Wow.
Today, I got TWO nice emails from different readers commenting on different stories.
It's unexpected and appreciated. It was not just blowing smoke either.
In one case, if I had a book jacket for "My Sons Dared Me" this would go on the back.
"The details about the places, the people, and manners of speech makes it feel as if I’m right there with Timothy. I look forward to the next chapter."
This was great. I set the story in Surrey and I am not from England. I've been asking British people to help me and doing my own research but I was worried I wouldn't be able to do it justice. It's very encouraging to see that my exact goal was realized by someone. I always want the reader to feel like they are looking out of the main character's eyes or right there over his shoulder.
The second nice thing was related to Tig Ol Bitties. I had some really positive feedback at first but it's gone quiet.
Today, someone took time out of their day to send me this:
In my opinion this is one of your best stories I like the elements of knowing and not knowing they are hypnotised, I hope at some point the Mum also gets or is already hypnotised and being used by Scott, I would like to read Scott has more sex with his sisters and mother, but I have no complaints and like this so far and thanks for all your time and effort you have put in to your writing for me one of your many fans
cheers
I was worried that with such a long story the pacing might bore people. I wanted to keep inching things up, like a stripper taking off her bra, then her panties, then her thong until she bares all.
The last thing the stripper wants is for you to be pulling the label off your Heineken as you check your watch and think about some place else you want to be simply because she is dancing to Meatloaf's 17 minute version of some song on stage as her first song and you are still waiting to see a little booby.
The reason this means so much to me is that I am aware of how toxic the Internet and some even on the SOL Community can be.
It's reassuring to see people send a thoughtful note that isn't just "Hey, good job" but genuinely points out what they liked about it.
I am fine with constructive feedback that tells me how it can be better etc. I don't want anyone to stroke my ego if it's not true either.
But damn, it feels good to hear two people think something that I am doing took them on a journey and made them feel something/think something.
I wanted to thank them, and encourage you if you are reading - to maybe drop a little note like that to your favorite author for the effort they are putting in.
Most of us get nasty grams from snotty trolls and they erode our faith in humanity in general. I know I've seen two authors recently pull up stakes simply because the negativity drove them away.
Let's build each other up, let's support each other. You don't have to like what I write about to do that. Let's just build the community, because what I write about might appeal to someone else who will use the site and help suport it as an author or paying member.
I know it's easy to say 'support each other' - now let's actually do it.