Short Stories: November 30, 2016 Issue [#7944]
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Short Stories


 This week: Don't Fear the Reaper
  Edited by: Shannon Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

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Welcome to the Short Stories Newsletter. I am Shannon Author IconMail Icon and I'm your editor this week.


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Letter from the editor

β€œThis is the way the world ends
Not with a bang but a whimper.”

~ T.S. Eliot


Post-apocalyptic fiction fascinates me: viruses, EMPs, pandemics, alien invasion, biotech disasters, nuclear Armageddon, asteroids, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, technological singularity, ecological collapse. The myriad ways to eradicate humanity is limited only by your imagination.

Over the past two years, I've read hundreds of post-apocalyptic novels and short stories. It's rare to find anything unique, but every once in a while an author surprises me. How do you write a hackneyed topic with a fresh new perspective? Here are a few ideas:

*Bullet* Change the setting. We're used to zombie fiction taking place in modern times, but what if someone disseminated a bioaerosol cloud over troops fighting in WWII?
*Bullet* Change the behavior. As a long-time fan of The Walking Dead, I lost interest in the show. Week in and week out the zombies shamble along at a snail's pace. Boring. The virus needs to mutate--something Michael Stephen Fuchs and Glynn James did to great effect in their Arisen series.
*Bullet* Change the stakes. Why stop at just one? How about two or more concurrent events, like a humanity-ending virus and an EMP? Tim McBain and L.T. Vargus did it in The Scattered and the Dead series and the results are chilling.
*Bullet* Change the rules. In 28 Days Later, 28 Weeks Later (these two films changed the rules by having the dead haul a$$, scaring the crap out of us in the process), The Walking Dead, Night of the Living Dead, Shaun of the Dead, Zombieland, and every other zombie-apocalypse film/television show I've ever seen, infected people feed on living people and the occasional unwitting animal. Why aren't animals infected, too? Fleas, monkeys, and bats spread bubonic plague, Marburg, and Ebola, so why not a zombie virus? Keith C. Blackmore put this idea into practice in his Mountain Man series--one of my favorite zombie-apocalypse reads. (If you're interested in reading a nonfiction account of a hemorrhagic fever outbreak, Richard Preston's The Hot Zone: A Terrifying True Story is exceptional.)
*Bullet* Change the objective. What if terrorists (or another foe) poisoned the food/water supply? Maybe consumers are just carriers of the virus, and the only people affected are their offspring--the children born after exposure? What if the virus resulted in an entire generation of zombabies?

Write an old story with a new twist. Regardless of genre, our job is to imagine a fresh take and unique perspective. Have you written a post-apocalyptic story you'd like to share? Is there a post-apocalyptic novel you couldn't stop reading? Respond to this newsletter and I will include your comments in next month's edition.

Thank you for reading.

P.S. Everyone who responds to this newsletter will receive an exclusive trinket. I will retire this month's limited-edition trinket on December 28, 2016, when my next short stories newsletter goes live.



A swirly signature I made using the Mutlu font and a drop shadow.
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Editor's Picks

I hope you enjoy this week's featured selections. Please do the authors the courtesy of reviewing the ones you read. Thank you, and have a great week!

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Ghouls Open in new Window. (18+)
Don't let death stop you living.
#1051641 by Bilal Latif Author IconMail Icon


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#1635274 by Not Available.


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#1822531 by Not Available.


 Becoming Zombie Open in new Window. (ASR)
Zombie school can be tough...on the teachers...
#1890716 by Hyperiongate Author IconMail Icon


 
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The Scent Shop Open in new Window. (18+)
There are zombies, werewolves and shapeshifters. Whom can Kara trust?
#1785493 by Quick-Quill Author IconMail Icon

 
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Ask & Answer

The following is in response to "Reading, Reviewing, and RatingOpen in new Window.. Everyone who responded will receive this month's trinket. If you responded and didn't receive it, please email me to let me know.

iKΓ―yΓ₯Β§ama Author Icon writes, "If you're in senior position - online, real life - you do get treated differently even if you're still the same person you are inside. Prejudice is the word here, methinks."

Creeper Of The Realm Author Icon writes, "I've felt the difference between the case colors for a long time. The only blue case I bothered was Kiya and only because of her images - the reason why I felt I had something in common with her. Blue cases come off very intimidating to new members, black cases who've been here a while, sometimes even yellow cases. We had this discussion a few years back. It's one of the reasons why I created "Game of ThronesOpen in new Window. [13+] for group participation. That way people got to know each other better because they had no other choice. I wrote a newsletter about it some time ago - no idea which one now. I think the problem becomes that some of us have been here so long that we forget what it is to be a new member. Other times, our answers can be a bit brisk without intention, creating that intimidating factor. Kiya should know, obviously. *Laugh* Yellow cases feel a companionship with each other because they're not new anymore and they are recognized within the site but aren't expected to challenge anything or anyone really, so they're the safe zone for any member. I can see why blue cases become intimidating."

iKΓ―yΓ₯Β§ama Author Icon writes, "Yes, there's no doubt that folks will always see those blue+ as 'authority' figures and will fear that something 'bad' will happen to them if they step out of line, so it's all in how these authority figures decide to approach those they are in charge of. They can choose to be more open and friendly, hence shattering the barriers/prejudices of color, or be reserved and stand-offish if they feel that's the best way to go about their business. It's never easy to be a group leader; at least one that's supposed to be fair and balanced. It's a fine line between becoming too laissez-faire vs authoritarian. Bottom line, no matter what you do, there's always someone who is going to consider you one way or the other."

~ Santa Sisco ~ Author Icon writes, "I know I am guilty of treating people slightly different based on case color. Almost a reverse of your experience, I tend to treat black cases slightly less straightforwardly. I assume yellow and above understand reviews and what a reviewer is saying is their own views as a reader. Black cases can often believe anything negative in a review is somehow an attack on them personally. So I do try to explain more about the points raised with a black case, unless they have been here for years. *Smile* I do this based on my own experiences, but hope it is a positive form of bias. I also have a secondary account. My only negative experience with that account was someone emailing me about that horrible man ~ Santa Sisco ~. *Rolling* I did defend him... *Smirk* *Facepalm* Looking forward to your newsletter!"

THANKFUL SONALI Library Class! Author Icon writes, "When I had a black case secondary account, I didn't feel this way. I thought people reviewed according to what I had written. So it's sad that you have had this experience."

β™₯noVember tHiNgβ™₯ Author Icon writes, "From 2001 - 2009 Hooves was a secondary account. Some people were nasty to hooves (especially in the early days) who were nice to me. Strangely enough, some other people were nicer to hooves than to me, though. Dealing with a secondary account can work both ways. What I ended up with was that maybe I was nicer when I was hooves or at least different. Dealing with people from a different perspective can bring out different reactions. I have seen what you speak of, but to me case color makes no difference. I expect people (of all briefcase colors) to act nice and be polite and I try to be the same and not act like a nasty know it all. I try not to be that way and hopefully people will lose the attitudes that they can treat anyone in a less than polite manner. If someone acts nasty they get it back from me usually. Then, I feel bad, but I have no control over my temper. I have proven that over the course of fifteen years and it is still true as can be. *Laugh* No Self Control here."

Mare ~ extended hiatus Author Icon writes, "WdC is supposed to be a supportive and helpful community to allow us all to improve. I welcome feedback always. No one should ever be rude. Ever. I used to get ratings from the same person all the time. They were low ratings, and never got feedback. This was before I knew about the rating requires review setting. I never got any reviews after that. A Low rating without feedback tells me my piece sucked. I am hesitant reviewing blue and yellow cases, because I feel I'm not seasoned enough to point out errors. It makes me feel inferior. That's just me. On a slightly different note, how does one become a yellow case? Just curious. Looking forward to your newsletter!" See "Promotion to Preferred AuthorOpen in new Window. and "Promotion to ModeratorOpen in new Window.

Quick-Quill Author Icon writes, "I'm shocked. I never pay attention to the case color, although I know gray cases mean newbies or less than active so I'm more generous."

Joy Author Icon writes, "I don't have a secondary account, so I can't really say, but I don't think anyone is/was ever intimidated by me even if I turned Martian or something. *Laugh* After all, while I was raising my kids, they were never intimidated by me either, although sometimes I used to wish they did. I can tell you who intimidates me, though. Some ghostly gray cases who stay gray cases forever and ever. I can't tell whose shadows they are. *Wink*"

LinnAnn -Book writer Author Icon writes, "When I worked part time for the Department of Social Services, I had respect. One day on the 'wrong side' of the counter the lady was so rude. Wouldn't 'listen' when I needed her to open the door to let me in the back. Someone else had to let me in, then she finally understood. That type of behavior is all over, sad to say."

Osirantinous Author Icon writes, "I've not noticed that my blue case makes people any less or more rude, but it certainly cuts down the number of reviews. Almost makes me want to create a secondary account to try it out! The fact is that no matter the colour of the case, you shouldn't be rude full stop!!!"

Incurable Romantic Author Icon writes, "Shannon, you are indeed correct. The case color of a member makes a major difference. I remember one young black case member a few years back who ultimately said she had to leave the site because she couldn't take the comments any longer. In the outside world (outside Writing.Com) some of the comments that were made might possibly be taken as a form of bullying. I don't remember her handle, but I don't like thinking that she left wondering how I could have told her what a great site this is when a lot of her firsthand experience told her otherwise. The question now is, how do we go about fixing this, especially in regard to the younger members of the future?" I hope talking about the elephant in the room will be a great start and a good reminder to be kind.

Whata SpoonStealer Author Icon writes, "I think a lot of members that are more casual WDCers might feel a bit intimidated by case colors. When you get more involved in WDC-Land, I think it lessens. Also, newer members are often more insecure in their writing abilities, so they might worry about case colors some. It's so one of those very individual things... I don't get intimidated easily in life, hence I don't here. I think. Ha! However, when I first started writing? Doing something very foreign to me, plus learning to review properly, plus learning the site? Yeah. I can see it, for a time. Cannot recall well, it was too long ago *Laugh* I do have a second account, but I've not found it useful. I haven't used it much whatsoever. I thought I could get more reading done... I think it's just me tho. Umm there hasn't been any promotions to yellow in ummm two years I think? Something the SM said he knows he needs to do, but I guess is pretty time consuming. Nowadays, that black case may be a year old and login like 40 hours a week haaa. True tho. Many, many in line with significant achievements & etc.etc. Bottom line: just freaking be kind. To everyone. Yeah... Wait, one more thing. There's a big mystery about case colors. You think when you're just beginning here, that moderators can make system / account adjustments. They can't. Mostly. Other sites they have mods that do. THAT can be a bit intimidating for a newbie here. Until they read all the new member materials *Wink* How can anyone be rude to Shannon? They must not know a THING about ya *Flowerp*"

Shannon Author Icon writes, "You are all so wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I will probably use them as feedback for next month's newsletter (before it's even written *Ha*) if that's okay with everyone. I think this is a discussion that is LONG overdue. I know when I first started here 10 years ago, back when I was a newbie, I had very rude reviews: 'Educate yourself' in reference to my poem "U.A. Flight 93Open in new Window. [ASR] because, you know, it was an inside job. 'You have no idea what you're talking about because you're not even 40 yet' in reference to "A Little Perspective On AgingOpen in new Window. [ASR] Of course I'm paraphrasing their comments here, but that was the gist. I absolutely do think many members on the site look at the case color first and treat the person 'accordingly'. So let's talk about the elephant in the room, shall we? Please keep the comments coming. P.S. Thank you, Whata SpoonStealer Author Icon. You're a sweetheart. *Heart*"

β™₯noVember tHiNgβ™₯ Author Icon writes, "I think there might be two separate things that sometimes converge. One is using a review to act like a bully. The other is targeting a briefcase seen as vulnerable, again to act like a bully. Both have in common the nature of the insecure bully. People who act like bullies might hide that nature for a long time, but eventually it will emerge because a bully is not able to control that instinct forever. Once they reveal who they really are, others can see it. It may take time, but a bully usually implodes from all that self-obsessed energy. Your examples reveal a lot about the person who would send such a thing to another writer. What a mean thing to do! We are all people with feelings and briefcase color is irrelevant to what really counts. If someone acts mean, their true nature outshines the briefcase. And sooner or later everyone can see that and it ain't a pretty sight. Before briefcase colors there were bullies here. I don't think that a briefcase can hide someone's true nature for long. There will always be bullies, but great writers use the bullies in their writing and discard the people who do this stuff like yesterday's dog doo doo."

β™₯Pay It Forwardβ™₯ Author Icon writes, "Part of the reason Pay It Forward was started was in reaction to bullying behaviours . It has been an attempt to show everyone (including the bullies) that there is a better choice to be made. Some will never see that because, frankly, no bullies that we know of are MENSA material. They don't usually 'get it.' We try to reach out to everyone as best we can. Longevity says something, though. The early days bullies, who never got it, are long gone, as far as we know. *Heart* *Teddy*"

Quick-Quill Author Icon writes, "I want add a thought. I don't look at cases. However when reviewing when I see a colored case and go to review to find most of their folders are full of ribboned entries, I move on. If you have received numerous awards for your writing why should I just add to what others already said. I'd rather go to a case with less banners, ribbons in hopes they will be inspired to do better. Case color isn't the question but what's in them. I can see why some of they may have a lesser case to put in their more active writing projects."

~Minja~ Author Icon writes, "Quick-Quill, sometimes I submit one poem to two different contests on the site. In one contest I win first place while in the other I don't place at all. Different judges, different opinions. If someone has an awardicon on their writing that doesn't mean reviewer should move on because it's perfect, it has award on it. Awardicon isn't given by every person on the site, not everyone think it's well deserved. It's the matter of the opinion as everyone has one. Even though you think also that writing is perfect according to you, few praises then and there won't hurt. Let people know how awesome their writing is if you think that. Or on the contrary, let them know why you didn't like it."

Whata SpoonStealer Author Icon writes, "Oh pardon me while I laugh out loud here at 4Ps oh Hoovsies you're just great. Don't ever change. Mensa *Rolling* You're spot on bout bullies. Haters gonna hate. We outnumber em tho *Bigsmile* I agree with Minja there. AwardIcons mean nothing to me as a reader. Lots to me as a writer! It's what I get out of the item, if it's really good & speaks to me then I will find something to say in my review that may be unique, may not, but they'll know I read & enjoyed it. Mensa mu wa wa wa."

Dragon is hiding Author Icon writes, "I actually just read through all of the responses to the trinket question, keeping in mind that a response to this newsletter = a trinket, and by the time I reached the last response I had to ask myself, 'what was the question, again?' Then scroll back up to find what I was supposed to answer. *Laugh* So here's what I've got to say about the questions: When I first joined the site, I was intimidated just by seeing a yellow case! So yes, I was very afraid of anyone who wasn't a black case, but then I took a break for the school year and returned that summer, when I met some people who introduced me to scroll chat, and I think chatting with people there helped ease my apprehensiveness about anyone who wasn't a black case. I don't know if I'm less likely to review blue, purple, or red cases, but I'd say maybe, because there's this little voice in my mind saying 'they know their stuff! Don't mess with them!' *Laugh*"

Turkey DrumStik Author Icon writes, "Due to a lot of factors (work, making headway in photography, running), I don't review nearly as much as I did when I was a mod. When I do review, I am thorough and frequently use the phrase "this is an area you could build on". I've applied this to every piece I review regardless of the author's case color. Curiously, I've gotten more angry responses from mods and preferreds than registered authors. Sometimes I've been blocked before I have a chance to respond. In the end, I've stuck to my principles and apply them to any piece I do opt to review. It just so happens that registered authors have the pieces most likely to get my attention these days."

Rebecca Author Icon writes, "I loved the newsletter this month. I can also relate. I have a black case. I am new to writing. and was very nervous about posting my writings, in fear of what people would think. I am a lucky one, everyone that has viewed my writings has given very thoughtful reviews, and much needed help. and I was greatly appreciative, I also would never try and review a writing from a different color case, as fear that they were so much more better at their writings. That is not the case. I have met a lot of talented people on here. and they are so helpful. all you have to do is ask. Nobody know's you need help unless you ask."

Elfin Dragon-finally published Author Icon writes, "It is an interesting thought, are we treated differently if we have a different box? I most certainly hope not. I try to gauge every story, every poem upon what I read and comment pro-actively. I want everyone to feel I'm giving them at least a little good advice and some uplifting comment. For we are all a part of a wonderful community. At least that's what I would like to believe."

Vaughan Jones - ONE Scribe Author Icon writes, "Great newsletter - again - as usual. Thank you. To me, reviewing can be fun, rewarding, and proactive if one first considers who the writer is, where the write is from, what the cultural basis is from which they are writing, what the writer is actually communicating in the writ, before 'ctritting' the grammar, vocabulary, style, spelling, theme, and other academic criteria."

Loreli Author Icon writes, "I don't really look at the case of the person that I am looking to review. I look at the description of the story and if it's in the genre I like. I don't want to say I saw any difference before I got a yellow case, but am not sure. I tend to see blue cases as people a little more dedicated to writing/publishing than I am. I write because I feel like I will explode if I don't. I think the blue cases are on more of a publishing track."

amily2000 writes, "I find when people type in blue letters, I am more likely to read them. But if people type in green, it will not catch my intention, but instead lead me away."

scooter Author Icon writes, "hi shannon - i am not really clear about what the case colors mean. why are cases different colors/what do the different colors mean? i have tried to look for the answer on the site, but i cannot seem to find it - i am sure it is on here somewhere, i am just over/under-looking it. thanks!" See "Promotion to Preferred AuthorOpen in new Window. and "Promotion to ModeratorOpen in new Window.

eyestar~* Author Icon writes, "Oh wow! Thanks for sharing your vision about WDC and the case colours. Very good choice and your personal experiences are so illustrative. Thanks for being you and bringing light to all!"

SB Musing Author Icon writes, "Great newsletter, as always. I feel like maybe the ratings are generally higher on a case color that is yellow, blue, etc. There may be a bias that forms that people aren't aware of? I personally love the 'just review/no rating' feature since I care more about the review than the rating. When I was first on here I was more intimidated by blue cases, etc. Nowadays I have a wide assortment of case colors who I just love talking to. I think it might be partly because of an age thing. When I first was on here it was 13 years ago. *Shock2* I feel like there is an awesome mixture of such great talent spreading beyond case colors. Black cases, yellow, blue, whatever it may be there are some seriously talented peeps on here. I do think that when it comes down to it just be as encouraging as you can in a review, even if you are being constructive. There's always something you can point out that was good with reviewing a piece. That's why I like the 'favorite/things I enjoyed' feature within a review. It makes me smile to find out what someone else liked about my piece. While they still provide technical/story improving suggestions."

Cubby Author Icon writes, "What a great newsletter! And you are such a tease with the trinkets, lol! Anyway, I've been black, yellow, blue, and yellow in the last 14 years. When I was a mod, I did feel more respect than before I was a mod, but now that I'm a preferred again, I feel the members here treat me just as well as before when I was blue. I think, however, it could've been my insecurity previous to being a mod and perhaps I was more sensitive. Now I'm just me (aging does that, lol!) Mods and above definitely have a higher level of responsibility, but nobody should be afraid of them! They are human beings, like everyone else. And I just want to hug you all!
*Hug1**Bigsmile**Hug2*"

Fi Author Icon writes, "I think we naturally treat case colours differently. Personally, when I see a black case I see potential, but there's the chance that they won't hang around; yellow, I see a settled member - someone who has found a niche on WdC and probably won't be leaving any time soon; blue, I recognise a respected member of the community who has certain responsibilities - they're usually active and online regularly; purple, someone who has been placed in a position of leadership; red, someone you don't want to mess around. *Laugh* I think we're all more careful around colours 'higher' than us, but it's all very surface level. When you read someone's writing, you take it for what it is, love it or hate it. When you get to know someone, they're your friend and case colour means nothing (unless they're promoted, which is exciting). That's my two cents' worth. *Smile*"

GaelicQueen Author Icon writes, "Case color doesn't shake me the way it did when I first joined WDC in the spring of 2012. I've discovered there are a lot of talented writers behind those cases and they may have the same sweaty palms I have when I submit a story for online review. I share my items more with WDC members than I do with family & friends."

πŸŒ‘ Darleen - QoD Author Icon writes, "I do feel slightly more intimidated reviewing different color cases, but only because I realize it means they've been around longer to work on their writing skills and own reviewing skills. But we're all just trying to get the opinions of our fellow writers and it helps to remember that, no matter the case color."

tucknits Author Icon writes, "Hi there! I love your Emily Dickinson quote. I just found this newsletter and I will share with you how I felt about the trinkets. You can find my thoughts here; "Billy Bush, Trinkets and TreasureOpen in new Window. or http://www.writing.com/main/books/entry_id/896266. Always enjoy receiving this as it helps hone my story writing skills, most of which are confined to my blogs:)"

Elizabeth Author Icon writes, "I have over fifty trinkets now, thanks for asking! I have wondered if my case colour does determine how people here see me. I only have the one colour, so I don't have anything to compare. I'm about to have my eighth birthday here though, and while I have only started utilising WDC to its full extent in the past several months, it isn't as though I'm new. I have definitely felt as though I have received a couple of reviews that felt like they were meant for a newbie rather than someone who has been here for years. Maybe that's their style though. As I said, I don't have anything for comparison! :)"

Elle - on hiatus Author Icon writes, "I haven't had much experience with discrimination based on case colour, at least not that I've noticed. I know I tend to be more gentle with newbies and that sometimes extends to all registered authors. My reviewing style isn't particularly sweet and gentle though, so it's probably unlikely they even notice. I have found that people seem afraid to criticise my work as a moderator. Sometimes I have to ask people for 'an honest opinion' just to get some constructive criticism. *Rolleyes* Overall it doesn't bother me though, and I don't remember people being overly harsh with me when I was a registered or preferred author."

Cadie Laine - gobble, gobble Author Icon writes, "When it comes to case colors, I thought that those with different cases meant they either had more authority on the site or that their membership was higher. When reviewing any member on WDC, I would like to think that no matter what I will treat everyone with the same respect that I want to be treated with. I gave a review of something incomplete last month and had to apologize for the review because I made the mistake. I received a couple of reviews that I had to let sit for a day or so before reading them because my nerves were shot. I was nervous about what this person wrote about something I had written. I appreciate all feedback I receive. I am not even close to where I want to be as a writer but I have at least started my journey and that's where I want to be right now. Thank you for this newsletter."

NeedingBeachDuf πŸ β›΅πŸοΈ Author Icon writes, "Thank you for the excellent newsletter and the opportunity to chime in on the issue of intimidation. When I initially drafted this comment, I was under the impression the case color in question was yellow, but it was black. I still feel the 'author status' or case color can be intimidating or even bullying. This individual reviewed a contest entry of mine and missed a fairly common point of grammar. I explained the situation and included a link to a grammar site. She still disagreed, misreading the information provided in the link. She flatly told me I was still wrong and I should listen to someone with 40 books published. It ended with her cursing at me, attacking me as a person and doing more spiteful reviews of my writing. Ultimately, I had to block her. Wow! All because she couldn't learn something from a newbie? The point of grammar was no ending quote is required when dialog extends more than one paragraph. So, yes, it makes me hesitant to want to review a colored case or a boastful author. I've found that if I ask a question to a colored case, send a MB, or gifts of 10k+ GP's, I will not always get an answer or even a thank you. It is very interesting to me the correlations of case color to race and status. Especially, when I think, I'll just keep to my kind and lower (black and gray)." You are absolutely right! If dialogue extends more than one paragraph there is no need for end quotes, and the next paragraph begins with quotes. I had almost the exact same thing happen just a few months ago. It was also a grammar issue (I was using my black case account at the time, and she, too, has a black portfolio). She said I "would benefit from learning the basics of grammar" and included a link. We exchanged a few emails, ultimately resulting in her telling me she had 40-some-odd books published and that, basically, I should listen to her because of that. NOTE: NeedingBeachDuf πŸ β›΅πŸοΈ and I also exchanged a few emails and realized our run-ins were with the same person. THANK YOU, NeedingBeachDuf πŸ β›΅πŸοΈ Author Icon, for taking the time to chime in!

Kalai Author Icon writes, "So thrilled to explore and get my first trinket. Happy to be here."

Peaches Author Icon writes, "Thank you to everyone who put a trinket here to collect, I have just collected them all, and read the lovely messages therein. Gemini, I love the way you have taught Colby to drive, he is very clever! *Smile*"

Jeannie Author Icon writes, "Do you feel intimidated by blue, purple, and/or red cases? No, I don't feel intimidated. When I read what the blues and reds wrote, I feel they deserve a review just like anyone else. Whenever a story or novel catches my interest, I review the author no matter what the color case they are, and tell them how I felt about what I read. Some are so delighted with what I wrote that I get a merit badge; and all I did was reveal, in depth, what I would like to receive in a review. When I give critical advice, I always follow up with a compliment on what I thought was interesting, such as great descriptions, or how they define their characters. I've gotten some harsh reviews that, at first, make me angry, but then I think it over, reread the review and realize they are trying to help me to become a better writer." Yes! Start with a positive, state what didn't work for you and why or what you think could be improved, and end with a positive.

Osirantinous Author Icon writes, "I agree, we should be respectful no matter the colour of the case. I don't change my tone to match the colour - I just review like I've always reviewed - but I must admit I'm still a little slow on reviewing blue or purple cases. I'm blue myself but still.... It is hard, in fact, to separate case colour from writing ability, when more often than not I think we've been made this or that colour based on what we put into WDC as a whole NOT simply because of our actual writing abilities. If we could understand that, then I think some of the issues could be resolved. Also, thanks for listing my odd little reviewing forum. Much appreciated."

Jacqueline Author Icon writes, "hello Shannon, I am a bit behind the times and my newsletters. What is a trinket and can non members get them?" Hi, Jacqueline! See "TrinketsOpen in new Window. for more information.

Jeff Author IconMail Icon writes, "As my case color has changed from black to yellow to blue to purple, I've definitely experienced fewer reviews and more deference as I've progressed... but I think a lot of that is natural in a pyramidal hierarchy. Regardless, I can also attest to the fact that being a senior members of this site isn't an indication that I'm a better writer, better reviewer, or even more experienced author than other case colors. In a lot of cases, I'm really not; there are a lot of really talented members of this site with black or yellow cases that we could all learn from! And everyone, regardless of case color, benefits from useful and constructive feedback. *Smile*"

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