Brett Matthew West: Find it necessary to temporarily refrain from posting anything new, and step away from FanStory for a short duration to resolve a real world issue. For my contacts who may wonder why, though I have cancer, fortunately this is not for a health reason. Expect to resume full FanStory activities within 30 days, perhaps sooner.
    FanStory: Brett, I hope your treatment works out well. Best to you and hurry back. - Tom -
    karenina: Chin up, do what you must and come back to us when you can!

    Karenina -
    Rosemary Everson1: Keep your head up and remember that you always have friends here. -


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West:
Unwanted Dog-20 was posted today. It is a Milestone Post. Post number 1000!


Brett Matthew West: Bleak, sad day for Country music fans, as well as those of hers.

Loretta Lynn died in her sleep this morning.

May the Coal Miner's Daughter rest in peace.
    Jannypan (Jan) : Yes, Loretta Lynn was one of a kind.
    She will be greatly missed. 🙏 -
    karenina: "Well a lot of things have changed since a way back then
    And it's so good to be back home again
    Not much left but the floor, nothing lives here anymore
    Except the memory of a coal miner's daughter"

    (Final verse to "A Coal Miners Daughter")

    Loretta is back home again...

    -


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Breathe finished first in the contest "Flash 100"


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Bisque finished first in the contest "200 Word Flash"
    Rachelle Allen: YAAAAAY!! I knew this one had star quality!! Congratulations to you! -
    karenina: Yes!

    So well deserved!

    Congrats! -


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Tram finished third in the contest "250 Word Flash Fiction"


Brett Matthew West: Especially for Prose Writers who would appreciate knowing. A new Prose Writers club has been formed called Tips 'R Us.


Brett Matthew West: Would you agree good dialogue makes a reader eavesdrop on the characters' conversation then strain to hear more because it is too interesting to ignore?
    evilynne: Yes, of course. We all like to eavesdrop on her characters. Evi -
    evilynne: That should be "our characters" -


Brett Matthew West: I sometimes struggle with this one so I ask you what you think of this editing tip.

Came from the Editor of Tweed Magazine of Literature and Arts, who has worked with Noam Chomsky and Joyce Carol Oates, among others.

Would you agree or disagree? Why or why not?

Don't make dialogue tags do the work.

Replace anything more complicated than "he/she said/says".
    nor84: For the record, Dean Koontz and I agree on this point: it's fine to occasionally something other than "said, asked, etc." BUT the tag must be a way of speaking. People cannot laugh words, grin words, nor can they growl or hiss. Said, asked, etc. are invisible to the reader and offer no distraction but sometimes you want to use something like murmured or whispered. Stay away from tags like interjected, queried, ground out, wanted to know and the like. The only purpose of the tag is if you absolutely need it to identify the speaker. With only two people in the scene, the reader can follow the conversation without any tags at all just as long as you set it up who is speaking first and to whom they're speaking. -
    giraffmang: I agree with Nor here. One of the reasons said and asked are the recommended tags is because the brain recognises them without drawing attention. They are functional, which is what speech tags should be.

    When you use more emotive ones, it can distract from what is being said to how it is being said. The occasional one is fine but when you see whole sections of dialogue using different ones, it starts to grate after a while.

    It's better to let the actual dialogue do the work when required. Also be very wary of using modifiers after the tag as well. usually these come in the shape of an adverb. Adverbs are telling words, rather than utilising showing. Always remember the balance and what you're trying to achieve. -
    nor84: There's something else you can do, but beware this can be overused and becomes distracting if that happens. Use punctuation and "beats" Instead of tags, but only occasionally, and only when they make sense. Here's what I mean:

    Picture is seen where a man named Jack is sitting in our business meeting and not getting his way. He's irritated and does this:

    "I'm outta here!" Jack pushed up from his chair, turned on his heel, and stalked out of the room.

    See? No speech tag at all but let me say it again the exclammation point says that he said this angrily, the action shows he's angry, and he's identified by action, not by "Jack said."

    But don't overdo it, especially not the use of the exclamation point. Avoid inane actions, like Jack frowned, Jack nodded, Jack smiled and use them only when it seems appropriate after showing what else is going on in the scene. -


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Bobcat finished third in the contest "50 Worder"


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Sodbuster finished second in the contest "100 Word Story"


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Unwanted Dog Says Thanks, Dad finished second in the contest "Adoption"


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Calypso Breeze finished third in the contest "The Hidden Room"


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Newspaper (Cody Schroder Story) finished third in the contest "~ Family Story ~ (fiction)"


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Water Rat finished third in the contest "Memories Of Youth"


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Jacket finished second in the contest "~ Family Story ~ (fiction)"


Brett Matthew West: Why does life have to happen and the carefree days of innocence disappear forever?
    Allezw2: It doesn't have to, and that is why we have intellect and imagination and words to express our feelings if we only will! -
    Bonnie Seach : It is simple. A human is designed to advance to full growth, strength and maturity. This incorporates the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the nature of each individual. Imagine a 45 year old male that isn't potty trained or a 35 year old woman who cannot nurture and nourish her infant. If each individual functions properly the whole body of a family is built up to strengthen one another, society and an entire nation. -


Brett Matthew West: Had a bit of a discussion the other day about should you be in a public location and encounter a person (or couple) with a child on a leash, is it bad form to ask if the youngster is a rescue? Any thoughts?
    CD Richards: As long as one parent is following along with the pooper-scooper and cleaning up any messes produced, I'd be inclined to just let them be. -
    Allezw2: None of your business unless the child is being physically abused. In a crowded area, pre-Pandemic, it is the most secure way to keep track of a child, Carrying a child can be physically challenging for the parent of caretaker, especially if they are beyond the twenty-pound or over size and lack a proper carrier designed for such duty. -


Brett Matthew West: With two days to go before my Brett Matthew West Prose Challenge contest, which by the way filled completely up, I would like to thank all 17 members who entered the contest. That in itself makes the contest more successful to me, especially since it is not a poetry contest. Perhaps I will run this contest again sometime?
    nor84: You might think about making it winner-take-all. Some prose writers, me included, don't like the split-pot. -
    Brad Bennett: Brett, thank you for your well thought out contest. You gave ample time to write, and you provided a good minimum word count. That way a long piece like mine, still has a chance. Well done. Looking forward to your next one. Brad Bennett -


Brett Matthew West: A wife tells her husband, "I have blisters on my hands from the broom."

Husband replies, "Next time take the car."
    CD Richards: I had much the same conversation with my other half once. I've still got the bruises to prove it. -


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Eve of Destruction finished second in the contest "200 Word Story"


Brett Matthew West: Okay prose writers. Many of us feel like there's not that many opportunities on this site for us. Several good writers have left because of it, and recently I posted a poem about my own thoughts regarding that subject. Here is a chance for prose writers to participate in a contest. It is called Did You See That. Why not check it out? Who knows. Maybe this is the sort of thing that will lead to more opportunities for prose writers to get more involved with this site. At least, what's the harm in taking a peek?
    giraffmang: Hmm... bemoaning the lack of prose opportunities but choose to write a poem about it... perhaps a tad ironic... lol -
    Susan Larson: Re the comment below: Maybe the only way to have your work read is to write a poem. -


Brett Matthew West: Tom, received my award tonight. NICE!!! Appreciate it very much.


Brett Matthew West: Do you ever allow your characters to write? If so, have any of their scribblings appeared "on-screen"?
    Bicpen: My characters take a life of their own on paper but the only thing that scribbles is me and sometimes its like i've used a crayon with the word redrum read backwards. -


Brett Matthew West: One of the beauties in writing stories is not the fact tropes, themes, and even plots recur. It's how they're told. Even if we've read the plot before, the real beauty lies in the wide-eyed wonderful way the elements of the story and its characters are pieced together.
    Bicpen: I like that ... writing should always have life and the way it is percieved bring new life to every reader from a cubist mentality to the more naturalistic realist or even the impressionist ... words are the coulors and together they paint the picture which we as the authors may already know what it is but for fresh eyes to peer beholds the new imagination of an individual frontier.
    -


Brett Matthew West: You will only get a memorable action scene when it arises from characterization. For example, if you write a one dimensional character you will get a one dimensional scene.


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Congratulations! #5 Ranked Script Writer of 2019!


Brett Matthew West: Just a quick note to those I owe reviews to: currently I am running between trying to at least keep up with responses to reviews I have received and my 12 year old being in the hospital, where he has been for the last four days. However, I will write these reviews when I get the opportunity.
    giraffmang: All the best to your wee one, Brett. G -
    Brett Matthew West: Thanks G-Man. Getting him home would go a long way in improving matters. -
    judester: Get the young one home, we can wait. Bless you both. -
    damommy: I'm so sorry to hear of your little one's illness. Hope he gets to come home soon. -
    WryWriter: Wishing your son a speedy recovery.

    -


Brett Matthew West: No matter how good a writer you are you will never be good enough...for the wrong reader.


Brett Matthew West: Prose writers, are you aware there is daily discussion occurring in the Story Writing Forum? Why not join in?


Brett Matthew West: What would you tell a newbie writer writing description for their first book/story?


Brett Matthew West: If you had one character you have created that you would be remembered for as a writer, who would it be and how would you sum them up in a couple sentences? For me, I believe everyone on this site knows it's Cody Schroder from my Astatula series. He's everything I always wanted to be as a kid..and wasn't.


Brett Matthew West: I just created a new contest for prose writers called Six Word Story that has two simple rules:

NO POETRY. Automatic DQ! and must tell a complete story.

Couldn't make it an easier than that.

Why not check it out?
    DragonSkulls: It's a shame most people can't seem to grasp the concept of 'complete story' and that it's most likely doubtful that the committee will actually DQ any that aren't. What can you do?

    -
    nor84: What's so hard? A complete story has a beginning, middle and ending. Main character has a problem (beginning) Main character tries to solve problem (middle) Main character either solves problem or he can't (ending.) -
    Brett Matthew West: WOW! Didn't expect this much support. Thanks to all who entered. Good luck to all! -


Brett Matthew West: Why isn't there a club dedicated to prose writers? Would prose writers support such a club?
    nor84: I was the first to start a club for prose writers. I wanted prose writers to share techniques, perhaps do a bit of teaching for those wanting to improve their craft. Nothing happened. People joined, but the only thing the clubs were doing was having 'events.' After a while, it was as if I were talking and not being heard. I gave up. For one thing, I didn't understand 'events' and no one seemed to want to share techniques. -
    Brett Matthew West: Would like to see more interest generated on this site for and by prose writers. Just not sure how to go about helping to create that interest. Ideas from prose writers welcomed. -
    Jannypan (Jan) : The clubs are designed for 'events'. One cannot do much in the way of teaching. . . unless... you use the discussions tab to post Then to respond, one has to locate that, add their response, then wait for any reply--if any. The club active participation is waaaay down. -
    giraffmang: I also had one running where we were looking at various aspects of writing but I let it run down due to a lack of interest....

    -


Brett Matthew West: Do you ever generate a character profile before you create a new character?
    nor84: No. Sometimes characters seem to grow. I've read it is wrong when they do that, but I disagree. It's wrong when you let them take over the story but not if it is the Lead character who sees the new changes in what he thought was just his nurse. Nurse became best friend and a knife-carrying psycho when Lead was threatened. -


Brett Matthew West: Have you ever been writing something, then when you almost finish the piece, realise the horrible monster you have created? What did you do? Keep going? Burn it? Or what?

    mrsmajor: I've spent hours writing a poem, using a difficult form, and when its completed, I don't even know what the hell I was trying to say...No choice but to junk it.. -
    giraffmang: Tuck it away. It's amazing how much time can change your view on something. there may just be some really great bits in it which can be recycled. -


Brett Matthew West: The biggest assassin of creativity is to ponder if we are good enough.


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Pikesville finished second in the contest "Share A Story In A Poem"


Brett Matthew West: I attended a writers' seminar today presented by Harper's Magazine. The Editor who presented the material offered several insights into how to improve one's writing. There is no need to answer this question in this forum, but it is something to consider. One example he used was when you write do you write "The chicken crossed the road" or do you write "The chicken crossed the road that led to my dead Grandmother's house which brought back fond memories of my childhood"? The point he was making to better improve one's writing is that one action should lead into another and then another and then another and so on.
    damommy: Good point. Thanks for sharing this. -
    jlsavell: Awesome! Thank you! Have a great day! -
    Randa Dayle: That is so true...we need to expand our thoughts!! Thanks for sharing!! -
    Possummagic: I like that suggestion. It?s so easily done. PM -


Brett Matthew West: "We {writers} cannot replicate genius by copying another's idiosyncrasies-we need to cultivate our own." Robert Weibezahl, playwright and novelist


Brett Matthew West: The best script characters attempt to achieve a goal, or avoid something, no matter what obstacles litter their way. (Think of your favorite television programs or movies.) A script formula that leads to success is characterization + desire = goal, and goal + conflict = story.


Brett Matthew West: For those who may have any interest in learning some things about script writing, I have posted some information garnished from some of those in the industry, such as the Screenwriters Guild of America, and J. Michael Straczyski, who created the Hit TV show Babylon 5 (and worked on several other popular programs), that may be of interest to you in the Script Writing forum.


Brett Matthew West: FanStory is a very fair system. All you have to do is work hard and you will achieve success. Who believes this?
    giraffmang: I guess it depends greatly on your definition of success -
    mrsmajor: Exactly what do you mean by success?...What it is one expected from this site, and did they meet that goal...I've found that there are some here, that do enjoy my work, perhaps not many, but for me I've been successful...I worked hard creating works some may like, and so some have...that's success, at least it is for me... -
    Brett Matthew West: Isn't success as a writer dependent on what the writer decides it is? Why would a writer allow somebody else to make that decision for them? -
    Gloria ....: This is a false dichotomy argument. If the writer decides their own success one need never to do anything but write for oneself making the assertion about FanStory irrelevant. -
    mrsmajor: To believe one's self to be a satisfied writer, and a success...isn't a matter of allowing someone else to decide whether you have been successful or not...the proof of success is that people enjoy your work, can identify with your thoughts, or just like the way you put pen to paper...I believe eecumming's was a success, and yet he was considered "different"...He certainly didn't allow those around him to make any decision ...but to be honest, people, at least those I've met along the way...don't write to store their work in a drawer somewhere, they write to be read...
    -
    giraffmang: It's not really a false dichotomy at all. it's more about what goals one sets for oneself and what one wants out their writing, and/or their experience on a writing site such as FS. That doesn't mean the writer only writes from themselves. It just means they write for what they want to achieve, not what someone else tells them to achieve. -
    Gloria ....: It all depends on how you're approaching the statement, G. As a purely logical assertion, or the finer nuance. I could answer this question in a completely different way. :)) -
    JanPerry: I like the positive encouragement I have received here and remember criticism as a way to improve. Its amazing how far we have come in such a short time. -


Brett Matthew West: I am well aware there were only 17 script writers last year, and only nine ranked this year. Tom had mentioned a desire to get more members involved in that arena. Curious as to how members feel about Tom creating a Script of the Month like there is for story, poem, and book as an added incentive for those considering writing scripts and as a means of perhaps enlarging the number of members who write them.
    giraffmang: There are a couple of issues with scripts. Most of what is written on site isn't strictly a script. (I've done a few screenwriting and script courses, as well as sat in the writer's room at the BBC and what I saw there is vastly different to what is produced on site)

    Secondly, they don't really receive that many reviews as because they are particularly stripped back and technical in nature, they're not exactly a lot of fun to actually read. -
    Brett Matthew West: Thanks for weighing in. Appreciate the thoughts very much. A well written script can be a money maker. Any other members care to add to the discussion? -
    mrsmajor: I'm not a script writer but the idea of a script of the month could prove positive, and helpful...As I understand it, there are not many writer that do write these pieces, but perhaps the idea might encourage more writers...also it could be a learning experience for those that do
    -
    Sarkems: It would make sense. But I'd also like to see, 'non-fiction' of the month as well. -
    Brett Matthew West: Sarkems, I could support a non-fiction of the month. However, that probably has as much chance of actually happening as a script of the month does. -
    JanPerry: I really enjoyed script writing. Unfortunately due to one bad review I gave it up for good. -


Brett Matthew West: I have decided to step down as the organizer of the Self-Publishers Club. Therefore, should you be a member of the club who wishes to become its new organizer, PM me by February 28. Otherwise, on March 1, I will ask Tom to inactivate the club.
    damommy: I'm sorry you're doing that. I'm afraid other clubs will shut down due to lack of participation. -
    Brett Matthew West: This was a tough decision to make. However, I simply don't have the time to stay in the position and that's not fair to the other members. That is why I am seeking a replacement three weeks in advance. On most good days I have one hour's computer time because of other offline commitments. Everyone who reviews my Cracker Croaker Talk Show knows how far behind I am with responses to their reviews. I have had to stop posting altogether just to catch up with them. Should you have any recommendations would appreciate you offering them as this club tends to get new members joining it seemingly regularly and I would not like to see it fold. -
    MissMerri: I would like to suggest we start a new trend on FanStory,.. no one needs to ever respond to any review unless they want to and have time. It seems these responses are basically meaningless to the recipients, extremely time-consuming and guilt-imposing on the writers and keep many writers who have limited time, from doing what they really ought to be doing, and that is writing and editing new material. Why must we feel compelled to respond to reviews? I am always behind, and pretty sure no one but me even cares. -
    Sarkems: Because, MissMerri, if I've taken the time to review someone's work, I don't think it's too much to ask for a reply. A simple 'thank you' would suffice. It takes seconds to do (as opposed to the time it takes to read a piece and write a considered review), and is greatly appreciated by someone who has taken time out of their own writing to read and review your work. No reply is meaningless to me. It shows you value my time, thought and effort. It shows you appreciate that I haven't just given you some fly-by-night copy and paste crap just for your dollars. I don't see why I should waste my time reviewing people who value that time so little they can't manage two words and a click of a button. -


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Remembrance finished third in the contest "5-7-5"


Brett Matthew West: Adulthood is having 6 minutes of free time and using it for a 5 minute nap.


Brett Matthew West: What is washed away in Christian baptism?
    mrsmajor: The desire for the old life is washed away, and the belief and need for the love of God's way of life is accepted -


Brett Matthew West: "Write something worth reading or do something worth writing" - Benjamin Franklin


Brett Matthew West: Just want to send a special thanks to Jannypan(Jan). Many members talk about helping other members out. I really appreciated the assistance she provided me with an issue I had concerning my Raisin' Marty (A Novella) Part Three. Just goes to show, there are members on FanStory willing to walk that extra mile. Thanks Jan. Much appreciated.


Brett Matthew West: Why is sorrow better than laughter? Sorrow is better than laughter for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better - Ecclesiastes 7:3.


Brett Matthew West: I am sure there are FanStorians wondering what the Self-Publishers club is all about. In my portfolio this morning, I posted a step-by-step outline of the topics the club will cover. Should you have any interest in learning how to publish on Amazon, I invite you to read the outline. Reviews appreciated (of course) but not necessary. At this point, I am not planning to post this information in my portfolio, only share it with club members. Therefore, all FanStorians with any interest at all in learning how to self-publish are invited to join the club.
    Jean Hornby : how do I join the self - Publishers club ? -
    Brett Matthew West: Jean, go to Community in the toolbar, drop down to Clubs and join right on up. Any problems with joining let me know. Be glad to have you. -


Brett Matthew West: The Self-Publishers club is all about learning self-publishing together and helping each other out. You do not need to be any kind of expert in self-publishing to become a member. One key aspect of the club is sharing information and that includes for poets. This morning began a discussion just for them. ALL FanStorians are invited to join our club.


Brett Matthew West: Do you know the importance of Industry Standard trims and what they are? Or why they matter anyway? You can find this out and so much more in the Self-Publishing club. So, why not join us today? All FanStorians are invited.


Brett Matthew West: The Self-Publishers club is up and running. This club provides information on how to self-publish your book for those who wish to learn. The first event has also been posted and is an easy one: write tips on how to pen an eye-catching back cover. All members are invited to join our group.


Brett Matthew West: For those who are interested, Tom has approved the Self-Publishers club I wrote about earlier! All members welcome. Feel free to join. Might as well hit the ground running, so the first event is already posted: Write tips on how to pen an eye-catching back cover.
    damommy: I'm not ready to write a back cover. I'm in to learn how to do all this. Looking forward to all the information. -
    Brett Matthew West: That is why I started this club so we can all learn and share tips and information about self-publishing. So, if you are interested in the club don't let the event scare you off. Join us any how. Be glad to have you. -


Brett Matthew West: Ever thought about self-publishing? Would you be willing to share information with others about this topic in a club? If so, I have asked Tom if a club called Self-Publishers could be formed. This morning, I posted a piece called Software for Self-Publishers. This is the type of information I am talking about sharing in a club format with other members interested in the subject. Even if you don't review the piece, I invite you to take a look at it.
    flylikeaneagle: Brett and Tom: thank you for helping us become better writers with new skills. I appreciate the information. flylikeaneagle - nancy -
    damommy: It's a wonderful idea. Thank you so much. -


Brett Matthew West: What title of distinction is given to the law of God? If you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, and love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well. - James 2:8


Brett Matthew West: Who are the only ones with eternal life? 1 John 5:12 "He that has the Son has life and he that has not the Son of God has not life." Does it get any plainer than that?


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Pastrami finished second in the contest "Share A Story In A Poem"
    judiverse: Congratulations on your second place finish, Brett. Great poem. judiverse -
    BeasPeas: Congratulations, Brett, on your placement in the contest. Marilyn -
    Ginnygray: Congratulations, Brett on a great win! -


Brett Matthew West: How does God use man's measuring stick?

Matthew 7: 1-2 -- Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged, and with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again.
    mrsmajor: Psalm 15, has always been a favorite of mine, for what it states... -


Brett Matthew West: For what purpose did Jesus say he would come again? John 14: 2-3 -- I go to prepare a place for you, And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am there ye be also. Can I get an amen?
    mrsmajor: Matt: 25:31-33 and 46...He comes to judge all mankind, destroying the wicked, and granting everlasting life to those believing in Him...Yes you can get an Amen... -
    Sankey: Amen bro...nice knowing a fellow KJV'er -


Brett Matthew West: Today is the first day of Summer. That is something to celebrate! When we pray what does Jesus tell us to do? (Mark 11:25). The first day of Summer is a good day to start.
    DR DIP: It's actually our shortest day down under Brett. It still fascinates me how that works and we are only a hemisphere away lol -


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: I Had My Chance finished second in the contest "This Sentence Starts The Story"
    giraffmang: Congrats, Brett. Just goes to show you can't beeat a good cliché or ten... lol -
    judiverse: Congratulations, Brett, and I love what you did with the story. judi -


Brett Matthew West: Question: In what plain words did Jesus foretell His resurrection?

Answer: Matthew 16:21 - "From that time forth began Jesus to show unto His disciples, how He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day."
    mrsmajor: Thanks very much, I would also add Luke, 9:22...its says something quite similar...if you get a chance, please read it... -


Brett Matthew West: Some good news to show that what is written here on FanStory can lead to success elsewhere. Based on some recommendations by a Simon and Schuster publisher in New York City who is interested in my book Astatula: The Cody Schroder Story, a revision of the book is presently being penned. Especially for those members who have enjoyed Cody's story in the past, I invite you to follow along as these revisions are made. New readers most certainly welcome. Current updates involving the first five chapters have been completed. More will soon follow.


Brett Matthew West: Bread is like the sun. It rises in the yeast and sets in the waist.
    damommy: Hahahaha! Good one, and so true. -


Brett Matthew West: There is a sunrise and a sunset every single day and they are absolutely free.
    Tootie: Well said! Thank you! -


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: JoJo finished first in the contest "Introduce your main character."


Brett Matthew West: You tell us your sister married a man of letters.

Why indeed she did. She eloped with a mailman.
    mrsmajor: That's a good one...ha ha.... -


Brett Matthew West: Insane is such a mean word. I prefer mentally creative.
    Jannypan (Jan) : That definition doesn't work when it is used by lawyers to plead their alleged murdering client was insane when s/he killed one or more. -


Brett Matthew West: Prayer is a conversation between you and God. So, don't be afraid to talk to Him in all situations. Don't worry about what you will say, just open up your heart and speak your mind. He listens. Amen!
    mrsmajor:
    Where would I be, how would I even function, without even a moment's conversation with our loving God...Yes indeed he does listen...Amen... -


Brett Matthew West: When I say I am a Christian , I am not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are too visible, but God believes I am worth it. Amen.
    mrsmajor: Imperfection can clearly be seen, that's how I know, I'm most certainly not perfect...not even close... -


Brett Matthew West: A doctor can save your life. A lawyer can defend your life. A soldier can give you a peaceful life. But, only God can give you an everlasting life. AMEN!


Brett Matthew West: A doctor can save your life. A lawyer can defend your life. A solider can give you a peaceful life. But, only God can give you an everlasting life. AMEN!


Brett Matthew West: Wrinkles mean you laughed. Grey hair means you cared. And, scars mean you lived.


Brett Matthew West: The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.


Brett Matthew West: Ships don't sink because of the water around them. Ships sink because of the water that gets in them. Don't let what's happening around you get inside you and weigh you down.


Brett Matthew West: Today is the only day of the year that tells you to do something: March 4th. And, while you are marching forth, remember the best gift a writer can give a reader is to thank them for reading what they wrote. Have you thanked your readers today? And, a, why haven't you thanked your readers today?
    giraffmang: What about March 1st? Is that not a day of the year that tells you to do something? -
    giraffmang: Come to think of it, doesn't almost every day in March tell you to do just that but in a particular order - March first, march second, march twelfth... and so on and so forth. Also, forth and fourth aren't the same... just saying like. But I did enjoy the sentiments...lol -
    Brett Matthew West: March is also Happy New Year Ancient Romans, however, unless we as writers do not want any readers that is one thing about March you may not want to consider (slaughtering civilization like they did.) Personally, I will stick to thanking readers for taking the time to read what I write. So many writers don't. -


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Section 1 - Part 1: Boiler Room finished second in the contest "Book It!"


Brett Matthew West: If you want the rainbow then you have to put up with the rain.


Brett Matthew West: Stop focusing on how stressed you are and start remembering how blessed you are.


Brett Matthew West: Every morning I wake up I know I am blessed. No matter how much drama may be going on in the world, or how much pain racks my body, I know God is watching over me. Can I get an amen?


Brett Matthew West: The latest Police statistics indicate the heavier you are the less likely you are to be kidnapped. So, stay healthy and eat lots of cake.


Brett Matthew West: Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused.


Brett Matthew West: Sober or not, if a cop ever stops you and tells you to recite the alphabet backwards, just go ahead and do yourself a favor: put yourself on the backseat of his car.


Brett Matthew West: You know when you buy a bag of salad and it starts getting brown and has that gross water in it? Doughnuts never do that.
    damommy: Good point. Buy doughnuts instead. -
    FxstsLisa : Donuts don't last very long in my house (unlike the lettuce in the fridge). -
    AngelaKR: LoL. That is so true! That's hilarious, as I am always defending my love for donuts...chocolate ones, no wait.....maple ones, no wait.... chocolate filled donuts, wait....double chocolate. Yeah, all those. -


Brett Matthew West: A man brings his best friend home for dinner. His wife screams at him as his friend listens in, "My hair and makeup are not done, the house is a mess, the dishes are not done, I'm still in my pajamas, and I can't be bothered with cooking tonight! What on earth did you bring him here for?" "Because he's thinking about getting married," the man simply replies. Ain't that the truth?


Brett Matthew West: Everybody has worth. Could it be that perhaps you are the lighthouse in someone else's storm?
    damommy: We never know when we might make a difference in someone's life. Sometimes, a smile or a hug is all it takes. -


Brett Matthew West: The farmer's son went outside. A chicken walked in front of him. He kicked it. Across the yard, a cow mooed, for meanness he kicked it. Finally, a pig oinked as he passed by and he kicked it too. His mother called him in for breakfast. All she gave him was dry cereal. "How about some milk, ma?" the little boy asked. "I saw you kick the cow so there will be no milk for 2 weeks," his mother replied. "Can I have some bacon and eggs instead?" he asked her. "I saw you kick the pig and chicken too. So, there will be none of that either for 2 weeks," came the mother's response. At that point, the farmer walked down the stairs and kicked the cat. With a smile on his face the little boy asked his mother, "Are you going to tell him or should I?"


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: The Reason For The Season finished first in the contest "5-7-5 poem"


Brett Matthew West: While you are opening those presents the jolly fat elf in a red suit left under your Christmas tree, remember the REAL reason for the season. The best gift of all. Merry Christmas.


Brett Matthew West: Thanks to all who were involved in nominating Meeting Cody - Part Two for Story of the Month for December 2017. An unexpected nomination, this confirms that Cody has many friends and fans here on FanStory that enjoy his antics and tales. Again, much appreciated!


Brett Matthew West: ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people?

DOCTOR (WITNESS): All of them. The live ones put up too much of a fight.

Excerpt from the book "Disorder in the Court".


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Adoration finished second in the contest "2-4-2"
    Brett Matthew West: Thanks for acknowledging this. I truly appreciate it very much especially since I do not consider myself a poet. -


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Cedar Key finished third in the contest "Lyrics Make The Song Contest"


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Sometimes finished first in the contest "Lyrics Make The Song"


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Darlene finished third in the contest "What Happened?"


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Cody's Very, Very, Very Bad Day finished third in the contest "It Was One of Those Days"


FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Tadpole finished third in the contest "Kidnapped!"


Brett Matthew West: I am a Classic Country Music fanatic.

I own and publish the classiccountrymusicgoldnashville.com website.

I also write about traveling the United States, medical issues, poetry, and am even comprising an American-Greek cookbook.

Writing is my escape and my relaxation.

My articles have been published in the USA Today, the New York Times, and many other publications.

Spend some time in my world. No doubt you will enjoy your time there. I sure do!
    mars.64: Brett I know the truth when I read it and this was from the heart.fantastic mate, -
    tommyboywood: Good for you in re: to your review rant. I totally agree that the five star default is bogus. A dishonest review is NO REVIEW at all. It's patronization, nothing more. -