The Poll of Doom...

[joely_jo]

While in the depths of fic writing and editing last night, I had a crisis of confidence. I have a fic that has taken me a little while to write that I was initially happy with, but now feel like it's utter shite. It's more of a light-hearted piece than my normal standard and I think that perhaps this is the problem. Whenever I choose to write in a

Comments

[ladyhelen]

I don't think I'm a very helpful person to ask about this, because I love everything that you write, long or short! Personally I'm not fond of angst in general, but I think there's always value in exercising all the different writing styles, if only because it improves one as a writer.

[claireydid]

You took the words right out of my mouth! Jo, you're an amazing writer, it doesn't matter which genre you pick, because you always hit exactly the right notes. I love your angst just as much as the rest though. And I can say this without a trace of bias even though I beta a lot of your work. ;)

[joely_jo]

Oh, I think you are biased, my dear, but I love you all the same! ;)

[joely_jo]

You are such a star, my dear! I am inclined to agree with your point about exercising one's skills...

[alliesings]

Write what compells you, write what you love and what refuses to leave you alone. If I wrote by reviews, I'd be writing WiP parodies of 90s movies. Everything you write makes me feel something. I think that counts for a lot :)

[joely_jo]

Cheers, hun! I take your points... all of them... and bow to your superior wisdom. ;) It's just that I sometimes get these Down Moments when things seem to be so much crappier than they actually are. But thanks for commenting!

[lacontessamala]

Don't force yourself to write in a certain style or length; that'll only hurt your writing.

And you should know that I have never read a fic of yours that I didn't immediately squee over. You're an awesome writer!

[joely_jo]

I guess you're right about the the forcing it thing... I think sometimes I try too hard to be varied and am always too bothered about trying to get better (I was like this at school, to be honest... frightfully scary thought, that...!) Thanks for commenting!

[anonymous]

Actually in the middle of emailing you (don't faint!) when I saw this... It's hard to leave your comfort zone sometimes, isn't it? All I can say is that when you do AND it pays off; it's even more satisfying and you're so glad you took the chance. And for some reason the stories I'm most nervous about are usually the best received, so perhaps it's a good sign you're freaking out?! Writers aren't always the best judge of their own work...as I'm frequently told! ;)

I think you can do light-hearted so...be brave and see what happens! :)

Butting anonymously off now as I have an email to finish.

Gilpin.

[scarlett71177]

I didn't vote in the poll because if you write it- I'll read it. You're an amazing author, with amazing talent. While you might feel comfortable writing certain genres, I'm convinced you'd be successful writing any style.

I think you should write what makes YOU happy. If, from time to time, you feel up to a challenge, and writing a different style- then great! If not, that's OK too.

Good luck, I can't wait to read your next fic!

Amy