FanStory wrote to Shanbreen: Congratulations on earning your first Seal of Quality!
    michaelcahill: An awesome achievement, Fanstory's highest. Congrats! :)) -
    Lady Jane: Way to go! Nice writing.
    Janelle -
    Shanbreen: Thanks, everyone. I had no idea you all had responded. I'm very grateful. -


Shanbreen: I'd like to know how to post a work for a Seal of Quality Review. I already have bought two certificates (one by mistake) for this, but I can't seem to use one of them for my story "In Search of An Identity." I try to promote it but I get the two basic certificates to select from, which I don't want to do..


I managed to do this for two other stories, but can't seem to do it for this one.
    nor84: First, be sure your story meets the requirements for a seal application by reading about the seal of quality. Then, I think all you have to do is click on the seal in your own "my" menu and it will ask you where you want to apply it. It does not promote the work, it simply refers it to the committee for consideration. -
    Shanbreen: Yes, I've read about the Seal of Quality and the requirements for consideration. Here is my problem: I do not have "seal" to click on in "My" menu. I have "certificate" but that only allows me to buy a seal but not to apply it. I have already bought 4 of them for short stories. They are all over 2000 words. I managed to get the seals applied to two of them but I can't apply to the two other stories. FYI, these are not books, although I eventually will publish them as an anthology. Should I create a book for each story and then send it for consideration? -
    michaelcahill: You should be able to apply the Seal to anything you wish. When in doubt, ask Tom. Go to "Community", click, at the end of the drop down box is "contact us". Click on that and send Tom a message. :)) -


FanStory wrote to Shanbreen: A Marriage of Convenience finished first in the contest "The Wrong Move"


FanStory wrote to Shanbreen: The Emancipation of Anjali finished third in the contest "Soulbound "


FanStory wrote to Shanbreen: A Gesture finished second in the contest "My Great Story-- Why it Should Win"
    michaelcahill: Thanks for entering. What an exceptional piece. Congratulations!!!! :)) -


Shanbreen: This is for all the accomplished poets out there. When does prose become a free style poem? Once again, belaboring the point I have made previously, I, as a new poetry writer, have a hard time differentiating, especially when it is a very short poem.

Sometimes, I find a a line or two written in prose for a poetry that recieves great acclaim, and I wonder about that. Is it the content or a picture that is paramount in evaluating a poem (of course, there has to be some of that, too) , or is it the "poetic manner" in which the heartfelt content is brought to life?

In other words, while we all can understand a poem being a poem with a certain rhyme or syllables, what makes for a good free-style poem, other than its flow (which is also true for prose)?
    Mustang Patty: You should check out the club about writing Free Verse poetry.

    MichaelCahill, the organizer, is a wonderful instructor when it comes to free verse. -
    giraffmang: Good advice there. michaelcahill is a superb poet. -
    mrsmajor: Free verse poetry is a way to express one's self without the limitations structure, rhyme scheme, yet using all poetic mechanics that make a poem more than a simple groups of words...pictures, music, and any personal manner of expression would be acceptable...some say free verse should not have rhyme, and so, because I often do use rhyming, I say mine is my own form of free style poetry writing...Prose poetry, while it is a form, there are elements of poetry writing that must be present, often a story is told...It is an accepted form... -
    Shanbreen: Thank you Mustangpatty1029 and mrsmajor. Appreciate it.
    -
    Praveen J.: I agree. This rampant disdain for rhymes confounds me. The acclaimed poetry of today apparently has a a poetic lilt unbounded by rhyme or meter. Seriously !?! -
    LoannaLois: I am no expert for sure. All I know is that I want to hear you when I read your words. It matters not a bit about rules or proper structure to me, if it is speaking clearly. Blessings, Lo -


Shanbreen: I have had a few reviews about my work, but I often find that not enough importance is given in the use of language. Most people talk about how good or bad the content is but theyseldom express an opinion on the written words. While, reviewing content is important, the very fact that a reviewer has decided to review a particular content has some indication that the subject is of some interest to them. That is not to say that a comments about content are not important, but the manner of presentation, the metaphors, similes and such is what makes the composition or a poem comes alive. They should be an important factor in the consideration of a review.
    mrsmajor: For me, as a writer, if the words and inference of a particular piece is offensive to me, rather than even waste my time considering the writing mechanics used, I just don't bother to go any further...and that's my right to do so...I will not read any of that writer's work again...I give full and clear reviews whenever I can, but there are standards that I do abide by...
    -
    Shanbreen: mrsmajor, I am completely in agreement with your comment. I do the same when I am reviewing. I am only stating what in my mind should happen if a writing is taken up for review. For example, I reviewed a piece where I am 100 percent in agreement with what the author was trying to say, but the writing left much to be desired. -