There is something on my mind and since I can't voice it to my family, I am sharing it here.
Today, after being on WP for almost 5 years, I received my first proper hate comment. Apparently, not only did my story make the reader lose respect for me as a writer but for my beloved characters WangXian / YiZhan. And here is what I thought:
If you have nothing good to say or your criticisms are not constructive, it would be better to keep it to yourself than express them.
There are many budding authors here on WP. A comment like the one I received today, if I had received when I was a newcomer, would have killed my confidence, and I would have stopped writing altogether. Luckly, I was blessed with excellent and encouraging readers who showed my stories love and support. Even when I lost faith in my writing, they pulled me out of slump and helped me get back on my feet.
I understand that everyone has and is entitled to their opinions, but I humbly request the readers to put themselves in the author's shoes and be kind to them. We write FF as a hobby and in our free time. Receiving hate for it negates all the joy we would have otherwise received from sharing our stories.
Hate shown in words is no less damaging than when shown through actions. One can hurt the body, the other can do the same to one's soul. Instead, show love. Build bridges of hope and joy.
Live and let live.
On another note, I have returned to reading ONC entries after a month of being a busybody. Lolz.
P. S. Sorry for the rant.
That's it for now, my lovely people!
Stay safe and happy ❤