Sorry, Everyone. · 1:55am Mar 4th, 2017
I'm not a big fan of long goodbyes, but I also don't want to just vanish without a word, so I'll give a quick little summary of what's happening: I just can't write fanfiction anymore. I mean, I theoretically could, but it wouldn't be easy and the final product would probably be shit. For one thing, I'm dealing with a lot of emotional shit right now that has completely sapped my drive for writing, and considering my library is full of multiple unfinished stories... Well, I just can't bear to see them just sitting there forever. On top of that, when I get right down to it, I'm just not that good. Sure, I'll pat myself on the back once or twice, I'll admit I've earned that, but... Are my stories really that incredible, especially when compared what other authors have written? One user even went as far as to call me "the next Shakespearecles", which while I am beyond flattered by such a statement... No, I am nowhere near that caliber of author, and I don't think I ever will be.
I have to admit, when I first published "Hot Night Out", I didn't expect it to get much praise. Sure, it had a cheeky cover image by a great artist, and focused on characters that hadn't been touched on very often, but like a few commenters pointed out, it was a dime-a-dozen, Anon-in-Equestria story. I didn't even write it with the intent of gaining any followers, really; I just wanted to see if I could actually write decent clop, but I didn't want to do it under my usual profile (which I have also abandoned at this point).
So I guess, in summary, I just can't muster up the motivation to write anymore, so I'm cutting my losses and abandoning ship. Think of me however you'd like and say whatever you wish; one of the main reasons for wearing a mask is so people judge what it represents at face value, and not the person underneath.
Thank you all so much for your follows, keks, boners, and kind words. I'll stay online for a few days after posting this in case anyone has any questions or statements, and after that you won't be hearing from me anymore. Ill leave my profile and stories up for anyone who wants to view them after I've gone; it's the least I can do at this point.
Your pal and meme-lord,
Arkanus
Shame that you're leaving, but it's your decision. As for comparing your capabilities to others? Don't. Just don't. I used to think like that and I didn't get a lot of writing done either. You are not them. You are you. Measure yourself by what you've done and then push yourself a little further next time. Trust me, you'll be much happier that way and will improve a lot more, especially if you understand your past mistakes.
Believe me, I'm in the same boat with a bunch of unpublished and unfinished stories in my list. It gets daunting. But you gotta stand and put your writing dukes up and say "Which one of you fuckers wants a piece of me first?" Then grab the closest one and Finish Him like it's Mortal Kombat, but with your words. You're gonna get hit back, but you have to keep pushing on. It's not over until the last word is written and it's published for readers to see. Should you care what the readers think? A bit, but only if that thought is "I hope they enjoy what I do with this". If they don't like it, try something else or do it a different way.
Self-doubt WILL try to claw at you and get you to stop, but you gotta recognize it, nut-check it, and chuck it back in the basement like the little bitch it is. "Not today!" You should say to it as you slam the door and bar it.
Of course, don't forget to pace yourself. You're not a robot. But try to write 300 words a day. It's not much and it's something, even if all you write are notes. Before you realize it, you'll be cranking out 1k a day and be like "shit, I don't wanna go out/sleep/etc. I'm on a roll!"
Now get up and show yourself who's boss!
Aww man!
Well, good luck with your endeavors.
-Ru
Shame to see you go, good luck out there.
Wish you the best of luck bro.
You'll be back.
Good luck, man.
I'm sad that you're leaving, but the best of luck out there!
Why are writers always so hard on themselves? Reminds me of another writer back on SoFurry/Yiffstar years ago. Was pretty good writer, was very hard on himself, felt he was a terrible writer so he up and quit while deleting all his stories and making it known that his stories are never to be re-posted so that people later on could never read what he did post.
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I'm not going to outright say that I won't, but it isn't likely.
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I read somewhere that it's because when an artist or writer comes up with an idea and then executes it into a project, it doesn't live up to their initial mental image, so they dismiss it as a failure or at the very least not as good as it could have been. I'm guilty of feeling this way toward all of my stories, but over time I've learned two important things: one, you can't let it bother you that it isn't as good as you wanted it to be; if others enjoy your work, then it's good. Two, you will rarely, almost never, be able to complete a project to fulfill your initial expectations; learn to accept that you did the best you could, and take pride in what you were able to accomplish in he long run.
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Thank you for the kind words. I'll need all the luck I can get.
Well, everyone, it's been a real great meme and a half being here. I hope you enjoyed the little content I was able to bring to this site, and I do wish I could bring you more; like I said above, maybe I'll come back when I'm less fucked in the head and don't have as much keeping me busy. Not a huge possibility, but it's out there.
Until that time, should it ever come... See ya.
Goodbye and good luck.
4444059 no problem arkanus, i'm always ready to help a friend!
A great writer you are!
And good luck I will just be here, watching. But its just sad to see a great writer go :,( but bye.
I guess...
Dang! I just stopped by on your page to find out you left.
Hey, I know this is way too late for me to chime in, but your stuff is really good and I think the best part about it is the laid back comedy it brings. Also, if you ever need to talk about stuff going on don't keep to bottled up, sometimes talking about it could ease stress too.