I've had my fair share of comments and critiques that, as a writer, inevitably hurt. One can't read a diatribe and simply dismiss it because there's usually some element of truth in it, and that's the part that hurts. Yes, I do have characters that are remarkably similar from story to story. I love strong females who have sass and attitude and a mind of their own. Many of my female characters will have these traits because I like them. Yes, I can be too detailed in my stories. But they're my erotic stories. Yes, I might have difficulty portraying the vocabulary and perspective of an eight-year-old significantly differently from a thirteen-year-old. I'm not a girl. There are limits to my creative insights.
I'll also admit to placing my stories in pleasant locations instead of tenements or slums or rundown apartments. Real life is harsh enough. I don't need ugliness added to my erotic fantasies. I'd rather visit a beautiful location with a beautiful, willing lover.
Occasionally I feel frustrated when some readers rudely suggest my stories should be letter perfect, or I should use an editor, or a proof-reader. I'm an amateur not a professional. It's beyond me why some people can't grasp that. I like readers that point out a mistake or a typo and do it with good grace. I like readers that find flaws in the story line. It shows they're involved in the story. But those that curtly tell me "you need an editor" or "you should have a proof reader review your story before posting it," I can do without.
Anyone that writes and publishes stories will tell you that "Sticks and stones will . . ." is a load of rubbish. Words do indeed hurt. Criticism hurts, critiques do not.
To those readers that compliment a story and then tell me there's a major perspective error, "you cannot know what other characters are thinking when writing in the first person," thanks. I know. I'm doing it deliberately, honest!
And to those readers who religiously send me comments and compliments (you know who you are), thank you. I get deep gratification from knowing you enjoy my fantasies, too.
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