Ok, so I'm a wannabe author. I have two stories on here, one that almost wrote itself because of my interest, which scored well, and one that didn't do quite as well, and I'm ok with that. It could probably do with a rewrite anyway.
Why haven't I written more?
It's not because I don't have some ideas that I think are good ones. It's not because I can't communicate well in written form. No, it's simply because I'm afraid I'm not good enough. And I also have that fear that others will think the same, and tell me so in very loud and certain terms. Yeah, it's perhaps cowardly of me, but that's the way I feel about it.
Now think of other authors. Those who are more courageous than me. They spend the time. They put in the sweat equity. And they put their stuff out there. They're trying to put something good together - something that will entertain you. But they have egos too, and don't necessarily appreciate unthinking and callous criticism.
Some wind up going away, and the loss of their contributions is keenly felt by their more loyal readership. I still mourn the absence of Cold Creek, for example.
And now Irish Writer is taking a hiatus and may, eventually, come back and post a completed work. In the meantime, his readers lose the benefit and the pleasure of reading his works as he posts them. All as the result of some harsh criticism, much of which, imho, is undeserved.
Constructive criticism? Absolutely fine. Suggestions to the author? Fine! I've done both myself. But I've always kept in mind that the author's works are the author's, and not mine. I can suggest, but I'm not the one doing the writing. It's not my story to tell. And I certainly don't want any author to shut down over criticism.
Yeah, maybe I personally need a thicker skin. Fact is, I don't have one. So I don't write. Most authors' skins are thicker than mine - but not all of them. Please keep that in mind?