*your words here*

[alexisjane]

I've been having a massive crisis of confidence about my writing.

I haven't really wanted to talk about it as I think it's perfectly normal and I've been trying not to let it get to me. But it's hard when I feel like I don't have the time to properly concentrate on my WIPs so they're rushed and scrappy, and the BB is just endless and wholly unsatisfying to write at the moment. I've been dragging my feet with it as I can't stand writing when every word is vile. And it has to be that way as that's just how my first drafts come out but editing seems like it's a lifetime away and I just...hate it.

And then this morning I received a comment on my BB from last year, on AO3 and...Christ, I cried. It was stranger, which shouldn't make a difference but I think it does as they have no reason to be nice to me. And they were just so complimentary and invested in the characters and the story. They really connected with it emotionally and they asked for more.

I feel like I couldn't ask for anything better. It really helped to remind me that I may not be the best writer but I can tell a story that people want to read when I put my mind to it. It feels like a weight has be lifted and I'm actually looking forward to getting down to my BB this afternoon and making some headway.

Anyway, it made me really think.

Please...

When you read something someone has taken the time to write, please leave a little comment to let them know.

Even if you thought it wasn't all that, pick out a positive thing about it and say something nice.

If you don't have time to write a gushing review, just a smily face could make their day.

If you want to lurk, that's cool. But just a little wave to say you appreciate someone taking the time - to write 2.5k of Samstiel, 100k of crossover gen or some chibi!J2cowboys or whatever you find that makes you smile - doesn't mean you have to give up your anonymity. We won't hunt you down.

Writing is hard. Art is hard.

Typing : ) or ♥ in the comments takes less than two fucking seconds. And it can make so much difference to the way someone is going to feel that day.

Anyway. That's it. Rant over.

And thank you to everyone who comments on my stuff. You lovely enablers, you ♥ xxx

Comments

[somersault-j.livejournal.com]

You probably know and can guess my take on this whole issue. Nothing to add ♥

[alexisjane.livejournal.com]

Oh, you're the head cheerleader, Hunny ♥ You got the biggest pom-poms!! ; ) xx

[big-heart-june.livejournal.com]

I agree 110%, my darling. I'm super happy you feel so uplifted \o/\o/\o/ although I always think you're craaazy-good anyway ♥ I absolutely comment on as much as possible because I am IN LOVE with and appreciate most stories out there and know how MUCH time and love and effort our writers put into their fic. and also because I know how happy comments make me too.

Typing : ) or ♥ in the comments takes less than two fucking seconds. And it can make so much difference to the way someone is going to feel that day.

SO agreed, I feel this should apply to non-fic/art posts too. general posting is hard as well. I know RL absolutely gets in the way, mine certainly does, and lurking is def cool but once in a while...yeah ♥♥♥

[milly-gal.livejournal.com]

SO agreed, I feel this should apply to non-fic/art posts too. general posting is hard as well. I know RL absolutely gets in the way, mine certainly does, and lurking is def cool but once in a while...yeah ♥♥♥

Amen! It;s simply hard work whatever it is we post, and the fact my flist is extremely generous with their time when it comes to my posts, and it may not be the same people who comment on the same things, but they take the time, I appreciate it a whole hell of a lot. It;s also another reason that when I *can* comment, I will comment! xx♥♥

[dizzojay.livejournal.com]

Great to hear that you got the confidence boost that you needed. You're right, a supportive comment can mean the world to someone, and it takes so little time to make someone's day.
x

[alexisjane.livejournal.com]

It was just nice to have a reminder that even though I tell myself I write just for me, that other people do read it, so it's still worth writing even when it's hard. I kinda forgot that at some point : ) xx

[saltandburnboys.livejournal.com]

Honestly, nowadays I just try and focus on how writing makes me feel rather than how good the writing actually is. I know I'll never really be a writer, but getting something posted - even if it's crap - makes me feel great because I MADE something. Even if it's shit, even if everyone thinks it's shit, I MADE it, you know? And that actually makes me feel better about it all. :-)

But, yep, you're totally right about commenting. I comment on everything I enjoy - art/fic/posts. I actually quite like commenting; it's not a chore for me at all...I like fangirl-ing in the comments.

Glad someone left you a lovely comment, hon, and half it gave you such a boost! :-)

That cat gif is pretty much the cutest thing I've ever seen! ;-P

xx

[milly-gal.livejournal.com]

I know I'll never really be a writer, but getting something posted - even if it's crap - makes me feel great because I MADE something. Even if it's shit, even if everyone thinks it's shit, I MADE it, you know? And that actually makes me feel better about it all. :-)

First up, hush your gums lady, you *are* a writer, you write, you review, you have a way with words that is unique to you, and that alone makes you a writer, and I for one appreciate the chance to share in your talent, no matter whether you feel it to be talent or not! *hugs*

Second, I agree one hundred percent with your view on it, the fact that you or I or Aj created something, that is to be proud of, always ♥ xx

[fanspired]

I need reminding of this repeatedly. Too often, if I can't think of anything intelligent to say, I say nothing, and I should know better. I thrive on feedback myself and have my own struggles with the writing grims so I need to get over my own lurky tendencies.

So glad you got the feedback you needed and that you're feeling energized now.

♥

[alexisjane.livejournal.com]

I have the same problem. I often read late at night or really early when it's hard to form a sentence but thank god for the smily face : ) I use it everything! xx

[emmatheslayer.livejournal.com]

I try and comment on all I read the talant people have like you is remarkable and you take time to write and post is amazing I have nothing but respect for fic. And Artists a comment can make or bake someone day

[fireheart13.livejournal.com]

You are a super commenter, you always let people know you enjoyed it! :-)

[herminekurotowa.livejournal.com]

Does this count too? :)

[saltandburnboys.livejournal.com]

Awwwww... :-)

xx

[milly-gal.livejournal.com]

I have nothing to add here, other than, you are completely right, it *is* hard and we all need to remember that, even if it's not our bag, some one somewhere gave their all to a piece, art writing or otherwise, and we don't *owe* a comment, but we do owe respect for the work involved! *hugs* I've more than once sat there and thought, "why bother" with certain things, especially when you take the time to make it as enjoyable an experience for everyone involved, and it's a sad feeling to have your hard work not ignored but passed by. xx

[supernutjapan.livejournal.com]

I feel exactly the same way about the reviews and icons and banners and fic I make. It gets so hard sometimes to continue to trudge on, I have to keep telling myself I'm doing it for me :) It's so nice when people take the time to comment <3<3

[fireheart13.livejournal.com]

Yes, this. I DO write for myself, but if there's no audience. no feedback, it's like performing a one-man show in an empty theater. Part of the experience is feeling how you've affected/entertained/enlightened the audience.

[fireheart13.livejournal.com]

When you read something someone has taken the time to write, please leave a little comment to let them know.

Even if you thought it wasn't all that, pick out a positive thing about it and say something nice.

If you don't have time to write a gushing review, just a smily face could make their day.

If you want to lurk, that's cool. But just a little wave to say you appreciate someone taking the time - to write 2.5k of Samstiel, 100k of crossover gen or some chibi!J2cowboys or whatever you find that makes you smile - doesn't mean you have to give up your anonymity. We won't hunt you down.

Writing is hard. Art is hard.

Typing : ) or ♥ in the comments takes less than two fucking seconds. And it can make so much difference to the way someone is going to feel that day.

YES YES YES YES YES

this x 1,000. A million.

*HUGS*

[alexisjane.livejournal.com]

*hugs you tight* : ) xx

[sophiap.livejournal.com]

Agreed so very, very much. A simple "loved this!" comment on a story I wrote years ago (especially if it's one of the 'stories of my heart') can make all the difference on a crappy day. I need to remember that whenever I read someone else's story.

I understand all too well about having a crisis of confidence about writing, especially if something I enjoyed writing didn't seem to trip anyone else's trigger. It doesn't help when people say they're looking forward to reading it later... and they never do (or never tell me they do).

One of the things I do like about AO3 is the kudos function. I know some people don't like it because it can mean fewer comments, but I read each kudos as a "I really liked this!" comment that might not otherwise have been left.

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

Ha ha I read a kudos as someone too lazy to comment, or they thought it was just about ok but not worth saying anything, or they just like to leave their mark 'XX woz here'. They are better than nothing, but don't really warm my cockles.

Yissss

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

I see your blissful kitty and raise you one Little Owl.

Re: Yissss

[saltandburnboys.livejournal.com]

Oh my gosh, what a little cutie. :-D. I really spend way too much time on here coz all I see is owl!Jensen...I also lay some of the blame at kinkajou's feet, of course. I always see animal!J2 now whenever I see a cute animal pic/gif, lol, and it's totally because of her, lol... ;-)

xx

[chomaisky.livejournal.com]

I'll try harder at leaving comments. I try to leave more than a :) or loved it! under a fic because I know it definitely deserves better. I'm pretty inarticulate when it comes to reviews and comments. But I'll try!

[alexisjane.livejournal.com]

I do that thing where I want to say something really nice but haven't got the brainpower/time so I think I'll come back later...but then never do! So I'm trying to be good and just leave something rather than nothing at all.
I think you're pretty good at commenting though, Hun. I see your name lots and lots : ) xx

[wendy.livejournal.com]

This is exactly why I try to comment as much as I can manage -- and not just on fic. It always annoys me when people complain about LJ being dead when all they do is make a post and then go away. They don't leave comments or respond to comments. I guess for them, LJ IS dead. For me, it's a place to connect and that takes two people.

Sorry! Side rant that was not even your point!

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

That is a VERY good point about responding to comments too - I have got to the stage now where if I read a fic and love it, I don't leave a comment if the author clearly isn't responding to them and hasn't for a while. I mean what is the point? I want them to know I like it, I don't want it to be a shout in the void, I can go to Twitter or tumblr and do that.

[ephermeralk.livejournal.com]

I have nothing else to add

so I'll just say

I LOVE YOU, BB ♥ ♥ ♥

[siennavie.livejournal.com]

Giiiiirl, you know I think you're all kinds of magic and wizardry with the pen and with the pencil and with that heaven-sent voice and just about anything else you do ♥

[tifaching.livejournal.com]

Please don't lack confidence, bb, you write very well. I'm glad you've gotten yourself on track and are writing again. It is amazing what a good comment can do for your state of mind, especially one on an older fic. Keep on writing and drawing AJ because you're very good at both!

[masja-17.livejournal.com]

Glad you got some really good feedback! You write amazing stories!

I myself don't write anything *but* comments! The only time I won't say anything is when I noticed I missed something in the summary/warnings that this was not a story for me. I usually won't even finish it then. I just read another one! :)

Love your cat gif!

*hugs*

<3

[wings128.livejournal.com]

Well said m'dear, absolutely well said!
Though I don't read all of your subject matter, I adore your writing style and wit and turn of phrase. You're a talent m'dear, and don't let anyone tell you any different.

But like you, I do wish a few more would comment. I love kudos, but a comment shows the truth of how much your effort was appreciated and enjoyed. I'm rather fond of the odd excerpt being included because sometimes it's a part that I loved writing or thought went onto the page beautifully and it's a buzz to know someone else feels that way too.

I'm the last person to tell you to chin up and carry on, because more often than not I suffer from anxiety over whether I should bother with continuing. But we absolutely should and do you know why?

It's supposed to be hard, the hard is what makes it great.

♥♥

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad someone left you that uplifting comment, because when I first started reading this post I was shocked because in my opinion, you are one of the strongest writers in any fandom I've ever been in. I LOVE your style and though I haven't read all of your work (far from it) what I've read, I've loved. But I know we all have those occasional crises of confidence and it doesn't matter HOW talented we are.

I'm glad you received that encouragement and I agree 100% about leaving comments. It's so disheartening to post something you pour your heart into and not get much of a response. I'm grateful for every kind, positive comment I receive, and I try to comment anytime I read something because it means so much.

Thank you for this post, it's a very important message to get across. <3

[yonkyu.livejournal.com]

Writing is hard. Finding the time, the right words, the effort to put your own self into the work through your love and passion for where you want to take your characters. You take them on a journey, a roller-coaster through life, as real as yourself.

It is why I created the Spread Your Love Meme. Spreading the love and effort writers/artists/video artist put into their creation to share with others. And it only takes a few seconds to leave a comment, whether it's short or long.

You are an amazing writer. Along with all those who have commented here that are your Flist. If it wasn't for our Flist sometimes the passion, motivation, and connection would keep us pushing forward to write.

Everyone here that has commented are amazing!! Including yourself!! Your art and stories are amazing and I make connections with all your characters.

Though I completely understand about writing, I think I'm the worst writer out there. My stories don't make sense and don't relate to the characters on the Show. The journey my characters go on, don't grow or make progress.

Keep writing!! Keep sharing!!! Your a writer and connect to your characters on a deep level!!!

Hugz!!

[ladygreytowers.livejournal.com]

I am lurker, and I needed to kick in the pants, you are a great writer and I always enjoy your posts. Don't let anyone (including the muse) tell you otherwise. I know writing is hard, or everyone would be able to do it. When you put words on the page your stories come to life for me. Not everyone can write that way. So, don't give up ! Oh and that picture is just adorable! Thanks.

[matchboximpala.livejournal.com]

A good reminder!

I'm sorry you've been feeling insecure about your writing. I imagine every creative person goes through that, but I hope it passes soon. Cause you shouldn't worry.

[majestic-duxk.livejournal.com]

I try to leave comments for this very reason. When I get them, I know I feel good, so surely it must make other people feel good too.

and <3 I feel you on the writing confidence thing. I am so thrilled you got a comment that's made all the difference!

[blackrabbit42.livejournal.com]

So well said. I think for a lot of us, LJ represents our "tribe" the people who really get us. To me, getting a comment is like a little mini hug, and lord knows, we all need more of those.

((((hugs)))) to you.

PS- is that Little Bub??? I just learned about her.