Funny!

Hang in there, cxg. Take a little time to lick your wounds, then you can revisit the comments and see if there is anything useful there. "Useful" is the operative word. Just as you mentioned movie reviews, our writing is a personal connection with our readers, and unfortunately, not all readers will respond as we'd like. The next time you enter a contest, be very clear about what your goal is.

The only way our writing improves is to write, write, write. And my bet is you're going to find that you can't stay away from yours for very long. After all, if we didn't have to overcome life's struggles how can be communicate that pain--and ultimate joy--to our readers?

Best wishes with your writing. Check back in a month or so and let me know how you're doing.

I lost my motivation, my voice, my stories. Hope I find them again. Right now I am wordless. It is one thing to work so hard and to convince yourself that maybe, just maybe, someone else might find joy in what you write. But to find that you have failed, and to take rough critique from a "judge", well that is another thing entirely.

I tell myself that often movies that I love get bad reviews. Opinions are just that. I never intended to write a novel that would reach millions and touch every heart. My stories are meant for people who think like me, who feel and see things deeply. If I cannot reach them, then I will write for myself.

Thanks for the sushi reference, J Lenni. When I was working for my brown belt in judo and spent all my time in Little Tokyo I ate enough sushi (made by my friends' grandmothers) for a few lifetimes. I don't eat it any more. Thank you!

Thanks for reading, Janet. And thanks for sharing your "jumble of words" comment--opposite a perfect score! I'll be thinking of that as more score sheets land in my inbox.

I think I'm going to start saving for a kevlar flack jacket and helmet.

I'm glad it was timely for you, Lanise. Good luck in your contests!

Ha!