Reviews from

On Steve Ditko and Writing

writing about writing about writing

28 total reviews 
Comment from Michele Harber
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I couldn't enter either, which is sad, as I'd just indiscriminately, the other day, started a poem about writing. Maybe I'll finish it and post it in another contest when I haven't had a recent win (which is most of the time).

I love your line that says, "I can write about writing about writing." You can and, obviously, you did. I strongly agree with much of what you said, such as, "all the writers in this world stem from a one-of-its kind, unique place. All have strengths and weaknesses," and the idea that you can't change someone's writing style.

A few other points I disagree with (but certainly not your right to hold those views). I disagree that "the best we can do is promote and encourage their strong points." While I absolutely agree with doing that, I think we can also offer gentle suggestions on how to improve. It's not "changing their style" so much as educating them, as I was educated by fellow FanStorians about meter, which greatly improved my work. They can then choose which, if any, or our suggestions they wish to incorporate.

Nor do I think there's anything wrong with using our talents for our personal satisfaction. I don't believe that, in any way, shape or form, diminishes our gratitude to God for giving us those talents. I do believe, however, that personal satisfaction is one of the reasons we were given those talents. Personal satisfaction affords happiness, relief, tranquility, ease of suffering and so much more, and I fully believe He meant for us to have those.

These are my personal opinions, and having differing opinions on some points in no way affects our friendship. In fact, one of the ways of proving you're a friend is accepting another's opinion, even if it differs from your own.

 Comment Written 17-Aug-2024

Comment from Sanku
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You have a point there .But you can still write about 'writing' Need not be 'how to write ' but why to write ,the benefits etc etc... Fanstory is a grand group of writers of all kinds..

 Comment Written 16-Aug-2024

Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
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I am competitive. I admit it. But I would have to write even if no one ever read it. I like shiny six stars they are pretty. Can I live without them? Sure, but the boost my ego and make me smile. I don't always enter contests when I could, because I shouldn't always have to win. Others should get a chance. I think, in my own demented way that folks who always have to promote each and every thing they write so they can be #1 on the hit parade have a screw loose. That being said, I am going to go promote one of stories. :-) Karen

 Comment Written 16-Aug-2024

Comment from Sharon Elwell
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It's fun for me now to write about your writing about writing about writing. I think your idea about not comparing writers - or people, for that matter - since each has a unique point of view. My only quibble with this piece is that I wish the last sentence were stronger, and included something about "...His glory and support for his children." (not well said, but you know what I mean and you would know how to combine your last two ideas.)
Always good to read what you have to say!

 Comment Written 15-Aug-2024

Comment from Brenda Strauser
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I enjoyed reading this story. I agree with you. I joined fanstory in Dec. 2023. I joined so I could become a better writer. All talent does come from God. I think we should try to be positive when doing reviewz.

 Comment Written 15-Aug-2024

Comment from Spitfire
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'We have no right to inflict our writing views and criticisms to change someone's writing style. '' This reminds me of a response I received when I reviewed someone's post. However , my comments focused on his grammar rather than his style. Guess it went over his head.

 Comment Written 15-Aug-2024

Comment from lyenochka
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Amen! Great essay, Jim! I totally agree that we should use our gifts for God and yes, we shouldn't impose our own style of writing on others. We should share corrections with each other if something is confusing or grammatically wrong. Thanks for sharing about Steve Ditko. I knew Spiderman but never knew his creator's name. This is another example of learning so much from Fanstorians!

 Comment Written 15-Aug-2024

Comment from mermaids
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I enjoyed reading your words and agree with your points. Love your line about "all talent stems from God and we should use it for His glory." Imagine the world if everyone believed this. I like the information about Steve Ditko. I confess I own a few comic books and I think this is the first time I have read an essay about a comic book creator. Excellent prose here that holds the reader's interest.

 Comment Written 15-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 15-Aug-2024
    Thank you so much. I could have written much more but I figured some readers might not be interested in a comics creator.
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
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I tend to agree with most of what you say, but he did have to support himself, so he was paid. I don't think we should change anyone's style of writing, and I suppose certain styles may never win a contest on FanStory. For those who need the money to keep on posting, I like the contests. I just wish I won more often. It could be I don't write in a style the judges like as much, but it doesn't stop me from writing. Anyway, you have written a well thought out and interesting article here. Isn't it cool we can disagree with each other and not get blackballed.

 Comment Written 15-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 15-Aug-2024
    I still chase after contests, but I try to remind myself the real reward is beginning and ending a creation, not in the number of votes. I just wrote a 4-line "poem" for a contest on the subject of winning, but just for silliness.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
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Can't you enter contests if you have already won some of them? I did not know that Jim. I thought all members could enter all the contests regardless whether they have won in the past or not.

I think you are right here, everyone has something to offer on Fanstory and we cannot be good at everything, our talents are individual and even newcomers who are experimenting, should be be encouraged to improve and explore the world of writing. A fine post Jim, much enjoyed, love the sentiments here, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 15-Aug-2024