Procrastinating and thinky thoughts and "West of the Moon"...
I'm writing this because I ought to be working, but I don't feel like it at the moment.
I woke up this morning to find that "West of the Moon" has garnered a couple of nominations over at the Absence of Light Awards. I'm thrilled, if a little surprised, since I don't really think of the story as being that dark or angsty overall, and it's been a ( Read more... )
I woke up this morning to find that "West of the Moon" has garnered a couple of nominations over at the Absence of Light Awards. I'm thrilled, if a little surprised, since I don't really think of the story as being that dark or angsty overall, and it's been a ( Read more... )
1. It's written in first person.
2. It's not written in first person. (I've received this complaint, myself.)
3. It's science fiction! (Gasp!)
4. It's too canon.
5. It's not canon enough.
6. It all human.
7. It's smutty.
8. It's not smutty enough.
And on and on. I may not be the biggest fan of all-human fic, but if I criticized one for being just what it says it is that would be pointless, ridiculous, and just prove that I'm an entitled jerk.
You've got the right idea, though - write to please yourself. I sort of hesitate to say that in public, even though I believe it in my heart of hearts, because I don't mean it to mean that "every single person should write whatever shallow dreck they feel moved to". I mean, yes, they should, but perhaps they should not expect everyone to love it like they do. ;-)
That so very many people love "West" every bit as much as you do is a good indicator that yours was a story that not only needed to be told, but one that worked as constructed. You made creative choices that worked for the story and resonated with readers. Even the best-crafted story will not appeal to everyone, because people have their own priorities and tastes. But your stories come close. ;-)
I'll also be here for more DUST. Happy New Year!
(I sort of like comments that question something I've done in a story. Because then I get to talk about why I made that choice, and for most decent writers there is a reason for everything.)
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