Lori's Absence - Special Request Options

[Cleo_Serapis]

Hi all,

I wanted to post something to let everyone know that I have not abandoned ship here at MM. I've just been pre-occupied with a life-changing event that began in January. The way that I am coping is to retreat, which everyone that knows me, knows that is not the way I usually deal with things. It is extremely emotional and difficult but every day is a little brighter.

Even though I haven't been actively posting new threads or offering many critiques since January, I definitely have a presence on MM every day. It saddens me to see the downturn in the number of posts being made and I can say that the staff is also at a loss as to how to turn things around. They are saddened too and with so many newbies here recently, this is not the normal welcoming experience we share.

I would like to point out that it shouldn't be assumed that only the mods can provide constructive feedback or should post more than others etc. - mods will help direct and foster threads but anyone can start or type their opinion on other's works, and this is recommended. That's what I intended MM to be: a site that fosters feedback.

When you log in, why not post a comment or two or respond to a challenge? It's easy and isn't overly time consuming and the increased activity will draw others in and feed on itself. There are some contests that I'm far behind on wrapping up and the awards have slipped as I'd rather devote the time I have for MM offering feedback instead of parsing databases (and trust me there's a lot of admin work you all never see that I do daily).

So, we'd like to hear your feedback as to what we can do together to create a nurturing environment that will meet your needs. Hoping you'll respond to this thread.

Regards,
Lori and all the MM staff

[Cleo_Serapis]

Hi Bev,

Awe, big HUGS to you! I'll be alright as time passes. It's just been an extremely shattering experience for me to feel up to interacting at present. These things just take time and a good emotional base, lots of friends that I have the luck and priviledge to be able to talk to, and a new outlook plus other "things" to occupy my time help too.

Once I've settled into the "new me", I'll be here more often spending quality time in the forums and also back to writing my novel. I had made good progress in early January and had completed the outline (4th rev) and other story-based notes, and had written the prologue and a portion of Ch. 1. I had a block for 6 months until I decided to change the main characters around. Once I had that in place, everything else seemed to fit so much more. It was a boost and I look forward to seeing where it goes. This story has been in my head for like 5 years - time to finally write it all down and keep at it on a set schedule.

Let's plan to chat when you get back from your trip. Sounds wonderful!

HUGS Bev,
~Lori