Contemplating...

[queenoftheskies]

While I dearly love the contact I've made with so many people here on LJ and while I find reading other people's writing posts immensely inspirational and educational, I'm beginning to have doubts about posting my own thoughts on writing.

Mostly because I've had some e-mail complaints about the fact that I post my daily word counts and in a couple of isolated instances because people felt that my writing about discovery and how to overcome obstacles in my own writing meant that I thought I was better than other people and was looking down at them.

Well...that couldn't be further than the truth. One only has to look back at my LJ before July to see that. What I'm doing now--trying to remain optomistic and learn and make progress--is very, VERY hard work. It doesn't come easy and it doesn't come without a price.

I make these posts for myself and it helps to have input from others. There are so many people willing to help and offer advice and I always appreciate every gem of knowledge and every personal experience people are willing to relate and share. Writers on my FL are so inspirational, so talented, so willing to share.

I have no talent. I just love to write. So, why do people begrudge the fact that I'm willing to work hard and that sometimes I get rewarded by decent word count for the day or that I've learned something that really makes the writing process flow a little more smoothly for me?

I don't know. I just know that I've been dodging potshots every now and then, but yesterday, I got an e-mail that really hurt and I sat down and looked at it all again.

And realized that I'm a fake. I generate words. I write stories because I have a million ideas and I love to create. But, I have no talent and I SUCK!!!

I SUCK!!!

That's what they wanted to hear, I guess. And, yet, they accuse me of looking down at them and making it all seem easy.

Hello??? It's NOT easy. NONE of it! It's all hard and I pay for every scrap of progress I make.

But, maybe writing is better done in private? Maybe it's better not to post daily progress notes and word count meters for people to see? Maybe it's better not to explore the process, the heartache and sorrow, the victories in discovering methods that work, in front of others?

I need these posts. They help me figure out where I've been, what I'm doing, and where I'm going. They give me something to look back at when I'm down and struggling and having a hard time keeping the faith.

But, I also know that I can lock them so they're visible only to my eyes, and I'm think that maybe that's what I should start doing.

I have nothing to offer the world. No brilliant insights. No publishing news. No accomplishments even worthy of touting. I can teach no one. All I can do is post to try to keep myself going.

So, I guess I answered my own question, huh? And, see, that's what LJ is so great for. It's much easier to see the answers when you've worked the problem out and they're right there in black and white in front of you. :)

Comments

[mrissa.livejournal.com]

I don't post word count meters myself, because they're not useful to me. But I don't think you should shy away from posting them because someone else can't tell they're not the center of the universe.

[copperwise.livejournal.com]

Excuse me?

Ahem. One of the reasons I like to read other writers LJs is for the thoughts on writing. Bouncing around ideas that assist other writers, we all make each other think. Just about every writer on my list posts word counts and maunderings on the process. It's another thing that writers do. Once upon a time before Teh Intarwebs they got together and did it in person.

In addition, this is YOUR JOURNAL. Nobody is being held at gunpoint and forced to read it. If you want to post your word count and thoughts on writing, the daily stock market report, dirty jokes in Hungarian, or thoughts on the proper consistency of bowel movements, that's your business, and if someone doesn't want to read what you have to say, they are free to go piss up the proverbial rope.

Please don't let other peoples insecurities limit you.

[jmeadows.livejournal.com]

Dude.

A) You do not suck.
B) They don't have to read your posts if they feel like you're talking down to them.
C) Ignore the emails.
D) Some people are rude and jealous you get many words.
E) Ignore them or ask them to unfriend you, because neither of you are benefiting from this relationship.

NO NO NO NO!

[cicadabug.livejournal.com]

Your journal is for YOU, not for some unappreciative, lackwitted and extraordinarily rude individuals who for some unknown reason read their own insecurities into your posts (if they don't like what they read, WHY are they reading your journal?) If they have complaints, tell them to go take a long walk off a short pier, and to get a life while they're at it...

I read your posts and though I don't often respond I find it very thought-provoking, interesting. I have my own writing and my own sometimes crazy life (which has some parallels to your own), but I would never be so crass or idiotic to read judgement on them in someone else's journal. Frankly, I enjoy seeing the progress you're making, even if I'm not moving anywhere near as quickly.

And talent? I dunno. I think it's part of the creative process to doubt ourselves. I haven't written any of your fiction, but I've read your journal for months and I see talent and a capacity for expression I would be very surprised to not find in your other writings.

So ppblblblblblt! to the naysayers and whiners, drop 'em and get on with it (-:

Re: NO NO NO NO!

[cicadabug.livejournal.com]

duh, read any of your fiction, not written. Braindead today.

[beth-bernobich.livejournal.com]

I think that you should post whatever you want in your LJ. If locking the posts helps, do that. If making them public helps, do that. It's your space.

But personally, I have to wonder about those people complaining about your posts. Jeez. If someone sent me email like that, I'd use some very bad words to them. You are clearly a much nicer person than I am. :)

btw, you do not suck. Your writing does not suck. And you have much to offer the world. So there.

[stillnotbored.livejournal.com]

You know, I truly hate people who go out of their way to belittle someone that way. They are small people with small minds. Ignore all of them. Post what you want to post, this is your journal. If they have issues with it, they don't have to read it. And who ever they are, I really hope they read the comments on this entry.

Writing is such a lonely activity. The wonderful thing about the OWW and LJ is learning that you are not the only one with fears, insecurities and who struggles to keep going everyday. It makes a difference knowing you are part of a community and not toiling away alone in your lonely little cave. Keep writing and keep posting.

[wine-love-pen.livejournal.com]

Ugh, are you kidding me? Someone actually had the gall to tell you your accomplishments make them feel bad? Obviously the problem is on their end. They are so insecure in their own writing that they feel they have to take it out on you. Delete their e-mails unread. Don't even respond. Just ignore them.

LJ is for you and you only. Make posts private if you must, but don't stop posting if it helps you.

Please know that others, like me, find your posts inspiring.

[msisolak.livejournal.com]

You know?

a. Anyone who thinks you're lording it over them in terms of word count needs to work on their own self-esteem, rather than dragging yours down with them. (Yes, I look at that word count sometimes and go, wow. I wish I had that many words, but I'm a different kind of writer, and I don't. Oh, well.)

b. If keeping the LJ is beneficial to you, keep it. You are not bragging. You are not here for the benefit of others. Writing is writing. We all have our own sloughs of despair, and, I, for one, usually keep the pain to myself. Or minimize it. Why you wouldn't expose all your fears and doubts some the time is perfectly understandable.

c. People have free choice. Just like you can lock your posts, they can choose to not read. They can go so far as to unfriend you if your posts disturb them. Commenting on your content and sending you email about your supposed motives in posting that content reveals more about them than it does about you. (And, to deal with the pain, try thinking about the person who actually wrote those words: yes, there's a lot of nastiness in them, but the psychological state of a person like that is worthy of some pity. I have to wonder how many people they've attempted to blame for their own insecurities and doubts for how many years.)

d. Keep posting. Lock them or not. I know that private emails and nasty notes can hurt, and I also know that a number of people, including myself, are not up to protecting ourselves from additional, unexpected pain 24/7. However, I'd not respond to them. I'd set up a filter so those names and addresses get dumped. Writers have enough insecurity in their lives without adding to it by other writers' jealousies and insecurities.

e. I, for one, would continue to read. It pleases me to know that there's another writer out in my neck of the woods with teenagers who is managing to write around her family. And not just write, but huge gouts of words. That's amazing. And I'm thrilled for you. Keep writing. Keep posting. And don't let anyone else try to pull you down to their level.

[ccfinlay.livejournal.com]

I've been struggling to be productive this summer (as seems to happen every summer), and I've found your daily word counts inspiring and a reminder what can be accomplished when one has a clear, specific goal they are absolutely committed to. Thanks.

Aside from that, you should do whatever you need to do to keep writing part of your life. If the journal helps you with that, go for it. But don't let other people determine what is and isn't right for you to follow your life's dreams.

[mmerriam.livejournal.com]

First of all, (((Hugs)))

Now, I'm going to attempt to counter balance those emails you've received with some thoughts of my own. I hope I'm not out of line, but here goes. I'm going to be forcedto break this into several comment posts because of size. Stick with me.

While I dearly love the contact I've made with so many people here on LJ and while I find reading other people's writing posts immensely inspirational and educational, I'm beginning to have doubts about posting my own thoughts on writing.

Like you, I look to my FL for inspiration and education. I think we all have something to learn from each other, no matter where we are in our writing. We all have strength and weakness as writers, we all explore different themes and idea, and by having an open and honest exchange on LJ, we share in the experience with each other. A new writer may come across your journal, see your struggle in increase your word count and quality, and be inspired by what you have accomplished, despite the struggle of being a writer and a working mother.

Mostly because I've had some e-mail complaints about the fact that I post my daily word counts and in a couple of isolated instances because people felt that my writing about discovery and how to overcome obstacles in my own writing meant that I thought I was better than other people and was looking down at them.

This sounds more like jealousy to me than anything else. It sounds like someone is struggling with word count and their own obstacles, and has projected that frustration onto you. I like seeing what my FL is doing on their writing. I enjoy those daily metrics posts. As for the writing about discovery and overcoming obstacles, I sense that they may be frustrated in their own writing, and have nothing more than a desire to tear you down for your accomplishments. Ignore these people. If they are on your FL, drop them. Part of why we, as writers, band together and discuss these things on LJ is to draw support from our peers and friends. If these people wish only to tear down, they are not worth your time.

What I'm doing now--trying to remain optimistic and learn and make progress--is very, VERY hard work. It doesn't come easy and it doesn't come without a price.

No, it does not. This is a tough business, whether you are doing it as a pro or a hobbyist. It is hard work, and anyone who complains to you about your progress might well be a person who does not understand how hard this is, or perhaps they thought it would be easy (a surpassingly large number of people live under the illusion that they will write the next great novels and get rich quickly) and have now be disavowed of that idea, which makes them angry and bitter when they see someone doggedly working along, trying to succeed.

[mmerriam.livejournal.com]

I make these posts for myself and it helps to have input from others. There are so many people willing to help and offer advice and I always appreciate every gem of knowledge and every personal experience people are willing to relate and share. Writers on my FL are so inspirational, so talented, so willing to share.

I agree with you on the talent pool on our LJ FL's. There are a lot of talented people, at all levels of success (or lack of, even) who are so willing to help, encourage, and inspire.

I have no talent. I just love to write. So, why do people begrudge the fact that I'm willing to work hard and that sometimes I get rewarded by decent word count for the day or that I've learned something that really makes the writing process flow a little more smoothly for me?

Okay first off, I've read your work on OWW, You do have talent. You just need to train that talent up, same as the rest of us. Never sell that ability sort. The fact that you are willing to write and learn and grow is a sign that someday you will break through. Part of your increasing word count and your writing process smoothing out is the fact that you are leaning your craft. If that bothers someone, too bad!

I got an e-mail that really hurt and I sat down and looked at it all again.

Toss that email away and never look at it again. You don't need some TROLL trying to rip you apart and bring you down. The person who sent it is beneath contempt.

And realized that I'm a fake. I generate words. I write stories because I have a million ideas and I love to create. But, I have no talent and I SUCK!!!

No, You are not a fake! You write, your post to OWW, you do the rewrites, you do the hard work, and when the time comes, your FL will encourage you to submit! I've already given my opinion about your talent. You don't suck. Period.

But, maybe writing is better done in private? Maybe it's better not to post daily progress notes and word count meters for people to see? Maybe it's better not to explore the process, the heartache and sorrow, the victories in discovering methods that work, in front of others?

No, I think writing in private is too lonely. This is a tough and lonely business as it stands. We need each other, especially us slush-pile monkeys. We need encouragement and contact and someone to cry on when it gets tough or we receive a particularly bad rejection. We need someone to pat us on the back when we reach a milestone or do something exciting. As a group, we writers need each other, and even if we are in competition for print space, we are all in the same boat together. We need to watch as one of our numbers breaks out and starts making sales so that we see it can be done, and we need to mentor those who are even rawer in their talent than us, so that someday they might break out also.

But, I also know that I can lock them so they're visible only to my eyes, and I'm think that maybe that's what I should start doing.

You could lock them so that only your FL can see them.

I have nothing to offer the world. No brilliant insights. No publishing news. No accomplishments even worthy of touting. I can teach no one. All I can do is post to try to keep myself going.

I can BS. Each of use has something to offer, something to teach, even if that lesson is just to preserve in the face of adversity (which might be the hardest lesson to learn. And in this business, the one tat needs reinforcing the most). You're learning, you're growing, and you're sharing the experience, HARD WON, with others. That right there might well inspire someone else.

There, I've said my peace.

I think you have plenty to offer our little community of writers on LJ and OWW. Don't let some jealousy knuckle dragger tell you different.

In Deep Peace,
Michael

[allochthon.livejournal.com]

I agree with everything MMerriam said, especially this:

Don't let some jealousy knuckle dragger tell you different.

Please, keep writing.

[ammepyre.livejournal.com]

I'm almost speechless here, but not quite.

1.It's your journal and no one should feel they have a right to dictate what you chose to post in it.

2. It's inspiring to read about your writing discoverings because it helps me see that sooner or later I too will finally get over some of my hangups when it comes to writing.

3. I love seeing word counts on my flists - and you're really one of the few consistent ones at posting them. They give me the kick I need to at least attempt to get something done each day.

Mostly because I've had some e-mail complaints about the fact that I post my daily word counts and in a couple of isolated instances because people felt that my writing about discovery and how to overcome obstacles in my own writing meant that I thought I was better than other people and was looking down at them.

All I can say to this is someone needs some reading comprehension help because none of your posts have ever boarded on this at all. How can your personal discoveries have anything whatsoever to do with you looking down on anyone?

Writing is so personal to every writer - the idea is just unreal to me completely.

This totally irritates me. Those people need to stop looking to other people for answers to their own failings.

*hugs*
You do not suck as a writer. Don't let small minded people stop you from enjoying writing.

If you feel you need to stop posting your counts - I'll miss seeing them. But, in the end you need to do what is best for you.

In the spirit of the comments above ;)

[ultharkitty.livejournal.com]

If they don't want to read your posts then they don't have to, it's not like you're holding a gun to their head and forcing them to read everything on their Flist. Crazy rude people.

I've been reading your journal for a while now and I've never found it to be (gah, can't find the word!) preachy/looing down on people/patronising. It reads like a journey of self discovery, which I guess it is.

So keep on posting, you do have interesting and useful things to say. Don't let the rude people get you down :)

[nycshelly.livejournal.com]

Huh? Who are these infidels? They must be squashed. Like the bug in my office I've been trying to smack for the last half hour. But I digress.

I don't comment much, cuz quite frankly, I follow a bunch of LJs and about 175 blogs via Bloglines and I don't have the time unless something grabs me and compels me to answer. Like uh, right now.

Do not let other people's insecurities.... wait, a lot of people said that already. I agree with them. I've been enjoying your LJ for a while now. I enjoy what other people think about writing, their writing, their process, the whole bag of tricks.

Go private if you want, but let in those of us who want to read. Or just ignore the jerks who have nothing better to criticize people for doing their own thing.

Now I think I'll check the LJs of the people commenting here. I see a few I don't know yet. :)

[eugie.livejournal.com]

You've had people email you complaining about you posting your writing progress in your LJ? Who are these losers? If you don't think you're better than these people, you should. Only mean-spirited, spiteful, insecure people would complain about journal entries that document your own progress and processes as a writer.

Writing is very hard work, and I love reading your posts to see how other writers think. I hope you'll continue to post whatever you like in your own blog regardless of what your petty detractors say.

[karenetaylor.livejournal.com]

Sympathies.

I don't understand why people feel they have the right to send emails like the ones you are receiving. If they don't like what you have to say in your journal, they shouldn't read it. As someone very aptly observed earlier, they aren't forced to read it at gunpoint.

You do not suck. And this is your journal -- you should write what you want. We all do what we need to do to get through our day. Post as many word count meters as you need and ignore/unfriend those who object.

And while you're at it, you should also unfriend the horses they rode in on. ;-)

[raecarson.livejournal.com]

I love your lj posts. I love watching the mercury rise in your word count meter.

Anyone who wants to belittle you for this can go suck bananas.

[quiller77.livejournal.com]

What everyone else said. All I can add is: write reams. Writing is how we *all* improve. That you're on a roll right now is great. If I didn't have a son getting married in three days, I'd be right there with you.

[reannon.livejournal.com]

Don't lock them. Don't hide them. This is YOUR journal, and you should write whatever you please and if it bothers people, they have the absolute American right NOT TO READ IT. Personally, I get extremely annoyed at people who get nasty out of jealousy. When I published my first book, my writing group kicked me out. No lie.

You are an inspiration, Queen. The word counts you manage border on the miraculous. If I could write at your pace, I'd have five books out in the time it took to write two. While I have no direct evidence of your skill, I sincerely doubt that you suck. A great writer once said that if you write every day for ten years, you will be a good writer. No one throws a killer fastball the first time s/he picks up the ball, but with training, practice and time, nearly everyone learns how to throw a pretty good pitch. Same with writing.

So keep writing, keep posting, and invite those who spout nastiness over your hard work to kiss your ass and stop reading your journal. It's YOUR journal. You write what you want to write. The end.

[cricketshay.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry that had to happen to you. I like to see your progress. I try not to get caught up in word counts because I know everyone writes at a different pace. I'm a slow writer. It took four months to complete a short story and it'll probably take another four to do edits. Does that mean that you are a better writer than me? Hardly. It's just that we are different. :)

I do not think you are the type of person who would tell people you are better. Whoever has issues with your posts is probably dealing with their own insecurities. I've been there before. Sometimes when I see posts with huge word counts I get upset with myself and pledge to do better. But then my sanity returns, and I accept that just because I don't write thousands of words a day does not mean I'm not a good writer. It just means I'm different.

Sorry to ramble on forever. *hugs* Hang in there and keep posting your counts. It is your journal after all and if people don't want to see, they don't have to read it. :)

[kmkibble75.livejournal.com]

Okay, anyone who reads your blog and then e-mails you to complain about what you say about your own experiences is one beer shy of a six pack. Ignore them.

[aimeempayne.livejournal.com]

Personally, I love reading what other writers think about writing. It sometimes helps me think about it in a new way that helps me improve.

Anyone who has a problem with you talking about your accomplishments and thoughts in your own LJ has issues of their own to work out that have nothing to do with you.

[arkiewriter.livejournal.com]

I've been in the absolute worst writing funk of my entire life in the time since we befriended each other on LJ... and not ONCE have I begrudged you the word counts that you've posted. If anything, they've been a ray of encouragement - that the slump won't last!

Personally, I'm a tracker myself. I post word counts, keep writing logs, blah, blah, blah. My attitude on my journal is that whomever doesn't like it is welcome to un-friend me. And if anyone ever was crass enough to EMAIL me and whine like the spoiled little brat that would attempt that kind of behavior, they'd be un-friended as fast as I could get the interface up.

Post all you like. Don't let some jealous, insecure ninny discourage you on either your writing or on what you post in your journal.

[jsgbits.livejournal.com]

I'm newly come to your lj, but fwiw, anyone who *complains* about the content of someone's journal needs to get a life.

Like everyone has said, this is your journal and those who don't like it can unFriend you or go do something else... like get to their own writing. Sheesh.

If you find writing about your work is helping you (I find it helps me sometimes), and you enjoy the comradery it brings, then by all means, ignore those naysayers and immerse yourself in your supporters.

Life is way too damn short to listen to negative input, especially to people who don't want to support you but rather see you fail. And even if--giving them the benefit of the doubt--they were trying to tell you something constructive in a destructive way, you still don't *have* to listen to them.

[cathellisen.livejournal.com]

I've just signed in to LJ, and read your entry - (sorry haven't gotten round to read all the comments here, so don't shoot me if I repeat something - which I'm bound to do)

I cannot cannot believe that people can be so petty as to email you, and tell you what to write or not-write in your own live journal, purely because they have insecurity issues.

I'm stunned.

I like you publishing your word-counts. They spur me on in a "My god you lazy woman - look how much Queenoftheskies has written today. And what do you have to show? Nothing! Nothing!"

Ignore those people that are trying to dictate to you what you should be writing in your own journal, and do what makes you happy.

*tea and sympathy*

[madwriter.livejournal.com]

Now really, is this the part where I have to post the "It's your LJ and you can do what you darn well please" lecture?

OK, abbreviated version, then, with a healthy dose of self-righteousness included:

You want to write. You love writing. So it's perfectly natural that you want to write about writing here, make connections with other writers (and LJ is, I've discovered firsthand, a phenomenal place to do that), and talk shop. It's also natural that you want to post word counts--many of us do that, not to brag but to keep ourselves honest! Because if you start slacking off, everyone knows.

The people who criticize you are, I think, the ones most likely to slack off. And then no doubt complain that they can't get anywhere with their writing. To wit:

>>So, why do people begrudge the fact that I'm willing to work hard and that sometimes I get rewarded by decent word count for the day or that I've learned something that really makes the writing process flow a little more smoothly for me?<<

You've answered your own question. Because they're not willing to work hard.

Writing is hard work all around, no matter how much you love it. It's easier to whine, to attack and try tearing down the people who do work, and to complain about those who succeed. If you don't work hard, if you're not persistent, you won't succeed. It's as simple as that. I don't doubt you'll succeed some day because you're such a persistent hard-worker. Likewise, I don't doubt the people attacking you will never succeed, because they can't be bothered to put more effort into writing than attacking. These are the people who think they deserve whatever to have whatever they want handed to them on a silver platter, who can't handle any criticism, and whose overblown but fragile self-esteem will be threatened by anyone enjoying any kind of success.

I personally, have enjoyed watching your word counts swell, and feel a joyful and cheering envy when I see them. It makes me want to work that much harder, not yell at you!

I say--Don't be bothered by their attacks. If you must feel anything about them at all, revel in them. Because they're the clearest indication that the people who aren't willing to put in the time and the effort are the ones who are carping at you.

[madwriter.livejournal.com]

I need to edit better while I'm being self-righteous.

>>deserve whatever to have whatever they want handed to them on a silver platter<<

That should, of course, be "deserve to have whatever they want..."

[madwriter.livejournal.com]

P.S. I wouldn't make your journal Friends Only, but you may want to consider screening posts from anyone not on your Friends List.

[marksiegal.livejournal.com]

As others have said: Keep posting whatever you want to post. If someone thinks you're bragging by showing your daily word counts and expressing your thoughts on writing, then they can just stop reading your LJ. Your nay-sayers should have spent that energy writing fiction instead of complaining at you. Oy vey! Just try to ignore them.

[joecrow.livejournal.com]

Fuck 'em. Tell 'em to get bent. I may not comment much, or, y'know, at all, but your daily word counts are a constant reminder to me to get off my ass and write more. Don't let mindless dicks tell you what to do with your OWN DAMN JOURNAL.

[dsgood.livejournal.com]

You're not the problem; those squigheads are the problem.

Solution: killfile them in your email program; if you can't do that, get a freeware program which will let you killfile.

[nightwolfwriter.livejournal.com]

Personally, I love the word meters, because they're there for ME. They help me realize how much I did or didn't get accomplished that day, which helps me refigure the best way to attack the problem.

Plus, unless I have a darn good reason (sick/out of town/company), I better post something every day. My ego won't let me not post some progress.

My blog is my writing journal. The fact that others enjoy (or don't enjoy) reading it is a nice bonus, and I've met some really cool people through my blog, but I'm doing it for me.

As you pointed out in your last paragraph, if they don't want to read it, then let them find something else to read. Sounds like someone who's jealous of your daily accomplishments to me.

[seajules]

I love seeing your word meters. I find them terribly inspirational, and I love your posts about the writing process, even if I don't get the chance to reply to them. You get me thinking, and plotting, and working on my own stuff, and anything that does that is of the good.

But it doesn't matter what I love, or what I think is of the good, because this is not my journal. It's yours, documenting your journey, and I say use it however you see fit. Also, if them what bitch devoted said bitching energy to actually working on their own stuff, they might not feel so threatened by other people's progress.

[pjthompson]

Repeat to yourself: They are the idiots, not me.

Clearly, they are motivated by envy. Post whatever you like. It doesn't suck and there are clearly many people who like reading what you have to say.

[navicat.livejournal.com]

Don't listen to them!! Do you hear?

I LOVE reading your posts. Your enthusiasm and word count is inspirational. We are very similar, and I have really enjoyed 'listening' to your positivity. You make me feel better about my own writing.

If you want to stop posting, of course I undertsand. But I want you to know I'll miss hearing your thoughts and words :)

[(Anonymous)]

I admire, applaud, and take inspiration from your efforts and achievements. Don't stop posting them. If you do, the terrorists win. :-)

[(Anonymous)]

James Stevens-Arce

Beating a Dead Horse

[java-fiend.livejournal.com]

Sorry for being late to this little party, Miss J, but I wanted to throw my 2 cents into the pot on this most disturbing issue...

There is little that I can say that these obviously wonderful people haven't already said, so forgive my redundancy. But first and foremost, let me say in no uncertain terms... YOU DO NOT SUCK!!! Your writing is beautiful. You craft your art with depth and beauty. Your words are rich and wonderful.

It is you that showed me this wonderful little community and I am forever thankful for it. The writing life can be a lonely place at times, so to have a little place to call our own, to be able to express ourselves, share our thoughts, our views and our feelings with others of like minds is something precious. The knowledge you share and the insights you impart are wonderful things, Miss J. You enrich those of us lucky enough to call you a friend. Speaking for myself as well as many Quillers past and present, you are held in VERY high regard. The knowledge and experiences you share with us are invaluable.

Believe me, the Quill and Ink community and obviously the Live Journal community hold you in high esteem, Miss J. It would be a crime and a very sad day if you decided to silence yourself because of some obviously insecure and pathetic little weasels.

I for one, have enjoyed reading your posts. I've enjoyed watching you progress as both a write and as a person over time. I can't begin to tell you how happy it makes me to see what you've done with yourself and with your life. The strides you've taken in bettering yourself and your writing are inspirational. I admire you, Miss J. For all you've overcome in your life, to be where you are and to be who you are, despite all of your hardships and trials is amazing. You are a truly amazing person, Miss J.

Now as for these idiots that have emailed you to complain... They aren't worth the breath it would take to tell them to "fu*k off." Insecurities are a bitch, but to bash somebody else who is making something of their life is not the way to deal with it. It marks a very sad, very pathetic and very immature person. If they can't deal with watching you excel, they have the choice to stop reading your LJ. They have the choice to look at what you do and be inspired. Obviously they've chosen a different path. They've chosen to stay mired in their immaturity, their insecurities and their patheticness. That's their deal and they are beneath you. Not worthy of your notice, let alone your tears. They are losers and will quite obviously never make something of their own craft or their own lives. They are obviously people who would rather blame others for the sad state of affairs in their lives rather than taking charge and doing something with their life as you have.

I enjoy reading about your life, all of the good and the bad. I enjoy your word count meters. I enjoy watching you progress upwards and upwards. It gives me a charge to see you hit a goal and move on to the next. It's inspiring, Miss J. I look at you, I see how incredibly productive you are even with everything going on in your life and it's what I aspire to do. You inspire me and judging by the outporing of thoughts here, you obviously inspire others too. Don't let one moron spoil that for you.

This LJ is your connection to others with similar interests. This is YOUR place. This is YOUR soapbox, you should never have to fear standing up on it and shouting whatever you want to shout. This is your place to communicate with others, to give and take advice, to say whatever the hell you want to say. Nobody and I mean nobody, has the right to censor you. And you should never give them the power to make you question or second guess yourself. This is *their* issue and not yours. You're among friends here and you should never have to parse your words around your friends. This is YOUR LJ and they are beneath you.

You're an amazing talent and an amazing friend, Miss J. Blow off these idiots because they are simply not worth it.

[melinda-goodin.livejournal.com]

*hug*

Everyone above said what I was thinking, but more eloquently. I admire you, I'm encouraged and frequently entertained by you, I empathise with your struggles and cheer for your successes.

That emailer suffers from what we call "tall poppy syndrome" in Australia (don't know if it's a term you use in America.) They can only be happy if they chop down people more successful. That person is a joy sucker and killfiles are a wonderful thing.

*more hugs*

Melinda from Australia