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I recently finished a short series ”Difference”. I realized that I disappointed some people since I didn’t write a grand narrative, like many others on this site do very well, and that I didn’t let my protagonist grow up into a happy girl.
Writing “Difference” I realized a few things about my writing that I hadn’t before. While I really, really do like getting Kudos and comments I don’t really write to please others and trying to do so is a mistake. I write because I think it’s fun and happen to share my writings with you. While “Difference” was interesting to write I seriously doubt I will write another series, neither in short episodes nor as a bigger narrative.
As to long narratives any joy in writing those was killed a number of years ago. I had started one long story and posted a blog in connection with that. The blog was, obviously I thought, very tongue-in-cheek. Many people took it at face value and severely scolded me. I tried to recover the joy of writing but couldn’t. Why bother to put in a lot of work when people will only misunderstand/misread the story anyway (as have been commented here recently)? I did not then or later have any ambition to become a great author. When external circumstances forced me to shelf that story I was relieved.
I’ll stick to the quick reads. As a matter of fact I think my stories contribute a complement to the usual long stories in multiple parts. I quite like them myself. To be honest I often re-read them. Don’t expect me to adhere to the normal tropes though.
Comments
Write for yourself
I agree, writing to please others is a mistake. Even when the words just flow off the pen (or keyboard, or whatever), writing is a lot of work, and even when your readers don't completely misunderstand what you've written, they usually miss the subtleties and don't notice the bits you're proudest of. From what I can see, most readers seek out the passages and aspects that speak to their needs and ignore the rest. The story they read isn't what you wrote or what any other reader reads.
tl;dr: You're the only one who is ever going to really appreciate what you've written, so you might as well write what you'll appreciate.
You seem to be good at "quick reads" and enjoy them, and you don't really feel like writing longer ones (if you really liked them, the criticism wouldn't have stopped you), so why not stick to what you like? Some of us can only write longer ones, so that's what we do.
You don't have to please all.
You don't have to please all. You have your own admirers who are thankfull for stories written your way.