LJ Idol: Post Mortem.

[momebie]

So, it happened. I was voted off in the Second Round poll. But I feel like placing 18 (based on the vote tally at the closing of the poll) in an original pack of 250 or so is a pretty awesome thing. It's definitely better than I thought I'd do by, ooooooh, 200 or so. That's not a unique feeling for the competition though, and since I don't feel like I have a lot of unique feelings I'm just going to focus on myself for the time being.

Here are some numbers that I find interesting, because sometimes Em rubs off on me (oh baby):
Entries: 23
Fiction: 20
Entries in the BDESFN 'verse: 3
Entries in the Steampunk 'verse: 3
Entries in new 'verses: 14

That's a lot of new head canon, guys. When I go back and look at the last several years of writing--the three since I started working with the Steampunk characters in particular*--I look at a lot of empty space. I look at a lot of time spent feeling inadequate and unable to relay the worlds in my head to people outside of it. I look at a lot of time sat in front of blank documents and a lot of half finished stories that I just lost passion for before I got to the editing stage.

The bottom line is that I LOVE creating worlds and I love research and I love getting to know my characters, but I have a hard time carving out which parts of the story to keep or not keep and actually sitting my ass down to FINISH things. Teaching myself to do that was one of my goals for this year and I think that's the greatest thing I've taken away from all of this. For twenty some odd weeks (roughly) in a row I sat down and made something happen. I tugged at my brain and things actually came out of it. Sometimes things I liked quite a bit. And that bit is invaluable. I'm going to try and take that training and run with it as I complete that first draft of The Steampunk this year (if it kills me) and get working on the BDESFN in earnest.

Basically, thank you Idol, you've given me a lot. I'm glad I let bewize convince me to try this crazy thing. I'm glad I let theemdash talk me out of quitting weeks ago. I'm glad to have gotten to know all of you. I think most of you who want to be friends with me have probably already asked, but if you do and you're feeling hesitant, please go ahead and just let me know. I don't bite until the third date. I like biting! It's like kissing but with a winner!


* My god, it's been three years since I started working on The Steampunk. And look what I have to show for it. This is my whole point.

In news altogether unrelated to writing, Brendon Urie is still in the universe being REALLY FREAKING ADORABLE and I almost can't take it. Like, just seeing him smile fills me to the brim with joy and I wish I knew why because it makes me feel seriously predatory and creepy when I think about it. BUT I MEAN, JUST LOOK AT HIM.

Comments

[brilligspoons.livejournal.com]

Most of the time I can't formulate thoughts about Brendon Urie beyond UGH HIS FACE WHAT EVEN. So yeah, I feel that.

[yachiru]

I always looked forward to your entries each week. I was like at least you and edincoat will quench my thirst for weird and beautiful things. :( Now you're both gone. I won't be too far behind though. Cannabalism fics only get you so far! ^^

[darkmachines.livejournal.com]

as long as you keep writing, i'll be pleased!

[tentaclecore]

You were seriously the first person I saw in the IDOL crowd who I was like, "oh wow this chick is cool, I want to know her." And I'll always be thankful to that community for creating a space for us to meet and become friends ♥

(also, it is so cool that you're taking away so much from IDOL. I'm glad it worked for you, really I am.)


Ahaha, Brendon Urie. That boy is older than me and I feel strange and creepy going eeeeee over him. It's just one of his finer qualities, making females all over the world go starry-eyed and not give a damn if it's weird or not.

[nyxocity.livejournal.com]

I think you accomplished some major things for sure. I'm happy that you entered so that I could discover your work and get to know you a little :) I am definitely sad to see you go. Of course, we'll all be going soon enough.

I hope you continue with writing after the competition ends. For both our sakes! ;)

[seratonation.livejournal.com]

\o/ im glad you got to go places in head canon, and finishing things, sitting down and actually accomplishing things is harder than its made out to be, so its cool you got that working.

also yes, brendon urie :D:D:D

[comedychick.livejournal.com]

♥ You already know how much I love your writing. I'm not sure I need to say it again ;) But you did DAMN well to have gotten to 18th place on this crazy ride. Damn well indeed. And I'm so glad you stuck it out until your elimination because I would have missed your words in the competition. I, of course, look forward to reading more whenever you do write. :D

[theemdash]

I'M MORE THAN HAPPY TO KEEP RUBBING OFF ON YOU. UNF UNF UNF.

NUUUUMBEEERRRSSS ♥_♥

I'm glad you learned many things about your writing and that you've been able to FINISH things. I do think those are very valuable lessons to learn (and to be re-learned over the years).

You know... we actually both might be nearing good points to regroup on The Steampunk, figure out where you are, what needs to be done, and maybe we can both work on bits of it. (I wouldn't mind starting some of the machinist parts since I miss Gerard and Jacob and everyone.) Just a thought as I'm ending this story and haven't yet started the Gay Pirates.

[mstrobel.livejournal.com]

See, I was gonna say how awesome I found your writing and how you seem like a really cool person and awww and all that, but now I'm totally distracted by this Brendon Urie fellow who I'd never heard of before I clicked this link, and gosh darnit he is cute!

[mrsquizzical.livejournal.com]

i LOVE that photo! he is on the planet to bring joy and happiness. no doubt about it. ♥

[java-fiend.livejournal.com]

I thought you had a great run through Idol. Your entries were always enjoyable and you're a really nice person. It's been a pleasure getting to know you. I'm glad that your friends talked you into playing this season. :-)