amy s wrote:

*blushes prettily*

Wait.  Can I blush?  I think you're looking at wind-burn since the skies are pounding a foot of snow on my head right now.

(Grins) 

Nighty-night!

A

LOL, I guess you never thought you'd appreciate a foot of snow on your head this much!  But alas, I'm talking about you, so no hiding (under snow or blankets or anything).

JR

1,177

(520 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)

amy s wrote:

OK.  7 and 8.  I'll get to those next.

A

Let me know if you can't see/find them, I've only activated the ones that you and bimmy still want to review!
Thanks a mill!

1,178

(15 replies, posted in Cop Shop)

Get ready for the Australian version!  hahahaha

1.    Which of these is not a crime?
a.    Fundraising (assuming an approved organisation is doing it)

2.    Which of these is not a crime?
e.    Solicitation (the type solicitors do! wink )

3.    Which of these is not a crime?
d.    Designated driving (like you're the only sober person in your group and you get everyone else who is plastered home safely)

4.    Which one of these is not a form of theft?
e.    Trespassing (assuming they're caught before they could take anything)

5.    Which one of these is not a personal crime?
b.    False imprisonment (I'm guessing here!)

6.    Which of these is not considered a crime against justice?
d.    Probation violation (another guess)

7.    Which one of these is not considered a victimless crime?
b.    Illegal gambling (yep, still guessing)

8.    Which one of these does not describe organized crime?
e.    Franchises (like your local McD?)

9.    Which one of these is not white-collar crime?
e.    False advertising (still guessing)

10.    Which one of these is not a classification of crime?
d.    Inchoate (guessing continues)

And that's a lot of crimes!!!!!
Janet R

amy s wrote:

Hey folks,

I posted another short story...this time about work.  It's low effort and only a page.  Let me know if there is a way to make this better or increase the punch.

Owe you!

A

I caught up with both your latest short stories!  No probs! 

You're a very special person amy - I would not be able to do what you do - the world needs people like you.

1,180

(520 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)

bimmy wrote:

Would you like me to quit reading the first draft?

No!  So I'll activate those chapters again.  At this stage I think all of them would make the final cut, albeit in a different order, so it wouldn't be a waste of your time or a waste for me.

IOU millions!
Janet

1,181

(4 replies, posted in Romance Inc.)

Well done Janet!  Wow, a movie!  I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I expect an invitation to the premiere!  smile  It would be absolutely great if that could happen!!!!

To add to what Gacela said.  The points system not only encourages reviews, the premium group is where the most reciprocal relationships exist - and without those relationships, you would never realise the full value/strength or see the full potential of this site.  Some say it's hard to break into the "old" group, but it hasn't been my experience.  They are very open to new members and very helpful, but only if you return the favour and you also need to be patient, as everyone only has so much time.  As Sol said on the other thread, it is expensive to move from free to premium if you have a lot of work you want to move to a points group.  All this obviously just support Sol's decision to get rid of the complexity.  It would be interesting to see whether the number of members joining the premium group remains the same with the free group gone.  But personally, I don't think there would be a noticeable impact.  My opinion of course!

Hi Sol

Complicated issue, good luck with this one!  Here is my view on the whole thing.  Hope it helps.

I have been reviewed by ONE free member - and not from the Free group, but from a different group that doesn't pay points.  I thanked them kindly for their review, recip'ed and told them if they really want to get value from this site (and more reviews, me included), they should do reviews that pay points and post in a group that pays points.  Turned out they are serious about writing and reviewing, and did just that.  Turned into a great new reciprocal relationship, but alas, the only one from a free group (not the Free group). 

Since the new site launch, all my new friends have come from the premium group.  But these results are skewed because I don't post to the Free group.  Why you ask.  Because there are more than enough new members joining the Premium group who I think, given that they are paying members, should be looked after first.  Am I potentially missing great reviews and new friends from the Free group?  Sure, I have no doubt.  But my perception/gut feel is it is much easier to get good reviews/friends from the Premium group than sifting through I don't know how many free accounts to get to that special one.  I don't have the time even though I have the points.

That's one question answered.

When I joined the old site, you needed points to post.  I joined as a "Reviewer" (free member) and started doing reviews to build a point balance to be able to do so.  Never having done a review before in my life was not a barrier to do so either.  I read other reviews and the forums to learn how to do it as well as from the replies to my reviews.  So you don't need to be reviewed to learn how to review IMO.  It worked out well for me - I can't see why it won't work out well for others too - whether you just review or pay, post and review.

So in my opinion, get rid of it.  Another option would be to keep it like it was on the old site.  Free members can review and earn points, but need to go Premium to post and be reviewed.  If someone is willing to pay, it's already a good indication that they are serious.

My 2 cents - so just a couple more to go, and you can go and buy yourself that drink you so need by now!  smile

Cheers
Janet R

1,184

(520 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)

ps - let me know if I need to activate any of the old chapters ...  I took them away as I'm going to make huge changes and didn't want to create confusion ...

1,185

(1 replies, posted in Old forums)

Hey Linda

I've moved this to the Romance Group otherwise the feedback and comments will be spread too widely over too many groups!  Thanks!

Janet

1,186

(520 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)

K, Black John is used to women trying every trick in the book to get his attention, if not for that, he would've accepted your offer gladly and he would have pulled the lever himself!  wink

1,187

(520 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)

I dare you bimmy LOL Just watch your back, he moves with stealth too hehehe

1,188

(520 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)

bimmy wrote:

Where'd my post go!?

Frick


I said just call it chapter one! Lol! And i said....if you're doing a prologue it shoyld be in the past where Matthew locks up catherine.

There.

Sorry bimmy, no go (like the chains and stuff), you'll have to be patient!  tongue

1,189

(28 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)

Where are we going?!!!!!  I love road trips!!!  (seriously)

1,190

(15 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)

Welcome Tyler!

Are you reconsidering joining the group yet?  Not?  Then you'll just be fine!  big_smile

I write historical romance, not always sure how it happened that I ended up here (anyone, feel free to help me out here!!!), but I would not want it any other way.  You'll find this group is really passionate about things and only have really good intentions to help others improve their writing. 

Although I'd suggest improving their sense of humour first ....  * starts running looking over shoulder *

1,191

(28 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)

* gulps down tequila *

ps - this is my way of saying "I'hhh likez yuz guyes two"

1,192

(520 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)

amy s wrote:

What you call a prologue, I call a new first chapter. Tomato, Tamata. If you feel it would flow better then put the plotting and murder attempt at the beginning

Too short to be called a chapter.  I know what you're going to say now, who cares, right?  But it will be a few paragraphs short.  But I think I'm good now - Robert is gone, Matthew is mentioned sooner, so titles and river names and Davie excluded, we have Matthew, George, Henry and Catherine.

I have to say, I'm pretty happy with it - never thought I'd get to this point!  smile

1,193

(28 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)

hahaha, amy, slooowwwwlllyyyyy walk away from the meds storeroom ...  big_smile

1,194

(520 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)

njc wrote:

Do you need to tell us any more than you are telling now?  If not, you probably don't need a prologue.  In the review I mentioned a couple of little things you might add.  A prologue would be conspicuous consumption excess for them.

This was mentioned mostly by reviewers that had seen the original chapter in Catherine's POV.  I've changed the POV, based on amy's suggestion, because Catherine's POV was very introspective and inner dialogue ie slowed it down too much for a first chapter.

I thought not knowing what she was doing there (this will come out in the next chapter) and that Matthew was going to take her back with him against her will, would raise the tension sufficiently.  But like everything else, there's probably a balance between too much and too little.  I think I should be able to address that with a few minor tweaks.

1,195

(520 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)

KHippolite wrote:

I'm in chapter 12ish atm.
Knowing what I know now, I can see you don't need both Henry and Robert in chapter one.

You're safe to boil chapter one down to the following characters: The stakeholders and the scene-setters.

(Personally, I'd whack out about 5 more, but I'm a minimalist)

Ok, Robert also stayed home.  Need Henry to treat the wound; anyone can go and sort out the villagers.

pft, minimalist.  I disagree.  You whack out 5 more, you just went to a raid by yourself.  Black John would say:  Brave or daft.  Two guesses which one he'll be going for!  wink

But serious again, I'm incorporating the comments/suggestions to see how it works out and if I can avoid a prologue.  Thanks!

1,196

(1,528 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)

All good, thanks for the reply!  Please let me know when you've done some writing! JR

1,197

(520 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)

Still too many names, and K isn't the only one (why am I not surprised).  A new reviewer made a good suggestion - use a prologue.  As much as I hate prologues, they have a time and a place.  And I think it would solve a few of my problems I still have with the first chapter - names as well as the tension/stakes.  So I'm seriously thinking to have a prologue where the villian plans the so-called raid to kill Matthew.  This way, Matthew is already introduced properly by the time we hit a few more names and no one is uncertain of the where and the why.  And every reader will go WTF when Catherine rocks up from nowhere with an arrow in her arm.

Do you guys think by going down the prologue route, I'm opting for the easy way out?!  Or do you also think it will work?

Thanks!!!!
xxx

1,198

(1,528 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)

And let me know if there is another chapter I can look at!  Thanks!

1,199

(1,528 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)

njc - here is my complete review, the @#$%& site cuts my regular reviews left, right and center for some unknown reason *grunts*

Hey njc

I (think I) have sorted out most of my beginners problems to start looking for new eyes again.  And I guess you’ve been on my reading list long enough too.  And if it all goes according to plan, I’ll also be able to understand what you guys are talking about in your thread! (a pretty high hope, but a girl can dream!)  wink

It’s only suggestions/comments/thoughts, but I hope one or two will help.

[delete] (add)

Kirsey seemed [unaware](barely aware) of it all.
* it feels as if there’s a disconnect between the preceding detailed description like Kirsey holding the bag and him being completely unaware

His gait became lively and quirky; his eyes [ became] active and watchful, his face intense and alert.
* not sure about the proper punctuation, but the ; could probably be a , and still be ok (I usually get slaughtered for run-on sentences and the likes, but I think it’s a writing style and I don’t mind it)

I like how you’ve contrasted disinterest/placidness with his sudden change to excitement/interest.  Makes one go – why?  And that’s a good thing.

Kirsey joined the mass of students treading its front stairways.  He passed their throngs at the money-changing windows which, he swore, multiplied each time he came.
* I’m still outside when you started talking about money-changing windows which I assume are inside – maybe consider having Kirsey (and the reader) go through a door or something first (I’d like to know what the door looks like too – Kirsey is now noticing things, so I think I should too)

Kirsey requested a withdrawal [in](of) gold[,] in mixed denominations.
(?)  <---- this means I’m not sure sure, but at least it would avoid the repeat of “in”  smile

What neither the teller nor anyone else there could see was that Kirsey was watching the spells at work.
* I’ve missed something really important here – what spells?  Kirsey’s accounts being visible on the glass?  Or that he could be identified so easily?

I did however pick up that Kirsey, Minor Major, non-resident is a sorcerer without being spoon fed.

In those days, Masters lived apart from students, and their *staffs*--the Minors--lived between.
* staffs or staff – there is a difference to me, I think of staffs as sorcerer sticks, and staff with people working for you (technically, staffs can be the multiple of staff where it’s meant to be people working for you, but I don’t think it’s used much these days in that context and staff is used for single and plural – and hence my trip)

A few older Masters, *Kirsey's* among them, had met the changes with their privilege of adding their own places to the Academy.
* this tripped me (not hard to do BTW!) – I had to reread to be sure that you meant Kirsey’s Master and not Kirsey even though the sentence is technically 100% correct – consider:  A few older Masters, including Kirsey’s, had met …

(“)He'll want to see you, even if you have to wait for him." 

Sedlane brought the tea.  He would have poured it but Threckesrom took the honor to himself.  He poured Kirsey's without difficulty but his hand shook as he poured Sedlane's, and he needed both hands to pour his own.
*  this is a lot of pouring – maybe see if you can’t mix it up a bit?
*  good writing, you’ve told me something important here about Threckesrom

[After](While) they drank, Threckesrom said(,) "Master Nivras's heir is Master Bonthriss.  He does not view us kindly."
*  after/while – unless it was done on purpose to let the reader know these guys are really comfortable around each other as it would be a pretty long silence until they have finished drinking their tea (which would be awkward/uncomfortable for others!)
* or consider – After they took a sip (or some such to indicate they’re not finished with their tea yet)
*  given that Threckesrom adjusts his cup and saucer just now, I’d say they’re not done yet

The residence was built around a small courtyard, with the library on the far side. Kirsey expected to find the books far in (the) back, *in places he'd never seen.*
* this implies Kirsey has been to the library before and since Threckesrom has built the new residence – just checking that’s what you intended here

"Taking your last breaths as a free man?" said [Threkesrom](Threckesrom).

"No," said Threckesrom.  "But it will seem like it, and it will change you."
"It will change me even if I never come back."
*  good writing – tells me something without giving anything away

general comment – lots of Kirsey said and Threckesrom said – either see if you can do away with “he said she said” by making it obvious who is talking (maybe even have Sedlane not be there if it will still work - seems it would now that I've read to the end) or by having them do something action of some kind to identify who is speaking?
* this is where the he said-she said got obvious (before it wasn’t too obvious):
Kirsey said "We should have done this between a fancy dinner and the dessert."
"I don't think I could stay up that long," said Threckesrom.  "And Sedlane would see to it I ate only what was good for me, and not much of that."
He sent Sedlane from the room with an apology then said, with some effort, "Have you have ever heard of the Masters Regent?"
"If I have," said Kirsey "should I admit it?"

only problem is, now that I’ve noticed it, it will be more obvious even though it isn’t or shouldn’t be an issue …

general comment – Kirsey is after some books, and he got them, but you gave me no indication as to what the books are about – I don’t need much, but I do need something even if I could reach an entirely wrong conclusion what Kirsey is about or will do with the books – give me something, otherwise I feel cheated, and I think you’d rather go with me thinking I know what’s going to happen, but not knowing for sure than me feeling cheated out of information?
* same with what Kirsey has to do for Threckesroom

Overall easy to read/understand and I’ll read on.  Because I want to know what Kirsey is going to do with those books and what’s going to happen when Threckesroom dies!

Hope this helps!
Cheers Janet R

1,200

(520 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic &amp; Sci-Fi)

amy/bimmy

I just laughed!  And thanks for the support!

One day I'll tell you about my day job.  Trust me, this is nothing!  I don't have thick skin, I have graphene skin!  big_smile

xx