stomachache's blog

I've been writing short creative stories on-and-off for over a month now. They're a mix of things I enjoy, fantasies I've had, and concepts I've wanted to explore. My first one was written in the first-person perspective and was unanimously well-received, but the second one was unanimously disliked, literally.

No feedback or criticism was given, so I just assumed it wasn't their cup of tea and moved on, though I would've preferred they didn't effectively downvote it. I made a very short update, since deleted, brainstorming ideas for future stories, and it received even more dislikes. Again, no feedback, and absolutely no rhyme or reason.

I didn't want to talk about how demoralizing it was, mostly because I just assumed whoever they were had some sort of inexplicable vendetta against me, or were just really cranky, but it was demoralizing, to the point where I made it so people were only able to react to it if they leave comments, in an effort to at least salvage some sense from it. I regret that it also discourages positive feedback, but it's worth it to me. I have no shame in admitting that I'm sensitive, but I'm able to receive constructive criticism, as long as it's respectful and not demeaning.

Because of this, I have no real idea how well or unwell my stories are received, apart from the one or two people who took the time to tell me they enjoyed them. I'm effecting flying blind, sending transmissions into the void, hoping that whoever or whatever receives it is pleased with what they've received. I risk ridicule with every post I make, and have no idea how likely or unlikely I am to receive it.

Ultimately, I write for myself, for my own motivations and desires. Perhaps one day I'll make a career out of it, making custom stories for pocket money. I believe that the more often I write, the better at it I'll be. I won't always do it daily, but that is the case for now.

For those of you that have not enjoyed my stories, respectfully but firmly, move on, and if you really want to say something about it, say something I can use. For those of you that have, I'm glad, and I hope that you continue to enjoy the future ones.