Forces of Another Story - Part 2


In every story, there is a writer. A writer who goes through the motions of telling a compelling story, yet has to be met with strife along the way. One such writer is no real exception...


Starring:

Dale the Chameleon - Monologuing and Ranting


A Small Village Northeast of Albion; In a small cottage

Dale: "Bah. Another reviewer. Listen, if you really hate my story, just state it out of your anonymous figure. It's not that hard making an account!"

[I am Dale. A light blue Chameleon born out in the outskirts of Central City, mostly in the suburbs. I am a writer of many a tale. Some bold, some terrifying. Though all, in the harsh words of many...are generic and dull.]

Dale: *Gets off his computer and starts making himself some coffee.*

[Being a writer means having to deal with harsh criticism. Constructive as they may try to be, they do not realize that I am but a simple person. A simple chameleon who writes a simple story. I don't aim to be an amazing author. Heck, I wrote a story about some flying rainbow pony that created a 'Sonic Rainboom'. How absurd is that?]

The Past; 5 Years Ago

[Let me start at the beginning... I was someone who aspired to be a great author, having at least the creativity...]

Dale: *Presents his latest story to the press. A day later, the news openly mocks his story.*

[...but none of the skills. I have tried many avenues. So very many. But alas, most of my attempts were shot down. All but one... I decided to try out a website for posting stories. A humble little site and with plenty of stories to read from. I decided to post my own. It was this story regarding cute creatures going through an amazingly intense journey together, becoming ever closer for it. I got love; I got hate. But I made a story people noticed. I felt accepted in this wide-open site. But then... The pressures of real life tore me from my work. I slowly became disinterested in doing more; not from a lack of trying, but from a lack of inspiration.]

Green Hill Zone; During Chapter 1 of Sonic the Hedgehog

Dale: *Walking across the grass, trying to think of any kind of story to write.* "No... I've done a flying squirrel story... Maybe one involving a jackrabbit?" *Stops suddenly at the sound of sudden fighting.*

[And then... I saw it. Inspiration. I saw a blue hedgehog facing off against a flying hovercraft using egg-person. This...was what I needed. Writing down notes, I began to learn about these characters. Following them to all sorts of places, from a factory of sorts, to a flying fortress shaped like a egg planet, to even the brave unknowns of space...which led me to a place called ARK. Huh... I expected more space travel... Anyway, I had a story. I had a truly compelling one. One I thought everyone would enjoy, especially with families!]

The Cottage

*Only a mere few days after the story was released...*

Review 1: "Ugh this story is so bad..."

Review 2: "So many mistakes lol. What an amateur"

Review 3: "Can you at least pretend like you know how to write?"

[...I was wrong. So very wrong.]

Dale: *In the fetal position away from his computer, sobbing.*

[I truly tried to make a good story based on this random hedgehog's adventures through our world. But in the end, I just got bombarded by hatred. I did see the occasional review try to give me pointers, but these sadly are beyond me. I've been so far gone in my writing that I've degraded in quality. A disgraceful look into a poor man's skill on a keyboard as he just types away what's on his mind. Meanwhile, these anonymous messengers come in, leaving these 'Guest Reviews' that just make me feel...bitter about myself. I know some try to help. But it all just feel like they talk down to someone like they are mentally challenged... I am not saying I'm suicidal. Heavens no! I would not go that far for some stupid story, even if it was my magnum opus.]

Present Day; Cottage

Dale: *Drinks his coffee with a tired expression.* "And...delete... Ugh..."

[To say my spirits have been thoroughly crushed is an understatement. As I type this, I am merely on Chapter 61 of my ongoing series. But do I even keep going? I don't even feel like it...]

Dale: *Looks at the 'Delete Story' option on the Edit Story page.* "...Nobody'll miss it, right? No doubt..."

*A review then comes in.*

User: Teal: "Not bad. But why the bold font?"

[I stop in my tracks, observing this...rather odd review. No real ill intent or condescending tone, but nothing complimentary. More...a genuine question... I reply...]

Dale: "...To compensate for the chapter's text during writing."

[And that's kind of where it truly began. A random user who I barely knew seemed to enjoy what kind of story I had to provide, giving a simple yet very nice review or question I could answer. After a time, I did see this 'Teal' as a friend. A simple, yet engaging friend. Maybe one day we can cross paths. Maybe even speak about some random facts... But for now, I accept them as my inspiration to keep going. If at least one person enjoys what I provide, then... I see no reason to stop...]