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

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Oh, Rusty. I feel so much empathy for you right now. I am also a glass half full (with a leak) type person. I hope the rant helped you. Beat up a pillow. Slug back a beverage. Shred something. Or, you could do what I do (and hate to do)...cry.

I over-reacted and the rant only made things worse -- and deservedly so. However, I'm feeling a lot more stable and clear-headed now. I actually wouldn't mind a good cry, but that's just hormones talking. *g*

If I were in the same city, I would walk over to you and give you a great big hug and then take you to the pub. While at the pub, we would pull out great big pieces of paper and draw things with crayons. There is nothing like drawing with crayons to help us feel better. I think it brings us back to the simpler days of childhood and lets us see what's really important to us.

Thank you! :-) If you're ever in Toronto then we definitely should get together for a drink! And have you been talking to any of my relatives? I adored paper and crayons as a kid! They could keep me happy and entertained for hours.

Oh, and you know I love In the Family Way. I don't give a damn about John's accent or the difference between soda and pop.

*hugs*

*Returns hug* Thank you very much! That means a lot to me! :-D