Ok, I stumbled on this writing thing, so I've stuck a toe in the water. I'd appreciate any constructive criticism on my first few attempts. Not the most exciting topics, but they're short if anyone is willing to give me some feedback or opinions. Be honost, I'm thick-skinned enough.

Common Weeds of the Southwestern US

NH Lawn Invaders

NH Microbreweries

I already think the moving article is the weakest...I was too tired, but pushed to finish it anyway.

Moving - Make It Painless

Lazy bums.

(lol)

everytime I write something here, I hear crickets chirping! LOL!
Good writings though! Keep practicing because it is a skill that is honed!
Good luck! :-)

quote:

"Not the most exciting topics,..."—Gitana

     Why not? How could you make them more exciting? Try doing that.
Seán

Gitana,

Well, I only read your first piece on common weeds of the Southwest, but it's clear to me that you're taking the standard advice offered to beginning writers seriously, namely "write about what you know."

It was obvious to me from your first paragraph that you know your subject, because you listed Bermuda grass FIRST, before any other weed. You gave it the place of honor it truly deserves as No. 1 noxious unkillable weed of the Southwest.

Second, you wrote about Bermuda grass WITHOUT using any four-letter words, which clearly would be out of place on Assiciated Content. I don't know how hard that was for you, but it's a clear testament to your restraint and self-discipline. I would have a very hard time doing that...but then I live in Southern California, where long ago some sadist introduced the stuff as a drought-tolerant lawn grass.

Based upon your knowledge of your subject and your ability to restrain yourself when necessary, I predict that you have a great future as a writer ahead of you.

--Linda

quote:

Originally posted by Sean:

quote:

"Not the most exciting topics,..."—Gitana

     Why not? How could you make them more exciting? Try doing that.
Seán

Sean,

It's easy to write about Bermuda grass and make it exciting, because the essence of drama is conflict. Every Southern California gardener including me has at least one story which can be titled "My War With Bermuda Grass." Some of us have more than one! Unfortunately, they all end the same way (the Bermuda grass wins). So I guess these stories lose some of their drama after a while, because pretty soon people can guess the ending.

--Linda

quote:

I guess these stories lose some of their drama after a while, because pretty soon people can guess the ending.—Raksha

Linda,
    I can't believe that anyone could tire of the raw excitement engendered by warring with Bermuda grass. That would be like wearying of tales of love and lust: Our very flesh forbids it, no matter if the endings are predictable. However, that's beside the point: An author is duty-bound to make his work intriguing as can be for anyone who reads it. That is only conscientious workmanship and elementary good manners. You do it very well.
Seán

Gitana,
    Pictures are helpful. In this instance one needs to know what the weed looks like in order to identify it. Where pictures can't be posted, links will serve. Wikipedia's pictures are in the public domain and are free for everyone to use. See Bermuda Grass and Spotted Spurge as examples.
Seán

P.S., Make sure your links are viable. The dark alleys of this world are crammed with the battered bodies of authors who posted defective links.
S.