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*