Pee Jay

That's a good commentary, Talon. How do you plan to implement it? lol. Your message can only be appreciated by those that understand it! And therefore, I'm sure it goes unappreciated for the most part. That's not good or maybe it is. For Christ sake, editors need work too! hehe. Seriously though, if someone is attempting to write, they should have payed attention to grammar in grade school. That's how basic that stuff is. I must admit, though. In the course of writing, it's sometimes easy to overlook the basics. That's how obvious those mistakes should be to the writer when he re-reads his work. Most of that stuff should be corrected before the editor reads it. If it isn't then it's ill conceived and poorly executed and lazy. All The Best, Pee Jay

This one caught my eye. I have read a ton of stuff on the net that needs editing, serious editing. However, an editor can not a story make and he should reject a request when that happens. He can enhance it whether he does it from beginning to end or vice versa. The point is, do not rely on an editor to make your story. Only you can make a story worthwhile. An editor can correct tense errors, which stand out like a sore thumb to me. Man, I can't tell you how many stories disregard tense and pass for BONN. It drives me nuts to see present, past and/or present perfect tense etc. used in one paragraph. And then there's the adverb used in tandem. For Pete sake, who in the world says, "Surely absolutely" in a third person narrative? I don't know and it's nothing less than amateurtish. It's a turnoff for the reader to be sure. thanks for the opp to vent and all the best, Pee Jay

He is an appointee, he reports to the President, but he does not take his marching orders from the President or anyone else in the Executive Office. Nor does he advance policy or law. He's an enforcer, that's his job. The law is the law and he can't change that. He's bound to uphold it. So he's a non-player in that regard. Yes, he may choose not to prosecute an issue but he can't change the outcome. Pee Jay

All well and good! Rules are for people like me, guidelines. Good writers break them and break them effectively. If you follow the formula your story will be ordinary if you're lucky, vanilla at best. The point, write your story and make it as engaging as you can. Personalize it and make it believable for the reader and you'll have created something. Albeit, not universal in appeal but better than most. You don't have to conceive a "Grapes of Wrath" or "To Kill a Mockingbird" to make your mark. What you do have to accomplish is a good story. It can be plot driven or character based. Either way, if it's well done...you have a piece of work. It's a mindset when you begin. Think it through and execute it. All The Best, Pee Jay

Why not put a voting grid in place, something one can click on. List the story and provide a space to vote. More so since many 'judges' don't always weigh in. As it is, the BoNN is a biased list, albeit the only one available. Don't let another party knock you out of the saddle. Allow the 'masses' to ring in...is that democratic or what? Sure, there's a lot of discourse involved and not everyone shares the same opinion or enjoyment, to be sure. The voting process would preserve that. Recognize what you have and protect it. All The Best, Pee Jay

It was an excellent story and well related. I enjoyed it immensly. A job well done! I wish i could do something that well accomplished. All The Best, Pee Jay

You have an instrument that supposedly does that in BoNN. Refine it if need be. Or as you suggest, open it up to comment. I'm not computer literate so I don't know how one would do that but the vehicle is in place. It needs some adjustment to be worthy of it's claim too. Perhaps you can create a list of stories for comment and have readers rate them. I have no idea how to do that but it could be a work in progress type thing. Maybe ya'll would reserve the nomination process and open up the voting arena to readers. So many clicks on good, better, best etc. That would take the burden off the BoNN reviewers and make for a more universal representation. Out Here, Pee Jay

As someone said above, Poetic license is the essence of creativity. It's a tool to be used and exploited. How it works in the author's favor is directly proportional to his ability to employ it. How do you create that picture in the reader's mind? It's an art and not one that's easily engaged (at least not for me). So now what? Do you spell it out or do you paint the picture? That's the author's dilemna. How much information is required? Either way you go you're vulnerable. You have to do the job. You have to tell the story and tell it well. None of us can dictate a style or method to achieve that end because one's style is unlike the next persons. Yeah, Annie Proulx's description was deficient in some ways. But she accomplished what she set out to do and that's the point. I guess what I'm trying to say is this. Whatever tool or methodology works for you then use it. It might not be something that the rest of us can use effectivelly but if it works for you, enhanaces your story then get 'er going. Rules are rules. Guidelines are important but they can also be forsaken given a good set of circumstances. Punctuation, spelling errors and tense missteps are unacceptable at this point. DON'T VE VANILLA! All The Best, Pee Jayu

It's not the movie I'm talking about. It's the novel. Read it. Irving always mixes characterisation and plot; that's what makes him great. He's off beat in many ways. He explores the 'sin' side of things. Maybe sin isn't the best word but he delves into the seemly side of cultlure. Not dark but the side that most of society would like to dismiss. Gays figure into his stories. I like that. They aren't the focus of things, they are there nonetheless. I likd Irving. All The Best, Pee Jay

I bookmarked it and going to give it a shot. Pee Jay

My God Pec, It isn't easy being you!, lol. Ya gotta read and enjoy a story for what it is. Mechanics are important to be sure. If time and place are meaningful then so be it. Implement and use it as required. Ya don't have to describe dust storms or hurricanes if it doesn't pertain to the story. It doesn't mater the name of the road they drove on. The point being, where did they go and what did they do. Ya don't have to mention the 'waft' of Jasmine outside the window if two dudes are preparing to get it on. You don't have to mention that Brittany Spears was on the radio or Frank Sinatra. You do, however, have to paint the picture and allow the reader to complete it for himself, personalize it to his frame of reference. He can complete the scenario much better than the author. Make the suggestion or case for the situation with some guidelines and allow the reader to finish it off. That's not all that hard to do. A couple sentences of narrative can accomplish that. If you feel compelled to narrate every aspect to the reader you alienate a portion of your audience. If you're watching TV, then ya. You have to spell it out. If you're speaking to a reader then paint the picture and let them color it in for themselves. The point with "Cider House Rules" and the others like it is this. Ya'll had to check to find out the time line, lol. The time doesn't affect the story! It's universal! Does that tell ya something? All The Best, Pee Jay

My God Pec, It isn't easy being you!, lol. Ya gotta read and enjoy a story for what it is. Mechanics are important to be sure. If time and place are meaningful then so be it. Implement and use it as required. Ya don't have to describe dust storms or hurricanes if it doesn't pertain to the story. It doesn't mater the name of the road they drove on. The point being, where did they go and what did they do. Ya don't have to mention the 'waft' of Jasmine outside the window if two dudes are preparing to get it on. You don't have to mention that Brittany Spears was on the radio or Frank Sinatra. You do, however, have to paint the picture and allow the reader to complete it for himself, personalize it to his frame of reference. He can complete the scenario much better than the author. Make the suggestion or case for the situation with some guidelines and allow the reader to finish it off. That's not all that hard to do. A couple sentences of narrative can accomplish that. If you feel compelled to narrate every aspect to the reader you alienate a portion of your audience. If you're watching TV, then ya. You have to spell it out. If you're speaking to a reader then paint the picture and let them color it in for themselves. The point with "Cider House Rules" and the others its this. Ya'll had to check to find out the time line, lol. The time doesn't affect the story! It's universal! Does that tell ya something? All The Best, Pee Jay

Yeah, time and place specific writing can be and is important to the story, if that's what it takes to get the point across think, 'The Grapes of Wrath'. That story is all about a place in time. Then there are stories by King, Grisham, Forsythe and Irving that don't require a venue especially Irving. Tell me what year one of his novels take place. I'm thinking "The Cider House Rules" and "The Hotel New Hampshire" or "The World According to Garp". So now what? Are these best selling authors off base? These stories allow the reader to personalize the venue; color it in for themselves. Take note! You don't have to be specific. You do, however, have to write an engaging story and allow the reader some leeway. If you do that he can complete the picture much better for himself than the author can. That's the bottom line. The story's the thing. Yes, we can get hung up on details. We all have our predelictions. If punctuation or gramatical errors bug you than they bug you. If it's so bad you can't continue then click off and comment. Try to overlook some syntax and punctuation errors in favor of the story and you may be rewarded. It's happened to me several times. Albeit, it takes fortitude and stick-to-it-toveness. You may have to stick to it and be disappointed. That's a crap shoot on the net. There's a lot of 'vanilla' stuff out there that's represented as good. I said too much at this point so I bid ya'll, All The Best, Pee Jay

I'm numb after reading all that. It's way too complicated-sounds like government work! No changes required, keep it simple and straight forward. The existing format is fine. Speak your mind and rest. All The Best, Pee Jay

I read that one too; just finished it actually. It had enough of the things that keep the reader on the hook. And a hook it is not; because it's interesting and full of all the things necessary to pique the reader's interest, draw him in and keep his attention. As with so many of the net stories, you have to give it a few chapters to allow it to 'gear up'. And so it does. It's a keeper; one I bookmarked and will read again at some point in time. This one lives up to the BoNN! All The Best, Pee Jay

Mike and Danny? That's the Nebraska one that moved so slowly, the one that starts out with two guys riding in a pickup and his other half goes out of town or something like that. Then comes back in a snowstorm. I forget the specifics but I read that one I may have the wrong scenario, not altogether sure. I find it's slow moving. I can digest that kind of thing if I'm in bed reading a novel, a good one mind you. On the net, however, it has to move and hold your interest. Albeit, that means different things to different people. But nonetheless, it has to be quicker than published material. Grip the reader, move the story along, hold his interest and deliver the punch; this isn't the venue for intuitive writing. Having said that, whew! I feel lighter and a lot more vulnerable so take advantage of that, let 'er rip. It's fun ya gotta admit. All The Best, Pee Jay

Au Contraire Cole, I have read a lot of good stuff on the list and will continue to rely on it. I did mention that my comments have been mostly negative and for that I'm sincerely apolagetic. It's not my intent to be condescending though you have accurately cited that. With that in mind, grammar and punctuation errors should be given some leeway in lieu of a story, a good story. One that has a plot and moves along. So many of these stories are 'well written' but un-engaging. They don't go anywhere. I'm not representing myself as good because I'm not. All I wish to say is this, give me a story with a plot, a good story line and I'll like it. If it's over-sexed than it's a bit much. I'm not looking for "The Grapes of Wrath" here. I'm looking for entertainment, soft porn and a believeable story, nothing more. All The Best, Pee Jay

This story is shallow. The essence is that two guys get together and that's it. There is well written dialogue but there's no storyline, it doesn't go anywhere. And the venues of NYC don't matter. I've been to those places but the mention of them doesn't help the story; furthermore, it alienates those that can't relate. Next time I comment on the BoN I'm going to make it a point to comment on a good story so ya'll don't think I'm a negative thinker. I have read a lot of good ones there too! And a lot of good ones that aren't there and should be. So there! lol. I guess, like any organization there are favorites and alliances that are hard to break and/ or breach; that's life and the political nature of all of us. It doesn't matter to me if a story only has two stars, I'll read it just the same if it's on the list. If someone thought it was worthwhile than I think I might like it too. There have been a few times that it happened like that and it was gratifying. So "Columbia Avenue" is lackluster; much like the things I write. Give us a break and demote this nearly good effort. Spare us the time and disappointment. All The Best, Pee Jay

I'm just relating my reading experience. It was an engaging and entertaining story; one that held my interest. I don't know anything about the author and I'm not attacking the guy. My feeling was that the story ended abruptly without closure. In his epiloglue, he offers some scenarios for the reader to ingest and personalize, hopefully embrace. I can complete a scenario for myself if adequeately suggested or explained. That's an art; to allow the reader to fill in the picture, color it in for themselves, personalize it. But don't tell the reader to finish it off for themselves...that's lazy or whatever. I feel that "The suggestion can be intoxicating and the definiton can be sobering." See what i mean? Anyway, an author has a job to do! Ya gotta lead me. At least it has to be a complete thought/story line however it's accomplished. All the best, Pee Jay

I just finished the above referenced story. It was engaging and interesting and held my interest. I'm not big on that high school stuff but it did manage to pique my interest and hold it to the end. And I sincerely enjoyed it. However, when the author concludes the story; he tells the reader to finish it off for himself. He says he did his job and the reader is supposed to complete it for themselves. What is that? Could it have been handled with an epilogue? I don't know. Have you ever read a novel by a published author that didn't bring the story to an acceptable conclusion? Has Irving, Grisham, Updike or even King for that matter ever done that? No. My opinion is that the author got lazy and wanted out. I realize that Nifty isn't a literary honorific and it's purpose is based in soft porn or some semblance thereof. But it seems to me that the purpose of this forum is to enhance the body of work that the reader might reasonably consider to be worthy and entertaining. My point is this. I spent a lot of time reading that story. I enjoyed it. And when I finished it; the author left me to my own conclusion and it wasn't a noveau or novel approach. It was lazy and left me in the lurch. So there ya have it. I'm a sitting duck. Open fire! Pee Jay

I'm getting close to having read half the list. I did check the rating spread sheet and have read almost all of the recommendations ya'll mention. I haven't read anything by Dom Lucka and his name always pops up. Next time around, I'll give him a shot. Thanks for the info. Sincerely, Pee Jay

I tried my hand at writing and it's not all that good. Having said that, this story is dumb. It's taken from BoN in case ya'll wonder. It doesn't grip or hold the reader's interest. It's a dud. A bomb! All the best to ya'll, Pee Jay