Damian

WEll, I have to say I disagree with you on . . . honestly, everything. The onlyu thing you need to write a story is an idea, and it doesn't have to be a particularly good one. Look at WUTHERING HEIGHTS.

Also, it should be evident to any self-respecting author that putting '!!!!!!!' into one of your titles will get you published about when the next dominant species arises. And about your definition of 'appropriate,' have you even glanced at the NEw York Times Bestseller list? Mary Higgins Clark is still No. 1, and all her novels are all suspence/romance! Not saying anything against her, of course (magnificent author, really.) Pick up any Stephen King novel and you'll see where I'm coming from. Also, the boys and fashiion remark could be taken in a rather offensive light, but I'm not going to push that.

Finally, you mention that long stories are boring. One word: novels. Perhaps if you worked on keeping your audience captive, you wouldn't have this problem.

I respect your opinion, but when you title an entry, "How to Write a Story," then declare that what you are saying is cold hard fact, someone, somewhere will disprove you. It is the man who says it is impossible that finds he sits next to the man who has done it.

BArron