Tedbiker: Blog

As a fully paid-up 'Grumpy old Git' (I saw a notice in the back of a car - 'Grumpy Old Git On Board'. I want one!) I have become somewhat adjusted to the loss to death of friends and relations. This is just an inevitable part of life. Sometimes, though, difficult decisions have to be taken.
In a couple of my stories, characters have to 'let go' of a loved one ('Dulcie's Devastation' and 'Jim and Su')...
Seventeen years ago, my wife and I fostered a boy, who stayed with us through his first year at Uni. Just before he was due to go back, he collapsed with a cardiac arrest, as a result of which he was physically (not mentally) disabled; blind, severely impaired speech and badly contracted arms. He made it clear that, should further problem occur, he was not to be rescusitated.
Last Saturday, aged 24, he suffered a further arrest as my wife was with him and she had the difficult experience of not doing anything as he departed this life.
Quite incredibly distressing...

Why do I say this? Well, for two reasons.
Firstly (not in order of priority) they bring stories to the attention of those who might not otherwise find them. An example is one I've just added to my favourites - "Finding an Editor" by qhml1. There are just so many stories and so many authors on SoL it's much too easy to miss good ones. Perhaps I ought to be more adventurous, or something. But seriously, this is a good one; read it.
Secondly, as an author I love feedback - who doesn't? But when the feedback drops off I derive enormous encouragement from reviews of my own work.
So here's a rousing cheer for our reviewers. Friends, I thank you for your efforts. They are valued and valuable. I know how folks look down on critics, at least the ones who don't write themselves, but don't be put off. Please.
Ted

Thank you everyone for your response to my cri du coeur about my computer. The problem isn't yet resolved, but I'm confident that the end is in sight. I hope I responded individually to everyone who wrote - if not, I apologise. This is mainly to say I have several names I can call on to help so there's no need to offer if you haven't already! Of course, if you'd like to write to comment on my stories, that would make me very happy!
Don't worry that I'm lacking a machine to work on; I have a perfectly functioning (if small) new laptop and a desktop. It's just that I want to try Linux in order to escape the clutches of Microsoft!

I've recently tried to replace Windows on my spare laptop with Linux Ubuntu. Being, let's say, less than expert with computers, I have problems. I should have selected UEFI boot rather than BIOS, apparently, but the laptop won't let me change it. I've tried to reinstall Windows, but it won't let me do that either. It's not critical, as you can tell by this entry, but if there's anyone out there who can explain in words of one (or at most two) syllables and step by step, how to sort this out, I'd be grateful. There might even b a story in it!

I've just submitted the last three chapters for posting - there didn't seem any point in making you wait for the last one. I will, at some point in the future, pick up the stories of characters I have only touched on. To follow every strand would have taken forever and produced an epic which I might never have finished! Anyway, the story has been better received than I expected, thank you.