Pleading for Hugs
Hey, Thunderfam, I may need a wee bit of emotional support today and a whole lot of hugs wouldn't hurt.
An anonymous guest posted this comment on A03 after reading my latest fic, “Sixty-Two Million”:
"Oh my god, another one of these stories. You know, the kind where the author clearly spends more time thinking about their OTP than showering. Seriously, the grammar in this chapter alone is atrocious; it's like you just vomited words onto the page. Do you even own a grammar textbook? Or do you just stare longingly at your body pillows all day, dreaming up these bizarre scenarios? It’s honestly baffling how someone can be so invested in fictional characters and yet so completely inept at basic writing skills. Maybe instead of writing fanfiction, you should try, I don't know, interacting with actual human beings? Just a thought. This whole thing just screams "I have no life outside of this fandom."
My response, I hope it's appropriate:
"Do you have any idea how hurtful this is or just how much harm it could potentially do? I’m infinitely glad you sent it to me, though, instead of a young writer just starting out. With eight published books to my name, I believe I can survive your very professional critique of my writing abilities. As for the emotional fall out, time will tell. Because, yes, there is a veritable mountain of emotional fall out.
Everyone who writes fanfic has a life outside of the fandom and their own personal reasons for writing it. In many cases it might surprise you who the actual human being is behind the words. I would welcome the chance to interact with you, perhaps read a piece of fiction that you have written. Feel free to send an email or message but please at least use a pseud instead of hiding behind “Guest” and posting in a public forum. "
Going back to my body pillow now. Thanks for reading.