Can We Discuss Reader Feedback?
Again, I'm not sure this is entirely appropriate but y'all were so helpful when I posted a request to discuss sex, I thought I'd give it a shot.
I need to talk about reader feedback, and perhaps more specifically, what is owed to the readers.
It's in my nature to be a pleaser. I want everyone around me to be happy. (I think women are genetically engineered to please those around us, which is why we so often end up neglecting our own needs. But I digress, as is also in my nature.) I could say that I write my stories solely for my enjoyment. The fact is, I write because I have no choice. I post my stories because I love the positive reinforcement I receive in the form of comments, reviews, kudos.
What I struggle with is when the feedback takes the form of reader requests. I know those of you who write and post graphics receive the sort of feedback I'm referring to: "Love it. Pls write more." "Great! Can't wait until you continue!" (These are especially interesting on stories clearly marked complete.) "When will X come to his senses and tell Y the truth? Are you writing that next?"
I've left those sorts of comments on stories I've wanted to see more of. We all probably have. And it's flattering, I'm not going to lie. But when I get them, a part of me wants to run and hide. "Oh no. I'll never live up to their expectations." "I have no idea how I would continue." "What I wrote wasn't good enough and they want me to fix it."
Do y'all go through this? Or is it just me? I want to emphasize that I am not complaining about this type of feedback. I'm grateful for every comment I receive. But do you put pressure on yourself when you get these types of comments? Do you worry you'll fail them as a writer? Do you wonder if enough is ever enough?
Am I over thinking this, as I tend to do? Or do y'all have the same concerns?
I need to talk about reader feedback, and perhaps more specifically, what is owed to the readers.
It's in my nature to be a pleaser. I want everyone around me to be happy. (I think women are genetically engineered to please those around us, which is why we so often end up neglecting our own needs. But I digress, as is also in my nature.) I could say that I write my stories solely for my enjoyment. The fact is, I write because I have no choice. I post my stories because I love the positive reinforcement I receive in the form of comments, reviews, kudos.
What I struggle with is when the feedback takes the form of reader requests. I know those of you who write and post graphics receive the sort of feedback I'm referring to: "Love it. Pls write more." "Great! Can't wait until you continue!" (These are especially interesting on stories clearly marked complete.) "When will X come to his senses and tell Y the truth? Are you writing that next?"
I've left those sorts of comments on stories I've wanted to see more of. We all probably have. And it's flattering, I'm not going to lie. But when I get them, a part of me wants to run and hide. "Oh no. I'll never live up to their expectations." "I have no idea how I would continue." "What I wrote wasn't good enough and they want me to fix it."
Do y'all go through this? Or is it just me? I want to emphasize that I am not complaining about this type of feedback. I'm grateful for every comment I receive. But do you put pressure on yourself when you get these types of comments? Do you worry you'll fail them as a writer? Do you wonder if enough is ever enough?
Am I over thinking this, as I tend to do? Or do y'all have the same concerns?