28/30 ficlets update

[salixbabylon]

I'm taking a few days off to re-gather my creative energies. This is the most I've ever written in a month, *ever*, and I'm feeling pretty burned out. Don't worry, I'll get to them all eventually.



1. I am *so* tired of LOTR RPS. I still read some, but my creative juices are just exhausted with writing it. Maybe I need a refresher, an infusion. I haven't watched the trilogy in over a year, haven't watched the extras since the dvds came out. Haven't really liked most of the movies the guys have been in since then. Am not convinced they're all happily paired or tripled off and fucking happily ever after. I'm fickle. I suck.

Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima cupla.

2. Even pairings I thought I totally could not write, I can. Eventually. Just takes a little effort.

3. Writing a fic in 30 minutes is a laugh. I can get an idea plotted out in about 45, a first draft. But then it still needs a pretty heavy edit, so it's more like 90 minutes minimum, even for the really short pieces.

4. I've never written so much PG and PG-13, ever. It kind of makes me gag.

5. I *hate* some of the pieces I've written. Love some of the others. Strangely, my preferences do not match up with my readers', as the ones I like get few comments and the ones that gag me get more. Which begs the question of who I'm trying to please, me or you? And I don't really know. (Aside from trying to please the requester, although I haven't always done that, either. More mea culpas.)

6. I've actually enjoyed writing the FPS fics more than I anticipated (and way more than the RPS). Getting into the HP world (and the delicious tease of having 3 SW fics to write) is getting me *so* excited about taking on the two long fics I've had drafted in each fandom (one each - bad sentence structure but fuck me if I care enough to fix it). Anyway, I'm excited about writing FPS again, which is rare and wonderful.

7. Yet again, it's confirmed that while I am a feedback whore, I do have my limits. I will not go back to writing VigOrli just because I love waking up to an inbox full of praise. It doesn't feel good, and (I think) it's obvious in my writing. It does make me a little sad that the things I put my heart into don't get much recognition. I'll get over it, though.

8. I am a serious crankypants about the last 10 fics. I'm "saving" the ones I really want to write as treats and trying to get through the ones I'm less interested in first, but... Instead I'm writing nothing. *grump*

9. Once again, I'm ready to beat the living crap out of myself for volunteering to write for other people. I love these memes in concept, love offering to write fics for people, and I do love you all and am deeply flattered that you'd care enough to ask. (And hell, I had to beg to get all 30 requests). But in reality I find myself stuck and frustrated and feeling guilty for not already being finished. None of which helps in the slightest for writing.


I can't believe anyone would have read such blatant self-indulgence, but if you have and if you have anything to say, I'm curious about your thoughts. Even if you want to call me a whiny and contradictory little bitch. It's been an interesting experience, for sure.

Comments

[jasmineskie.livejournal.com]

Hey, I'll read anything anyone has to say about the writing process. Am a total geek for stuff like that. :P

Strangely, my preferences do not match up with my readers', as the ones I like get few comments and the ones that gag me get more.

*nods* Yup, been there, scratched my head over that. Not that I've written stuff that's actually ever gagged me -- I usually find something to like about a requested/challenge fic or pairing to hang my hat on -- but I definitely have my favorites and my least favorites, and it's kinda funny to see reader reaction to something I'm not fond of.

I'm not as brave as you are though. I won't take requests to write pairings for fandoms I know nothing or little about, and care about even less. That decision might limit me some, but since I'm in this for my own fun and enjoyment, I can live with the limitation. I'd rather try subject matter that stretches me, like the couple of times I've tried mild kink, or the one time I wrote (and never posted because, yeah... sensibilities of my flist 'n all) a ficlet entirely from Kate's POV.

I'm ready to beat the living crap out of myself for volunteering to write for other people.

I'm thinking about doing it again, although I still owe one ficlet to a very patient friend and have to do that one first. For me, it's almost like freewriting -- creating something from a prompt that didn't come from my own head. Exercises in creativity. And some of them I liked a lot. :) But none of them were written in 30 minutes, no matter how short. Sometimes I think the shorter the ficlets are, the harder they are to write. Short fics have to be almost poetic in their use of language to get the idea/theme/plot (if any) across with so few words.

So yeah, take a break and recharge your creative batteries. And congrats to you for writing so much! I bet it felt good to be able to do it. :D

[salixbabylon.livejournal.com]

Sorry for the delay in replying - I needed a few days away from the topic. I appreciate the thoughts you shared, though, and agree that it's interesting to see how other writers deal with process and challenges.

I'm glad I'm not the only one occasionally mystified about which pieces get rave reviews and which get ignored. While frustrating, at least it's a shared state. ;)

I definitely agree that it's been an exercise in creativity - one I've learned a lot from about how I work. I suspect I was overwhelmed by all the variable - too many options (pairings *and* topic); 30 ficlets is rather a lot; and trying to write them in 30 minutes - it was just too much pressure. I'm glad to know others have trouble with short pieces, too. I think longer ones are easier because then I have unlimited time to create a mood and background and play with dialog and so forth.

Thanks for the encouragement, and for the reminder to take a look at how much I've done and be proud of that, rather than just focus on what's still left to go. :) *hug*

[andolinn.livejournal.com]

I could write a novel in response to this, but since I can't type, I'll save some of it for Wednesday.

I think the problem with LOTR RPS is that it was a moment in time and all of the people have moved on. I find that I need continued input to maintain interest in something. So when the movies were done the FPS provided that for me for awhile. So it doesn't seem at all surprising that you've lost interest. People and characters need to grow and evolve to be exciting and interesting. Writing and rewriting a point in time doesn't allow for that and if you write 10 years down the road for the characters and have them evolve, you've moved so far beyond the source material that it is difficult to even consider it LOTR RPS anymore.

Does that make any sense? (That was sort of a free-write for me!)

I intend to sit down and read a lot of these, but life is kicking my ass right now... *sigh* That's why you haven't gotten more feedback from me. Also, I'm off on the World Cup and football slash... (Shoot me now!)

And you're entitled to want feedback. That is why people actually post things for the most part - they are looking to interact with others. Otherwise you can just write the stories in your own head for yourself and not go through the work or writing, editing and posting them...

[salixbabylon.livejournal.com]

*hugs* As we discussed, yeah, I think you're spot-on in your points about RPS. It's a little more time-bound than FPS since it's reality-based and ultimately, reality is more limiting in just about every aspect.

And staying focused on the same thing forever is a pretty unrealistic approach, for me. I'm interested in everything, and the topic of interest change as the years go by. So it *is* being fickle, but it's also recognizing that circumstances change - it's not like the LOTR cast is still hanging out regularly 5 years after the fact.

Let me know how the WC slash goes - I loved your topless team post! *rowr*

[andolinn.livejournal.com]

I don't think you're being fickle. I think you are growing and evolving. You seem as intent on doing that as anyone I've met on LJ - or in life, really. And I love it.

Hee! Aren't the boys great? And I'm sure there are many I missed.

[nad-no-ennas.livejournal.com]

I'd hate to think you were leaving Viggorli forever, although of course it is your life and choice. It's just that I have read and reread your stories many time (and am awful at feedback, sorry). I especially love Educational Endeavors and Suffering for His Art.

I think Viggorli can be fresh and new if people just fill in some more gaps. Wish I was one to do it!

[salixbabylon.livejournal.com]

I'm so flattered that you enjoyed my stories - that's the kind of thing that keeps me going as a writer. I appreciate the feedback so much.

I don't know where the future will take me - I only know that I'm moving forward. ;)

[houseofwhacks.livejournal.com]

*nods fast in agreement*
I haven't written anything other than a drabble in over 8 months, simply because I refuse to write for the masses. It's all about me now - what I want to write, what I want to read. So I can understand the abandonment of VigOrli.

[salixbabylon.livejournal.com]

It's all about me now

Which, IMO, is how it should be. Pleasing yourself should be your top goal. Of *course* no one should get hurt, but if you do what makes you happy, chances are you'll make other people happy, too. Certainly more so than if you're *unhappy*.

Now I just have to figure out what writing-topics *do* make me happy. ;)

[second-banana.livejournal.com]

There was suck a freakish explosion of LOTR RPS that I think a lot of people burned out. Or started writing AUs. Most of the authors I have seen who still make that fandom work are those who are writing AUs and don't feel the need to stick with fanish interpretations of characters.

Also? This particular meme is just freaking weird. It's hard enough to write for other people with just a concept *or* a pairing. Somethings just don't spark interest in me and I would be humped if someone wanted me to write it.

If you need a refresher, go back the the commentaries or the special features, but don't feel bad if you need to take a break. Writting for the masses sucks. And it usually produces fic you don't like or have ambigious feelings about. Just write what stokes your furnace and we'll keep reading.

~Susan

[salixbabylon.livejournal.com]

*nods* I agree - it seems that AUs are where it's at now. And while I love the actors-as-Barbie-dolls idea, I just don't personally feel called to write AUs. I've read some phenomenal ones, but all the ones I've started writing just suck so much ass I couldn't be bothered to finish them.

Yet. ;)

It's hard enough to write for other people with just a concept *or* a pairing.

Thank you for saying that _ I think since so many people did it, I didn't think it would be at all difficult. Then I had to deal with my own reaction to discovering it was hard *for me*, even if not for them. Glad I'm not the only one.

Just write what stokes your furnace and we'll keep reading.

*huG* Thank you for the support and encouragement. I know I say it a lot, but it really means so much to me.

[lozateazer.livejournal.com]

Responses in order:

1) Something new and fun that's totally been refreshing me is this new RPG my friend rufferto started. It's called called the Long Road Forward and it's here longroadrp. It's dark, and what's fun is not only do the characters have a power derived from mythology, but the cool part is that you fall in love with the person you most love to hate. Yes, I'm still playing Viggo to someone's Orlando, but it's different because they're at each others throats and then having snarky sex. You should check it out. Maybe if you feel so motivated take someone on. And totally reinvent them. *predatory grin*

2) See above. Funky pairings R us.

3) *nods* I always plan too little time for fics. And papers. And stuff.

4) That's because it's not like real life, and has no substance. ...In most cases.

5) I love everything you write. True, I don't read some of what you write, but only when I have no idea who the characters are. And I've been lax in the kinkfeest, even though that ALWAYS makes me wibble.

6) FPS is fun. And just think... PotC in a weeeeeeeek.... *ebol grin* No one can resist the charms of Jack Sparrow! (not even Norrington, who gets the sack in this movie because he's so obsessed with Jack. *goes to worship at the J/W alter for forgivness for implying there was another PotC pairing ~.^ *

7) People shouldn't write to impress others. People should write because it feeds your soul. So do what feels good, hon.

8&9) I shall wait as long as possible just to see what you have to offer.

[salixbabylon.livejournal.com]

My apologies for the delay in replying to comments - I needed some time off from the issue. Thanks for your comments, though.

RPS is something I've never really looked into. I've read a few, but they just don't usually grab me the way a polished story does. I think because they often wander and have very little plot. I'll check out the ones you've recced though - thanks for the tips! :)

I love everything you write.

Awww. *blush* Thank you. Feedback is what keeps me going, and I'm so thankful to you for all the comments you give me. *hug*

POTC tomorrow! Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And thank you for the support. You're quite right that I should back off and take my time. I think everyone will understand. *more hugs*

[lozateazer.livejournal.com]

They will--because we all love you and understand *hugs* Actually, 3 hours till PotC!!!! WOO! MIDNIGHT SHOWING!!!

[salixbabylon.livejournal.com]

aaarrrrrrrr!

[lozateazer.livejournal.com]

ohhhh gods soooo gooooood *humps teh movie*

[govannen.livejournal.com]

I just want to send mad props for taking this on - I really don't think I would have dared! And I really loved the Sirius/Remus fic you wrote for me, and while I know I requested it, it still made me feel special! ;D

[salixbabylon.livejournal.com]

*hug* Thank you again! I really enjoyed writing that ficlet. I'd never have thought of writing MWPP-era fic, but I've been reading so much HP lately that I'm getting into all the different aspects again.

I also appreciate your recognition that this meme wasn't easy - I think my biggest mistake was in thinking it would be. ;)

[heartofslash.livejournal.com]

I feel like such a voyeur, looking into your writing brain like this. Fortunately, I'm a kinky bitch so that doesn't bother me in the least. *leers*

Who we write for is a question I've been pondering very much lately, as you know. I could wake up to an inbox full of praise every day if I wanted to write The Way You Say for the rest of my life. But I'm not really interested. There's only so much you can do with a limited situation.

It's always made me snerk the way people think that just because a bunch of guys made a movie together they'll be best buddies forever. It's transient work. But I guess I understand that better having worked in construction. When the project is finished you move on, sometimes with the same crew, but sometimes you start work with a whole new bunch of people, and sometimes you'll run into some of the same people later, on a different project.

Now you're seeing what I've been saying about the FPS. There's more room to move in a fictional environment. You have more control over the externals, within the framework of the universe in which you've chosen to work. RPS must take place while the movie is being filmed with a short time frame and limited setting, or after, but the guys must be actors working on movies and in the public spotlight. And they have wives/girlfriends you must account for or write out of the fiction - which I am capable of doing, and doing so does give me more freedom (like in the kinkfEEst) but then it starts to get AU (see Andolinn and second_banana's comments).

And even in a more restricted FPS environment, like Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon, I can send them to any planet at all. (Although I don't - I jsut give them Jedi things to be kinky with... and I haven't run out yet!)

Of course, I've set Army of Two and D-Tech and my Island fics after the events of the movies, so I have the same sort of freedom an AU has. D-Tech is unlimited for me - I can send the lads wherever I want, have them meet up with anyone from Black Hawk Down, from a whole other movie, or totally made up.

FPS also gives you characters to work wtih that were created by a real writer, not by PR flacks and fandom gossip. So they tend to be more well-rounded, or it's easier to extrapolate a well-rounded character from the source material becuase the basis of the character tends to be more logical.

Aw, shit, this has turned into a novel. Sorry. *snogs*

[salixbabylon.livejournal.com]

(Sorry for the delay in replying to comments. I needed to not think about this for a few days - I know you know how that goes.)

*snort* For you, I will be an exhibitionist to rival Ewan. Of my brain, anyway, if not flesh. *g*

But I'm not really interested. There's only so much you can do with a limited situation.

Exactly. It's a bitch, really. You seem to have come to terms with it a bit more than I have. Maybe because you're more well known. ;)

And it is very transient work. FPS has the ability to be timeless, where in RPS, it's reality. We *know* it's been 5 years since LOTR and that people are really married with kids and probably *aren't* doing all manner of kinky/fun things with their mates. It's fun to speculate for a while, especially if they're physical with each other at premieres and such, but... Yeah. It ends. Just like life.

I'd never thought about FPS like that. I've always focused on being locked into the original author's world and stuck there, but I' beginning to see the light. The real world is actually far more limiting, depending on how far from "reality" you're willing to go with RPS.

FPS also gives you characters to work wtih that were created by a real writer, not by PR flacks and fandom gossip. So they tend to be more well-rounded, or it's easier to extrapolate a well-rounded character from the source material becuase the basis of the character tends to be more logical.

Nail. Head. - YES! So well said, exactly.

I agree with most of your thoughts on RPS/FPS. You've given me a lot to think about. As you always do.

*smooch*

[elfscribe5.livejournal.com]

Hey Salix,
Yeah, I'm also a sucker to reading about people's writing process. Re: RPS slow down. Hate to say this but I've never been much of a fan of RPS anyway - I've enjoyed the ones of yours I've read and Haleth's and a handful of others, but V/O really seemed to attract the worst fangirl elements and you're right, folks are moving on to the next fad. So FPS it is, then, eh?
Re: writing in 30 minutes. I am impressed if you are able to do it even in 90. I can't imagine it. It just seems like the more practice I get, the slower I write. I swear, it ain't 'spose to work like that. I'm waiting for some major zen moment of enlightenment which enables me to kick out 10 pages of gorgeous prose in a hour, but it has yet to strike me. Instead, plodding is the game here.
Oh and re: hating the piece that's popular and loving one that isn't so. Yeah, why is it that often what we consider our own best writing is not loved and something more eh [shrugs]is raved over? Either we are not the best judge of our own work or popularity doesn't have much to do with stirling writing quality or some nebulous land in between. ponders.
Enjoyed your musings.

[salixbabylon.livejournal.com]

Sorry for the delay in answering comments - I needed a break from thinking about it for a few days.

I've been very interested in people's responses, yours included, about RPS v FPS - it's given me a lot to think about. You're quite right that there's been a big decrease in the amount written, and you're also right to point out that a lot of the VO fans have moved on to more current interests. It's not just me being fickle. ;)

Writing in 90 has been interesting. I think that's actually my typical style, to sort of *splat* out the idea and then fiddle and fiddle. And then send it to my beta and change it even more.

I'm waiting for some major zen moment of enlightenment which enables me to kick out 10 pages of gorgeous prose in a hour, but it has yet to strike me.

Sometimes it happens to me like that and it feels like I imagine heroin must feel - utterly blissful. I have no idea how it reads to anyone else, however - I just know I was visited by the muse. It's what I live for, but happens only once or twice a year.

Either we are not the best judge of our own work or popularity doesn't have much to do with stirling writing quality or some nebulous land in between.

I suspect a combination of both is at work. We aren't the best judge of what we write AND people don't necessarily like the things that are the best written. For me, the muse-inspired pieces are my favorites. Sometimes I suspect it's the experience of writing that I loved, more than the end product...

Thanks for sharing your own musings, too. :)

[telesilla.livejournal.com]

Not sure how much this is going to help/enlighten/whatever since I'm mostly talking about me here. *rolls eyes* But sometimes I know that it's helpful to get a different POV on a subject, so, with the usual YMMV caveat, here goes. Also OMG but I babbled a lot; this is so long it's gonna be two comments. *facepalms*

I'm taking a few days off to re-gather my creative energies. This is the most I've ever written in a month, *ever*, and I'm feeling pretty burned out. Don't worry, I'll get to them all eventually.

First off, don't worry about the time it takes. You are writing for people yes, but I can't imagine anyone who would be upset if it takes you a while. I know I'll be happy enough to get fic that I don't care if it's tomorrow or next month. *grins*

1. Refreshers are good when you've been in a fandom a long time, whether it's FPS or RPS. I do find that watching the extras on the EE DVDs inspires me at times. Hell, watching the extras on History of Violence inspired my Viggo muse.

Having said that, burnout happens. Eventually you realize that you've said everything you have to say about a particular pairing or in a given fandom. And yes, the people who like your writing in that fandom will be sad to see you go, but you really do have to do what works for you. That's one of the good things about being a fan writer; we write what we want to write. If it's not fun any more, then it might as well be a job.

I got there with TPM, although the fannish politics hurried me along. With Lotrips, most of what I write these days are AUs so it's more a matter of casting original fic with familiar faces. So yeah, I hear you on this one, and I really don't think you suck for feeling the way you do.

2. That's a great feeling, isn't it? I love it when I do something and I feel like I'm stretching.

3. Writing a fic in 30 minutes is a laugh. I can get an idea plotted out in about 45, a first draft. But then it still needs a pretty heavy edit, so it's more like 90 minutes minimum, even for the really short pieces.

3. I used to belong to contrelemontre before I realized I simply cannot write fast like that on demand. Every once in a while, I'll have a story rip itself out in a short time but there's no way I could write anything in 30 minutes.

4. I've never written so much PG and PG-13, ever. It kind of makes me gag.

Is it an "I can't believe I wrote that?" kind of gagging? I'm always surprised when something I write turns out to be non-porny.

[salixbabylon.livejournal.com]

Sorry for the delay - I needed a few days to think about things before I came back to the topic. It's very helpful to get different POVs, I think, and I appreciate that you took the time for such an in-depth reply.

I can't imagine anyone who would be upset if it takes you a while

An excellent point - one which I'd not even considered in my rush to feel guilty. ;)

one of the good things about being a fan writer; we write what we want to write. If it's not fun any more, then it might as well be a job.

Amen sister. I've occasionally thought about trying to sell some smut and always come down to "I don't want to *have* to write it - then it's no fun." That's the whole bloody point, which I needed to be reminded of - thank you!

30-min -- I thought a few people had posted that they wrote these ficlets in shorts stints like that. More power to them, I suppose - but not within my abilities, at this time. Good to know I'm not the only "slow" writer.

Is it an "I can't believe I wrote that?" kind of gagging? I'm always surprised when something I write turns out to be non-porny.

It's more the latter - a startled "but where'd the porn go?" (to plunder a phrase). It's also that with the goal of being a short ficlet and not spending much time writing it, it's hard to get the porn in there sometimes. It's made me realize how much I rely on setting the scene to make things hot, at least in my head - my fantasies require set-up. And how, with some characters I know well, I can sort of just jump into the fucking, but with some I just can't. I've got to explain how on earth Johnny Depp and Ewan McGregor possibly got together, not just have them rutting on the balcony like madmen.

I think it's also made me realize what I do and don't like in fics I read - I don't *like* it when the author skips over everything and it's totally PWP - I want a little set-up and a reason for them to be fucking, of some sort... So it's my own preferences manifesting. I suppose it would be an interesting challenge for me to try a simple PWP then, and see a) what happens, b) if I like it, and c) what others think. Hmmm...

(going to part 2)

[telesilla.livejournal.com]

5. I wasn't very wild about some of the stuff I did for the 28 fic meme and I know of at least one case where it was very obviously not what the recipient wanted AT ALL. The ones that I really did like where the ones where I felt like I was covering some new ground or pushing myself a little.

Also, I'm often surprised at what people like and I almost always know that the fic I'm most proud of won't be the stuff that gets the most feedback. In the end I have to realize that while I am writing to tell stories and, hopefully entertain my readers, I can only tell the stories that I want to hear.

6. That's great! Given that both of those are SF/fantasy types universes, maybe you've had enough of writing in the real world for a while. HP is a fantastic place to write because so much of that 'verse is only half thought out.

7. I used to be more of a feedback whore than I am, and it took me a while to get to the point where I was able to accept putting something out there and not getting any real response. Part of it is that I kind of suck about leaving feedback and I've talked to enough people and looked at my stats on enough sites to know that people are reading my fic even if they don't bother to leave feedback. And honestly, there's nothing wrong with wanting feedback. It's the coin of the realm around here and as a writer, you can learn a lot from really thoughtful feedback.

I think the point where it gets to be too much is when you sit down and write something other than what you feel like writing, because then you really are whoring and I don't know about you, but I'd rather get paid in cash if I'm gonna do that.

I have a domestic Viggo/Orli going right now and I look at it every once in a while and wonder why I started it, because while it's sweet and--hopefully--funny, it's a lot like a lot of other Viggo/Orli out there. Makes me wonder if I was in an "I want lots of feedback" mode when I started it.

Also, see # 5

8. Sit back and relax for a little while. You've written a lot more in a lot less time than you're used to and that drains the batteries. At least that's what I'm telling myself because that 28 meme kicked my fucking ass and I haven't managed any solo fic of any substance since then. Go easy on yourself and try not to feel guilty. One of the things that helped me with the guilt--because I owe one last person a fic and she's a really wonderful feedback writer who rarely fails to say something when I post fic--was the recipient telling me that she doesn't mind waiting at all and that I'm not to fret about it. So, as one of the people on the list, let me say that I'm willing to wait for as long as it takes for you to write something you're satisfied with. *hugs*

9. I'm with you on this one; I love love love writing for other people. I'm flat broke most of the time and so if I can give someone fic as a gift, particularly if they're a writer I really admire or a person I like or someone who gives me wonderful feedback--or some combination of the three--it really makes me happy. And yet, it's always harder than I expect it to be. I have fic I'm working on that's a late birthday gift for a close friend and I feel awful about being late although she said she didn't mind.

So yeah, what I said above: let yourself rest and let your batteries recharge. I've been telling myself the same thing and so hopefully, the advice will help you.

I can't believe anyone would have read such blatant self-indulgence, but if you have and if you have anything to say, I'm curious about your thoughts.

One of the things that I really like about fandom is that people talk about their writing process. I always learn something from it and I love sharing what I've learned. I think it's particularly helpful when people talk about blocks and their own expectations for themselves, because it helps other writers to realize that their not alone.

Also, what are you doing on August 6th? I know Sacramento is a pretty stiff haul from where you live, but we're having moot at our place that month and I'd love it if you could join us.

[salixbabylon.livejournal.com]

Re: audience -- I think I'm at that level of knowing that reality is one way, but still naively (and futilely) wishing it were different. I still need to reconcile my desire to write with my desire for approval.

Also, writing for a request is very difficult for me, and I think I need to make an effort to not volunteer to do that again. Or limit it to drabbles-only or something... I find myself torn because I like the push of writing things I wouldn't have thought of, but I hate worrying things like "wow, what if X really wanted sappy VigOrli for 'caring' and is furious that I gave her angst?" I need to think about this more...

I can only tell the stories that I want to hear

So true. This is the phrase that stays with me the most.

Do you read/write HP? I mean, I've seen you play with Lucius (*gigglesnort*) but I don't think I've seen anything else...?

Thanks for the reminder to note that I *did* write a lot, and while there's more to do, it's good to recognize what I've achieved so far. I forgot that. And you're quite right - I can't think of anyone on my f-list who would actively prefer to get a crappy ficlet instantly instead of something semi-decent in a few more weeks. I disliked the last few things I wrote specifically because I was rushing so much and feeling pressured while I wrote them.

Thank you *so much* for the very thoughtful and thought-provoking response. I am thrilled to have something that feels like a community of writers to talk about process with, in a non-wanky way. As you say, realizing that I'm not the first person to try this meme and struggle is an *immense* comfort. I feel close to recharged and ready to take on the last batch. :)

Aug 6th - I'm free and actually we might be passing through Sacto on our way to the cabin up past Donner Summit some time near then. I'll try to make it coincide as best I can. Or just make a day trip - why not? Email me with details? salixbabylon at yahoo.