Critique

I have been taking the opportunity to share some of my writing with you and I have received some good feedback. I like this chance to take a break from the reality of the world and fall into the fantasy. It’s a welcome break.

I have said before that criticism is difficult for me. However, if you do have a comment to make that is not the most positive, as long as you are gentle about it I can handle it.

What I do not need to hear is grammar or spelling critique. That was my college English professor’s job and definitely not the main point to my writing.

One of my friends had not so positive feedback about my most recent story. She was afraid to tell me for fear that she would hurt my feelings. When she got up the nerve to share her opinion, she did so gently. I appreciate her and thank her. I understand her opinion and accept that some stories are not for everyone. There are a lot of things I read that I don’t like.

The issue with this particular story was the timing and the genre. This friend of mine is not into the gothic style. The description within the story made the setting, in her mind, somewhere in the 1980’s. My intention was to actually make it timeless. I very rarely write something that is boxed into a time era. I like to leave it up to the reader to place the story where they wish. In this case, the 1980’s place she went to in her head put her off and made the story undesirable to her.

In my mind the setting is a S&M swingers club. For me it is modern. For another friend it was as well. For her it was the 1980’s. It is whatever you wish for it to be. As in most gothic scenes, the attire is dark leather clothes, boots and guys with long hair. The collar, leash, whip, etc. are all the usual S&M accessories. The converted gothic church with various back rooms seemed a good choice for S&M sex.

Stories are open to interpretation and not every story is for every one. When you read my work it will create images in your mind that are, most likely, different from mine. You will have your own people, places, etc. that you will fill in. I have people in my head that I write about. Occasionally I have codes in my stories (Ssshhhh…don’t tell) that may hint as to who they are. But, don’t think about it too hard. It’s not that big of a deal. And I doubt that I will confirm or deny any guesses.

I hope that you have been able to take some free time to read my poetry and short stories. I have enjoyed sharing them. It makes me nervous, but at the same time, it is good to have people read them. Otherwise, they stay locked away in my vault.

I will keep them flowing. You keep giving me opinions, comments, high fives and gentle criticisms.