I know the feeling! I still have a hard time starting stories, and more of one finishing them. Finishing things is my biggest problem by far.

Well, Happy belated birthday - I've enjoyed the great reception so far. I'm working on posting some stuff. Soon as I do, I'll let you know. Thanks!

Thanks for your critique! You bring up some good points. I'm pretty sure somebody who hasn't heard that song would be very confused, but I guess they aren't really the audience. Whysty Mothers' sounds vaguely like Einstein Brothers', a bagel shop "back east". I'll definitely change up some of those things you suggested. Thanks!

No problem, mate. Every writer has to rework their own stuff. You write some really good pieces.

Hey Ben, thanks for the critique! I was actually wondering if I shouldn't write down exactly what Jessica said - but since you brought it up, I will!
Just for fun: There are two different signs for "last" - one meaning "opposite of first" and one meaning "previous" (as in last night). I'm still trying to break Jessie of her habit of saying "Last last night" (as in, "last previous night" which always throws me off... Love her to death, though!

Hey, Ben, if you sent me an invite, I didn't receive it. Something wonky might be going on. Can you send it again? Danke.

Hey Ben, sign me up for Furious Flash, i'll be giving it a show

Thank you so much for your critique, Ben! You made some points that I hadn't even thought, and I will definitely use them. I can't wait to participate this week!

hey, i want to join your flash fiction circle. It says to leave a note here for you, so here's my note.

ABDC....America's Best Dance Crew

Ben, I'm sorry. I was hurt but gives me no excuse to strike back. Thanks for your HONEST review. It's hard when your audience misses your point. I'll try again...months from now...when I have a cooler head.

Ben, Thanks for critiquing Wells Run Deep. There is a reason why my stories are short (under 300 words) because when I write more I do get pretty arrogant and I do have a problem with first and third person because I see everything from my perspective...it was hard to swallow but I went to my therapist, feebly begged my boss and lover start showing me some appreciation, as a result got a pseudo-promotion and revived my sex life so maybe the story was worth writing for the rewards I now have versus my esteem being crushed on the internet...go figure...a writer's life

I plan to. I've got 4 stories to post, so I've got to write critiques Look forward to more pulp fiction fun.

Ben, yeh, sorry about that; i only realized a moment ago i didn't click it officially yesterday in my departure.

Thanks for letting me be a part of FFFF, hopes to come back fairly soon. perhaps in a month, if you guys will still be around, but until the perpetual chaos settles a bit, i may still participate from a distance...

Anyhow, looking forward to reading more flash fiction from ya now, ya hear?

Thanks Ben! I have to say, I was a little unsure of Scribophile at first, but it's quickly becoming my favorite (and most useful!) online community.

People are your favorite things? I can't imagine such a mind set...must make for some interesting stories. I'll be sure to read them with an open mind.

me, again--
i left Steven E.A. a note, as well. we'll see!
thanks, and you'd better post a story this week!

hi, ben--
i've approached Circus about our fridays circle; don't know if she's interested yet, but she'd be great!

"Like begets like", it seems Glad I could help.

aw, easy excuse. get out there and knock em dead.
(as for horror, bring it! )

the august site contest sounds right up your alley, doesn't it?

thanks for your lovely critique, ben--
i've been feeling discouraged, and your encouraging and constructive comments helped.

Hi Ben--

Yeah, I just found the site a few days ago, but I really like it a lot. You should see see me around for awhile.

I just went pro, so FFFF me up!

Hey Ben! I do hope that this group keeps me motivated to produce new stories. I read a lot of fiction and write a lot of nonfiction, so this is a new springboard of sorts for me. Thanks for the add!

Hi there! I just joined, and this circle sounds pretty fun, so I'm up for it! Once I figure out how to use the site, I'll have no problem finishing one short work per week. In fact, I look forward to it!

Any time

hey, ben--
you're welcome! i think i might know which onsite event inspired this F-word adventure.
i also want to make sure you know how good i thought your story was--and that the pov and style you chose were right on. *thumbsup*
i'm even more impressed now, knowing you wrote the thing in an hour.

Curse you, paradoxes! Why must you intrigue and repulse us so!?

Hey! Thanks for the welcome! ^-^ I befanned (wicked word, by the way) you because of your amazing vampire story, "Eternal Sunset". Personally, I'm a sucker for vampires and a sucker for post-apocalyptic, moral-challenging, earth-shaking sci-fi stories... which would pretty much describe the story. :]

Oh, and no, I keep a vast supply of bubble gum, ha ha. No worries!

Hey Ben, I'm appreciative of the extension you presented.
Sorry that I wasn't around a computer much this weekend.

I think I would like to save the story I was going to post this week for the next. I would really like to know people's reactions and thoughts to this kooky form I intend on sharing.

Ben, I would like an invite for Furious Flash Fiction Fridays. Thank you. louisa

You know what? It's less than 1,000 words. I'll come up with something. Do I have until midnight, central time?

Oh no! I was just going to do some reading and critiquing this first time around. I'm so sorry. I have nothing prepared. I looked in on Monday and Tuesday and didn't see anything. I am now beginning to understand how it works. I'll try next week. I feel so awful!!!

Hi Ben,

Great to hear! I'm glad that that was no misunderstanding amidst the critique. It was informal, but I ended up feeling embarrassed after I realized I was playing the critic of someone I couldn't even call by their correct name. :/

I'm glad to be a part of an interesting circle of fiction, as well. "Open" rules and Furious fiction are my favorite!
Wooh! I'm in.

Ben!
I just spent 150 Scribo-coins, dude, to write you; so I hope you recieved the message.
Please, let me know, okay?
Thanks!

Thanks for the welcome!

avatars! that's what they're called! *slaps forehead*
i like that you change yours up--adds personality.

i gotta say, ben--you have the most interesting profile images.

Thanks for the welcome yesterday or whenever that was. I've never actually read Wampeters, Foma and Granfalloons, but Man Without a Country is the last book he published before he died. There is also a new book released of some of his uncollected essays and short stories. I think it's Armageddon in Retrospect.

nope, i'm keeping my big mouth shut this time. (ffff circle)

Hey Ben,
Laurie told me about the furious fridays circle- Can you send me an invite? I would love to be a part of something like this. Thanks!

heya ben...i'll take an invite to furious fridays circle =)

I have to be a fan of Logan's he's my cousin

OK, I joined. Where will the fiction be posted?

thanks for the tips for improving my writing, i did wat u said and would like to see if its any better, u dont have to critique it, u could just write on my scratchpad

You can never read too much.
Thanks for welcoming me scribophile.

Yes, I need to jump start my writing and what a fun way to do it. I'll accept the invite. Thanks.

I was speaking of your Fun Flash Fiction Circle

What if you don't have enough karma points to post a story? I reckon I need to get crackin' on some reviews in order to earn enough karma points to post.

hey, sure thing--
how do i send a mass bulletin?

ha! i am a spastic bunny, i admit it.

hi, ben--
i'd like to join the 'furious fists of friday flash fiction' circle, please.
i solemnly promise i will not get all crazy with the posting or trying to help out too much. *right hand placed on tattered copy of "salem's lot"*

hey, ben--
how're things? just checking in. any new activity in the fff circle?

hey there buddy... well i just re-published my work like u asked me too, hope to hear ure feedback...

Thanks for the note on the scratchpad. Well, frankly your frequency probably has to do with the frequency of my critiques. Until recently, yours was the only works I got through on a regular basis.

I try really hard to give useful critiques otherwise I just don't think it's worth the time.

I look forward to your posts, they are usually so entertaining. I do think you have a real "GOLD" nugget in that latest one though... I would pursue it.

Thanks for welcoming me - Scribophile seems fantastic.

Katie

Thankie for the welcome--it's nice to be here! I'm still finding my way around, and reading some wonderful work in the process.

Hope to talk to you soon!
Thanks,
Lee

Yeah, add in the Koontz i have been reading and the slasher movies i love to watch and it gets a bit interesting. Thank you for the welcome!

Shaolin Soccer is a really cool movie!

why voles, if you don't mind me asking? do you have some?

Thanks, Ben!
I saw "Wall-E"--if you haven't seen that yet, go! Run to your nearest theater immediately! It's got heart, soul, wisdom, laughs...it was a perfect birthday movie.
Hope things are good with you.

For someone who lists Monty Python's Holy Grail as his top movie, I'd think my off-center humor would need less explanation But I know the story needs a rewrite. Things need to be explained better; there's a lot of jumping around. I just wouldn't want to take the fun out of it by making too much sense. Thanks for the critique - it will be very useful when I get back to H&S

Hey, Ben =)
I'll certainly give it some thought. This month is going to be the busiest of my entire life (I'm graduating high school, yaaaay me =P) but I might consider joining in sporadically when I have the time. I'd love to have the motivation to get back to writing regularly, and it'll help me practice writing with brevity. Thanks for the invite

hi, ben!
so glad you're back! thanks for your in-depth feedback on my sociopathic veterinarian--i agree with your suggestions 100%. isn't it funny how it's easier to see our stories through someone else's eyes?

I loved Untitled, bet you can't tell!

hey, ben!
hope you had a good weekend.
are you back yet? the circle misses you!

Hey, Ben. I just submitted Sinclair's Story into a contest. If I win, I get published. Wish me luck and I wish to hear from you soon

yikes! i can change it--no problemo! yeah, i biffed it. thppt. i'll actually wait for you to respond to my email this time before i make any drastic moves...

Are good authors that don't like to read unheard of in writing circles? Is it even possible? Just wondering.

Ben,
Sorry I've been so busy - I like how you're making the circle more rigorous. I'll write more reviews this week.
Have a good one -Ryan

Not a problem, I enjoyed it, great story. Take care. - EFSage

i'll send you my sample interview questions when i've written them--hopefully later tonight. please let me know if they sound all right to you. thanks.

hi, ben--
i love it! i'm excited about this--i hope everyone agrees.
also, great circle image, the lightning bolts over the city--cool!
thanks again for taking the bull by the horns. you rock.

Hiya, Hiya! I just saw your message for Flash Fiction Fridays! Unfortunately I cannot post another work for FFF because I have 7 works and I don't have a pro account. Also, will older works be posted on the circle (Like for instance "Scratching The Surface or My Boyfriend's A Vampire)? Just tell me on my scrathpad

Thanks for the critique. Interestingly enough, I had done some editing last week that I haven't posted yet in which I cut the entire first paragraph - Thanks again for stopping by...

Thanks for the information Ben! I can understand coinages so that's why Luminadio did not have a aprostrophe after it. You can come read Passions of a Tempted Kind of Angel if you want! I guarantee that you will like it. Comment, vote and tell me how it was because I will enter this in a contest, Take care

Hello Ben! So I have a story for you that I want you to read, comment and vote on. It is Passions of a Tempted Kind of Angel: Sinclair's Story. Well do you remember Black Heart of Temptation? Passions of A Tempted Kind of Angel, as the story suggests was the true story behind how Sinclair became tempted and what he had thought abot himself becoming tempted. Try to read it today! I guarantee that you will like it!

hey, i have an idea for the circle, but i didn't want to send you a private message and cost you coins to reply--would you email me at lauriemariepee@aol.com? i'll send you the particulars, and you can tell me to stuff it if it's a bad idea.

hi, ben--
how's it going?
will you be posting a story this week, or is script frenzy overtaking your life?
(hope that's going well!)

Hello, Ben! Did you see the message I ave you yet? I dunno If I will do Fate Bound Seraph into a contest, but I hope u enjoy it once I publish it!

Whew! I was concerned when I read the other critiques because I saw the work much differently than they did. I am so relieved that you look forward to honest critiques. I truly did like the concept.
Thanks, for the wonderful note!

Hello, Ben. I have what you wanted me to tell you. Wel, do you know Back Heart of Temptation? Well I have the true story behind it published for you and everyone who critiqued. It is called Passions of a Tempted Kind of Angel: Sinclair's Story! I want for you to read, vote, and comment, because I will enter this story into a short story contest. I hope that you enjoy it!

Hello, Ben. You can come to Flash Fiction Fridays this weekend to read My Boyfriend's A Vampire! It is my first completed horror story.

Hello, Ben. I have made Heart of Ice private because I need you to comment on Passions of a Formerly Lovestruck Black Winged, But Tempted Kind of Angel: Sinclair's Story because on May 31, 2008, I will enter it into a short story contest. Contact me when you are reading and commenting on it and tell me if you liked it on my scratchpad. I hoped you like it!

Hello! When you have time please read, The Boys of Summer -and tell me what you think.

Hello, Ben Wanna see Heart of Ice now? I have given you its access and you are free to comment on it. Give it a high vote because I am planning on publishing that as a book. Hope you enjoyed it!

ben!! hi!
thanks for another wonderful critique! many good points in there, and loads of encouragement--i appreciate hearing about confusing or plain illogical turns in my stories. trying to cram so much into so few words is a struggle, and i'm never quite sure what comes across and what doesn't. your feedback is valuable, indeed. thanks so much!

Oh and also, remember Black Heart of Temptation? I have a story called the passions of a lovestruck, black winged, but rather tempted kind of angel:sinclair's story, the prologue and what happened before he was tempted. In this story, you will see why Sinclair's lover was called Angel. I hope that you enjoy it!

I have given you access to Heart of Ice, so you can read it. Will you both comment and critique it? And I hope that you enjoy it!

Hey, Ben! Wanna read my work calle Heart of Ice? It too is on the circle!

HI Ben,
Thanks for the wonderful critique. You gave some great suggestions, and none of them were mentioned before, I don't think. I'm glad you liked the story, and mainly I was interested in the plot, you know what people thought about it and all. Then I'll rewrite. A lot of my stories are kind of twilght zonish. I love the twist at the ending.

Thanks again for taking the time to read my story. I will used all of your suggestions when I rewrite.

Cathy

Thanks for the encouragement.

I’ve posted my critique that was eaten the first time I tried it.

I’m working hard on getting a nice piece of FF for Friday

hey, ben--
thanks for the wonderful critique of my cowboy werewolf story! you are right about the confusing sequence of events, and i'll get cracking on fixing those issues during edits. your feedback is a huge help--thanks for taking the time and effort. i appreciate your insight!

hi, ben--
hey, i tried accessing the critique function on your latest fff story, 'untitled', and the page wouldn't open?! i'll try again later, but if i can't get through, i'll just send you a private message with feedback.

I appreciate critiquing your works to Be. I mean look at me, I am a talented 8th grade writer but I have mistakes in my works, but hey that is how the writing world is. I will let you in on a secret also, I have not published a work for two weeks straight for Flash Fiction Friday because I am still doing Heart of Ice for everyone to enjoy. I hope you read my progress. Just reread over your works to see about any errors in your work that is all. You do not have to rush, just take your time and I will guarantee that your work will be even better.

Hi Ben!

Thanks for the great critique. You make some really great points. The story isn't part of Isurus, but based on the Chinese myth of the Dragon Gate. Originally, I didn't have it state so obviously "I'm a dragon" but I wasn't sure if it was clear enough about what happened without stating it.

I'm afraid I'm going to have skip posting this week. I've been struggling to focus on Fox Prince (which isn't working) and I didn't get anything written Hopefully next week. I can't wait to see what you've written. Later!

Hey Ben, yeah I was going to buy the cryptonomicron but it was too long and the summary did not really pull me in. and yeah I wish he would go back to cyberpunk Gibson too. I know I’m been selfish as he will make more $ going mainstream but I miss his older works.

Hey Ben, nice to have you on the Galactic Love Cowboys, I read the beautiful and I loved it I’ve been looking at your works and they all sound intriguing bring me the head of St. Valentine sounds like the one I’ll read next. I noticed you have snow crash on your list for favorite books. I recently read it and after the first paragraph, I had to research who this Neal Stephenson guy was who wrote so well, it was great. By the way, if you have read the diamond age can you tell me how it was compared to snow crash I mean. Thanks for joining and I am looking forward to reading your other works.

Sorry about not getting back to you sooner. I will write for FFF this week! The last couple have been doozies for me as far as writing goes.

Hey, Ben. I have Heart of Ice on the Flash Fiction Fridays circle if you want to read it and comment on it sometime.

Wait sorry about Tragic Hearts. It is not a novel it is a short story. Angel is not an angel and angels in this case would be love angels (Angels who come to comingle with humans of Feb 14) sorry about all those things. Also, I have a story that I may publish in stores soon on my profile called Heart of Ice.(Unfinished) Just click my name, scroll down to recently published works and you will see it. Tell me how it is ok?

Aww, thanks, Ben. I have always wanted to hear that from you! I am now doing a short story that I may publish one day, called Enchanted Love: A Children's Short Story. I hope that someday that I will give it to you! Well, bye now!

hallo. it's me again.
just wanted to let you know i'll be sending you feedback on your newest story tomorrow--

hi, ben--
it's friiiiday!
i'm looking forward to reading your latest story.
we need our fearless leader!

Hello, Ben. I have replaced Tragic Hearts again, so you may not find those works in your reading list. I have renewed them now, so feel free to add them again to your reading list (Search Tragic Hearts Chapters 1 and 3 on Flash Fiction Fridays). Contact me if you have anything to say about this.
P.S. Critique my works by Friday. I have always wanted to hear critiques on my story from you! Take care!

Thanks for the critique! Isurus is actually just a small part of a book I want to write, which is where I went wrong, I think. Everything you pointed out, which I quite agree with, stems from not having enough room to develop the story correctly. Luckily, I've learned from this and should have a better offering for next week

Just for the record, the 'electric shadow' has to do with a shark's lateral line which detects the electricity generated by living creatures. I couldn't really think of any other way to describe it. And the secret of the lump of flesh that he eats, which I had planned to put in, but ran out of words, is that it's the heart of a lyriss--a mythical creature whose heart grants immortality if eaten. Anyway, thanks again and I can't wait for Friday!

Sure, no problem! Thanks for your comment all the same though, it was very nice and it definately made my day.

Greetings,
I forgot to send word over in this direction, I just posted my first work last night. It was inspired when reading an old human anatomy atlas with vain, neurotic, and shameless imagery. I couldn't stop myself... Not "perfect" for a comic script, but the ideas are on their way. Would you critique, give the chance, please? I would very much appreciate it.
-Su Dru

Thanks so much, Ben!

Oh! Thank you Ben! I have been wanting to get a gift. I have part one of broken hearted that I will do next friday.

hey, ben--
thanks so much for my gift!
how cool is that?
pretty darned cool.

Hello, Ben! I have joined your circle, Flash Fiction Fridays! Maybe you can read my work called Broken Hearted 3: A Twist of Fate, Love, and Lies. That is 1224 words in all in that short story! Read and critique it!

Thanks so much for the great critique! I will definately work on the fox falling in love, and I think you're right, the talking goose should go, or ... hmm, getting an idea Thanks!
And thanks for pointing out the confusion with Arice. She's the daughter. I'll make that more clear.
Oh, and this flash fiction stuff is harder than I'd thought, lol. I hope I'm done before Friday! Thanks again

When are you posting more story goodness?

Thanks! The FFFF looks like fun. I just hope I can keep myself under 1000 words, lol. I'm a terrible procrastinator, too.

Greetings,
First let me say congrads on your win! You absolutely deserved it, the piece was my favorite... Thank you for your comments on my poem... I'm not really a poet by any stretch of the word! I prefer my romance stories. But I am pleased that you liked it anyway! Have the greatest day that the fates will allow!
Regards,
Rusti Fae...

Congrats on 1st place! Now I will have to read it.

Congratulations on winning the february contest, Ben! If you want, as a reward, you are welcome to click my name and read and critique the three of my works! I want to hear from you soon!

Dear Ben,

First, let me say that you have nothing to apologize for, but well excepted. If I was too harsh on you, I apologize as well. At first I felt a little offended, but now I see that you were just expressing your opinion, just like everyone else. I am sorry that I took it the wrong way. I had no right to tell you what think or how to feel and I truely feel like a jackass for doing so.

If you need me to explain my poem to you I would be more than happy to do so, which is what I should have done in the first place. Instead of getting all work up over it.
So, can we let bygones be bygones?

Thank you for the critique, Ben. i took it to heart and did an extensive revision. I would appreciate it if you would give it a look and tell me if I compromised too much, or if I improved by structuring the meter and adding rhyme.

Hey,

Thank you for the thoughtful feedback. I have always been a bit meek to show my work to anyone, so this forum is a great way to get some feedback while remaining annonymous. Now you should get some work up so I can check it out.

Thanks again. -EF