I will say this before most of you read this. If you are willing to wait for updates when I have something, anything to give you, then this message is not for you. If you want to read something just to feel like you are entitled to harass the writer into writing more on it, then this is for you.
This weekend I was doing my normal thing of reblogging other sites for the Kittyinaz’s Reblog Page. It is meant no more than to let others who follow me know what I like to read and who I follow. A way to let others know of stories they may like.
But I got a review that upset me at first, then made me sit back and rethink.
The person wasn’t rude, but instead commented on a post from another person a kind reminder to finish my stories.
Now, I do know most of you are very patient with me, and I greatly appreciate it. However, the few ruin the moment for the most.
I spent Monday-Thursdays working on my original fiction. And since 1) my writing is not a normal 9-5 job, I end up working most of the hours I am awake. My breaks are when I spend an hour or two with hubby, and make dinner. I have been up until 4am only to go to bed, then maybe have 2-6 hours of sleep before I am up repeating.
Then I spend Fridays (if I am able) as well as Saturday and Sunday working on Fanfiction. All to make sure those that read the Fanfiction are not ignored. The free time I have those days, I end up sleeping or trying to spend time with others in my family.
I get no days off. And this review made it where I felt even more guilty for spending any time away from the computer.
Something has got to give.
Now I truly love writing, and when a story idea comes across, I can write upwards of 3 chapters a day with over 2K words in each. Which is happening with the fic that I am currently writing because the muse doesn’t want to let it go.
But it has been a learning process. If I had known whatI do now, I wouldn’t put aside a project to work on others because people are wanting me to. I also spent a year not writing pretty much, because for one thing I truly thought I had no talent for it, and two, I was sick. Like I ended up losing my job cause I was so sick. Needless to say, I was depressed.
It was due to Faeregina that I even came back to writing fanfiction. Without her encouraging me, I would never have started In The End. I still have 3 stories I wasn’t writing on, because again, I was depressed. I would have never started in this fandom since I was still writing in Alice, Alice in Wonderland and Tin Man. And to be fair, those people are the most patient people in the world. Not once do I ever get a message if I am going to finish, instead I get notes on how much they enjoy the works.
However I feel haunted and guilty if I am not working on something, and it is only now I realized that I have no time for myself. I am always working on something, and when I do spend time to myself, it makes me depressed and guilty.
I am a workaholic.
That is nothing new to anyone that knows me. There was a project at work that I ended up working 7am – 10pm Mon-Sat. And Sundays if there were no others that would come in to cover the supervisor positions. As well as my own work, which was more than enough to fulfill a normal work person’s time. But that was normal for me.
Now, I get so many demands (yes demands…) that I update something. I am working on all I can. I have stories that I want to get back to, but feel guilty when I have demands for others. I try to force myself to work on some stories just to have people leave me alone. Instead, I get great amounts of crap that I will not let anyone read cause they really suck. But the stories that are percolating in my brain? Those get ignored though I could type them out in less time that it takes me to get one of the others out.
For instance, All I Want? A week and a half to write that. Seriously. Crossing the Fine Line? 2 weeks. Because of more research than I normally do on a project as well as there was personal drama during that time.
3 chapters of In The End? 3 weeks.
Not kidding.
I am getting really close to making everything private. But then, I refuse to ruin things for the masses for those few who feel that they have the right to harass me to update on a story they are getting to read for free. One that I poured alot of my time, effort, sleeplessness, health and so on into. Never asking more than maybe a review? Because I am not being bad, I sometimes don’t remember to review. I try, but I know it isn’t possible. But if it somewhere where I can ‘like,’ follow, favorite or anything to let the writer know I read their stuff, I do.
If you don’t want to read anything unless it is finished, I don’t blame you. I will never abandon a story, but there are times that the muse for that story has taken a vacation, and left no forwarding address or a way for me to get hold of her. Instead of being totally silent then, I work on something else. I try to let you guys know what is going on.
I’m sorry this is nothing but a rant, but hell, I spent all day stewing about this, realizing that taking some time to myself is not wrong. Though I will feel guilty about it and be back to writing soon enough.
So please, next time you hound a writer for an update, think of what you are demanding. Cause I will tell you as one of them harassed, I am more likely to pull everything down than start writing on it because of you demanding that I do. To me, it is the same as you working for free, then me demanding you work more for free because I feel like it.
Now I am going to relax. And again, this is nowhere directed to the majority, it is to those that never seem to realize that they are being slavemasters to a group of people that are working for free on top of their normal lives that we people live. Or if they are like me, realize they deserve a chance to play games, go out, learn something new and so on.
Cause life is way too short to feel guilty for demanding people who give nothing back but negative feelings. I can write these stories and never share them.
Kittyinaz
I’m so sorry for what is going on for you. I am a huge fan of your twilight crossover stories. And if I have ever made you feel this way I’m so very sorry. You are a wonderful author and I literally do happy dances when I see you update, but please take time to your self we will be here waiting for when you are ready to give us more.
Thank you!
You are a beautiful writer and I hope that you find a way to juggle your life and all of your passions. I hope it wasn’t my comment that hurt you and if it was, I apologize. I’ve read so much of your writing and I only wanted you to know that your words always bring me happiness. Write at your pleasure, because your passion shows and we love you for it.
It wasn’t yours. This person does it a lot with a select few others. Like I said I had to sound off in the hope it may make people think twice before demanding updates from other authors.
Sorry you are getting harassed by people for updates. I know what you mean – I’ve seen many a review that consists solely of something along the lines of ‘UPDATE PLZZZZZZZ!!!’, and sometimes even stronger than that. I can see how that would be frustrating.
I think about the most I’ve been guilty of is something along the lines of what I did earlier this evening. I was leaving a review on a new story from an author who has written a number of stories I’ve enjoyed. At the end, I mentioned two earlier stories that haven’t been updated in two years, told her how much I’d enjoyed them, and that I hoped the inspiration would return some day to complete them. I do try hard not to come across as demanding, and try to leave a compliment as well.
In your case, I’ve never done that, nor would I, as you do keep us updated as best as you can. I’m aware that the muse seems to have at least temporarily done a runner from What If, so will wait patiently for its return. Honestly, how you can keep on top of all you have on the go beats me.
Thank you. Most people just don’t think about the work we authors put into these stories, only to have when are you going to update as a reply.
I normally ignore these, but this was just the straw that broke the camels back.
Plus it’s happening to other writers. If this makes people think, then I’ll be happy.
Remember that sign I made and shared with you a long while back: FAIR WARNING: COMPLAINTS RESULT IN DELAYED CHAPTERS? Yeah. Said motto is still highly relevant.
You’ve touched on one of my sore points when it comes to writing fanfic. This is not our job – this is a hobby that we choose to share with others FOR FREE. We’re providing free entertainment – FREE ENTERTAINMENT – for which we’re doing damn good to receive a tiny portion of reviews considering the number of hits per chapter. (That’s another gripe I have…)
Granted I feel that we writers are entering into an unofficial contract with our readers to actually finish what we start, but no one said chapters HAD to be TIMELY, and whatever “timely” is, it’s solely up to the writer. “Timely” depends entirely upon the writer’s real life, the writer’s job, the writer’s kids and family and state of health and inspiration and all the other things that entitled readers purposefully forget/refuse to consider. “Timely” is in no way defined, dependent upon, or controlled by any reader.
FANFIC DOES NOT WORK THAT WAY.
So, you write when you write, you edit when you edit, and you post when you damn well want to. Three chapters in a week? Great! Muse takes a vacay from a particular story for a year? Fine! Readers can love it, leave it, or wait until it’s finished to savor it.
Whatever – it’s all good. ♥
All I have to say is..*standing ovation*
Thanks Meridian. And much as always to you!!
**wobbly bow!**
I love it when readers are excited for a story – it’s gratifying and it really does feed that greedy muse – but when it tips the scale over into pissy, demanding, and sometimes outright harassing entitlement…yeah, I get nasty.
Exactly!
Get it girl! Don’t listen to the very few haters out there. I understand feeling guilty when the muse is locked up tight. But I refuse to post mediocre work without my know-it-all angel. Lol! Keep being you, because that is who we adore!
You have a few stories I would love for you to finish and yes I wish you could update more often but honey life gets in the wa . We all understand tha . Don’t worry if someone is hounding yo . You do what you need t . And if I have ever come across badly I sincerely apologiz . I just look forward to when you do get the chance to update because I just go back and reread the whole story again so its like ne .
You are not an issue, though I understand the rereading of a fic, since not only do I do it on other stories, I reread my own quite frequently. The worst part is when I get mad at the muse for not finishing it.
You’ll finish the . I have faith in you and your muse. Btw, my favorite two are the Bella/ Godric and What If
🙌👏😉
Take care of you!
Sorry someone out there is being a real ass ! I appreciate your work ..i get real antzy wanting more. But being ungrateful is not what its about
Some readers are ungrateful asses. I wish that they would see what you fanfiction authors do as the gift it truly is. I mostly read SVM/TB stories. I am so unhappy about how CH and AB ended these stories that I am grateful to all the FF authors for giving me options I can live with. If it take a while for an author to update then that means I get to reread a story that I love enough to follow anyway. What a hardship…LOL. What I kinda do not really get is how you thought you had no talent. You are way talented. Because of you I have read crossover fiction and really loved it. I have never done that with another author. A favorite author of mine is Ericizmine. we all know that those fine stories will never be finished. I love each and every gem of hers and rearead all of her stories. Even the unfinished ones. I can’t really be mad at her for dying. I think that you are right up there with her in the caliber of stories that you write. I will love any stories that you care to update. Of course your personel life comes first. it should. If people cannot understand that they should take a flying leap. Keep up the good work that you do and I will enjoy what you post when you post. Thank you for the time you take to tell a good story for my pleasure.
Thank you!!! I mostly did this cause it bothered me and I hoped that readers might get it. Too often this is happening to writers other than me.
But your review made me smile, so thanks!!
Darlin, take your time writing. If they can’t deal with that, then that’s their problem. There is so much fanfiction out there that they can find other stuff to read until you post more. It’s what I do. I don’t even necessarily follow the other people’s stories. It’s just to pass time until you, Stars, Harley and a couple of others posts. So, don’t rush for impatient people.
Thanks sweetie!! That means the world.
I really hate when this happens…
I hate when readers do not appreciate what FF writers do, they take their FREE TIME to give us wonderful stories with our favorite characters; I’m in the SVM/TB fandom and honestly the stories of my favorite FF writers are better than the books or the show! So people be grateful for everything these writers do for us.
Sending you a huge hug…
Jackie69
Thank you!
People are very insensitive . Know the you are a wonderful writer .
So sorry that some people take the FF writers for granted and demand updates. Do I wish updates from all those I follow come regularly? Hell, yes, but we should all know that real life comes first and shame on them for thinking otherwise. They are just selfish and only thinking of themselves. I do not write but create with yarn by spinning it and knitting sweaters and socks and totally understand when a creative vibe just isn’t there and it sucks. The last thing needed is to be berated by someone else cause you do enough of it to yourself during that time. Sending lots of virtual hugs your way.
Ahh tell’em to take a long walk off a short pier! The fact that you take the time to write and share your wonderful imagination is amazing and I’m very grateful to you and all fanfic writers out there. Sure I’d love it if you all could be updating/creating such wonderful stories on a daily basis – then again winning millions would also make my day! 😂 Big hugs 🤗
Me too!! Then I could just do FanFiction!!
I’m sorry you have had to deal with that kind of crap, Wendy. Personally, I see any update from you as a gift and grin from ear to ear when I get the notification in my email. They’re these priceless gems I feel blessed to be able to enjoy. There should never be a demand for a gift. It should be freely given as the giver chooses. You are an amazingly talented writer with an incredible imagination you willing to share with all. Tell those people who are bitchin’ to kiss your ass and go away. You are surrounded by people who graciously accept all you are willing to share with us, encourage you to write as your muse sees fit, and just love you as you are.
Thank you!! I didn’t want the outpouring, just to get it off my chest and for others. So thank you.
I’m so so sorry that this even had to be said. As the other ladies said we do this for free. Some people have lives and family to take care of. I love your Twilight and Twilight crossovers. But you also got me into other fandoms. I get really excited when you update a story I love. It gives me a reason to re-read it. Does everyone know the number of stories you have going, or what ideas you have, or that your muse won’t shut up and makes you write it out. Not to mention your orig work. I will admit I don’t read all of your stuff. But I have read a lot of it. You write more than anyone I know. It is amazing to me how you can work on so many stories.
I started 3 stories of my own. My muse left me. I’ve been doing a lot of reading. Then I get a bug up my butt to edit. By the time I’m done I don’t want to think of the story. It amazes me the amount of work you do. You amaze me. So I say pooey on that person. I love your writing and love that you share so much of your life with us.
It still amazes me that I still get new followers and fav for my stories even though I haven’t updated in so so long. Please don’t give up. As you said there are more that love you then not.
I normally don’t comment on things. I just hang around and listen. But it made me mad that someone upset you like that. I can understand if someone doesn’t like the direction a story is going. You’ve thrown me for a loop once or twice changing directions. But I have learned some people have a whole story pre written, some don’t. I didn’t My muse was just working overtime. Like I know yours does at times. When she is out, you just have this need to write. I love when that happens for you. We get some great stuff then.
Ok this is way too long. Just know those that love you will stick with you no matter what. I am one of those people. Just keep doing what your doing hon.
You hit on so many points!!
I often don’t know why muse does these things then later I’m alll, oh my god!!! That makes sense, or where the heck are we going? Nowadays, I have most of it journaled or written on my new works.
I can say All I Want and Crossing the Fine Line through me a bit, but I enjoyed the rides they gave me.
And yes, I would love to finish stories, like I like getting all these messages of when am I going to update and so on.
But thanks for the review!! I never did this but to get some huge ass venting gone, and to try to save some of my friends from it, though I sadly know that it might not change anything.
Take time for yourself….as much as you need. I too am a workaholic. I’m usually doing TWCS at work on my laptop and on my phone at my other volunteer “job”. Much <3 fro your stories and you.
Not to mention school which starts again in Oct…..ACK.
honey ignore them if all they do is bash you try to find a way to block them. and for goodness sake SLOW DOWN yes I look forward to your updates as everyone else here but not at the risk of your health mental or physical. in a way it is a back handed compliment to you that they are in such a hurry to read something from you but if they are brain dead morons who can’t realize you have other stuff to do well……… TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF FIRST> we’ll still be here when you get back.
A good rant is always good… So rant away because you need it…
Unfortunately the world is filled with the minor jerks who know how to push buttons… You’re an amazing writer and one of the first to intro me into fanfiction! You have guts that I admire putting yourself out there knowing the possibility of crushing criticisms and yet still write and publish for the simple joy of it… Your simple joy is ours as well… Do what you need to do to get those muses going and don’t worry about the minor jerks who obviously don’t have lives and so have nothing better to do than harrass the talented like yourself…
Oh and thank you for the card, sorry it took a while to respond, like you, my life got in the way and this is actually my first foray back into reading your wonderful stories in months… LOVE all of the updates and stories btw, especially the Cole/Bella one… He is so hot and there should be more fanfics of them just because I think he’s hot!! ;-p so thank you for making one!
Take your time girl, I’m sure even your muses need a break…
Hey take your time and don’t stress out. This is supposed to be fun for you not stressful.
F*ck the ungrateful people! I have never understood why people think that you (fan fiction writers) owe them anything. I can’t wait for In The End to be finished and posted but you will get to it when you can. Oh and you NEED to sleep more than 2 -6 hours, it may help with any medical issues! Love you and your stories!
You are doing just fine. Be kind to yourself.
Write what you want when you want all of the writes are gifts to us they givethier time and talent they have lives and fhier lives have drama grow up people be thankful that they shared the talent with us and thier lives they are doing a wonderful job give them all love and kisses not yelling and screaming be thankful we have them I know true fans will always be waiting for when ever you post
Thank you all for the gifts you give us
Ericsbickerchick
YOU are amazing, your work is amazing, take care of you first, most people forget that you writers do this as a hobby, as a way to release. I enjoy what you produce, and can’t till I see updates, but the in between time means I can just retread your awesomeness.
Thank You for all you do👏
Take your time and don’t stress. I love your stories but I don’t expect you to drop your life for an update. I wish I had half the talent you do but I’m pretty sure my brats got it all. Have fun writing and quit worrying about negative people.