i get anxiety around reviews… but i want to be better about leaving them. any advice?
Hi anon! I think you need to figure out *why* commenting makes you feel anxious and tackle that first.
Is it because you’re not comfortable writing publicly, do you assume others will judge your words, do you feel pressure around creating the best review ever, or is it something else entirely…?
As both a writer and reader, I can assure you that the judging aspect is just in your head.
As a writer, we aren’t expecting some grand comment that analyzes the fic with perfect grammar and eloquent diction (in fact, the most amusing reviews are the ones where a reader is screaming incoherently in my inbox). We just want to hear your feedback--whether that's in the form of you yelling at us for toying with your favorite character(s), or fangirling/fanboying with us over the scenarios we've created. Engagement is everything.
As a reader, I’m never looking at the other reviews through a critical lens. I’m just happy to see others enjoying the fic as much as I am, and I enjoy reading their perspectives, opinions or reactions to the story.
I tend to compose my review while reading the story--that way, by the time I reach the end, all my reactions and comments are already there and waiting for me. Give it a try next time and see how that works for you.
There are also guides for writing reviews if you feel like you don’t know where to start. There are no standard rules, of course, but if you find yourself struggling, you can refer to this link.
At the end of the day, you’re making the author’s day every time you comment. They pour so much work, effort and love into their writing and every piece of feedback they receive is treasured. So, if you can breakthrough your anxiety and leave a comment on something that brought you joy, you’re giving that joy right back to the author.
Thank you for the ask. I hope that helped! ☺️