Dear Readers,

First of all, thank you everyone for subscribing to this fic. Now, to the important stuff (I know it's long, but please bear with me. I promise this is meaningful).

Anyway, I've been thinking a lot lately, and I feel that perhaps I'm a bit too passionate about my opinions at times, to the point where I might end up demonizing those who disagree, which is something I try to avoid because I want to approach life with an open mind receptive to diversity. It doesn't mean I'll give up on my opinions or believe in them any less, but it does mean I'll accept that other opinions exist and aren't invalid just because they disagree with mine.

Again, just to reinforce and clarify what I put in the description, when I talk about the "right" or "wrong" way to do something, that's still an expression of my opinion. I'm not the dictator of the universe, not even the writing universe, so it's not like what I say, goes, and there's no questioning it. You are free to agree or disagree, and I'm open to hearing about other opinions. We can have a discussion about something if you want. Moreover, I'm not perfect at writing, not in the least, so I have limited authority to say what's "good" and what's "bad." I don't like being ignorant, but it's impossible for me to be omnipotent, and pretending to know everything isn't going to do me any favors. That's why I'll directly tell you if I can't offer any advice on a particular topic or area of writing.

Before you move on to the advice, I'd like to offer a little encouragement to everyone. First and foremost, you have to understand that I'm really bad at giving praise and offering encouragement. It just doesn't come naturally to me because of my core personality. To me, sometimes it just feels too fabricated and insincere, and I don't like the feeling of being someone who just flatters people for the sake of it. Whether it's inborn or a result of my environment, I'm super critical and objective and often cynical (though not necessarily downright pessimistic) toward just about everything, and sometimes that gets the best of me.

I've had to work really hard to make myself become a more positive person. In the past two years, I've been trying to channel that sometimes-destructive mindset into something more constructive, which is why I created this fic in the first place: less ranting, more helping. I used to see AFF as a cesspit of bad writing, but now I see it as a sea of potential, the potential to improve. I believe everyone here has the potential to grow as writers, develop and polish up their writing into something to be proud of.

You might think your writing right now, but don't let that discourage you. I said this before in one of my blog posts, but "your writing " actually means "you can do better." Nobody writes like J.K. Rowling or Stephen King on the first try. In the future, whether it's two minutes or two days or two weeks or two years from now, when you look back on your past writing, you will probably cringe. I definitely do when I look at my old writing (and some of my current writing). However, you should also let it be a reminder of how far you've come.

Although working toward improvement is time-consuming and difficult, in the long run, it's rewarding. It will sometimes make you want to pull your hair out, but it doesn't have to be a hateful chore. It can also be engaging and entertaining if you apply the right attitude. Writing isn't just about following rules and precedents, it's also about experimenting and exploring new territory. It's about seeing what works and what doesn't, what entertains you and/or your audience and what doesn't. Moreover, it's not just about the product, it's also about the process. Writing is a journey as much as it is a destination.

Last but not least, if you need a bit of writing inspiration or a fic idea, go check out the lovely Scheherazade's "Deep Thought." I might be here to help push you along with the nitty-gritty bits of writing, but she will lead you along like the Pied Piper with the music of her words.

Good luck to everyone with your writing adventures!

-Eris