Thanks - I really appreciate that! =D

That's an honest, intelligent question that deserves a good answer. I can't speak for anyone else, but when I joined BookRix over five years ago, I was welcomed by a sweet woman named Val, who went by the username gooduklady. I had come here looking for something to read, but found that the books were mainly by new authors, and were, for the most part, short stories.

I'd been writing full-length novels since the 5th grade (granted, those first few weren't exactly literary classics, lol), and had never tried writing a short story, nor was I particularly fond of reading them. But at Val's urging, I started going through the ones here that caught my interest, and would leave comments letting the writer know how much I had enjoyed the story. Believe me, back then nearly every member was an excellent writer, so my praise was genuine.

Then I thought, why not try writing a short story, just for the heck of it? So I tried, and the result was "Moonlighter," which is somewhere on my list of books here. I quickly learned how to cut out the unnecessary words, to formulate a story with a logical opening, middle, and end, and all because the fabulous members here took the time to critique my work. I took their suggestions to heart and made the changes necessary for it to be a halfway decent little story. I certainly couldn't have pulled it off all by myself.

I think the key to being successful in anything is accepting that you don't know everything, that there's plenty of room for improvement, and that taking an honest critique as criticism will stop you from ever growing. I also appreciated the needs of the other writers to get feedback - we always have to remember that it's not just about us, but about all of us.

Little by little, by giving my time and efforts to reading the works of the members and leaving my observations, they started reading my work, too, and returned the favor in the form of helpful comments. I love to write, and had just finished an entire five-book fantasy-adventure series, which left me free to let all the other stories out that were begging to be written.

Without the help of my friends here, I could never have done all that. Of course, back then, we also had a lot of contests. I even won a couple of them, which was probably more encouraging than almost anything else. But most of all, I made friends - good friends - who shared my love of writing and reading, who had wild and wonderful imaginations, and who weren't lazy about self-editing, proof-reading their work before posting it, and then asking for (and accepting) correction from the rest of the community.

That, believe it or not, is the short answer to your question, lol. I respect everyone here a great deal, and they all matter to me. I suppose that's a good way to earn respect - give it. Even if they don't reciprocate instantly, keep showing your respect for them, and mean it. False praise and pretend respect will eventually wear you out, and defeat you. So I hope this helps.

Be patient, be kind, work hard, love what you do, give freely of who you are and what you have, and have fun. I can think of no better way to live.

And thank you for your kind words - they mean more than I can express.

')

I did, and meant to send you a reply email, but as usual, I managed to side-track myself so effectively, that I ended up going out before remembering to answer you. I'm such a dorkfish sometimes - sorry.

Anyway, yes! It's gorgeous! I've even posted in on my Facebook page for those who have been asking me when the book will be out; I have to send in one more revision to the book content, which I'll probably do tonight, and then I can send the cover to my friend Wendy, who formats it for the paperback version.

Lots of hugs and gratitude, my friend! And about that other matter - the one you don't like to talk about - I'll email you about that as soon as I finish making supper. ')

Thanks Jude

Hello, lazarus... did you check out the mad russian?

I really hate that race it kind sucks and still I am wondering how do they learn that language so fucking complex...

I just replied to your message, and have put your email address in my computer so anything you send won't get snagged by a filter. I've given you my email, also. Talk to you soon!

You're most welcome. I look forward to seeing what you do with this. =D

:)

Just did, lol. Thanks for asking. ')

Well, technically, I'm only about 1/3rd through the book, since, it has three parts, but.... I'm getting there! :D

Well, I think it's wonderful. How refreshing to find a young writer who's dedicated to her craft!

I literally think about my book when I sleep at this point... It's probably an obsession I haven't discovered yet. XD

Hey, how are you?

http://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-dauntless-broken-glass/

http://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-dauntless-dauntless-uncovered/

http://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-dauntless-on-my-way-to/

http://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-dauntless-the-master-in-black/

Sure - is it posted here?

Yes. I have a number of books on BookRix that are listed as being free. I was just wondering if you could pick a few titles to review. Take care, Danny....

Thanks for adding me..Judy