Guys, I've just realised I should have said this straight up, but have only just remembered. Although I'm organising a book-in-a-year project, I won't be able to read anyone's work in progress.

It's unfortunate in life that the nasty few spoil it for the nice majority, but there are authors who have been sued by people who sent them work to look at. It seems that the authors looked at these aspiring writer's stories and offered comments (taking time out of their own writing schedule to do so) only to receive a law suit later down the track when they had written something that had the vaguest connection to what the aspiring author had sent them. Really ugly stuff and all about jealousy and envy, but the thing is that many authors are wary now and I've been advised not to read anything that's unpublished.

I'm a naturally gullible person who expects everyone to be nice, and so I tend to rely on more cynical people's advice when it comes to protecting myself. So, by all means tell me 'about' your story and what you love about it, but don't send me that actual story itself.

Hope this doesn't offend anyone.

I have heard of this sort of thing happening Louise and I do not blame you one bit for protecting yourself. Although most people do the right thing there is always someone who will spoil it for everyone else. I think this all happened to Marion Zimmer Bradley didn't it?

I do not send my work to any one. I tell them I am writing and it's a fantasy story but that's about it. I need to keep it in my head, I feel safer that way as well. Also I do not like to voice it out loud because some of the energy seems to leech from the scene or idea before I get a chance to get it down in print. I keep it all bubbling around in my mind waiting for it to explode on paper.

deb

I also dont blame yourself for what you said. And im also with Deb....i like to keep it to myself. I tell only what i want to tell...nothing can be taken from what i say....im sure Louise and Deb are still wondering a great deal about my book...as you have heard snips of it, but nothing to go on...wouldnt you agree. Well, this is how i see it!
Its best to tell people up front rather than once its been committed.

thanks for being so understanding guys

No worries Louise. No-one would blame you for protecting your back. I am grateful to you just for the offer to help guide us through to completion of a novel.
deb

Hey Louise,I've heard of this happening also,and I don't blame you one bit!!!
I mean,I'm not even ready to write a book!The help you give is plenty!!!!!

Just for all the new people coming in, I read back over some of the old posts and thought this post was very informative of the dangers lurking about. I remember Louise telling us all that another misfortune is for those who write something they are proud of, then put it on the messageboards/emails and they don't realise that once it is broadcasted online in any way - it is good as published! No publisher wants to buy a MS that is open for everyone to view online!

I just thought this was a useful post and reminding people would be helpful. Thankgod we have Lou to remind us of these dangers!

Kerrie

See, another few snippets of wonderful important information for we newbies who would be more than ready to put our foots (!) in it! And here here, Lou, we do so appreciate the immenese help you give us.

So don't worry, just delete the 126 short stories I emailed you, oh, I just remembered the package with my other 298 poems I sent to you, and you should probably destory the tape I made of myself reading my latest opus to camera...

You guys must have known I'd need a laugh today. I almost didn't come online, but now I'm so pleased that I did.

Kerrie, you're a gem posting that up again. You're quite right, it really helps to reiterate this stuff with new people joining all the time. And I'm so pleased that the old posts aren't lost. There was a lot of interesting information back there.

i already knew caus i asked you louise to read my work by email ages ago. i totally understand i mean who want to pay money in court id rather spend it!!!! being a huge harry potter fan i know that it happened to joanne rowling. she had a woman say that she took her idea for muggles. it happenes all the time!!!! on the harry potter web site many fans complain that harry potter is like this or that but i say its is so hard to have an original idea that has not already been thought of!!!! i though my book idears were original but i read other books and some are similar ...i reserve the right to let my self believe im original. no really though louise just let ppl know and if they dont respect you for protecting yourself have nothing to do with them!!!!!

Just thought I'd pop this up on top of the threads again for the benefit of anyone new.  It may seem odd for me to say I don't want to look at anyone's work - while at the same time I'm contracted as a tutor for the Brisbane EnVision workshops.  But that's a professional engagement where I sign a contract ensuring that intellectual properties (people's books) are deal with ethically and the attendees sign a similar agreement.  I get a legal safety net. 

The other issue I have with critiquing aspiring author's work is that, there are a lot of people who would love me to look at their stories, but if I did that I'd never find time to write my own!  So my alternative to being overwhelmed with manuscripts,or somehow picking and choosing who I help (On what basis?  Hard to imagine, isn't it?)  is this messageboard where I can offer encouragment without committing myself to critiquing.

And I think it's working.

Yes Lou I agree with you.Having you here on the message board does help alot. I know it has helped me.