Behind The Mask - Who I Am
a contest entry, biographical nonfiction35 total reviews
Comment from visionary1234
And I was saving just ONE sixer and it's yours, Dawn. Fluent, fluid, excellent conversational, baring-one's-soul,non-pretentious honest writing. Who could ask for more than that?
:)Sharyn
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015
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And I was saving just ONE sixer and it's yours, Dawn. Fluent, fluid, excellent conversational, baring-one's-soul,non-pretentious honest writing. Who could ask for more than that?
:)Sharyn
Comment Written 22-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015
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Who could ask for a more kind review, either, my friend? I am sincerely honoured, Sharyn, and you know I mean it because you know how much I respect and admire you and your writing - thank you so very much! (Scary monsters, so this review is extra-special.)
Comment from Sasha
This is excellent and I know it was not easy for you to do. I am the complete opposite, I tend to open up too much and my favorite subject is 'me'. I find it much easier to write about my life than to write fiction. I tell myself I have no imagination but I honestly don't know why fiction is so difficult for me. I admire you for your honesty and feel you worry too much about what others think. I have been criticized, and yes, occasionally offended but to be honest, I just don't give a darn what others think...at least most of the time. I do occasionally get 'pissed off' and then make a big scene about it, only to regret it later. Great work with this and I sincerely wish you all the best in the contest. I have entered it to, my problem is to find something new about myself to write about since I have already divulged just about every secret I have ever hadd.
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015
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This is excellent and I know it was not easy for you to do. I am the complete opposite, I tend to open up too much and my favorite subject is 'me'. I find it much easier to write about my life than to write fiction. I tell myself I have no imagination but I honestly don't know why fiction is so difficult for me. I admire you for your honesty and feel you worry too much about what others think. I have been criticized, and yes, occasionally offended but to be honest, I just don't give a darn what others think...at least most of the time. I do occasionally get 'pissed off' and then make a big scene about it, only to regret it later. Great work with this and I sincerely wish you all the best in the contest. I have entered it to, my problem is to find something new about myself to write about since I have already divulged just about every secret I have ever hadd.
Comment Written 22-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015
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HAHAHAHA - oh gee, I can give you some of mine if you like...LOL. Would be fiction, though, since you're not me. But naturally, there's a LOT I didn't tell - some I never would.
You're right, though, I do worry more than I should. But I tend to get angry too, and believe me, I make a big scene too - just not so much here, or if I do, it's usually before posting - LOL. I can't count the number of times I've spent hours writing something that won't get posted when a cooler head prevails.
In person, it's different - we don't have time, usually, to cool off! HAHAHAHAHA. Believe me, some of my quarrels are legendary. *grin* I have a tongue than can strip the hide off a rhino when I'm riled enough. HAHAHAHAHA!
You know those times that you think of the perfect thing to say AFTER the fact? That seldom happens to me anymore, not since I hit about 35-40. If I am ticked off enough, it's like water flowing. I even have to marvel, wondering where it comes from. But it takes a LOT to get me that angry, at least when I'm defending myself - for a friend or an innocent, that's another story altogether.
I'm shy in certain circumstances only, Sasha. I guess when it's those 'tender' conversations. I don't like personal questions in general, not even a lot of the 'small talk' ones. I'd rather talk about the other guy/listen.
Thanks very much. my friend. (It's your influence, yours and Ingrid's, BTW)
Comment from Louise Michelle
Dear Dawn,
I give you so much credit for posting this candid essay. Much of what I read, I already knew from reading your poems.
Only once did someone ask me to write about myself so readers could get to know me better. There isn't a whole heck of a lot to know. I'm just like everyone else, having good days and bad and all that that implies.
One thing that makes me feel blessed is having a good sense of humor, which I got from both my parents. Of course I got my 'crazies' from them as well, but at least I know how to laugh at myself.
Oh, and by the way, I am always impressed with the quality of your work, especially considering how prolific you are.
Hugs,
Lou
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015
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Dear Dawn,
I give you so much credit for posting this candid essay. Much of what I read, I already knew from reading your poems.
Only once did someone ask me to write about myself so readers could get to know me better. There isn't a whole heck of a lot to know. I'm just like everyone else, having good days and bad and all that that implies.
One thing that makes me feel blessed is having a good sense of humor, which I got from both my parents. Of course I got my 'crazies' from them as well, but at least I know how to laugh at myself.
Oh, and by the way, I am always impressed with the quality of your work, especially considering how prolific you are.
Hugs,
Lou
Comment Written 22-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015
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What a lovely (and reassuring) compliment, my friend, and such a wonderfully encouraging and kind review! Yes, you do have a great sense of humour, as evidenced by your poetry - I always look forward to it. Thank you ever-so-much. I'm especially pleased that you read between the lines of my poetry - while most of it is fiction, we do put ourselves into our work, don't we?
Again, thank you, Lou.
Hugs right back. :)
Dawn
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Yes, we do, and I didn't mean to imply that I didn't differentiate between fiction and truth. Mainly, I was talking about your enormous sensitivity which always shines through.
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What a sweet thing to say! Oh no, I didn't mean it that way at all - I know you know. (LOL - gah! tripping over my tongue!) (YOU know what I mean! HAHAHAHAHA)
Comment from Margaret Snowdon
I am also this Dawn -- a friend who tries very hard never to make demands, nor to live with expectations, who takes whatever is given gratefully and gives whatever she can, including as much encouragement as I can drum up at any given moment. I am intensely loyal, and I am forgiving. I say that with pride, but also with humility. It is my faith, my spirituality that guides me, so how can I not be proud?
The above is how I think of you, Dawn - a lovely person I am privileged to be able to call "friend". And a talented writer.
You're so courageous to write about personal things, more so than I am - thank you for sharing this with us, my friend - stay as sweet as you are - and I wish you the best of luck with the contest.
Hugs,
Margaret
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015
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I am also this Dawn -- a friend who tries very hard never to make demands, nor to live with expectations, who takes whatever is given gratefully and gives whatever she can, including as much encouragement as I can drum up at any given moment. I am intensely loyal, and I am forgiving. I say that with pride, but also with humility. It is my faith, my spirituality that guides me, so how can I not be proud?
The above is how I think of you, Dawn - a lovely person I am privileged to be able to call "friend". And a talented writer.
You're so courageous to write about personal things, more so than I am - thank you for sharing this with us, my friend - stay as sweet as you are - and I wish you the best of luck with the contest.
Hugs,
Margaret
Comment Written 22-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015
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Aw shucks, now you've gone and done it! I was doing so well at holding it together, not gushing, but here come those tears again. (LOL) Bless your heart, my friend - I'm the one who's privileged.
Thank you very much, Margaret - Love, Dawn
Comment from nancy_e_davis
Wow, Dawn. This was long. I don't know what to say to you. I think you worry too much about everything. Just be who you are and have fun girl. Nobody is judging you or anyone else. We are just words on a screen here on Fanstory. Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never harm me. Your friend Nancy.
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015
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Wow, Dawn. This was long. I don't know what to say to you. I think you worry too much about everything. Just be who you are and have fun girl. Nobody is judging you or anyone else. We are just words on a screen here on Fanstory. Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never harm me. Your friend Nancy.
Comment Written 22-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015
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HAHAHAHAHA!!! You, only you, dear Nancy. Yup, it was long, but not long for the contest requirements. HAHAHAHAHA!!! I hope I didn't bore the pants off you. (I am grinning so darn hard, LAUGHING so hard I'm getting a headache.) I can ALWAYS count on your honesty, my friend. (and your loyal support) I appreciate you very much. (And you're right - I do worry too much, but as for people judging - wanna bet?)
Thank you for this sweet and encouraging review, my friend. Big hugs, Dawn
Comment from Patrick G Cox
Hi Dawn,
Six for the courage of letting the mask slip even a little. As you said in the outset, biographic musings can be very cathartic and for someone 'private' or who has been wounded emotionally, it can be incredibly hard. Especially if you get unsympathetic reviews.
One can always look back and think of what might have been, but I'm also a believer that some things are meant to happen, sometimes to test us, at other times because we need to take stock, and perhaps take a different path. You are probably right that you are carrying a great deal of PTS in your life, but letting go of the past is not easy - experience is one of the things that shapes us.
I find I share many of your thoughts ...
Patrick
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015
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Hi Dawn,
Six for the courage of letting the mask slip even a little. As you said in the outset, biographic musings can be very cathartic and for someone 'private' or who has been wounded emotionally, it can be incredibly hard. Especially if you get unsympathetic reviews.
One can always look back and think of what might have been, but I'm also a believer that some things are meant to happen, sometimes to test us, at other times because we need to take stock, and perhaps take a different path. You are probably right that you are carrying a great deal of PTS in your life, but letting go of the past is not easy - experience is one of the things that shapes us.
I find I share many of your thoughts ...
Patrick
Comment Written 22-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015
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Okay, well now I AM going to gush...(LOL). I am incredibly honoured and touched, Patrick - thank you. It doesn't get better than this review from you.
Comment from amanda98653
This is an exceptional write, Dawn.
No one truly knows who we're, and no one can possibly fully understand our side of the story.
You're a courageous writer and a kind human being, Dawn.
Hugs
Amanda
P.S. I have Jodi Picoult's "Leaving Time" in hand. Can't wait to start reading it!
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015
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This is an exceptional write, Dawn.
No one truly knows who we're, and no one can possibly fully understand our side of the story.
You're a courageous writer and a kind human being, Dawn.
Hugs
Amanda
P.S. I have Jodi Picoult's "Leaving Time" in hand. Can't wait to start reading it!
Comment Written 22-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015
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Amanda, I am so very glad to 'see' you, and especially thrilled with this kind and uplifting review. What lovely compliments my friend - right back attcha!
Fondest regards (and a big hug) - thank you!
Dawn
Comment from Spiritual Echo
Writing about oneself may feel like you are doing a strip tease, baring parts of you that are usually covered by cloaks, but for most readers its just an act of friendship letting them get to know you better. I'm not sure that you revealed anything that could bite you, and certainly, no one can criticize a life or characteristics that are different from their own.
For my part, I don't think you told us very much except perhaps the shyness, the loss of a child (devastating) and that you tend to become defensive, easily reacting if you feel under attack.
The rather long intro that put reviewers on notice is a pre-emotive example of that concern. There will always be idiots in the world and FS and not worth the attention they get.
As a piece of writing, I think it would have had a stronger punch if you started with 'I am Dawn' series of statements. But when writing about oneself, there is always the lure to philosophize about people's reactions and I understand that very well.
I've often suggested to people who find writing fiction difficult, to turn real life events into a story and give it the kind of ending you might have wished for. I suspect you already do that and it makes the author's passion come to life and resonates with readers.
Good luck with this. I'm sure you will get only favourable reviews.
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2015
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Writing about oneself may feel like you are doing a strip tease, baring parts of you that are usually covered by cloaks, but for most readers its just an act of friendship letting them get to know you better. I'm not sure that you revealed anything that could bite you, and certainly, no one can criticize a life or characteristics that are different from their own.
For my part, I don't think you told us very much except perhaps the shyness, the loss of a child (devastating) and that you tend to become defensive, easily reacting if you feel under attack.
The rather long intro that put reviewers on notice is a pre-emotive example of that concern. There will always be idiots in the world and FS and not worth the attention they get.
As a piece of writing, I think it would have had a stronger punch if you started with 'I am Dawn' series of statements. But when writing about oneself, there is always the lure to philosophize about people's reactions and I understand that very well.
I've often suggested to people who find writing fiction difficult, to turn real life events into a story and give it the kind of ending you might have wished for. I suspect you already do that and it makes the author's passion come to life and resonates with readers.
Good luck with this. I'm sure you will get only favourable reviews.
Comment Written 22-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2015
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Thank you, Ingrid. I appreciate your review.
Comment from robina1978
I think you wrote this brilliantly, no mistakes found. I remembered you mentioning in a review you had a Golden Retriever. I think as well that to me you seem too harsh on yourself. Reason to write a more objective one?
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015
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I think you wrote this brilliantly, no mistakes found. I remembered you mentioning in a review you had a Golden Retriever. I think as well that to me you seem too harsh on yourself. Reason to write a more objective one?
Comment Written 22-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015
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Wow, Ine, I feel pretty flattered that you would want to, but of course, if it moves you to do so, I'd be all over it reviewing (and probably learning a thing or two)!
Thank you very much! XX Dawn
Comment from Nosha17
That was a most revealing and interesting biographical piece of prose, Dawn-I thoroughly enjoyed it and can relate to a lot of what you wrote about, my personality is probably quite similar to yours. I am sorry you have health problems, I do, too but prefer not to think of them too much, like you wrote. We have to get on with life. As to the negative souls on fanstory, I put it down to ignorance, lack of compassion, envy, whatever. There are so many nice people out there, who cares about the insignificant ones?
You have expressed your thoughts well and clearly and it made a smooth, flowing read. I spotted couple of things, hope you don't mind: Para 8, and not my writing, either (after negative you can't say 'too' or 'as well'. Para 14, Nietzsche (I had the pleasure of studying his philosophies in my German University Degree course!) Para 50, better to say: tries very hard never to make...........nor to live. Most enjoyable read. Keep writing whenever you feel the urge, I do! Faye
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015
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That was a most revealing and interesting biographical piece of prose, Dawn-I thoroughly enjoyed it and can relate to a lot of what you wrote about, my personality is probably quite similar to yours. I am sorry you have health problems, I do, too but prefer not to think of them too much, like you wrote. We have to get on with life. As to the negative souls on fanstory, I put it down to ignorance, lack of compassion, envy, whatever. There are so many nice people out there, who cares about the insignificant ones?
You have expressed your thoughts well and clearly and it made a smooth, flowing read. I spotted couple of things, hope you don't mind: Para 8, and not my writing, either (after negative you can't say 'too' or 'as well'. Para 14, Nietzsche (I had the pleasure of studying his philosophies in my German University Degree course!) Para 50, better to say: tries very hard never to make...........nor to live. Most enjoyable read. Keep writing whenever you feel the urge, I do! Faye
Comment Written 22-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015
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Faye, you are the best! I am making changes as I write this response.
LOL - para 8 I actually had 'either' first; don't ask me why I changed it. Para 14 - yikes. (LOL) Para 50 - changes made (all). (That must have been a fascinating course. :)) What wonderful help you've been - thank you very much! This is simply a great review, and it means the world to me that you were so kind as to suggest changes as you did. It's not a short piece!
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You are most welcome, Dawn. My profession is proof reading and translating and I simply love it! Besides writing poetry, of course! I enjoy your work very much. Faye
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Oh, I had no idea - no wonder everything you have suggested has been bang-on - *grin* I'm not so far off myself because I went to sleep thinking if ever I were to look for an editor (and could afford one) I would ask you to consider it! :0)
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I actually do quite a bit for our members, they would be happy to give you a reference. I don't charge very much as I know people don't have much. I just want to help people get published, if I can. I actually proof read and edit my daughter's scientific articles, too-she works for NASA as an Aerospace Engineer, it is quite tough editing all that complicated Mars mission stuff, but I do a good job for her. Nice to chat with you, Dawn. Faye
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I wouldn't need references, Faye - you've already shown me I could be sure your work is top-notch; I have thousands of pages and documents, but I was completely serious - I haven't been working for some time and can't claim pension for another two years, so I really can barely make my bills. But later on, perhaps. I don't think I will ever be finished writing, now that I have finally conquered the horrible writer's block I experienced a few years ago. :)
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I will give you my email address, Dswn, in case I ever disappear off Fanstory, then at least you can still contact me whenever it is. I will send you a message, rather than here with my email. It is good that you are writing so profusely again, I never seem to stop. I was on a bus in the middle of the night travelling through Sweden 2 weeks ago and I suddenly thought about Brooke, I had to write a poem for her. Even though it was one am I could still just about see to write. It is daylight almost 24 hours a day up there. Bye for now. Faye
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Wait - I'll send you mine and then you can email me directly - I'll ad you to my contact list. :)
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Haha, I already sent it, I knew I would forget otherwise.
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LOL - same here!