Being a writer is not easy, as many of you know. No matter how much you think, type, scribble, plan, and jump for joy because you found the next perfect line, there will still be some roadblocks.

My biggest roadblock: writing for others instead of myself.

I know, that sounds very selfish of me.

I have come to the realization that whenever I write, I write with my readers in mind. I love my readers and supporters with a deep passion, anyone who comes for them has to get through me first, but the thing is, its stressful. I’m too busy worrying about what my readers will like and dislike so much that I’ve forgotten to write for one person: myself.

In the past, I used to wish that I could update on regular intervals. I used to sit hunched over my laptop typing away, erasing, editing, typing some more, erasing some more, until I would literally start crying. Yes, I’m a big baby, and so what? I want to make my readers happy, but where was my happiness?

I truly want my fan fiction to be as perfect as it can be, but alas, I cannot please everyone, and i am not perfect, which is why I’m switching things up and reminding myself of these important tips:

1- you cannot please everyone. Some people will enjoy your fan fiction, some will not.

2- don’t force it. Forcing yourself to write will only make things harder. Only write when you’re ready, and ignore pesky readers who demand updates.

3- enjoy what you write! I’m pretty sure all writers have had that ONE story in which they’ve taken the pleasure in writing, and have found that providing updates were the easiest thing on the planet.

4- Keep yourself in mind. Look at your story from the viewpoint of a reader and ask yourself: “Is this something I would want to come back and reread?”

5- don’t be afraid to edit, erase, and replace.

6- STOP WORRYING ABOUT POPULARITY!!! Write whatever the hell you want, not what is most popular. Stay true to your writing!

With all this being said, I’m taking small steps to improve my writing skills and writing whatever I want. A huge thank you to all of my readers who took the time to soak up my fan fiction! A huge SMFH to the “readers” who pester me, demand updates, or throw insults at my works, or anyone else’s works for that matter. Shame on you.

Feel free to use the tips above yourself! Though I’m still stressing over updates, I’m taking small steps to become better and to stop pulling my hair out over my writing. Hopefully, this will help someone else who is going through the same difficulties as me.