DarkShadow

It's interesting. My English Literature teacher in Middle and High School was one and the same throughout my arduous time there. Vic, as we called her, didn't seem to take much in the way of outer 'pressures' when it came to stories we read or movies we may have watched afterward. After reading Romeo and Juliet, we watched a movie of the same story. It was very well done, but I recall there being a nude scene where the character Romeo climbed out of bed (they had just finished doing the nasty) as was nude as he walked to the window. Of course, all you could see was his ass, but still... it was 'sanctioned' nudity. Of course there was one student that had to make some smart comment. I'll never forget her reply... "Get used to it. We've all got an ass." (yes she said ass) "Be glad that right now you only have to look at it, because later in life, you'll be chapping your lips on one." She then made a comment saying how she thought the boy was quite attractive which made us all laugh. We were allowed and encouraged to read aloud in class, and when there was a swear word in the context, we said it loud and clear. I doubt all of the parents would have approved of either, but it was still the curriculum she chose, and we learned a great deal from it. We read a great deal of Shakespeare during those years and I am sure, if you are at all acquainted with the material, you know that there is at least one phrase in each story that could possibly offend someone. That doesn?t however negate the true joy and wonder of reading such wonderful work. It perturbs me that some would have the world perceived like a ?Leave it to Beaver? episode rather than the ?Roseanne? reality that it is. Still? we teeter on the edge of offense and worry about bruising someone else?s fragile sensibilities at every turn. I think it is ridiculous and the preconception leaves younger members of society ill equipped to deal with the harsh reality that is our world, which, should be, our ultimate goal. This sink or swim attitude is what I believe to be a major factor in the more recent hostile actions in our schools, and a precursor to the growing violence in our society. The notion that everything ?should be? peaches and light to a young adult or adolescent who is enduring anything but, only emphasizes the torture they endure when entering the world, or wake to each day. Anyhow.... those are my thoughts.... right... wrong... or indifferent.

Since seeing this first bit I went ahead and looked for more. It's not amazing to me how much hate and ignorance is out there. I suppose my only wish for these fools, is that they end up living in the exact world they wish to create.

Exactly... and.... if I don't get my butt in gear and get something to him soon heh he'll probably think I've reverted to another hiatus! That is one thing I do like about that place though. They never push for more chapters. He just posts them as they come without complaint. (shameless plug) For those of you following the Midnight's Rainbow Series... another chapter of The Druid will be out soon and can be found there. Of course... you could have found it here heheh but I've not received a reply to my latest email (sent Jan 1) request for hosting (poke poke) Then again with so many wonderful stories and authors here, I'm sure my scribbles won't be missed. Either way as was stated earlier... I wager that you just caught them during maintenance or an update. Everything was up and running properly just moments ago. Take care!

In one of my chapters I recently wrote: Long ago, I learned that life on this rock is little more than one distraction after the next, interrupted by the odd obsession and occasional sorrow. To expand on that I suppose I should add ;) Life is also the lessons we teach by our actions, and the lessons we learn from the fall out of other people's decisions. I know you weren't searching for an answer to your poem. It's beautiful by the way... but the sentiment seemed appropriate and I thought I would post it. Take care!

I suppose that's why I love the town I live in here in Florida. The town is quartered NW, NE, SW, SE. Each street and avenue has a number. If you've got an address.... unless you're just mentally defective... you can find your destination by following the progression of numbers. Cities that have only names of streets or a combination, are a complete enigma and must be learned by process of elimination (ie Louisville, KY) . It would be different if street names were in alphabetic order, but it's all ad hock. I sometimes wonder if this is an attempt to keep outsiders away. It's crazy, non productive, and I think an added complexity that should not exist save for the simple fact that 'simple reason' has been replaced by public relations bullcrap. How in the hell does someone explain that to find 'wherever' they need to go down 17th until they hit Muhammid Ali Blvd, then take a left on 10th (it's a one way) and stop right before Broadway, and that if they go to Main or Magnolia, they've gone too far. I now totally understand and appreciate the need for GPS and the gizmos that guide us to our destination.

Ohmmmmm... oh hell no! That asshole just cut me off! WHOOPS! That's a lady... woofty! Two bagger, thank you come again! Actually I was referring to when I know the general lay out of a town, and just meander down roads I've never traveled, but know... in general I'm going the right direction... kind of. lol Eventually I get to where I want to be, and I might just happen across a kick ass yard sale! :)

I figured I would toss in my two cents here. (at this rate I'm going to be out of change in no time) If you enjoy writing, and you want to tell the story creeping around in your mind, by all means do it! I couldn't help wondering after reading what you had here... okay... what's his name... the protagonist and the object of his desire. What's he look like? What class is he in? (heheh does he even care that he's totally not paying attention to anything but the guy across the room?... or .... can he even help it!?) These are GOOD things... it will make the reader want to continue in hopes of finding those answers. There are always style issues, and your style will evolve as you progress. However, none of this will happen if you don't continue! Don't let what some people think shade your motivation to keep on working at it, if this is something that you find you enjoy! You will have some people tell you that there are certain rules that you must follow. Well... that's utter BULLCRAP! Yes...there are some things that you should try to follow so that there is ease of reading. If someone has to work too hard to read your work, they may give up. That isn't the case here, but I figured I'd better say it before someone else chimed in. Some people are so petty that they won't even read a story if it is spaced traditionally with two spaces after a period. Well... for decades that was the practice, and people still managed, but today, there are those that simply won't yield unless you cater to their preconceived notions. Don't make their handicaps yours. I'm sure the spacing of sentences wasn't a factor for those that enjoyed such stories as 'The Grapes of Wrath', 'Wuthering Heights', or 'Romeo and Juliet'. 'Screw 'em!' I guess my point is this... don't obsess on the rules. It'll come with practice, experience, and time. I suppose that my best advice is this. READ! There are so many things that can be learned just from reading a story you enjoy. The second best advice I could give would be to get a good editor. You'll learn mountains from them if you pay any attention at all. Even now I have a list of my common mistakes that I review before shipping off a chapter to my editor. Then again... I also have a list of rules I have set for myself personally that really have nothing to do with proper punctuation or grammar. (ie NO adverbs!) This is my own rule... no one elses lol I impose it upon myself because it's a personal taste. In one book, I completely eliminated the use of the word 'said' in all dialogue. This was a practice to force myself to 'show' vs 'tell' when I was writing. It was a challenge, but it was a lot of fun too! There will be people who don't like your story, and there will people that love it. It's no different than someone liking liver and another one gagging at the thought of it. Everyone has their own personal preference. One warning before I quit rambling. If you should ever get a negative review, wait a day before replying. Read what they have said, and try to objectively discern if they are being constructive... or just being an asshole. If Senior Assmaster is being that... an ass.... thank him for reading in a reply and continue on about your day. Don't let it get to you. If someone is being a jerk, then realize it for what it is and don't give it any merit. If on the other hand, you find that what they are saying may be true... think on it and decide if you would or wouldn't like to change to improve what they are pointing out. A good or bad review should NEVER be personal, and I hope that you never take one that way. It's so easy to miss things when we 'as writers' know exactly what we mean, and the reader comes across baffled and asked questions we think should be completely obvious. Well... enough of this I guess... I need to get to work on another chapter. Take care and please continue!

It cracks me up what money is spent on for research these days. I am the designated navigator most times. Be it a brand new city, or out in the boon docks I generally find my way. I call it ZEN driving. I know what direction I want to go, and one way or another, I'll get there. In heavy traffic with 8 and 10 lane traffic I have never had problems with knowing far in advance which lane I should be in so that I can make the appropriate exit. Now... this does NOT mean I have never been lost. Strangely enough... I'm one of the first people (even if I think I'm on the right track) to stop and ask 'Where the hell am I?!' I don't think this is so much a gender specific issue, as it is a 'who hates to drive the most' issue lol It's not as easy for the driver to pay attention to every little sign when they are trying to keep from ramming into another car. The navigator doesn't have that worry, though I've slammed my foot on the floorboard many times where a brake pedal SHOULD have been! I spent many years in large city rush hour traffic and have little trouble getting where I need to go. The rules are the same, it's just a new set of idiots on the road usually ;) Eventually traveling in larger cities, knowing which lane to be in when your exit is coming up becomes second nature even if you've never been there before. Mile markers are a wonderful thing :) Well that's my two cents ;) Take care!

Thanks all! I thought this might be he place to ask and I'm glad there are so many willing to help. I like the idea of placing a person's name in place of the pronoun. It seems to help me when I read it aloud so that I can inflect whatever emotion that applies in the context of the writing. Much appreciated!

Only.... This seems to be my biggest torment to my editor and to myself. How and when do you know the placement? For instance.... If I had only known.... If only I had known.... Now I figure the first is correct, but for some reason, as I write, I seem to place 'only' in the wrong place. I am sure it drives my editor up the wall (well he tells me it does so I know for fact that it works his nerves) Is there a simple way of knowing when and where to place the abstract word 'only'? ---- Simile and Metaphor How do you know which to use...... For instance... The pyre lit his face like the flashes of a 4th of July celebration. Flashes of color painted his face as fiery tongues stretched toward the sky. Now I wager either can be used, but I wonder which is actually appropriate or proper. It's these little things that drive me insane as I write.... any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

LONG LIVE THE PENGUIN!!!! Aye-aye-aye-aye-aye-aye-aye-aye-aye-aye-aye-aye-aye-aye-aye

Some days I'm feeling more combatant than others, so it often dictates my response. If I've had my coffee.. heheh 'Let the games begin!' Question 1... Who did Adam and Eve's son have sex with. His mother or his sister? Question 2... If god can do anything, can she make a mountain she can't climb? Question 3... So sweet meat. Why does god make homosexuals? I usually don't get past the first question ;) I've never had any stay past the third heheh. Have a great new year all!

Ohhhh... that is just so not fair! As for your doctor lol I can understand the bitter ;) I have heard that extremely thin people who become ill have no 'body fat reserve' to help stave off the lack of eating. I'll give you a tip if you want to gain weight. Eat a box of Little Debbie Snack cakes and a large bag of chips each day (in addition to your regular meals). Trust me... you'll gain some weight, and probably have a heart attack in about a year. Hmmm... maybe you shouldn't do that. So... in the interest of your plight.... May the fleas of a 1000 camels infest your nethers and your arms be to short to scratch! LOL (just kidding hun) I may be green, but I'm no incredible hulk.... DAMN that jealousy! lol Take care ;)

lol When I first read it I know I nearly spewed Dt. Mountain Dew. It just cracked me up. I'm glad you both liked it lol I have registered on the 'national do not call list' but I know I haven't registered for anything state wise. I'll have to check that out. Thanks for the suggestion! Take care!

Okay... I just got another of MANY telemarketer calls I get each night. My general tactic is to say 'could you hold one moment'.... when you ask that... they are always sure to say 'SURE!'... They think that you might actually listen. Then... very quietly I hang up the phone and let them wait for the beep-beep-beep. Anyway... it reminded me of an email I got a while back and I thought you all might get a hoot out of it so I'm going to copy and paste it here. I thought it was hysterical! How do you all usually deal with them all? (the email) The phone rang as I was sitting down to my evening meal, and as I Answered it I was greeted with "Is this Karl Brummer". Not sounding anything like my name, I asked who is calling. The telemarketer said he was with The Rubber Band Powered Freezer Company or something like that. Then I asked him if he knew Karl personally and why was he calling this number. I then said off to the side, "get some pictures of the body at various angles and the blood smears". I then turned back to the phone and advised the caller that he had entered a murder scene and must stay on the line because we had already traced this call and he would be receiving a Summons to testify in this murder case. I questioned the caller at great length as to his name, address, phone number at home, at work, who he worked for, how he knew the dead guy and could he prove where he had been about one hour before he made this call. The telemarketer was getting very concerned and his answers were given in a shaky voice. I then told him we had located his position and the police were entering the building to take him into custody. At that point I heard the phone fall and the scurrying of his running away. My wife asked me, as I returned to our table, why I had tears streaming down my face and so help me, I couldn't tell her for about fifteen minutes. My meal was cold, but it was the best meal in a long, long time. (heheh something to try for your next telemarketer )