There are number of reasons why I write, the main ones being because I enjoy doing it and giving pleasure to others. I also love getting comments that reflect that people are moved by my stories. I get a fair number of kudos too, which is the icing on the cake.
But, and there always is a but; increasingly, it appears that I am upsetting some readers. In particular, at the moment, Susan in Football Girl is going through a hard time and things are happening to her that are unpleasant, to say the least.
One reader has said that because of this, she is walking away from the story. Another has pm’d me to say that she was so angry about the storyline, she couldn’t sleep for two hours and then had to write to me and say how much she disagreed with the way the story was going.
Others have been milder in their reaction, but the message from some of you is that you do not like the storylines.
Criticism I can take, after all I’m big girl now and don’t need to go and have a cry behind the bike shed if people don’t like what I do. What this blog is about is whether I should write my type of stories on a site like this where some are vulnerable and others have had pain in their lives?
I have rarely written stories that have no conflict except a few fluffy bits, written for fun and very much tongue in cheek. A story, as far as I am concerned, needs something that makes the reader experience a little of the feelings that the heroine goes through, which is one of the reasons why I prefer first person narrative. I want the reader to get inside the head of Susan and the other characters.
I like writing love stories, but the best ones always have conflict/resolution elements. The same with my adventure type stories. They are the types of stories that I like to read but judging by the comments that I have been receiving lately, not everyone feels the same as me.
I have a bit of a problem, a dilemma, if you like. Do I continue to write the way I do or do I stop because the last thing I want to do is upset people and my style of writing seems to do that for some? Many of us have personal issues and have gone through a lot of trauma. Am I adding to that trauma by writing stories that upset people?
Hugs
Sue
Comments
Projecting their problems
I understand individuals are often sensitive about certain matters, especially if it brings up bad memories. However, to lay the blame on the writer for THEIR problems is unfair and fails to recognize the real source. I'm of the 'conflict is a part of life' group. I don't like artificial sweeteners in my drinks or my stories. If they've been reading your stories they KNOW these things happen in your writing and shouldn't be taking you to task because they are upset. Especially if the conflict is handled in a manner that builds rather than destroys.
Commentator
Visit my Caption Blog: Dawn's Girly Site
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I Vote, YES !
Susan,
Please continue, like RL is not all Fluff and Cotton Candy.
With Football Girl, I would like for her to show a little
trust with her Parents, Manager and Security Team.
Surely there are Barristers that could rip the BEAST a New
one???? Like the Players end up with the Club and enough in
damages, to float the boat for a tide over?
Great story telling.
Forgive me, I am an avid reader, not a writer.
Yours,
Olivea Peterson
I say, "Yes!"
Firstly, you need to write for yourself.
That you choose to share it with us is our gain.
There's a reason for those tags at the top of each story: to warn readers about the content.
That some might refrain from reading is their prerogative. I for one have appreciated Football Girl and your other stories, and I would be disappointed if you allow the reactions of a few to curtail your writing.
Personal Stuff
Bike Resources
Bike Resources
Should I carry on with Football Girl and other stories?
yes more please. it is a good story so far although the american owner could be killed off any time now
amy
Should I carry on with Football Girl
Sue,
As a writer you should be able to write what you feel you need to.
I'm not one to comment very much on stories that I read but always give kudos if I like the story.
Keep up the good work.
Huggs,
Glenda
As I've told you before,
Samirah M. Johnstone
Ditto what Shannon said
Football Girl is a gem.
And I remember The Chosen causing you troubles yet you carried on after a little -- well a lot of -- encouragement and that one became a great series.
Sci-fi in the best tradion.
Just honestly lable any chapters that might offend -- maybe even a warning in the intro to a series -- and I don't see the problem.
Hell, people have bitched at my silly fluff.
Some complain because of reasons I would question but many do because of a sense of ownership of the characters. It may be misguided/mistaken IMHO but it's proof they value what you do and love your characters; perhaps love them abit too much
I always remind myself *This is fiction!* whenever it gets too intense.
For you to quit would be a mistake.
John in Wauwatosa
John in Wauwatosa
Should I carry on with Football Girl and other stories?
I say continue! Please don't let a few bad comments/PM's upset you.
May Your Light Forever Shine
May Your Light Forever Shine
I Vote YES continue
Sue, Please continue your stories, Especially Football Girl.
Huggles
Sammi
Screw 'em
Write and publish what you want.
If they don't like it, thank them and politely remind them that there are thousands of other stories to read.
Go For It
Sue,
Provided your heart is into it. Yes, your character in 'Football Girl' has hit a rough patch of road and as a result, some of your readers are a bit turned off. That's what happens here at TS/BC reflects when aspects or real life are allowed to interfere with nauseatingly protracted scenes in which the protagonist describes the wonderful feeling of putting on makeup, slipping into stocking and trying on twelve different outfits before going downstairs for breakfast. Dealing with the dark side of human nature is something those who live in Lala Land either cannot deal with or have no wish to think about, which is why you're getting complaints.
Your stories always hit well over 1,200 readers. Mine barely peak above 800 due to subject matter alone since my characters seldom visit the mall or I don't spend half my time describing what they are wearing. Face it girl, a fair number of readers at TS/BC come here for nothing more than fluff and fantasy.
Should you go on, I would recommend doing what Billy Shakespeare did in most of his plays and insert some comic relief at an appropriate time. It relieves the dramatic tension and allows the reader to chuckle before you pile some more serious stuff onto their laps. Besides, just as real life isn't a steady diet of trips to the mall and huggie/kissie love fest with a family that lovingly embraces the character's gender shift, it isn't an unending shit storm either, unless you're a recruit on Paris Island.
As a fan of 'Football Girl' I look forward to seeing Susan triumph over adversity. Just don't take too long getting there.
Any who, do keep up your writing if your heart is into it and your characters matter to you, I say again, if the characters and their story matter to you, not me, not the readers of TS/BC or anyone else. Just remember, as I always say, some readers here would not be happy if you shot them with a clean bullet.
Nancy Cole
"You may be what you resolve to be."
T.J. Jackson
Don't Be Daft, Woman!
Your latest episode has 1220 hits, 80 kudo thingies (the pedant in me hates that nomenclature. What's wrong with votes?) and 18 comments. I wish I could be so unsuccessful!
I think a lot of us are trying to nudge you into stopping Susan from caving in to the threats that she has received, but if you write it differently and follow a different track to the end of the story that's your prerogative.
Personally, I have been reading Sue Brown stories for over four years and I don't want them to stop. Do I like some better than others? Of course I do; we all have our personal favourites. Do I like "Football Girl"? Of course I bloody well do.
So one commenter has said she's going to stop reading. Her loss. That means you'll get 1219 hits,79 kudoes and 17 comments on the next chapter. Big deal,
Joanne
Writing
You do it for yourself, I assume, just as I do, and the comments are a bonus.My stories, as you say, always have some conflict in. That, and its resolution, are the things that make a story worth reading and a tale worth telling. My own stories have quite a narrow focus, and with each one I look to try and illuminate a demon of some kind. Those demons are my own, and the writing is a way to confront them. There are very, very dark things in most of my tales, and as a result, I think, I don't get the numbers of readers that some other 'genres' may get. As Nancy says, life isn't an endless series of teenaged girls hitting the shops, nor are clothes the single most important thing in life. On the other hand, whilst there are shitstorms in my stories (Sweat and Tears, Uniforms, being two of the heaviest), and once more as Nancy says, I look to bring brightness in.
Those are my stories, though, not yours. I have had negative comments, but most have been positive, and that tells me that while I write for myself, I seem to have touched a soft spot in a few steady readers, so my responsibilty is multiplied, but the stories remain my own, and while I may take advice on style or plotting, I may just as easily ignore it. As should you, if it doesn't feel right.
Everyone's a critic, but not many can create. Keep writing and I will keep reading.
Hey Sue.
I honestly wouldn't listen to them. I write all over the place with my stuff and there's some dark stuff in them in most of them. I read your stuff a bit and I like your football girl stories and while the Yank's being a disruptive twit that's not really that dark compared to the stalker. Now the last one with the threats was really decent. Lots of opportunity there.
We lose too many people writing really good stuff because of someone's whiny comments.
*Big Hugs*
Bailey.
Bailey Summers
To Write or Not to Wriyr
Sue
I rarely comment but you are on my favored writer list. Read story even if intro isn't the most exciting. IMHO the ONLY reasom to write is for a need within yourself. Writing for comments and kudos is doomed to disappointment. They are great to get but only a very few will oblige. Write for yourself and accept what constructive criticism that helps you write a better story for your own self fulfillment. We your fans will tag along.
The chorus to 'Garden Party'
'n' it's all right now, learned my lesson well
You see, ya can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself
Huggles
Chelle_MM
Yes,Please keep on with Footballl Girl, Sue
My only complaint with it is that it doesn't come out more often.
Holly
It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.
Holly
Yes, but...
Of course continue writing, but I feel we should all be sensitive to the way our words can affect others.
Because a lot of people who write on this site have been hurt, or they know others who have been, I feel hurt is far too often written about. Yes, there should be conflict in a story, but rather than the reader getting ready to top themselves, they should have hope that right will win through.
I don't believe a story should be too true to life - far better a story which has been expertly crafted by a skilled author to produce a good tale which leaves the reader feeling excited or happy.
I'm not a regular reader of Football, but with a long running serial, as with any longish story, the flow needs to move in waves, alternating between conflict and achievement, fast and slow, happy and sad. Perhaps it's time to move towards a happy section.
One more "Yes" vote - and a suggestion to unhappy readers
Dear Sue,
As others have stated allready: Please continue to write and to post what you write!
As you said in your blog, you write for yourself. So if writing is therapeutic for you, then by all means please continue to write. Because you need to maintain your own health/sanity. The fact that you share your writings with us here on BCTS for our enjoyment is just a bonus for all of us (yourself included).
Myself, I tend to leave a Kudo when I have "enjoyed" the story. Meanning: I have been hooked by the storyline and I wish the author to continue sharing the story with her/his readers. Generally, I reserve public comments for sharing Kudos for above and beyond. For specific criticism I rather send a PM. I prefer to make my comments worthwhile and relevant to the story/chapter, and hope that it will point some new reader to the story via the comment feature on the home page. (I have found some real keeprs there.)
Conflict is a very big part of life! And generally, conflict occurs when a change in attitude/focus/activity is necessary. And in Susan's case a change in all 3 is necessary. Though not only for her, but also for her family and her colleagues and her club.
Since you are a master of cliff-hangers, leaving us hanging by our figurative fingernails at the end of nearly every chapter, it should not come as a surprise that readers will experience some very emotional outbursts. My gut reaction to chapter 14 was very simmilar to that expressed by most commenters, since I can empathise with Susan's experience with all these bullies. But knowing that you generally share a satisfactory resolution to the cliff-hanger conflict in the next chapter(s), I am willing to wait and see how it will pan out.
The issue of some readers telling the authors that they will not read their stories anymore, unless said authors change the story-line/-character to conform with said readers tastes/preferences, is in my humble opinion a lack of respect towards a fellow human and a fellow sufferer of social stigmatisation. Several authors here on BCTS have stated repeatedly that writting these stories is part of their therapy and helps them survive and overcome the difficulties they have in their real lives and social environments. Therefor, I consider that telling the authors that their stories/therapy is "no good unless you do it my way" to also by a form of bullying and/or mobbing, and just as nefarious as the "abuse" we all suffer in RL.
As a fellow sufferer of social outcasting and a lot of other abuse/issues related to gender issues, I would like to ask especially the non-author readers here on BCTS to refrain from tearing down an author or a story because you do not like where it is going or have a hard time dealing with some of your own emotional issues that get disturbed by said author or story. I would like to suggest two "positive" ways to handle these issues without hurting others here on BCTS. After all, we are supposed to be a caring community of people with simmilar experiences. And if an author becomes so discourage to stop writing/posting or even pulling their stories, other readers get deprived of their enjoyment and/or help through these stories.
a) Confront your own issues with the help of a good friend/counselor/therapist. That will help you deal with real life in the long run. But even so, in the long run you might be better of avoiding these triggers.
b) Quietly stop reading these authors/stories, without rubbing it in the authors faces. There is a reason for the "Ignore user" link/button at the bottom of every post. If a specific author just rubs you the wrong way, just clic on "Ignore user", and voilà you do not have to read their writtings anymore unless you specifically request to see the post.
There are a few scenarios that I just can not take or that just go against my own tastes/preferences. So I am just quietly ignoring the stories of these (unnamed here) authors. I try to agree to disagree agreeably on these issues, since others enjoy/profit from the stories that are not to my taste.
And as others have said before me: The use of tags at the top of the post is a big help for us readers to warn us of potential issues that we might have with that specific story/post/chapter.
Jessica Nicole
Should I carry on with Football Girl and other stories?
I know what you are talking about I have had a few messages to from my readers, that parts of my last story Andrews Dilemma hit to close to home for them and they also were unable to continue because of the affect that it was having on them. The reason for this is because I used personal experience as a way to build up my leading character. So the pain and frustration that was experienced within the story was real and connected with readers.
I think the best compliment a writer can have is to know that they have touched someone on an emotional level. There are always people out there that are going to have a hard time with certain topics within a story but in real life, we are all hit with obstacles that are not easy to deal with and many times we have to work through the pain before we are able to resolve the situation.
Should you continue writing your story, "HELL YES", as long as you have people that like what you are doing and you are enjoy writing it then continue with it, eventually it all works itself out in the end.
Cain129
Look for you whenever I log on
RAMI
Dear Sue:
I will join all of the others in urging you to continue the story. I look for you name and your stories whenever I log on. If you have a story posted I will either read it then or make sure I return to it later in the day.
Susan's story is complex, and of course it is not always going to be happy and everything going sweetly forward. Even in your Sci Fi stories (Green Fog) the road blocks thrown at our heroines and the situations they encounter are close enough to reality to be beleivable. That Sue Hurst is acting as a confused teenager, trying to protect those she loves, not seeking help and not thinking clearly, is an accurate portrayal, of who she has been from Book 1, Chapter 1, Line 1.
As to negative comments, they come with the title Author. Unless they are truly cruel, take them for what they are. Someone read the story and were so involved that they took the time to write and post the story. In a strange way, a well reasoned criticism, is perhaps more valuable then the two line comment that says "Great story, loved it, keep it up." The critic is truly emotionaly involved with the story. If someone wants to stop reading, it is their right. That is not a reflection on you.
Your write compelling stories that keep the readers involved. Your cliffhangers maybe frustrating, but that is the point, leave the reader hanging and wanting to return to see, if the Green Fog attacked, if Penmaris bay is frozen over by a blizard, or if Sue Hurst is attacked by some looney.
Keep writing. I am looking forward to Sue making the right decision on how to handle her black mailers and your wrting about it.
RAMI
RAMI
Keep writing!
Without conflict and challenges to overcome, "a hero ain't nothin' but a sandwich." *grin* Every story can't be a constant loop of shopping and hugs and fluffy kittens at play - our Football Girl is a fighter, so give her something to fight!
If people stop reading, they'll miss the best part - overcoming the challenges and winning the day! So let that be their own punishment. Faint heart never won fair maiden ... or anything else, for that matter. *grin*
Randalynn
Enjoy your stories
So please, do continue writing
Hugs, Fran
Hugs, Fran
Enjoy your stories
LET ME ADD TO THE NUMBERS THAT APPROVE. I ENJOY YOUR STORIES. I WOULD NOT HAVE CONTINUED THIS FAR IF I DID NOT.
PLEASE BY ALL MEANS CARRY ON.
Sue its YOUR story
Exactly what Shannon and Nancy have said.
It is YOUR story, tell it YOUR way. Nothing makes me more sick on BCTS than people trying to steer and write a story that is not even their own through petitioning, whining, second guessing and when they do not get their way, bullying with nasty PMs and bad reviews. The story is your child, your vision, your creation. Succumbing to reader pressure only takes away from that, it becomes a hybrid or maybe you lose control of it altogether and it can never manifest itself into what you had originally envisioned. How dare the readers try to cajole you into making it go their way, where they want it to go, it is not theirs to do with in the first place. wtf? Get real people this is not the interactive fantasy channel.
What you write just may not be for everybody but for the most part I believe if you write it from your soul many of us will read it just because Sue Brown wrote it and take it on faith that because you wrote it we can trust that is is going to be a great read.
FootBall Girl
Sue; I DITTO all the above You can't leave us hanging now! Especially with your great writting and don't change anything as this really happens in the real world! Richard PS: Also great picture - You look Great!
Richard
I agree
Yes, she is cute :)
Should I carry on with Football Girl and other stories?
"Should I carry on with Football Girl and other stories?"
yes, Yes, YES!
I love your work. As for conflict, it's part of life, and it's almost necessary as part of really good fiction.
Carry on. Please?
Kris
{I leave a trail of Kudos as I browse the site. Be careful where you step!}
Kris
{I leave a trail of Kudos as I browse the site. Be careful where you step!}
As long as YOU are still
As long as YOU are still enjoying, or otherwise getting something out of posting the stories, please continue.
I'll admit that I haven't read Football Girl, but it still stands. If people don't like the way it's going, STOP READING. It's their problem, not yours.
That said, feedback is still important, of course, but constructive, not just 'I don't liiiiiikeee thisss'.
I'll get a life when it's proven and substantiated to be better than what I'm currently experiencing.
Oh yeah. Criticism I don't mind, if
... it's constructive, or at least reasonable/reasonably explained. Some of my favorite PMs are about what a reader didn't like or that didn't make sense, that gave me pause for thought about how I could change or improve as a writer.
The only ones I've ever found unhelpful or just outright mean-spirited are the "You're terrible for writing this" comments/PMs.
Anyway, shutting up now, but I just had to second this :-)
If you don't like it, don't read it, but don't hate the author!
I'm going to add my voice to the throng, and I only ask that my words be taken in the spirit they're meant, in support of Sue. :-)
I know I have a reputation for writing sickeningly sweet, upbeat stuff. I can't help it. It's what I enjoy writing, but it saddens me greatly that readers expect that from every writer, and moreso that they would attack such a great, established writer for not writing what they want to read.
Erin has a simple rule here - be respectful. If you don't like the tone a story takes, then walk away, but don't drive away great writers. Go read a chapter of Robin or something. Most importantly, have a little faith in the author that she knows what she's doing. :-)
I tend to resolve my conflicts entirely too quickly, but I still believe in conflict, whether it's internal or external. A story NEEDS at least some conflict. Fiction shouldn't be about the million mundane day-to-day rat race workaholics who never experience anything or change as people, but that one in a million who grows, learns, loves, knows joy and pain.
Sue, please, please don't stop writing. You're not in the wrong here, and you should definitely keep going! :-D
~Zoe
Yes, Definitely!
Readers may complain, but conflict is a necessary part of a dramatic story. Without a conflict, where is the story? I will admit that I am several chapters behind in the story, so I currently don't know what excrement our heroine has been dropped into, but I will be caught up with my reading soon. I'm working on several different projects, and trying to recover from my recent surgery, so it is slow, but ongoing (that pertains to my writing too!).
Please, continue the stories!
Wren
writing
yes you should keep on with the same style writing. dont let a little critisism get you down. keep up the good work.
robert
When readers care
When your readers care enough about your characters that they try to intercede with you for fictional persons, you know you are doing something right. I've had this experience and so have many other writers and yes, it can be a bit unnerving to get an impassioned plea on behalf of someone who has never existed but remember that you are the jealous god of the world you create, and that world shall have no other gods before you. Except a good editor. LOL.
Hugs,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
A little perspective
Thanks Erin for putting it in such a light.
And I'm also an evil god.
I very specifically write the kind of stories that consistently put the main character into stressful situations. That's my style. I first create a character, then I decide what I want them to change about themselves and set up the conflict that'll cause them to do so. My stories may or may not have a happy ending. The only guarantee is that the conflict that I set up in the beginning will be resolved by the ending... The form that resolution takes is entirely up to the characters. Usually it ends up happy, or at least happier than we started. I've had a lot of experience in manipulating my characters towards a happy conclusion.
So actually, I'm not an evil god after all, if my characters are my children, then I'm like a parent who wants to see their children become happy, but realizes they need to let their kids learn for themselves.
Often, I'll actually do this with multiple characters in a given story... So if you're one of those readers who don't like seeing characters you grow to care about in pain, you probably should just shy away from reading my work. I won't begrudge you that choice, but I will ask that you don't tell me you've chosen to shy away from it because of that. It serves no purpose to do so. I will not change what I write, and you will not change what you like to read. So just don't read the story and move along.
I long ago had all my aggressive defensive reactions broken from me, though, so if you do complain to me about my style of writing, I'll probably just passively ignore you.
I would urge other authors who write stories with dramatic conflict to also simply passively ignore any reader who complains about the direction the story takes. Or if you simply must respond to them, tell them you're sorry they feel that way, but that you will not change what you write simply because you cause some readers a little discomfort. They are welcome not to read anything that discomforts them. Comfort the reader, but explain that you will not stop writing a story the way it must be written.
Abigail Drew.
Please continue!
It's already been established (and laid on thick) that the new owner of Melchester is a misogynistic prick (to put it mildly), so anything he does along those lines shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. Unless something's happened that I haven't read yet, he hasn't attempted to physically assault her or question her gender - but even if he did, he's unlikely to do any worse than Brian Ferris.
Susan loves Melchester, the fans love Susan at Melchester, but if (as seems likely) she's removed from the squad, there'll be plenty of other clubs (including perhaps the one from across town) putting in offers for her talent.
So what if you get the occasional negative comment? Although they're very imprecise measures of reader satisfaction (as has been discussed to death!), reads / kudos / comments do show that some people at least are reading the stories and enjoying them!
Invariably, the same will also be true of whatever else you choose to write - mentioning no stories in particular... Changes!
There are 10 kinds of people in the world - those who understand binary and those who don't...
As the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, then only left-handers are in their right mind!
I would absolutely urge you
I would absolutely urge you to carry on with Football Girl and other stories.
"Just once I want my life to be like an 80's movie, preferably one with a really awesome musical number for no apparent reason. But no, no, John Hughes did not direct my life."
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
You have the answer
All you need do is answer this question, "Do you write for your critics, your fans, or yourself?"
An honest appraisal of the question will give you the answer.
I have enjoyed reading your stories and hope to read more, but the decision is yours.
Best wishes
Janet
Mistress of the Guild of Evil [Strawberry] Blonde Proofreaders
To be or not to be... ask Schrodinger's cat.
Janet
Mistress of the Guild of Evil [Strawberry] Blonde Proofreaders
To be or not to be... ask Schrodinger's cat.
I'm not currently reading Football Girl...
But I seriously enjoy Susan Brown stories. They're the kind of stories I strive to write myself, and the kind of stories I like to read myself.
I personally am not a fan at all of fluffy stories in which everything goes well the majority of the time. I prefer stories that start out dumping us in the thick of a major dramatic conflict and only resolves when the conflict resolves.
This is also what I personally write myself. Yes, I try to include scenes that provide a little bit of relief to the overall tension, but the story is IN the tension. If you don't like reading stories with dramatic conflict, simply don't read them. That's the choice of an individual reader, a choice only they can make. They probably shouldn't complain to an author for writing stories with dramatic conflict, neither would it be at all profitable for a great author like Susan Brown who tends to write such stories to stop simply because a few readers can't handle the pain.
Abigail Drew.
Please Please Please
continue the story! The last installment did upset me. And that's wonderful! I enjoy a well written story that tugs and pulls at me. They are my favorite stories!!!
Football Girl
SUE.
YES PLEASE CONTINUE
I am an avid reader of your stories, although I do not normally comment. Just that I am one of the silent majority.
You cannot please everyone all the time and there are some ignorant people out there who are always negative and only need an opportunity to vent their spleen. IGNORE THEM
Football girl is without doubt one of my all time favourites. My only complaint is that I am always waiting anxiously for the next chapter. I realize planning, creativity and time available to write are factors affecting frequency.
Suggestions for the next episode would be fatal heart attack for our ruthless American, arrest for the girl who attacked Susan in the ladies room and the players purchase of the team.
Please keep on writing.
A loyal fan.
JJ
Continue
Susan,
The only way to please all of your readers would be to write children's stories.
I love the story as you have written it. Just because a vocal minority complains that they do not like what you are doing to the main character is no reason to change. It is YOUR story! Write it the way you want and your loyal readers (the majority) will love it.
It is too bad that the vocal minority seems to swing so much power in the real world. Maybe we should write them into a Hell or Heaven plot... and send them on down!
Zip
To thine owne self be true
Sue,
It's your story. Write it your way! I, and many others, love it. You do your author thing and let the readers do their reader thing. It will all work out. Your writing is your form of expression and shouldn't be held hostage to the fragility of a few. For every story here there is someone who stopped reading it halfway through. It is what it is. So, Who cares?
Maren
Carrying on
First: Stay true to yourself, to your characters. It is your imagination, your heart that propels these stories, not ours. We readers may become invested in them and have our own ideas but remember first, foremost, and always; they are your stories, your characters.
Second: My recommendation is to continue posting your stories here; you have fans here that would miss you, there are more than sufficient ways to tag your stories as a warning if necessary, and you can always provide an introduction with any warnings within the stories themselves. Please, if you do decide to post elsewhere, make sure we all know where. Regardless of where you post I personally will continue to read your stories.
Lastly: I encourage you to continue writing. You have a gift and it would be a shame to see it wither away from lack of exercise.
Warm regards; and follow Your heart (not ours).
I am so glad
that you carried on and wrote and published two full novels of Football Girl. They are among my favorite books. I have read both several times.