[stmercy2020]

Let me get this out of the way — yes, you do have every right to critique — in fact, as a fellow writer, you have a duty to judge, and harshly (but still constructively, bear in mind.)

I have to disagree with you, I'm afraid.  Unless an author has <i>asked</i> you to critique them, you really <i>don't</i> have the right to say anything.  I would also argue that merely placing something on a forum is not the same as asking for criticism- if the request isn't explicit, then the request doesn't exist.

That said, you <i>do</i> have the right to make judgements- indeed, you can hardly stop yourself from doing so- just not the right to inflict them on anyone else.

Writing is a science, bare minimum. Done well, writing is an art. If you have a technique that will enable your fellow craftsman to improve his product, how selfish is it to spare his feelings at the expense of his art?

An interesting point.  Let me throw this question back at you; how <i>foolish</i> is it to critique someone- even constructively, as you say- if your criticism is so harsh that it stifles productivity?  While I would agree that some, even most, authors on the internet share an appalling disregard for grammar, punctuation and spelling, sometimes it isn't their fault (such as when they've chosen to share something in English when it isn't their native language) and attacking their mechanical skills is not only cruel, but counterproductive.

Several of your assertions in this thread have left me feeling moderately offended, I'm afraid.  Basically, your tendency to state things as black-and-white, as inarguable truths which people must accept or be labelled wrong (spelling, writing-as-science, characters vs. caricatures) irritates me not because you don't raise valid points, but because you present them as absolutes.  Certainly you are entitled to your opinion, but try to acknowledge that it is just that- your opinion- and that everyone else is also entitled to their own views as well.

[stmercy2020]

Dang, I just noticed I forgot to edit the last paragraph and used "thick" waaay too much. Is there anyway to edit a post once it is made?

Sadly that feature vanished with one of the recent site overhauls.  This is one of the reasons I now post my stories over on my dA account; when I notice something that needs changing, I can go in and edit it at any time…

[stmercy2020]

An intriguing story idea; I'll be interested to see where you take this…

As far as how far you can go, that sounds like a question for the mods and for the mighty Lingster himself- you might try PMing them with an idea of what you have in mind.

[stmercy2020]

Fine work!  Great descriptions and even better characters; a pleasure to read!

[stmercy2020]

So- what exactly defines a hero?  Lisa finds out…

http://www.thevalkyrie.com/stories/demented/lisa15.htm

[stmercy2020]

Although I think most people who would answer this kind of question would probably tell you they prefer plotted and structured stories, recent evidence seems to suggest pretty much the opposite.  I personally have two- no, three- stories that are essentially chapter stories and- while they've been reasonably well-received- they get very few comments or views when compared to the shorter, self-contained stories and vignettes I've done.

I would also note that if you are thinking of writing a longer story and posting it a bit at a time-or as you complete each chapter- something that may help you to maintain interest would be to set some sort of dramatic goal for each chapter.  Think of it like plotting a serial television show; there's enough going on in each episode to keep new readers interested, and enough carry-over that long-time readers start to see the over-arching plot develop.

I think that in many cases AlexG is correct about why so many stories never get finished; if you're writing a story out of a desire for a vicarious sexual thrill, then the moment of climax is pretty much what the 'story' is about, and anything after is a waste of effort.  I would add that I think a number of authors get frustrated by the apparent apathy that seems to go hand-in-hand with the ease of point-and-click reading; readers can, with just a few clicks, visit a story, read what they like, and click away without ever being inconvenienced or feeling any impetus to leave a comment.  When we- authors- see that our stories have been viewed X-many times and received 2 comments, we get discouraged and decide that our time can be spent more profitably in other endeavors.

[stmercy2020]

lol! resurrected from the dead-thread graveyard!

Originally, I had intended this to be about what internet authors other writers used when seeking inspiration for the specific genre of FM/FMG; somehow, it grew beyond my control. 😉 😀

I'm glad to see some of my favorites on your list (Robinson, Lovecraft, King)- nice to know they're in good company!

[stmercy2020]

Thanks muchly.  As you certainly know by now, I don't do much with extreme strength- I find it difficult to keep the characters genuine when they have essentially limitless power- but this story, once I found the human side to it, really seemed to write itself.

I guess, sometimes, you really can fall uphill… ;D

[stmercy2020]

I agree with Seldom, a very good story as always, but not quite up my alley.  I enjoy the aesthetics of the muscles behind the strength as much as the strength itself.

Thanks for the Christmas gift and I look forward to reading more fo your work!!

Normally, I do too, actually (hence Sylph…)  On the other hand, when you're dealing with nigh-infinite power, there is no way to realistically visualize the muscles that would have to be involved; not even Dr. Banner comes close.

Thanks for taking the look, though; I appreciate the input.

[stmercy2020]

Drop by my place, lupe- I have some just waiting for your arrival…

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