DarkShadow

I'm with the ants! Since you forgot to post your options.... Douche with Drano, or Watch 80 hours of Rush Limbaugh

Yep... there are those idiots that do that. Until alcohol, cigarettes and other addictive over the counter drugs are removed, it is simple hypocracy. If I remember my constitution correctly... each state has a right to over rule the federal law. Catchy thing that! You might check out some of the laws in Idaho. God made weed, man made beer.

Now that's a good idea.. Gauge how we interpret aspect of importance within a story. I like it! I voted plot and thrill. If a plot can't keep my attention, regardless of the characters in it, I will not read it. If there is a great plot, and characters I hate... I will continue the read. It's like listening to Howard Stern. I can't stand the man, but.... I do stick around to hear what idiocy he spouts next.

Thanks Marty. Basically, I'm just trying to learn the 'why'. If I don't understand 'why' a thing is, it won't stick with me. I won't remember it, and I won't use it. I want to become the best writer I can be, but sometimes, the rules, seem out of nowhere. It's like the rules of typing. Two spaces after a period, 1 after a comma. This is for the ease of reading. That I can understand, remember, and use. It's the many little rules like the sentence 'Two spaces after a period, 1 after a comma." I had to go back and edit it because I spelled out the word one. The rule, I have been informed, is that numbers 1 through 9 are written as the numeral unless they begin a sentence. (yes I had to edit this sentence as well lol) It's these little things that plague me, and unfortunately my editor. LOL He must have the patience of a saint!

Kate Bush - Hounds of Love 'in my pants'

Thank you for your well thought reply. I wasn't really ranting in the post though, re-reading it, it does sound that way. So my apologies if it sounded a little 'cranky' lol http://www.bartleby.com/141/strunk5.html I visit this site weekly to remind myself of the 'rules of thumb'. I know it doesn't show in my writing, but then again, I'm learning as I go... sloowwwwwllyyyyy heheh It is statements like these that I have issues with. Why is it the 'best' method? Who says? Couldn't someone who is proficient, write it anyway they like, and have it come out just as well without any detriment to the story? CJames suggested that I try a third person narrative in a sneak peak I recently posted. The idea never occured to me, and it is something I will DEFINATELY do! I'm so glad he was honest with me, and made the suggestion. It's exactly what the chapter needs instead of the odd ball additional first person narrative. Being that that specific character will most likely never have another narrative in the the story, I was struggling with exactly how to move past it, but didn't want to lose the content that was written. It's an essential part of the story that simply can't be voiced by the main character. Now... while this is a great example of what I'm saying here, it's not really the beginning and end of my original post. What I suppose I'd like to know too, is, where might we find a general guideline, written with language I will understand, with examples of what is being explained? Something like.... When writing in first person, unless each character is going to have a voice, only a third person should be included when needed for narrative when the main character isn't able to speak. example 1st 'Shit!" was my last thought as the bullet entered my chest. 3rd The paramedics came to collect BobbyJoe's body and took him to the Hospital. It was a long surgery, but it was a success. yada yada 1st An uncomfortable bed, and the lul of too many drugs welcomed me as I opened my eyes. "Woofty, that is definately going to leave a mark." I suppose even though I've read a few books, and looked through several sights, what is being said there doesn't really sink in until I'm 'in' it so to speak. I guess that comes with experience. Thanks again for helping to shed some light on the 'Rules of Thumb'! Take care!

Marry - Jeff Foxworth (I do love a stoner) Kiss - Bell Engvall Push - Larry the Cable Guy Whoopi Goldberg John Stamos Mr. Rogers

I just fired off an email, and it brought up a subject that I'd like to get your input on. Who are these 'Rule Nazis' that dictate how we write? Painting, singing, dance, music, writing, and many more I don't care to mention are forms of ART right? Music has timing and key. Painting has brush strokes, medium, and canvas. Writing has mechanics, grammar, and spelling. When a new 'style' of painting, for instance, is brought into the public eye, if enough people like it, it becomes a new 'style'. People don't say, 'YOU CAN'T DO THAT! That's against the rules.'. Well some do, but generally the majority wins out, and a new 'style' is born. I've heard on several occasions how you aren't supposed to separate voice, or transition between characters, and many other common preconcieved notions as to 'how' we are supposed to do something. So long as the flow, meaning, and fluidity of the reader isn't impaired, who are we to say 'that's not how you're supposed to do it'. Many times, as I read a reivew of someone's writing, I'll come across a statement that invokes 'rule whatever' telling them they should have used 'this' to do 'that'. I'll think to myself, "Oh! I didn't know that, I'll have to remember that!" More and more I find myself thinking, "Why?" Did it somehow affect your ability to understand what was written? I'm all for spelling, grammar, and punctuation. I'm all for making every sentence easy to read and flow smoothly. I suppose what I have issues with, is why these other 'rules' exist. Did someone just get bored? Now... once the plot, spelling, grammar and punctuation are all a go, as far as any other 'rules' that come into play... I say SCREW 'EM!

This doesn't surprise me, but honestly... I have a thing about trusting people with thin lips. (silly 'eh?)

What a lonely desolate little thread this has become....

Many times when I 'critique' something I don't really critique. I make a suggestion on another way of stating the same thing. My suggestions are never 'the right way'... only my way of doing it. We each have our own style, and I like to try and give examples for others to see an alternative to what they have written. Knotme was very kind with giving me a more constructive critique via pm, though it was a far cry from anything brutal. He offered to place it in my thread, but I opted against that. Someone elses thread needed to be above mine. There were more than enough comments in 'Invisible' and I wanted to see the others hop up in position. I have a problem with seeing any thread with only one or no posts that sits ignored for any amount of time. So I'll go through each of them and if I have something worth while to post, then I'll add to it. If no one has posted 'anything' then I'll leave a comment even if it is trivial. Someone needs to let the person know that it's been read. Yes I know there is a 'view' column, but that doesn't mean much other than someone entered the thread and then left it as barren as it started. There are of course nice ways to critique. We can be positive starting with our 'bitch' and then ending on a good note or mix and match our praise and complaint. I just try to be as kind as I can when I have a part that was confusing to me, or I thought possibly a word was a bit over used. I am one of the people that is also guilty of using said too much. I try to weave action in and out of place to avoid it, but it's not easy! (excerpt of what I'm working on) ---

Keep your kisses for the next contstuctive criticism. You asked... so I'll give you my opinions. First and foremost... and above anything else... my ability to actually SEE the story is going to impact whether or not I'm going to try and read it. Spinning is printed too small, or my resolution is far too high, but for the love of god man, I'm 34. Make it easier for us old folks to see the words 'eh? I also, happen to be colorblind.... Black on a brown background... well... it's not easy for me. Now.... I know that isn't the criticism you intended or expected.... so I'll get to the story and quit my bitching I'll post again when I have something useful for you I'll go have a peak again at your anthology and see what we come up with --- Edit You know... I still think that is the prettiest sentence I have read in too long. My 'criticism' is going to be weak. My only complaint would be that you use a lot of run on sentences. You have a tendancy to link too many compound thoughts and sentences with a comma. Break them up, it'll flow better. Honestly, even this is not as cumbersome as this might make it sound. Other than a chance few places, that is honestly my only half hearted complaint. I think it's great. I guess it's hard for me to compelled to complain about something I think is damn near perfect. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. Take care!

2000.... that's a lot. It's kind of hard to comprehend having 2000 separate thoughts put down in words in an untold number of topics. I's funny how you have hit 2000 posts as I have just recently hit my 200'th. And here I thought I was a gabby thing. Keep trucking Kitty. You always have the kindest things to say. Take care.

I've just finished Reading the first chapter of the 'Ana' story. It definately has my interest! I've left a review of it and Somewhere Only We Know (excellent song and story) As for 'Ana' the only thing I found off was 'anorectic'. I could be wrong, but I think the term is 'anorexic'. Great stuff! Can't wait to read more!

(Reading Cerulean Sins) Cerulean Sins in my pants. (Just watched Superman Returns) Superman Returns in my pants.

Well... I'm sure removing the garter and the dollar dance during the reception was interesting

I just read the letters, and have every intention of working my way through all of the stories on this page. They were Great!!! How someone could harbor this much innocent delusion is beyond me, but strangely enough I know it's possible. I wonder how the poor man will react when he realizes he has been so incredibly oblivious to the truth. A parents ability to wear rose colored glasses never ceases to amaze me. Loved the letters Graeme. I'll devour the rest shortly! Take care!

This is rich! How the righteous have fallen, and continue to fall, over and over again. Is it just me, or does anyone else marvel at the hypocrisy. It seems that those that scream the loudest for moral reform of one sort or another are often raging from someone elses bed.

Chapter 15 has been released. It's been a rough week for the characters of my stories lol... they're dropping like flies!

I'm definately in on this one...!

Downloading the video as we speak Their music is good. Reminds me of Weazer, Blue October or Hawthorne Heights. I prefer a little more screaming in my music (most days), but this is good stuff! --- Edit Just finished watching the video... pretty cool!

Congratulations to you all! You most certainly deserved it! You give us beginners something to strive for, and teach us so much along the way. So, again... congrats!!!

Place comments here please... (if you have any). I know we've all had a LOT of great stuff to read lately. So if you get a chance great. If not... no worries. Take care!

No, it was just one of the local assholes in town yelling out, being a dick. The parents still live there. Highschool kids and young adults (where I come from) were forever yelling something out the window when they passed a particular residence or place. Heheh it was juts a random misleading coincidence I threw in for confusion sake