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f0rrestI am incredibly popular on fictionpress.com. I'm serious, I have a huge fan base there.
Months and months ago, I posted the first four chapters of a sci-fi novel I had been working on to fictionpress.com, and since then, the feedback has been non-stop, and all of it is overwhelmingly positive. Like, I get emails all the time from totally real people who are definitely not just trying to sell me something or attempting to trap me in some sort of weird credit card scheme, and they're definitely not bots either, and they all love my work.
I'm serious, check this one out, for example.
“Hi! After finishing your story, I was left in awe of your writing. The level of detail and imagery you provide is so immersive that it felt like I was watching a film. As an artist, I'd love to create some pieces inspired by your work in good estimate. It's exactly the kind of story that deserves to be brought to life visually. Are you on any platforms where we can connect?”
-mckenzeallen
I did not connect with that person, but I was tempted to, believe me.
Anyway, now that you believe me, I guess I should explain why I chose to post my work on fictionpress.com to begin with. The reason might surprise you, but first, I'll start by eliminating all the reasons that don't apply.
I can tell you for certain that it was not to collect constructive feedback, because I'm low-key kind of an insecure mess that can't take feedback very well, like, at all. With constructive feedback, my knee-jerk reaction is to assume that the person is just full of shit and doesn't understand what I'm trying to do, because, you know, I'm a misunderstood artist or whatever. I start to think, like, isn't it just pure arrogance for the person giving me feedback to assume they know what’s best for my writing? What makes them such an expert? Have they ever even written anything in their life? And then I start to get annoyed, and sometimes, at that point, I even delete the writing from wherever I posted it, out of sheer embarrassment or whatever, because the feedback actually starts to sting a little bit, and I start feeling like I'm a terrible writer, so I just delete all the evidence, pretend like it never happened, and start over. This exact thing has happened many times.
That's one of the reasons why I really appreciate fictionpress.com, for connecting me with totally real, human people who truly value my work, like this nice person in the next example.
“Heya! Your storytelling has left a deep impression on me, and I'd love the opportunity to bring your worlds to life visually. I'd be thrilled to collaborate and provide artwork that complements your vision, in minimal amount.”
-bettytowne430
I have yet to reach out to this individual, but I am certainly considering it.
I can also tell you that I did not post my work on fictionpress.com to make money. As someone who has money, I can afford the luxury of hating money. I believe money corrupts, even art. I believe that if you create art with the intention of making even a small amount of money, you sacrifice part of your creative vision by capitulating to demographics and market trends, consciously or unconsciously, and at that point the artwork will never be true to your vision, unless your only vision is to make money, in which case your artwork is already totally devoid of value.
Which is just another reason I like fictionpress.com so much, it’s full of real people who care not about making money but about the art of writing, and they all love my work, like this person in this next example.
“Hey there, I am Aubrielle. I like to read stories. Well, I want to appreciate your writing, it's such a cool. Thanks for such an amazing story to make my time spend well. Your writing inspired me to make something for your story, such as cover art or characters, and I want to create it for you with fair prices, and I hope your readers will enjoy it too. Thanks for having me.”
-Aubrielle Isla
I'm unsure what they mean by "fair prices," but I'm glad they think my writing is "such a cool," that's a high compliment.
To tell you the truth, the real reason I posted my work on fictionpress.com was to gain recognition and fame, pretty much. I want people to read my work, fall in love with it, and then tell me how good of a writer I am. I don’t want constructive feedback. I don’t want money. I want praise. I want to be loved. I want people to think I’m a genius. And if that’s surprising, then ask yourself, for what other reason would anyone share anything, if not for feedback, fortune, or fame? Is art not something created in partnership with the ego? Does it not require some level of arrogance to assume that your work is even good enough to be worth anyone else's time? Even when you’re trying to make some profound point with your artwork, some altruistic message of love, peace, and harmony, is there not something a little selfish about hanging that same artwork in a gallery with your name on the plaque right below it? Doesn’t it feel like there’s something a little “me me me” about the whole artistic process? Sure, you may play it off as if you’re just building a community of like-minded artists, for companionship or whatever, because we all need community, but is community not just another way of satisfying our own selfish needs, particularly the need to be loved and paid attention to?
Of course, it’s possible that I’m an outlier here, maybe I’m just a huge asshole, making assumptions on behalf of other artists. Maybe there are some truly altruistic, selfless reasons for making art. I’m not ruling that out. I just can’t think of any right now. But asshole or no, herein lies the honest-to-god reason I posted my work on fictionpress.com, I wanted to build an audience of people who think I’m amazing, more or less. And the site has certainly delivered on that goal, over-delivered, actually. I mean, just earlier today, I got another email from someone who absolutely loves my work.
“Heyy, I hope you're doing well. I have read your story and I love the way you bring the characters to life. An incredible idea hit my mind and I want to share it with you. Kindly share your social with me so that we can discuss it.”
-ariasky977
So, if you’re looking to build an audience of totally real people who are not just in it to make money or trap you in some sort of weird credit card scheme or are possibly bots, then I wholeheartedly recommend fictionpress.com.
If you’re anything like me, you will not be disappointed.
Here are a few more words of praise, in case you’re still on the fence.
“Hi Author, I hope you're fine. I'm Angelina. I read (The Egg) and loved it. I'm thinking about enhancing it with some art.”
-angelinagadot
“Hello, hope you're doing well! Your storytelling truly admire me. It's inspiring how vividly you bring each word and character to life. That really felt me into imaginations, and for that, I can help you out to bring your characters into real life in highly affordable prices that won't be a burden on you.”
-Sh artography
“Hey! Hope you're doing well. I was captivated by a story from the start and want to discuss some intriguing ideas related to it.”
-sophiacharlotte
“Hey! Your creations have deeply inspired me. The way you craft each scene is truly remarkable. I have a couple of idea to share for that.”
-Ana Sizzler
“Hey, I came across your story ‘The Egg’ and it was awesome. Your writing is so good, and I kept picturing how nice it would look as a comic. I'm a commissioned artist and I'd love to draw your story into a comic. No pressure, just thought it would be cool to show your work in comic form.”
-Lunapuresoul
Months and months ago, I posted the first four chapters of a sci-fi novel I had been working on to fictionpress.com, and since then, the feedback has been non-stop, and all of it is overwhelmingly positive. Like, I get emails all the time from totally real people who are definitely not just trying to sell me something or attempting to trap me in some sort of weird credit card scheme, and they're definitely not bots either, and they all love my work.
I'm serious, check this one out, for example.
“Hi! After finishing your story, I was left in awe of your writing. The level of detail and imagery you provide is so immersive that it felt like I was watching a film. As an artist, I'd love to create some pieces inspired by your work in good estimate. It's exactly the kind of story that deserves to be brought to life visually. Are you on any platforms where we can connect?”
-mckenzeallen
I did not connect with that person, but I was tempted to, believe me.
Anyway, now that you believe me, I guess I should explain why I chose to post my work on fictionpress.com to begin with. The reason might surprise you, but first, I'll start by eliminating all the reasons that don't apply.
I can tell you for certain that it was not to collect constructive feedback, because I'm low-key kind of an insecure mess that can't take feedback very well, like, at all. With constructive feedback, my knee-jerk reaction is to assume that the person is just full of shit and doesn't understand what I'm trying to do, because, you know, I'm a misunderstood artist or whatever. I start to think, like, isn't it just pure arrogance for the person giving me feedback to assume they know what’s best for my writing? What makes them such an expert? Have they ever even written anything in their life? And then I start to get annoyed, and sometimes, at that point, I even delete the writing from wherever I posted it, out of sheer embarrassment or whatever, because the feedback actually starts to sting a little bit, and I start feeling like I'm a terrible writer, so I just delete all the evidence, pretend like it never happened, and start over. This exact thing has happened many times.
That's one of the reasons why I really appreciate fictionpress.com, for connecting me with totally real, human people who truly value my work, like this nice person in the next example.
“Heya! Your storytelling has left a deep impression on me, and I'd love the opportunity to bring your worlds to life visually. I'd be thrilled to collaborate and provide artwork that complements your vision, in minimal amount.”
-bettytowne430
I have yet to reach out to this individual, but I am certainly considering it.
I can also tell you that I did not post my work on fictionpress.com to make money. As someone who has money, I can afford the luxury of hating money. I believe money corrupts, even art. I believe that if you create art with the intention of making even a small amount of money, you sacrifice part of your creative vision by capitulating to demographics and market trends, consciously or unconsciously, and at that point the artwork will never be true to your vision, unless your only vision is to make money, in which case your artwork is already totally devoid of value.
Which is just another reason I like fictionpress.com so much, it’s full of real people who care not about making money but about the art of writing, and they all love my work, like this person in this next example.
“Hey there, I am Aubrielle. I like to read stories. Well, I want to appreciate your writing, it's such a cool. Thanks for such an amazing story to make my time spend well. Your writing inspired me to make something for your story, such as cover art or characters, and I want to create it for you with fair prices, and I hope your readers will enjoy it too. Thanks for having me.”
-Aubrielle Isla
I'm unsure what they mean by "fair prices," but I'm glad they think my writing is "such a cool," that's a high compliment.
To tell you the truth, the real reason I posted my work on fictionpress.com was to gain recognition and fame, pretty much. I want people to read my work, fall in love with it, and then tell me how good of a writer I am. I don’t want constructive feedback. I don’t want money. I want praise. I want to be loved. I want people to think I’m a genius. And if that’s surprising, then ask yourself, for what other reason would anyone share anything, if not for feedback, fortune, or fame? Is art not something created in partnership with the ego? Does it not require some level of arrogance to assume that your work is even good enough to be worth anyone else's time? Even when you’re trying to make some profound point with your artwork, some altruistic message of love, peace, and harmony, is there not something a little selfish about hanging that same artwork in a gallery with your name on the plaque right below it? Doesn’t it feel like there’s something a little “me me me” about the whole artistic process? Sure, you may play it off as if you’re just building a community of like-minded artists, for companionship or whatever, because we all need community, but is community not just another way of satisfying our own selfish needs, particularly the need to be loved and paid attention to?
Of course, it’s possible that I’m an outlier here, maybe I’m just a huge asshole, making assumptions on behalf of other artists. Maybe there are some truly altruistic, selfless reasons for making art. I’m not ruling that out. I just can’t think of any right now. But asshole or no, herein lies the honest-to-god reason I posted my work on fictionpress.com, I wanted to build an audience of people who think I’m amazing, more or less. And the site has certainly delivered on that goal, over-delivered, actually. I mean, just earlier today, I got another email from someone who absolutely loves my work.
“Heyy, I hope you're doing well. I have read your story and I love the way you bring the characters to life. An incredible idea hit my mind and I want to share it with you. Kindly share your social with me so that we can discuss it.”
-ariasky977
So, if you’re looking to build an audience of totally real people who are not just in it to make money or trap you in some sort of weird credit card scheme or are possibly bots, then I wholeheartedly recommend fictionpress.com.
If you’re anything like me, you will not be disappointed.
Here are a few more words of praise, in case you’re still on the fence.
“Hi Author, I hope you're fine. I'm Angelina. I read (The Egg) and loved it. I'm thinking about enhancing it with some art.”
-angelinagadot
“Hello, hope you're doing well! Your storytelling truly admire me. It's inspiring how vividly you bring each word and character to life. That really felt me into imaginations, and for that, I can help you out to bring your characters into real life in highly affordable prices that won't be a burden on you.”
-Sh artography
“Hey! Hope you're doing well. I was captivated by a story from the start and want to discuss some intriguing ideas related to it.”
-sophiacharlotte
“Hey! Your creations have deeply inspired me. The way you craft each scene is truly remarkable. I have a couple of idea to share for that.”
-Ana Sizzler
“Hey, I came across your story ‘The Egg’ and it was awesome. Your writing is so good, and I kept picturing how nice it would look as a comic. I'm a commissioned artist and I'd love to draw your story into a comic. No pressure, just thought it would be cool to show your work in comic form.”
-Lunapuresoul
no subject
Date: 2025-09-19 09:56 pm (UTC)I got a few today, actually. I want to reply to them like, "what exactly did you like about my story?" And then imagine them scrambling through the story text trying to find some random example to bullshit.