Reviews from

Should I admit it?

Between you and me

31 total reviews 
Comment from Jay Squires
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Haha! I love your comparison of writing to drug or alcohol addiction. (With all the contests here, one can almost find justification for Gamblers Anonymous.) I cheer you that you have observed how writing has drawn you closer to life. That is no small gift your awareness has given you!
You are all kinds of sweet, Wendy, for your mention of my entry. Good luck!
Jay

 Comment Written 13-Mar-2023


reply by the author on 13-Mar-2023
    Thank you Jay for a super review. I was glad to mention your excellent piece and that you enouraged me to enter. Yes, writing does make one more alert and aware to the most significant and meaningful experiences we have on this journey. Thanks you for a wonderful review.
    Wendy
Comment from Sarah Tummey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I would say there is still time to become a published author. What would you write a manuscript about if you could? Or perhaps you have already and just haven't submitted it yet to a publisher. I had my first book published in 2020, which was a great 40th birthday present. I then joined the Association of Christian Writers and have got to know lots of other authors (different ages, different genres). You don't have to be a member of ACW to post in their Facebook group, so let me know if you want me to send you an invite.

 Comment Written 13-Mar-2023


reply by the author on 13-Mar-2023
    Thank you Sarah! A lovely review, and helpful too. Last year I wrote a lot of stories about my teaching experiences, and these were accepted by a publisher, so the process has started!
    What was your first book about? Yes, I would be interested to have a look at and join the ACW page. Would appreciate an invite. Thank you.
    Wendy
reply by Sarah Tummey on 14-Mar-2023
    Wow, congratulations. I enjoy reading your stories, so I'm sure I would love that book. Don't forget to tell us on here when it's available to buy.

    Mine is an Advent book called "Christmas: God's Promise Kept". Every day has a reading from the Old Testament and explains how it points forward to Jesus.
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2023
    I haven't told anyone else about my book yet. Yours sounds VERY interesting!
reply by Sarah Tummey on 17-Mar-2023
    I'm honoured that you told me and I really hope to read it one day.
Comment from Debi Pick Marquette
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hi Wendy, I don't get to review as much as I like, as I am having my eye surgeries next month. But I do try to read whatever I am voting in, even if I am in the same contest. I did vote for yours because it touched me so deeply.

I am an alcoholic, an opioid painkiller addict and with it on both sides of my family, if I touch it and love it, I will become addicted to it. I wasn't a drunk that went out and partied, just one that used to kill the pain of molestation, rape and other bad things that have happened in my life. Smoked for many years, with reasons about the same. Nervous habits. Then when health had become an issue after my last child was born and found out I had lupus, the pain took over and the doctors pushed the opioids which I refused for a couple years, but could barely take care of my family. So I took them, and you guessed it, hooked, needed more.

Through the grace of God, I was able to get off of everything, but picked up eating, had to tame that one right away. So I took all the poetry I had written for everyone in my family and continued to write more for daughter and sons in laws, all my siblings and friends. Put them all in a book with their poems on one side and then 2 pages fo pictures for of their life that related to their poems, and each got that in a 12X12" book. Sent it to be published and gave everyone their own copy for Christmas that year. Very expensive project, but that was my bucket list item.

But then when it was done, I got itchy for more, and started praying about it. Actually had been asking God to let me be a light of His someplace whether it be writing or something else. Then not more that a month of praying, I found FS and I just knew that was Him.
However after a few months..... well actually Wendy, you already told the rest of my story. And after I saw that I was following the same patterns as before, I have had to allow myself only so many hours a day here. Make myself get at least so many hours of housework done and Bible time and save some for my husband who was starting to get jealous. And of course I always have time for kids and grand babes, but if people stopped over, I couldn't wait for them to leave, as I go through a little withdrawal without this global family.
I haven't seen so much love gather in one place in all my life. My mother would be so proud and would be writing here too if she was still around.. I have it so bad that if the hubby would ask me if I wanted to go to Hawaii, but no electronics.
Easy choice, I will stay home and go around the world with my awesome friends.
Yes, sweet friend, I too am hooked and addicted but it is my nature and my family says it is good to see a healthier addiction, but I too want it to stay a healthy addiction and not let it rule my life.

So I just want you to know that your story was amazing, and as much as our memories and life are different, we both are blessed to have the same result. And you have no idea how thankful I am that we met and have become good friends. God Bless you and Fascinating story. Well done!!

 Comment Written 13-Mar-2023


reply by the author on 13-Mar-2023
    Hi Debi, thank you for your very open and honest review. Some people say that it is a "good" addiction, but I believe, like you, that it is not to be the priority. God must come first, and family next. It is good, in that it makes us more open and aware to Him and His working, and to nature, and other people, and it is a gift to be creative - but it still needs to be harnessed. Nothing should have mastery over our body or our mind. It's the same with work. I have a friend who was a "workaholic" and spent too much time there, neglected his family in his service for others, and it was to the detriment of his sons. I think I have to harness it, and probably you will be in the same position, as there is an "addictive personality type" where one is prone to focussing on one thing 110%, and going overboard.
    I appreciate your very encouraging review, so thank you. I also value the honour of six stars and an exceptional rating. That means a lot to me.
    Wendy
Comment from jessizero
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I admire your piece on why you write. I can relate to addiction, though I think I might be addicted more to reading and writing on FanStory than actual writing. I am glad you are recovering but still write. Thank you for sharing, and best wishes to you.

 Comment Written 12-Mar-2023


reply by the author on 12-Mar-2023
    Thank you for this lovely review, Jessi. I appreciate it.
    Wendy
Comment from Rebecca Roberts1
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

The difference between an addict and a writer is an addict takes the stuff in. A writer sends it out. A writer can never be an addict, just a giver.
Thanks for the read.

 Comment Written 11-Mar-2023


reply by the author on 11-Mar-2023
    Oh, excellent thought!! I like that idea, and now I don't feel guilty about the time I spend thinking and writing in order to give. Great review!
    Wendy
Comment from Verna Cole Mitchell
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I love all the reasons why you write. I understand completely. Exploring and expressing one's creativity does seem to be a pretty good addiction though! I hope it does well in the contest.

 Comment Written 10-Mar-2023


reply by the author on 10-Mar-2023
    Thank you Verna. I think there are a lot of excellent entries, so I won't hold my breath in anticipation. I always appreciate your good wishes.
    Wendy
Comment from Anne Johnston
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Wendy, this is a great piece of work. I am glad that you did not retire from writing, for your posts are always informative and enjoyable. I admire how much time and effort you put into your contributions on here. You make me want to be a better writer. Thanks for sharing this.

 Comment Written 10-Mar-2023


reply by the author on 10-Mar-2023
    Thank you Anne. What a nice review, so encouraging and supportive. Thank you for the compliments.
    Wendy
reply by Anne Johnston on 11-Mar-2023
    You are welcome, Wendy.
Comment from Pantygynt
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

So you are having a heatwave. I am jealous. The freshness of your writing shines through whatever the content because you are getting pleasure from ceeatingbit.

 Comment Written 10-Mar-2023


reply by the author on 10-Mar-2023
    Thank you Jim. Yes, I do enjoy writing, keep getting tempted. Our heatwaves are awful when they reach 40 with high humidity (about 110). Dry heat is more tolerable. Thanks again.
    Wendy
Comment from Mrs. KT
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Good morning, Wendy!
Now...I have enjoyed each and every poetic or prose offering you have posted since joining FanStory.
But this piece is by far my favorite.
Kudos!
I relished every line for its flow and honesty.
Truly relatable as well.
Wishing I had six stars...

Thank you for sharing!
diane

 Comment Written 10-Mar-2023


reply by the author on 10-Mar-2023
    Your lovely review brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much. Your words mean a great deal to me, especially because of the quality of your own writing. I am so glad this one resonated with you.
    Wendy
reply by Mrs. KT on 10-Mar-2023
    My pleasure!
    So very much enjoyed!
    Thank you!
    diane
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a really good article on your addiction. I totally agree with how much it can take over our lives, but the house doesn't have to be that clean. I have a cat, a dog, a 9-year-boy, a thirty-year-old granddaughter, and a husband who can help around this place. I stopped writing for fifteen years and worked construction until I couldn't do it anymore. If not for Fanstory and all the good people I've met her, I might still not be writing.

 Comment Written 09-Mar-2023


reply by the author on 10-Mar-2023
    Thanks so much Carol. You are right (and it isn't, lol) Thank you so much for reviewing. Greatly appreciated.
    Wendy