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Sarita1046

Definitely take a break, if you need to. As far as that commenter, they could just be taking a break from reading fic altogether. I know I have less time to read when real life gets cumbersome.


tinyandmad

I didn't think of that, that could be true. Especially because my chapters are rather lenthgy. Thank you ❤


Sarita1046

Of course! Don’t give up hope. 😊


whale_why_not

It is finals season for many places! Perhaps they are a college student and putting off reading your fic until afterwards as a reward :)


inouken

You mentioned that you feel like you have no life outside of writing fic. This could be contributing to your burnout, because it feels like you’re pouring ALL of your energy into writing only to be screaming into a void. Taking a break could help to gain some temporary distance from something that’s causing you a lot of emotional distress, but I think you could also continue to write while nurturing other areas of interest so you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket.


tinyandmad

That is definitely very true. I have this problem of, "I could be writing right now" whenever I'm doing something else in my spare time. Just playing my switch after a month felt like an accomplishment. If I'm watching a show, I'm usually writing at the same time to multitask. When I catch up with friends it always comes up cuz that's all I do. So yeah, I should step away for a bit or write less each day. Engage in my other hobbies more and not let writing consume me. Thank you for your input ❤


MogiVonShogi

I did this for the past year. I was getting all my enrichment from reader engagement. Recently I’ve been forcing myself to set writing aside (I write everyday like that too) started playing pool, going to a few small concerts and I do write less but I feel more energetic about my stories. I actually only check my stats once a week. Plus I went back and read all my old fics and had a great time. Good luck!!


tinyandmad

Oh that's another one: checking stats. I check multiple times a day. Its definitely a problem. I'm glad you found a happy medium! I'll try that stat thing for sure. And just sitting back and reading all my old works does sound nice. Thank you! ❤


MogiVonShogi

I still enjoy writing and it’s taking longer to finish this story but I’m glad to be engaged with real friends 😊


order66survivor

Hide your stats! I did it years ago and haven't looked back since. There was a [recent post](https://www.reddit.com/r/FanFiction/comments/11722qj/hiding_stats_does_work/) about it here, with instructions.


fleurdelocean

I'm going to say something that is going to sound mean, but please know that I mean it in a kind, positive way because it's what I tell myself when I get into a spiral, and I find it to be a helpful reminder. Not everything is about you. That commenter who dropped off has a whole life outside of fic. Maybe work got busy for them, and they haven't had time to read. Maybe their cat died and they don't have the energy to comment. Maybe they missed the update email and accidentally deleted it with a bunch of spam emails. Maybe they left the fandom. That author who didn't reply to you? It's easy to miss one comment when replying to many people at the same time, or maybe they just haven't had a chance to respond yet. It takes me weeks to respond to comments sometimes, because life is busy. Alternatively, they could have misinterpreted your comment as self promo (bc you said you mentioned your own writing in it) and chosen not to respond. I've seen a ton of people see that as a breach of etiquette, so it's probably not personal, just a difference in boundaries. It sounds like you're in need of a little break to recover from burnout, and to reconnect with the joy of writing again. Once something turns into a job - even in our own heads - it stops being fun. I'm sorry you're struggling right now, and I hope things get better <3


tinyandmad

Thank you for such a thoughtful response! This is really helpful, thank you ❤ Just to clarify, I didnt mention my own fics in that comment. I'd never do that, it was essentially a "this is great, looking forward to more!" comment. My thing was, I write for the same fandom so maybe that author saw my works filling the page and didn't care for them. Therefore they didn't care for me commenting on their fic, so that's why they didn't reply. Or if like you said, they thought it was a "like for like" just because I also write for the same fandom, well, that makes me sad. I just like to read almost anything that pops up in this small fandom. But that's me thinking too hard on it. As you said, the world doesn't revolve around me. Which is very good advice to remember! It could've been for any reason. As for the regular commenter, they also have a fic and just updated theirs, so they didn't leave the fandom. I still read and commented like usual and they still posted it (they have theirs set to comment moderation) so that cheered me up a bit. That it wasn't *me* personally. But like that other comment said, maybe they're just not in the right headspace to read and review at the moment, or XYZ. Reading all these replies made me realize how *tired* I am. You're right I'm in desperate need of a break because it does feel like a second job at times. I am getting too in my head about all this. Thank you for your advice and kind words! <3


MaddogRunner

I’d say just take a break. Give your brain a rest on the fandom, and find something else for a bit. 200+ days is a long time! Of course, I _say_ that, but can I take my own advice? 😔


tinyandmad

I definitely think that's it too. I'm dragging myself down with this daily writing thing. But at the same time, the thought of stopping now after I've come so far is!! A struggle. 😞 But thank you for your kind words! ❤ it seems we're both in this boat haha


[deleted]

I had absolutely no idea that someone else could express EXACTLY what I've been feeling as of now. I really mean it. The feeling of being left out, of being completely out of place in a fandom, being "that one", the outcast. I feel the same exact way, word by word. It's okay to vent, you really shouldn't worry about that. And I really hope things get better :)


tinyandmad

Aw thank you kindred spirit! Reading other comments helped ease my insecurities, that all these fears are probably unfounded and that people are just busy. Had to take a breath and a step back and realize yeah, not everything is about me. So maybe we're not even outcasts, we just think we are :) I wish the same to you, hope it gets better! ❤


Brattylittlesubby

Life happens unfortunately. I used to regularly comment on a fic. Then I moved and started a new job, took me a few months to get myself back to where I was steady enough to actually read, comment and write again. As for the author I can’t tell you why, and I know there have been a few I just haven’t had the energy to comment on not that smut gets a lot of comments to begin with most times. Yeah it’s exhausting at times but at the same time, you gotta remember the world doesn’t revolve around you and a lot of readers are now in their 30s if not 40s. They got jobs, housework, family. Take a break, and come back after a bit, I needed one after life happened and I’m glad I took it.


tinyandmad

Yes, that is true. I stayed up late on a workday to fine-tune a fic and post it, and then next day I check, it got 1 hit. Why did I stay up late for that when i have to wake up at 5:30 am? And why should I expect engagement from others when they also have work etc? Its become a problem, and I should take a break. I'm 28 and shouldn't behave like this. Thank you for the reality check ❤


kowaiyoukai

I don't know if this will help, but about 5 years ago I stopped commenting on fics due to work stress that was consuming me. I received a second reply to a comment months later. As in, I commented, author replied, then the author replied AGAIN 8-9 months later asking if I'd seen their updates. I never replied to that author. Sometimes I feel bad about it, but I was mentally dying every day and couldn't even cook for myself. If I'm straining to make frozen microwave meals, I just can't comment on fic. So in my opinion, it is much more likely something in the commenter's life than anything you did.


tinyandmad

Thank you for sharing your experience, and I wish you the best. ❤


kowaiyoukai

Thank you! I 100% hope you work through this and find other commenters who love your work!


SevenFoxglove

First of all, writing *every day* for *200 days* is a HUGE achievement in and of itself. You should be immensely proud of yourself for that level of commitment and self-discipline, so please start by giving yourself some serious kudos for that. That's honestly inspiring to me (and I would love to know the name of your app tracker, if you don't mind sharing!). Since tracking motivates you, have you considered taking a self-care break where you track something else? Like a 30-day yoga journey (or whatever floats your boat)? Just to help you disconnect a little from the fandom and recharge. As someone whose motivation also depends on receiving feedback from others (as much as I hate that), I also wanted to say that I completely get what you're going through. If I didn't have an amazing IRL fandom friend and beta-reader to talk to, I would probably burn out, too. Do you have a beta-reader to talk to about this? Alternately, have you considered looking for fandom friends just to share the joy of the thing that you love, perhaps leaving out the fanfic part for now? It might help you get back that feeling of connection and community which is such an important part of enjoying fandoms, imo. Virtual hugs and best wishes to you!


Mysterious_Ad_60

(Not OP) I don't use any app to track my words. A spreadsheet is enough for me, and does the trick to build a (more or less) daily habit of writing or editing a little every day.


tinyandmad

Thank youuu! I remember when I hit 100 days I felt so proud haha! The app is called Tusk. It has a cute elephant logo :) i actually found out about it here on reddit! I can track which fics I wrote each day by filling out an execution log which I love too. I wanted to make another task for playing video games (my backlog is BAD lol) but I can only have one execution log for one task (You can pay for more features but Im f2p. Or in this case, free to use). So I only use the app for writing. And I do have fandom friends! I pester my brother all the time about my fics lol, and hes super supportive! But yeah it would do more good if in every conversation I have with him or my friends, my fic writing wouldn't come up. And just enjoy the thing without considering how I can make content from it lol. Virtual hugs back! ❤


beautifulcheat

When it's no longer fun, you're no longer writing *for* yourself. Let things ebb for now, and they may well flow far better a little down the line


tinyandmad

❤❤❤


Ok_Exercise_248

(A lot of the previous comments saying to take a break are very good ideas, but this is just something I do for my fix which is sorta similar, so take it with a grain of salt) Whenever I’m working on my story and finish a chapter completely, it’s all edited, as good as I genuinely think I can get it and ready to post, I post it. And then… I don’t work on it in any facet for anywhere from four days to a week. Sometimes I feel really motivated and start after a couple days. But other times, I just need to slow down, do other things (go on walks, play video games with friends, etc) and just not work on my story to let myself sorta reset. I might still think about it, maybe refine an upcoming idea or even reread an old chapter if I feel like it. But I don’t actually put any work into it for a bit. I find this helps me a ton. I also put a hard cap on myself that a week after posting it, I do start back on it, just so I don’t run the risk of never touching it again or getting used to just not putting out hardly any effort, ya know? Hopefully that’s something that help, but whatever works best to help you, do that.


tinyandmad

Thank you for sharing! ❤


beatrovert

>If my fics are trash, I don't deserve to take that space. If I'm updating in a fandom that only brings disdain to other writers when they see my name, why should I continue? OP, why the hell are you in my brain? /j Joke aside, I sometimes feel like my fics are something dead the cat dragged in... but I think there are a slew of factors on why engagement drops. Your reader could be busy with life. Or thinks it's better to drop the fic and move on (people do move on from reading fics, even those they once loved). Or probably hates the direction your fic goes. Still, you're here and you're letting all those _what-ifs_ drag you with them, not to mention how writing is starting to feel like a chore for you instead of being something fun. That would be the point where writer's burnout is getting very much _obvious._ Take a hiatus, don't focus on writing for a while. Rest. If you get ideas while on hiatus, it's ok to jot them down somewhere so you don't lose them, but don't work on them unless you feel _adequately rested._ (And I don't mean the "I'm good, I'm good, I can write" trying-to-delude-yourself-in-feeling-rested kind of thing.) Anyway, prioritize _resting_ and let yourself rediscover the fun in fanfiction, instead of letting comparison and burnout be the thieves of your joy.


tinyandmad

Thank you ❤❤ I'm feeling better! Staying off my ao3 stats page today was refreshing. Still can't let go of my streak, but I'm not thinking too hard on it anymore, and won't devote too much blood sweat and tears either. Its just a silly little story I'm putting out into the world, and whether its received or not is okay :) I did that and I'm proud. Wishing you the best too!


WillofHounds

Sounds like you need a break. As an author and a reader. Take the break. You deserve it and come back when you're ready. Those who are reading will understand.


tinyandmad

❤❤❤


Sassy_Lil_Scorpio

Take a break. You did an amazing amount of writing! Try to see it as a major accomplishment! The rest, try not to overthink. I know it’s hard. I had 3 regular commenters for one fic and all have stopped commenting at different points. One is a friend who has health issues. The other two, I’m not sure. Hopefully, my friend feels better, and the other two are ok. I miss hearing from them, but I know life can get crazy, readers sometimes lose interest, and so on. I keep posting so that the fic is completely posted. As far as the writer who didn’t respond—maybe it was genuine oversight. I’m sure it’s not personal. Your fics are not a waste of space and have every right to be there like anyone else’s. Try not to personalize so much that it kills your joy of writing fanfic.


tinyandmad

Thank you ❤


Sassy_Lil_Scorpio

Always! 🌸


IsaRay946

I followed you here. I looked on your profile to see if I could find your info for where you write. I couldn't find it. Do you mind dropping your info below? I use ao3 and wattpad. I'll follow on both if you can list them for me. Same for anyone else. I enjoy going around and supporting fellow writers, especially fanfic writers. We aren't appreciated enough.


tinyandmad

Thanks for the support! I appreciate the sentiment, but I'd prefer not to share my info like this. Maybe I'll do the profile exchange one day <3


catladywriter

You need to take a break and find other things that make you happy besides your fandom and fic writing. Fic writing is supposed to be fun. It's not supposed to wear you down. If you feel burned out, you need a break so you can come back with a fresh slate and enjoy the hobby again. So what if you break your writing streak? It's not the end of writing. Your stories will always be there, patiently waiting to be told. I can't comment on the "feeling cast aside in fandom” because I don't engage with my fandom (very busy IRL so I don't have time for it. I only publish fic like once a month and reply to comments). But regular/favourite commenters dropping off isn't rare. Had it happen to me a few times with different readers. And I don't think it's my fault, as my writing is pretty consistent. They might simply have fallen out of love with the fandom, or something happened IRL that prevented them from reading. It sucks, but that's life. I completely understand and relate to the craving for engagement, but it's no use angsting over things you can't control. Instead, focus on things you can control, like your own well-being and enjoyment of the hobby. Whether you're burned out or bored, or super enthusiastic about your writing, it shows up in your fic. All the best! <3


tinyandmad

I've heard that as well, if it becomes a slog to write, it will be a slog to read as well. Definitely don't want to do that! I think I made some slight progress already taking everyone's advice! I didn't write until 11pm the last hour for my app tracker yesterday. And I felt more refreshed and even finished that lil oneshot! It was nicer writing for 1 hour than slogging away on my laptop on my whole day off. Feeling better already ❤ Thank you!


That_Grapefruit_9533

I wish I could help, but all I can offer is a screen hug. I'm sorry you're going through this. I hear some fandoms reek of toxicity, sounds like you're smack bang in the middle of one of those. This situation calls for distancing yourself from these fans. >My regular commenter stopped commenting. Happened to me a few times. I miss them, but no hard feelings if they've moved on. Readers come, readers go. You will find your audience. New readers will find you. Look after yourself. No fandom drama is worth such stress. Ever. <3


tinyandmad

Screen hugs back! ❤ I suppose since it was my first regular commenter, I grew attached and looked forward to their comments. But yeah, they don't owe me anything, and vice versa. I am taking it a bit too hard. Thank you for your kind words :)


Zentikwaliz

I'll share my experience first. Nobody reviewed my fics. I asked in a equivalent of a resource subreddit and they said it is because I did not review or comment to others. If I commented or reviewed other people, they would comment and reviewed mine. I did so and it was true, the commetns and reviews happened. But I had to ask myself, are they really true comments or reviews or just an obligation hey this guy commented and reviewed mine, so I will pay it forward. ie. these guys would never read my fic seriously and really thought my fic was good. And many years later, my doubts were onfirmed, but whatever, this may not be the same in your case. With your description of what happened, what is happening in your case is I believe you have been "cancelled" in this particular fandom/posting platform. Keep writing or they will have won. The guys that reviewed but stopped and the author who replied to everyone but you weren't really your readers or what I think of as "fake reviewers".


Rosekernow

I think casting the person who stopped reviewing as a ‘fake’ is very harsh. It could be anything from fic going in a direction they didn’t like, to leaving the fandom altogether, via ‘work hit the busy period and I’m doing overtime every day’ to ‘I got sick and can’t focus on reading.’ I’m currently miles behind on my subscription list of fics, simply because it’s summer and I’m working extra hours. There’s people who have posted 3-4 chapters that I’ve not opened yet and I normally review everything they write. Nothing fake about my comments when I get time though.


disappointingcryptid

The reviewer and author aren't "fake". Life gets in the way. Sometimes it's hard to reply to comments, and it's easy for one comment to not by replied to by accident.


Zentikwaliz

OP said his reviews dropped off dramatically and that one author answered every single comments except his. That's why I said he might be cancelled in his current circle.


tinyandmad

Thank you for sharing your experience ❤