Turning Away From The Light...

Robert Stephenson's Comments

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At 1:03am on January 20, 2009, MG Ellington said…: I haven't been here in a while. How are you? What have you been up to?

At 12:55am on August 12, 2008, Sonny Whitelaw said…: . Yeah, you could say it's a close friend. I've been writing Stargate Atlantis novels the last few years, when not writing SG-1 novels and a thesis.

At 12:16am on July 26, 2008, Talie Helene said…: Hi Rob,

Wow that's a long comment you published. You have quite a busy mind.

I'll just respond to this--

"if only a bare few of us can really make the time to effectively participate in an area that we can all benefit from then we are all doing Talie as disservice."

I really don't see it that way, and am quite happy for Darklands to burble along and grow at it's own pace. It's a place to make connections and share bits of information -- it shouldn't be a big obligation content-wise.

Be well. Relax!! Happy writing. :-)

At 11:12pm on July 22, 2008, Robert Stephenson said…: Good god, that was epic. I can only see a little box when I write. Hmm, that could have a good flash fiction piece.

At 9:58pm on July 22, 2008, Robert Stephenson said…: Hi guys, I always run the risk of being offensive when I express myself, not really sure why, perhaps it is do do with passion being my driving force rather than looking at what I can get from from others. Talie started this forum to bring to life our thoughts, our plans, our successes and failures, to create an insight into the writer, reader or fan. I have been amazed at how 24 creators have gathered so quickly in support, but underwhelmed at participation. This is an an aberation just here but it is the same with southernhorror and other groups I have been a apart of over the years. Again I don't know why this is so. An active group explores ideas, concepts, challenges you to think and express. The writing field is generally made up of isolated people and the nature of writing creates isolation. Forums like this help break the cycle that can eventually (and has for many would be writers) kill off the desire to write, read and create. So, forgive me in my amazement, that I find the quietness of DarkLands unproductive on a number of levels. I use to communicate with Arthur C Clarke and he tought me something. Even when he no longer wrote, could no longer create works to be read he remained in communication with the world. In looking at his career he was never out of communication, was always expressing thoughts, ideas and concepts - he was what I call an interactive writer. If he had the resources we take for granted today his lively discussions would have been everywhere. In my own writing career a large part of it is active communications and participation, not just to keep things in motion but to keep my mind in a permanent state of flux. Places like this are a melting pot, an open area where what you put in, what you are passionate about, can generate much needed interaction. I openly applaud Talie for what she has done here, the ideas for forums, the areas that can generate lively discussion, education and growth. When I started in this business (and some here will remember) I was firy, shoot first ask questions later type of person. I made many, many enemies in Australia and overseas. True, I have calmed some but that does not mean I no longer have the drive or dedication to succeed. What I have found, and I mean this generally as I don't want to highlight anyone I have dealt with, is that a lot of creators complain about not having enough time, that becoming involved gets in the way of writing. I will say I have seen where this type of thinking has also gotten in the way of some actually writing anything at all. I am busy, hellishly so - but I create time to attend to places like DarkLands. To be honest you just never know what will come from discussions and interactions. I have published two anthologies based on newsgroup and individual discussions. Some heated, so quite calm. So, for me this place is a little dark window containing glimmers of light - glimmers I want to know about and explore. This cannot happen in silence, I cannot get a feel for the names here unless there really is some form of interaction. It is nice to be added to friends lists - quite unusual for me to have anyone actually want me on a list. It has only been a short time, and remember I am engaged in writing constantly (across many parts of the industry) but if only a bare few of us can really make the time to effectively participate in an area that we can all benefit from then we are all doing Talie as disservice. I will of course do my bit, simply because I can see myself doing nothing else but expanding all areas of my communications with others - be they readers, forum members, or writers submitting to one of my books. The reason I quickly joined from Southern Horror was because it is at times a very stagnant pool, and it has quite a lot of members. There are 24 creative types here at the time of writing this. And I don't want to abandon this area because it failed to serve the purpose Talie designed it for.

Yes, I do rant and rave. And you don't have to actually communicate with me, but you do, as creators, need to enliven your minds, blunder and babble - participate in the life of a writer. God, I only know all to well how lonely this business can be.

Thus endeth the rave, and sorry if I inadvertently cause offence to any individual or group.

At 1:17am on July 19, 2008, MG Ellington said…: What story length are you looking for? That would bias my ideas. Thank you for asking.

At 9:00pm on July 18, 2008, Mark Farrugia said…: Thanks for such a perceptive and graceful welcome.

At 4:25pm on July 17, 2008, Deborah Crabtree said…: She does, indeed, hug herself... like no-one else can. It helps that her many tentacles are covered in a soft downy layer, for as the air chills, and the curtain of darkness falls, she can stand in the warmth and comfort of her own embrace and thank you for the welcome.

At 1:19am on July 17, 2008, MG Ellington said…: Thank you for the warm welcome.

At 11:41pm on July 16, 2008, Cameron Rogers said…: I'm glad you thought so. :)

At 9:51pm on July 16, 2008, Felicity Dowker said…: Ah Robert, only you could make even your comments here on Darkland so unique and poetic. How can I top that?

Good to "see" you here. :o)

At 5:33pm on July 16, 2008, Morgen K.S. Greyland said…: Thanks for the compliment on my sidepiece.She's my favorite tattoo.. ok.. one of my favorites.

At 12:08am on July 16, 2008, Sharyn Lilley said…: Hi Robert, it's good to see you here too. *g*

At 12:04am on July 16, 2008, Talie Helene said…: Great to have you on board Robert - welcome to Darklands. Feel free to stop by the Forum & introduce yourself to the community here.