and like… wow. thank you so much, I guess?

you cannot complain about wanting more content while refusing to support the people already making it. comments matter. reblogs matter. even a little “I loved this” matters more than you know.

I highly encourage comments. Like—please know how much they matter. Comments are what keep a lot of authors going. They tell us that someone is actually out there reading, paying attention, feeling something. That the words didn’t just disappear into the void.

When someone takes the time to comment, it’s more than just a reaction—it’s proof that the story landed somewhere. That it reached someone. And that feeling? It can completely change an author’s day, especially when motivation is low or doubt is loud.

And on the flip side—if you’re an author and someone comments on your work, especially when they’re clearly excited or even just quietly appreciative, I really believe you should respond. Even a short reply. Even just liking the comment. That little acknowledgment matters more than you think.

Because comments, kudos, likes—they’re what keep us creating. They’re what tell us we’re not just shouting into space. So taking a minute to say “hey, I see you” back? That closes the loop. That lets readers know they mattered too.

Creators notice. We remember. And we’re grateful—even if we don’t always say it perfectly.

I recently had an unpleasant fic writing experience. It came from the actual writing. It took weeks longer than it should have, mostly because I kept putting off working on it without really stopping to consider why.

When I finally tricked myself into finishing it... I think I gave myself like... minor depression? I've had the big sad before, that's a beast I know well, but the longer I live, the more I learn that the darkness comes in many varied flavors.

Anyway, this version was weird. I honestly think I just dwelt too long on the disfunction between Crowley and Aziraphale, because I really wanted to write them out of where season 2 left off, and I just ended up being really down about it all.

It left me in a weird place. When I'm actively reading it, I like all the parts of it. When I step away from it, I mostly feel the lingering sadness that got dredged up during the writing and editing process.

So this morning when I woke up to some really kind, amazing comments... I wonder if these strangers have any idea how much their words helped me.

People can really be amazing. Sometimes simple things can make a big difference.

So, yeah. Comments matter.

Chapters: 6/? Fandom: Dishonored (Video Games), Thief (Video Games) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Basso the Boxman & Garrett (Thief 2014), Garrett (Thief 2014)/Original Female Character(s), Erin & Garrett (mentioned) Characters: Garrett (Thief 2014), Basso The Boxman (Thief 2014), Kiara Aeryn Black (original character) Additional Tags: mature themes, slowish burn, Garrett has feelings he doesn’t know what to do with

Chapter 6: Reflected Visions

Summary:

Hi, anon! I’m sorry I didn’t see this ask right away. I’m not sure if it was a glitch or if dumblr won’t show asks in notifications anymore, but I didn’t see it….

Anyway, I ofc can’t speak for all writers, only myself.

I LOVE when someone comments on more than one chapter of my stories!

It’s not at all annoying. And I adore when a reader tells me what they loved best (including quotes), or what they think/hope will happen next…! It’s always fun when someone sees where the story is going (even if I can’t always tell them they’re right immediately bc of spoilers). Or if they have a cool idea sometimes I may throw it in if it works with what I already had planned.

I can be slow to respond to comments sometimes but I ALWAYS see them and often re-read my favorites.

I also love knowing that a particular reader is there and going to comment on every new chapter I post. I had that with my OW In/Exhale on the original blog where I posted it and it was something I really looked forward to, seeing what that one reader thought of the new chapter.

So yes. The answer, for me, anyway, is yes!! I don’t think you can comment too much unless you’re being nasty ofc (but I know that’s not what you’re talking about, anon).

Other writers feel free to weigh in too if you’d like!

I have a whole list of reasons why I haven’t, but I shan’t bore you with them. I think in these times of civil unrest, global pandemic, and personal crises, we need a “happy place” to escape from depression more than ever. Art and writing are important. 

So...while I still haven’t returned to reading, I see from my subscriptions that some of my favorite authors are still updating and countless new authors I haven’t discovered yet.

And I got a comment on one of my past stories and it reminded me how nice it is and how it lifts one’s spirits to get a kudos or comment. I am not saying that to fish for any more - far from it.  But it reminded me that people are still reading, whether it’s my nonsense stories or others creativity, and it is NICE just to hear even briefly that someone liked it. 

So thank you to readers who comment or kudos on fanfic works - you are the “bee’s knees” to use an outdated expression! (I’m bringing it back!)

Here are some authors I’ve read in the past and greatly enjoyed who have updated their stories and are continuing to write. I feel awful I have not had the time/attention span to read them all and comment lately, but perhaps you might like to.  And if you reblog this post, please feel free to add writers YOU love and recommend or your own.

Noteable authors I have read - please note the tags when you check them out, as my tastes are all over the map from YA/teen reads to explicit and horror. You should scan the summaries and see what you like best. These are not even a quarter of the authors I have subscribed to; it would take all day to list them!  Here are some to get you started if you are new to Reylo or old to Reylo but need new authors. 

In no particular order:

Dragon Whiskers, aka @belovedunderwing

Nancylovesreylo, aka @nancylovesreylo

Ria84, aka @riaria84  

Perry Downing, aka @perrydowning

diasterisms, aka @kylorenvevo 

Cosmogonika, aka @cosmo-gonika @cosmos-musings

Wissixwe  (not on Tumblr, but fantastic writer)

Last Mouse Left, aka @lastmouseleft

3todream3 (not on Tumblr?)

Anoonze aka @anoonzee

Destinies aka @destiniesfic

Stargazer1116, aka @stargazer1116

Greyforceuser, aka @greyforceuser

Pacific Wanderer aka @pacificwanderer

Blue envelopes  - not on tumblr

Saint Heretical aka @saint-heretical

Dawninthemntn aka @dawninthemtn

Grliegrl aka @grlie-girl

apisab aka @apisa-b

Poet Hrotsvitha @poethrotsvitha

Elywingrlie - not sure if on tumblr