As I have said many times on this site, there is no direct correlation between the quality of writing and the number of positive comments and/or votes you receive.

If you want to receive a large amount of positive comments you need only to write a sweet story about a ten to thirteen-year old protagonist -- make sure you include magic or sci-fi.

There are other hot genre, themes, and elements. Writing for BC isn't all that different than writing for publication -- you have to write what the general public wants to be commercially successful -- or attract votes and comments.

Writing serials is another way to attract readers as many want to come here for a few moments a day and obviously find short pieces to their liking. However, you've turned writing serials into a job by forcing yourself to write almost daily.

Instead of quiting, which seems drastic, why don't you take a short amount of time off and assess what you really want out of your writing?

I have one more project to finish before I'm done, but I've been at it much longer than you have.

Angela Rasch (Jill M I)

To be great reading. Please continue to post.
May Your Light Forever Shine

... so I won't reiterate it here. I can understand how you're feeling. It was a sterling effort to attempt to write an episode/day of 'Bike' but perhaps not altogether a wise decision. I've had several enthusiasms in my life and each has consumed me for quite a number of years,. Each one has left a mark but each has been abandoned either through becoming stale or other reasons. I envy people who maintain the same enthusiasm throughout their lives; indeed I thought I would do the same but it didn't happen. I guess the only thing that's lasted is my peculiar sexual/gender confusion though my love for one woman runs a close second for longevity.

Take note of what Angela/Jill writes. She is, without doubt, one of the most outstanding and thoughtful contributors to this site. However, she's threatened that she's written out before and in that, at least, I don't believe her. She has too many ideas to stop writing.

The voting/comment system isn't always a good indicator and you have to take it as it is. My last piece of fluff, written in an afternoon/evening attracted a few votes in the first couple of days or so but, despite clocking up lots more reads, none since. It doesn't bother me because it got more than it deserved for the trivial effort I put into it but I know you're rather more dedicated and thus deserve more. If you crave votes and comments (and you've had a lot of those) then, as Angela says, write a sweet sentimental story about a young teenager.

Try sitting back for a while and reading. Don't abandon the site altogether. Then return refreshed to amuse and delight us anew. My Menorcan sailing holidays on 2 successive years (when I could afford it) were taken in October and getting back to cold, dark, wet Britain was a bit of a let down. Especially when I had to sort out my winter bike to cycle to work LOL

Geoff

... and you've shared your work with us all, in Cathy's story as well as SNAFU and Charlotte's Tale. I don't know where you're getting the idea that your work is not being as well received as it once was. Your stories have kept me and so many others here entertained for years (and hopefully will continue to do so if i can convince you to keep creating for us all).

Cathy's story has become a regular part of my day -- something I look forward to each afternoon. In fact, when you went away for a week, it was very unsettling to come by after work and NOT see another episode. I do wish there was more of Jamie's story and Charlotte's, but i understand that everything you write takes time, and is a gift from you to us.

So please keep writing and posting? Yes, I'm a greedy selfish wench, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. But I admire your talent and love your work and I would miss them both very much, if you were to stop.

Much love,

Randalynn

Sometimes I find returning from a week or so off so disorenting and or the vaction was stressful I need a vacation from the vacation.

You have contributed so much here that if you are feeling burnt out do as Angela says and take a break from writing to a schedule. Write only when and if you feel like it.

What was it, something about magic and happy 13 year old kids getting a disproportioate responce at BC? Angela, I resemble those remarks!

--Okay, John, rewrite Timeout with Joanie a bit younger and use lots more magic, yeah, that's the ticket --

From the quick responce you got here, Ang, you can see you have a solid core of zombie slav ... dedicated readers.

Ummmmm brrrains!

John in Wauwatosa

I can understand the idea that after coming back from a holiday you find it harder to get back into the groove. I usually either feel that way or recharged after a nice trip, depending on my enjoyment of the vacation and how tiring my "rest" was. As far as your writing goes, I generally do like your work, but when it is a serial, I can't respond to or vote for each episode just due to trying to get through my day, though I will when I can. I can attest that reading one of your stories or a chapter in one does give me a lift, so don't think your efforts are unappreciated.
CaroL

Dearest Angharad,
I can not put to words how your stories are taken by others, But I know how I love them. Please stay!

The answers to all of life's questions can be found in the face of a true friend

I am not one to comment often, I guess because I don't feel worthy and am very shy. Please continue to write and post. I like your stories a lot. It is stories like yours that keep me going.
Hilltopper

Don't stop, but if 'Easy' is no longer fun for you, Angharad, end it and move on to something else that gives you more satisfaction as a writer. And think twice, maybe, about ever committing again to grind out an episode a day -- after a while, it grinds you down as well. You should be writing first of all, for your own enjoyment, and only incidentally to please BCTS's diverse readership. I imagine that if you push yourself in new directions, you'll enjoy it more and, who knows, you'll please all of the readers some of the time and some of the readers all of the time. Hugs, Daphne