Comment from alexisleech

Exceptional

Well said, Sandra, and beautifully written, as always. You and I joined about the same time, and although, back then, you wrote more poetry and I wrote mostly prose, you have become a master of both.
The reference to 6's is really important. There were some writers in the past who expected a six for everything, and bullied their reviewers into thinking there will be a problem if they didn't give one, but you deserve it every time!

Alexis xxx

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024

We did join around the same time, you joined in October, and I joined in November. I didn't realise it that close, I just checked it out! Lol. It will be nice when you get your pen out and start posting again, you've been away far toooooo long. Thank you for reading this one, my friend, and thank you humongously for another sixth star!!!! Bless your heart, dear friend. :)) Sanda xxx

Comment from Soledadpaz

Excellent

Excellent advice. You are so correct about each work being someone's baby. That's how I feel in regards to the author's with whom I have the privilege to work with. Hoping to make more time for FS this year.

Sol

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024

Thank you, dear Sol, for this lovely review, and I really do hope we will see more of you this year. It's always nice to see your name pop up. Warmest hugs, my friend. Sandra xxx

Comment from tfawcus

Excellent

Some very good advice on reviewing here. It can be a delicate art! As you might expect on a site of this size, the range of age, experience, and intention is great. People are here for many different reasons and the desire to communicate trumps the desire to learn in some cases.

 Comment Written 15-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024

Thank you, Tony. It took me a long time before I could navigate the site, and the do's and do not's. You're right about the different reasons some join this site for. I hope they do learn while they make friends as well. Thanks for reading, my friend. Warm hugs, Sandra xx

Comment from Barry Penfold

Excellent

Nice put together, even for the not so newbies. I certainly have received some very helpful hints and have been encouraged by some better results, both on this site and in other competitions I enter.
Hope all is well with you. Have a wonderful day.
Cheers
Barry Penfold.

 Comment Written 15-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024

Thank you, Barry, for this lovely review. It's hard when you first join to navigate the site. I'm hoping this helps a bit. Warmest hugs, my friend. Sandra
I'm getting a lot stronger by the day, thank you for asking, Barry. :)) xx

Comment from Mark Ness

Excellent

I loved and needed that (inspiration) I think I'm a newbie.my Neighbor introduced me to Fan Story about 7 years ago. I tried for a year. Then life took over. I just returned a couple days ago and wanted to do some reviews before posting. Finding answers to some of my questions, came in an unexpected bundle. Was curious about newbie to what.And To my surprise it was just what I needed, answers as to how stars work and review tips all good stuff to get me motivated and inspired thank you I feel better already

 Comment Written 15-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 15-Jan-2024

Hi Mark, welcome back! I'm so glad this has helped you, it can be very daunting stepping into the Fanstorian world, but once you have sussed it out, it is such a fabulous place to be a part of. Warm hugs, Sandra xx

Comment from GWHARGIS

Excellent

I know one thing, if I hadn't joined Fanstory, I never would have ventured in to self publishing. It is such a wonderful feeling when a reader likes what you've written and when they ask for more ... woe! Just wow!. Very well written and all true. Gretchen

 Comment Written 14-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024

You and me both, Gretchen. And I am one of those that gobbled up your books on Amazon, and love the two you're writing now. You are such a amazing author. I still have to write your reviews on there. I'll do that this week. Thank you for reading this, my friend. Warmest hugs, Sandra xx

Comment from Mustang Patty

Excellent

Hi there,
It is good to see you posting again. That must mean you are feeling well enough to get to your computer.
These are wise words for the newbies - it is all too true that giving someone a 'four-star rating' can cause hurt feelings. And we all know that some writing doesn't come up to 'our standards,' but maybe that isn't the point of this site.
Thank you for sharing, and I'm glad you're feeling better,
~MP~

 Comment Written 14-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024

Hi Nicole, thank you for this, and also thank you for your kind message while I was so ill. I had so many messages and wanted so much to reply to them all, but I can only get on here for short spurts before I get tired. When I was asked if I could write a chapterfor the multi-author book, tips for newbies, it was the perfect way to get back into it. Everyone has been so kind, I became so emotional. I'll never forget you all for what you did to help me through. :))
Reading your words here, do you know? I think you have hit on something when you said...'And we all know that some writing doesn't come up to 'our standards,' but maybe that isn't the point of this site.' That truly is food for thought. Warmest hugs, my friend. Sandra xx

Comment from Sabrina H.

Excellent

Thank you for the advice and kind words for us newbies. What you wrote only proves what a wonderful and welcoming site this is for writers.
Thank you
Keep writing:)

 Comment Written 14-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024

Thank you for reading my tips for newbies. Yes, it is a warm welcoming site, and I'm so pleased you joined. I'm sure I've met you on here before, but a long time ago. So welcome back if I'm right! :)) Would you mind telling me your name? Warmest hugs, Sandra xxx

Comment from Douglas Goff

Excellent

This is some awfully warm and wonderful advice. I could have used this my first month in, although some of this is wisdom for all Fanstorians.

You are a Fanstory treasure and I hope you are well on your way to recovery. God bless.

 Comment Written 14-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024

What lovely words, Douglas, thank you so much. I'm glad you think it could be useful for all Fanstorians. :))

I'm feeling a lot better, with my husbands help, and visits from the nurse, which I hope will stop soon. (not my husbands help! lol) Thank you for asking, that's so kind of you. Warmest hugs, my friend. Sandra xx

Comment from l.raven

Exceptional

Hi Sandra, I don't mind when the newbies
join our wonderful family of writers...but I
don't like when they come on FanStory and
low rate writers when they don't know a clue
about them...or the laws and rules we write by...
refusing to change their ways of rating...even
knowing what the laws are...

low rating people for stupid things...they don't
like the color of their fonts...or the subjects a person
are writing about...how short a poem is...when it's the form
of that poem...and they don't have a clue what their talking
about...and so many other dumb things...

it's one thing to complain about something that is truly
in error...and then you explain what the mistake is...
a legit complaint...then low rate it...but if the writer fixes
the problem...be courteous enough to correct the rating...

I hate when I see the top writers get low rated by newbies...
used to piss me off when newbies would low rate Brooke...
she was the a writing teacher on FanStory...and when she
would try and explain their mistake to them...they would try to
argue with her...the same for so many others top writers...

but for the most...the ones who really want to learn to write...
or just come on knowing how to write...and they are serious
about writing...they learn the rules...and they love it here...
become addicted to FanStory...as so many of us oldie but moldies
are...and the ones that never get the hang of it...just leave...

Sounds like someone pulled your chain Amazing...
or your just looking to rearrange the furniture...informing
the newbies that we have rules and laws we live by on FanStory...

very well said my amazing friend...and very well written...
perfect picture...lots of love coming your way...Linda xxoo

 Comment Written 14-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024

Hi Linda, I remember when I was new on here, I hadn't a clue how the system worked. It literally took me years before I truly sussed it all out. And I know there are still things I'm not sure of. So this peice was to help newbies a little. Many people, including myself, are given low scores by newbies, and then some of the reviewers recripriants moan and curse them

reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024

Hi Linda, I remember when I was new on here, I hadn't a clue how the system worked. It literally took me years before I truly sussed it all out. And I know there are still things I'm not sure of. So this peice was to help newbies a little. Many people, including myself, are given low scores by newbies, and then some of the authors shoot them down in flames. I do give them a chance to suss it out before I start explaining how it works. When they take no notice, then I get a little upset. :)

Thanks for your in depth comments, I had to read it twice to get the feel of it, LOL!!! Love you, my friend.

I'm going to post the next chapter now, and I'm a bit nervous after all this time. Wish me luck! Love you to the moon and back! Sandra xxxxx

reply by l.raven on 15-Jan-2024

Hi You, you get upset...LOL...
it's just not in your nature...

sometimes I have to go back and read what I write 3 or more times...
but I'm so glad you got the feel of it
in just 2 reads...LOL...

and not to worry...your a pro...you don't luck...and you always have your handsome muse...🐵...
it's like riding a horse when you
fall off...you just get up...and start over again...I know you did a great job...now I'm off to read it the chapter...and your so welcome...
sending bunches of love coming
your way...xxoo 🥰🌼🤗💞