do you get to Carnegie Hall? But don't publish yourself, you end up being the biggest consumer of the product as you buy it back to hand out for free to family and friends. A recipe for financial disaster, lol. Imagine if businesses did that. Your money would soon disappear, but unfortunately hopeful writers are falling for that trap more and more. I come here for a laugh and a bit of fun, not much else, but I glean the odd phrase here and there too.
Nice to read you tonight and all the best for the future, cheers, Eve
Comment Written 27-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 31-Mar-2020
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Thanks for the review.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Keep an open mind Brett, this site welcomes writers of all kinds and there is always room for improvement for all of us. No one person is an expert when it comes to poetry, prose or stories, we all benefit by critique. I enjoyed your words here and would encourage you to continue, especially since you have renewed your membership, don't lose heart, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 31-Mar-2020
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Keep an open mind Brett, this site welcomes writers of all kinds and there is always room for improvement for all of us. No one person is an expert when it comes to poetry, prose or stories, we all benefit by critique. I enjoyed your words here and would encourage you to continue, especially since you have renewed your membership, don't lose heart, love Dolly x
Comment Written 27-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 31-Mar-2020
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Appreciate the encouragement. Glad you enjoyed the posting. Also appreciate the review.
Comment from estory
The big problem I think is that most people love to write and post, but not read other people's work. And nobody has time for longer pieces. I post here because at least 25 or 50 or maybe 100 people will read a piece, versus just letting sit in your notebook. It's better than nothing. God only knows what this epidemic will do to places like Barnes and Noble. Or even libraries. I think the world is moving online, a place I abhor. But it is what it is. estory
reply by the author on 31-Mar-2020
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The big problem I think is that most people love to write and post, but not read other people's work. And nobody has time for longer pieces. I post here because at least 25 or 50 or maybe 100 people will read a piece, versus just letting sit in your notebook. It's better than nothing. God only knows what this epidemic will do to places like Barnes and Noble. Or even libraries. I think the world is moving online, a place I abhor. But it is what it is. estory
Comment Written 26-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 31-Mar-2020
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Glad you enjoyed this posting. Appreciate the review.
Comment from Ulla
Hi Brett, I couldn't agree more, so the only way to overcome that is to write more prose and post more. Then write reviews to encourage the prose writer to carry on. Create prose competitions and or club events which are prose only. I've written you many reviews, but I don't seem to get many in return. Don't take me wrong, but that's just the point I want to make. We need to encourage each other. I'm glad you've renewed your membership. Keep writing! I'm looking forward to it. Ulla:)))
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2020
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Hi Brett, I couldn't agree more, so the only way to overcome that is to write more prose and post more. Then write reviews to encourage the prose writer to carry on. Create prose competitions and or club events which are prose only. I've written you many reviews, but I don't seem to get many in return. Don't take me wrong, but that's just the point I want to make. We need to encourage each other. I'm glad you've renewed your membership. Keep writing! I'm looking forward to it. Ulla:)))
Comment Written 24-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2020
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I admit that I do not review every piece I read. The unfortunate truth is I am limited most days to one hour or so a day on the computer. That is why my reviews are usually reciprocal and sometimes takes me a while to write them. But, I always respond to each review I receive. I also appreciate what support I receive. Another truth is my limited daily computer time frustrates me because I can not always accomplish what I want to or need to. Sometimes my choice is write or review? Which should I do? It is a rather complicated situation. Do appreciate the review.
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I see what you're saying. I have created a prose contest for the very first time,ever. It's not blind. Now we'll see how it goes. Ulla:)
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I will enter if for no other reason than to to support your efforts.
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Awe, thank you for that. I know you can write a great story.
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Hopefully, many others will enter your contest too.
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I hope so, Thanka lot. I've never done this before and the first error I've done is that it is called Ulla, my name. Don't knw how that happened. I've contacted Tom. Now we'll see. Thanks a lot for your support. :))
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Words
by Brett Matthew West
I like your poem, Brett, it's heartfelt and I hear you. I took some time off myself and it was the right decision at the time. I am happy to be back. But I don't write prose. Good luck.
reply by the author on 31-Mar-2020
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Words
by Brett Matthew West
I like your poem, Brett, it's heartfelt and I hear you. I took some time off myself and it was the right decision at the time. I am happy to be back. But I don't write prose. Good luck.
Comment Written 24-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 31-Mar-2020
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Glad you enjoyed this posting. Appreciate the review.
Comment from Y. M. Roger
I understand completely, Brett, although I'm protesting a bit selfishly because I did enjoy your stories - a lot! Gonna miss not knowing what's gonna happen to Cody now... sigh. The prose writers on here seem to like a certain style which I don't have... although I am still working on my books. Of course, I know they'll never go anywhere since most of the prose authors here won't review my writing (hey, there's another reason I'm gonna miss you!!) and I already have three books out there and, well..., they're just out there...
Right now I'm a bit wrapped up in getting all my teaching and class stuff into an 'online' routine... hey! I'm on YouTube! lol!... and once I'm ahead on that curve..., who knows? Maybe I'll become famous - now, THAT is your cue to laugh!! ;)
Please at least be sure to let me know if you do get something published (y.m.roger50@gmail.com) as I would love to have a copy and say: hey! I know this guy! (well, sortof, right?)... ;) ;)
Gonna miss the Koala in the message box... maybe you can drop by once in a while with a short story or two...? Or just check up on the latest adventures in the blonde's fantasy realms... :) :) Take care over there, sir, and enjoy life!! ;) Yvette
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2020
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I understand completely, Brett, although I'm protesting a bit selfishly because I did enjoy your stories - a lot! Gonna miss not knowing what's gonna happen to Cody now... sigh. The prose writers on here seem to like a certain style which I don't have... although I am still working on my books. Of course, I know they'll never go anywhere since most of the prose authors here won't review my writing (hey, there's another reason I'm gonna miss you!!) and I already have three books out there and, well..., they're just out there...
Right now I'm a bit wrapped up in getting all my teaching and class stuff into an 'online' routine... hey! I'm on YouTube! lol!... and once I'm ahead on that curve..., who knows? Maybe I'll become famous - now, THAT is your cue to laugh!! ;)
Please at least be sure to let me know if you do get something published (y.m.roger50@gmail.com) as I would love to have a copy and say: hey! I know this guy! (well, sortof, right?)... ;) ;)
Gonna miss the Koala in the message box... maybe you can drop by once in a while with a short story or two...? Or just check up on the latest adventures in the blonde's fantasy realms... :) :) Take care over there, sir, and enjoy life!! ;) Yvette
Comment Written 24-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2020
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Hang in there. He may return much sooner than later. Appreciate the review.
Comment from Therese Caron
Maybe you need to take a little break and just do some reading. Or maybe you can try some poetry and surprise yourself. If prose is most to your liking, take a little break and then keep at it. Maybe, in the meantime, Etsy will expand its areas of prose. Best of luck.
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2020
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Maybe you need to take a little break and just do some reading. Or maybe you can try some poetry and surprise yourself. If prose is most to your liking, take a little break and then keep at it. Maybe, in the meantime, Etsy will expand its areas of prose. Best of luck.
Comment Written 24-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2020
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Appreciate the review.
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I didn?t mean Etsy. I sell on there so I made a mistake. I meant to say Fanstory!
Comment from judiverse
I know, I know. Every writer reaches that point. I find myself so overwhelmed with poems from members who pen two poems a day. I don't know how they do it. I would often prefer to be reading something else. Maybe something will happen to change your mind. Best of luck ti you whatever you decide. judi
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2020
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I know, I know. Every writer reaches that point. I find myself so overwhelmed with poems from members who pen two poems a day. I don't know how they do it. I would often prefer to be reading something else. Maybe something will happen to change your mind. Best of luck ti you whatever you decide. judi
Comment Written 24-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2020
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Appreciate the encouragement and the review. Still deciding what course of action to follow. A lot of undecided going on right now.
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You're welcome. Some people on the site have the "star power" and will get many rave reviews despite the merit of their work. I keep on, anyway. judi
Comment from June Sargent
I know you must be frustrated that this site does seem to be focused more on poetry than prose these days. But I don't think it was a mistake that you renewed your membership. This piece you posted highlights your poetic talent! Perhaps you can offer both poetry and prose - in the meantime Tom might revamp the site if you bring your concerns to his attention.
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2020
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I know you must be frustrated that this site does seem to be focused more on poetry than prose these days. But I don't think it was a mistake that you renewed your membership. This piece you posted highlights your poetic talent! Perhaps you can offer both poetry and prose - in the meantime Tom might revamp the site if you bring your concerns to his attention.
Comment Written 24-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2020
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Tom revamp the site? The only concern Tom has about this situation is how many members the site has. He listens to very little of nothing most of the time except what he wants to hear. Appreciate the encouragement and the review.
