2002-03-19 - 1:07 p.m.
A More Coherent Expression of Glee

Some fanfic authors are all excited about having produced some 3,700 words, representing 10 chapters, in about two months' time. I've written 10,400 or so words in the last 6 days, representing 12 chapters, and I'm still going strong. I meant for the story to be all angsty, but I have this wicked glee about pushing the characters into strange situations and still faithfully portraying how they would react; I think it's bleeding through.

Here's one comment about my story, written after chapter 11, to illustrate my point:

"Love it. It's great to have a comic yet adventurous Jonathon story, plus I am enjoying how quickly you sow confusion, disguises, and sudden meetings. Since Wesley is also such a great character, I'm looking forward to more. Plus, it's funny to have someone play off the proliferation of Englishmen on the show."

And here's one that *really* made me feel good, from after chapter 7 was posted:

"I am really enjoying this story. It is very well written, and the details and characterizations are superb. I can't wait to find out who Jonathan is disguised as, I hope to read more soon!"

Heh. My brother still thinks I'm being an idiot with this fanfiction stuff, but I've never gotten quick, decent critical response to anything I've ever written before. (Except maybe guestbook comments here, *lol*) Writing for an appreciative audience is a whole new experience for me. Now I have a decent chance to mature further as an author. I wish I'd discovered this genre earlier, it's so much fun, the words practically fly out from under my fingertips.

And people say reading all the time is a waste. If I hadn't read so much, I wouldn't have near the idea of story progression, detail, characterization, and word choice that I do. And then where would my pretty little ambitions be? On rung # 03 of my 100-step Ladder of Ambition, not rung # 39, that's where. I've seen so many good ideas poorly executed by enthused yet unskilled writers; that's the real waste.

Okay, I've tooted my own horn enough now. *grin* I'm sorry. I just couldn't help it. I'm really, really enjoying the feedback, and I know this exciting early period never lasts very long with any hobby, so I'm determined to wallow in it a little. Then, I can remember the warm glow later in slow periods.

I'll remember that no matter who's shitting on me in any given day, someone out there had a bright moment because of me. That's the kind of self-esteem boost I really need, the kind I starve for during the blank low-social-interaction periods of my life.

Well, I'd better turn my writing to a more sober task now; I have the Technology Department Newsletter to finish off today. Blessings and good luck!