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First Responders (or How a Response Keeps Me Writing)
3 months ago
Others are talking about this and it seems fair to comment on it:
We, as writers, thrive on response. I know the website says a bunch of folks read my works, but if they don't reply, how am I to know whether it was worth their time to do so?
Despite knowing that, I too have ceased posting as much because it doesn't feel like anyone is reading what I post. Sure, I'd like to think that, someday in some odd universe likely not this one, I will be recognized and lauded for the pap I write, but I stopped writing for that purpose a while ago. Now, I write because it's fun and because my son bugs me to "write the next chapter! I want to know what happens next!" This, even when the characters in the story are sometimes HIS and I am writing off his own words or input.
It isn't about how MANY people read what you wrote - it's about the response that says they are interested enough to say something about it. Even if it's just "I read this. I'd like to see more."
That little bit is all it takes to keep fingers hitting the keyboard (cause it sure isn't pen and paper anymore).
Addendum:
Simultaneously, if the same three people respond to a post, that means those same three people are actively paying attention to what is being written. That is three other people whose lives I have touched with my words, whether it was for good or ill. I appreciate those three people because they ARE taking time out of their lives to read and respond, even if it was, "neat idea." or the like. While that kind of response doesn't help, it also does not hinder me. I can't ask for an in-depth response to everything, because that is too time consuming (though a certain fellow with the word "helix" in his name has spent far more time and been far more helpful than anyone else ever has been. You know who you are and you are, by far, the one most influential on how my writing has progressed over the years. It is only fair to publicly thank you.
If you read my stuff, please just leave something in the comments. Even if it's a period or a comma - it lets me know it has been read; that someone cared enough to look into the universe inside my head. I can't guarantee I will do the same (because some people might wonder "WTF does a period mean?"), but if you want me to do the same, let me know. I know that little bit of engagement, as mentioned above, makes all the difference sometimes.
We, as writers, thrive on response. I know the website says a bunch of folks read my works, but if they don't reply, how am I to know whether it was worth their time to do so?
Despite knowing that, I too have ceased posting as much because it doesn't feel like anyone is reading what I post. Sure, I'd like to think that, someday in some odd universe likely not this one, I will be recognized and lauded for the pap I write, but I stopped writing for that purpose a while ago. Now, I write because it's fun and because my son bugs me to "write the next chapter! I want to know what happens next!" This, even when the characters in the story are sometimes HIS and I am writing off his own words or input.
It isn't about how MANY people read what you wrote - it's about the response that says they are interested enough to say something about it. Even if it's just "I read this. I'd like to see more."
That little bit is all it takes to keep fingers hitting the keyboard (cause it sure isn't pen and paper anymore).
Addendum:
Simultaneously, if the same three people respond to a post, that means those same three people are actively paying attention to what is being written. That is three other people whose lives I have touched with my words, whether it was for good or ill. I appreciate those three people because they ARE taking time out of their lives to read and respond, even if it was, "neat idea." or the like. While that kind of response doesn't help, it also does not hinder me. I can't ask for an in-depth response to everything, because that is too time consuming (though a certain fellow with the word "helix" in his name has spent far more time and been far more helpful than anyone else ever has been. You know who you are and you are, by far, the one most influential on how my writing has progressed over the years. It is only fair to publicly thank you.
If you read my stuff, please just leave something in the comments. Even if it's a period or a comma - it lets me know it has been read; that someone cared enough to look into the universe inside my head. I can't guarantee I will do the same (because some people might wonder "WTF does a period mean?"), but if you want me to do the same, let me know. I know that little bit of engagement, as mentioned above, makes all the difference sometimes.
You will have to go by my word and faith that I read. You can hate me, but I am not sure I have the heart to period else might just start putting random Helixeeze words and sentences on a story and we don't want that. But write on.
Good words written fc... good words indeed...
*hugs...
Vix
I very much appreciate your time and comments, my friend. Just wanted you to know.
Vix
This wuff does appreciate your writing, and Vrghr is also guilty of just clicking the "fav" button but failing to reply, far too often.
Wuff frequently has one sort of excuse or another for it, but it's still wrong to do because wuffy, playing at being a writer himself, knows better!
Thank you for the time you've taken to grace us with your gifts. And wuff hopes your son continues to enjoy your work as well. Great to have an advocate and motivator like that so close to hand. *GRIN*