Reviews from

Advice to New Fanstorians

Viewing comments for Chapter 5 "A Few Tips for Newbies."
Tips and advice for the new members

57 total reviews 
Comment from rspoet
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Sandra,
Wonderful advice for the newbies. Unfortunately the site doesn't provide
much useful information to new members, so they are pretty much on their own.
I remember Gloria posted helpful tips years ago, but it got quickly buried in her portfolio.
The reality of the site for reviewers in very different the the site suggestions.
Your tips should be very helpful. The ubiquitous five stars review is probably
the hardest to get use to. When we were young, if someone said what you wrote was very good, it was a compliment. Now it's an insult. LOL
But over time newbies learn and adjust.
Well done.
Great to see you posting again, but take care of your health first, my friend.
Best wishes.
Robert



 Comment Written 13-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
    Hi Robert, you are so right, I would have been chuffed to bits had someone said my writing was good. That is a high compliment, but not on here anymore it seems. It's sad, isn't it. In real life, there are very few who are excellent, and even fewer who are exceptional.

    Thank you for reading this one, my friend. I'm about to post the next chapter, and I'm a tad nervous! Warmest hugs, my dear friend. Sandra xxx
Comment from Jumbo J
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hi Sandra,
I love your tender touch... your caring heart shines through your words of wisdom.

It seems in a world of online communication, it is so easy to forget there is a real person on the other end... so when on a site such as our wonderful community of FanStorian family it is indeed very important to note that we are reviewing someone else's baby... a baby that has had thought and heart placed within its intent and presentation... and yes, deserves the respect due.

Always a true pleasure to read your mind and heart at work... hmmmm, or is that at play?:)

Beautiful write oh wise one!

With our thoughts we create...
a soft path.

Warmest regards,
James.

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
    Aw, you always say the nicest things, James. Thank you for reading my tips for newbies. It took me a long time to suss the site out, so I know how daunting it can be. But it is such a friendly place to put ourselves out there, share our thoughts, hopes and dreams, and sometimes, our pain. I consider myself one very lucky lady to have found this incredible site.

    Well, after all this time, I am about to post another chapter. Maddie's arms were aching holding up the sword! Lol.

    Warmest hugs, my dear friend. Sandra xx
Comment from Julie Helms
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thank you for sharing these tips. I love how you told your journey from a poet (mostly appreciated by her family lol) to author of published novel! Wonderful trajectory!
Since I've been here, I haven't received much in the way of constructive feedback, but I have been having fun trying out the different poetry types. I never wrote poetry before so it is a completely new experience. Thanks for sharing! Julie

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
    Hi Julie, I will have to take a look at your profile. I was missing for most of December and the start of the New Year having a long stay in hospital, so I've missed quite a bit. I'm glad you found the tips useful. Welcome to Fanstory, my new friend. Warmest hugs. Sandra xx
reply by Julie Helms on 13-Jan-2024
    I'm so sorry to hear that, but I'm glad you are recovered and back! Doesn't sound like best way to spend a holiday. Blessings to you, Julie.
Comment from Jacob1395
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is an excellent piece for newbies, Sandra. I have definitely seen an improvement in my writing since I joined back in October. I can't wait to read more of your writing this year.

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
    I know I've improved, Jacob, but it took a lot of time and patience from the kind people who reviewed and helped me. And I still rely of their kindess to point out my errors. This site is perfect for people who want to learn. You haven't been here long but you have already made your mark, my friend. Thank you for reading my essay, I really appreciate it. Warmest hugs. Sandra xxx
Comment from Ben Colder
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Must agree with this write. Tom has done a good job when offering this site 20 years ago. I came aboard just after it first was created but lefty and came back. Good one, Sandy.

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
    It's not a place you can stay away from, is it Chuck? 2023 was a weird year for me, and I was off site a few times. I'm hoping to have a better one this year. I've missed a lot of your writing, my friend, and so many others. I intend to make amends this year. Thank you, my dear friend, Sandy. xxxx
Comment from damommy
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Making such good friends like you was a bonus I didn't expect. There are many others I consider good friends. You're so right - this is a good place to learn.

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
    Hi my dear sister, I think it's time for a chat, don't you? I want to know what you've been up to while I've been relaxing in the holiday camp! Lol. Thank you for reading this and for your sweet comments. I don't think many of us did think we would find such amazing friendships when we joined. I found you, my new sister, that is worth the world to me. Love you lots!! Sandra xxxx
reply by damommy on 13-Jan-2024
    My feelings exactly! I love you, too.
Comment from Yardier
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Thank you so much for this near perfect and exceptional read. Why near perfect? Because it is perfect on all fronts. So since I'm not perfect, I think it is best to admit I may have missed something of little significance. You know, like a period or comma or conjunctive verb.... Your wisdom covers all of that and more.

Wishing you all the best, Yard

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
    Oh, Yard, Lol, you had me in stitches, you are so funny. I loved reading your comments. Thank you so very much. LOL!! You are a breath of fresh air! Warmest hugs, Sandra xxx
Comment from Begin Again
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Good day, my dear friend. You have given some very sound and truthful advice that hopefully we all can follow and gain insight to how to navigate Fanstory writing. As a exceptional writer, your advice is given from the heart and with the hope of helping someone through the trials and tribulations of exposing their writing to others. Well done...but I would never expect anything less from you and my other fanstory friends. Smiles and hugs, Carol

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
    Hi Carol! How lovely to see you again. I do wish you would come back and write for us again. I miss your stories. (how many times do I have to tell you that before you come back!!!!!????) Thank you, my sweet friend, for reading this essay, it's so nice that you think it was good advice. Love you lots, and miss you more! :)) Sandra xxxx
reply by Begin Again on 14-Jan-2024
    You are a very dear and sweet friend! I will say I did make a "stab" at the beginning of a storyline yesterday. First time in many many months. Seems I've lost the flow somewhere and my writing didn't generate the way I wanted. Not giving up! How could I with friends like you encouraging me? Love you and hope you are getting well. Smiles and hugs, Carol
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
    That is such good news! It won't take you long to get back into it, Carol, you are a natural but have let it slumber for a while. Once your writing talents awaken, you'll not be able to stop the flow!! You've made me so happy. Love you lots. xxxxx
Comment from estory
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

You covered it all here, good points and not so good. You can improve here, if you listen to people who can give you a perspective on your work, and put the work in necessary to tighten up pieces and smoothe out rough patches, develope characters and learn to use dialogue effectively. One of my best advices is READ READ REAd the great classic writers, and those that are on top of the class today. estory

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
    That is so right, estory, read as much as you can. I read every night for an hour in bed, it calms me and inspires me to write better. It doesn't matter how good a writer you are, you can always learn more. And isn't that nice to know? That even famous authors make errors and continue to learn from them. Thank you so much for reading my essay, my friend, I enjoyed reading your review very much. Warmest hugs, Sandra xxx
Comment from Terry Broxson
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Sandra, this is very nicely written, and the advice is spot on. It is rare that I would give a rating of less than five, but regardless of the rating, if I have an idea about the piece, I try to share it.

I'm happy to give everyone a five and, if possible, pass along an idea. The suggestions are much more important than the number.

Six is something that impresses, and even then, if one has a suggestion, pass it along. Well done. Terry.

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
    That is exactly it, Terry. I do the same. The star ratings don't really mean much in the way of what our writing is like, it's what we can share and hopefully, people can enjoy. Keep doing what you do, my friend, it's perfect. Warmest hugs, Sandra xx