Help me develop as a writer

[themostepotente]

I am probably setting myself up here for Goddess only knows what, but as a struggling writer in this fandom, I would appreciate direction. I get terribly, terribly down on myself, and I am my own worst critic. If I polled 100 people, and 99 people favored my work, but 1 did not, I would go crazy analyzing why that 1 did not. It eats at me, and I hate that it does. Please, if you leave comments, remember that there is a human being with real feelings sitting behind the computer. I am 110 percent constructive criticism driven, but flames are totally unnecessary.

1.) What are my strengths?

2.) What are my weaknesses?

3.) If you read my work, what motivates you to do so?

4.) If you don't read my work, what is your reason for not doing so?

5.) Would you consider doing so after having read this?

Lastly, any parting comments?

I would really appreciate the feedback. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

~Penny

Comments

[melpemone.livejournal.com]

Someone flamed you?! Where are they? Let me at them!

But honestly, I agree with your sentiments wholeheartedly. I've been writing fanfic for a long time, but I still class myself as a new and struggling writer, as it's only in the last 6 months or so I've really thrown myself into the social aspect of fandom, and been really aware of who reads my stuff. I think people tend to forget (if they read volumes of fanfic, like I do) that someone just like them is on the other side of that keyboard, experiencing the same worries and frustrations that they do. I know I've been guilty of it myself.

If it's any consolation, this fandom is awful (on the whole) for feedback. While flaming is rare, intensely constructive reviewing is rarer, unless you ask for it. I happen to think your writing is great (or I wouldn't have friended you and I wouldn't keep reading your work). It's useless telling you to ignore less-than-positive commentary (it eats away at you, doesn't it?), but try and keep your chin up. We think you rock. :)

Re:

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

if you weren't so fuckin' far away, I do think I'd have my way with you. *grins*

Nobody's flamed me. At least not yet. That was me just asking for people to be 'helpful and gentle'. None of this, 'bitch, you suck!' commentary.

I'm a terrible comment whore. Bad, I know.

Do you use AIM, B?

Re:

[melpemone.livejournal.com]

Well, I certainly wouldn't object. ;)

Yeah, I understand. Better to make your position clear on what kind of reviewing you need ahead of time.

And hey, it's not as if I don't lean towards comment sluttery. :D

My AIM is brigantia79. Add me, gorgeous. :D

Re:

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

Added you, but alas you weren't on. *pouts*

[alysbowie.livejournal.com]

Hi Penny :)
Everything of yours that I've read so far I really enjoy, and I think it is better than most of the other fic in this fandom that I've had the chance to read. Plus, you came highly recommended from Jan! :D
I'm always happy to beta, or just comment on whatever you're writing :)

Re:

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

You do beta-ing? I'll keep you in mind.

Re:

[alysbowie.livejournal.com]

I do indeed. :)

Mostly I'm just a sucker for fic - and good fic (as yours seems to be!) :)

Random

[stargategirl82.livejournal.com]

I friended you. I don't expect any reciprication (oh dear, that looks wrong). Am I a dork if I like to read other's LJs? They're so much more interesting than mine.

You seem like a very interesting person. I saw a post of your on hp_health and just cruised on over.

I'm sure I've read something of yours, but I can't think of it off the top of my head. I'll go read some ASAP and get back to you as soon as.

Re: Random

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

I 69'ed ya! LOL!

[voldiespet.livejournal.com]

I read your work, but not because I expect perfection from you as a writer. I enjoy your stories because they are creative and it is obvious that you take care in crafting them.

Plus your sex scenes are totally hot ;) And now I not only think of Harry as having Quidditch toned muscles, but that he can also bend like Gumby (http://www.livejournal.com/users/themostepotente/9335.html#cutid1).

***pants***

Re:

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

That would make Snapey, Pokey. Scary.