The sisters

[Encia22]

Encia22 and CCoburn

Thanks for not embarrassing me in front of the others.  
...

You are too kind, Max, and too modest.

I don’t think that creative writing can be contained within four walls. Of course, there are some rules, but how you go about conveying your thoughts can only be a personal endeavour. If readers don’t appreciate the work, it’s not the fault of the writer nor the audience. When it is enjoyed, then that’s a common ground that satisfies both parties.

I like your ‘doodling’ description; it’s very much how I approach my stories. Often, just a spark of an idea, mainly visual, which I elaborate without thinking about structure or anything the ‘pros’ do. All I know is that I want to end as I started, so I start with the two ‘bookends’ and just work out the ‘muddle’ in between, just off the cuff, as it comes. At most, if I’m dealing with a subject matter I don’t know much about, I’ll do some research and just jot down some keywords, technical jargon, etc. More than anything else, I probably put the most effort into naming characters and working out their life paths.

Even if you didn’t wilfully construct your story as I described, I believe you subconsciously must have thought it out that way. Starting simple and then building up to a crescendo is probably the best way to hook your audience and keep them interested. So, in the end, I think you were successful in putting down on paper what was in your heart and mind… that can never be wrong.

Also, your story can be read multiple times and something new discovered every time. That’s the hallmark of a multi-layered tale, so there is something for every reader to enjoy, be it from a superficial read-through or a more attentive and in-depth approach.