Writer's Rant

[rusty_armour]

It seems like all I've received since I posted the latest installment of my story has been nit-picking. Now, I know that isn't true because there have been people who have left very generous feedback. However, being over-sensitive and a "glass is half empty" type of person, I've been dwelling on all the negative comments. Ooops. I mean "constructive criticism". Yes, I realize that people are just trying to be helpful and I should be grateful. But when half the replies involve a debate about whether Sheppard has a drawl or if he would use the word "soda," I find myself wondering why I bothered to post this part in the first place. I mean, if those are the kinds of things that people are remembering then the rest of the installment must be seriously boring or just utter crap.

I know I'm over-reacting and I know I should be a better person about all this. I keep telling myself that I should be writing for myself first and foremost. But then I think to myself that I know how the story is going to end. It's not as if I have to read the subsequent parts. And, if this is the case, why should I be busting my ass trying to finish the god-damn thing?

Of course I will finish the god-damn thing because I've already put in too much time and energy not to finish it. Unfortunately, I just don't have any particular desire to work on it. At all. I certainly don't plan to go through another series of marathon writing sessions because I feel guilty for making my readers wait so long between installments. The proverbial straw has been broken and right now guilt is the last emotion I'm feeling.

Well, now that I've probably alienated anyone who might have been willing to read the rest of In the Family Way, I'll just see what other destruction I can wreak.

Comments

[jackycomelately.livejournal.com]

Joins in the patting. I can understand why you feel that way. It's a great series. We had John! and Sex! in this one! Sex! and John! Both really good things that go great together! The basement as a character is also really growing on me. I think the way you bring such a regional Canadian voice to the series is wonderful and unique (which is something hard to do with SGA).

More specifically, I particularly loved your comparison of Jeanie to a Wraith Queen. Only John!

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I saved your comment for last because I didn't know what to say. Well, obviously the first thing that comes to mind is a big thank you for your generous feedback. However, I'd feel like a total hypocrite if I didn't confess that you're the reason why I lost it last night...

Yes, I know how utterly insane that sounds because you didn't do or say anything wrong. However, when I read your piece of advice, I got angry because you knew it was that time of the month (when I turn into an emotional train wreck) and I had told you that the, uh, "nit-picking" bugged me. It felt a teensy bit like being stabbed in the back, which is completely unfair to you because I know that wasn't your intention in any way, shape or form. So I'm sorry for not being the slightly more stable and rational person you were no doubt expecting when you took the time to give me your opinion.

I do appreciate your extremely kind feedback and your continued support, especially as you're such a close friend. Sorry once again for being such a freak.

[jackycomelately.livejournal.com]

I was afraid of that. I'm sorry I was insensitive and not as supportive as I should have been.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

No, no, you really didn't do anything wrong. I totally over-reacted. If I couldn't take the heat, I should have walked out of the kitchen, the house and possibly the neighbourhood... *g* In any case, you were supportive. You gave me some great feedback and were absolutely right when it came to your suggestion. :-)