I'm a college student just reading and writing during my spare time. Though I mostly Read rather than Write. 



I've found I've got a fairly short attention span when it comes to writing stories, and that, although I can reel out a fairly entertaining story outline, when it starts getting too long, I start getting pulled this way and that and I end up with something that bears no resemblance to my previous outline whatsoever. I usually scrap my stories into the Wasteland after that.



This is the reason why I just stick to short stories. They're easier to write, and I can just spin them off, edit them in less time, and be done with them in short order. Out of sight, out of mind. Plus, I end up feeling like I haven't left something horribly unfinished. 



All my other stories in the Wasteland just make me feel guilty. It helps if I just ignore them. But it doesn't help though when I start analyzing them, and I've just finished reading a great book like Ender's Game or I' Robot. All stories look like crap after that, particularly mine.



However, I've found that I'm pretty helpful when it comes to editing stories or just writing a lot of useful red ink on pure pristine pages. I help my brother with his. Unlike me, he's got a lot of patience for writing full-length stories. But, on the bad side, if the story is just plain horrible, I'd rather not say anything at all. People get pissed rather easily, especially people who've expended a lot of time and research on their books.



So if anyone needs some useful comments, I'd be glad to give some.



Cheers! And Merry Christmas!