How Do We Write?

[Rob Houghton]

So when people say nothing, I generally presume they didn't like it!

So when we get no comments on our serials, Rob, we now know why!

For me personally, I think its just a confidence issue. I've always been the same - and not just about my writing. Anything I enjoy is tempered with a feeling that its not good enough. I'm a bit of a perfectionist too, so that doesn't help! I'm the same with writing - including Journal articles, painting, drawing, acting. I'm never good enough to satisfy my very exacting standards!!

[deepeabee]

For me personally, I think its just a confidence issue. I've always been the same - and not just about my writing. Anything I enjoy is tempered with a feeling that its not good enough. I'm a bit of a perfectionist too, so that doesn't help! I'm the same with writing - including Journal articles, painting, drawing, acting. I'm never good enough to satisfy my very exacting standards!!

I know EXACTLY what you mean there!

[Moonraker]

Yes, you've hit the nail on the head there Daisy. Some may not like my book and will say so.

Generally I find people who don't like our work don't actually say so

I think that is a very negative point of view. Not all of us can or want to spend many hours a day online, commenting on everything people do. I can understand Tony's (possible) frustration when he sees little comments on the work he does in the Cave, only to find hundreds of pages on a change the letter quiz, but relatively few on his latest labours on the website. I read everything (usually) but really don't have the time to write a succession of "well done so-and-so, that was a really good ......." posts. If I've been away for a day or more, the number of new posts can be high and I just can't sit and post heaps of praise on every post. That isn't to say I didn't like it - If I didn't I am sure I would say I didn't, but would keep it constructive.

As an example i took quite a time composing a post referring to an article in the Malcolm Saville Society Journal on comparisons between Saville and Enid Blyton. There have been two replies. In the same period, over five pages of posts have been made on Change a Letter. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining or expecting my post to be hailed as a great debatable post, just assuming that many of us here would rather tax our brains by changing a letter in a word than seriously discussing Blyton.

[Daisy]

I agree, Nigel, and certainly don't respond very often with nothing more than a row of smilies. If I agree firmly, I will use a few words too! As for 'change a letter' - it's a bit of fun, and sometimes taxes the brain a bit too. I have resorted to the dictionary at times to hunt for a suitable word! -Sad, isn't it!

[sixret]

I agree with Nigel and Daisy wholeheartedly! Very well said, Nigel!

[Rob Houghton]

I understand what people are saying. It's basically just the fact that many creative types have low self esteem, and are always filled with self-doubt. I can only speak for myself when I say I don't rate my work very highly, and so at the back of my mind I feel most people will feel the same. Its not fishing for compliments, or even complaining that no one praises my work - its actually the opposite. I see that Dot gets what I mean - yes Dot - too right! I'm just difficult to please!

I think that quote of Nigel's is my quote - though I'm not sure without looking back, as Nigel rarely credits the quote, - but what I was really saying was that people usually won't leave bad reviews or comments, only good ones.

As for the 'add a letter' game...well, that's bound to have thousands of replies, let's face it - as it involves just adding or subtracting a letter! I've played it a lot in the past, and it's quite challenging. As Enid herself was fond of word games, I think she would have approved!

[Moonraker]

I think that quote of Nigel's is my quote - though I'm not sure without looking back, as Nigel rarely credits the quote,

Might I suggest you rub your eyes and look again, Rob; you are clearly quoted by name!

[Rob Houghton]

I must have been half asleep, lol!

[Chrissie777]

I bet no one 'writes' on the new thread now!!

I'm sorry I missed this new thread.
Even though I marked several EBS notifications from around 2/20 in my inbox "unread", I haven't had a minute since the imdb message boards closed for good (and I thought that maybe now I would have plenty of spare time). And too many new e-mails accumulated since then.

[Chrissie777]

...here's one trailer which features me from a year or two ago - but it's only a few seconds, starting at 1:40.
However...I don't think this will be viewable outside the UK. I'm the bald headed man in the grey suit who man-handles the guy out of the warehouse! We played kidnappers!

Unfortunately it's not viewable outside the US unless it would be on Youtube.

[Chrissie777]

I bet no one 'writes' on the new thread now!!

Rob, you were wrong. You posted this on page 2 and there are 7 pages!
Looking forward to read the next 5 pages now.

[Chrissie777]

Over the years I've written quite a number of stories, but they are somewhere in the loft. Recently I got one down, and re-read and revamped it. And it's been accepted by a publisher.
I wont say anything further, as I've only just signed the contract, and it's all new to me now the road I will be going down, and I don't want to jinx anything. So once I know when the book will be available, I will let you all know.

Julie, would you please at least tell us if it's a FFO & Dog continuation which will be published?

[Chrissie777]

...I've had a short story printed in 'The People's Friend' - and was paid for it - only £79 but better than nothing!

Congrats!

[Chrissie777]

Great news, Julie. Chick and I are really looking forward to reading your book.

Me as well, Julie!!!

[Chrissie777]

Not a great photo, and difficult to post at a good size on here due to size restrictions - but here's the first page of my short story published in 'The People's Friend' -

Awesome, Rob !
Who did the illustration?