jojo1127: I just entered fanstory writing contest which I have to write a 55 word fictional story. This should be interesting because it takes me a while to get to the point of a story.
    redrider6612: Writing flash fiction is good practice in word economy. Let me know if you need help trimming. I'm quite good at it. -


jojo1127: If you are reading a book you don't like, do you continue reading or start reading another book?

Do you continue reading books from this author?
    Aaron James: Simple answer is no to both questions. I realise pretty quickly when I read a book if it is worth reading. For me, the first chapter has to have me involved with the protagonist. If it doesn't I put it down and find one that does. Very occasionally I will enjoy reading the whole book then feel let down at the end. I wouldn't be inclined to read that author again. -


jojo1127: I have so many accounts and passwords. Memorizing these passwords is the pits. :(


jojo1127: I've been somewhat busy with Writer's Digest PAD Chapbook Challenged that started on November 1st. I've been consistent with it, some of the prompts are quite challenging, but I'm going to make the time to come back here.


jojo1127: I'm preparing for nanowrimo. I don't have an idea on what to write. But I'm excited about this.
    Joy Graham: Me too! I have my story ideas and have not slept for two night as I keep getting more ideas. There is a forum for us nanowrimo folks here on Fanstory and also at the nanowrimo site so we can encourage each other as a team. Check it out. Good luck to you!!! :) -


jojo1127: I like listening to music while I write, sometimes I listen to the television too. I find that sometimes a little distraction takes me further than complete silence. It's like my brain "acts" better.
    DIS-illusioned: I know what you mean. As I'm typing on FS now, I'm listening to gale-force winds gyrate the entire house ... My brain has never been sharper! :-p
    :) -
    jojo1127: The winds had died down since this morning, just rain. But I need some type of noise. -


jojo1127: I have to learn to be more careful when I want to submit works. I have to learn to edit and re-edit, avoid being overly excited when I want to submit a piece of work.

I get so excited when I'm thinking about submitting a poem, etc., it's not that I think that it will be accepted as much as it is just taking a risk. Anyway I'm going to take steps to slow my "role" take a deep breath and take the time to re-edit my pieces. My advice to myself. :))


jojo1127: If all else fails and I don't have any ideas, I can always write about my cat. :))
    Lady & Louis: Writing about cats is always worthwhile! :) -
    DIS-illusioned: That's if your cat lets you. She might not be happy with the idea.
    :) -
    Lady & Louis: This is true. One must have feline permission. Otherwise, retribution may follow! :) -
    poetstar: Does your cat get on the desk and keyboard when you are trying to type your poems and stories? -


jojo1127: Sometimes I wonder what to write about, but alot of times all I have to do is take a ride on the subway. It's entertaining and I can come back home with dialogue stories, romance, thrillers, almost anything, along with some coffee and donuts. :))


jojo1127: I don't know how I did it. While I was in school I managed to read 6/7 books at once and keep up with the contents. Now, I can hardly keep 3/4 books "together."
I guess I need to do something with my memory?
    nor84: A teacher once claimed he could read 40 books at once. Hmm... Why would anyone want to read multiple books? Life's confusing enough without adding that bit of strain. -
    jojo1127: It's bad enough reading 3/4 at one time, I visit the library alot and become interested in many books/authors, sometimes I get out of hand, I can handle three, I just don't know how I kept up with many more books when I was younger. -
    Grammies: I am a big reader and I also read multiple books at the same time. Thank goodness we have several used book stores and now I have KOBO and I-Pad books to read. I am sixty. -
    DIS-illusioned: You're slowly, but surely, getting dumber ... We all are. *Sigh* :-p
    Enjoy the senility--woohoo! :)) -


jojo1127: I love this site, I can get practice writing, learn something new everyday, and receive valuable feedback on enhancing/strenthening writing skills.
    DIS-illusioned: Illusions are so wonderful...before reality sets in. *Sigh*
    I'm glad you're learning and enjoying yourself here. :) -


jojo1127: I think I spend more time in the library now then when my son was a baby. I spend so much time I think I should donate. :))


jojo1127: I'm getting into the habit of frequently reading. I'm hoping this will improve my writing skills, but I'm doubtful of this approach.
There's nothing wrong with reading,everyone should get into the habit especially those who are serious about writing or becoming writers.
Does it take time to see improvement or is there something else I need to do to improve my writing skills?
    DIS-illusioned: Yes, more/frequent reading should/will translate to better writing. You can write only what you know, and what you now generally comes from reading. the brain has a remarkable way of subconsciously making the connection--trust it. :)
    In the meanwhile, practice writing daily, like with poems, journals and short stories/essays.
    Hang in there, write on, and best of luck! :) -
    jojo1127: Thank you for your response, I guess this is a process that takes time. I won't give up. I do write in my journal often, although I'm not consistent. I am making a habit of creating poems daily.
    Thanks again for the encouragement. :)) -


jojo1127: I'm reading a book of Contemporary American Poetry. I just started, it may take me a little while to finish, its a pretty thick book. I finished Robert Frost and 101 Poems by American Poets. I'm a slow reader, I need to increase my concentration level.


jojo1127: I mostly read today. I'm reading three books at one time: "A Road Not Taken," Robert Frost, "101 Poems by American Poets," and "The Lighting Thief." I brought the latter for my son, but he does not like it, basically he does not like to read, so therefore, I'm reading the book, it's pretty interesting, almost on the line of fantasy, I guess it is fantasy. I'm going to try to read "Wicked" again, I had a hard time getting into it the first time. I haven't written in my journal today, well at least not yet, most likely I will write in my journal in the morning. I'm having fun on the fanstory.com website. There are so many stories, poems etc., to read. This site will keep a writer very busy. Anyway I shared enough today.


jojo1127: I try to write something and read daily, it is important to practice, although I admit, I don't always write in my journal, but I do try to read.

I have decided to concentrate on writing poetry and perfecting my experience in poem writing, so although I'm not giving up in writing short stories, I'm going to put that on the back burner, writing short stories seem harder for me, I want to concentrate on something easier.


jojo1127: I'm finding this site very useful, its just so many postings to read, so many genres and styles. I find it useful for me to practice and looking foward to learning many different techniques that I know I need to learn, I know I need alot of practice and look forward to visit this site daily, to learn and practice.


jojo1127: I like to write poetry, short stories, and essays. The only genre I really don't like is romance, I like to dabble in other genres.
I guess I'm as versatile in what I like to read and write as the type of music I enjoy listening. I try to write in my journal daily, but not as perfect/consistent like I should.