Comment from scongrove

Excellent

That is fantastic advice. Like you, I have been on Fanstory for a long time, since 2014. I have been given great advice, but some readers have also been cruel. I believe we can give helpful advice without being mean. That can actually discourage a writer. It almost made me stop writing. But I get more praise and positive feedback here, so that kept me going. Fanstory has been so helpful to me. When I first started writing, I admit, I had a good story but no clue how to write it. LOL! A handful of authors, with a lot of patience, helped me along the way. I praise those kind "gracious people" in all my books. I've come a long way and still have more learning to do, but with God's grace, I know I'll get there.

Thank you, Sandra, for sharing your helpful post.
Sincerely,
Shana :)

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024

It would have been a great loss to Fanstory had you given up, Shana. I'm really enjoying your story, and I'm so glad you found the help you deserved. My friend Alexis told me how much she enjoyed your story. Watch this space, she's started a new book and will be coming back very soon. Thank you for reading my essay, my friend. I appreciate all your comments. Warmest hugs, Sandra xx

reply by scongrove on 13-Jan-2024

Thank you, Sandra, for believing in me. I'm looking forward to reading Alexis's new story here. She really kept me motivated to keep on writing.

Comment from LJbutterfly

Excellent

This is my third year on FanStory, and I am still learning and growing. Thank you for sharing advice on how to conduct reviews, and a brief history on how reviews have been done in the past. It's possible to be kind, respectful, and positive even when you think a post needs a lot of editing.

I'm glad you are back, which proves, prayer works.

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024

That is right, and I wish more people would realise that reviewers (at least not all of them) aren't putting them down but trying to help. It doesn't hurt to be kind while trying to help. Thank you, my dear friend, for reading my essay. Warmest hugs, Sandra xx

And that is the other thing that is so above other writing sites, how everyone prayed for me while I was so ill in hospital. I know they worked, my husband and both my sons thought they were losing me at one point. So I will never be able to thank you all enough! Thank you!!! xxxxx

Comment from Pam Lonsdale

Excellent

I agree with everything here, Sandra. I didn't realize you began writing novels after joining FanStory, I thought you were a long-time writer of books given what I have read here.

Thanks for your excellent contributions to this book.

xo
Pam

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024

Yes, I had always dreamsed of writing a novel, I even tried sending a manuscript to Mills and Boon, I thought they would be bound to accept my story. LOL if came straight back to me with the advice not to revise it. So that put me in my place. It wasn't until I'd been a member here for a few years that I saw a short story contest and thought I'd try it. It won, though reading it months later, I don't know how, it was full of spags. But, I decided to try and make it longer. It went down well on here and ended up as my Time Travel Trilogy. Self-published and all three books are on my shelf, and it has been put in a library in America!! Well that's my claim to fame.
So that's how I started writing prose, and couldn't stop!

Thanks for reading my essay, my friend. Warm hugs, Sandra xx

Comment from Wayne Fowler

Excellent

Very kind of you to offer your wise counsel to the new members.
Your third paragraph is very long and incorporates a couple of thoughts that would read better in two sentences.
I'm in my third year and consider myself new enough to welcome your advice.
It's a shame, though, that we all seem to so disdain four stars. Four stars should be seen as a B grade, which is good. Five would be an A, and six, perfect, publishable as is.
Thank you for your post.

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024

The ratings, Wayne, I totally agree with you. It wasn't always like that, it's only happened in the last half dozen years. The members back then stuck ridgedly to the ratings system as put forward by Tom. Most of those authors have either left, or died. It's a shame, there was no upset, no muting someone for daring to rate your work lower than a five. I'm scared to rate lower!! But, I won't tell the author how wonderful their writing is if I don't think it is. If it's really bad, and I've tried to help but given a rude reply, I don't review them again.

Thank you for reading my essay, and for the kind comments. Warmest hugs, my friend. Sandra xx

Comment from Bill Schott

Exceptional

Thayt was a great introduction and a funny aside for the precious 6. I have read the lament on the six availability a second time this week, meaning it must be a topic somewhere. The sixes can be like Oscars, I guess; sometimes it is just an honor to be nominated.

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024

Personally, I wish there was no six stars, Bill, but then the five would be the coveted rating. You can't win. :)
Thank you so much for giving this one a six, (I don't wish it gone that much!! Lol) I do like the comparison you've given between the six and an Oscar, I think you could be right.

How is Kathy doing? She's in my thoughts and prayers. Warmest hugs, my friend. Love Sandra xx

reply by Bill Schott on 13-Jan-2024

Kathy is doing a three-week stint in live-in physical therapy, and also receiving dialysis.

reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024

I hope it helps to speed her recovery and get her home to you, Bill. I'm sure that is where she really wants to be. xx

Comment from ImaginosBuzzardoDesdinova

Exceptional

Sound advice, indeed. I try to give everyone at least five stars. Because you're right. Some gave birth mentally to that work, nurtured it, and then sent it out into the world like a fledgling bird learning to fly.

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024

Thank you, dear Desdinova. It doesn't take much to say something nice before pointing out where a piece can be improved upon. Thank you so much, dear friend, for giving this a sixth star. Love you lots, Sandra xx

I'm slowly catching up with stories I'm following, I'll be looking at yours as well. :))

Comment from karenina

Excellent

Again I say these chapters are as valuable for old timers as for newbies!

I've been here since 2007, and I've seen some amazing writers excel and publish... like you!

Also we have 14 year olds who are dipping their toe in for the first time...

Sadly, I've heard from a handful of young writers who received scathing reviews and were demoralized!

Respect, sincerity, tone... These are essential, in my opinion.

If there is nothing civil to be said it is best to skip that post!

Also, as the prayers we've put forth for you has proven--for many of us this is so much more than a writing site!

I wouldn't trade the kindness and concern here for a month of six star reviews!

We learn as we go... Both in posting and reviewing!

Continue healing my friend!

Karenina

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024

I remember reading some very young members on here, which should be an area where we can encourage along their writing journey. But, you always have the odd ones who will leap in and put them down. Those people believe that because they have been a member for x amount of years, they know what they are talking about, when in fact they probably know less than the youngster.

And the prayers! I couldn't believe how many of you mentioned me to God in their your prayers, I have to say it was knowing how much everyone cared that kept me going when I was plugged into all the machines. I'll never forget that.

Thank you for reading my tips, and for the lovely comments, dear friend. Love and hugs, Sandra xxx

reply by karenina on 13-Jan-2024

You are a most respected and very talented writer. Equally respected for always being kind, thorough, instructive, and positive. I ALWAYS suggest new members read your work AND your reviews, my friend. You're the best example I can offer to encourage them!

Comment from Treischel

Excellent

I am very glad that you posted these tips for the Newbies. I think you did a great job in explaining the facts on this site. I got a 3 just yesterday from a newbie on my latest free verse The Will to Live. Great job. Thank you.

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024

Thank you so much, Tom. I went over and read and reviewed your poem and then looked at that reviewer. He/she only joined this month, so he'll soon learn. Not everyone will be happy to accept a 3 without some sort of comment. You did well. And, I did empathise with your poem. Thank you again, my friend. Warmest hugs, Sandra xx

reply by Treischel on 13-Jan-2024

Thank you Sandra. you are a dear.

Comment from Jasmine Girl

Excellent

Thanks a lot for this sage advice. You have been a very popular Fanstorian here since I joined FS in July of 2020. Time flies. You are right about this place being a paradise for writers. I have gotten so much writing done ever since I joined FS.

Well done and I feel so privileged to know you ,too.

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024

Thank you, dear Jasmine, you are so sweet. :)) This is definitely the site to keep you writing! Lol, it's very addictive once you get going. Thank you for your lovely comments my dear friend. Warmest hugs. Sandra xx

Comment from Jim Wile

Excellent

Great advice here, Sandra. I especially liked your advice about the rating system and what they should be doing if they rate lower than a 5.

I suggest adding that they are granted six 6s per week rather than say they are granted six 6s; otherwise, they may think they only have 6 total for all time. - Jim

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2024

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reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024

It does soften the blow if you explain why you rated a lower rating, but sometimes the advice isn't always taken as being helpful.

I never thought of that, Jim! thank you for pointing it out and I have added the 'per week'. Thank you, my friend, for the nice comments you've made, I appreciate them a lot. Warmest hugs, Sandra xx