Crackerwriter

Funny you should mention feedback - I haven't had a single bit since I came on this site, yet I've had a lot of hits there and people have been reading the stories. (I hope). Strangely, mostly the only severe critisism I get is from Lynne, (ic50) who's got so far 'into' the stories, she's sorted out every little niggle that I've managed to get wrong. A few blundering errors I corrected before I re-posted here on GA. I managed to get two characters at two different places at the same time! Not good! Apart from that I think I only ever had one really scathing email, so I took on board what he was saying, but din't take it to heart. That's a definite no-no. It can put a writer off for good. Not me, I must have a thick neck! I think as long as the critisism is justified, then fair enough, but people should never knock a fantasy story too much, because what's real to one person, may just not be for another. Real stories are a different thing. If the reader doesn't want to believe you, tough. That's up to them. I tend to write with a 'fly-on-the-wall' style mostly, but with the central character's thoughts written down as a plot to maintain continuity and develop the character. Mostly it's me anyway - oh gloom what am I divulging here? - or written in the first person maybe. So the crux of the matter is, be fair in your critisism, but don't batter the poor author under the table with a baseball bat. He/she is only trying their best to please the majority of readers. After all, most of us are only amateur writers. (I can think of a very few who ought to take it up professionally mind you). And did you have to pay to read it? No. So why moan so loudly?

Hey cheer up buddy, life isn't always dull! Go look up that friend of yours if you can find him - maybe something WILL come (cum?) of it, LOL. Shame about your Grandma. I was close to mine too. I think most Grandmothers are always close to their grand Grandsons somehow, and very few can do wrong in their eyes! Maybe it's the rose=tinted spectacles! But I'll bet she would have helped you talk about your sexuallity. Pity you didn't try her out on that one; I reckon she'd still have loved you no matter what. Now go ponder on something really positive and then write and tell us all about it!!

Ok Rainbow, now you can see fine, best get busy LOL. Seriously though, glad to hear all has gone well. Bet Mike's pleased too.

Perhaps over-optimistically, I posted that soon after the Halloween contest closed, but in truth, I wasn't joking. Hey guys, I'm not asking for more votes for myself, honestly, but surely more of you could vote than did? Give the other people that bothered writing a story a bit more encouragement by sticking in a vote or so? Only twelve votes so far in a month. That's not what I would have thought was a great result to be frank. If there is a problem voting because you're not a member, then sign up!! LOL. Best excuse ever! And do try and read all of them before you vote, ok? I'm just asking on behalf of the other guys, no more votes for me, I don't mind.

Hmm... now you've got me thinking that it's the first time I might want Santa sitting on MY lap!

::groans!::

Happy Birthday Patrick! :king: Does this mean you'll be changing your name to Patrickgay18?

See? I knew I'd guessed right!

Welcome to any new members I've missed, and I know there are a few. Welcome particularly to Louis, who is a personal friend and lives nearby. It was apparently quite a surprise for him to find out I was the author of one of the stories he reads! So welcome to GA, Louis. Hope you find more friends like I have.

shouldn't that be lithp? Think about it.

Sure will Mike, you're both in my thoughts. I don't know; Lynne has started a rush to the hospital! First her, then Pyro, now Rainbow. Good luck to all anyway. From yet ANOTHER Mike! LOL

Happy Birthday Julien. Hope you had a nice day and enjoyed the company! :king:

I often mention the GA site if I'm in Nifty chat and point out that it's not in competition with Nifty, but often working with it, since many stories are referenced from here. When I'm there I mention the fact that they might find several authors who post there that are not apparently around any more. It seems that not so many people have heard of GA as we might have thought. Even some authors have shown interest in coming here too; (Mikkiwriter for instance, who joined us a while ago), but we must make sure that people who do come are made to feel welcome and are encouraged as much as possible. It's kind of disappointing to post a story and then get no feedback. I agree with Comicality, it's important to mail the author after you read a story, even if it's just a single line; there's nothing worse than wondering if anyone at all is reading the stuff you write. I'm not saying this for my own sake, but for all authors generally - please send that message and give encouragement. It's SO important.

Certainly wouldn't want to wish him any harm. Let's hope he gets better very soon anyway. Anyone actually in touch other than on here? Are you Mike? I think we're going to have to find a special "get well" smiley. 'nuvver Mike.

I've an idea of what 'normal' is going to be - and it's not printable here!!

Hmm... I must admit to the 'lie, lay, and lain' bits being one of my downfalls. I have been meaning to look it up for ages, so thanks for that! Lying as in telling the truth has never been much of a problem, but going to a prone position is something else! Hey we're only human!

At least we've got you back with us Lynne!

Start "decking out" with too much holly these days over here, and you'll have the law round asking where you knicked it from! :sigh: times change.

Um, I suppose you could try wearing a skirt? Unless of course you live in Scotland, then you have to make sure your kilt is a shocking pink.

welcome to all new members; Blewice, Oberon_Lord_of_Avalon, and bigboyer. Welcome to GA all of you; have fun here!

A friend of mine claims he heard (Sir)Cliff Richard disputing with another guy, just who was going to take some cutie home with them. (circa 1971)

Why should you feel so obliged to tell them? Time after time I see posts about guys worried sick about breaking it to their families, and how they'll take it. I never did tell my family - they figured it for themselves eventually and no one made any homophobic comments as a result. I reckon they weren't sure how I'D take it if they did! Not that they're like that anyway. If you are worried about telling them then don't - let them deal with it; it'll be their problem if they can't accept it. Hell, let's face it you don't need more problems than you've already got. One thing though. For those of you in your teens, and I guess that's the biggest group that worry about such things, be prepared to talk honestly if one day one or both of your parents ask you to sit down and talk to them. Have it prepared in your mind what to say, and don't whatever you do rant and rave at them as though you were feeling guilty. You're not guilty of anything - you were just made that way.

Hmm.. I remember my first kiss with a boy... It was before we moved to Hampshire, when we lived near South Croydon. I remember being at infant

:wacko: Of course, we don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in the UK, but I hope all you guys in the US have a nice weekend. For me, it'll probably be a toss-up between bangers and mash or a chicken curry!! and then some more

Glad to know you're able to go back home Ethan, even if there isn't a lot of money about yet, things could be much worst. At least you still have your mum to be with; give thanks for that.