Writingforums.org Folks, Joyful! posted my short story "The Last Meeting". This story's had a rough time finding a home. As it is, it's a niche type story. A long running magazine that had accepted it folded. And then an anthology that had accepted it stalled out. Take a look if you get the chance. (They just changed formats and the text isn't as easy to read as I'd like.) Hope you enjoy it. Terry
I had no trouble reading it, and it was a very good story. I particularly liked the irony at the end. One more observation, the picture at the beginning lent a strong image to the entire story, making it that much more compelling. Good job Terry!
congrats on having it included, terry!... but it's a shame the editor chose to put it up in italics and white print on beige, as i found it impossible to read... could you suggest she stick to the more acceptable black/regular font to accommodate readers whose eyesight is no longer 20/20?... i'd do it, but there's no email address that i can find and i don't want to be complaining in public, with a 'guestbook' post... love and congratulatory hugs, maia
NaCl, Thank you for the compliment and encouragement. The picture is actually the first piece of art that I've had 'published' online. I thought it was a good visual to support the story. Mammamaia, I understand about the difficulty reading. I will email her about the format. While I could read it, the combination of italics and weak contrast of colors between the text and background could adjusted/made easier to read, especially for folks with less than perfect vision, or those who've already spent a good part of their day staring at a screen. In anycase, thank you for your kind words as well. Terry
I started to read it, but the low contrast was bothering me, so I decided to print it out. Unfortunately, the straight printout preserved the colors. But I'll get to it shortly even if I have to copy and paste it into Word!
What kind of printer do you have? On mine, when I click to print anything, I get a printer control box that allows me to select color or "gray scale". If I check the "gray scale" button, light-colored print becomes readable as a medium gray. It works the same way on all four of my HP printers despite being different models...also had this option on my old Cannon printer.
I can try different print options. It was late when I tried it last night, and my first try didn't work out. But if I copy and paste into Word, I can get black (not gray!) on white in any font and point size I choose, all in a matter of seconds.
Hey Folks, The ezine's editor changed the text to a more readable color combination. Those who've taking the time, thanks for reading, and for the encouragement. Here's the link again: "The Last Meeting" for what it's worth. Terry
Well done Terry, I will have a read when I have the time. But congratulations on your success. Torana
the black is better, but why all in italics?... they're really a pain to read in big chunks and a major turn-off for me when an entire piece is done that way...
The color scheme change is a huge improvement. Having read the piece, I can appreciate the irony in its publication history. The story is rather sad, as befits the end of an era like that. It's a great example of how to use a first person POV well, and also to manage present day and flashbacks seamlessly. Nice job, and congratulations!
