• Under Watchful Eyes

    Under Watchful Eyes

    Miranda gets special protection.
    from 12 reviews.
    Family  Fiction

  • Kicking the Beehive (Miranda)

    Kicking the Beehive (Miranda)

    Accusing Missy.
    from 10 reviews.
    General  Fiction

  • Miss Eugenie

    Miss Eugenie

    Man's memory of a woman.
    from 10 reviews.
    General  Fiction


GWHARGIS: I have always heard it us best to write what you know. I have my thoughts on what this means, but I'd like to know what others think this means.
    nor84: for a fiction writer, you really can't write what you know, not if that means what you've actually lived through. Nobody could write about the wild West, monsters, or science fiction. You have to make things up and imagine what you don't know. -


GWHARGIS: Question. How many prose writers on here work on several stories at a time. I have two books I'm working on and I've never had that happen before. Does anyone else work on dual projects?
    Brett Matthew West: I always keep more than one coal in the fire. I find the variety exhilirating. -
    GWHARGIS: I'm finding it very inspiring. One character clams up and I go to the next. -


GWHARGIS: Do you feel that sometimes writing becomes an addiction. I always say I can quit anytime I want, but inevitably I pick up that pen just one more time.
    evilynne: It is a glorious addiction! Evi -
    GWHARGIS: I have to agree. And the bonus is, with writing, your imaginary friends are always around so you're never lonely. -


GWHARGIS: Thoughts on this statement: You need strong characters to carry a weak storyline, but no storyline is strong enough to carry weak characters.
    giraffmang: I disagree with the first part. I'd get bored real quick -
    GWHARGIS: I can understand where you're coming from. Read that on another site and was wondering how other writers felt. -
    lancellot: No, I disagree with it. It all depends on the story and the readers. What matters to them. -
    GWHARGIS: I will stick with a story if the characters appeal to me. But a weak character and I'm out. -
    nor84: I agree with the statement. -


FanStory wrote to GWHARGIS: Lucky finished second in the contest "60 WORD DASH"


GWHARGIS: Give yourself a compliment every day. Repeat it daily until you really mean what you say. Then add another compliment. Repeat until you truly feel the things you are saying. Be your own best friend. If you start treating yourself as you would treat your own best friend, you will like yourself a lot more. I'll start.

I have a great personality. I can be funny, sarcastic, empathetic or coy. My emotional range is vast.

Now, it's your turn. Put down one thing you like about yourself.
    Debi Pick Marquette : I am kind, generous, respectful and caring of other's feelings.

    And Gretchen, I agree that you have a wonderful personality. I -
    damommy: I am funny, stubborn, and love animals. -


GWHARGIS: Life happens whether we are ready or not. Sometimes you can brace yourself. Sometimes it knocks you over. But one thing is for sure. This group here on Fanstory looks out for its own. I've seen APBs out on members who suddenly go MIA. I've seen prayer chains started. It's amazing. We all have one loosely connected goal ... to tell stories, either through poetry or prose. It is my sincere hope that everyone in this writers' community has a wonderful, safe and happy holiday season.
    damommy: What a lovely message. Thank you. -
    Jannypan (Jan) : What a heartfelt message of hope and love, Gretchen. Thank You for sharing, ❤️🎄🙏 -
    karenina: Same to you! Very nicely said!

    -
    GWHARGIS: Thank you. Fanstory was fun and a big help the first time around. Now it has become so much more. I feel like I have found friends here. It's a great feeling. Plus I'm still getting lots of help. -


GWHARGIS: Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Now, I want to read some Christmas poems, stories, or personal Christmas memories. Authors start posting.


FanStory wrote to GWHARGIS: Interior Design finished first in the contest "Look at Me"
    Rachelle Allen: WOOOOOOOOOT!!! So, so happy for you, Gretchen!!! Congrats!! xo -


FanStory wrote to GWHARGIS: Dear Abby finished second in the contest "Cats & Dogs"


FanStory wrote to GWHARGIS: Whiter Shade of Pale finished first in the contest "That Special Song "
    Debi Pick Marquette : Congrats Gretchen! Your story was wonderful and so was the song. Very touching and sad. A win well deserved! -
    GWHARGIS: Thank you. I appreciate it. -


GWHARGIS: To all the writers who take the time to read my work, critique, and just enjoy my writing. I want to thank you all. You have no idea how much your help on grammatical errors, spacing and just your thoughts on it, really mean to me. If you keep reading and giving feedback, I'll keep writing.


FanStory wrote to GWHARGIS: Evelyn finished third in the contest "Lost - Flash Fiction"


GWHARGIS: We are the sum of our experiences. But a good writer embellishes some.


GWHARGIS: Happy Halloween, ya'll.


GWHARGIS: Where has the summer gone? Time to put it to rest. Welcome autumn!
    pipersfancy: As much as I truly love summer - this year, I do feel ready for autumn. Fall is actually my favourite season, but still... the relaxed, laid-back vibe of summer is hard to let go of! (Can you tell I work in schools? LOL!) -


GWHARGIS: Writing is like heroin. I tried to stop to concentrate on my art. I found myself painting words on the canvas. I am back. I will review at least one day a week.
    trimple: LOL Gretchen :)

    Welcome back! -
    giraffmang: Having never tried to shoot up a syringe full of words, paper and ink I can't attest to the veracity of this statement... I find it's more like Pringles (tasty potato snack treat) - once you pop, you can't stop... -


GWHARGIS: What's wrong with the world when the tolerant are as intolerant as the ones they deem intolerant. Follow me?
    kiwisteveh: Well aren't you being intolerant if you deem the tolerant to be intolerant?
    -


FanStory wrote to GWHARGIS: Blind Love finished first in the contest "What Happened?"


GWHARGIS: Sometimes my muse just sits quietly beside me and stares at the blank page with me. She complains that I don't pay her enough to work and that I buy store brand ice cream instead of name brand.
Anyone else have this problem?


FanStory wrote to GWHARGIS: Holding on to Clarence finished third in the contest "Share Your Story"


GWHARGIS: I have found that using high dollar words in my writing will never make up for not putting my soul into it. I can go through my portfolio and I know which pieces are souless. The ones I'm proud of are like my children.


GWHARGIS: I am slowly trying to release my poetic side to the public. Problem is, I can't follow directions at all. I guess I will stick to freestyle and 5/7/5 format. So I will thank you to critique the heck out of my work. I never take offense at legitimate and constructive reviews.


FanStory wrote to GWHARGIS: Evasive finished second in the contest "Writer's Block 5-7-5"


FanStory wrote to GWHARGIS: Foxhole Memories finished first in the contest "Your favorite book line"


GWHARGIS: Anyone out there have or had Lymes disease. I'm being tested. I feel horrible and am hoping to hear from anyone who knows about this stuff. Thanks
    flylikeaneagle: Look on the web sites. Mayo Clinic has information for you. Eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies, smoothies and energy foods. I'll keep praying on you. flylikeaneagle -
    rama devi: So sorry to hear this. I have three friends wit Chronic Lymes. One is an expert. Would you like me to send her an email? Sending prayers... -


GWHARGIS: Wondering if anyone knows how to respond to reviewers who tell you they don't think you gave enough backstory when they are randomly reviewing a mid point chapter in a novel. Pretty sure Stephen King doesn't give a character's backstory in each chapter. Don't want to get picky but why punish the author with a 3 star when you are just jumping in?
    nor84: There's nothing wrong with replying, "this was chapter X of a novel. You can find the backstory by reading the previous chapters." They might not like it, but that's not defending your work and it isn't arguing, so not against site rules. -
    I am Cat: Smile with southern charm, and inform them it's part of a larger picture... Fan yourself coyly and saunter on. (Well, it works in the south) lol -


GWHARGIS: Happy 4th to everyone. Hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday!


GWHARGIS: Are there any Mystery Science Theater fans on this site? I love that show!


GWHARGIS: I've been working on getting my youngest son healthy. I am proud to say we are moving in the right direction. Albeit, baby steps, but at least it's in the right direction. Can I get a halaleugah? !
    mrsmajor: Yes! You can certainly get a hallelujah, and a Prayer...and a hug for your son!
    Victoria -
    Sandollar: This is so wonderful. God bless you both. Hallelujah!

    Sandollar -


FanStory wrote to GWHARGIS: Suffering finished second in the contest "Writing"


GWHARGIS: Some people have an uncanny ability to be a d---he-bag. Even when you're trying to help them. Never be the person who thinks everyone is beneath them and the only purpose they serve is to be berated and abused. Remember, Mr. Arsehole, you are the reason the chef spits in your food. Treat people nicely and with respect and you just may get extra fries.


GWHARGIS: Today, I choose the path less taken. I choose to see every moment of life today as a gift. I choose to ignore the thorns and smell the rose. I hope you choose wisely.
    DIS-illusioned: Ignore the thorns and smell the rose? That's like saying you wanna smoke weed, but not inhale it.
    And talking about weed, that path less taken must be full of it.
    Have I chosen wisely?
    Enjoy! :-)) -


GWHARGIS: Am I the only one who has better conversations with my fictional characters than with real people? Does that make me weird? Or rather, weirder? Just wondering.
    nor84: No. I sometimes have two of them talking to one another, from which I decide how to write the scene. -
    --Turtle.: I think it's weird if a whole day goes by and none of my characters have had a conversation with me. Or each other in my earshot. They are way more interesting than some of the other conversations around me ... which start to sound like skyrim AI after awhile.

    Ha! Big smile if you know what I mean.

    Now, back to the conversation I was having with an imaginary friend of mine... -


GWHARGIS: Thoughts on clowns. Are they fun, creepy, hiding from something? I feel it's a lost art, now ruined by Hollywood. I was never scared of Red Skelton and he was a clown without makeup. Ah, is it the makeup that scares us?
    CD Richards: There's a clown that has been scaring a great number of people lately, and he doesn't wear any makeup. -
    --Turtle.: From an article on history of the fear of clowns: By Lisa Fritscher

    "Throughout history, clowns have represented the side of us that is not acceptable to society. That side is formed from our most primal urges and is not always neat or pretty. Perhaps the clown both attracts and repels us because he or she holds up a mirror to our inner selves."

    From me... thinking on her thought... maybe we are becoming more afraid of ourselves? -
    nor84: and in recent years there was a clown named John Wayne Gacy who turned out to be a serial killer.

    I don't remember being afraid of clowns when I was a kid, but I only saw them once or twice. But a the age of 10 or 11, when I saw them, I just thought they were stupid. Two grown men getting into a tiny car, honking the horn, hitting each other over the head, certainly didn't impress me or scare me. -
    --Turtle.: True story:

    My brother was driving and another driver was speeding on the right of us to merge ahead of us though there was nobody behind us, it was clear to merge. I told my brother... Hey, watch out for this clown merging.

    When I turned my head... the guy driving was in full clown gear... big yellow gloves and red nose and all. It was a surreal, 'living in a satire', moment. -


GWHARGIS: Who do you identify with in Alice in Wonderland? I feel closest to the Rabbit. Good grief! I'm late ... for everything.
    Ima L. Ami: The Queen of Hearts - Off with their heads! -


GWHARGIS: I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter. Enjoy the day.


GWHARGIS: Peace to all on this rainy spring day. May your upcoming week be wonderful.


GWHARGIS: Can anyone give me a cure for writers block? I have it bad.
    F. Wehr3: Unfortunately, there is no cure. If I am working on a story and it goes no where, I step back and try to write something else. Maybe it's scene or descriptive setting for a different story.

    If that doesn't work, I go do something else and completely take my mind off of it. A monotonous task like washing dishes or weeding. Usually, my mind will drift back to the story. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't.

    I think we can all sympathize. -
    I am Cat: just write and write and write... put all, what you consider, crap: into a folder on your desktop, called: Poems in Progress...
    keep coming back and looking at them. You'll be surprised what might be trash today, can be reworked and made new on another day, with a different brainwave, or two. ;)
    Good luck! (I have a folder with nearly 200 documents in it... gibberish when I started... as I learn, they become sonnets, free verses, rispetto's... etc. ) Mwah! -
    nor84: I listen to audiobooks on the subject of writing and they get me to editing, which often uncovers what isn't working. Writer's Block is a good term -- like a road block. You can go around it, or try to blast your way through it. -
    Commando: My Grandpa would recommend "one gallon of Tennessee moon-shine" before breakfast, with lunch and after supper! Of course you might sleep on that recommendation--because he "bootlegs the liquor, and needs the money!" Seriously--there is no cure, and we all get it! I suggest you "walk away from it--then come back," and if that don't work--"take another walk!" After walking for a hundred miles or so--:it usually works for me! Good luck! -
    Writeling: Hi, What I do is go for a walk in the woods behind my house... usually works....
    Or - have an extra SMALL glass of vino! -


GWHARGIS: Is 54 too old to develop ADHD? Having a difficult time concentrating on longer works, ie: Formerly Known as Turtle. I have decided to put my energy into flash fiction and short personal essays. Hopefully, the novel muse will show up with some Adderall and I can get back to business.
    mrsmajor: seriously..I have read an article just recently about the subject, and yes as I understood it, it is possible, in adults.. -
    I am Cat: Many medications can cause you to be distracted, and also parts of the brain, as you age, become atrophied and unable to concentrate and retain what we once did. It's certainly why I write things down! ;) -
    GWHARGIS: I'm not on any meds but I do have 3 teenagers at home. Lol. Maybe I should be on some. -
    DIS-illusioned: Well, the truth of the matter is...Wait, what are we arguing about again? -
    GWHARGIS: That's exactly how I feel 23 hours a day. What!? They added an hour? Well, I feel a little better. -


GWHARGIS: Santa just brought me a tablet. Starting January 1st, I will resume posting. Trying to get a turn on the home computer has been next to impossible lately. Now I have no excuses not to post.
    Gloria ....: That's great news, Gretchen! Looking forward to more posts. -


GWHARGIS: After taking an extensive break from Fanstory, I feel refreshed and ready to start posting again. I really missed the wonderful writing and the friendships I have made herear. I'm sorry I left without a word, but at that point in my life I was treading water.
    Selina Stambi: Welcome back, Gretchen. Here's to an energetic and cooperative muse! -
    Dean Kuch: It's great to have you back amongst friends, Gretchen. Welcome back!
    ~Dean ;) -


GWHARGIS: I have another muse. One that is pulling at me to drag out my canvases and paints and forget about Alex and Ben. I am determined to finish their story. But I may take some time off the paint when they are finished.


GWHARGIS: Pollen, pollen everywhere. But once we wipe it away spring will have sprung. Enjoy your new season.
    DIS-illusioned: Most pollen centers have shown Hillary Clinton to be the majority's preferred choice in 2016.
    Many Republicans/Conservatives see this as the onset of a bitter winter. -


GWHARGIS: Do you ever think about clichés? I have been thinking about the one When Life gives you lemons, Make Lemonade. I have one question. Who the hell is supposed to give you the sugar to put in it? Because last time I checked, lemonade with no sugar is just plain sour.
    shelley kaye: when life gives you lemons.... pick them up and throw them at the people that are pissing you off.

    ;-)

    -
    Jay Squires: Congratulations on your nomination for book of the month. Deserved, dear Gretchen. -
    GWHARGIS: Here's another one. Don't let anyone rain on your parade. People don't rain, last time I checked. So if it's people, then they're probably pissing on you. -


GWHARGIS: Am taking a little bit of time off. Life is getting crazy lately, so with that in mind, I am going to briefly check in now and then. Don't want to land in the padded room by over extending myself. Don't think I am ignoring you, I will try to read the occasional piece but I won't be able to catch everything. Thanks for understanding. Gretchen
    trimple: Have you filled in the FS holiday request forms?

    :)

    Hope all is well Gretchen

    hugs xxx -


GWHARGIS: I finally did it!!!! I self published The 'Shine Baby. It is now available on Amazon and Kindle. I am so happy and proud. Thank you to all the reviewers and friends who helped me every step of the way.
    Selina Stambi: Congratulations, Gretchen. How amazing that much feel. Way to go! -
    GWHARGIS: It was on my bucket list and now I just want to fill my bucket up with it. LOL. Thanks for the comments. -
    Jacqueline M Franklin: Congrats! You deserve great success. You work really hard. So keep that bucket list going! ('-') -
    Gladness: So happy to hear you are published! Congrats! -


FanStory wrote to GWHARGIS: Congratulations on having your writing published.
    MelReyn: Yay!!!!! Congratulations!!!!! I'm so happy for you!!!! -
    GWHARGIS: I am supposed to be in the August issue of Conceit magazine. I hope I can get a copy of it. Thank you for the support and the congratulations. -
    nancy_e_davis: Well deserved Gretchen. I am very happy for you! Nancy -
    GWHARGIS: Thank you, I appreciate it. -
    Writingfundimension: Congratulations and thanks so much for sharing! How excited you must be.
    -
    GWHARGIS: I am very excited. Can't wait to actually read it in print. Thank you for sharing in the excitement with me. Gretchen -
    Ted T: Hi Gretchen :)

    Big congrats are in order for your success. If you're lucky enough to publish a hundred more stories, I promise you, the excitement will be the same for each published tale.

    Ted -
    GWHARGIS: Thank you so very much. I could not have done it with out the great reviewers and the awesome insights from the group here at Fanstory. Gretchen -
    Sally Carter: Very well done. I don't know the mag, but will do some googling. What a great feeling that must be.
    :~) -
    Mrs Jones: Congratulations, that is so encouraging. -
    GWHARGIS: I am on cloud nine. Would be on cloud ten if it were a paying publication, but being published is a start. thank you for the help and congrats. Gretchen -
    Dean Kuch:

    from me, and all of the monsters in my stable, a heartfelt "CONGRATS!" to you for your published work, Gretchen!

    Congratulations! photo adams-family-blood-zombies-Favimcom-2900681.gif -
    GWHARGIS: Thank you very much. What a lovely Christmas card you must send out. LOL. Gretchen -
    ravenriter: So glad you hear your publication news! Many, many congratulations!!! -
    Quillian: Congratulations and I hope many more are in store for you. Quillian -
    Selina Stambi: Congratulations! What an awesome feeling it must be to be sitting on cloud nine! :) xxx -
    EMB: Why am I not surprised? :)

    Great job, G! -
    GWHARGIS: Thank you all for the continued support and the occasional kick in the behind. Gretchen -
    GWHARGIS: Thank you for the nice comments. Gretchen -
    GaryCecil: Congrats!! What kind of story did they take? -
    GWHARGIS: They took a twenty six line story that had each line start with one letter of the alphabet. It had started out as an exercise but I really liked the story and tweaked it just enough. It is in my portfolio, titled The Twister. Thank you very much for the kind wishes. Gretchen -
    trimple: Hey GW
    Well done!
    I am honoured to have you on my "F List"
    Perhaps I should grab your autograph now before I am brushed aside by your burly body guards :)
    Lotsa love
    tracey :) -
    GWHARGIS: A;; you have to do is ask and wave a York Peppermint Pattie at me and I'll sign your mortgage. LOL. Thank you for the nice message. Gretchen -
    The Death: Congrats!!
    It is a big achievement,and you won the prompt too with 'The dragonfly dancer'..thus a double win:-) -
    GWHARGIS: Thank you for the nice tidings and the great prompt. Gretchen -
    Quillian: I just read the "Dragonfly Dancer' and was knocked out with the talent you displayed on this one. A well deserved win. Congratulations. Quillian -
    GWHARGIS: Thank you very much for the nice comments and the congratulations. -


GWHARGIS: I enjoy the edge. My writing most times reflects that. I also enjoy a good limerick.
I like that here I can put something out there and almost immediately I get a response. To any writer, a response(good or bad) is a very good thing.
    Titanx9: Congratulations on your win. I liked the journal, it was a poignant read! -
    GWHARGIS: Thank you for the message. I didn't see it until just now. Old eyes, I guess. Anyway I appreciate the kind thoughts. -
    MikeAdler: Hi GW.

    Thanks for using my image! Please visit my website (http://www.OffCenterImages.com) and let me know what you think. My email address is michael.adler@verizon.net. Thank you again! -- Mike -
    GWHARGIS: Mike

    You did a phenomenial picture. I will visit your web site asap. I was knocked over when I saw how beautifully detailed the picture was. i couldn't imagine anything else to go with my poem. Thanks for letting me use it. -
    janvan723: Thank you for selecting my artwork to accompany your beautiful poem. I hope we can work together again. Jan (janvan723) -
    GWHARGIS: I just loved the color and the fluidity of this. It just seemed perfet for the poem. -
    ravenriter: Congratulations on your great finish in Book of the Month! I'm so very happy for you! -
    GWHARGIS: Thank you so much. I was definitely up against some tough competition. I confess I was checking the polls every chance I got. -
    janvan723: Thank you for using my painting, Unprotected Heart, to illustrate you poetry.
    Jan ( janvan723) -
    JM daSilva: Congratulations for getting second place. -
    GWHARGIS: Thank you very much. Congratulations yourself. -
    Titanx9: Congratulations on your accomplishment! -
    marycec: Congratulations all round, Gretchen! Really pleased for you. -
    Dorothy Farrell: Congratulations Gretchen! What an exciting achievement - good luck - Dorothy -