Young Writers Society

*slaps Monopoly money on the counter*
I'll take this spot. I'm guessing it will turn over to the third page but I don't really care since I was on the fifth last year.

Lizz’s YWS Yearbook Page 2016
Some of you may know me, most of you will probably not. I don’t run in many circles with many different people but I do try and pop up every. If you know me skip over the intro and read what I say about my few friends and the year I’ve had. Everyone else, read the intro.


My name is Elizabeth but pretty much everywhere on YWS I go by Liz or Lizzy. To the permanent residents of the chat lounge, my name is Lizz. Call me whatever you like. I’m a somewhat new member to this place as in 13-14 months. (Depending on when I finish this post.) I used to review badly, learned the trade and reviewed for a couple of months before dropping off the radar. The lounge chat room is my home until I my lease runs up and I’ll have to find a new part of yws to devote all of my time to.


My year on this site has been great except for the occasional talk of politics or some other topic I despise/avoid at all costs. The lounge got to be really serious back in the spring which probably explains why my review count increased then. My real world hasn’t been so great and I pretty much spend all my free time here to try and forget it.


Some Compliment Like Things For Friends


Compliment Like Things For People I Somehow Managed to Get a Follow Back From



There are people I haven’t talked and don’t really know so I’m just going to leave you a nice collective message.



People I’m Not Actually Friends with But I Know From Places

//occupies space

Hurray for writing, nerdiness, and @Mage!!!!!
*signs* The Steady Raven

Okay, so I'm going to go ahead and start writing my first YWS Yearbook post. I already said a whole lot on my wall and I have so much I want to say, so I'm just going to stop procrastinating and get started. I joined YWS in November 2015 but I didn't really start falling in love and writing passionately until January 2016. I wrote my first poem and posted it on YWS on January 25th (I didn't go back and check the date, I just know it). I'm not particularly proud of that poem, in fact, I very much hate it. But I cannot lie and say it didn't start some of my greatest passions which are writing, reading and learning poetry. I can wholeheartedly dedicate and title 2016 as the year of my writing in my mind. I'm writing a novel I am so excited about and I've made so many accomplishments in my poetry. It's only my first year of being a poet and I've been published twice! My poem "I Planted A Seed" was published in November(?) edition of Teen Ink Magazine and this upcoming poetry collection called Imagine by The American Library of Poetry (comes out in the summer). It blows my mind how far I've come. I don't want to sound like I'm patting my own back but like all of us, I've been through some hard times and just to look back and see how far I've come. I'm forever grateful to the people who helped me get here.

I'm so excited for 2017, but I'm not quite done with talking about 2016 yet xD. In my mind, 2016 is the year of my writing but that's only because I like to highlight the positivity instead of the negativity. Trust me, I've had so much drama, brokenness, sadness, and overall mental exhaustion in 2016. I made the choice to let go of two friendships after going through an entire year (2016) of drama. I thought one of these friendships were going to go on for years, but people grow apart. I felt like I lost control and I felt neglected as I watched the people I love and my friends deal with their own battles and forget I exist. I have my regrets and I'm trying to keep myself grounded but it's hard breaking old habits. It's really hard when you can so easily text someone. I haven't quite figured out if I'll be able to begin again with these friends in the future yet. I'm pretty sure I've ruined all my chances and they've moved on. It still hurts as it's only been a few months but I'm hoping 2017 I'll learn to cherish the friendships I have and create new ones. I'm hoping I'll stop thinking ill of friends who still keep in touch with people who have hurt me and people whom I've hurt. I don't hold any anger towards anyone from 2016 but I do have my guard up to protect myself from falling again.

I hope everyone has a wonderful 2017. I hope everyone is happy. I've grown so much in 2016. I really think we have to go through the bad things to become stronger and better people. I'm becoming more and more proud of the person I'm becoming and it's all thanks to the experiences and friendships I've had and I'll have for years to come. I love you all and here's to a horribly painful yet wonderful 2016!

Shoutouts to Wonderful People!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!!

Hah! Third page is cool with me!

I CLAIM THIS SPOT FOR MYSELF

I would've taken a spot on the first page because I saw this early on but I was lazy and pokemon was distracting me.

2016: In Marquee (And Also Bold)

Somewhere along the way, I've come to realize that yes, 2016 is just about over. The ending quietly sneaked up on me, and only when I watched 2017 consume a good half of the world did I have to remind myself that it's 5:00 P.M. on December 31st, 2016 (5:01, but I believe in the power of rounding). Needless to say, it has been a weird year. I won a state writing contest, met a notable author, turned 15, expanded my presence on this site, and then completed my sophomore year of high school. The second half of the year was spent learning how to drive a car, learning how not to a drive a car (thankfully, it was not a bus), complaining of back pain, beginning my junior year of high school, and continuing to write extensively. I've made a lot of new friends this year, underwent the deaths of many famous celebrities, and ranted and raved in the midst of 2016 election proceedings.

How do I feel about it? I can argue all I want that 2016 was a crappy year in the world, and I have a massive amount of justification for that. Personally, I found 2016 rather flattering with regards to my life. I've gained some recognition for my ability to craft stories, have participated in wonderful Storybooks on YWS, modernized and post-modernized my poetry, and have been growing through puberty relatively stably (as much as the spots on my face would tell you otherwise). My family is still happy, still doing well, and still complacent, although my relations with my extended relatives remains as tense as ever. I don't know if that's going to change much, given all the old feuds and tensions that we have between each other. Still, 2016 has proved to be yet another year of development, gaining of knowledge, and improving of talents for me, and I have you guys, in part, to thank for that.

YWS still remains the place that I love to visit extensively, even if I spend my time lurking and avoiding contact with people because of my being introversive. You've helped me develop my poetry and stories with your carefully thought-out reviews and commentary, and challenging me to experiment with new methods of writing poetry and different subjects. The Storybook crew and my friends have pulled me into Storybook and CCC projects which, while intensive, have broadened my horizons when it comes to managing multiple characters and worlds, coming up with ideas, and cooperating with others. In the end, it's probably BS whenever I tell people that I've improved on the conciseness and effectiveness of my writing. Still, now I feel less like that my detailed stories are trying to justify themselves through a complex use of language, but by the ideas and creations that uphold them. That's definitely improved the quality of my personal projects and short stories, as you've persuaded me to broaden my horizons and experiment and discover.

I still don't know if I'm a good writer. I feel disorganized, sloppy, and uncoordinated at worst, and I have a lot of neglected poetry excerpts and story ideas that I've struggled to effectively put together. On the other hand, I know I'm a better writer than I was last year, and far better than the year before that. My writing feels more solid, strong, and complex. It has improved my performance in contests, helped me tie together Storybook posts and weave a powerful narrative with my own, and demonstrated my capacities as at least better than the average writer. Now that I've been on YWS for two years, I have to come more and more to terms with this fact, and the recognition that, had I not joined on that January night, I would not be where I am now. I would still have my delusions of grandeur, and probably stagnate under pages and pages of purple prose and bland ideas. Perhaps I would've given up writing altogether, as I would be crushed by the weight of my own stories, and without anyone to criticize me, hit me over the head, praise me, critique me, and make me reevaluate myself as a writer. Thankfully, because of you, I did not go down that disastrous route.

That's something that I have to credit you all for. So, I may as well. As with last year, I'd like to credit the crew behind the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Storybook (@Robusto, @Buggiedude2340, @Poopsie, @StupidSoup, @Tortwag, @AstralHunter, @Charizard821) for their continued vigilance in our mutual project. I'm amazed that the first Storybook I ever join should still be alive now, and I must credit your creativity, energy, and devotion. You've given me complex plots to digest and appreciate, made me realize what kind of potential I could have as a writer, and showed me wonderful and disturbing worlds that have influenced what lengths I will go in my stories. I have no doubt that it has influenced the rest of my body of writing. Too, you've also been great friends to talk to, as you're insightful, funny, and fascinating. Our conversations, although infrequent, have proved to be well-worth my time.

I still find it odd that we never talked much at all before this year began, @Lumi. Over these past few months, our conversations have been enthusing and wonderful. You've probably managed to open me and my personality up more than most other people, which is rather impressive. It's been fun participating in/writing for your Storybooks, and listening to music, and having a good time in general. You've also been an active reviewer of my poetry, and I always appreciate your insights and advice. So, thanks!

...it'll probably take me too long to credit everyone, won't it? XD

Well, I'd still like to thank some people. My favorite poets (@Kaos (you've grown so much since we first talked, and I dare say that you're far more mature than me these days. XD), @Strange (you still manage to inspire me to write poetry with each of your own), @LadySpark, @Autumns, @Audy, @Aley, @passenger and you too, Lumi), and Storybook Crew (@Rydia, @Wolfical, Hunter, @TheSunderedSorcerer, @Auxiira, @Steggy, @Omnom (you've pulled me into so many SBs, but I've always enjoyed it), @Craz, and (again) Lumi). @Mage has been a wonderful friend, active writer, and an awesome member of the CCC, and it's been nice writing with her and developing our characters!

I'd also like to credit the totally awesome, sarcastic, and energetic reviewers/poets @Sacredlege and @ElizabethLovelace, as well as a few friends of mine: @Remembrance, @Kilgharrah, @Gringoamericano, @RavenLord, @cleverclogs. And then some people I like talking to and/or I think are fairly cool: @Lofi, @Vasticity, @Prokaryote, @CowLogic, @Snoink. At this point, I'd also like to say thanks to all of the moderators, for their activity, friendliness, ability to cooperate, and helping me become an effective mod (and I still remember our discussion on the objectivity of math in the universe, @Kyllorac).

Last, but not least, @Nate, for having created this wonderful site that I've been around in for so long. He's helped keep this site running for what is the good majority of my lifetime, and it's clear to see that he's made sure it remains a friendly, energetic, and active place. It's the kind of environment that I have appreciated, grew and thrived in, and I appreciate it every single day - it keeps me happy, active, and friendly, as well as improves my abilities as a writer. I have no regrets about having joined this website, have found this place to be full of benefits, and I hope to remain as a moderator here for quite some time longer! Thank you all!

*Claims space*

I had to wait until the new year was nice and settled to right this. Of course with finals looking next week, it's not exactly "settled" per se, but that's in the future. For once, I'm going to talk about the past. 2016, the past year.

This was a year of a lot of big things for me. Although I wasn't active on YWS a lot, I had quite a few writing accomplishments.
-I did NaPoWriMo in the spring, and whatever happened, I think I grew a lot, both myself and my poetry.
-I continued on in LMS until Christmas Day. Although my writing wasn't much good at the end, I learned a ton of patience and perseverance and will be ready to fix it when I return to edit it.
-Finally, I completed a second successful year of NaNoWriMo, in spite of the still continuing LMS. I've gained a lot of writing confidence and ideas.

In the real world, there were a lot of fun things and firsts as well, some of which included:
-Getting a license
-Getting a bank account and a passport and the likes
-Going on dates and getting to know some people!
-Hosting a French exchange student
-Learning a lot about myself and becoming more self confident
-Taking the PSAT!
-Seeing Lindsey Stirling in concert

Anyway, it was a crazy ride, and this year's revving up to be another one. I can't wait. I'm going to shout out to a few people- if I don't mention you, I probably forgot and you should go pester me on my wall.

@fortis ~ Back at you. I miss you lots, and it was great to see you. You're an amazing writer and I really look up to you! I miss our DPS meetings too- a whole third of our members is a published author! You're going to be next. Keep letting me know how life goes. Also, I always like seeing your photography and other drawings. ^_^

@Hattable ~ You're a fantastic friend. I enjoy all our conversations, and love your writing. It's been really fun knowing you, and all your characters as well. Your art is amazing! Especially for MS paint. c:

@SnazzyPencil ~ Thanks for following Taste of Life as long as I published it. I really appreciate it, and one day I will go back and use all the suggestions to edit it. And one day, I will publish the others. You've been a fun person to know! And thanks for the Secret Santa.

@Mea ~ I wish we could talk more! You seem really nice and cool but we haven't had too many chances to chat. My PM box is always open!

@Tortwag and @Buggiedude2340 ~ Oh. My. Gosh. You guys. You were amazing. You did so well in LMS I've just got to congratulate you both! Thanks for competing. It was really good fun, and you guys have got mad writing skills!

@Remembrance ~ You're a really nice person and I always enjoy hearing from you. I love how you're prongs and also you're the most fabulous Hufflepuff. <3 I respect you a lot!

@marmalade ~ I really like reading your wall posts, whatever they may be. Most of them make me smile, and I'm always here for you if you need help dealing with drama or anything bad happening.

@Wolfical ~ I'd love to talk with you as well! You seem really awesome. My wall and PM box are always open.

Well, hello there spot.

Oh, this spot is mine??

Why thank you, that's so kind of you.

*brings everything I own and claims spot*

There are many like it, but this spot is mine.

*Watches everyone claim their spots* *Comes over and puts down Red-tailed Hawk* *Steps back and looks it over*

There. Spot claimed. And its looks have been improved greatly by the hawk, I must say.

TAKEN.
I was late .-.

Taken

2016. Last night, I was thinking about how many famous people have died this year. Among them David Bowie, Alan Rickman, Harper Lee, Glenn Frey, Tony Burton, Nancy Reagan, Merle Haggard, Doris Roberts, Prince, Muhammad Ali, Christina Grimmie, Matt Roberts, Gene Wilder, Leonard Cohen, Florence Henderson, Craig Sager, George Michael, Carrie Fisher, and Debbie Reynolds. The numbers are amazing, as are the lives led by the people who have passed. They were artists; teachers who have led by example, and who've influenced not only our perceptions of the world, but our ability to affect it with our own streak of creativity. This is a legacy that we are able to carry and adapt on YWS, and because of this--the fact that these renowned icons can live on through us--I think this site is really important.

YWS has given many freedoms to its users; freedoms that allow us to express ourselves and to interact with other members of the online community. Furthermore, it lets us explore personal improvement. It offers an environment where we can come together. To write together, to laugh together, and to grieve together.

Some people don't see YWS as a "refuge", expressing animosity towards politics and debate that spirals out of control; people who are unfriendly, and personal attacks.

I want to say to those people that no social environment is going to be perfect. It's about smoothing out the imperfections. We're all here for the same reason, but there will always be people who don't act kindly towards you. They may not understand you. But you're here to understand them, and if you don't try, then you're only failing yourself.

Remember what's going on in the world, and remember that you have people looking out for you. Remember that we have all felt hurt, and that we have all felt happiness, and that it is how we use that emotion to fortify others that gives value to our experiences. Remember the heroes who have died, but also remember that they have lived to better you. Resolve to better someone.

You all better me.

Thank you.