MikeL

Jon, some "authors" simply aren't very good. I think the only practical approach is to read a chapter or two of someone's work, and, if you find it unacceptable for any reason, just scratch that author off your reading list. There are plenty of authors at GA who do very well in every aspect of their story telling. If you find an author who seems to have a good story to tell, but has some grammatical issues, you may want to consider offering your services to edit or proofread his work. There are a number of people who do that for GA authors, and it improves the overall quality of the stories. I am totally with you on one thing. I do some proofreading for several authors, but before I volunteer to help anyone, I make sure I am familiar with his earlier writing. If he can't put together two consecutive comprehensible sentences, I'll never offer to help him. Life's too short for that. So, I would suggest that you help the good, new authors you come across, making use of your love for English and encouraging those authors.

Well, now I have a reason to reconsider opening the door for women and it has nothing to do with courtesy. While waiting in a hospital waiting room yesterday. I needed to use my cellphone. It wouldn't work inside the building, so I stepped out onto a terrace to get a signal. I noticed that the door could not be opened from the outside, so I stood in the doorway, holding the door open, to make my call. A little later, a young woman who had stepped outside to make a call, realized she couldn't get back in and started banging on the door. Being the gentleman that I am, and being the person closest to the door, I got up and opened the door for her. I don't know if she is one of those feminists who resents chivalry or if she thought and old guy like me couldn't actually open the door (I can), but she grabbed the handle and jerked the door forcefully out of my hand. She did say "thank you" as she brushed by me but was oblivious to my pained expression. My thumbnail had snagged on the doorpost and been ripped down to the quick when she jerked on the door. If chivalry really is dead, it may be women who have killed it. "The motto of chivalry is also the motto of wisdom; to serve all, but love only one." ~ Honore de Balzac

I agree with Anyta's comments on chapter 9 and I was glad to see it posted. I would add just one thing. It appears to me that Jason and Peter have had a breakthrough on the money issue. They realize that they each have hangups that are unnecessary. Each of them is seeking ways of saying "I love you" and they need to be willing to accept those expressions of love from each other.

A great new poem, John. I really like it. You have expressed an important part of any relationship...understanding the other person's thinking about what is important in the relationship. A loving relationship - more than any other - requires this kind of communication. As for your poetic ability: I told you.

Let all the congregation say "Amen".

You're welcome, but don't let it go to your head.

Andy, I have really enjoyed Second Shot and am disappointed I won't be ale to read the rest of it any time soon. I think your best option is to do what the instructor suggests. You will at least appeal to him with that decision. The question of whether a first novel can get published seems secondary; either it will or it won't. You are a student of novel writing...not yet a novelist. Give the education thing your best shot. Publication can come later and somehow, I think it will come. Best wishes. Mike

Goats pay no heed to pouting. In Cliff's convoluted world, what you think characters' "gotta" do doesn't make for the unique plot variations he does so well. At the outset, he said it's going to be quite a ride. Just hold on and enjoy going where the story takes us.

Life is a journey; the destination is not life. We may set goals, but unplanned things happen to us. We plan only for good things, but unexpected evil interrupts our journey. It is a wise fool indeed who makes the most of an unplanned journey and who doesn't seek only a certain destination. Thanks, John...great poem and philosophy.

A very good first chapter, Circle. The main character, Ronny, is interesting, but he is troubled. Perhaps he is unnecessarily troubled. The title implies as much. I am looking forward to the next chapter.

"Elliott Part 1: Hola! Soy Miguel"...great chapter, Riley. You are doing a good job with the sidelight stories to An English Teen. I'm looking forward to part 2.

Not a cliffhanger? You actually sound like a certain goat we know. Have you been taking English composition courses online from sume guy named Cliff? You seem to have assumed the story will end with Jake taking Cody away from Brett. Surely there are other possible endings.

A got would not, But a goat would gloat.

I can't say I have a crush on anyone at GA. That shouldn't be a great surprise to anyone...just check my profile. What I can say is that there are a lot of great people here and nearly every one is a joy to associate with. Some have become exceptionally good friends.

I would have picked him to be Luke. I think of Seth as being a little stockier. Also, where's his hat? Seth always wears a hat.

Just read Chapter 7 and enjoyed it immensely. Jason and Peter are living charmed lives for now, keeping their relationship under wraps despite Wendy's pushy nature and the subject of their conversations. Let's just hope Jason's new understanding with her remains intact.

There's no need to feel like there's something wrong with promoting your own story. More important, the announcement function is there for a reason...for readers to be informed. I very nearly overlooked the new chapter. I, for one, would appreciate an announcement. I even promote my poetry in my signature line, so every time I post on any subject, there's a link I hope someone will click on. That's why I write poetry...for people to read. You should consider setting up signature with a link to your stories.

Here's a link for chapter 7 of Second Shot, "Three's a Crowd". I didn't see an announcement elsewhere.

Is everyone in the Christmas spirit? Chapter 11 of Jake has been released. I think the premium release schedule isn't what Cliff James anticipated, but here is a chapter titled "Merry Christmas, Jake".

You are absolutely right, Phana. Poetry does not require rhyming lines. (I'm a little "old school" myself and am having lots of fun figuring out words that rhyme and testing various rhyme schemes. I haven't tried free verse yet.) John has given us a very good example of a free verse poem in Frustration. It's the idea or message we get from a poem that really counts. And, unlike we learned in school, not everyone gets the same message from a given poem. If we would all throw away those old rules we learned about poetry and just read for enjoyment, and possibly for a message, we would enjoy poetry more. The only rule I would suggest is to read each poem at least twice. It amazes me that I always find things on second reading that I missed the first time. The only other thing I would like to see is many more people trying their hand at poetry. Writing poetry is relaxing and a great form of expression.

John, thanks for posting the final chapter earlier than expected. Not a Kiss is a beautiful story with a great ending. Your writing talent - and your poetry - have made a lot of progress in these few weeks. I look forward to more stories and poetry in the future.

Ares? Probably not. Joel probably thinks he's the luckiest guy on earth. I mean some person less scrupulous than Bridget might have just kept the little trinket she found.

Kind of a sad, uncertain feeling to this poem, John. But it is very well done. The contradiction between wanting attention and wanting to be alone is a good exposition of Frustration.

A friend is someone who reaches for your hand but touches your heart.

Anyone care to share a link to the story?