Sorry this is not an update. It is really hard for me to write this note, as I just arrived to this world of fan fiction (as a writer), but I find myself dreading to turn on my computer every morning, or check my emails, out of fear of what I might find in my Inbox.
When I started writing, I never once thought on doing it for reviews, comments or anything of the sort. I wrote because I love to write. Because I've read so much that I asked myself: why not try it?
I've been reading FF for years, always as a Guest. I've often left reviews in stories I loved. And I've found myself criticizing some other stories. Never to the author, but to myself. I would never presume to be entitled to reach to an author and tell them 'your work is bad, your work does not deserve to be here'.
Those are the kind of comments I've received on my stories. Not all of the comments, mind you. There have been some pretty amazing comments, and that's brought a smile to my face, even if the comment next, a pretty nasty one, would cloud that happiness.
I never wrote for the reviews, but it pains me to admit I'm going to stop writing because of them. Some might think 'just active the moderate reviews option and delete them'. Yes, I thought so myself.
But then, I also thought: I'm doing this for me, because I like writing. Why do I have to live with this kind of anxiety every day? Why do I have to let those negative comments torment me?
Maybe this is drastic, and maybe I'm a coward. But I just don't think it's worth it. Life and art should be precious, appreciated. Not brought down. I don't think I want to stay in a community when that happens on a daily basis.
I'm sorry. Thank you for your time. Keep reading, keep writing, and please be nice to each other.
All my love,
Noelle.