Richard Norway

Graeme is following one of the principal rules of writing. Write what you know about. If I tried to write a story set in the Outback, it'd come across as set in Minnesota without the snow.

If you're interested in screenplays, take a look at 'Final Draft' for software. It's the most popular formatting software used by most screenwriters. Your creativity has to come up with the story though. You can find the software online for $ 229 at http://www.finaldraft.com/ or you can browse through the store and buy for $ 169 at The Writers Store 2040 Westwood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90025 866.229.7483 If you're also looking for information on the specifics to screenplay story, I recommend Roberts McKee's book titled 'Story.' It's excellent and can be used for story elements in novels and short stories too. You should try your hand at screenwriting as you're so close to the industry. I love it. Things in your story are much more tied together than in a novel. Hope this helps. Richard

Ah, yes. The words are succint, but the image couldn't be more encompassing. Thank you Trab. That gives me the courage to face another day with my head held high. Richard

Don't forget those anal engineers. Rightr Cole? And best of luck this morning on that test. Richard

I checked with my local bank for exchange rates, but it took them a couple of hours to find Raccoon in their computer, but they eventually found it. It turns our that $500,000,000,000.00 RD (Raccoon Dollars) equals about $ 1.38 USD.

Trab, Where can I find that story? With a title like that, I have got to read it.

I don't believe that a tv series title has ever been protected by copyright.

I?ve used Avast and Spybot for 5 years without any problems. They?re both free, although with Avast, you have to re-register every year. But it?s still free. They?ve seemed to keep my PC clean....so far.

Has anyone heard of yWriter4 (there?s a Beta 5 out, but not recommended to use yet)? I just ran across it. It?s free at http://www.spacejock.com/yWriter4.html Has anyone tried it? Had problems with it? Used it with success?

But Des, you can?t vote here.

II rreeaallllyy lliikkeedd tthhaatt. Richard (putting on specs.) thanks

I too had your impression of an UNended story, but withheld any comment. I didn't desire to give my foot another pleasurable moment by winding up in a place that it so loves...my mouth. This such a rich story. I feel a continuation coming, the stage has been set. (OMG, a cliche, but in this case it fits.) It needs the icing on the cake to complete it. It's the postage stamp on sending off a manuscript to a publisher. It's the putting away the lube after...not going there. I've got more if you want. Seriously though, I've read a few unhappy ending stories and a few stories that just ended. But this one needs completing. Richard

Thanks Des, I kind of spoke too quickly in my last post. When I closed AD, there it was, behind everything, the download window. I went ahead and downloaded it. I'll also check out WebWord. I used iespellcheck on this post. And you what? You're not in there, couldn't find 'Des.' Thanks Richard

Spellchecker? SPELLCHECKER!?? What spellchecker? I didn't know there was one. You guys are absolutely despical! You've let me go for months with my trusty Webster's in hand and haven't said a word (or typed one). And the worst part is that I now have to buy a new one, because I've used it so much that it's now falling apart, pages all over the floor, pulled out hair all over the floor, coffee cup spilled...screaming! Okay. I just found it, but guess what? I have to download something and when I click "OK" to that....nothing happens. I'm going back to my trusty Corona. Well...that still won't get me away from hitting the right keys. Ahhh...Just remember. The humor is in the absurdity of what I say. Richard

What a romantic you are! I loved that poem. I can relate cuz my nose is too...Now...YMCA. That's what it has to be. No excuses.Richard

Call me a romantic. Actually, you can call me anything you'd like, because I don't think you can come up with anything new that someone hasn't used already. Anyway, I really prefer resolution . I guess I want that 'fuzzy slippers' feeling when I'm done reading. I get frazzeled by the conflict in good stories and want to have 'ending.' What I do think about is what is in ACT II, how people react to what is put there by the author for them to resolve. How did they do it? Would I do the same? Do I believe in what they believe in or do I believe differently? Would I have their courage? God, the list goes on and on. I do think about what's being written, but in the end, I want to feel completed. Richard

The one thing that I don't understand is why did the courts have to step in the first place. Yes, the medical profession has a clear set of ethical standards, "prime directives," if you will...DO NO HARM. Is there a reason that the profession itself didn't jump in? Shouldn't the medical profession be censuring it's own members first? Well, I guess not everyone is a member. I'm a professional engineer, and you can bet your ass that if I screw up, go against my "prime directive," they'll jerk my license. Richard

I think you and Faulkner are brothers.

Oh, so many times I wanted to be restless and adventurous, but at the same time wanted to settle down in a relationship. It hurts to want both at the same time, but youth is the time for restlessness. I really liked this. My mind was on an adventure as I read. Richard

Thanks Jack That was just too funny.

Call me old fashion, or just call me what you will, but I still believe that love is the most wonderful emotion. This poem is all about love. Thank you Tiger

Colin: I'm sure glad that your major is computers and that you understand all of what you just said, because I haven't a clue. Now, if you want to know about Eigenvalues used in matrix solutions to indeterminate structures, I'm your man! Richard

Oh man, Camy. What a dark piece. This must have come from a bitter time in your life. You certainly don't sound that way today. As I read, I was becoming depressed, but the depression didn't come from the poem. It came from the realization of just how true it is, how our priorities in life are just so screwed up. The last verse finally gave me hope in pointing out that we must take it upon ourselves to change it. No one else will do it for us. Richard

OMG Colin Thanks. You've just made my day! That's it, nothing is going to lift my spirits more. It's time for bed. Good night all. Thanks again Colin. Richard

My day has been so boring that I almost...almost...wished I'd had a telemarketer call. That post was right out of an old Bob Newhart telephone comedy act. I'm still laughing trying to type...not easy!Thanks Des. You've made my day. I think I'm going to turn of the computer and go creat a wonderful dinner for David. I'll make him laugh too tonight (today!).Richard