RE: Quix's Writing Samples And Other Stuff (Comments Welcome)
Okay, I just need to get this out of my head, and it might be a little jumbled because I'm not sure what I'm actually trying to say, XD.
I've been humbled, in a good way, by a few comments that I've received lately, both from people I've never spoken to previously, and current story partners, in regards to my writing. The first time I ever wrote anything, apart from smutty IM roleplays, was barely twelve months ago. I still consider my writing to be only adequate, and at a novice level; mostly due to how long, and how much mental energy it takes for me to compose a post, and my inherently perfectionist (when I'm interested in something) nature. I hesitate, and double-guess myself, before hitting the post reply button on any of my stories.
I've no idea how it reads to the person on the other end, but when I go back, I always note what I could have done better, or where it seems stilted. I've a competitive nature, a hatred of losing - at anything - , and if I decide to put my mind to something I want to be as good at it as I can possibly be. Everything can always be be improved. That's not to say I don't find the writing relaxing and enjoyable at the same time, because I do, however the comments I've received have made me re-think my own abilities, and changed my perspective a little in regards to the apparent notice some people take of what I have to say.
My threads, for example. One of the comments yesterday was that me not being interested in collaborating on a story (for reasons I gave), and her re-reading a thread of mine, had made the person who messaged me a better writer. It astounded me that people actually care about the opinion of an anonymous person over the internet, and provided food for thought. My thread is intended to be sarcastic, hyperbolic, and humourous, and yes maybe a little intimidating, but not in the manner she went on to mention. Possibly my writing, and what I express, has more impact than I imagined, and still find hard to believe, and I need to take into account that not everyone allows other people's opinions to wash off as easily as water off a duck's back as do I. As far as I'm concerned, there's nothing to be intimidated by. I still read my partners responses, and am amazed at how talented and skilled they are.
And, yes Mali, you do have to admit I'm right again. No need to worry, I'm used to it, XD