grazie, ragazzi

Italy just beat France at Rugby by one point, thanks to a magnificent scrum pack, unbreakable courage that kept going even when nine points down with twenty-five minutes to go, exemplary fitness, and sustained teamwork. But above all, everything else was driven by courage and character and courage and courage and courage. Some other Italian sportspeople could learn a thing or two from our Rugby underdogs and wooden-spoon specialists.

call for help to any or all of my friends who are interested in writing and telling stories

I am thinking of a number of long stories, including some with my own characters, which would require some forward thinking and a lot of outlining. If there is anyone who would like to help me, what I really need is a bit more than a beta: I need someone with whom to discuss my plot bunnies, to argue on and expand my story ideas in advance of writing them, to tell me to go on writing when I am getting lazy or discouraged, and above all to teach me and remind me to outline. Contact would be both by e-mail and by IM. I would still be doing all the work, and ultimately my decision about the stories would be final. I don't want anyone to do the work of writing for me, but what I would like to have is something like a good editor: an open and fearless commenter/critic/sounding board. (Bear in mind that I would shamelessly appropriate any good ideas that came from you! But I would acknowledge the source.) I am an old dog (getting on for forty-nine) trying to learn new tricks, and I would be glad to do so with someone else helping.