Returning to the classics for inspiration?

Actually, that's very good advice, and I do get your point. However, I'm not sure I can read something I don't like. Then there's the famous four letter word that enslaves all authors. Edit. Edit. Edit. There are some good websites that provide feedback for writing. It's usually the reader who helps the most. I wish I still lived in New York; there were so many places to walk and reflect, dream and create. In Florida, it's nothing but hot. Blek.

Hmm. You should read things you don't like. It is an important part of forming your style. And then critique what you don't like and why. The more you can understand what you don't like the better you will find that can put words to paper and write with gusto. And editing is very important in your own work. It shouldn't inslave you, it should free you. Try taking a different tack and view it from a standpoint of picking the negative out of your work by doing these things. If you would ever like my feedback or advice on any of your work I would be happy to do so. I have done so before for people and when they got their work in to a pro it came back with the same advice and feedback. You can have a refuge wherever you are. Put the things you love around you. Have the type of music you enjoy playing,etc. Put some thought into it and you can have it anywhere.

I think there's lots of people out there who will agree with you. It can be hard to appreciate an author when the story is simply not to your taste. Well-written? Is there really such a thing? As you said, it's a matter of opinion. I'm kind of the opposite to you. The story is the beginning for me, but if I don't like the style, I'm out. As long as we're all reading something . . . there's hope.

Do you feel lost after you finish your book? I wander around, feeling alone and abandoned by the characters. I can't start reading a new book right away because I like to let the story "soak into me." Also, it feels as if I'm betraying the author if I put his/her book aside for another, without the proper passage of time. You're right; you can't compare books according to genre. I can't imagine reading a "vampire book," but they're tremendously popular. I'm a CIA/Special Ops/Sci-fi girl myself, but if I'm desperate I might pick up a romance. Blek. I'm with you on the texting-speak. I always have to ask the person what they're trying to say. Sure, it's a shortcut, but it has no place in any formal writing arena. Okay, I finished my spy book this afternoon, so I have to wait until at least tomorrow to start another. I'm not that eager to begin because people left me some books that aren't that appealing to me, but it's better than nothing. I do go on and on . . .

Yeah... I find myself finishing books and kind of biting my tongue. I end up saying something to the tune of, "Well, it WAS brilliant. But I hated it." Beyond proper spelling and grammar, I don't think there's really a way to define what's well written. It's like one person saying they like mysteries and the other saying that they like romance. Is one really better than the other or is it a matter of personal taste? These days when I tell someone their work is well-written I usually mean, "WOW! You didn't write in texting-speak! You choose the actual English language!" But like you said, as long as we're reading something. I love to read, and I couldn't go a day without diving into the pages of a book.

Yes, you sound like an internet victim. I'm so sorry this happened to you. As long as you can still enjoy the process of reading, then all is not lost. (Now we only have to find some good novels.) I commend you though on your ability to conform. Me, either my mind blanks, or I write a book.

lol =D Well, the world is changing.. Gone are those artistic way of writing, for everybody in these days, are rushing for time.. They want something simple and understandable... as such, writers can only be accustoming themselves to the needs of consumers at the expense of their free writing.. lol =D Dun worry, at least u are better than me ^_^ I'm plain lazy to refer to any, thus i will just skip whatever i wanna say.. lol =D

Exactly my point! Even novels written in the 1980's show a remarkable difference from what is on the market today. Seems we're devolving in our efforts to get ahead. I'm ashamed to say that my own vocab has slipped, and there's been a time or two when I've consulted a dictionary. Please don't tell anyone.

I'm not sure what you meant by "today's writings are more professional than those classics." I guess it hinges on the definition of "professional." I never thought about an author writing to please herself. In a way, that's what we do. If it's not fun to write, then who feels like writing it? I do get your point, however, I just had to stick in my off-the-wall remark. Excellent sentence, by the way; ". . . current taste and haste . . ."

Well said! That's awesome you are keeping the classics alive for your children. They are our future senators, teachers, and CEO's. Appreciation for what has been lost may have a redeeming value. I really enjoyed your sentence about exercising our rights. Well said, and insightful.

Yes, you're right. It is good for the soul. I'm so happy you mentioned that. I struggle with nonfiction, seems I'm not much of a researcher.

Interesting comment from your teacher. First your writing is horrible, and then its time to ease up on the criticism? Hmm. I'll keep that in mind. My editing eye could not resist counting how many times you used the word "edit." (five)LOL Just goes to show how important that four letter word is. Birthday card writing? Never heard that one before. Wonderful, one more thing to watch out for.