General Chat

~~~~~to all :-D

Dermot I will have a look at that when I get back (shopping :-() EDIT oh I don't think I can online?

I will send something out at the weekend, I think it will just be a bit about my family tree this time rather than fiction.
Do you find that if you are reading fiction at the time you can't write it? I think when I am, I compare what I can do with what a good writer does and despair lol. ...makes mental note only to read 'rubbish' so I think "I can do better than that anyway" ;-)

Strangely Rose I find I am 'enthused' by reading something, especially if it is good and have said to myself in the past/ "That is good, I can use something similar to that". Dermot I will try and find that on line later thanks. :-)

Yes, I am happy to to gather any work together and send on a weekend. I have only one comment to make, I would never pick some,one up on their punctuation. I am of the opinion, that this is classed as a bit of fun. Surely it is the content of the story, poem etc. that is important . I would add , that from my own personal viewpoint , I consider that it is being very critical to pick up on typos and punctuation. I will not be doing that , I do hope no one minds, all critiques are very personal, and I would hate to hurt another writers feelings , by commenting in such a way. You do not have to be an English Graduate to write a story or poem.

So far, I have been truly amazed at the talent that is out there, in cyber land, and I am extremely pleased to be part of the group. So far, I believe I have acknowledged everyone's work. but if I have not, am I forgiven ?

I have not felt this literate for years !!

Regards Jan

Jan I honestly don't mind being picked up on punctuation and typos because when we started 2 years ago it was with a view to learning seriously how to write and get published, but I will make a mental note not to pick up any punctuation or typos of people who prefer it that way.

We used to even restrict ourselves to a word count for discipline and some of us tried to get short stories published. Sadly it was about that time that the number of magazines accepting short stories diminished so we were not very successful.

I welcome being told of any typos or punctuation errors, as my grammar is not the best! But have taken on board what you would prefer, Jan. BC XX

Hi All :-D ~~~~~

re: punctuation.. I am of the same mind as Ann and don't really mind 'a bit' of criticism.It is mostly given in a friendly way so not too serious.....I know, for myself, it keeps me on my toes ;-) as I like to try and remember what my favourite English teacher taught me lol

Glad you're enjoying the group Jan you sound (if you don't mind my saying) liberated!...which imo is good :-)

Mau xx

edit I will also respect your views Jan x

I don't mind being picked up on typo's and grammar :-) I usually notice my own just as I press 'send' lol.

I know I haven't submitted yet, but when I do I would welcome constructive criticism, including any typos or other errors. I can't really see the point of doing it otherwise.

If I enjoy reading a piece of work, but feel that the punctuation needs attention, do I keep quiet about the latter and just say 'Thanks, I enjoyed that'?
Be far easier :-)

Just like Mau, I am reminded of my lovely English teacher, who was Welsh !!

She said, content was more important than punctuation. She used to say, it is easy to sort out punctuation, but harder to sort out rubbish content, so we are all influenced by the past. Wend, we will all now know that you feel something needs punctuation looking at, when you write, "Thanks, I enjoyed that "

I would like to take this open opportunity for thanking all of you for your encouragement, and yes I am liberated !!

Jan :-D

Wend, I know that sometimes my fingers overtake my brain so please do continue to pick up my typos (Lol Like getting the names of Jay and Wayne transposed in the last one. And I didn't even notice when I read it through! :-D :-D

My wonderful English teacher, Marjorie Dearle, who at the age of 95 has recently had a book published, always instilled good punctuation and grammar into us, whilst encouraging us to use our imaginations to the full.

Actually, I have just googled her and read her poem about her son (and only child) Simon. He dropped down dead in 1963 from a heart attack, aged 13, when he was playing football. I hadn't read it before and it brought a tear to my eye. I, and my contemporaries at school, remember well how we all wept with her at school after she lost him. So sad. She wrote to me recently and said 'I so wish you lived nearer to me, but you live in my heart.' I was very touched.

Goodness a book at 95, there is hope for me yet!! Well, probably not as I have never plucked up courage to try for publication Lol!!!

Wend
Your English teacher Marjorie Dearle sounds like a remarkable woman.I've googled her poem written in memory of her son,it gave me goosebumps.Losing her only child must have been very hard.

Not surprise you were touched by the letter she sent what kind words.

Good teachers always instill wonderful memories in us. Please, continue to do what you usually do regarding punctuation, like many others,I find that I always pick up the mistakes, when you read it through again. Such is life, it's like thinking of just the right thing to say, after you have already said something else !

Incase I have not replied to those who were so kind to give me
their opinion on my first attempt at writing, thank you all.

Emma x

Emma well done for biting the bullet. You piece was interesting as was your Aunt. Any more like her please?

Intrigued Ann by the lady in your photo...is there a story there ?

the lady was my maternal grandmother Jan. Nothing much unusual in her life but I can look to see if her story is worth telling to you. :-)

Finished!

Just tidying up a piece to send out at the weekend :-) It's non -fiction this time, makes a nice change to write something I don't have to 'make up' lol.

I have noticed that I am still not getting replies from everyone. Not sure whether to live with it or to stop sending to them. That is not including those who have excused themselves.