What the Hell's a Jay Squires
an 81-Year Romp in a Tutu54 total reviews
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
You did a great job with your contest entry. It is great whether an entry or not. I enjoyed reading and learning more about your life. I like the way you formatted your story, the way you included so many personal details, and the overall message. I believe this is a winner!
Best wishes.
Respectfully, Jan
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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You did a great job with your contest entry. It is great whether an entry or not. I enjoyed reading and learning more about your life. I like the way you formatted your story, the way you included so many personal details, and the overall message. I believe this is a winner!
Best wishes.
Respectfully, Jan
Comment Written 07-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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Bless you, Jan for your kind words and the lovely stars. I'm thrilled that you enjoyed your read.
Comment from RGstar
And you are worth everything owed in life. You are a brilliant writer and the Science fictions were of the best I EVER READ HERE WITHIN THAT GENRE.
It was as if I was watching Star Trek, but twice the social aspect, and 3 times the suspense.
Keep striving...
Keep finding.
Bravo.
Have a great week.
RGstar
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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And you are worth everything owed in life. You are a brilliant writer and the Science fictions were of the best I EVER READ HERE WITHIN THAT GENRE.
It was as if I was watching Star Trek, but twice the social aspect, and 3 times the suspense.
Keep striving...
Keep finding.
Bravo.
Have a great week.
RGstar
Comment Written 07-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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Such high praise from someone whose poetry is unexcelled as far as I'm concerned. You are the word-master! I'm thrilled you enjoyed reading me, Roy.
Comment from Gert sherwood
Hello Jay Squires,
I have been on Fanstorytrq on and off for 13 -14 years
I can recall reading your writing here on Fanstory; always enjoyed the style of your writing which always kept my attention of what of were telling us.
I was intrigued while I was reading your post for the contest
What the Hell's a Jay Squires.
an 81-Year Romp in a Tutu?
Gert
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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Hello Jay Squires,
I have been on Fanstorytrq on and off for 13 -14 years
I can recall reading your writing here on Fanstory; always enjoyed the style of your writing which always kept my attention of what of were telling us.
I was intrigued while I was reading your post for the contest
What the Hell's a Jay Squires.
an 81-Year Romp in a Tutu?
Gert
Comment Written 07-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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Thank you, Gert. I know you've been a loyal reader of my work for years, and I'm proud to have you as a friend here. Thanks for reading my story and for your kind words.
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You are so welcome Jay Squires
Comment from Jasmine Girl
I'm impressed for the dedication for 65 plus years, the sacrifice and ambition. We have a lot in common in term of our stubborn and self assuring journey to writing.
I have only tried for almost 40 years, mostly alone. Unlike you, my motivation was driven by the insanity of my parents and hellish life I had in China.
I agree that there might be easier way to become an accomplished writer. I have heard numerous stories. Maybe I should write a story about it. I think your insurance salesman's job was ideal for your writing career. It is a boring and uninspiring job that maybe give you motivation to be a writer. You need an excuse to go to the office and close the door so you can write most of the day. It gave you a discipline.
I'm so glad that you are still very optimistic about writing and still writing a lot. So do I. I finally can write most of time now and I wouldn't want to do anything different.
I'm looking forward to reading your mystery-thriller. I will look for it on Amazon.
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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I'm impressed for the dedication for 65 plus years, the sacrifice and ambition. We have a lot in common in term of our stubborn and self assuring journey to writing.
I have only tried for almost 40 years, mostly alone. Unlike you, my motivation was driven by the insanity of my parents and hellish life I had in China.
I agree that there might be easier way to become an accomplished writer. I have heard numerous stories. Maybe I should write a story about it. I think your insurance salesman's job was ideal for your writing career. It is a boring and uninspiring job that maybe give you motivation to be a writer. You need an excuse to go to the office and close the door so you can write most of the day. It gave you a discipline.
I'm so glad that you are still very optimistic about writing and still writing a lot. So do I. I finally can write most of time now and I wouldn't want to do anything different.
I'm looking forward to reading your mystery-thriller. I will look for it on Amazon.
Comment Written 07-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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Lisa, I'm honored by knowing you thought my life path was rewarding. I didn't know about the insanity of your parents. Or were you speaking figuratively about them. That and your life in China seemed to be your incentive to excel in writing. Whatever the reason, it's an honorable profession--and one you will never outgrow. Thanks for reading my story, Lisa, and rewarding me with the six stars.
Comment from w.j.debi
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your memoir. Your witty narrative voice is entertaining. I liked the tenacity you had as a ten-year-old holding your uncle to his promise, drunken or not. I can imagine the temper tantrum that got your first five sales.
The problem with entering the asylum is sometimes they won't let you out so I'm glad that one fell by the wayside.
Great job tying the ending right back to the beginning and the image you create for the reader. (Yikes!)
Thank you for showing your path to becoming an author and the lessons you learned along the way. I'm sure your not the only one that chose the hard way of doing things. I've done it myself a few times.
I am an eclectic reader, but do have a preference for fantasy and sci-fi so let us know when The Trining is available.
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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I thoroughly enjoyed reading your memoir. Your witty narrative voice is entertaining. I liked the tenacity you had as a ten-year-old holding your uncle to his promise, drunken or not. I can imagine the temper tantrum that got your first five sales.
The problem with entering the asylum is sometimes they won't let you out so I'm glad that one fell by the wayside.
Great job tying the ending right back to the beginning and the image you create for the reader. (Yikes!)
Thank you for showing your path to becoming an author and the lessons you learned along the way. I'm sure your not the only one that chose the hard way of doing things. I've done it myself a few times.
I am an eclectic reader, but do have a preference for fantasy and sci-fi so let us know when The Trining is available.
Comment Written 07-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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Thank you for your kind and generous, over-the-top generous, reward for your enjoyment of my story. I'm thrilled you enjoyed it. As to The Trining, I published the first 8 chapters in a publication I started on Medium.com. I gave their links to another on FanStory. Then I add to them as more are published. Let me know if you want to sample them (I warn you, they are long chapters) and I'll give you the links in your private messages.
Again, thanks, W.J.Debi.
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It isn't the length of a work that discourages reading, it is the quantity. Please send me the links.
Comment from Leann DS
Your honest and self deprecating, at times, essay was great! I enjoyed reading about your journey and experiences.
I love Meryl haggard, James dean, and learning from other's mistakes. Thank you for sharing. Hugs and blessings.
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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Your honest and self deprecating, at times, essay was great! I enjoyed reading about your journey and experiences.
I love Meryl haggard, James dean, and learning from other's mistakes. Thank you for sharing. Hugs and blessings.
Comment Written 07-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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I appreciate your reading, Leann, and your kind words. I hope you learned something from it.
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The main thing I learned or was reminded of is that I need to remember that I still have much to learn... and I probably always will. Hugs and happy Monday.
Comment from Pam (respa)
-My first comment is "Wow!"
-I love the artwork, and your
story is excellent. I was very
absorbed in what you were saying
and how you felt at the time
the event would be taking place.
-You write with such honesty
and clarity, creating word pictures
of the pieces of your life.
-My favorite part was about
the book you so diligently worked
on because your uncle made you
a promise, and you went through
with it even though your mother
told you he wouldn't remember.
-I am also glad you persevered
and got your college education.
-Experiences shape us and provide
the fodder, but education pulls
it all together, and you should be
proud for having done it.
-I appreciate you sharing your
"toolbox" of writing and memories with us.
-You deserve the win in this contest, Jay!
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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-My first comment is "Wow!"
-I love the artwork, and your
story is excellent. I was very
absorbed in what you were saying
and how you felt at the time
the event would be taking place.
-You write with such honesty
and clarity, creating word pictures
of the pieces of your life.
-My favorite part was about
the book you so diligently worked
on because your uncle made you
a promise, and you went through
with it even though your mother
told you he wouldn't remember.
-I am also glad you persevered
and got your college education.
-Experiences shape us and provide
the fodder, but education pulls
it all together, and you should be
proud for having done it.
-I appreciate you sharing your
"toolbox" of writing and memories with us.
-You deserve the win in this contest, Jay!
Comment Written 07-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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Thank you, Pam, for your kind words and the lovely order of the chartreuse cross. I don't have too good of luck with the contests, I'm afraid.
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You are very welcome and deserving, Jay. It was a very good story. I don't have luck with contests, either.
Comment from lancellot
Great tale of this is your life. I really like the smooth, humorous conversational tone.
most Airmen wasted themselves on booze, drugs, sex, and V.D.
Instead, I wrote.
-Right, and Santa drives a Buick.
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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Great tale of this is your life. I really like the smooth, humorous conversational tone.
most Airmen wasted themselves on booze, drugs, sex, and V.D.
Instead, I wrote.
-Right, and Santa drives a Buick.
Comment Written 07-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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Oh, but Santa and I did drive a Buick. I was considered pretty square among my peers there. Speaking of peers though two of my barracks' (squadron) mates and I did get caught peeing on a rosebush in front of the base commander's house. Other than that, I was squeaky clean. Lance, thanks for the six stars.
Comment from Mrs. KT
Hello Jay!
Well, if your story "doesn't beat it all!" I loved every morsel!
"Junie," eh? I may have changed my name as well. My maiden name is "Kenel." Yup. Always was on the lookout for someone to erroneously say, "She's a dog." (Never mind that it lack the double "n;" the fear was real!
Best part of your true story: the incident with your uncle. I can just see you hand-writing the copies of your story for him to hawk. And the .25?
Millions!
Thank you for the much-needed smile!
diane
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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Hello Jay!
Well, if your story "doesn't beat it all!" I loved every morsel!
"Junie," eh? I may have changed my name as well. My maiden name is "Kenel." Yup. Always was on the lookout for someone to erroneously say, "She's a dog." (Never mind that it lack the double "n;" the fear was real!
Best part of your true story: the incident with your uncle. I can just see you hand-writing the copies of your story for him to hawk. And the .25?
Millions!
Thank you for the much-needed smile!
diane
Comment Written 07-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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Awwww, Diana, I'm so grateful for your kind words and thrilled that you must have enjoyed my story enough to reward it with the six stars. I'm honored.
Comment from giraffmang
Hi Jay,
six stars... enough said, but I still have to fill up the rest of the review box.
I'm also always amazed at the folk who profess they don't have time to read. if you have time to write, you certainly can make time to read. it baffles me.
I've been doing a lot of studying myself, into particular areas and writers. A personal favourite of mine, and someone who never really got their due in life despite every book they wrote being a bestseller, was James Herbert. interesting philosophies the man has about writing. Ray Bradbury is quite an inspiration too. I recently did a few college courses and one run by the 'Writers of the Future' comp folk (I know have 4 honourable mentions from these guys. lol) And some pulp work by George G Gilman (Terry Harken) who wrote the incredibly successful western series 'Edge'.
The interviews these guys gave gives fascinating insight into the craft, but the overall far-reaching thing I've learnt through it all is that you have to find your own way. And find it you will if you look hard enough.
As you say here, you had to get oer yourself and then you get it. We all have different obstacles but when it clicks, it's phenomenal.
I hadn't written a word of prose fiction until late 2014 when I left my job and took five months off. I joined as a poet (I was published as a poet before joining the site). Within my first six months as a writer I was traditionally published. I've been very lucky through the submission process as everything I've had published has been through the traditional route. But here's the thing...
I was able to do it because of folk on here. I remember the first few stories and Dean Kuch's red pen! lol A lot of folk who are no longer here - Gypsycaravan, Dean, michaelcahill, JP Duck, Domino (ray), Cumbrianlass (Avril, who incidentally is doing incredibly well off-site), Spiritual Echo, Phyllis Stewart... in between the arguments and disagreements! lol
I have to say though, that last year I had a very low profile (only 9 prose posts) due to disenchantment on the site. It's full of flash, and too many folk 'playing the game'.
This year, I just had my first altercation with a new member who 'SHOULD BE LISTENED TO' and lectured me on how the site works... nice. Some things never change.
But one thing is very true, this site has helped me enormously. the learning curve has been immense but I feel it may be on the wane. Who knows? We'll see.
Good piece, as always
G
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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Hi Jay,
six stars... enough said, but I still have to fill up the rest of the review box.
I'm also always amazed at the folk who profess they don't have time to read. if you have time to write, you certainly can make time to read. it baffles me.
I've been doing a lot of studying myself, into particular areas and writers. A personal favourite of mine, and someone who never really got their due in life despite every book they wrote being a bestseller, was James Herbert. interesting philosophies the man has about writing. Ray Bradbury is quite an inspiration too. I recently did a few college courses and one run by the 'Writers of the Future' comp folk (I know have 4 honourable mentions from these guys. lol) And some pulp work by George G Gilman (Terry Harken) who wrote the incredibly successful western series 'Edge'.
The interviews these guys gave gives fascinating insight into the craft, but the overall far-reaching thing I've learnt through it all is that you have to find your own way. And find it you will if you look hard enough.
As you say here, you had to get oer yourself and then you get it. We all have different obstacles but when it clicks, it's phenomenal.
I hadn't written a word of prose fiction until late 2014 when I left my job and took five months off. I joined as a poet (I was published as a poet before joining the site). Within my first six months as a writer I was traditionally published. I've been very lucky through the submission process as everything I've had published has been through the traditional route. But here's the thing...
I was able to do it because of folk on here. I remember the first few stories and Dean Kuch's red pen! lol A lot of folk who are no longer here - Gypsycaravan, Dean, michaelcahill, JP Duck, Domino (ray), Cumbrianlass (Avril, who incidentally is doing incredibly well off-site), Spiritual Echo, Phyllis Stewart... in between the arguments and disagreements! lol
I have to say though, that last year I had a very low profile (only 9 prose posts) due to disenchantment on the site. It's full of flash, and too many folk 'playing the game'.
This year, I just had my first altercation with a new member who 'SHOULD BE LISTENED TO' and lectured me on how the site works... nice. Some things never change.
But one thing is very true, this site has helped me enormously. the learning curve has been immense but I feel it may be on the wane. Who knows? We'll see.
Good piece, as always
G
Comment Written 07-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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Dang! You conquered that first line, didn't you, Gareth? I get tickled when something I've written acts as a springboard for other ideas. J.P Duck ... (Adrian). Dead or just gone from the sight? We were fairly close here. I heard about Mikey (MichaelCahil). He wasn't that old. I can't help but wonder what happened to him. And you say Avril is doing well off-line. She's a good writer. And Dean, yes. He was quite a monument here. I know he had heart trouble, but I think it went deeper.
Thank you for reminiscing and giving me some of your personal backstory. I didn't know of your poetry, but you've always impressed me with your prose.