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Cancel The Culture
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Segregation
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Mutt And Jeff
![]() FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Sacrifice finished first in the contest "Murderous Intentions" |
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![]() FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: American Kike finished third in the contest "Non-Fiction Writing Contest" |
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![]() FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Birthday Bash finished second in the contest "80 Word Flash Fiction" |
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![]() FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Congratulations! Beddy-Bye won the contest "Dribble Flash Fiction" |
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(I'm looking under my bed tonight) Congrats! - | ||
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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. |
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Karenina - | ||
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FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Unwanted Dog-20 was posted today. It is a Milestone Post. Post number 1000!
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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. |
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She will be greatly missed. 🙏 - | ||
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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... - | ||
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So well deserved! Congrats! - | ||
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Brett Matthew West: Especially for Prose Writers who would appreciate knowing. A new Prose Writers club has been formed called Tips 'R Us. |
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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? |
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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". |
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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. - | ||
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. - | ||
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![]() FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Unwanted Dog Says Thanks, Dad finished second in the contest "Adoption" |
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![]() FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Calypso Breeze finished third in the contest "The Hidden Room" |
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![]() FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Newspaper (Cody Schroder Story) finished third in the contest "~ Family Story ~ (fiction)" |
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![]() FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Jacket finished second in the contest "~ Family Story ~ (fiction)" |
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Brett Matthew West: Why does life have to happen and the carefree days of innocence disappear forever? |
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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? |
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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? |
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Brett Matthew West: A wife tells her husband, "I have blisters on my hands from the broom." Husband replies, "Next time take the car." |
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![]() FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Eve of Destruction finished second in the contest "200 Word Story" |
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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? |
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Brett Matthew West: Tom, received my award tonight. NICE!!! Appreciate it very much. |
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Brett Matthew West: Do you ever allow your characters to write? If so, have any of their scribblings appeared "on-screen"? |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Brett Matthew West: No matter how good a writer you are you will never be good enough...for the wrong reader. |
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Brett Matthew West: Prose writers, are you aware there is daily discussion occurring in the Story Writing Forum? Why not join in? |
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Brett Matthew West: What would you tell a newbie writer writing description for their first book/story? |
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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. |
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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? |
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Brett Matthew West: Why isn't there a club dedicated to prose writers? Would prose writers support such a club? |
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Brett Matthew West: Do you ever generate a character profile before you create a new character? |
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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? |
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Brett Matthew West: The biggest assassin of creativity is to ponder if we are good enough. |
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![]() FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Pikesville finished second in the contest "Share A Story In A Poem" |
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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. |
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Brett Matthew West: "We {writers} cannot replicate genius by copying another's idiosyncrasies-we need to cultivate our own." Robert Weibezahl, playwright and novelist |
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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. |
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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. |
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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? |
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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. |
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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. - | ||
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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. |
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Brett Matthew West: Adulthood is having 6 minutes of free time and using it for a 5 minute nap. |
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Brett Matthew West: What is washed away in Christian baptism? |
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Brett Matthew West: "Write something worth reading or do something worth writing" - Benjamin Franklin |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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? |
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![]() FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Pastrami finished second in the contest "Share A Story In A Poem" |
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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. |
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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? |
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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. |
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![]() FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: I Had My Chance finished second in the contest "This Sentence Starts The Story" |
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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." |
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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. |
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Brett Matthew West: Bread is like the sun. It rises in the yeast and sets in the waist. |
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Brett Matthew West: There is a sunrise and a sunset every single day and they are absolutely free. |
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![]() FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: JoJo finished first in the contest "Introduce your main character." |
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Brett Matthew West: You tell us your sister married a man of letters. Why indeed she did. She eloped with a mailman. |
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Brett Matthew West: Insane is such a mean word. I prefer mentally creative. |
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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! |
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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... - | ||
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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. |
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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! |
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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! |
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Brett Matthew West: Wrinkles mean you laughed. Grey hair means you cared. And, scars mean you lived. |
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Brett Matthew West: The most wasted of all days is one without laughter. |
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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. |
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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? |
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![]() FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Section 1 - Part 1: Boiler Room finished second in the contest "Book It!" |
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Brett Matthew West: If you want the rainbow then you have to put up with the rain. |
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Brett Matthew West: Stop focusing on how stressed you are and start remembering how blessed you are. |
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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? |
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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. |
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Brett Matthew West: Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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? |
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Brett Matthew West: Everybody has worth. Could it be that perhaps you are the lighthouse in someone else's storm? |
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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?" |
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![]() FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: The Reason For The Season finished first in the contest "5-7-5 poem" |
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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. |
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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! |
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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". |
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![]() FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Cedar Key finished third in the contest "Lyrics Make The Song Contest" |
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![]() FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Sometimes finished first in the contest "Lyrics Make The Song" |
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![]() Image by Cool Text: Free Graphics Generator - Edit Image - | ||
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![]() FanStory wrote to Brett Matthew West: Cody's Very, Very, Very Bad Day finished third in the contest "It Was One of Those Days" |
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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! |
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