Monday, February 20, 2012

Sorry

I've withdrawn my story from the campaign.

I only endured one day!  It was the first time I've ever shared my writing, other than some pending short story submissions, and I felt too exposed.  I don't know why others didn't like it, but it may have been the subject matter.  Just by personal taste, I know it's hard to get past something I normally wouldn't choose to read.  Regardless, it was an enlightening experience, if not the positive one I was hoping for.  I'm not changing my personal style- if I write my novel only for myself, I'm okay with that.
Tomorrow I'll return to my normal blogging.

18 comments:

  1. I'm sorry I missed your story! Thanks for commenting on mine.

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  2. Nick- Thanks for joining my blog! I'm heading over to return the favor. About withdrawing my story, I guess I'm just not as brave as I should be yet!

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  3. We all have moments when we question ourselves. It was a good story. As to the like buttons, I've only had a couple myself. Though I didn't put a link to it or what number I was to make it easier to find. I think part of the issue is that there are so many to read. I've barely even started going through them. Putting ourselves out there is hard and you were brave and strong to do it.

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    1. You are so sweet, and yes! I was totally questioning myself. This is going to be a struggle for me as a writer, as much as I know that it's a part of the process.

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  4. Hi there! I didn't get to read your story but wanted to give you some encouragement. It was very hard to expose my writing to everyone in the beginning when I first started. I took every criticism very personal because I felt that my writing was an extension of myself. But then I realized that 90% of the other writers only wanted to help. So now I love getting feedback because that will only make my writing better. I still struggle with doubt on my writing abilities, I think even the greatest writers out there struggle with this. Good luck with your writing! I hope you try again. :)

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  5. I am sorry I missed your story, too! :( But, just yesterday I was in my poetry class and one of the only comments was "There are numerous spelling and grammatical errors in this" Well, I didn't see them. I'm wondering if they were there (though, the grammatical things I can see). It made me feel like a bad writer...and I cried! So, I'm still not good at sharing things with people. I don't think I'll ever be completely comfortable with it.

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  6. Alynza- Thank you for turning around how I felt about this experience. Putting my writing out there was a little like standing naked on a street corner, but you're right, there are many things I can learn from others. I'm kind of wishing I hadn't taken it down now.

    Ashley- Thank you sooo much for sharing your own experience. Not all exposures will have positive feedback, and I need to learn to be okay with that. You made me feel better and I appreciate that.

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  7. I'm sorry I missed it too. It is tough to be criticized but so long as you like what you write and enjoy doing it you should not let anyone push you away. good luck in the future.

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    1. Thanks for the encouragement! I knew it was going to be tough but I didn't realize it was going to be quite so difficult for me. I think I'd do better if I couldn't see the minute by minute feedback. Maybe.

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  8. Hugs. You have to write true to yourself.

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  9. Take your time but remember some day you have face the audience who may kiss your feet or rip your throat depending on their mood that particular day/time....the likes, despite the caveat that only fellow campaigners should vote...I have seen instances where others have voted too...and I got my first like after 48 hours. It hurt momentarily but I am used to bigger story rejections in the last six months or so...write for yourself not what others will like.

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  10. Traci K.- Thanks for the hug!

    Rek- You're absolutely right. I have to be able to withstand the critics, and actually no one was negative. I just have to prepare myself and this experience, even though I withdrew, has helped me brace for the next time.

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  11. Honey, I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to read your story. I hope that when you feel ready, you'll be able to share your work again. Sending a handful of sunshine your way.

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  12. Thank you for your kind thoughts! I'm building myself up to be braver next time:)

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  13. Honey, I am sorry I did not get by to say hello, or to read your story before you pulled it out of the competition. You should not put too much pressure on yourself when writing! Noone really, if they are honest with themselves believes in their work 100% I hope your future is bright!

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    1. Thank you for your advice. I do tend to stress myself out! I appreciate all the kindness returned to me in my moment of self-doubt:)

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  14. I'm bummed, too! I would have liked to read it. It does take courage to put your work out there for critiquing. Give yourself time and keep writing on your blog. It will get easier.

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