h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Sometimes it's hard to express emotions, but I do enjoy writing about them. When I'm puting together a story I usually have a good idea of where I'm going with it, although sometimes it changes along the way. I also have a few unfinished stories - and I may or may not go back to them. I quite enjoy writing articles, but I much prefer the freedom of writing fiction.

I've just posted another story which has been here before. But I've updated it....

Flame

Hello Flame,

I shall read your latest posted story very shortly.

In the meantime, I have an ongoing problem with my e-mail link to the h2g2 underguide group at Yahoo! Trying to sort it out with them. You don't know how frustrating these computer problems can be!

I've got 'incoming' email with them that I cannot reach at the moment.

I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Ron

Glad to hear you have your yahoo sorted out. It must have been very frustrating to know you had mail you couldn't reach.

Thanks for your review of That Certain Something.

When you get some spare reading moments, would you kindly read through The Witness for me please. Hopefully it is error free. If I was paying for this service you could soon be very rich. You have a very good eye for detail, and I really appreciate you reviewing my work.

Flame

I'll do that gladly for you Flame; and entirely freeeeee of charge, out of my love for literature...that is my reward!

Let's leave it until tomorrow, when my mind will be sharper after a good night's sleep. See you then.

Ron

Good Morning Ron,

I appreciate you giving your time to reading The Witness, and I thank you for the review. I wrote this story up not long after I began to write, but it's one I kept going back to, searching myself to add some depth.

I try to pitch my writing to the subject matter. The Christmas story is meant to represent the mystery of life, hope and belief. This story is more about reality. Unlike my stories with a 'twist in the tail' I made no attempt to disguise where it was leading to. I felt I didn't to. I love to write.....wish I had more time for it.

Flame

Morning Flame,

Just as I thought. That's what I was trying to say in my ham-fisted way!

The difficult part in reviewing a piece is how to avoid sounding patronizing. I hope this review didn't come over as such. Some writers are a little sensitive in such matters. You are quite the brilliant author. You should endeavour to find more time to write and to submit your manuscripts to a publisher's agent. Or to an appropriate magazine for each type of story. But then, I bet you've already had pieces published. (You do not have to answer that question; really, let's keep our 'business' relationship on it's present tack!). Were those errors I found, or had I read them wrongly? But a gripping story, with wonderfully vivid descriptive passages throughout, 'The Witness'; Bravo!

Ron

You patronizing? Far from it! I look forward to your reviews, and I respect your opinion.

I've only been writing for a short time, and I've never had anything published. Recently I sent away a short story - but that was the first one I've tried. I'm never sure about where to send my work, so in general I haven't done much about it, or even thought much about it. I guess I will never be discovered here, (not that I ever thought I would be) and it's going to take more effort from me if I ever want my work to reach a wider audience.

They were indeed errors. They were not there a few days ago. I usually make them after I've posted, and have then gone back into my work to change things I don't like.

But I'm glad you enjoyed this one.

Look out for a story Xantief is working on at the moment. It's called Stonecutter and it will be a worthy entry when it's finished.

Flame

Xantief: 'Stonecutter'; right Flame, I'll keep a weather-eye open for that one; thanks!

Do spare yourself a little time to send off a letter or two to a publisher or magazine.
Bear in mind that they will also expect a synopsis of your story; usually only a paragraph or two in the case of your short works; a little more for a short novel.
It's always a good idea to prepare such synopses in advance, when you can do it in a relaxed frame of mind; one writes much better when not under pressure to meet deadlines.
I'll be 'chasing' you to ask whether you've followed up my suggestions in a few weeks time! (Only kidding!).

Ron