In defense of readers

[scribblinlenore]

Writing can be a very lonely experience, especially if you don't manage to publish your work and have no audience you can easily reach. Anyone who has ever worked on orginial fiction or any other type of writing knows this very well. Maybe you have a writing group to share your stuff with. Maybe you prevail on your friends and family. But you know your words aren't going very far, and it's sad, really. Because the point of writing is to communicate, to reach others. And there's just no simple way to do that if Harper Collins et al haven't realized what a wonder you are.

That's what makes writing in fandom so wonderfully satisfying. You have a built in audience, a place to publish, a forum in which to be read. This is what you get in return for sharing your stories free of charge. And for anyone who has ever hungered for an audience, it's plenty of reward.

That people do sometimes take the time to comment on your writing is frosting. The most beautiful, delicious, want-it-all-the-time frosting in the world, to be sure. But it is not something you're owed. And I will never understand the attitude that says it is. If fan fiction is a gift, then so is feedback. If you have any manners at all, you don't give a gift simply to get one in return.

There's always a lot of talk about how we can encourage more feedback, show more appreciation for writers. Well, what about readers? Maybe, as writers, we need to think about how we can appreciate our readers a little more and not always expect the flow of admiration to be so one-sided.

So let me start.

I just want to say how truly, truly thankful I am to the people who read my stories, who let something I've written become part of their day. Whether you ever send me feedback or not, it's just good to know you're out there. I'm far more prolific writing fan fiction than I am with my original stuff, in part because you get a head start with fan fic, but also because it's really motivating to know there are people who will read it. It makes writing less lonely, less isolating. More fun. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

Comments

[bexless.livejournal.com]

*applauds wildly*

Thank you for saying this. Beautifully put. *big smooches* You're a doll.

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

*smooches back to Bex* You know, this is something I think often, and today I just had to say it.

[ingrid-m.livejournal.com]

I adore my readers, all readers actually.

Because they are sexy. *g* And usually, kind and generous as hell. And sometimes, they put up with a lot of crap without too much complaint.

So, YAY! ::: cheers for readers and Lenore ::::

YAAAAY!

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

Readers good! Up with readers! And you're so right, Ingrid. They are sexy. *g*

[barely-bean.livejournal.com]

*hugs lenore*

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

*hugs back to Caro*

And hey, hugs to your nephew, too. Just 'cause I bet he's adorable. :)

Preach it, sister!

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

Word to like the tenth power of word.

Re: Preach it, sister!

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

Thank you, sister!

[shaggirl.livejournal.com]

Well said, Lenore. Feedback is the most addictive of frostings (*g*) but it's not necessary to a writer's survival. Readers, on the other hand? I'm not sure I would write if I were in a vacuum. Maybe.

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

Writing in a vacuum is sad. Possible. But sad. That's why I'm glad I have fandom and don't have to. :)

[oxoniensis.livejournal.com]

Next time I read one of your stories (soon I hope...) I shall feel very appreciated! :-)

Seriously though, you're right, although I hadn't thought about it before. I love seeing hits on my website. It's such a thrill to think people are reading my little stories.

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

Next time I read one of your stories (soon I hope...) I shall feel very appreciated! :-)

The next time you read one of my stories, please consider yourself hugged! *g*

And, yes, it is cool to know that people are out there somewhere reading your stuff, isn't it? I just love it.

[nerodi.livejournal.com]

Well said Lenore. Well said.

And, as one of your devoted readers, you are most welcome. *g*

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

You know, Nerodi, as someone who actually remembers who my beta reader is, you deserve extra special big thanks. *g*

[goth-clark.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

I just re-read Asset Management this morning and laughed and smiled all the way through it. I love this story and I love the sequel and I love your stories period.

Thank you for writing in the Smallville fandom. *mwah*

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

*hugs back* Thank you so much for the kind words, GothGirl. I really appreciate it. Writing in SV fandom has been the best fun!

[lexcorp-hope.livejournal.com]

Beautifully well-put, Lenore, thank you so much for sharing this!

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Hope! It's been on my mind lately, and I wanted to put it out there.

[lifeinwords.livejournal.com]

Even though I *cough*sorta*cough* write, I still feel like a reader most of the time, so your recognition of how important readers are really touched me. I feel this huge love and adoration for the stories and writers in fandom, as well as in 'RL,' and since fb often receives a simple 'Thanks!', it's easy to feel unimportant to the process. Lovely, lovely words. Thank you for sharing them.

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Thank you so much for this. And, you know, nothing is more important to the process than readers. Without them, none of us would be here. :)

[tobyfan.livejournal.com]

It's funny you should post this today because I was going through some old printouts of TS stories and found your ``Cocktease'' among them and had a delightful time re-reading it.

[tobyfan.livejournal.com]

It's funny you should post this today because I was going through some old printouts of TS stories and found your ``Cocktease'' among them and had a delightful time re-reading it. So I guess you could say I've been one of your regular readers for quite some time now. *g*

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

I have extra special appreciation for people who read my TS stuff, too. *g*

I'm glad you liked "Cocktease!" *hugs*

Well, there is that Norse concept...

[nematoddity.livejournal.com]

of gifts between friends...it goes that any gift binds the giver to accept a gift in return, as well as binding the giftee to give such a gift. These gifts bind the friendship between each person, create a shared mutual bond. No gift in return, no friendship...or so the belief goes.

I tend to apply this to fandom and the fallout thereof--I write because I *have* to, because I'm inspired, because I want my words read. I don't *expect* anything, though, once I post a story. Feedback, in that limited sense, binds me to my readers--I learn their names, the ones who give me feedback, especially if they give it to me more than once! And sometimes, they start writing in return, and offer the gifts of their time and energy to me.

It's a lovely circle. For those that usually don't send feedback...well. They miss out on a lot of rich experience at times.

Re: Well, there is that Norse concept...

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

That's a lovely notion. I'm not that familiar with Norse culture and had not heard it before.

I have had a similar experience with readers who started sending me feedback, getting to know them, letting them get to know me. When that happens naturally, of its own accord, it's wonderful and to be treasured. But I can't imagine it's ever the product of hectoring or expectation.

For those that usually don't send feedback...well. They miss out on a lot of rich experience at times.

That may well be true, that it's an opportunity lost. On the other hand, some readers may prefer to have a relationship with the text, rather than the author. It's a different experience, but who's to say it's any less rich?

[digitalwave]

Lenore,

Thank you for the kind words. I think that it's a beautiful symbiosis that we've built here, when everything is working together one definitely feeds upon the other.

Smallville is blessed with some of the best fanfiction writers out there and, we the readers, are blessed with having the opportunity to enjoy all of your work. I think it really is the 'best of all possible worlds'.

Thank you all for continuing to share your hearts, hard work and selves with us!

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

You know, I think "symbiosis" is just the right word, Digitalwave. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. *hugs*

[mlleelizabeth.livejournal.com]

Lenore, what a lovely post! Your writing has brighten up many of my days and I'm thankful you find sharing it with your readers fun.

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

Awww, thanks, Elizabeth! That's so sweet. *hugs*

[hey-miss-missy.livejournal.com]

You rock, Lenore.

Love,

Your devoted reader.*g*

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Thanks, Lady T!

There's nothing better than a devoted reader. *g*

[theatlien.livejournal.com]

Lenore,

Thank you so much for saying this. Sometimes, when I read a story, I'll say is "Great job", "You rock" and "This was wonderful". However, I know some writers want more than that. They want detailed explanations as to what I did and didn't like about their story but all I can say is "Great job", "You rock" and "This was wonderful".*g* I too think fanfiction is a wonderful gift and I think I'm truly blessed to know people who can write. Be creative, yanno. I want to encourage that. Sometimes, my way is considered childish or not very deep but it's the only way I have.

Again thanks.

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

I think anytime anyone takes the time to ecourage someone else's creativity that's so, so wonderful, however it's expressed. And, frankly, I treasure the occasional "You rock!" someone sends me. :)

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this!

[elvisneedsboats.livejournal.com]

Beautiful!! Very nicely put, Lenore, and something we should all keep in mind, I think. *hugs*

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Thanks, Shelley! This was just something that's been on my mind lately.

[latxcvi.livejournal.com]

Excellently said, Lenore. Excellently said.

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

Thanks, LaT. I've been struggling along on some of my own fiction lately, and it reminded me how lucky I am to have a place to share my fan writing. Readers are a very, very good thing!

[(Anonymous)]

As someone who doesn't often get time to send a pile of feedback, I might as well take this opportunity to thank YOU and all the other writers out there. Whether or not you hear from your fans, you're all very much appreciated. You're what makes fandom such a pleasant place to visit. So, thankyou all for sharing your work with us. Never think that your contributions go unnoticed.

Yours sincerely,
An eternally grateful fan

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

Awww, thanks! That's so nice of you to say. And, as a reader, I totally agree. There are so many good writers, so many good stories here in SV fandom that it's a great pleasure to be part of it. I feel fortunate, both as a writer and a reader. :)

[fleegull.livejournal.com]

The way you put your thoughts together here so elegantly shows why you are a wonderful writer (and person) snd I am that silly reader who can only write back with a "Gah* for a comment!

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

*hugs* That's such a nice thing to say, Fleegull. Thank you!

And, you know, a simple "gah" has often made my day. :)

[littledrop.livejournal.com]

You always tell it true, Lenore. *hugs*

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Thanks, Kirsten!

[bientot.livejournal.com]

Wow.

Okay, I'd read some of your stuff and really really liked it, but then I saw this and decided to go to your web page. I just spent several hours reading every single Smallville story there, and I'm awestruck. So many, so good. "That Old Schizo Jealousy" totally knocked my sox off -- I know I tried to send feedback when I first read it, but I don't think I succeeded. That line about how many ways it would upset his mom if he'd said Superman was fucking his best friend...god, I love that! And the MASTERFUL use of second-person narrative is amazing. I loved them all, but this one perhaps most of all, just for the sheer flying wonder of the words and grammar and.... well, anyhow, thank you for thanking your readers!!!

Oh, and you might want to know that 'The Plan' ends in mid-word. I tried reloading a couple of times, thinking it might have just stopped loading prematurely, but no, it really does stop min-word.

And your Tower of Drabbles is wrenching and wicked. Multiple layers of deception and betrayal...it hurt so good!

Okay, I could go on and on but instead I'm going to bed. But thank you again...for everything!

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

Thank you, thank you for the lovely feedback, Agnes! I'm incredibly flattered that you'd take the time to read all my SV stories, and I really appreciate your taking the time to comment. *hugs*

[sinisterf.livejournal.com]

Woohoo! Readers are good! *says so because she is a big reader ..shhh*

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

Readers are the best! :)

[smallcondo.livejournal.com]

And another reason why I think Lenore is too cool for school.

As a reader, let me say: Thank you for sharing.

[scribblinlenore.livejournal.com]

Awww! *hugs* Thanks, Smallcondo! You're awfully cool yourself. :)