Thank your readers and the critics who praise you, and then ignore them. Write for the most intelligent, wittiest, wisest audience in the universe: Write to please yourself.
~Harlan Ellison

It is a little shocking that a Feed Back PRAG like myself would not only choose this quote but actually FEEL it. I truly believe that there comes a time where you have to shrug off all restraints and write selfishly for yourself. 

A little over a year ago I starting getting ideas for what would eventually become "His Pet" (A SVU Fan Fiction I am working on if you are just joining us). At first I tossed the idea aside thinking it TOO graphic and intense for my group of NET friends. "They would never except it." was my thought at the time. There was no question it was very different then anything that I had wrote or even anything by the rest of the group. If my friends wouldn't like it WHAT would the rest of the world think? Fortunately for me this story refused to die. The muses got in my head and didn't seem at all inclined to leave.

I thought about the story day and night. I have never been one to care much about what most people think but these were my friends and this was my writing. I can take constructive critisim...I encourage it...but what if I stepped out there with this new style or genre and my friends completely regected it. What if they didn't want me to change? We all get comfortable with what we know. HEY I am as guilty as the next person of this but sometimes something happens that just BEGS you step out and take the step of faith on the path less followed. As warped as that sounds that is how it felt. 

One of the first very REAL problems was LOCATION.  The sites I frequented either were genre specific and/or had RULES. I could tell all ready that "PET" was going to be a rule breaker.  SOOO I talked over the problem with my beloved Terror Twin and the TT and I created ANGST ANONYMOUS. Our site ...OUR rules baby!!! 

Then I started to write and though it has taken some effort, and often a kick in the ass from friends, I have refused to compromise the story and make it SAFE. There have been parts that make people cringe but I have been true to the characters and the story. I have been true to myself. 

~PEACE!

HUSSY

 

OH BF!!! I am so glad you woudln't compromise on this story !!! I would have hated it if this fiction hadn't been told . It's an amazing tale and I love every minute. Thanks BF!!!

I totally agree with you AND that quote. I can imagine the strain you went through with this story idea, but it IS FANTABULOUS! I also know what you mean about safe. You might remember a little rattlesnake fic I did a while back called Unbreakable. Unfortunately, I KNEW what I WANTED to do, but like you said...location was a big problem and so on. AA has to be the best place to really let your darker side of fiction FRRREEEEE!

*hangs head in shame*
yes, yes...I still have to come around to reading what new chapters you have posted my sis. So sorry. I'm horrible with this kind of stuff lately, sometime I think it's a wonder that I don't forget my head when I walk out the door in the mornings! LOL

But to the point...you are a terrific writer and if it weren't for you I probably would have stopped writing myself long ago. Your constant encouragement not just to continue with what I've started writing but also to test out my edges and peek into the spheres beyond them means more to me than you will ever know.

In short, I love your stories...always will and I sure hope that you will always continue writing for yourself and also for your numerous fans out there (and that of course does include myself!).

Love ya,
Mel xxx

Thanks All! I appreciate your support.

B...I do remember the Rattle Snake fic that you mention and I loved it. If you ever wanted to revive it on AA I am sure that it would garner rave reviews and you wouldn't have the WORRY about safe content.

Hey Mel...don't sweat it Hun! I understand that the dreaded "real life" gets in the way from time to time. Read when you get a chance and write too! LOL I love your writing!