I have been writing for more than 40 years.  When it comes to writing fiction I see myself as an entertainer, and my stories are my performances; which is why I use the drama masks for my profile picture.  As an entertainer, I am a natural comedian and when I am writing, this joker is wild.  
     I've been writing on the internet since 2006.  Until then, I'd only managed to sell one short story, for which I was paid a total of $5.20.  I did not frame the check.  I instead invested the proceeds in a breakfast at I-Hop, from which I received a very satisfying return; so the most practical advice I'd give to any aspiring writer is this:  No matter how good your writing is, don't quit your day job.
     Since 2006 I've been writing fan fiction stories; based mostly on the TV Series "Buffy: the Vampire Slayer".  More than 25 are posted at fanfiction.net, where I also use the penname MrBillyD.  I've also written original fiction, posting the writings on fictionpress.com, and webook.com.
     I have also published two novels, that I originally posted on webook.com.  They are now available in both paperback and as an e-book at amazon.com, and at Barnes and Nobel on line.  They are titled, "We the People Are Good to Eat" and "A Gatored Community".  For the author's name I've used my real name;
William D'Andrea