Looking Back · 1:44am Mar 22nd, 2012
It's funny, actually, looking back at all of my stories. A part of me wants to purge everything before All Paths Lead Home from the site. Why? Because I have an incredibly bad habit of hating everything I write the second I post it. I can't read my stories anymore becuase all I can see are little flaws. Little things I should have done differently. And they bug me. (For example, I can't see past the fact I conceived, planned and wrote Perfect The Way You Are in five hours. Because of that, I just can't judge it as a 'proper' piece work - regardless of whether or not it is enjoyable.)
I started writing fiction back in November, and I have learned a lot in the time since. Because of this, I think I keep those early stories up as reminders. They tell me where I came from and where I am hopefully going as a writer. They may not be good (in my opinion), but they helped me learn. And that's the important thing, I guess.
Regardless, I really hope you enjoy everything I write. I put far too much of myself into my writing, and it makes all of the hours worthwhile when I see people enjoying my work. So for that, thank you.
Stay awesome!
I think every author hits this point at times, where they can only see what's wrong with their previous work. It's frustrating, but but it's what you do with the frustration that matters. Everyone starts somewhere, and everyone's at least a little ashamed of where they started. Myself, I wrote Pokemon shipfics on Yahoo! Clubs when I was in elementary. If what you posted in November were your first steps, I think I can say you've dodged a bullet. Don't go kicking yourself.
And for what it's worth, Perfect the Way You Are is what got you my followership.
49209 Yeah. I reckon you're right. I guess it's just a sign of how we improve. I mean, if I can look back and not like my old stuff, hopefully that means I am getting better!
Who would have thought that Pony got me writing fiction? Haha. I had made brief attempts at screenplays and poetry in early high-school, but apart from a few 'creative writing' assignments for school, I had never really written a story. Funny how things change, huh? I have to say, though, the early stuff is in a considerably better shape than the first drafts. When I started, I didn't even know what a comma splice was, for example, or how to use punctuation in regards to dialogue. I actually had commas and the like outside quotation marks, haha. Thank the Lord for my editor!
Perfect was an interesting one. I have never gotten so... emotionally upset over anything I had written. It was insane. I just didn't stop till the entire thing was finished. I really can't look at it anymore. I was so exhausted after finishing it, and then editing process was so clinical. I honestly considered not posting it till a friend convinced me otherwise. I am glad I did, though. Seeing people enjoy it was the best feeling ever and something I am eternally grateful for.
49391
That's the spirit!
I think I can safely say that everyone here's been affected by the show in ways they couldn't have expected. I may have been creeped out if I weren't enjoying myself so much.
Mechanics are somehing everyone has trouble with in one way or another. I know I still do. That's where most of my embarrassment comes from.
That's precisely why I loved Perfect the Way You Are: you can feel that it's a heartfelt work. For all its faults, it has an undertone of genuine emotion. That's what makes it so strong a piece.
And I admire you for putting it up. Drawing from that well is a truly draining experience. I'm glad you were convinced; I'm more than glad that you're glad at the response.