i want to write, but ive seen so many of my favourite writers get hate and it scares me. you seem so unbothered when you get stuff like that. how do you deal?
So, I've been debating most of the weekend on how to answer this. I am not a good person to ask for advice here.
Because a good way to handle it is not the same as how I handle it. I kind of do the opposite of what a lot of people say you should do when you get anon hate. Because there is only room for one petty bitch in this house, so it's going to be me.
So a good way to handle it is with liberal application of the block button, and remembering that they mean nothing. Every anon that sends hate is a sad, sad soul who's taking out their own insecurities and problems on you because they can hide behind a grey face and think that making someone else feel bad is going to make their life somehow suck less. And odds are there are a lot more people that like you and your work then don't (especially once you've been writing for a little while. Even if they don't say anything. Which you'll often wish they would because you need them and can only guess they're really there).
My way of handling it is to be as sarcastic and rude as possible and try to have the last word. I'm a creature born of and powered by spite and have spent far too many years trying to cater to exactly the kind of person that is the average Hate Anon, so I decided I'm done with that shit. My goal is to out asshole the anon.
I'm not going to lie though. It hurts. It sucks ass. And every one of those hate messages hits its mark. I've cried. I've doubted myself. I've been heartbroken. I've thought about giving up. At least one and often all of those things, Every. Single. Time. And I know there are a lot of creators out there that feel the same. I'd like to say there will be people on your side to remind you that the anon is full of shit, and most of the time there are, but not always. Or if they're there you have to find/reach out to them first. And it's rough. It feels bad and wrong.
I don't want to discourage you, Nonny. Because writing is exhilarating and addictive and healing and fun. It can be so many wonderful things. And if you're really, really lucky it will bring you to a community of friends whom you love and are loved by, heart and soul. But good times bring bad, and nothing's sunshine and roses all the time.
If you do decide to write, I'm happy to be here for advice/support and either way for friendship if you want. Hell, I'm usually here to throw down with shitty people too, mine or someone else's.