Although I'm pleased to be able to help Erin in any way to support this site, I do have one complaint.
I have donated several stories to Hatbox. Erin has told me over the years that these stories have produced interest in Hatbox and have sold many copies on Doppler Press.
I receive no part of the receipts, but have enjoyed Big Closet for many years and want to do what I can to give back.
Recently I gave Erin my new story "To Alleviate Suffering". It's a story about what happens when an aggressive wife uses her position to change the dress code for the nurses, including her husband. The title of the story is a phrase out of the Nurses Code.
My complaint is that there is no way to receive feedback on my Hatbox stories. My agreement with Erin is that about a year from now I will publish "To Alleviate Suffering" on Big Closet for a period of time to allow the readers who can't afford to donate (or simply don't choose to donate) a chance to read it. Under that agreement I have to wait nearly a year to hear if my story works for the reader.
I'm putting the finishing touches on new story about a married couple whose teasing results in the husband taking a home pregnancy test.
To write effectively an author has to be able to put herself in the minds of all the characters simultaneously as well as in the mind of the reader. Without occasional reader feedback it becomes hard to visualize clearly how they're reacting to what I write.
If you've read my new Hatbox story "To Alleviate Suffering" please post a comment in a blog (and a copy to me in a PM.) Your comment might prompt others to donate to Hatbox, which is the ultimate goal.
In RL I run a rather large website. I have a good idea what it takes for Erin to accomplish what she does on a daily basis. She needs our help.
Please read my Hatbox story (or stories), publish a comment (or comments), send me a PM copy . . . AND DONATE, if you can.
Jill M I
Angela Rasch
Comments
I will be most happy
to comply. Have read and enjoyed all of your other stories.
May Your Light Forever Shine
Glad to oblige
I do subscribe to Hatbox, and I have read all of your posted stories there. I have enjoyed every one of them.
I also would encourage anyone who can spare the expense to do so. All of the stories in the Hatbox are well worth every penny I spent. I just wish I could do more.
Hugs,
Mark <3
I Think I Know What You Mean
Jill, let me say first that I have never read one of your stories that wasn't great. Naturally some are greater than others but you never disappoint.
I won't say too much about "Alleviate Suffering" because I don't want to be a spoiler and I would far rather people read it for themselves and thus do both themselves and BCTS a favour. All I will say is that it is well up to Angela Rasch standards and therefore, ipso facto, is a great read..
If it had been posted on BCTS I would naturally have given it a kudo and a comment and my act of reading would have registered at the end of the story. It is true that this is the only site where all three of those facets combine to give an author genuine feedback, together with the repartee often engendered by the comments.
This happens nowhere else that I know of so I can understand your frustration. OK, be aware that you have at least one satisfied reader who gives it two thumbs up and recommends it unreservedly to others,
Joanne
The Importance of Being Earnest
Thank you so much.
Writing has become much more challenging for me since I developed cataracts.
For years I've known that as the writer I'm blind to many typos and missing words that are readily apparent to someone fresh to the text.
Now Mother Nature has added blind spots to my innate inability to see my own errors.
You've been a wonderful supporter for quite a few years.
Your story "Queer" has haunted me with its honesty. Everyone on this site should read it because it strikes to the heart of the lack of "community" in our community.
Jill
Angela Rasch (Jill M I)
I keep forgetting about the Hotbox content
I am just happy to contribute. Though I shall try to find the time to read your stories there and will send you feedback soon as i can Have always loved your writing.
Goddess Bless you
Love Desiree