I don't want to sound like a whiner, and I'm not really. I'm just looking for information. I like to write, but as any of the other writers know, it takes time and effort to write stories. I am, at the moment, trying to ready my home to take in my 86 year old mother, who is a victim of Alzheimer's. I have very little extra energy to put into anything else. I lost my sister in December, and I have taken out a lot of my upset in writing, but if no one is reading, I have a great many other things -- nowhere near as enjoyable, of course, but still important -- to take up my time.

If you are reading, please comment and let me know. Otherwise I'll get busy and devote my time exclusively to the many tasks that have to be taken care of before she comes to stay.

Nan

I'm assuming that most readers are busy boning up on their Kerth reading, Nan. The boards generally have been quiet for some weeks - I've had very little to do in updating TOCs each week.

I'm also assuming that things will pick up again once the nominations are done and dusted.

LabRat

Yes! I always pounce on your posts first, any time you get a chance to write; both your L&C stories and the Terran Underground series are favorites of mine. Lately I've been re-reading several of your series. I haven't wanted to nag for anything new because I was aware that real life had been difficult for you lately. I'm so sorry to have left you feeling unappreciated; I LOVE your stories and read each new part eagerly.

Nan, even if i don't reply regulary on the boards, i read a lot of stories,i have to admit without "pretendance" that you're one of my favorite authors,
i'm always glad to see that you posted a new post or a new story

PS: last friday I re-read a night at the office and strange relationships, i also discovered daddy's little girl

Nan,

I'm a long-time lurker in the fandom. As you can see by the number of posts I've made over the years, I rarely comment on stories. I'm coming out of lurkdom to let you know that I very much enjoy your stories.

Last summer, when I was absolutely swamped with work, I began to re-read all of your stories on the archive as a means of relaxation. It took me about 3 or 4 weeks, I think, but your stories gave me the perfect escape. I want you to know how impressed I am with your plot and character development (which becomes really obvious when reading through your various series in order). I was particularly struck with how Lois and Clark and the supporting characters are subtly different in each of your different series but consistent within each series. I think that is quite an accomplishment.

I will try to comment more often, but I tend to skim through the posts on the board and read stories more thoroughly when they hit the archive. Also, I'm a very slow, deliberate writer and even composing a post like this takes me forever.

I hope you will continue to write because I (very selfishly) want to continue reading your work and I dare say I'm not the only one who would miss your stories if you felt you couldn't continue to spend your precious time on them anymore. I really do appreciate the time and effort you have put into all of your stories and I want you to know that they have brought me many hours of enjoyment (and I'm sure I will re-read many of them again). Thank you.

AmyN

Thank you. I appreciate the comments.

Quite truthfully, I am enduring a very stressful part of my life. Writing is probably my biggest safety valve. I wouldn't want to give it up but on the other hand if I were taking up space on the boards for no reason, that wouldn't be very useful, either. The comments give me incentive to write more and help to release a lot of the stress I've been dealing with lately. I don't mind the nagging to tell you the truth. It would be a good deal more distressing to think that no one wanted to read what I write.

As long as I know people want to read, I'll write. It's when I know that they don't that I'll move on.

Nan

I'm also a lurker. I rarely comment, even if I find a story to be mind-blowingly amazing. And I have to say, every single one of your stories is definitely mind-blowingly amazing. Everytime I see one of your fics posted, I jump on it! Keep on writing, and I'll review more often.

Jen

If writing gives you the most enjoyment, and it's able to help you work through your emotions etc. then I say definitely continue. I've loved reading everything you've written. However, we don't want you to feel pressured into producing huge stories for our benefit alone. Only do as much as you feel you are able to do.

I recently lost my grandmother to Alzheimers, and cared for her in my home up until the end, so I know how stressful the experience can be. You may find you have very little time to write. If you do have the time, I'm sure everyone would enjoy it (and make an extra effort to post feedback). If you don't have the time, that's okay too. We might not always wait patiently, but we will wait.

Hi, Nan!

Looking forward for new stories of yours!

Andreia

I'm reading, I'm reading! I'm just not that good at replying sometimes.

Hi Nan,

Just read this thread...hey, do continue writing. I know that things in RL must be very tough for you, but the FOLCs will definitely lose one of their best writers if you quit. And hopefully, writing will give you an outlet to all the crazy going-ons in RL.

Always love your stories myself.
Take care,
Lote

Nan, I am reading your stuff, even if I am late in giving FDK. RL is getting difficult (no where near your level) and so I will often think I have left FDK when I didn't.

I am definitely reading anything you post, fic or otherwise.

James, devoted TU and FOLC fan of Nan Fic.

hey I know what you mean.

Keep on writing. It's the only thing that makes me feel alive at times but I can't write the stories in english, so I can't show them.

I will read your stories.

Tahu

Nan, you know I love your stories. Well crafted. Excellent characterization. Wonderful, compelling plots. And your writing style flows beautifully.

I haven't been on the boards that much, but when I do, I look for your stories.

You are greatly appreciated. So please use these stories as a release from RL.

gerry

Oh, don't let that stop you, Tahu! There's a special section on the Fanfic Archive here designed just for authors like yourself, who are writing LNC fanfic in languages other than English.

Feel free to submit your stories if you're interested.

And, as you can see from the little links to other websites box at the right of the page, there's also a German website where you can also submit your fanfic in German. Very impressive site it is, too. Haven't been in there for a while, but very impressed with the presentation and a little jealous I can't read the stories!


LabRat

Hi,

I'm reading, I'm reading.

MAF

thank you labrat, but the two are not finished yet. Still in progress. One is ready but only on paper.

I hope you can write Nan...

Jose

Ditto to what everyone else said Nan. I'm a huge fan of your stories and of course I am reading. I hope that you keep writing! I rarely have time to leave feedback for anyone, but I am *always* checking these boards and gobbling up the new stories as they are posted.

I'm another huge fan of your stories, Nan. I read anything you post, and I've really been enjoying this latest series. I had just gone back and re-read the whole series so far - and discovered First Case just about the time you had computer problems. I was so happy to see you were back up and posting part two, and saw to my delight that there was a bonus third part.

I've been slow with FDK the past month or so too, and am working on catching up. I like to leave lots of feedback whenever possible, and so sometimes wait to post instead of jotting off a quick "love it, keep going" message.

But please keep writing. You're on my top three writers list.

~Toc

Ditto to everyone else! Personally, I've been having some major computer problems the past couple of months, but once everything calms down, I'll make a beeline for your stories.

Jen

Nan

Because of RL, I may not always comment on all story parts. But I'm definitely reading!
I thoroughly enjoy all your work.

Please keep writing for this fandom. I would definitely miss your stories.

Tricia

About a year and a half ago, both of my parents started having medical problems. His were obviously dementia related but she was having unexplained blackouts that at first we thought were heart related but later realized might be neurological in nature. My only sibling, a sister, and I started monitoring their situation, thinking maybe that all they needed was a little extra help around the house. What we were hoping at that time was they could possibly move into a retirement community in our city with exactly those type services.

Things deteriorated rapidly, however, and we found that they couldn't continue to live like they were, probably wouldn't cope in an assisted living setting but neither was ready for a nursing home, either. So, we had to make one of the most difficult decisions in our lives and split them up, placing him with me because I live close by and he was more familiar with our house. She went to live with my sister in the next state.

I say all that to say this, Nan, if I hadn't had both my love of reading, book collecting, and writing to distract me during the last year or so, I would've gone quite mad. One has to have me-time in order to continue to meet their needs. Don't be afraid to look for outside services, also, to give yourself the free time you need for that me-time. There are usually plenty available but many times people don't even know they exist until they start asking around.

Yes, there will be times when you simply won't be up to old familiar activities like writing, but, above all for your own peace of mind, if you enjoy writing just for writing's sake and you're in the mood to do it, do it and don't question the impulse.

Nan, you are a splendid writer who have also let us know through these boards that you have had a lot of sorrow in your family lately. I very much hope that you will continue writing, and you can see from the number of posts in this thread that a lot of people agree with that sentiment and just generally care. I want to side with Beverly here, though - ultimately, I think that any just-for-fun writer must write because it's fun, because the writer himself or herself finds it satisfying. But you were very right to ask for a more outward show of appreciation for your beautiful stories from the members of these boards, especially at a time when you have several reasons to feel low. After all, we are here because we have a common interest, and we should support and encourage each other more than we sometimes do. As for you, Nan, few people have given us Lois and Clark fans so many great stories to read and enjoy as you have.

Ann

I don't do feedback. I should but I'm bad about remembering to.

I have the index to your series bookmarked seperatly so that I can reread them when I feel like it.

I love reading your stories! I'm sorry I haven't posted enough fdk lately--I have rather limited Internet time this year and it seems I never get to everything I want to get to online before my time is up. But believe me, I read them and look forward to them. I love your Dagger series in particular, and several others are favorites as well. You're definitely not wasting space on the board.

NEVER, NAN. You never just take up space. I love your stories! I've been reading for the Kerth noms like LabRat said.
Like Beverly said, you need "me" time. If that involves writing, the better for us. I've noticed a trend toward shorter stories that have a contiuing arc. (How I Spent My Christmas Vacation, etc). If that format works best for you, I'm all for it. It does form a longer story when joined together.
Fortunately my mother is in a home, but nonetheless it still takes time and emotional effort. My mother's 93 and still going strong so who knows how long it will be?
Do whatever is best for you and I'll try to remember to post feedback.

Artemis

I read
I'm just not so good at the responding part- I'm not sure what to say. Plus I generally read like a maniac- if I see a new story I'll read it, then I'll remember another fic I've read recently and race off to read that one again, and I'll remember another one, etc etc. Then (a couple days later) I'll come back and read any new stories that have been posted and race off again. I love your work if you need to, But I'd miss your stories. And Everyone would miss you, as this thread shows.

Nan,

You are one of my favorite authors. However, I do not read any story until it is finished. I have started reading too many stories that are either never finished or take a very long time to be finished. I realize that life gets in the way for many writers just as it gets in my way. I find it more enjoyable to read the completed story. By waiting until the story is finished I don't forget what was going on if an author is interrupted and doesn't post for quite a while.

As I said, you are one of my favorites.

Nan...you're my favourite author (and thats not just in this community), you're the reason I started reading L&C fanfiction in the fist place and the reason i joined the boards! (Well...i just had to get the next bit of your fics as soon as i could!).

Sorry i haven't been on much or posting much (I kinda get shy and tongue tied even on the boards). I'm going to try harder to post fdk on not just your fics but everyones.

Thanks so much for sharing your writing with us! Its awesome and a real privilege to read such wonderful writing! I know I've reread all of your completed fics so many times i've lost count! They provide a wonderful escape from RL and I hope you enjoy writing them as much as I enjoy reading them!