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 |  My random thoughts and reactions to my everyday life. The voices like a forum. |
| I do not know quite what happened or when , but my hubby and I now qualify for seniors' discounts at some venues. This creates a quandary; in order to save money, but not face, we have to admit to our age. HMMMM..... We definitely do not consider ourselves to be old. In this day and age ,when people as a whole are living longer and healthier lives why are 'young seniors', those in their fifties, like moi, considered 'old'?? It's so true that age is just a perception! "Maturity" is very objective/subjective, and I object! Whew, a few years have skittered by since I composed this biography block. Those "fifties" are in the rear view mirror and they are distant, fond memories. Oh, I do not plan to stop writing any time soon. |
| PROMPT September 3rd Describe a time when your work was criticized. How did you react? Ack, criticism! It does exist. Everyone has an opinion and too many are only too happy to share it. There are experts on any subject who walk amongst us. Some actually make the air quotes with their hooked fingers and claim it's "helpful criticism." How often do we hear, "it's for your own good." Some try to soften their critique with a shrug and "it's only my opinion, but." At times, my word choices are questioned. "Did you mean to use that word?" "Why can't you just say said?" Or my personal favourite, "this is too wordy." "I can't pin you down. You write with American words, but then you throw in British words and I'm confused." I brush it off. I only reply to specific points. Yes, I intended to use that particular word and I am well aware of its meaning(s). Why simply use 'said' when there are so many choices other than that tired word. Others have stronger connotations and can describe a character, their motivations, their mood, and more. Yes, I admit wordy can be an issue, but with a short story and its word limit I am well aware of my limitations. Each word has to count in more ways than one. I often think of speech patterns when I write and not everything is included as dialogue. Not every speaker gets straight to the point, or minimizes their expressions. Why does it matter what my nationality may be? I recognize different spellings and usages when I read. I accept them. Americans have decided that the letter 'u' is redundant in a few words and that is their issue. All this being explained, I don't receive much criticism. I take what I do get with a grain of salt. Not everyone intends to be critical or mean. Perhaps they find it difficult to pin point what they do not like. Maybe they lack the ability to explain themselves. Some are writing and reading in English and that is a second, or third language for them. Ah, the nuances of tricky English! Most of us limit our reviews and critiques. If we wish for them to be noticed, our message cannot be too lengthy. One comment, and is it a subtle jab, a true criticism, that I've puzzled about is this. "That's funny. Did you intend to be funny?" Is this sarcasm? Am I missing something? Yes, 'most' of my humour is intentional and I am grateful that it did tickle a funny bone. I worry more about the humour impaired, but, yep, I realize funny is not everyone's cup of tea. Nothing about writing is static. Words can be rearranged. Grammar can be manipulated. Anything I commit to my writing can be altered over and over. At some point, I simply let it go. If I do not than nothing is achieved. Other ideas rumble about demanding to be acknowledged. |
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