How This Critter Crits
Viewing comments for Prologue "How This Critter Crits"GROWTH? ADULATION? HURRY -- CHOOSE!
170 total reviews
Comment from Dawn Munro
I wish my memory was better; I might actually be able to thank the member who pointed me in the direction of one Jay Squires, Critter extraordinaire... Mr. Squires is among a handful of FanStory members who keep me coming back for more. I love to read, but much prefer a diet of 'sublime', a rare jewel on a writing site consisting, mainly, of amateurs, would-be writers and bards, not unlike yours truly.
But Jay never disappoints. And he hasn't again. I must be sure to tell him...
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2017
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I wish my memory was better; I might actually be able to thank the member who pointed me in the direction of one Jay Squires, Critter extraordinaire... Mr. Squires is among a handful of FanStory members who keep me coming back for more. I love to read, but much prefer a diet of 'sublime', a rare jewel on a writing site consisting, mainly, of amateurs, would-be writers and bards, not unlike yours truly.
But Jay never disappoints. And he hasn't again. I must be sure to tell him...
Comment Written 20-Jul-2017
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2017
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And "tell me" you did! I am so flattered, Dawn; humbled really by your kind words. I hope the informer is not crew leader at a fast-food chain after one of my crits. Thanks so much, my dear!
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:)) You're very welcome. Very much my pleasure.
Comment from LaRosa
I enjoyed reading that you are determined to remain 'true' to the concept and rules of critting. There are times when it is very difficult for me to be truthful, for some of the same reasons you listed, so I forgo reviewing!
I am confused about how to critique pieces written by people who are learning the English-as-a-second-language jungle. On one hand, how can they grow if they don't hear HOW to grow? On the other hand, I don't want to discourage a writer who potentially has a whole different perspective on life than mine.
I have, often enough, had plenty of my own grammatical errors to face up to. Then I feel a bit scared to correct that in others. I just don't see my written errors and though I re-read several times, still miss them. Then someone shows me and I appreciate it. I think most fall into the same category.
Of course, unless financially 'set', we do have to crit others, then pray they 'got' what we are trying to say without offense.
Also, I have no qualms in giving a 5 to a writer I suspect as having 'challenges' since they ARE doing the best they can possible do; and they're finding joy in the doing of it. The scores given actually don't affect the FS image anyway.
So, it can be a jungle out there at times. Just hafta remember there's always someone better than you are, my motto...
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2017
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I enjoyed reading that you are determined to remain 'true' to the concept and rules of critting. There are times when it is very difficult for me to be truthful, for some of the same reasons you listed, so I forgo reviewing!
I am confused about how to critique pieces written by people who are learning the English-as-a-second-language jungle. On one hand, how can they grow if they don't hear HOW to grow? On the other hand, I don't want to discourage a writer who potentially has a whole different perspective on life than mine.
I have, often enough, had plenty of my own grammatical errors to face up to. Then I feel a bit scared to correct that in others. I just don't see my written errors and though I re-read several times, still miss them. Then someone shows me and I appreciate it. I think most fall into the same category.
Of course, unless financially 'set', we do have to crit others, then pray they 'got' what we are trying to say without offense.
Also, I have no qualms in giving a 5 to a writer I suspect as having 'challenges' since they ARE doing the best they can possible do; and they're finding joy in the doing of it. The scores given actually don't affect the FS image anyway.
So, it can be a jungle out there at times. Just hafta remember there's always someone better than you are, my motto...
Comment Written 19-Jul-2017
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2017
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I'm thrilled you took the time from your busy writing schedule to comment so conscientiously on the points in my post. I wish I had a "thumbs up" to give you, my friend. You deserve it for this crit.
Comment from dweigt
A lot of truth in this, and many of us can relate. I too am more of a critter than reviewer. But you are far braver than me, giving out two and three stars!
My own thoughts on stars and ratings are evolving. It takes a fair amount of ambition and courage to post anything on this site for all to see, and to ask their opinion of it. I believe there is something uplifting about writing, even writing badly. Rummaging about in the muck inside our heads, finding that thought that we think worth sharing, that we need to share, and then putting it on paper and releasing it to the world... We grow as persons by the exercise, and it would be a shame if, by withholding a star that costs me nothing, I somehow discourage that.
That was more than I intended to say here, and probably more than you want to hear.
Good stuff.
Keep writing!
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2017
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A lot of truth in this, and many of us can relate. I too am more of a critter than reviewer. But you are far braver than me, giving out two and three stars!
My own thoughts on stars and ratings are evolving. It takes a fair amount of ambition and courage to post anything on this site for all to see, and to ask their opinion of it. I believe there is something uplifting about writing, even writing badly. Rummaging about in the muck inside our heads, finding that thought that we think worth sharing, that we need to share, and then putting it on paper and releasing it to the world... We grow as persons by the exercise, and it would be a shame if, by withholding a star that costs me nothing, I somehow discourage that.
That was more than I intended to say here, and probably more than you want to hear.
Good stuff.
Keep writing!
Comment Written 19-Jul-2017
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2017
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To the contrary, Dweight, you expressed your thoughts eloquently. If I were to edit my post from the 2009 version you read, it would be to say I rarely give out less than 4 stars nowadays. Thank you for pointing out the need to succor the feelings of a tender new writer. Thank you for your candid words, my friend.
Comment from Meia (MESAYERS)
I enjoyed reading this so much! You have a natural exuberance that spills over into your writing, and I love the word 'critters' to describe the process of 'reviewing' as 'reviewer' never sat well with me being as I am a fellow writer which means I have no room to judge. Only the truly abysmal have ever received a three or two for me, and I loathed to do it but I genuinely only give fives and sixes to work that I love.Thanks for this insight into your mind-it was a fun trip! Kindest regards and well done, Meia :@)
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2017
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I enjoyed reading this so much! You have a natural exuberance that spills over into your writing, and I love the word 'critters' to describe the process of 'reviewing' as 'reviewer' never sat well with me being as I am a fellow writer which means I have no room to judge. Only the truly abysmal have ever received a three or two for me, and I loathed to do it but I genuinely only give fives and sixes to work that I love.Thanks for this insight into your mind-it was a fun trip! Kindest regards and well done, Meia :@)
Comment Written 19-Jul-2017
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2017
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Meia, you are always so kind. Thank you for your thoughts on my first chapter, and for your generous rating. Certainly happy to have you aboard.
Comment from Mustang Patty
Hi Jay; I couldn't help but smile at your description and groupings of the work here on FanStory. Back in 2010, when I first joined the site, I used the same sort of ranking, and it worked well. (Maybe not so much with the last group, but I had to stick to my guns.) However, when I returned from an absence of about five years, I was horrified to find that if you dare to give anything less than a five star rating, you are attacked, muted, or both.
Your writing is always well composed and edited. I'm not entirely sure why people refuse to use spellcheck, or even read their work before posting AND look at it after the program has put it up on the site. But, I've learned to not be so picky, and play by the new rules.
I do find it insulting to get the same 5 star rating as the piece that hasn't been edited, nor follows grammatical rules. But, it is one of those things - I'm not sure how to change it,
~patty~
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2017
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Hi Jay; I couldn't help but smile at your description and groupings of the work here on FanStory. Back in 2010, when I first joined the site, I used the same sort of ranking, and it worked well. (Maybe not so much with the last group, but I had to stick to my guns.) However, when I returned from an absence of about five years, I was horrified to find that if you dare to give anything less than a five star rating, you are attacked, muted, or both.
Your writing is always well composed and edited. I'm not entirely sure why people refuse to use spellcheck, or even read their work before posting AND look at it after the program has put it up on the site. But, I've learned to not be so picky, and play by the new rules.
I do find it insulting to get the same 5 star rating as the piece that hasn't been edited, nor follows grammatical rules. But, it is one of those things - I'm not sure how to change it,
~patty~
Comment Written 19-Jul-2017
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2017
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I don't think you can change the system, just as one can't change human nature. Nowadays, I rarely give a 3 star rating. And any 4 stars I give are with the understanding that I will return the star as soon as the writer lets me know he/she has made the necessary corrections (or defended his/her reason for not changing them.) I don't go back to reread it to "keep them honest."
Comment from apky
The following echo my experience here as well as my sentiments. I might also add that I've received reviews of my own writing that was nothing but gobbledygook, without a single sentence that made any sense whatsoever.
I wonder why these people paid their membership in the first place. Yet submit they do, sometimes prolifically. Usually they refuse to spell check or edit their material. Their grammar is atrocious once you figure out what the words are that are laid out on the screen before you. I tried at first being tactful with them, going to great lengths to point out that they might want to consider changing this, adding here or deleting over there. But did they want that? One, quite to the point, commented after I reviewed his script that I reminded him of his mother! Oh my ...
You can say that again.
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2017
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The following echo my experience here as well as my sentiments. I might also add that I've received reviews of my own writing that was nothing but gobbledygook, without a single sentence that made any sense whatsoever.
I wonder why these people paid their membership in the first place. Yet submit they do, sometimes prolifically. Usually they refuse to spell check or edit their material. Their grammar is atrocious once you figure out what the words are that are laid out on the screen before you. I tried at first being tactful with them, going to great lengths to point out that they might want to consider changing this, adding here or deleting over there. But did they want that? One, quite to the point, commented after I reviewed his script that I reminded him of his mother! Oh my ...
You can say that again.
Comment Written 19-Jul-2017
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2017
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Thanks for reading, Apky, and for acknowledging what I experienced here as realistic.
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
I'm going to enjoy reading this, Jay. It's hard to be objective when you are new to the site, but I think you did the crossover from being nice to everyone and giving them all glowing praise and then critting (love that word) properly, was very well done. But, you have the advantage over many writers here, (namely me!) who can't give an educated crit (love that even more!) because I am always making grammatical errors. I look forward to reading your next part, my friend, and you can continue critting my work as hard and as much as you wish, I would never say you are like my mum!! LOL. :) Sandra xxx
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2017
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I'm going to enjoy reading this, Jay. It's hard to be objective when you are new to the site, but I think you did the crossover from being nice to everyone and giving them all glowing praise and then critting (love that word) properly, was very well done. But, you have the advantage over many writers here, (namely me!) who can't give an educated crit (love that even more!) because I am always making grammatical errors. I look forward to reading your next part, my friend, and you can continue critting my work as hard and as much as you wish, I would never say you are like my mum!! LOL. :) Sandra xxx
Comment Written 19-Jul-2017
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2017
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Awwww, Sandra. you are so kind. I'm proud that you want to continue on with it. I do hope to make additions to the posts, foot-noting those thoughts changes and hopefully elevate it to a better place. Again, thanks for your contributions.
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I really look forward to reading them. :) xx
Comment from Curly Girly
Hi, Jay. I wondered why you have been so quiet, so then I popped into your page and scouted around--I saw this. Whoopee! So, here I am reviewing it.
Strange fact: there was no message in my 'inbox' to say this was being promoted. Why is that?
You wrote:
I have been a FanStory member for about three months now.
Maybe this needs to be extended? 3 months!
Nicole
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2017
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Hi, Jay. I wondered why you have been so quiet, so then I popped into your page and scouted around--I saw this. Whoopee! So, here I am reviewing it.
Strange fact: there was no message in my 'inbox' to say this was being promoted. Why is that?
You wrote:
I have been a FanStory member for about three months now.
Maybe this needs to be extended? 3 months!
Nicole
Comment Written 19-Jul-2017
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2017
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There is a date before the post begins. I believe 2009. That was after my first three months with FS. No message in the inbox because this isn't a new post, but a re-post. Unfortunate, sorry. But, hey! THanks for the kind words and the 6 stars. I really appreciate both.
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Surely, after a 2-year rest, FS would allow you to 'revive' this post.
Comment from --Turtle.
Hi, Jay,
Back in 2015, I didn't stumble into your net until several chapters down the road. So, yay, : ) I get to review this. Rarely do I check the front page, but I've been keeping an eye out for this one. Sneaky non-revive posts.
Anyway,
I think this will be a great read for new reviewers ... bright eyed newbies who are stumbling around the reviewing process and could use a beacon of light to walk towards.
I think this will be a great read for old reviewers ... jaded eyes that have gone around the block a few times, and could use a fresh injection on the reviewing process they may have sunk into their ruts doing.
I think this will be a great read for those inbetween, for just the voice and humor, the easy analysis and an easy to understand flow --all concerning a topic that can't be avoided if you are a fanstory member.... that you have to review.
I think this will be a great read for those who want to read other writer's work ... and then review it.
I know that I enjoyed this on many levels. The clean writing, the topic... by which, in reviewing, it's easy to forget how to do it in a consistent way.
But that's my cross. I'll just thank you for not reminding me I am carrying it.
(I like the warm voice used to intro the critting book. It does well to personalize the opening in a clean and real way. You make it look very easy, the way you roll out a welcome carpet. Makes a reader want to pull up a chair and listen.
Life is simple, given the right mind-set.
(This brought a smile. It's all a matter of taste... and if everyone had good taste, they would know better than to have misjudged your work as anything but. : )
It has something of a maverick ring to it.
(Great injection of voice, humor and appeal to both sides of the process, the posting, and the part where you step into someone elses room to give it a peek.)
So what[,] that Mr. Spell-Check doesn't like it.
(I think you could remove this comma, my gut wanted to delete it)
My journey was experiential and not at all organized.
(Ah the experience of selling to humans. In 2006, I was finishing up schooling to be an Engineer. All my life, I've known that connecting with others is not my strong suit. As an insurance sales person... I would have likely starved to death. But give me a bunch of abstract numbers, rules, and a problem to solve... Everything else, I attack with scattered disarray. Don't give me projects to manage, I'll bumble it. Give me data... scattered data, and I'll try to make sense of it.)
Viva los Critters!
(Such a great flow of voice. Cheeky and endearing, that's what I thought here.)
I also have suggested some on-line grammar sites.
(Nice logical path into the high level meat and potatoes of the Fanstory grind. Easy to follow and engaging.)
It is easy for me to imagine myself trying to communicate in their country;(,) so I make an effort to
(suggest the comma only because when I see a semi colon, I don't tend to see the coordinating conjunction. But it probably isn't wrong. I don't know.)
Their grammar is atrocious once you figure out what the words are that are laid out on the screen before you.
(This sentence is a bit rough. I start stumbling around the second 'are' each time I read it. Maybe if you pull the 'Once' ahead? Once you figure out what the words ...? Maybe I'm having some confusion because of the Their? The grammar? Eh, whatever it is... the sentence was a bit bumpy)
bring tears to this old man's eyes.
(A nice assessment of the multiple types of people who all seem to gather to this place, tasteful and kind. Positive evaluations, even when levels of skill and effort don't match the heart behind trying to write)
your enormous Critter butt ....
(Ha. The mix of wry teasing, while taking yourself down a notch, ie keeping from sounding haughty or preachy through the process, and keen ability to sum up aspects of Fanstory--after three months... that still sound dead nuts accurate to me ... well, it all worked very well for me)
I enjoyed reviewing through this work.
Turtle... who?
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2017
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Hi, Jay,
Back in 2015, I didn't stumble into your net until several chapters down the road. So, yay, : ) I get to review this. Rarely do I check the front page, but I've been keeping an eye out for this one. Sneaky non-revive posts.
Anyway,
I think this will be a great read for new reviewers ... bright eyed newbies who are stumbling around the reviewing process and could use a beacon of light to walk towards.
I think this will be a great read for old reviewers ... jaded eyes that have gone around the block a few times, and could use a fresh injection on the reviewing process they may have sunk into their ruts doing.
I think this will be a great read for those inbetween, for just the voice and humor, the easy analysis and an easy to understand flow --all concerning a topic that can't be avoided if you are a fanstory member.... that you have to review.
I think this will be a great read for those who want to read other writer's work ... and then review it.
I know that I enjoyed this on many levels. The clean writing, the topic... by which, in reviewing, it's easy to forget how to do it in a consistent way.
But that's my cross. I'll just thank you for not reminding me I am carrying it.
(I like the warm voice used to intro the critting book. It does well to personalize the opening in a clean and real way. You make it look very easy, the way you roll out a welcome carpet. Makes a reader want to pull up a chair and listen.
Life is simple, given the right mind-set.
(This brought a smile. It's all a matter of taste... and if everyone had good taste, they would know better than to have misjudged your work as anything but. : )
It has something of a maverick ring to it.
(Great injection of voice, humor and appeal to both sides of the process, the posting, and the part where you step into someone elses room to give it a peek.)
So what[,] that Mr. Spell-Check doesn't like it.
(I think you could remove this comma, my gut wanted to delete it)
My journey was experiential and not at all organized.
(Ah the experience of selling to humans. In 2006, I was finishing up schooling to be an Engineer. All my life, I've known that connecting with others is not my strong suit. As an insurance sales person... I would have likely starved to death. But give me a bunch of abstract numbers, rules, and a problem to solve... Everything else, I attack with scattered disarray. Don't give me projects to manage, I'll bumble it. Give me data... scattered data, and I'll try to make sense of it.)
Viva los Critters!
(Such a great flow of voice. Cheeky and endearing, that's what I thought here.)
I also have suggested some on-line grammar sites.
(Nice logical path into the high level meat and potatoes of the Fanstory grind. Easy to follow and engaging.)
It is easy for me to imagine myself trying to communicate in their country;(,) so I make an effort to
(suggest the comma only because when I see a semi colon, I don't tend to see the coordinating conjunction. But it probably isn't wrong. I don't know.)
Their grammar is atrocious once you figure out what the words are that are laid out on the screen before you.
(This sentence is a bit rough. I start stumbling around the second 'are' each time I read it. Maybe if you pull the 'Once' ahead? Once you figure out what the words ...? Maybe I'm having some confusion because of the Their? The grammar? Eh, whatever it is... the sentence was a bit bumpy)
bring tears to this old man's eyes.
(A nice assessment of the multiple types of people who all seem to gather to this place, tasteful and kind. Positive evaluations, even when levels of skill and effort don't match the heart behind trying to write)
your enormous Critter butt ....
(Ha. The mix of wry teasing, while taking yourself down a notch, ie keeping from sounding haughty or preachy through the process, and keen ability to sum up aspects of Fanstory--after three months... that still sound dead nuts accurate to me ... well, it all worked very well for me)
I enjoyed reviewing through this work.
Turtle... who?
Comment Written 18-Jul-2017
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2017
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I am thrilled you took so much time with my post, Turtle. I must tell you, though, I froze when I saw your review. My mind flashed with the remembrance of having downloaded your last chapter, with every intention of reading it. And for the life of me, I don't know how it slipped off my queue. I shall go back and pull it back up--red-faced.
Meanwhile, thanks not only for the six stars but also some constructive points I'll shortly apply. Especially, I will take care of that choppy sentence.
You are da bomb!
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Hey now, don?t do that to me, Jay?get all flushed, and stuff. I figure it's practical and inevitable my posts could end up getting lost in the sea. Life has things to be done, you?ve got a lot of stuff to choose from to review, a deep pool of options, and there?s a high demand for your eyes. My slow infrequent postings make an already difficult to follow story even more difficult to comment on. I hardly promote well, it?s abysmal how guilty I feel to take up people?s time for so little. And with the Critting series going to be a focus for you, though I'd read it afresh as it comes, because, egads, I need an injection of revitalization in my reviewing process, I?ve already reviewed a lot of those chapters; fanstory won?t let me easily re-review a bulk of the road you?ll be traveling on. Not to mention a run of forgettable reviews from me? sheesh, I tend to fumble in poetry. I can only wonder how many things I?ve missed that never showed in my inbox.
Plus? summer!
I?ve been a lucky gal to have gotten as many reviews from you as I have over the years.
Though I have to admit, the little monster under my bed whispered? hey, I kinda think Jay might?ve gave up on you for this lap of the road.
I got that misty-eyed sort of, yeah, it?s been a long, long walk, but I know there?s just only so many hours in a day.
I did want to mention on the side, just in case? my new moniker stems from my latest identity wobble of ?what the heck am I even doing?? Over the last several days/ weeks I went from stage5, to zombie, to ~Turtle (the approximate), and was considering returning to plain Turtle soup. Then there was the big shakeup that Doctor Who has chosen to regenerate into a female actor. I?m a long time whovian. A real whovian, not just one of those claimers who have opted to come aboard because of the reboot. Here I was not feeling at all like Turtlestage5, and I?m not exactly soup, or a zombie, so I asked myself well then, who am I? and went Aha! Turtle? who?
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So that accounts for your change in name--again. I read your stuff because I learn so much from it. Yours, Red's, Alex's, and a few others. When I miss one of your posts (especially when I can't account for why I missed it) I want to jump back on it. I have it up today. Two of them I think.
Comment from Ellen Evans
I loved this piece! I will not (nor choose to) venture a guess into which category my writing most often falls into.
The greatest aspect to this piece is your honesty and the methodical way you approach other's writing. This is admirable, and makes you stand out far above the average "critter."
Your submission also shows a bit about you as a person and your personal life. In my humble opinion, this brings it all together.
I see that you have already won awards for this submission, but being the determined individual I am, I want to add my two cents.
I enjoyed reading what you had to say, and only wish more individuals who frequently critique on FanStory would do the same.
Best Regards, and congratulations on being published!
Some day, we will both be celebrating this accomplishment!
Best Regards and I hope to receive continued feedback from you soon.
Ellen Evans
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2017
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I loved this piece! I will not (nor choose to) venture a guess into which category my writing most often falls into.
The greatest aspect to this piece is your honesty and the methodical way you approach other's writing. This is admirable, and makes you stand out far above the average "critter."
Your submission also shows a bit about you as a person and your personal life. In my humble opinion, this brings it all together.
I see that you have already won awards for this submission, but being the determined individual I am, I want to add my two cents.
I enjoyed reading what you had to say, and only wish more individuals who frequently critique on FanStory would do the same.
Best Regards, and congratulations on being published!
Some day, we will both be celebrating this accomplishment!
Best Regards and I hope to receive continued feedback from you soon.
Ellen Evans
Comment Written 18-Jul-2017
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2017
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Ellen, you were very generous with your rating and your words so kind. This, of course, was written in 2009 (or was it 2006?) and a lot of water has gone cliche-ing under the bridge since then. Thank you for your support and well-wishes. I shall get to your writing soon. I have been away a good deal working on my 3-act play which I submitted in a competition two days ago, but I'm working my way back to reviewing. God bless you, Ellen.