A Message to the New Writers

Hello you.

You've finally decided to take the plunge and write a short story for the latest contest.
No doubt, as soon as you posted it you fretted about your decision to 'go public'.
Then you likely refreshed your page over and over to see if anyone had left a star, flag or reply.
If so, this message is for you.

For many of us, the decision to enter a contest was not really about stars or flags...it was about being brave, lol...and hoping to achieve the status of "Writer" in a place that has such talent in it's membership.
Those of us who do have that status, are only in competition against each other now. We do not go up against any of the "non-writer" stories.
So we get 'applauses', and a pat on the back...the winner chooses the next theme.
That's a big responsibility because you need to think of something that will attract attention and stir those creative juices!

Most of us enter a new contest because we are interested/challenged by the topic, but the "need to win" isn't really there anymore. It's more about "Do I still have what it takes to be a contender?" or "Hey, cool...what can I do with this subject?"

A lot of the S&F's are earned due to luck. Timing.
Sometimes you just happen to post it when the supportive members are on, and they quickly give you a good head start (because some of us try to show support to others). There is no club or clique, but yes...there is a rather large group of members who have become friends and are also writers and active participants. (The majority of the members here are never involved in the fiction/contests at all...it's not their thing.)

What is your point, jacy?
My point is...don't get too attached to your score if you don't win (or place).
Your score is not really a gauge of your talent...and you should never give up if writing is something you enjoy.

Once, in art classes...we were visited by a rather famous local potter who was teaching us how to use the wheel.
He made a perfect vase, and then crushed it flat! As we all gasped in horror, he said...
"Do NOT get attached to your art. As an artist, KNOW that you can always produce another piece that is just as good if not better."
I never forgot those words of advice.

Sometimes we are not good judges of our own writing. I have often receive huge amounts of praise for pieces that I almost deleted while thinking "What is wrong with you? this is utter crap!!"

Hopefully I've seen every entry, and if not please send me a link in a private message.
I wish everyone "Good luck!" and hope that you all continue writing and participating here...because some of us really appreciate it.

jacy

originally posted by: jacygirl
There is no club or clique, but yes...

No, but there is a certain member who, for a price, will throw you a Star and Flag.

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus

originally posted by: jacygirl
There is no club or clique, but yes...

No, but there is a certain member who, for a price, will throw you a Star and Flag.

Now that you've exposed our arrangement, the price has gone up.

Jacy, you still get them for free

I just refreshed the page and was SO excited to see that I'd already had company!!

Imagine my disappointment, finding you two.
*insert huge smirk*

Haha...thanks y'all!
I've learned who to bribe for favours (note spelling) around here.
How'd you think I got to be...The Donut Witch???

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

So you mean I can just pay and not have to pretend to be friends with people and get on their good sides?????

a reply to: jacygirl

I thought it was magical girly superpowers....but that makes sense too, I suppose.

originally posted by: Shamrock6
a reply to: jacygirl

I thought it was magical girly superpowers....but that makes sense too, I suppose.

You DO know that all this banter just "fuels my fire", right?
Most of my stories are based on members' character's here (online persona)...and it's like you're all my muses.
Which amuses me.

originally posted by: knowledgehunter0986
So you mean I can just pay and not have to pretend to be friends with people and get on their good sides?????

Yup. Do you honestly think people would be nice to me if I weren't paying them?

a reply to: jacygirl

Well said, Canadian Witch Woman!

I write simply to write.

I take the time and flag and star every writer not necessarily because of the story but because someone opened up and shared something personal.

Writing is an expression of self. It is a facet of a brilliant cut jewel that is each and every one of us.

Always write, always express, don't do it for the stars and flags or even the replies.

Do it for the utter joy of doing it.



And Augustus is a dookeyhead.

originally posted by: DBCowboy
And Augustus is a dookeyhead.

Do you honestly think you are the first person who has called me that?

Today.

originally posted by: jacygirl

originally posted by: Shamrock6
a reply to: jacygirl

I thought it was magical girly superpowers....but that makes sense too, I suppose.

You DO know that all this banter just "fuels my fire", right?
Most of my stories are based on members' character's here (online persona)...and it's like you're all my muses.
Which amuses me.

Amusing muses is good, I thought.

I just hope my character comes across as having killer legs

a reply to: DBCowboy

Bravo, and thank you!!
(you want the doilies back in your man-cave don't you?)

I also s&f every story because I'm not in competition mode when I write, I do it for my own enjoyment.
I would hate for anyone to quit doing something they enjoy.
(even Mason)


But...if ya take a look at my ex's...you will see I have a strange attraction to 'dookeyheads'.

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus

originally posted by: DBCowboy
And Augustus is a dookeyhead.

Do you honestly think you are the first person who has called me that?

Today.

Dude.

You have it on your business cards.

originally posted by: DBCowboy
Dude.

You have it on your business cards.

Do you not think it makes me appear professional?

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

It's classy.

That's why I have "bathroom selfiies" on mine.

originally posted by: DBCowboy
It's classy.

That's why I have "bathroom selfiies" on mine.

I like how you can read the graffiti written in the stall. Makes you appear 'authentic'.


(Thread hijack level=grand master)

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus

originally posted by: DBCowboy
It's classy.

That's why I have "bathroom selfiies" on mine.

(Thread hijack level=grand master)

Hey, no worries.
I just realized that I posted this as a "short story"...lol.

If you guys keep it up, I just might have to add a chapter 2 now.

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

I did most of the graffiti myself.

I find that the medium of bathroom walls and lipstick defines who I am as an artist.


(Thread hijack level=ninja)

originally posted by: jacygirl
Hey, no worries.

Not much anyone can add to your Original Post, it was dead on. Do things because you like and enjoy them, not for third party approval.

And DB is a smelly fat wad.

originally posted by: jacygirl

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus

originally posted by: DBCowboy
It's classy.

That's why I have "bathroom selfiies" on mine.

(Thread hijack level=grand master)

Hey, no worries.
I just realized that I posted this as a "short story"...lol.

If you guys keep it up, I just might have to add a chapter 2 now.

You just said. . . . "#2"

*giggle*