"All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on."

(Henry Ellis)

xxx

So. I'm leaving Fanfiction for good. It's been a home for me for too long, and I need to get back to the real world. First, though, because I'm sappy and I can't leave without saying something. I don't know if anyone will read it, but even if they don't, I need to say all this, for me. So here it goes:

To all of the noobs on this site:

You seriously need to stop being bitches about your stories. Not everyone's going to kiss your ass with bad chatspeak (omfg i luv ur storie plz update k thx bai). The only way to get better is to listen to criticism. If you just get all defensive and scream at everybody who criticizes your work, you're never going to improve. And yes, you do need to improve. Everyone needs to improve. Nobody's perfect, not even me. If someone flames you, chances are there's a reason. Take a good, hard look at your work and at yourself, and be honest. Because that's the only way to ever succeed.

To everyone who's reviewed my stories:

Thank you. Thank you so much. All of your praise, criticism, and even flames have helped me become the writer and the person I am today. I will be eternally grateful, as corny as that sounds. But really, you don't know how much I appreciate it. Flame Rising, who gave me my first reality check, thank you. And thank you to all of my positive (and negative) reviewers that helped me along the way.

To all my friends:

You guys are amazing. Seriously. When I came her, I was pretty depressed, and through talking and writing I've been able to become something completely different. I'm confident, self-assured, and capable, and it's thanks to you. You all are incredible writers and people. Never stop writing, and never stop caring the way you do. You helped me help myself and a lot of other people. Everyone on T/D and the Miscellany, you guys are awesome. I love you, and I'll never forget you. I can't even express how grateful I am. I did the best I could with my oneshot below, "Who We Are," which I hope you guys read. For the last time, I love you. Goodbye.

To everyone on this site:

If you're willing to put your work out there and listen to criticism, you are incredibly brave. If you think you have talent, don't let anything stop you, even your pride, from becoming better. Listen to what people have to say. Take their advice. It'll help you become better. Respect everyone's opinions. Help others with their work. Frankly, the bar is set pretty low right now for what's considered 'literature,' and I've seen some really incredible pieces on this site, so I hope, someday, that you'll make the writing world, and the whole world, better.