I'm just gonna leave this here because I believe it could be a good reflection to everyone here, especially fellow writers.

~

I've come across stories where the writer requests readers to comment on their stories and give feedback, which is all fine and dandy (even I do that, honestly) until the writer starts guilt-tripping their readers by saying that they are losing motivation to write or continue the story because their story or individual chapters are lacking in comments.

Now here's my take on this.

There is a distinct difference between writing for passion and writing for attention.

Sure, you love to write. Sure, writing keeps your mind off things. Sure, writing helps you de-stress.

And sure, you started writing and publishing online because you love writing and wanted to share this passion of yours. And that's cool, it's great! God knows the world needs more of these wonderfully accessible talents and works for everyone.

But then, once you start writing for attention, you start getting demoralised for not getting enough of it, and that's when things start to go sideways. Once you start writing for attention, sometimes you lose focus of what's really important - writing from the heart.

Of course with feedback we will be more motivated to write more and write better - we are only humans after all, seeking validation one way or another - and especially if we have a following, we want to write for them.

But sometimes these fans or readers of ours follow our works because they like it, and not just because we are writing for them. Yes, we want to keep them hooked, or even impress them, but they naturally will keep coming back if we keep giving our best, regardless of the comments (or lack thereof) that we get.

Comments and feedbacks should be sincere and when the readers want to - whether the story is so good it made an impact on them, or if there is room for improvement, it should be solely on the readers, and not because the writer tells them to.

To ask for feedback on, say, if they want another drama in the story, or a sequel, that is cool, because yes, you have these ideas in mind, but you also want to know if your readers are ready or fine with it.

But to outright tell them that you are 'losing the motivation to write' simply because you're not getting enough feedback (or God forbid, upvotes) is in a way trapping your readers to 'do as told or leave the story hanging' (unless you're doing an interactive story where a poll decides where the story goes).. Sometimes readers don't really have any actual feedback for the story or chapter, and that should be ok.

I read, and stick to a story because it's interesting enough to keep me hooked. I don't necessarily have feedbacks or comments for it, so I don't comment. When I do, most of the time they're thoughts I feel compelled to share with the writer instead of just complimenting the story.

Some readers religiously leave comments every chapter, and as a fellow writer, from the bottom of my heart, words do no justice to the gratitude we feel towards you.

Some readers however prefer to be silent, and it's not fair for these readers who still follow your story, to be impacted because all they want to do is read.

Fellow writers, remember why you started writing, and and why you decided to publish your works here. This is a platform for sharing, not necessarily for fame or attention.

Love,

EFJ