brenda bickers: I am sorry if I have not written any reviews for you all lately.
I did try to write some reviews but I think I need to take a break. Mum Died yesterday morning and I thought I could keep going but I can't. I hope you all have a great holiday this year and hope to be back soon.
Brenda.x
    mrsmajor: I'm so sorry to hear that sad news, I know this is a difficult time for you. May all the joys you shared with your Mum, stay with you, and bring you some moments of peace...Warm Regards...Victoria -
    Jannypan (Jan) : My prayers are with you and your family. Take care of YOU. FS will be here when you return. Know that we care about YOU. Please accept my condolences in the loss of your dear mother. Jan -
    judester: My sympathy Brenda, sorry. -
    Gloria ....: I will miss you Lady Brenda, and my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. -
    Sandra Stoner-Mitchell: I'm so sorry for your loss, Brenda, so truly sad. Sending a hug. Take care. Sandra xx -
    juliaSjames: So sorry for your loss. May your dear mother rest in eternal peace.
    -
    Gypsymooncat: I'm so sorry for your loss Brenda! How bloody sad. I hope the sun shines for you again real soon xoxoxoxoxoxo -
    Kermit R. Mullins: I've been on FS for about a month. I've submitted poems to contest and non-contests as well. My curiosity so far is; I get views but no reviews, not sure what's up with that. If I read a poem, I will give it a review. Why does less than 20% of those that view, not review? Am I missing something? -


FanStory wrote to brenda bickers: Congratulations! RMS Titanic is the new Poem of the Month!
    WalkerMan: Congratulations, Brenda! This was well deserved. -- Mike
    -
    brenda bickers: Thank you Lady Gloria and Mike, for my congratulations. That was a surprise. Bless you both.x
    -
    brenda bickers: Thank you Lady Gloria, and congratulations on your placing too. This was a tough contest. -
    fm wright: Congratulations on a well deserved win! -
    Gypsymooncat: Congratulations! This deserved to win! xoxo -
    rspoet: Congratulations!! Loved your poem! -
    Sally Law: Congratulations, dear Brenda. Marvelous work! Sally Law xo -
    brenda bickers: Thank you everyone for your congratulations on my poem of the month win. This was so unexpected. xx
    -


FanStory wrote to brenda bickers: Suffer the Children finished second in the contest "Halloween Poetry"
    CD Richards: Well done!. A brilliant entry, and much deserved. -
    brenda bickers: Thank you for your congrats, it was a good contest this year. -
    Dorothy Farrell: Congratulations Brenda on being placed in the contest. Well done! Dorothy -
    Gypsymooncat: Congratulations on your second place for poem of the month! -


FanStory wrote to brenda bickers: Poor Jenny finished third in the contest "Share A Story In A Poem"


FanStory wrote to brenda bickers: Calliope finished first in the contest "Free Verse"
    brenda bickers: Yippeee, my first number one win in entered contest. Thank you all for voting. x -
    EricBrady: Congratulations on your win Brenda!!! Well deserved. -


FanStory wrote to brenda bickers: Congratulations! The Wishing Well is the new Poem of the Month!
    michaelcahill: Surely you believe me NOW!
    One of the best here. :))
    Congratulations!!!! -
    RGstar: Well done Brenda, Your work, as I told is always on my favorite list.
    Best wishes. -
    Ulla: Congratulations. So well deserved.:))) -
    brenda bickers: Thank you to everyone who sent congratulation messages. I was surprised to even be in the contest.
    Thank you all. xx -
    tfawcus: Congratulations, Brenda! -
    BeasPeas: Hi Brenda. Congratulations on winning poem of the month. Hugs, Marilyn -


FanStory wrote to brenda bickers: The Spell is Cast finished second in the contest "Falling in love"


FanStory wrote to brenda bickers: I Want To Be Me finished second in the contest "I Am Not Perfect"


brenda bickers: Happy Birthday to Dean Kuch. Hope you have a wonderful day. A great ghoul writer, a master of the word.x
    TAB_that's me: Have a great one Dean and many blessings to you. -
    nancyjam: Wishing you the Happiest Birthday. May your year be blessed with all good things.
    Nancy -


FanStory wrote to brenda bickers: Bitter-Sweet Revenge finished third in the contest "Crown of Heroic Sonnets"
    Gloria ....: Woohoo Lady Brenda. Super job and your first Crown. :)) -
    michaelcahill: Well, duh! I told you so. LOL
    What are you going to do when you know what you're doing? Congratulations. I'm not at all surprised. :)) mikey -
    brenda bickers: Hey Lady Gloria and Sir Mikey, thank you so much. I am so grateful for your continued support and all your help. I am so over the moon with this. My first ever win. the most I have ever won before this was a miniature conifer tree in the church raffle. LOL.
    Thank you. -
    Dean Kuch: Great work, Brenda.
    Congrats! ~Dean :) -
    brenda bickers: Thank you all again for my congrats from you all. So pleased I have managed third place. it certainly does boost the confidence.
    thank you. -


brenda bickers: Hi to all
just wanted to say that I have finally managed to receive my first Accomplishment certificate. Yippee!!!
    I am Cat: What's an Accomplishment certificate? -
    brenda bickers: Sorry Cat, I meant an all time great certificate. Think I have just invented a new one. lol
    Brenda:))x

    -
    I am Cat: Oh... You mean, All Time Best? Ahhh... Yes, I thought there was a new category I was missing. Lol
    Congratulations! -
    Gloria ....: Great news, Brenda! And with a magnificent Crown of Heroic Sonnets too! -
    michaelcahill: Major coolness. Your first ATB on an awesome Crown of Heroic Sonnets. You know how to make an entrance, Girl!!!! -
    brenda bickers: Thanks everyone for all your comments, much appreciated. Brenda:))x -


brenda bickers: Hi Folks, just wanted to say that there are some amazing people here on Fanstory. I have been a member for just over four months now when I joined didn't have a clue about poetry and formats etc. It was quite daunting at first but some people were quick to help and support me and now I enjoy every moment of it. What a great place to find unselfish helpful friends. Thank you all so much.
Brenda:))x
    giraffmang: I've been here for seventeen months and I still haven't a clue... -
    brenda bickers: Bless you giraffmang, if I can help at all!!!Brenda:))x -


brenda bickers: Hi everyone,
I have a poem posted in the music forum called "A Soldier Comes Home" Micheal Cahill has posted it for me because I didn't know how to do it. Would love it if you would have a listen:)) Thanks.
    flylikeaneagle: brenda: the music, words and photos are breath taking. I felt I was the Mom waiting on my son. So many have suffered the loss of youth who served our country. Our country should promote our country instead of fighting their battles. Love this. flylikeaneagle -


brenda bickers: Would just like to say a big "THANK YOU" to Michaelcahill for posting my poem set to music on the music forum as I wasn't sure how to do this myself. x


brenda bickers: Hi Again,
in addition to my first song lyrics being submitted on Amazon yesterday; the same artiste has unbeknown to me
Recited one of poems to music with backing singers to the tune of amazing grace. I down loaded it to my facebook page this morning and it has now received over 1200 views.
Sorry if I am simging my praises but if this is my 15 minutes of fame, lol.....I want to share it. That's it, I will now disappear from whence I came and you wont hear another peep out of me.:))


brenda bickers: Hi Every one, a few weeks back I announced that the lyrics to a song I wrote was being put to music and I would be letting you know when it would be released to Amazon. I am pleased to announce that it has finally been released and is available on Amazon now . I did ask Tom if I could put a link up but he has said that advertising is not permitted on Fanstory. So if by chance anybody is interested they can PM me and I will give them details on what to look for on Amazon. So excited!!!!!
    michaelcahill: It's country/rock HEAVY on the rock. Get the link from her, most cool!!! -
    flylikeaneagle: brenda: congrats! I would love the song info! flylikeaneagle -
    nancyjam: That's wonderful Brenda, Congratulations. -


brenda bickers: I have completed the Potlatch poetry challenge and it was so much fun. it certainly keeps you on your toes but it also makes you realise how hard it is to write under pressure. A great time reading all the other poems and so many different takes on one topic. If any one is interested in joining us next week see check out the poetry forum for how it works.xx
    brenda bickers: If I have missed reviewing any one who took part in this fun challenge please let me know. -
    michaelcahill: gloria ...
    michael cahill
    CD Richards
    brenda bickers
    tfawcus
    robyn corum
    dejohnsrld (Debbie)
    LIJ Red
    Joy Graham
    ~Dovey
    Pateclaw
    I am Cat

    HAHAHA! Glad you asked??
    A great turnout. Everybody killed it. Check it out folks. Perfect quaterns in an hour or less by all. Join us next week. Major fun!!! Millions of dollars in prizes not available!!!!!!!! -
    Sarkems: Unfortunately, I can't write poetry to save my life, and I'd be miles ater the time, because of work commitments on the designated day, but I do enjoy reading these. -
    RGstar: Hi, Brenda. I noticed in a comment there was talk about reviews. You will get the reviews the higher you post. Unless you have a gigantic Fan-base, which I might not advise, you must review a lot to save those dollars in order to get your work on the front page and establish from there. Your work is excellent and certainly has my seal of approval. Good luck. RG -


brenda bickers: Hey Folks, my poem/lyrics/ song is being put to music today by Country singer/songwriter Jed Ford and will be released on Amazon, I-tunes, and spotify in about ten day's time. Check out Jed's other songs on these sites.
"America", "9/11" "96 Angels" and "Fields of Flanders"
And many more.
Brenda
    ~Dovey: Congrats! That is exciting, Brenda!
    -
    michaelcahill: Whooo Hoooo! Congrats! I know someone who amounts to something. :)) -
    brenda bickers: Thanks Mikey, will keep you posted for release date. lol -
    I am Cat: Congratulations Brenda! Can't wait to hear it! ;) -
    brenda bickers: Thank you everyone, so excited as I have not yet heard the finish product yet.!!! -


brenda bickers: I have been reading the forum about reviewing and have left my reply there but I am beginning to worry if I am getting this right with a certain member.
    I am Cat: I suggest you don't read the forums. LOL ;) they are quite depressing. :( -
    michaelcahill: You write great positive and helpful reviews. I doubt you're doing anything wrong. :)) -


brenda bickers: If I spell a number to use in a sentence do I use punctuation before and after that word.
i.e. 'two' "Three" (four). Which one please.
    I am Cat: no. you just write the number -
    Dorothy Farrell: No, you simply type it as you would any other word - as in for example 'there are two letters in the word to' - cheers Dorothy -


brenda bickers: I was just wondering if I have got this review thing right. If someone reviews my work and I thank them back and they reply di I then have to reply again.
If I leave feedback for some one else and they thank me do I need to then thank them. lol I don't want to offend any one if I have not been getting it right.
x
    giraffmang: Nah, you don't need to thank a thank you. Leave your review and that's it. or just leave your reply and be done with it. -
    mrsmajor: I don't think you have to respond again...unless, of course, its someone that you want to talk to...perhaps the comments made were special to you...that happens, but it's certainly not a must! -
    BeasPeas: Hi Brenda. I always respond to a review, of course, but for an ongoing back and forth I agree with mrsmajor (below). You will develop friendships which you may want to pursue more in depth. Marilyn -
    mrsmajor: Yes, that's right, Marilyn, its the way I have become good friends with many writers...also I think these people tend to be a bit more honest in their reviews...simply because they have your best interests in mind..it works for me... -


brenda bickers: I have just received my first blue recognition badge. Yippee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    evilynne: Congrats! I remember flying high when I got my first one, Evi -
    brenda bickers: Thanks for all my congrats on my blue badge....excuse me for mentioning it again.....sounds great!!! Here is to the New Year, hope all you wish for comes your way.
    Brenda -
    Dean Kuch:
    photo i_hemi_v8_power_for_gals_004_54f56deea55681.jpg_zpsvpld1yyw.gif

    It would seem then that a round of hearty applause is in order, Brenda. I'm quite sure there will be many more to come...
    ~Dean :} -
    brenda bickers: Thanks Dean, I've never had a standing ovation before. lol -
    Gypsy Blue Rose: congratulations, Brenda! Welcome to fanstory, I just found you. Let me know if I can help.

    (((gypsy hugs my friend))) -
    Gypsy Blue Rose: congratulations, Brenda! Welcome to fanstory, I just found you. Let me know if I can help.

    (((gypsy hugs my friend))) -
    Selina Stambi: Welcome to Fanstory, Brenda. Here's to many more of those Badges! -


brenda bickers: I have made a mistake on my first listing of my poem A day in London. Not having posted on here before I didn't realise that I had already posted it and promptly did it again so there were two postings of the same poem posted.
Sadly I was receiving reviews on either one or the other so that they were spread over two postings instead of one. I have contacted Tony and was advised to remove one immediately. Having done so I lost some very valuable reviews which would have put this poem to 15 reviews. My mistake has cost me. So I hope I don't do that again.
    trumby : just promote it again, mate. It'll get there in time -


brenda bickers: Third star rating,!!!!!!!!!!! hopefully I get many more. Promise I'll stop posting them when I get to five.
    giraffmang: Nothing like those shining stars, eh? -


brenda bickers: Hi every one, thanks for the warm welcome I received from FS members, been very helpful and friendly. I hope we all converse again in the new year. All the best for 2016,
Brenda
    patcelaw: Welcome to the site Brenda. I look forward to reading your work. -
    GWinterwin: Welcome to Fanstory, Brenda. You are a very good, and interesting writer. I enjoyed your poem very much. I use a program called Whitesmoke for punctuation, spelling, grammer, etc. It is a good program, it sure helps me a lot. Anyway I am pleased to have you as a friend on this site. Have a great New Year. -
    Nicholas Ian Robertson: Brenda I have read your profile. we are so alike I have the hardest time with my English. I always have . the structure grammar and rules. I like this site because the reviews generally point it out for me right away. hang in there your talent is evident. I speak and right Spanish and Russian. and can speak allot of Navajo and french still English perplexes me. -


brenda bickers: So pleased I have just received my first 6 star rating.
    brenda bickers: Thanks Cat, I am surprised at how well my few poems have been received. Thanks for all FS support.

    -
    RGstar: To signify a weakness is to identify strength.You belong and those little you, yours will fly away, in time. Welcome! Ill be right with you. Write for joy and all else will follow.
    Best wishes.
    RG
    -
    brenda bickers: Thank you RG for your very poetic comment, that means a lot, and certainly makes me want to write more, but only if it is from my heart. -