A heartfelt “thank you” to everyone here at SFF CHRONICLES.

I’m a relative newcomer compared to so many of you on this forum, and it’s been a pleasure reading your thoughts on the art and craft of writing.


I joined MS on 8-20-15, and since then, I’ve responded to a few threads and even offered a couple of my own. But my primary focus has been on learning about each of you and discovering your personal opinions on the various subjects. To do that, I’ve gone through the entire 250 pages of the “General Writing Discussion” section (4998 threads) -- a forum that began in 12-21-01, and continues to the present.


I began reading these threads immediately after joining this site, and I’ve just now finished the process. Of course, that was while trying to complete and edit my own writing project: an epic fantasy series intended to span six to ten books. And as I’m certain you’ve all had experience with, this was done while researching every unfamiliar issue or aspect of writing that caught my eye within these threads – particularly, those I might not agree with and therefore needed to gather more knowledge about.


These chosen pursuits are ravenous time-eaters, and that doesn’t take into account the time we all spend on the parts of life that can’t be avoided. So it has taken me awhile to reach the end. Even so, I’ll now return to the August section where I started, and work my way to the most current threads. At that point, I’ll feel adequately updated and informed to then become a more frequent “posting” member. Whether that turns out to be beneficial to anyone, we’ll just have to wait and see.


However, the learning experience was invaluable. I discovered details and information that showed me how wrong I was on certain issues, while finding endless support for those aspects of writing I felt fairly certain of.


In other words, even after more than thirty years of focused study, I’ve learned so much on these threads, and increased my previous knowledge to such a degree, I felt a need to thank you all for your thoughtful posts. It has been a fantastic mind-expanding process.


So, once again, my thanks to you all,


-- The Hermit in the Woods --

My heartfelt admiration to you. I've probably posted in a lot of them, but I wouldn't ever attempt to review them all.

And just when you thought you'd nearly finished...

There are also threads in the grammar section of Aspiring Writers, not that you appear to need help on that front. More importantly, the threads in Critiques where theory gets put into practice have proved invaluable to me, both in reading others' comments and in reaching my own conclusions, and I'm sure will be of interest to you. I don't know that I'd recommend you read each and every thread in Critiques, which is likely to take a further several months, but just dipping into some recent ones will be a rewarding experience.

The really valuable stuff is in the Writing Resources section...

I'm a newbie here myself and I can only agree with @Ronald T.: I've not come across a more welcoming and less judgmental place on the net. Considering how many times the old hands here must have seen the same newbish mistakes you're all remarkably tolerant and encouraging. Thank you.

It seems you intend to stay and become part of the family. We need that.

And if that's the case, then you'd better acquaint yourself with the 75 word challenge thread for February.

If ever there was an imperative writing tool - to hone a spectrum of writing skills - it's the monthly (and quarterly challenges).

All the best and looking forward to seeing more posts from you.

pH

Phyrebrat said:

And if that's the case, then you'd better acquaint yourself with the 75 word challenge thread for February.

If ever there was an imperative writing tool - to hone a spectrum of writing skills - it's the monthly (and quarterly challenges).
pH

Click to expand...

I can't agree with this more. I've only entered a handful and I feel I've learned masses already.

Thats pure dedication to read all that haha, but I imagine there was a wealth of info. I must say I agree with Shyrka. Its rare to find a place like this.

It's a great forum, for sure.

All hail Emperor Brian. All jokes aside he's the star of this show. For you newbs, Brian is the creator and owner of the site. Oh, and the sherriff.

All I can say to that Ronald is... good lord, you've got some dedication in you. If you're half as dedicated to writing, then I await your books with bated breath. Or not bated, because that would be unhealthy and I'd pass out. Then of course I'd start breathing again because you do that naturally, and I'd come around then I'd have to bate it again, and pass out again and I'm rambling so I'll stop.

Once again, my thanks to all of you. As I've noticed so many times, you are an extremely generous-hearted group of writers. That's only one of the many reasons I'm so pleased to be a member of this forum. What I've learned from your thoughtful posts over the past few months is treasure enough. Your generosity is merely frosting on the cake. As always, my best to each and every one of you.

Dearie me, you have the patience of Job.

I look forward to your serialised adaptation of 12 years of Chrons discussion!

You've shown great dedication Ronald in reading all those threads, well done sir

I hope you post more of your own, I really enjoyed reading your discussion in "Can anyone who makes the required effort become a great writer."

Take care - Vaz

Thank you, Vaz. I certainly appreciate the compliment.

And I'm very glad to hear you enjoyed the 'great writer" thread. It was simply an issue I found to be of interest. I opened the topic because I was surprised to find that so many people are unwilling to accept the fact that "natural talent" exists. And as always, it expressed my true opinion on the matter. However, I didn't intend to offend anyone, although it seems I did.

And, since I have the opportunity, I want to tell you how much I've enjoyed your opinion on so many of the posts you've made. Keep up the good work, my friend. Your thoughts are well received.

The Hermit in the Woods,

AKA -- Ron --