andrew23
126 2024-07-09 23:59:00
Re: Spammer has joined - Please delete them (65 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
127 2024-07-04 19:18:47
Re: Spammer has joined - Please delete them (65 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
genaomatilda is advertising... though I like his/her/its name
128 2024-07-04 19:16:08
Re: Spammer has joined - Please delete them (65 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
Ho hum... we have more advertisers joining than members. Anybody else noticed? (What is wrong with MJ today? That's the mouthiest she's ever been. Too bad that doctor didn't work on her brain instead of her cecum, or whatever that gross thing was he took out of her!)
129 2024-07-04 19:11:59
Re: Migrating from TNBW to Booksie - closed for now; see inside (50 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
By the way, where is Barry Campbell? He hasn't been here in over a month and I need the rest of his story. Gone... like a feather in the wind. (It must be my meds, or lack thereof.)
130 2024-07-04 19:09:06
Re: Migrating from TNBW to Booksie - closed for now; see inside (50 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
Dirk B. wrote:
Can anyone tell me if it's possible to create a group/house in Booksie that is essentially public but with a requirement for a moderator's permission to join? According to the on-screen instructions for setting the Access field (where you make a house either public or private), public access means you don't need a moderator's permission to join, so I chose private. Once I clicked the button to actually create the house, it took me to my own home page (no confirmation screen), but I'm neither a member of the new house (assuming it even got created), nor can I find/access it in any way. I named it "Under Construction". It's just not visible.
Thanks
Dirk
Sorry, I can't help... it's all Greek to me. I tried to leave a review for someone over there, and their chapter was quite long, so I wanted to copy and paste it into a Word document so I could make the type larger (bad vision and old age go together, but since I'm neither...), but the system wouldn't let me copy it. What gives with that? I mean, it wasn't like I wanted to steal the wording or anything because, goodness knows, the poor writer needed some help... but nobody was willing to offer anything except "I enjoyed it very much" or "You've improved it since I last read it." Maybe if they had to write a minimum of 50 words like we do here, and they worked on a point system like we do here... well, you get the idea. Anyway, maybe one day I will understand why THIS site is not working like it used to, but... in the meantime... uh, what was that question again? Oh, yes, about the disappearing house under construction. I.Don't.Know.
Unhappy trails,
MJ :-(
131 2024-07-03 14:22:29
Re: Migrating from TNBW to Booksie - closed for now; see inside (50 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
tdp457 wrote:
Hey,
There were two places to check where you want your story to go: TNBW or the Classic. TNBW is private, the classic lets everyone read it. As far as the internet, I know only that it said internet. I see Booksie on my FB page, but not anyone's script. Only ads about this or that story or blah blah blah. I'm sticking to the TNBW site. No problem. It's private. :}
Terry, I found the same thing. I do not want any of my comments, writings, or posts to be put on Facebook. My account there has been hacked too many times for that. Since the other groups don't SEEM to be private, I won't post there. Though the copyright notice may be on each page of our writing, social media seems to have little conscience.
I had a brilliant idea - why doesn't Booksie move HERE instead of us moving THERE?
"Okay, MJ, go drink your coffee and try not to get up on the wrong side of the bed tomorrow."
132 2024-07-03 00:21:45
Re: Migrating from TNBW to Booksie - closed for now; see inside (50 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
jack the knife wrote:
I didn’t know TNBW was in danger of folding until Dirk posted his warnings. I started out in Booksie and quickly saw that the site was strictly for beginners - that if you were serious as a writer, you needed something more advanced. I did learn some things there, but knew this was the “ minor leagues.” Maybe it’s changed in the interim, I don’t know. But I’ve been happy at TNBW and have run all my books through here. But if the site goes down, I’ll labor on without it. I’ve seen bestselling authors commit errors I naively considered disqualifying, based on what I’ve learned here, and lord knows I have my own recurring faults. But I’ve been in the business long enough to realize that these miscues don’t matter all that much if you’ve got a good story to tell and are reasonably competent enough to have it engage a reader. I know of several good writers who have left the site, presumably because they felt it couldn’t make them any better in ways that actually counted.
Basically, I use TNBW now as a Beta-reader audience, and I plan to continue as long as it’s possible to do so. I’ve made some good friends here over the years, and I’d like those relationships to continue, regardless of what happens to TNBW.
Jack, you and I joined within a month of each other, and I can relate. We've weathered the transition from the old site to this newer one, and despite its ups and downs, it's become a warm haven to share our writing among like-minded souls. I noticed the site's traffic dwindling since the Crash of '23, but it hit me only recently that the message board has grown stagnant without any fresh posts coming in. I initially joined because of the Strongest Start contest, and I've remained loyal ever since.
I've been advocating for a new writing contest here for months now—something more substantial and inviting to new writers, much like how I was drawn in. The newcomers use their free points and then disappear, but perhaps a longer contest would encourage them to stay beyond the initial excitement of free points.
However, I admit I'm not familiar with the inner workings of this site, so my suggestions may be off base. I've never been a fan of the other site; it lacked the depth I found here. I value constructive feedback more than mere praises like "Good job!" or "Keep writing." Here, I've accumulated over 2000 points over the years, tokens of the laughs, conversations, camaraderie, and friendships forged here. If this site were to close, those points—though of no value to anyone but me—would be lost, sort of like kicking old friends out the door.
For now, I'll observe how things unfold and reluctantly migrate to the other site if necessary, but not without a sense of loss for the community we've built here.
MJ
133 2024-07-02 20:58:51
Re: Migrating from TNBW to Booksie - closed for now; see inside (50 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
Dirk B. wrote:
To avoid having to deal with elitism complaints, I suggest the Advanced Writers group be open to anyone to join but that we document expectations of group members in the group's description and forum. We may get people who join without regard for the expectations, but we can always remind them on a case-by-case basis. That's a lot easier than having to review applications and applicants' writings. The honor system.
Bill, what do you think?
Well, I'm not Bill, but I'll add my two cents worth to that, if you don't mind. Many writers consider themselves Advanced Writers, though their writing doesn't show it. I remember the first time I posted on TNBW back in 2008. I thought I knew everything about writing a book! It only took one chapter for me to discover I knew nothing because some REALLY advanced writers on TNBW tore my work apart and spit it out. I had thin skin then about my writing, and my first thoughts were, "Well, hell, I just won't post anything else on this stupid site." But that was 16 years ago when I was young and dumb! After I slept on it for a few days, I went back and read the remarks (this was on the old TNBW site when we could only give regular reviews, not in-lines, but the members who commented copied my writing, then showed what I should consider to make my writing better. I decided I'd stick around a few more weeks, and here I am still today. I learned to write on this site, and I'm still learning from all of you great people.
But, back to today... if a person joins Advanced Writers, and it turns out they're greenhorns in writing, do we kick them out, keep them there in hopes they will re-write their work using some of the suggestions we offer, or what? People love their own words, as we all know. So it's something to think about when we finally morph over to Booksie. Maybe we could consider "by invitation only" for that group and keep it "private" as well. If we find someone willing to exchange reviews and offer worthwhile feedback, we could send them an invitation to join. Whadaya think about that?
Oh... Bill... what is your log-in on Booksie? I couldn't find you there. So far, I've only found Dirk, Lynn, and Terry.
134 2024-07-02 20:18:55
Re: Free Booksie Premium membership for TNBW members (10 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
Though I set up an account in Booksie a few seasons back, I am not a full-fledged Premium grade member. So, will I be picked up as a premium member? Or do I need to join under a new name? My email is attached to the current Booksie account, but I never paid for any kind of membership... so, I guess I am a nothing... poor, pitiful me! LOL!
135 2024-07-02 15:43:14
Re: Free Booksie Premium membership for TNBW members (10 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
SolN wrote:
Hi all,
I wanted to remind members that TNBW authors also receive free Booksie membership valued at $69.95 per year. To help members get the most of Booksie, I've also created a TNBW group on the site. If you are interested, register with Booksie and let me know your pen name. I'll upgrade your account.
https://www.booksie.com/house-thenextbigwriter-2546
Booksie is also running a short story contest which members of TNBW might be interested in joining. Check it out.
https://www.booksie.com/contest/the-boo … contest-35
Sol
Hi, Sol,
I joined Booksie a while back, but have seldom used it because of the whacky responses I got in the past... "Good job" doesn't help me when I'm looking for more precise growth comments on my writing. But I'm on there as Marilyn Johnson. Please let me know how to find the TNBW group because I don't want to lose contact with my friends that I've had since I joined in 2008. This site has been 'home' and I'm sentimentally attached to it, but it's time to move on since the traffic here is nominal.
Also, one more question: will anything in our portfolios here transfer over to Booksie? I've got a lot of work here... yes, I learned my lesson during the Crash of '23, but most of my titles were recovered. So, should I transfer my things to Booksie, or will it automatically be put in my new portfolio?
Thanks,
MJ
136 2024-06-13 20:52:31
Re: On the Mend! (9 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
Thanks, everyone. Today has been my best day since February. David and I went to the gym, and he walked 17 laps and I walked 2, but hey… I’m only three weeks out from surgery! I’m actually cooking dinner tonight! No more Chinese take-outs or frozen dinners, at least not tonight! Our good health is something we often take for granted, but what a blessing to be on the road to recovery.
137 2024-06-13 02:25:36
Topic: On the Mend! (9 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
Hi, All,
I'm thrilled to be back with some amazing news to share regarding my recent health journey, and let me tell you, it's been quite the rollercoaster ride! Over the past two months, I've been through a whirlwind of doctors' visits, tests, surgeries, and infusions—all stemming from a cancer scare that had me on edge.
But here's the incredible part: I am overjoyed to announce that I am now officially cancer-free! It's been a tough road, but I've emerged victorious, thanks to the skilled hands of some remarkable medical professionals.
From my electrophysiologist's PA, who ordered tests after my complaints concerning lack of energy and erratic blood pressure following a heart ablation in December, to the oncologist who delivered good news, I've been surrounded by a team of angels in scrubs.
It all started with a visit to a gastroenterologist, who ordered iron infusions to address my low hemoglobin levels and scheduled a colonoscopy. That colonoscopy brought a frightening diagnosis of cancer in my cecum—a part of my anatomy I never knew existed! But thanks to the skilled hands of a specialist surgeon, I underwent a hemicolectomy (yes, I learned some new medical jargon along the way!), and I'm thrilled to report that all 18 lymph nodes removed during the procedure came back negative for cancer. Talk about a sigh of relief!
Next up was a visit to an oncologist, who delivered the best news I could have hoped for: "No chemo for you, young lady!" With that weight lifted off my shoulders, I'm now focusing on the road ahead, which includes a few more iron infusions to boost my hemoglobin levels and kick-start my energy levels.
Throughout this journey, which has seen me shed 32 pounds—definitely not a weight loss plan I'd recommend—I've been surrounded by the love and support of friends, family, and, of course, the incredible medical team who guided me through every twist and turn. My sweet husband learned the secrets to feeding feral cats and even how to clean litter boxes!
So here I am, filled with gratitude for the early detection of my cancer, the expertise of my medical team, and the countless prayers and well wishes that have lifted me up during this challenging time. I'm eager to dive back into life with renewed energy and enthusiasm, and yes, I'm even dreaming of writing a new book!
Thank you all for your support and encouragement. Here's to health, happiness, and many more adventures ahead! Blessings to you all, and I can't wait to reconnect here soon.
MJ
138 2024-06-13 02:22:19
Re: Heart surgery update (22 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
Glad to hear you're back up to snuff, Bill! Keep us informed, and you're in my prayers!
MJ
139 2024-06-13 02:14:48
Re: Not Sure When I'll Be Back - Wife Receiving Hospice Care (14 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
So sorry to hear this, my sweet friend. But I'm glad to know she's receiving help. I know exactly what it means to have your home turned into a hospice facility... been there. I will remember you both in my prayers. Please keep us updated. Get some rest when you can.
Hugs to you and Di,
MJ
140 2024-05-06 20:52:39
Re: Until we meet again... arrivederci (13 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
Thanks for the kind words and well wishes. I appreciate all of them.
Happy trails… until we meet again!
MJ
141 2024-05-02 01:39:18
Topic: Until we meet again... arrivederci (13 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
It's been a long season of "not doing so well" for me, especially since my normal level of activity is go, go, go!
Heart ablation Dec. 29, 2023 for aFib.
From Feb. 15 until the present: Shortness of breath, unable to walk twenty feet without huffing and puffing... unexpected weight loss of 20 pounds.
Hemoglobin level is normally a minimum of 11, but mine was down to 8, so there was an internal blood loss going on somewhere.
Finally had a doctor REALLY listen to me and who sent me for tests.
Iron infusion last week to bring my hemoglobin level back up, which gave me more energy than I'd had since February when all this started.
Colonoscopy first on the agenda yesterday.
Colon cancer on the agenda for today and who knows how long.
So... I will be away from my desk for the next couple of months while surgeons and oncologists determine the best course of action for this tired and exhausted human being who has had to close her animal rescue sanctuary for good... all the animals except one dog and about twenty barn cats have been placed with other rescue organizations and my barns and stalls are completely empty.
I've been here since 2008, and this place feels like home. So I didn't want to disappear completely without a goodbye (for now). Take care, and best wishes to all.
MJ
142 2024-03-20 14:55:55
Re: Request from B Douglas Slack AKA 4.0 (9 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
Prayers for you, Bill. I hope everything turns out well and you're back on here soon. Thank you for your service to our country.
God Bless!
MJ
143 2024-02-17 03:07:19
Re: Spammer has joined - Please delete them (65 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
What the heck? Looks like someone advertising herself - Maryam Kabir
144 2024-01-24 18:03:23
Re: Group Cleanup - Mopping Up - See List of Surviving Groups Inside (38 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
Dark and Stormy Night... I'm scared already! Ooh!
145 2023-12-11 21:08:24
Re: No Big Whoop! (9 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
Thanks, all! I will be back soon!
Hugs and Merry Christmas!
MJ
146 2023-12-10 03:20:30
Topic: No Big Whoop! (9 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
No big whoop-tee-do, but I've lost my pizzaz for both reading and writing at the moment. Hang in there with me while I try to get it back. It all started with a trip to the doctor and my AFib diagnosis two years ago, and it has continued with a year from hell that has led to a small heart attack and an upcoming heart ablation operation with the installation of a Watchman in the left ventricle of my heart at the end of this month.
I'm sorry to say I must give up my animal rescuing, and it's causing me great grief, but that's what happens when you become an antique!
All of you here are like family, and to find myself not writing and not reviewing and not wanting to do either is driving me crazy.
I will probably be out of commission for a short time, maybe until the first of the year. I wish for each of you a very merry Christmas.
Send me a note if you need anything between now and then, and I'll get an email that you did.
Happy trails,
MJ
147 2023-12-10 03:00:50
Re: Spammer has joined - Please delete them (65 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
And another --- Marei3211
148 2023-12-10 02:59:09
Topic: Spammer has joined - Please delete them (65 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
IAH1247
First ad posted in Short Stories.
149 2023-11-17 21:16:54
Re: Contest (12 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
I guess we must hear from our fearless leader…. Sol, are you listening??
150 2023-11-17 18:11:15
Re: Contest (12 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
vern wrote:
Can I take my own picture? Oh, never mind; I probably couldn't get it by the censors. Take care. Vern
LOL!
