A S H

@Izakai_Lord Is which part a specific thing? This is an announcement for a poem I wrote.

@novelistASH I'm confused. Is this a specific thing?

@novelistASH Music is another example, a very powerful medium to convey ideas, potentially even more powerful than the spoken word. Yet the means of writing a song is relatively fixed. You could create musical chaos (like jazz) but that's very chalk or cheese.

@novelistASH Well, I think all three have been prevalent in human storytelling for as long as people have strung together a bunch of random sounds to make meaning. I'm just saying that the reason why it's difficult is because you're punching through patterns that have been passed on from generation to generation for thousands of years. It's good to shake people awake and make them think in different ways. 
            
            It's so easy to see humans as clay upon which ideas have been etched and baked into pottery, that punching through that means breaking the vase. But the truth is that not everyone is fully baked, I think. You can add water to the dehydrated clay and reshape it. Look at how phones are reshaping our brains! And that's only in the past 15–20 years. 
            
            The human mind is not as static as we think. That's unfortunately why brainwashing works.
            
            That said, by embracing modern/post-modern ideas, it will be a trickier balance because storytelling is so ingrained in our minds. It's harder to rewire that, I think. That's what makes it so powerful, yet so static in its implementation.

@Carolyn_Hill I do think that you're right about me overlooking the roots of writing. I tend to think of art as that dialogue between modernist abstraction and post modernist absurdism and so I don't always have the right mentality for discussing the weight of a given approach. I'm always either striving to justify our existence or defend pop slock as a valid artistic expression.
            
            That's kind of a far journey from make the person listening have a good time.

@TheMadPoetGold I hear what you're saying about acknowledging my accomplishments and I will take the time to reflect on the possibility that I am doing good here. Philautia is not a love that comes easy for me, so this is advice I should follow.
            
            However, you are too kind. I am incapable of leaving that many comments. I post what I can when I can and at times all I can manage is, "I liked this phrase." I imagine that can be frustrating when one is expecting glowing praise.
            
            Also, I can be harsh. I believe in growth through honesty and that means speaking up when something doesn't work. In the past I would try to critique everyone and it was difficult for my brand to grow. So I took some wise advice and now I only offer critiques if I think the person is receptive, or they asked for it first.
            
            I recognize that I am probably deflecting a little because it is hard for me to take your compliment. However, I like to deal with reality on its own terms, and I do think that you are painting me to be better than I am.
            
            I don't mind bridging that gap between strangers. You have an interesting poetic voice and I appreciate Pearl for sending me over to your poems. I'd happily talk influence, strategies, and exercises with you if you would like to discuss more about writing.
            
            Elsewise, ask about me and we can talk about whatever you wish to know.

Also, I recognize this is also coming from a stranger, and I expect no reply, nothing in return, just wanted to acknowledge your efforts.

@fionalaing I wanna give advice that I think will help you, but I worry that my earlier comments have already hurt your pride. It isn't always easy for me to tell the difference between false humility and honest warnings, so if you are indeed a highly sensitive person, I apologize if I went too hard. I saw 25 years of experience and responded accordingly.
            
            Here is my best advice for what I think you need to do to grow.
            
            If you are serious about writing, you need to change how you are approaching the craft.
            
            Read every day if you aren't doing that already. If you are an avid reader, you should become an active reader, taking notes on what works and what doesn't. Change up the genre and demographics of what you're reading to help stimulate your growth.
            
            Do writing exercises every day. Treat today like day one of your writing journey. Writing is a skill. There is no upper limit. There is always more to learn and you need to enjoy that process as much as possible. Be comfortable with learning how to be a better writer.
            
            Now, if you think I'm being a condescending jerk, I get it. I've been reading and reviewing amateur works for over twenty years. I know how hard it is to be critiqued. I'll give you some final advice on what you asked to improve.
            
            It sounds like your biggest concern is plotting. You can always pick up "Save the Cat" or something like that to give you a road map on how to structure a novel, or copy Dan Hartman's story wheel, or a bunch of other band-aid solutions pedaled to writers. Some writers find success with that.
            
            My advice is to write synopsis for everything you consume so that you can get a sense of how the larger narrative is constructed. This should also get you a sense of where and how the plot expands. Pay attention to sub-plots and look out for bloat, and how you would trim the fat.
            
            I have done my best to be respectful and informative. I wish you the best of luck and hope that you can find the determination to do the hard work to improve.

Thanks. I would say my novel because it is more recent than my poetry. I've been writing since I learned how to write lol. When I was five, I used to write about my stuffed animals. 
            I guess the most important element I am trying to improve is writing stories that have a structure. I am hoping for constructive criticism. 
            As for my inspirations... Hum. There are authors that I really like, but I think I am cultivating my own style.

@fionalaing Sure. I might not be able to get to you right away, but I'll make the effort. I did have some questions before I began so that I can give advice that I think will help you.
            
            Were you more interested in critiques on your poems or your novel?
            
            What's you experience, how long have you been writing?
            
            Which aspect of your writing are you currently working to improve?
            
            What are you hoping to get from a critique?
            
            What and who are you inspirations?

@novelistASH haha! Yeah that is definitely frustrating. It just makes the efforts look like a ruined cake.

@Sahilvd237 Ah. Thank you. It doesn't show the same on every platform which is very frustrating.

@novelistASH I'll always support you Ash. You are a gem on here. And I took your advice and going to write no matter what. So thank you.

Thank you all! I made an annoying list of requests for my friends to follow during my party. I included several references to the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy since I turned 42, the meaning of life. It was a great time and maybe your best wishes helped that happen.
            
            Thank you,
            
            @sabrinimartini
            @frayrays
            @ashbytheisle
            @nicholaskyleedwards
            @unsolvableriddle
            @Joy_angie
            @Sohinigoswami
            @That_Witch_Bitch14
            @preciouspearl20
            @Windyxmoon23
            @hiiitzzzsia
            @axlmontgmry
            
            I'll continue to support you all when I can.
            
            And @ritupoet If college is eating you, you take a bite back! I hope you're learning lots of amazing things!

@novelistASH Happy birthday!!