Hi, I’m a retired administrator having spent 30 years of my working life in Asia travelling widely . I’m married with two children and live on the fabulous Sunshine Coast Australia with beaches nearby and rainforest hinterland.
I like writing stories and poems and have a wide circle of internet friends.
I do not connect with advertising sites and am only interested in serious active bloggers.
Those with a positive outlook on life and people are welcome on my page.
Ian
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/IansCyberspace
Dear Mr. Grice,
You have a scintillating web log loaded with interesting posts and great pictures. Many thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a lovely comment on my poem.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Suh
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have such talent. The illustrations used in that poem and how you applied them was so appealing to me. I like to see what people are writing in my mind not just read and pass on. To be able to communicate visually through writing is a gift. What is your Korean name? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Much obliged. My Korean name is Joori. Stephanie is my Christian name as I am 4th generation of Catholic Korean. I love both of my names dearly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Ian,
I’m delving into short story writing, just in a journal for now, but since you’re great at writing them, I wonder if you have any tips. 🙂
Enjoy your weekend!
~ Lauren 📚📖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lauren I don’t consider myself an expert. After a long career in business administration I wanted to do something quite different in retirement so took a course in creative writing at a college of journalism and loved it. My feeling is my writing has improved over the years. There are blogs where people get together to discuss techniques and I haven’t become involved in them other than a general interest read. Much of what I’ve learned comes from people’s reaction to the stories and poems I write and of course the number of hits on that particular story or poem. That tells you who your audience is and what they like. So there are only a couple of things I’d feel qualified to suggest. The first is to write from the heart. Then visualize the story. That vision might pop into your head from something you see, or a memory, or a series of separate events that suddenly meld into one story in your mind. Write down the outline as soon as you see that vision then sit at your computer and see it over again with the outline in front of you exploring each of the directions that story could travel, and there are many roads a story could travel. Let the story pour out of your fingers as you see it in your mind and try and avoid anything that could divert your mind as you immerse yourself in that story. Do not copy other people’s style of writing. Let your story carry your imprint. For me a story becomes more real and personal when you build conversation into the story. Other than those few thoughts there is not much I could give you on the technical side. You would need professional guidance for that. Best of luck as you branch out from your excellent poetry contributions. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ian, I can’t thank you enough for your feedback and back story as to how you ventured into the writing world. I’ve never taken a creative writing course around here because they’ve been offered only during the hours when I work. A few years ago, though, I took 3 English classes at our local community college and loved those, and even learned a lot more than I thought I would. Other than that, I do write from the heart, and as you said about your writing, I feel my poetry has improved over the years, too. When I look back…ugh! 🙂 Anyway, I’m currently working on my second story, writing in a journal given to me by my 23-year-old son. He specifically gave it to me for short-story writing and tends to be the one who loves to challenge my abilities. It’s amazing how once the idea comes to mind, the words flow like water out of a faucet. They may not be any good, but at least the first drafts are taking shape, and I hope to fill the book up with a collection. A new goal for this year. I don’t know if I’ll share them on my blog; that will depend on how I feel about them, and maybe on the opinions of my family. Anyway, thanks again for your help, and for also your kind words about my poetry. That’s always nice to hear, and the same goes for your writing. Have a good rest of your weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Long time since I have herd from you ( also due to computer crashing )
but lovely to hear form you
I have many, many cockatiels this years, and have to sell a few ( 50 now )
Regret that you did not know where I live, you were most welcome here
LikeLike
nice to hear form you so far away, I am Marianne, from Holland
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Marianne. I’ve visited your country and it is beautiful. You are fortunate to live there.
LikeLike
You got one intriguing blog going on here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, it was fun putting this mini-novel together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Ian:
Couldn’t find your e-mail address so I am contacting you here instead. Would you be interested in participating in a blog series on favorite children’s books? I just posted my own musings on the subject. Check it out and let me know. I can forward you some questions I put together if you are interested.
Fondly,
Elizabeth
LikeLike
I did check it out Elizabeth. It’s a great idea but I have very little time for blogging these days. My blogs this year are mainly stories and poems I’ve written long ago. Hopefully next year I’ll not have such a full program. I wouldn’t be much help on something like favourite children’s story books read as I grew up. We did enjoy reading and my parents kept us well supplied but there are few I remember titles to now. My own children would read a book a day so we were always hunting the second hand book stores and selling those read back to them afterward. lol. Fortunately our children were bought up in India consequently it was sports and books so they didn’t waste their time on Television. It developed a creativity in them which has been a boon for them professionally as adults.
LikeLike
It’s nice to meet you, Ian, through Eric’s blog, I believe..I’m having fun perusing around a little right now. Have a great weekend ahead!
LikeLike
Thank you, and welcome to my page. Eric is so talented isn’t he?
LikeLike
Yes, he is! 🙂
LikeLike
Hey Ian, thanks for stopping by & LIKING sooOoo many posts of mine ^_^
it made me so happy :’)
HAPPY BLOGGING, my friend!
See ya around 😉
LikeLike
I enjoyed reading your work
LikeLike
😀 so glad to hear that
LikeLike
Thank you very much for visiting and liking some of my posts. much appreciated:)
LikeLike
It was worth the visit. I like reading the works of talented people.
LikeLike
I love your writings! They are not silly platitudes which I am unfortunately bombarded with on FB. You write very well! I thank you for having me on your site! I find your writings not only enjoyable but most informative!!!
LikeLike
Thanks for dropping by and liking my post. I’m certainly enjoying yours.
LikeLike
Well thank you. I enjoy writing and the company of those who feel likewise.
LikeLike
Hello and good day Ian,
I am planning to run a regular Monthly Blog Pick and as an intro I wish to mention your blog and the post last year – Sunshine Tales and Verses > http://wp.me/p1YE83-P3
The Intro is scheduled for Friday 22 Feb.
Trust this is okay with you. Thank you for a response,
Eric
LikeLike
Well I’m not sure my works come up to your standard Eric so am surprised. I do enjoy writing and telling stories so we have that in common. I would be honoured to have you mention my humble site. Best regards.
LikeLike
I followed the link from Eric.
I will be visiting 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks for your visit. Eric has a good page and I like visiting it too.
LikeLike
Eric Alagan’s post directed me here. Nice to read your poems.
🙂
LikeLike
Thank you. It was nice of you to visit. You are welcome to my page.
LikeLike
Well, that’s exactly what I’m doing too – leave something behind for my kids.
I’ll take your response as an affirmative.
Many thanks, Eric
P/S Have a great weekend. I’ll post it on Monday 16th July 🙂
LikeLike
Hello Ian – with your permission, I would like to mention you in my next blog post in the coming week. Nothing embarrassing I assure you – but to say how much I’ve enjoyed your posts. Hope it is okay. Krgds, Eric
LikeLike
It would be rather hard to embarrass me after travelling the world half my life Eric. LOL. I don’t claim to be a professional writer at all but do enjoy the exercise in retirement. It’s my hobby. Originally I wrote so my daughters would have something to remember me by when I go to the happy hunting ground, then to my surprise I found some enjoyed the stories and poems and it put me in touch with fabulous blogging pals like you.
LikeLike
hi ian 🙂
LikeLike
Hello Ian, though you are not into awards here is one for you; the Commenter Award. Details here: http://wp.me/p1ZC80-Xf. Given the rules; I had to name you, sorry or congratulations, you choose.
Love, Steph
LikeLike
You are so considerate and definitely very kind. Thank you Steph. You are a treasure and it is so nice to visit your page when I can to enhance my cultural appreciation. Thank you for the efforts you put forth to make our days happy.
LikeLike
Hello Ian
Once more something you’re not into, but I couldn’t omit you in my list so I’ve nominated you for the Beautiful blog award. Details here:http://wp.me/p1ZC80-KP
Love
Steph xx
LikeLike
You are kind indeed Steph. Thank you so much.
LikeLike
Ian, it is so nice to meet you! I look forward in getting to know you better and to read your work; find out what you think about life. I have 3 friends living in Australia, one of which lives in Queensland in Chevallum. Good night to you 🙂
LikeLike
Chevallum is just a few miles north of us on the beautiful Sunshine Coast Australia Jeannie. I do not consider myself to be a professional writer, just one who enjoys it and delights in the perspectives of others. My children and their families live as citizens of the US. One of the things that happen when you work abroad and educate them outside of Australia. I’ll be visiting your page from time to time to learn more about you.
LikeLike
Hello Ian, I know you aren’t into all the awards circulating here but I do appreciate you, your blog and the comments you leave enormously and therefore I have nominated you for the Sunshine Award, because that is what you are bringing to me, sunshine. I just couldn’t not nominate you. Have a nice day.
Love, Steph
Details can be found here: http://wp.me/p1ZC80-IL
LikeLike
Steph you are such a treasure. Thank you for the nomination. I guess I’m a private person and don’t like being thrust into the public gaze. And that’s peculiar because being in top administration most of my life I was thrust into situations where I had to be very much in the public eye, meet many important people, lecture in schools of higher learning and attend those mindless professional gatherings where people are looking for ways to power their way up the ladder of success and stand for hours with bored eyes holding onto a glass and muttering platitudes. LOL. I hated it all, but somehow was successful in spite of that. But the fact you thought of recognizing me this way makes me happy. Thank you!
LikeLike
You’re welcome, Ian. The pleasure is all mine.
Love, Steph
LikeLike
Hello and g’day Ian,
I am pleased to nominate you for the Candle Lighter Award. Please check out post http://wp.me/p1YE83-mD
All good wishes, Eric
LikeLike
Eric you have been so generous with me and my work. As I’ve said before I don’t consider my blogs to be up to the high standards you set on your page. Perhaps after a year or so of writing I may be worthy of such an award.
LikeLike
Hi Ian, I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. I hope you like it. Congratulations! Here you can find more info: http://wp.me/p1ZC80-Dg
Steph
LikeLike
Hi Steph: It was so kind of you to nominate me for the Versatile Blogger Award. I really don’t feel I qualify for that as I’m only an amateur blogger. But I find your contributions to be challenging, interesting and certainly worth reading. Thank you for taking the trouble to research and post a wide variety of professional authors. You certainly do deserve the title Versatile Blogger not me. Ian
LikeLike
Thank you for these lovely compliments, Ian.
Love
Steph
LikeLike
Steph you and Eric are such an encouragment to me. Thank you for your kindness. I hope someday my works will come up to the high standard you set to inspire us on your page.
LikeLike
No need to underestimate yourself, Ian. You blog has twice as much followers as mine, one that you think sets standards. I’m very flattered reading that, but your work and Eric’s (and so many others) is original, I’m just a publisher.
LikeLike
Hello Ian,
Thank you for subscribing to my blog. I did likewise. As you know, I have been following yours posts for some time now. Enjoyed them. Keep them coming.
All good wishes, Eric
LikeLike
Hello Ian,
I am nominating you for the “The Versatile Blogger Award”
Check it out: Written Words Never Die > http://wp.me/1YE83
Congratulations,
Eric Alagan
LikeLike
Well I consider myself to be a strictly amateur writer, but it was kind of you to nominate me.
LikeLike
I love your writing. I am a great lover of Jane Austin but I also love Byron and Yates. Truth be known, I love the classics. Your poems, “True Blessing”, “Dora Creek”, and “Internet Life” were all so moving and very true! Thank you for sharing these wonderful writings.
LikeLike
Hi Jessica. Looks like you are still on Multiply.
LikeLike
Just wanna say hello.
LikeLike
LikeLike
A great M3!
LikeLike
I hope that you don tstop your multiply account, I was not able fot found your account on facebook ?
hugs
Marianne
the netherlands
LikeLike
I put the Facebook link on my Multiply page today. Just click on it and you will enter my FB page. Have a wonderful weekend there in the Netherlands. Your country is very pretty and well worth visiting. My daughter and her family lived in Brussels for some time so we were able to go in an out of your country often.
LikeLike