On Work and Writing

[said_scarlett]

I've been productive already! And not the frantic productive nijawial was witness to last night when my immediate response to her was 'I'M WORKING! REALLY I AM!'. And I was. Sort of. Slowly.

Laid down the base coat for the hilt and pommel of the sword. I was going to do finally get rid of the pink lining of my dress, but now my seam ripper has disappeared. WTF? Why do things keep going missing on me? Things I need! It's frustrating.

I'm honestly not panicking right now. I've found a good balance of getting everything done.

It's bizarre how the most random things can get to me. I got a review on one of my Lovecraft crossover fics the other day that was basically extremely complimentary, but told me I was wasting myself with writing fics. The reviewer wondered why in the world I was posting on ff.net when I could be submitting original work to magazines! And further suggested I take down the fic, tweak it, remove the Death Note aspects and submit it as an original Lovecraft Mythos story.

I do write original fic, and I do submit it. And yes, it's horror. Horror is my bread and butter. I've got a couple little dinky publications to my name, and some stuff submitted for consideration for anthologies. I write fic because I enjoy it, and honestly, it gives me a hell of a lot more satisfaction than my original stuff. And my crossover? Wouldn't be the same story, or in my opinion even a good story, without those fan fic aspects. The story is about Naomi and L (and Watari, too) and their experiences in this horrific setting. Who wants to read the same story about...about what? Some random Private Investigator chick and her pet genius? Not the same.

And yes, this review, despite being complimentary, still bothers me. But it always bothers me when anyone suggests I'm wasting my time with fic, or I should focus on original writing. Original writing? Is not my passion. I thought it was, but it's not. I don't know what my passion is. I don't care that I don't know what my passion is. I do what I enjoy, because otherwise, what's the point?

I got half of chapter five for Bright Young Things written last night. I hope I haven't lost the flow of the story. I went and re-read the first four chapters and went 'damn, there's a whole lot of creepy wrong going on here'. I'd forgotten just how subtlety disturbing some scenes were.

Hopefully I can keep that theme up, even though it's been so long since I started it.

I think I've babbled on enough here, I'm going to get dressed and see if I can find my seam ripper.

Comments

[speaky-bean.livejournal.com]

That makes sense. I get annoyed when people tell me I'm wasting my time writing what I want to write, too. Admittedly, original fiction is more productive if you want to make a career out of it, but not everybody wants that for themselves. I'd like to get published eventually, and I do write original fiction--but fanfiction gives me a lot more joy, and I don't see why I shouldn't write something that makes me happy. You have every right to be annoyed, even if they did mean it as a compliment. Which is why you shouldn't rail at them about it. But still, you can rant in your LJ. ^_^

And I'm glad you're getting everything done! Less stress = WIN.

[theladyfeylene.livejournal.com]

It is an annoying thing. No one likes being told that what they enjoy doing is a waste of time. And like I said above, how do they know I don't write original fiction, too? Or already decided it was what I didn't want to do? Yeah, I just politely told them thank you, and that I do write original, but I felt the fic wouldn't be the same as an original and I was personally very happy with what it was, but was flattered that they felt it could stand alone.

Thanks! Here's hoping it sticks!

[speaky-bean.livejournal.com]

Yeah...I mean I guess I can see wanting someone who's writing you enjoy to focus on something you yourself would like more, but it's still a little obnoxious. Hell, I've been told I'm focusing on the wrong characters--that I should write about Ryuk, or Near, or whoever their favorite Death Note character is. I do take requests, but when people tell me I'm too good to be writing about a character I like, it's kind of annoying.

Also, your response to the guy sounds pretty awesome. :D