John S Alty

‘…Every book back I read seemed to involve a magic sword or a ring and sorting the good from the bad became impossible…’ Yes, Kate, that was exactly my experience.

By contrast, to take a selection of the Ballantine books I read in my youth, The Well at the World’s End (William Morris), The Worm Ouroboros (E R Edison), The Night Land (William…[Read more]

Well, you’ve convinced me. I may have to add  have added the book to my ever-growing kindle list. Another great blog by the way.

“A bit harsh maybe” you say, of Ursula K. Le Guin’s remarks. My feelings about this are mixed. I can see her point, but I am not convinced. I would have thought that the way we approach the old stories is what matters.…[Read more]

I think our reading tastes have developed in a similar way, Richard. I read fantasy as a teen (though never a LOTR fan) but as I got older and every book back I read seemed to involve a magic sword or a ring and sorting the good from the bad became impossible, I moved away from the genre.

I do enjoy (and often write) our reality with a…[Read more]

Do write another blog, Richard!

Yes, the Cloud had the benefit of the Writers’ Workshop behind it. Not only did people find it from WW Courses, but from other services. I found the Cloud when I bought an editorial review. Then, it had things like the ‘Getting Published’ day in London and the ‘Festival of Writing’ in York.

Goes some way to…[Read more]

I’m in the same position as I was in last year: the Den is normally the only place I interact with anybody on-line, so I would be very sad to see it go. I’m a bit more up-beat about it, though, because since the ‘members’ side-bar on the home page has been changed from ‘most recent’ to ‘most active’ (good idea) it shows that quite a few people do…[Read more]

I too echo Kate; I was trying to remember how the Cloud functioned in terms of activity; hadn’t considered the influx of new members. finding their confidence to participate.

And, yes, yes, the annual challenge and also to a blog about e,g, fiction (I was wondering last week about what makes ‘Good Writing’?) And at least the Activity column shows…[Read more]

I really enjoy the annual short story challenge, and I try to participate in the odd monthly competition. My SE group has also used the Den as a lifeboat. So I’d hate to see it go and lose contact with some talented people.

I think one of the differences from the more active Word Cloud, is there was a constant flow of fresh blood funnelled via…[Read more]

@Alex, thank you! I was impressed with the subtle nightmarishness of Abbie’s  situation.

I had a look at our profile options a while back but I couldn’t see how it’s supposed to work. You can add information about yourself, but it doesn’t show up when your profile is viewed (which is a bit pointless). I’ll take another look at it.

I like Sandra’s idea of being able to expand our profiles, not just for new members but for existing ones. Apart from topics that come up in posts, I mostly don’t know what is interesting to fellow Denizens, either long term or temporarily. I’m thinking of writing and reading though anything else is welcome too.

@ Knicks Cheers, me dear. Looking forward to reading entries, your as well as many others

Gorgeous prompt is gorgeous. Chomping at the bit for this one 🥰✨

Just a thought, and maybe not entirely welcome, but would not the opportunity for members to expand their  profiles, just a little, be more welcoming? Give newbies the opportunity to read, make contact and say (for example “I’m interested in that too”

btw I’ve posted July’s comp but don’t know if the link will  function as hoped. If not can y…[Read more]

Ath, it’s okay! And you can still have a go, lols. The thread not going nowhere 😊

Alright. Down to the stuff and business. With only two entries, both of which are incredibly well-penned and definitely get to the heart of their most singular matters, this was not an easy choice.

However, I’m going to give this win to @sandradavies, for leaving…[Read more]

I agree that, as a place where we can meet to chat (ever so sporadically) and have monthly (great for writing practice) and especially annual competitions, it would be absolutely sad to see The Den dissolve due to the lack of activity. I don’t think the work anyone has put in should go to waste.

The implemented suggestions have been fun,…[Read more]

My participation is very sporadic, although I do actually pop in here most days and read what’s been written. I’m glad it can continue, at least for now. I would miss it if it went.