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[Paula Tohline]

hello

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

I guess this is "perfect justice" to me but I was just ranting about the music of nowadays saying how it wasn't good... then I started whistling and now can't get out of my head "Call Me Maybe" by Carla Rae Jepsen.

Touche world, touche... ;)

[Garrison]

When it comes to the differences between today's music and past music, it all depends on which genre you favor. Let's say heavy metal is the genre of choice. Past heavy metal features glitz and glam while today's metal is harder and features throaty vocals.

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

---


Apparently imitation is no longer flattery. Did anyone catch this small tidbit in the news.

It seems people would rather sue if something in the media is like something they have done rather than chuckle or see it as a tribute. Disturbia the movie was sued by producers of the old production Rear Window and now a probably-struggling actor is fighting a possible humorus spin on a character he played from The Goodfellas. He is suing The Simpsons the tv show over this.
*Smacks own face*Doy!

[Garrison]

This is America; people will sue over anything. I mean absolutely anything. Remember hearing about a news story where a woman sued McDonald's because her coffee was too hot? How about another story where Donald Trump sued Bill Maher because the latter said Donald Trump looked like a chimpanzee? We love to sue. It's tne new national pastime, above football and baseball.

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

It seems to be slightly less prevalent lately but I hope this news story is the last of the silliest... we don't need to sue anymore. I think the guy Frank the actor was in debt so he was probably desperate.

[Garrison]

Desperate times call for desperate measures, as long as it doesn't involve lawyers and a judge, of course.

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

----


You know I recently made a new "Bookshelf" on here? Yesterday night I put a handful of books as "to_be_read" as where I got them from was a special from a published magazine. Entertainment Weekly made a side mag labeled "The 100 All Time Greatest" with different forms of media all having their own vast collection.

I hope I get to discuss any of the books I picked on here just for fun. The first I picked is Anna Karenina by Tolstoy. Anyone (Guy..?)... has anybody read it?

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.

This is what the mag says. Basically Tolstoy wouldn't just embrace a tragic couple of lovers. This story is "both a cautionary tale and an exhortation to live our best lives."

It deals with a married Russian aristocrat not happy with his wife that thinks he is in love with someone else.

[M]

In the Week 234 Poetry Stuffage, I had posted, “This might be a good place to remind W.S.S. members that the contests are not workshops.” Nicky replied, “Hi M, . . . I don’t get exactly what you mean about workshops- could you explain a bit please?”

I’m not sure how the critiquing got started, but it was by members who didn’t have a clear understanding of the way the contests operate.

A contest thread is a place for members to post finished stories or poems in preparation for a poll. The membership has a right to expect that any poem or story in a contest thread is suitable for judging, so an implied condition of the contests is that any poem or story submitted be in a final form. Just as a member may not submit more than one story or poem in a contest, it’s impermissible to submit more than one version of a story or poem. A contest thread isn’t a place for critique because it isn’t a place for revision.

To remark, in a contest thread, that you really like a poem or story, or like this or that about a poem or story, is okay because such comments don’t suggest revision, but spring from the membership’s rightful assumption that the story or poem submitted is in its final form (i.e., isn’t subject to revision).

In a workshop thread, on the other hand, a member posts a poem, then other members say what they like or don’t like about it, what they would change about it and how. Often, as the thread progresses, the poem’s author will post successive revisions based on the suggestions given by other members.

The Weekly Short Story group wasn’t set up as a workshop but as a weekly contest. Workshops and contests are distinctly different things. Currently, the provision the W.S.S. makes for members who want critique on stories or poems is a folder (“Your Writing!”) in which each member is entitled to a thread.

Members who are interested in workshopping poems might find it worthwhile to join Amy King’s group Poetry, though that group has declined noticeably in quality as a forum.

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

Great post, M. Had no idea that this sort of thing was going on recently in poems.

I create for myself my own rules when writing and posting stories. I make sure not to read anybody's story until mine is posted and done first because I don't want to gain some sort of unfair advantage or be influenced by someone's work and then change my own before putting it on the Contest.

Also if someone tells me criticism (let's say on "Creative Writing") before I post it officially on the WSS I put the first preceded version before their comments on this ship even after say a slightly revised version if someone helped, because I don't want again some unfair advantage or leg up in the competition.

[M]

I want to be clear that I have nothing against the critiquing of poems and stories. The statement I’m making is that in any week’s contests, a member may post one story and one poem. A contest is not a place for a member to post several revisions and ask the membership which is best. A workshop is the place for that. I bring this up because it has happened in more than one week. If it becomes a trend, it will make it impractical to conduct the contests.

[[deleted user]]

M wrote: Currently, the provision the W.S.S. makes for members who want critique on stories or poems is a folder (“Your Writing!”) in which each member is entitled to a thread.

So, how would I go about doing this .. my own writing thread if I wanted to do so? I have some other writings (not within our contest realm) that I would like others to read and give critique on if they would like. I have posted things under Creative Writing but get very little "look-see", if you will.

I definitely understand the contest forum. Although I do love praise and constructive criticism, I have rarely changed anything (maybe a word or two) after critique because I thought it was basically a final product. I love everyone's feedback because it helps me to be a stronger writer and also helps me in knowing what seems to be my strong suit but, true, a contest does not mean workshop!

Thanks to this group, I have been able to write again without being chastised as I have been in the past and I don't feel like I am totally wasting my time. Thanks, guys! :)

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

It's good that you at least see or take in criticism. When I was part this group during its "old" rules, I would wince if anyone had anything to say against my story. I actually had trouble following through on other stories because if something else was wrong in the next one, I definitely heard it!

I realize there were people more sensitive to me even though I was pretty bad with that kind of reception (Gauri I hope she writes again or feels a reason to come back!) and though I am totally for criticism (I want it if I post whether I remember to say so or not, now!) I see others wince in this group as well.

I love to get criticism. Sometimes it may be harsh but it is crucial if one wants to create an effective story whatever one believes!

[[deleted user]]

I know there is a difference between constructive criticism and trying to help someone improve (which is what everyone has done in the group since I have been here) and just plain ol' criticizing to be mean. I have had someone do that to me before (not here but through another venue) and doing that breaks my heart. I almost stopped writing all together because of that person. I have tried to harden myself to people like that but it is rough sometimes.

Still would like to know how to have my own folder here with my writings as M stated. I will be patient! :)

[Guy]

Melissa, it's easy to add your own folder. Go to the thread topic 'Your Writing. ' Create your folder. It's a bit tougher to get things read there.

I like the contest format, in that it allows encouraging critiques, but precludes the publication of revisions. But if a critique prompts the need or desire to revise then put the revision in the 'Your Writing' thread with a comment. Then the writing workshop can take place outside the contest and have a chance at being attended.

[[deleted user]]

Thank you, Guy! I will check it out! I'm not very "computer savvy" so I will see what I can do! Haha! :)

[Guy]

If I wasn't on the smart phone I would copy the link. But it is easy to find. You won't have a problem. :-)

[Guy]

I see you found it! :-)

[Nicky]

Oh, okay - right - do you know I never twigged those were the rules regarding commenting since I started coming here. People seemed to be making that kind of comment since the outset and if I'm honest that's what I like about it and why I read it - I want to see how people react to different work and the suggestions they make to improve the work - I'm not really interested in the contest as such - I'm not a very competitive person. I agree that putting in multiple revised versions would be impractical and unfair but I also assumed that the deadline was the time when you could no longer make changes.

So just to be clear - people may only post a final poem - no edits or revisions once it's there and only make comments regarding their feelings for the piece no suggestions for improvement?

In which case could I ask everyone if I'm the only one who's a little sad about that and would anyone else quite like to have a space were those type of comments can be posted about the work submitted each week- even if it's not in the same topic tread? I know I've gained an enormous amount of insight and enjoyment from the advice/knowledge and experience of the other members and would feel I'd lost something.

[Kymela]

I was told, for stories, we could ask for critiques if we wanted to. There's the section for your writing, but I rarely ever get anyone in my thread which is why I always asked during the contests.

[Guy]

A part of the critique may well suggest improvements. But the author will post the revisions in their section of 'Your Writing,' and not the contest page. I have rarely seen people post revisions within the contest thread, so it hasn't been a big issue.

So Nicky, the contest threads will continue as before, so no need to feel sad.
The openness both to being given and to giving critiques that are both encouraging and enriching is what makes this writing group such a positive and enjoyable place to be. Examining other people's writing with an open mind is at least as great a learning tool as is getting the thoughts of others with an open mind.

Continue to have fun. Writing is a joyful act that is best completed with the eyes of others. :-)

[[deleted user]]

Yes, Guy! I did find the thread and figured out how to create and post within my own folder. I hope others will stop by from time to time and let me know what they think.

I think the contest thing is great -- to me it's kind of a "boost" to know that others don't think my writing is totally hideous or if I get no votes one week to know that, hey, maybe that particular piece wasn't so great so maybe the genre I tried just isn't for me. It's interesting to see what people like and don't like sometimes!

[Ryan]

500 pirates on the ship...nice!

[[deleted user]]

So, who wants to be thrown overboard? :D

[Ryan]

Arrrrrr, a good ol' fashioned plank walkin'...

[Guy]

Lol! Who's on board with over boarding?

[Garrison]

(Puts on swimming shorts, flippers, and a snorkel.) I'm ready to be thrown overboard!

[[deleted user]]

NaNoWriMo! :)

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

Hmm... it seems there are a number of books for the "it" book for 2014. Anyone notice that announcement?

I put one title on both my "to-be-read" and then "urged to read" shelf. Anybody find anything interesting or have already read that is in this list of nominations?

[Guy]

Reading? What's that? I seem to have given away all my reading time to other things. Although I am currently actively, but with pre-global warming glacial slowness, reading two books that have a interesting contrast between them: Your God is Too Small and The Body Never Lies: The Lingering Effects of Hurtful Parenting.

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

---


I am just going to off on a strange tangent and say I had a movie-thon with close friends that have been like family. Then I had when I got home just a moment ago a bowl of oatmeal; it had some sugar, milk, crushed walnuts, and some brown sugar. Mmm-mmm it was good!

Thought you'd like to hear that one, Guy! :D

[Garrison]

Good friends and good movies: the stuff we all could use. :)

I've got a strange tangent too. It goes like this...(clears throat like an ogre)...




One of the most valuable pieces of advice I’ve ever received regarding writing was to cut down on unnecessary words and awkward phrases to make the prose a faster read. Jeanne Voelker, the writer who gave me this advice, refers to the practice as “tightening the prose”.

Because I’m a fan of mixed-martial arts, I’ve come up with a new phrase for it: “making featherweight”. Before an upcoming match, a fighter has to dehydrate himself until he weighs no more than what his division will allow him (featherweights for example can only weigh a maximum of 145 lbs).

The unnecessary words and awkward phrases are to your prose what water weight is to a fighter: the more you lose, the faster you’ll be. But unlike dehydrating, you won’t be dizzy or sick after reading a fast-moving prose. On the contrary, you’d better be ready for some action, Jack.

I hope the phrase “making featherweight” catches on someday.

[Guy]

CJ wrote: "---


I am just going to off on a strange tangent and say I had a movie-thon with close friends that have been like family. Then I had when I got home just a moment ago a bowl of oatmeal; it had so..."

LOL! Sounds delicious! Now, if only I could share with you the double chocolate cookies with pecans and candied ginger I made today!

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

Wow. Awesome Guy! They sound delicious.

[Guy]

Garrison wrote: "Good friends and good movies: the stuff we all could use. :)

I've got a strange tangent too. It goes like this...(clears throat like an ogre)...

One of the most valuable pieces of advice I’ve ..."

'Faster'. Yes. It happens that reading your argument, Garrison, is a kind of double fushigi for me because I just finished an article about busy-ness (faster, more) as a form of social illness. And yesterday I watched a cooking show about a 'slow' movement in life, which is about slowing down life so as to enjoy the passage and not miss it.

Faster?
It comes down to purpose: if the purpose of reading is to get to the end as fast as possible, just skip the middle bits. For me, a huge part of the reading is the reading of prose if it is beautiful and evocative. I cannot help but think that if one writes to get it read quickly, then leave fiction and go to news reporting. I am being a bit harsh here, I understand. But I have never been a fan of writing written solely for the purpose of getting it over with. Seems a waste of effort to write and read.

[Garrison]

There's a huge difference between "slowing down and enjoying it" and being dragged through it at a torturous pace. The latter is what I try to avoid most of the time. The books I've read in college for assignments fall under that category. In short, I disagree with some of the things you've said. But that's just me.

[Guy]

The difference is between prose that is evocative and engaging, or that which is turgid and dull.

Sparse prose is not necessarily good by being sparse. Full prose is not necessarily bad because it takes its time.

[Guy]

Good night. It is late, and my alarm rings early. :-)

[Garrison]

Sleep well, Guy. Try not to let M's mice crawl under your covers! :)

[Guy]

Lol! I was asleep and they may well have. They would have found nothing of value to them if they had. No bon mots or amuse bouche. ;-)

[Garrison]

Hehehehehehe!

[M]

What you shouldn’t do, in any week, is post more than one story and one poem. The rules don’t prohibit the revision of submissions during the contest, but you shouldn’t have more than one version of a story or a poem up at one time.

Because it’s a contest, the members reasonably expect that they should be able to read the submissions once and be done with it, so it’s a good idea to post a story or poem in the most finished form possible.

[Kymela]

I only do that if I'm typing on my kindle and it formats wrong...Who is doing this? Then again, I haven't been here very much lately, so I could've probably already noticed it, too...

Ugh. I was supposed to try writing a story this week. I don't have many distractions, but this one is REALLY distracting.

[Kymela]

Ugh. Why is it so hard to write in a card...?

[Guy]

To be concise and meaningful without overstepping personal space limits all the while avoiding being trite is perhaps the hardest prose to compose. Good luck.

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

"The Malevolent Spirit" isn't fully handled down on here in Creative Writing but I hope I can with limited time get more on here.

I am also tempted to write an intro to Mallard's next entry "A Sinister Plot" if time is kind to me right now. ;)

[C. J., Cool yet firm like ice]

Forgot to mention. Anyone who served or is planning on serving we all salute you this Veterans Day! Thank you for your service.

[Angie]

My sister's university is having a weeklong game of Humans vs. Zombies and I really want to join D': I wish I was in college; it sounds like so much fun.

[Kymela]

I never got an update for that last comment...I hate zombies so I'm glad I won't be participating in something like that.

And yet I'm writing a zombie book...Going back through the topics, I'm finding some good ideas for chapters. My problem is tying them together.