FanStory wrote to Sherry Asbury: Rainy Day finished first in the contest "Free-style poem: human suffering"
    Sherry Asbury: This cheered me a bit...in real funk to the point of danger. Forgive me for not responding to your work...I just am so weary and despondent. -


Sherry Asbury: Dear Fanstorians - I must share this with you: I have crippling rheumatoid arthritis in my hands - if I give you a number you question - please, please check with me. Some of our friends have caught my goofs and helped me and for this I bless them.
    Jannypan (Jan) : That happens to all once in a while, Sherry. No worries. -
    damommy: I have done that several times. Don't worry about it. It happens to us all one time or another. -
    Carlos' girl: I hope your arthritis gets better. Take good care of your health. -


FanStory wrote to Sherry Asbury: Eeeekkkssss finished third in the contest "Phobias"


FanStory wrote to Sherry Asbury: Room 206 finished first in the contest "~ Supernatural Story ~"
    Sherry Asbury: Oh my - I didn't have any idea about this. I am so happy - WOW! Thank you, Tom and all of you who are so supportive!! -
    lyenochka: Great job with your suspenseful story!!

    -


Sherry Asbury: I am frustrated that I have been here so long and get so few views that I never get a ribbon. I have to assume my writing is not that good and perhaps leaving would be my best option.
    Carlos' girl: No worries sherry ..stay and just do your best. Don't worry about winning, just focus on doing your best work. I will check you out.
    Carlos' girl -
    damommy: Reviewing goes in waves. Some weeks, it seems no one is looking, and then other times, you get more reviews. The main thing is to enjoy what you share with others, and not worry so much about the small stuff that really isn't that important. -
    Jannypan (Jan) : Sherry,
    Don't let others decide your course of action. Reviewers cannot be figured. I find I receive fewer than before, then all of a sudden more come in. The ATB seems difficult to obtain. Lack of reviews isn't a comment on the quality of your writing. Please stay. Jan -
    Kelley Liberty1: Good god nooooo keep writing it's an outlet a popularity a reference a hmph you think so look at me but don't I'm too good -


FanStory wrote to Sherry Asbury: haiku (The Child in You) finished third in the contest "5-7-5 Poem"
    Kelley Liberty1: Hey Sherry got third place what do ya think of that hmmm?!!!? -


FanStory wrote to Sherry Asbury: senryu Rheumatoid Fingers finished second in the contest "Senryu Poetry"


Sherry Asbury: IO have chapter four of I will never leave you...ready but it is late in the month and I have no funds, no more poems that would help, so can't post it or chapter 5
    Jannypan (Jan) : Post without promoting--it can't hurt.
    Take care. 😊 -


FanStory wrote to Sherry Asbury: Me finished first in the contest "Your Body"
    Sherry Asbury: I haven't gotten over the shock yet, but happiness floods my soul! -
    damommy: Congratulations on your win!!!!! -


Sherry Asbury: Thank all you beautiful people who answered my poem Despondency with kindness, love, and especially to the person who suggested noise-cancelling headphones!! I have decided to ask them to move me away from here...even if I must seek lesser quality quarters...it will be worth it!
    Carlos' girl: I have not read your poem but I will; fanstory is a very kind community you will find. -
    Mrs. KT: Sending positive and healing thoughts your way!
    Stay strong!

    diane -
    Senyai: HimSherry,

    I hope you are settled into your new living quarters and find it tolerable, or better yet that it is going to be great.

    God bless,
    Senyai -


Sherry Asbury: Thanks to the selfless generosity of a member of Fan Story I will be able to be here for a year!! I so appreciate all of you and the kindness you show me. Fan Story really is my home.
    Begin Again: Awesome! You will be able to write and develop your skills and build a new set of friends so your self-esteem will flourish too. I am rooting for your success, Sherry!

    Smiles and hugs, Carol -


Sherry Asbury: I have been away facing things of a terrible nature to me...but found this site is where I feel I belong and am returning today... I have missed you all and can't wait to read your work
    damommy: So glad you're back!!!!! -
    Mary Kay Bonfante : God bless you. It's good to have you back. Whatever you're facing, it's better to do it with friends by your side. Sending hugs {{{🤗}}} your way! -
    Pam (respa): Sorry about the situations you have been facing, Sherry, but hope being back with friends on FS is a help and healing process for you. -
    duaneculbertson: We missed you too, Sherry! I am so happy to see you back. I posted the last chapter of the Stoneseekers tonight!
    -


Sherry Asbury: I am very sad to tell this. I must leave...I cannot afford the site any more...I also had a serious heart incident and the doctors have put me on bed rest. Keep writing your wonderful work!!
    Debra White: Sherry, I'm so sorry to hear this... I will miss reading your beautiful words.
    Sending you lots of love and wishing you a speedy recovery.
    Debra x -
    Jannypan (Jan) : Perhaps when you feel better, you can return. FS allows members to pay per month. I will pray for you, Sherry. -
    damommy: Check your PM. I've left you a message. Sending prayers for your speedy recovery. -
    kmoss: This saddens me deeply. I miss reading your wonderful stories and poetry. Sending good vibes your way. -


Sherry Asbury: Finally feeling human - but all of left side of face is blue and black and green...look like movie monster!
    AJ McCall: Aww, hope you return to normal soon! -


Sherry Asbury: I fell last night and am quite injured and bruised - have a black eye worthy of a prizefighter...so I am slow to get to things...I cherish all of you and will read and comment soon!!
    mrsmajor: So sorry to here that, but take care of yourself, we look forward to hearing that you're better... -
    Mrs. KT: Goodness, Sherry!
    Sending healing thoughts your way!

    diane -
    AJ McCall: Are you feeling better? Heal up soon. -
    Debra White: Oh no, Sherry...
    Wishing you a speedy recovery.
    Sending hugs, Debra x -
    Begin Again: My head's been off in la-la land the past few days, and I missed your post. I certainly hope that you are feeling better and did not injure yourself too badly. Smiles, Carol
    -


Sherry Asbury: It seems to me since I came back that there just aren't as many people posting or new poems to review...I don't want this site to fade away!
    damommy: It seems that way sometimes. I agree. -
    nor84: I think part of the problem is with the contests, both poetry and prose, but there are over 100 new or returning members almost every month. I don't know how many of those people leave.

    The prompts for prose (I'm a prose writer) that come from the site are nothing to make you flex your writing muscles or imagination. I suppose that's true for poetry as well.

    My problem with the prose contests is that almost all of them have become things like 'tell an entire story' in 50 words, 75 words... Poetry is usually 5/7/5 (yawn.)

    No thanks. I want to tell GOOD stories, so don't limit me. -
    Tera Gail Moore: I don't want this site to disappear either. I am a newbie to this but I really appreciate the opportunity to get my work seen and I appreciate the reviews.
    -
    nor84: I've been here since 2006 and definitely do not want the site to disappear; however it has changed significantly.

    It used to be that when you won a contest, you actually won the jackpot. Now there is an option to make the contest winner take all as it always used to be. Members can create contests, but many don't. Those that do may not realize the template can be changed from the default, i.e., blind and not winner take all.

    Young children are joining. Prose writers and probably poets as well have left because there isn't enough variety. It's changed from a place to polish your writing skills to a place to hang out. -
    damommy: There's a lot of feeling the same as you do, Nor, about the prompts. I expect a two word poem any day. I'm also amazed at some of the subjects allowed. Some poems/prose are so dirty, I don't want to read them, yet they get lots of votes! Do you really think the site may be fading away? -
    nor84: It's odd that there have been no recent posts to many of the forums and odd that children as young as six have recently joined. Certainly the site is changing, but the changes haven't driven me away. I wish there were more of what I call serious prose writers. Those are the ones who post stories, not necessarily to contests and prompts or flash fiction contests, but just for the love of storytelling.

    I wish there were more serious reviewers, people who are seeking to help others improve their craft by telling them how.

    I wish the site's ancient contests would go away and newer, more interesting ones would be offered. How many times have we seen two women sitting in an otherwise deserted bar? How many times has it been 'someone is about to be or is in war'? I've won that one twice over the years! Oh, and how interesting is talking to a dying houseplant? And what about the prompts for poets? Write a poem about a season, trees, birds, etc. Usually a haiku or one verse... See what I mean?
    The site needs to make things more interesting or we all need to sponsor contests and do that ourselves!
    -
    Jannypan (Jan) : Those old contest prompts are atrocious, yet they keep repeating
    ad nausem . . . Here's my idea for a contest ~
    No disqualifications
    Write a one word poem.

    I remember well those you mentioned, and hate to see them as the daily prompt again and again and again . . .

    I try to sponsor some contests, but usually get just half the available entries.

    I believe many members vote on 'name recognition' rather than technical attributes in many contests. I have seen questionable entries win, while great ones beg for a read or a vote.

    -
    Jesse James Doty: I agree with Jan...many people vote on the author recognition, as well as on the title, of the piece.
    -


FanStory wrote to Sherry Asbury: Greater Love finished third in the contest "4-8-4"
    Begin Again: Congratulations on winning one of the coveted ribbons for writing a beautiful poem. Smiles and hugs . Carol -
    Bonnie Seach : Congratulations! I have just reviewed your poem "Chilly Winds". It is delightful. -


Sherry Asbury: I moved last week to an Assisted Living Bldg Oh, moving is heck...had been at the other place for 27 years. It is nice here and they treat me like a queen... It is 4 times the size of my last place. I even have an office here, so no excuse for not reading all your wonderful work! It will take a bit to get resettled in here, but I will work hard...
    Debra White: Happy new home, Sherry... you'll be settled in before you know it! x -
    damommy: Once you're settled with all you things around you, it will be better. Change is always hard, especially at our age. -
    Sandra C. Johnston: Time has its way for all of us. It is always a step by step process. I admire you for taking the risk. -
    Begin Again: Happy House Warming... Glad you found a place that made you feel comfortable and wanted. Smiles and hugs...Carol -
    Pam (respa): Happy moving in, Sherry. It sounds like a lovely place, and once you are settled, you'll be ready for FanStory. Good luck with getting settled. -


Sherry Asbury: Just moved 7 days ago - will be back on track soon!!


FanStory wrote to Sherry Asbury: Yoda Says finished second in the contest "May the fourth - Star Wars Haiku"


FanStory wrote to Sherry Asbury: Lillie Dances finished second in the contest "2-4-2"


FanStory wrote to Sherry Asbury: Koalas finished third in the contest "Animal Nonet"


FanStory wrote to Sherry Asbury: Perfect? finished second in the contest "I Am Not Perfect"


Sherry Asbury: I have "met" many of you and am feeling that family thing going on!!
    AnnaLinda: That's because you are better than family. -


Sherry Asbury: I am a writer and poet with many years of experience, but the years have kept me from writing as much as I desire. I think now is the time and this is the place.


FanStory wrote to Sherry Asbury: Redemption finished third in the contest "Faith 5-7-5"
    Sherry Asbury: This is a great honor and I thank everyone who made it possible. -