The Daily Grind

Continuity

         I started keeping these entries in a static item some 2½ weeks ago, and in the interest of completeness, I'm copying and pasting them here:

November 2nd, '24
         Took this morning to post some of my most recent writing, a short story that is part of a planned anthology about my youth, in a very shadowed, not-historically-accurate sort of way. Interested parties can find it at

FOLDER

Tales from the Beach  (18+) Vignettes from a youth well-spent... mostly... enjoyed, anyway. #2329872 by The Phantom Reviewer

Be sure to read the folder notes; there's a lot of backstory there that will make it more understandable.

November 1st, 2024
         Well, I'm back. The first of the month is always very busy for me, so there's a good chance that I won't be taking a leisurely read and writing a review today. If things lighten up this afternoon, I may do some experimental writing on a project that's starting to tickle my subconscious. Significant, as I haven't written anything new in at least two years. Also, I gave three 5-star reviews during October, and I need to single one of those out for an award of some kind... or maybe all of them! I'll think about that while I'm doing the morning drudgery. Of course I'll leave the site open, and should anyone talk to me, I'll be right along with a reply as soon as I see the flag. Have a wonderful writing day, and stay lucky!

October 30th, '24
         Logged in to again find not much waiting for me. I was nominated in the Hallowe'en Handles contest, but opted out as I didn't change my handle for Hallowe'en; the date is merely coincidence. Also, a few days ago I was invited to join a reviewing group. Flattering, but after careful consideration I've decided to decline that as well; want to maintain my freelance autonomy. I have a doctor's visit this morning which may cut into my plan to review today, and yesterday she sent a questionnaire. The first question was "What is this visit about?" My answer was, "You called me. What do you want?" Probably going to try to put me on a diet. Yeah, hold your breath... Update coming if I get back here.

October 28th, '24
         Didn't expect to be able to get in here today, but I made time over lunch to change my handle and bio to better reflect what I'm doing at Writing.com. That old Jack o' Lantern was always temporary. I had planned to change it after Hallowe'en, but I had a few moments, so it's done. What you see here now is the Real Me, for better or worse. I'll be back Wednesday to do a review, fates permitting. Ask not for whom the Reviewer comes... He comes for THEE!

October 27th, '24
         Logged on to find nothing new once again. This has decided me; I'm going to post one promotion for "Sea Story" . Mostly, though, I'm here to review, and I'll be looking at "Let's Hurt Tonight"  shortly. If anything else develops, I'll add it here later.

October 26th, '24
         Logged on after two days off to find... nothing new. Not unexpected, as I've only posted one story and haven't promoted it at all. I may have to change that policy to, say, one promotion for each new story. That's a decision for later. I wrote a review for "Wile E Coyote and The Roadrunner"  , a rousing satire, and now wait to see what happens...
         UPDATE: Received a most gracious reply from my reviewed story's author, and one new view on my short story. Same person? Doesn't matter, it's a view.

October 23rd, '24
         Logged on this morning to find a couple of Merit Badges and a stack of GPs for a review. This was a nice surprise, and also tells me that I'm reviewing correctly on the whole, so good stuff. One of the Merit Badges was for logging in on seven consecutive days, and I'm going to have to think about my approach to that. On the one hand, I stay logged in all the time even though some days I don't come here. Yesterday for example. That's why I've set my privacy to Exclude Me; I don't want people to think that I'm sitting here at the keyboard ignoring them. That means that this MB is sort of a lie. To be honest about it, I should log off and stay off on those days I'm not around the site. That will lower my MB count, and I'll start lagging behind the people who are always on. Hmmm... To lie or not to lie... what a dilemma!
         I have, thus far, been choosing my items to review from the Please Review page. Seems a logical first place to look, and the people posting there are less likely to get offended when some newb comes along telling them how to write. That's a horse I'll keep riding until it won't run anymore. Speaking of running, I'm off to write another...

October 21st, '24
         Logged in to find a Newsfeed item urging me to post my goals for the week. Difficult, as I rarely plan that far ahead. Sea Story has logged one additional view since yesterday, so perhaps the honeymoon is over? That's all right. I reviewed "Unbridled Showdown"  and shall now wait for developments...

October 20th, '24
         When I signed off Friday night, "Sea Story"  had seven views and one 5-star review. Now it has 32 views and three reviews, all positive. I believe I've done the right thing returning here. These are the people I've attracted in three days. To put that in perspective, I've had four sales on Amazon during 2024. I'm never going to get rich doing this, I might as well get read, right?

October 18th, '24
         Set up "It Was a Dark and Foggy Night," a now-defunt folder for my creepy stories, and placed "Sea Story"  in it. It is shortly after midnight; I intend to attempt a review during the morning tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how it goes.
         UPDATE: When I logged off about 8:55 local, "Sea Story"  had seven views and a 5-star review. This is what I loved about WdC back in the day: my stuff gets read, and in the wake of my {sarcasm} crowning success {/sarcasm} in the book-selling market, that's enough. One of my old, dear friends found me today by reading my review. Said she recognized my work immediately. I thought I'd changed enough, but it's good to be talking with her again anyway. Taking the day off tomorrow; we'll see what Sunday brings...

October 17th, 2024
         Today I set up my membership, a year of Upgraded, and bought 100,000 gift points so they'll be on hand should the need arise. My only plan for today is to get my port and this log set up, and be ready to start working tomorrow. I know I should be raring to go, but buying this account was a sudden decision, so I'm going to take my time and get it right. Bear with me, I'll be posting soon...
         UPDATE: Received two supportive reviews. Folks know I'm here, so it will be interesting to see how well the ripples spread.