Wes Guptill: Happy New Year to one and all! And to my friends and compatriots, I wish you all hearty and sincere best wishes for creative success. If I can help any of you, I will do my best to do so with the constraints of time and energy that I have (read further for more information on this...).

So, 2012 has gone, and though it was fraught with some roller-coaster moments and some wonderful moments of discovery, I am torn between embracing the new year and pining for the past one. But, as time marches on, so shall I. That said, I have a definite plan of action for my career, a career that now includes writing. By year's end, if I can have the fortitude and determination to follow my plan, I can put aside the frustrations that working for someone else and working in retail causes me. But to get to that station, I will have to follow some rules. Although I am generally an unruly type, it is quite apparent to me, now, that am not immune to rules. Rules may rub against my grain, but I think that rules that I set for myself will not be as bothersome. So, this year, rather than set resolutions (which are wishful and well-intended, at best, and hardly ever kept), I am setting rules for myself. These are:

1. Write 2500 words every day, at least 5 days per week. More words would be nice, but less is unacceptable.

2. Get the work out of my head and onto 'paper'. Editing and revision I will leave for a scheduled time. Free-writing is a tool I plan on using frequently to get to my goals. Then again, whatever works is what I use.

3. I have to set writing schedules on Sunday of every week. The schedules will be for one week, and there will be little deviation from these schedules.

4. My writing time will be divided into 2 categories: 1 block of time for Creative or Fiction work; and 1 block of time for Non-Fiction work. Creative work includes work on the 2 novel manuscripts I aim to produce for this year, poetry, and another series of short work to serve as follow-up for the short collection my agent assures me will see publication by late spring. The non-fiction work encompasses my blog, contract work, and web content creation for my new clients. (I am three weeks away from start-up of a business writing service, which has already begun to take on clients.)

5. Keep out of community politics and away from anything that will detract or subtract from my work. Period.

6. When reviewing the work of others, post solid commentaries that are helpful to the writers. These will focus on the elements of the story or poem, and not on SPAG or petty things. I'll let others contend with that stuff. Color commentary will still be my style, but I will reserve that for those with whom I am familiar or for those whose scope of work or profiles indicate they would be receptive to my style of commentary.

7. Keep my writing desk clutter-free. Clutter distracts, and I have no time for distractions.

8. Speaking of distractions, my Internet and email distractions will be minimized. I lose way too much valuable time this way.

9. I have to balance my time, with my job, my writing, and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, my family and social time. 'Nuff said...

10. In regard to the reviews of my own work, I have to remain gracious and receptive to the comments of others. However, if there are reviews that fall short of reasonable accuracy or are unhelpful, I will discuss with the reviewer calmly and rationally. I will maintain faith that any issues can be resolved in this manner. If not, well, on to the next adventure.

11. For every day I write, I have to continue to learn, enhance, develop, and expand the horizons of my work. I'm not saying write it all-- that is ridiculous and wasteful in terms of time, energy, and brain power. Instead, I have to plow through the works of others that appeal to my senses and my genres.

12. Plan my work, but do so on a tight schedule and within tight parameters. In the past, I have made the mistake of spending too much time in the planning and development stage, and then seeing my time dwindle down to nothing. Plan a little, write a lot.

13. And my last rule is this: Do not work on too many projects at one time. I must set limits for myself. One thing at a time, and every thing in its time.

Well, time to go take a quick spin around the old neighborhood, maybe dropping a few greetings along the way. I am curious to see what folks think about my rules, so comment away.

And, once again, Happy New Year! Glad to be back...

Oh, yeah, one more thing: I will still be very reserved with the contest entries.
    Dawn Munro: I think that one of the biggest struggles for a writer is self-disciplne, and your 'rules' set a demanding but excellent guidline. My wish for you in 2013 is much happiness, health and prosperity (and a good dose of stamina to keep up with the schedule you've set for yourself)! All the very best in this new year, Wes! (Don't forget to take time out to nourish your muse - be good to yourself, my good friend.:) Dawn -
    quicksandyamurray: I have come to the conclusion that discipline is the only way to accomplish a dream. Mine has become to write well and be published. Like you, I have a tendency to be a bit unruly and let distractions keep me from my goal.Thank you for the rules inspiration. I don't think I can carry such an exhausting set of rules, but I will be, and have already begun, to challenge my writing skills against ideas and formulas I have not addressed as yet. I am finding it fun and an insight into myself. I am also making a concentrated effort to read and review all the contests, since they are varied and they give a number of entries showing me what can be done with a subject. Besides, if I expect to get read, I should also read others work, and you must be able to pick up different outlooks and twists for your style simply by osmosis of reading so many works. I am so looking forward to this year and what it will bring. I look forward to reading more of your writings. If you happen to critique mine, do it in your own innimitable way, I find it educational and helpful.(and entertaining on occassion,I admit) Here's to all of us here; good writing, good reviews, sell it all and keep a stash of chocolate to lift you up and give you the energy to write a pulitzer. -
    Roxanna Andrews: I have so missed seeing your work on here. I keep checking but knew you were working on getting published so figured you had to be very busy with that. I hope things go well. Must let us all know when the book comes out, I know it will be great. -


Wes Guptill: Well, congratulations to the winners of the Horror Writing Contest. Now that the results have been posted, I think a little challenge is in order: To the winners of this contest (and to anyone else who feels they can write good, original horror), let's see how you do concocting a story on stringent guidelines. And the horror has to be deep and gripping...

Details to follow... And the gauntlet will be thrown.

I don't think you've got the stones... Heh-heh-heh...
    nor84: I take it that you are starting a contest. There is a place to do that, but not here. -
    Wes Guptill: Thanks, I know... That's why I stated details to come. Such will be posted in the appropriate place.

    Hmmm, the usual suspects again, correcting or monitoring things... Hmm, one wonders... -
    William Walz: As I said before, bring it on. I'll take on all comers. -
    nor84: I don't know what you mean by the usual suspects, but I do spend time in the forums. Didn't think it was a crime. -
    Wes Guptill: Just making observations that my comments always seem to bring the same crowd. No, it's not a crime; but, it's still very curious. I will not apologize for the way my brain works-- I get some of my best story for following the dark trails my thoughts throw around. And why, pray tell, did your first reaction run to the crime side of things? That too is curious...

    And Mr. Walz: I am not sure when you are supposed to have said for anyone (or myself) to bring it on. This is the first occasion I have had for such a challenge, so your comments are a bit off-kilter. Not sure if you will or can take all comers, but we shall see. The reviewing will be the key to a winner being selected when I finally make disposition of the challenge tomorrow. We shall see...

    Plus, let's see what pops loose in the Vampire competition. Let's see who's got the originality. Something never seen or written before. My curiosity (and my suspicions) are aroused.

    Cheers,
    -Me -
    nor84: "It's not a crime" is an American expression and dates back decades. Here's another one: Sour grapes.

    -
    kiwigirl2821: I know I'm not your "usual suspect" lmao however give a girl a break and at least say we might be able to write a horror poem instead of a story which I suck at big time... lol -
    Wes Guptill: Well, now who's making accusations. There's no sour grapes here, and by the way it's actually a phrasing taken from Aesop's fables. The stories that won the competition were awarded so for some reason, skewed though those reasons may be. And my opinion is that there has to be some horror originality out there. I honestly have seen very little of that in the horror rendered herein. I just want to see what good horror can be cooked up by other folks, contestants or otherwise. It's a literary interest, as well as being something (the contest I am thinking of) to stir both writers and reviewers. There's some stagnation going here, and I want to stir things up.

    As for my suspicions, I am just remembering a little blog troll war I came across recently, in which some prominently displayed members of this site were engaged in some rather nasty discourse with folks on that site. I find it amusing that some of the same names keep popping up, especially beyond the confines of the website.

    Apparently, I raised your dander. But, unlike one of my friends that has now been excommunicated, I will not be a muck-raker. I don't like to start fights (and a contest discussion is not a fight; I believe someone else stared slinging that mud, not me...), but I don't back down from them either. And I'm a Scorpio (check the birthdate, chica), so I'm dogmatic as well as being iconoclastic. So I chew when I bite. And there's no warning growl...

    Ah, this is fun... Best amusement I've had in some days...

    By the way: I have spent some time these past couple of days digging into the website, good old FS-land, and I found that a person actually has to go on a deliberate search for profile page posts. The suspicions deepen... -
    nor84: As far as my name appearing in the forums, that's because I've always participated in them, and I intend to keep right on doing so. Some members do, most don't. For those that do, they stay with it. So yeah. The same names come up in the forums, with an occasional new one. -
    Wes Guptill: Another deft performance in side-stepping pointed issues... You sure you're not involved in politics?

    I'm just kidding, nor84. This has actually been rather fun, this back-and-forth banter, but actually, it all means nothing. The most I retrieve out of this is dialogue lessons. Well, that and seeing just how quickly folks get fired up over seemingly little instigation. I do think it's peculiar how you and a few others have made yourselves some kind of unofficial policing force; you might want to ease up on that. First, it's not your place, and second, it makes you appear pedantic and annoying. Initially, that was my reaction when you piped in with your comments the other night, like some hall monitor. You were out of line, there, and I took umbrage with such. I have no quarrel with you, but you need to remember this is a community not your own private domain. I do not operate outside of the policies of this website, and if I question writers and their dubious winning work, that is my right. Not sour grapes, either; I did not think that my work necessarily should have won, but I do think that others turned in far better work. I see cliques and cronyism at work all the time here, and it is that activity that gets me riled and vocal. So, maybe your efforts at monitoring would be better spent in some arena where it is obvious that back-room deals and sweetheart wins are being conducted. Better yet, maybe all of the contests should have the winners determined in a more transparent manner, something that will hold up under more scrutiny by the members of this community. If you're going to monitor things, then monitor that and report back to the powers that be that the system is broken and it needs to be repaired.

    Already, I have heard the rumblings from some that this site needs to topple, and the same reasons are always given. In a dictatorship, those things matter little, but in a thriving community that has hopes for longevity, such rumblings cannot be ignored. They need to be addressed and reparations need to be conducted. If they are not addressed and things continue to moulder and decay, like they have been here, for the past few months, then it is only a matter of time before the system falls into dilapidation and people flee in droves. Word of that kind of stuff travels fast, and no team of spin-doctors, of any size, will be able to keep things afloat.

    Very serious, hearty food for thought... Let's see if people work to digest it, or if they spit it out and cry that things are too spicy. I'm interested to see intelligent discourse on this topic.

    But, I do wish everyone a happy and creative day.

    Sincerely,
    Me
    -
    redrider6612: Wes--are you aware that your profile thoughts appear in the forums in the "profile thoughts" section? In case you don't know, the forums are found under "Profile" at the right hand end of the list across the top. So don't look for conspiracy and stalkerish behavior where there is none. It's just a matter of people responding to posts in the forum. Isn't that why most people post to a forum? -
    Wes Guptill: Ah, another hall monitor shows up. Predictable. I was not intending to post to a forum, just on my page. That would be a website problem, poor design actually. It may be a forum, then, but I find it quite interesting to see the same figures always hanging in this area, quick with admonition or that junkyard dog countenance. I've seen this same behavior from the same core of people, except those folks wielded their slings and stones against a blogger and her forum readers/commentators. Sound familiar?

    Look, as far as I know, you're not the voice of FS, and until I violate the FS law, which I have not done EVER, I suggest you just not engage with me if you find me or my comments objectionable. Report me if I commit a wrongful act, but do not try to censor me. You are of no consequence to me, and I have already buried my parents. I don't need replacements for them, not that you would be qualified. And, for the record, I went through the forum files and could not find this conversation posted therein, so I do hold some significant skepticism. I have made a practice of observing and tracking where the usual suspects pop up, and my proof and observations are empirical. I cannot say as much for your positing.

    Now run along and leave me be. I am done with this discussion and with you. Of course, I do fully expect you to be unable to resist running out your tiresome discourse, so please note it will be ignored. And, now, we have played to a draw....

    -
    quicksandyamurray: Wow! Spitfire better register that name, because you might be inline to inherit it. Lol. I like your spunk and no holds barred rhetoric. I just rediscovered this section of the site and have had a very stimulating and thought provoking session reading all the comments. I will say this is a better learning area in some ways than the reviewing stage, for here is where you see the dynamics of the writers behind the stories and poems that they generate. My question about this site is why, if I have consistently gotten five and six stars, do I feel as if I need to buy my way up the ladder in order to get recognized. There are a good amount of members, but I don't think enough to get completely lost in the shuffle, and shouldn't your work itself be enough. I have only two recognized works, one won a first place in a contest, and the other I paid to promote. The work isn't posted or listed long enough to get noticed , unless someone is on every day and diligently scans everything. If you promote it and it is not high enough up the list it goes unnoticed also. He who has the gold rules? I suppose that is the way of the world and publishing, but then why have this site. I think maybe I am a bit too frustrated at this time so I will leave it on that note, with no apologies. Frustration when felt by many, is a red flag and should never go unnoticed. -


Wes Guptill: So, is it safe to assume that SPAG-catching is the way to go when reviewing? It seems more politically correct, not to mention rewarding, to go that route than to actually invest time and effort in working to produce a critique that focuses on something other than punctuation. I mean, whatever happened to the other elements of writing? Does anyone know where characterization, setting, pacing, action, denouement, conflict, and the like fits in with the review process? Do these things even count in anyone else's world, or should we all just start adopting the role of a proofreader? I'm just confused, I guess...
    nor84: There are those of us who know about pacing, action, conflic, etc., but there are many on Fanstory who do not. -
    adewpearl: One of the benefits of receiving multiple reviews is that you get different types from people with different priorities and skill sets. I don't see a need to denigrate the helpful advice of those who offer actual useful suggestions. Perhaps you should save the complaints for people who just say nice job and put no effort into the review at all. -
    Lady & Louis: Use whatever skills you have. If you're good at spag and not with story development, then concentrate on the spag.

    As to calling it 'politically correct,' ha. There are people who complain about getting gross spag errors corrected and want nothing but praise.

    If you put effort into a review and it has practical suggestions, and you get a knock-back, don't bother reviewing that person again. The ones who do appreciate help will certainly say so. -
    redrider6612: Free editing help? I'll take it. As Brooke (adewpearl) said, the fluffy reviewers are far more irritating than the spag hunters. Be thankful for any detailed help you get. -
    Wes Guptill: Ah, some of the usual suspects showed up... and, of course,missed the point of what I was saying. Typical for this farce... For the record, I was not commenting on SPAG reviews, but on the fact that some people have no other reviewing abilities. They are literary flat-liners, automatons with a little red-pencil and little else. One might call them hacks, especially since they like to live in the relative safety of cliques and questionable poetry. -
    natureist : I joined fanstory to appear as and when I want to and I'm not a commercial writer at the base ,I am ,on the other hand a seriouse male .This blood-letting regarding review methods has its place as a comment and free advice thread ,yes ,but has no bearing on being a "real man".I joined to co-exist no more -no less ,and to make a few happy soules content with thier skin .Makes a quiet change from my cage fighting days ? -
    quicksandyamurray: I appreciate even the nasty grams that some choose to be their review. I got agitated once with that sort of thing, but it wasn't really the review itself, but the frustration of feeling that I was participating in a futile attempt to learn how to better my writing. I would not be thrilled at a pic-apart review of my work, man's base nature dictates that, but I certainly would appreciate more than just a spags tongue lashing. I have Parkinson's, which is by no means an excuse or reason for special treatment, but the fact is my typing is a pitfall that requires a lot of diligence to correct, let alone aged mind that needs refreshing(used to be extraodinary at) and grammar,well, is lacking now also. Just oin waht I haaaaaavea weritten herre my tremors casue havoaaacaa, aso dI thought I wouldd laeave an eaxample of whaat I amup aagainst faor catacdhing spelling mistaaeksa. I t also cauuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuses highlightinga whean I so't watch ta nda then I have to typaae it again. I think that the story and characters and all the other building blocks of the writing that shines is much more important. That is what spell check is for. I could dictate it to windows and paste it, and I may have to resort to it, but being a dyed-in-blue never give up sort of person I persist since I don't want to lose the dexterity along with the spelling and grammar. Ha, ha, ha, you should see it when I try to click on folders in windows, I have to do a search to find out where I dropped the folder I wanted to open! Have a sparkling day. -


Wes Guptill: After the Vampire contest, I think I'm done with competitions on the site. I'm just going to post new work and review, but no more contests for me, here.

Congratulations to the folks who won and placed in the NF, Tanka, Free Verse, Story of the Month, and the Book of the Month contests.

And I wish the rest of the members on the site the best of luck in the competitions.

Good Evening.
-Me
    DIS-illusioned: Ah, you'll be back in the booths--two weeks tops. The allure of the competitive juice is irresistible. Can't count how many times I myself have quit. :) -
    Wes Guptill: No, DI, I don't think so. I've got a lot of work ahead of me with my collection, and it's just too stressful, before and after deadlines, and before and after the judging. I need to just write; that, at least, is satisfying.

    I'll get my competitive juice in some other venues.

    Ciao!
    -Me -
    xxjsfuncxxxity: I've missed seeing you around, my friend. Hope all is well in Guptill-ville!

    cheers!
    js -


Wes Guptill: Yeah...
Think I'll be going now...
    Wes Guptill: Just a bit disconcerted today, is all. I had to leave at that point, making for the exit, temporarily, lest I were to fall into a rant about questionable practices and even more questionable people.

    I just have to keep my head on my work, and try to remember where I am and what it around me...
    Sigh...

    Back to writing, I suppose... -


Wes Guptill: I just wanted to give a brief "Hiya!" to all of my friends and buddies this evening. I am sorry I have been off the radar (for the most part) these past two days. I have been swamped, both with my J.O.B. and trying to write, and I just have felt out-of-sorts. But I will back tomorrow afternoon, and I will catch up the good stories and poems I have been missing out these past long hours. Hope everyone is well and boiling over with new material. I have some deep cravings right about now.

Well, catch you folks in the p.m. tomorrow.

Bon soir,
Wes
    DIS-illusioned: "I have some deep cravings right about now"
    The full moon's not out yet, Wes; be patient. :)
    Take your time, buddy. :) -
    Dawn Munro: Hi Wes. I just had to stop by to be sure everything is okay with you - I haven't heard from you in a while. -


Wes Guptill: Well, I have to say that I am humbled by the sheer number of wonderful comments that I have received for "On Reviewing & Cronyism". I had no idea that this piece, which was, for all intents and purposes, an exercise in ventilation, would garner such a wave of interest. I know that I ruffled a few feathers, found some new friends and compatriots, and maybe ticked off a few people, but my only goals in posting this work were a): to try my hand at creating colorful nonfiction work; b): getting some irritation off my chest; c): and to highlight an author's work that I found appealing and well-written. It was interesting to see where folks [who read and commented] took their interpretations. But what was truly illuminating was how my words were able to evoke response; it was fascinating to see members of the community come together to make THEIR voices heard. For me, that is what makes writing such a powerful tool. Of course, I have to keep my tools well-oiled, maintained, and sharpened, because if I do not, then the only response I will receive is the sound of crickets and the slow creak of the accretion of rust. So, I think it is best that I spend the next couple of days working on the core of my work, editing and revising. And preparing my short works for collation into a volume that is suitable for viewing by a publishing entity. That's what I came here for, anyway.

Thank you to the writers and readers who gave me the honor of R&R's. I appreciate and embrace all of the thoughts and sentiments that you shared with me.

I wish you all a good day/night.
    William Walz: You're not related to the guy, are you? Just kidding. -
    Kelleigh: You are more than welcome!! :) -
    Wes Guptill: Mr. Walz: Nope, not related. Well, not genetically or legally, that is. But we are brothers of the ink. Thanks for the comment. I'm chuckling as I type my response. -
    Wes Guptill: Kell's Bells: I am humbled and left with a sense of accomplishment that my work drew your attention and response. Thank you once again, dear lady! -
    cvcopac: I hope you ticked off the whole gang of prissy's. -
    Nhala: i have not forgoten you, just busy man. I will be reading more soon.. be well -
    Nhala: sigh, still busy, got to get to more of your stuff! -


Wes Guptill: Man, am I exhausted! But it's a good exhausted, in grand FS fashion. I just churned out a 3300+ word short story in less than three hours, and I am feeling pretty good about it. It's probably not perfect-- is any story ever truly perfect?-- but I am content with it... for now...
I have to say that I don't think I would have been able to pull this off had it not been for the inspiration that this site has given me, nor would that small feat have occurred if it had not been for the aid of the talented and wonderful Kelleigh. Kelleigh, my dear, you are a godsend!
Well, time to go to work on the next installment of my current manuscript. 'Til morrow, my friends and fellows, I bid you adieu...
    Kelleigh: If only there were more who thought so, LOL!! Thank you so very much, my friend!! :D -
    write hand blue: Well done westguptill. I'm sure there will be more...Mel. -
    Grammies: I added to my story Rumble off Center Street. I think you will like -


Wes Guptill: Think I'll write myself into a nice little vignette where sunburns are vanquished immediately... got a nasty one going, and I look like a road-flare stuck in a vat of vanilla ice cream on top of a pile of boiled crab legs. Red-white-red. And of course, my significant other, Carey, keeps poking the burn just so she can watch the white spots flash and then fade. That's my girl...


Wes Guptill: I just wanted to put this out there, for the folks whose work I have reviewed: If I have reviewed your work, and you have scratched your head at the typos, misplaced punctuation, or anything else that looks skewed, please accept my apology. A great deal of the time, I read and review while walking (I have been fortunate enough to disconnect from automotive slavery, and I enjoy the ability to walk rather than get stuck in traffic... road rage, of the Washington, D.C. variety, nearly had me in its clutches, and I just decided to free myself...) or when sitting outside under a canopy of stars, so it becomes necessary to do a lot of my R&R work on my Blackberry. And since my infernal "smart-phone" has a ridiculously small keyboard (said the spatula-thumbed man...), and since my fingers are flying most of the time (I personally challenge any ten teenagers to a texting duel, any time, anywhere!!), I sometimes hit or forget to hit the right keys. That would be fine if I were composing text messages, but when I am trying to work in a literary environment, it's not so hot. So, I just wanted to keep my ego and pride intact by explaining this. I am very particular about grammar, syntax, spelling, and punctuation, so it is rather ironic that my phone has assaulted me in this area.

Anywho, that's the reason that some of my reviews have looked a little strange at times. And I am sure that more than one bizarre review will sneak under the radar in the future, so if you ever get a WTF review from me, please let me know about it, and I will clarify.

Okay, I am off to the sand and surf with my family, so take care good people. I'll see you folks this evening. I've got more work of my own to post, and work of yours to digest.
Good tidings to all.
-Me
    natureist : Hi Wes .It's so understandable and right to inform about such matters.I myself have cleared my profile of poems as it is too much of a distraction as I want to begin writing a book .Again ,when Ive time ,with me it's a hobby possible publication .With yourself it's vocational and you are a proffessional hand unlike myself sometimes finding writing difficult,it's science I mean .Anyhow I was notified of your piece and do hear your pointers and apologies but none are necessary .((-" -


Wes Guptill: Ah... I have three more working days remaining before I go on vacation. I am looking forward to a week of basking in the sun and the laughter of my loved ones. And to getting a break from the chaos of the workaday world. There'll be fishing and fiction, though I promise not to come back with tales of the one that got away...

Even though I will be leaving the job world behind, I will still be writing and reviewing. I always write, and now, thanks (grrrr....) to Fanstory, I am addicted to reading, reviewing, and exchanging ideas with my fellow writers.

I hope you all have a great day tomorrow. May all of your stories and poems take flight!

Good night...
    Lady & Louis: Sounds like a wonderful holiday coming up! :)

    -
    Tina55: Yep, it's the last day of school for my boys and then we're off to the bush for the weekend. Have a great, safe holiday...
    :-) -


Wes Guptill: Happy Father's Day to the dads of this community. And dads, let's not forget the members of our team (moms, siblings, and friends) who have helped us to be good fathers. Now go tell your kids a good home-spun story. I know that I am doing that with my daughter when we go fishing this afternoon... And I'll be sure to take notes when she helps me write the story of us...
Peace, all.


Wes Guptill: Having been a member of this community for a little over a month now, I wanted to take an opportunity to apologize for not having introduced myself. And for not having exhibited the sociability that this website offers.

Writing has always been a part of my life, and I have pursued the craft for a while. However, I have often let life and its flotsam and jetsam get in the way of my fully embracing writing as a vocation and way of life. But, a few months ago, after some disappointments with other pursuits in my life, I did a great deal of soul-searching. What I found was this: I was meant to write. This wasn't an epiphany or anything, just a realization that I had looked beyond the very thing that brought me the most satisfaction in life. So, I have turned here, not only to post my work (for the purpose of exposure and helpful critique) but to extend the hand of camaraderie to my sisters and brothers of the pen. If I can ever be of any help to anyone in this community, please know that I am at your service. I do not profess to be an expert at this thing, but I have learned a great deal about writing in the thirty-five years in which I have been doing it. And during that time I have been helped by others, and I think it is important to forward that to others. Even if it is just to bounce around ideas or just plain gripe, I do not mind lending a hand. It makes me better as a person and as a writer to do so. And I have no doubt that I will learn some new things from the exchange.

So, I offer good wishes and peace to all the members of this site. And may all your writing goals and dreams come to fruition.
    DIS-illusioned: I welcome you, wes, and sincerely wish you the same. Happy writing (and reviewing)! :) -
    Sally Carter: That's a great introduction. Welcome to Fanstory. Your aspirations to find camaraderie and exchange ideas sound just what this site is all about. I generally lurk around the poetry pages but will keep my eyes open for your work. -
    quicksandyamurray: You put a tear in my eye with this introduction. I too let things get in the way of success in those things that I love to do. I too came here to attempt to hone my skills enough to get published. I give you a hearty welcome and a helping hand if you need it. I'm far from an expert, but I know a good read when I come across it. I will be watching for you releases. -


FanStory wrote to Wes Guptill: Congratulations! Last Wishes won the contest "New Arrival Story"
    Writingfundimension: Congratulations on your wonderful win. What a way to start off your FanStory career. Best wishes, Bev -
    LancsLass: Congratulations! And welcome :) Anna -