Rainy Wednesday morning

[cleolinda]

Neil Gaiman's latest journal entry: You may want to read it. Because everything from "George R.R. Martin is not your bitch" on is exactly what I have been going through lately. Particularly with the problem of me saying, "Guys, I feel really bad, physically and mentally, and I'm having a really hard time writing, so I'm probably going to take a little time off here and there," and multiple people replying directly to those posts with, "Will you post a new Secret Life/Star Trek in Fifteen Minutes/the rest of the True Blood recaps soon?" I know it's y'all's enthusiasm talking, and I really appreciate that. It's just... sometimes you need to stop and think about what you're actually replying to.

On that note, I am actually leaving the house to watch Lost tonight, but I'll put up a discussion entry before I go (unless something happens to my internet. It's stormy, it could happen. If a discussion entry does not appear, feel free to treat this one as such).

Comments

[padawansguide.livejournal.com]

I just posted that blog on my LJ this morning too, because it's exactly how I feel about my websites, when I get emails about why I'm not doing this or that. Neil is obviously brilliant! Sorry you've had so much pressure on you lately!

[cleolinda.livejournal.com]

BUT DON'T YOU HAVE INFINITE TIME, ENERGY AND WEBSPACE FOR ALL THE MOVIES OF THE WORLD???

[sienamystic.livejournal.com]

Ick, why do people feel the need to be so naggy?

[nicolars.livejournal.com]

I know, right? Depression sucks hard enough without people all up in your business wanting to know when the next SLoD/Star Trek/etc. is going to be posted.

[khaman.livejournal.com]

GRRM is also in the 2% of people who did not like the Star Trek movie. Which is fine, hey, opinions are like assholes, no problem. I loved it, he didn't, this does not change my opinion of 'The Sandkings,' you know?

But then he gets the comments in his own blog about how if he's such a big shot writer, why didn't HE come up with a better script? And I'm like... that's not how it works, you raving dickhole.

I kind of wish Harlan Ellison would unclench and pass around a free copy of his essay, 'Xenogenesis.' It sort of underlines the dark side of fandom and just how frightening it can get sometimes. I don't think it's an indictment of fandom, I think it's a reason why cooler heads and rational fans should prevail and drown out the weird little pillbugs fandom seems to bring out sometimes.

[cleolinda.livejournal.com]

You know, I keep hearing about that essay. I need to find out what book it's in and read it.

[janecpb.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear people are nagging you. I hope things smooth out for you soon.

[glass-radical.livejournal.com]

It just sucks when people do not think before they internet.

I'm always super stoked when I see a new SLOD or m15m, but I know what it feels like to have to write something in demand (and not just for fun) and it being one of the more awful things.

So, you guys, to paraphrase/insert:

Cleolinda is not your bitch.

[robinmc.livejournal.com]

This.

I know what it feels like to have to write something in demand (and not just for fun) and it being one of the more awful things.

Especially this.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_good_kitty/]

that was gorgeous, thank you!
reminds me of the time I was quietly snarking someone's outfit (formal dress, no slip. just panty lines and bra straps.) and my friend whirled around and in his best play-demonic voice said "I did not make her for you!"
When I could stop laughing, I made a mental note and refer to it regularly.

Je t'adore. Sending virtual hugs ---I can't remember the name of the mama tiger in the icon, but the baby tiger's name is Biscuit.

[mkthudson.livejournal.com]

Just wanted to say I'm glad you're taking some time for yourself. Sometimes that's a difficult thing to do--for me, at least, it's usually one of those things that's on the "to-do" list but never gets done until I'm forced into the situation. Which generally means I'm past the breaking point. It's much healthier to acknowledge "Yep, think I'm ready for a break" and then take one at your choosing.

I do hope you feel better. Continue taking time for yourself. Enjoy getting out and watching Lost. :)

[perrie.livejournal.com]

Neil Gaiman is absolutely right (of course, when is the man ever wrong??). Just because people can see when somebody is doing something, or not doing something, because they are Twittering or Facebooking or sending out a world-wide email, does not mean that they can dictate deadlines, or have a say in every aspect of that persons life. The only work commitment that people, even writers, have to anybody else is the contractual agreement they have with their bosses or editors. Not to the fans, as much as they wishandhopeandpleadohpleaseohplease.

I hope you find the headspace you need - I'm constantly amazed that you churn out as much as you do without more breaks and holidays anyway!

[metonymy.livejournal.com]

Thanks to your icon I now have Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" stuck in my head. I can't decide if the mental image of Remy singing it is awesome or terrifying. Perhaps both.

[himhilien.livejournal.com]

I loved that journal entry so much.

I'm sorry you're not feeling well, but I'm happy ypu're putting yourself first. *hugs*

[lunanyteskye.livejournal.com]

Seconded.

[unexpectedgift.livejournal.com]

Good for you. If it were me, I'd completely unplug my internet for an evening or two--the last thing you want is for this to become forced, or actually make yourself sick. This is the internet, after all. It's supposed to be casual interaction.

Re: the NG post--this is why I must find a Neil Gaiman all my own to marry.

[hellison.livejournal.com]

Everytime I think I can fangirl Neil anymore, he goes and says something like this!

And if it's true to say that writers whose works we *buy* still don't work for us, how much more so is it for people like yourself who work so hard to entertain us for free?

Entitlement is a nasty and very discouraging thing to be on the wrong end of.

[beachlass.livejournal.com]

Hope you have a good day. I had a funny conversation with a Telehealth nurse yesterday.

Nurse: Any underlying conditions?
Lass: Asthma.
Nurse: Right, you mentioned that. Any others?
Lass: Well, um, depression. But that's up and down.
Nurse: Yes, that's how it goes. Ear ache?

[chulacabra.livejournal.com]

I'm just completely gobsmacked that people are putting this much pressure on you. Do what you like. It's your blog. Sheesh.

As someone said above, Cleolinda is not your bitch.

[citharistria.livejournal.com]

As a GRRM fan since the millennium, I walked into a fantastic world-in-progress. I would love to see the next book, but I want it to be good and I want George to feel happy and contented enough to write the next installment and whatever else strikes his fancy. When I fall in love with an author like George or Neil or yourself, I fall for the voice more than the work itself. So do what you have to do so you can have a long and happy career ahead of you. Don't let whiny people like me pressure you. I can't wait to see Legolas and Elizabeth get it on in a birdbath or whatever other crack you have planned, but the waiting makes the satisfaction of seeing the next chapter that much sweeter. If I've waited a long time, the squeefulness of OMG it's updated!!!! will make my entire day. Also, see my weeklong good mood after the webcomic Sea of Insanity started updating again after a three-year hiatus. I will gladly wait for my crack fix.

And thank you. I don't think any of us fans say that enough.

[bluebythebook.livejournal.com]

I really hope that letter from Gareth was someone's role playing character exercise as Gareth Keenan [of the original "Office"] gone terribly and hilariously too far. Because if it's not... daaaamn.

[sweetsyren.livejournal.com]

Some people are a bit rubbish. *rolleyes*

Also - am I the only one that wants that script he was writing to be the fabled Doctor Who episode??

Just me? Okay - i'll just go over here then...

[missbaxter.livejournal.com]

Not just you ;-)

[greyduck.livejournal.com]

What boggles my mind is that people can come here, read the output from the comedy mines, and somehow miss all of the stuff about your headspace and the "background" stuff and so forth. Context, people! Everything has context.

Never mind, you know, treating creative folks as people first and entertainment vending machines last. Ahem.

[cleolinda.livejournal.com]

Well, like I said, I always refer to it as The Cleomatic 3000. As in, "I am not."

[dragonsblog.livejournal.com]

I figure things like Secret Life are gifts. Obviously you get something out of writing them, but you don't have to write or share them or anything. Do people demand specific gifts for their birthday? I mean, sure, some people do, but they are asses and people don't like them and don't give them presents anymore.

So thanks for the presents, I enjoy them. They make me smile and giggle and I appreciate that.

[mumford519.livejournal.com]

I'm just here for the ride. You tell me when to get on or off. It's all cool.
Your health and happiness takes priority over SLoD or M15M or any of that.

[mcamason.livejournal.com]

I adore just about everything I've read of your writing, from your M15Ms, your True Blood recaps, your in-depth blog posts, your Twilight....viscerata, for lack of a better word, and of course, the Secret Life of Dolls (I think part of the appeal of TSLOD is related to the fact that any one of us would LOVE to have our dolls and toys come to life like that, and you bring it to us so delightfully!).

That said, my appreciation does not at all obligate you to dance for me like a little monkey. I said it before when the True Blood recaps were kicking your ass: write things or don't as suits you: I'd rather have you healthy and sane and not hating your writing or your computer, the means by which I've gotten to know you.

You are not our collective bitch: you give us gifts when you can. Nil illegitimi te carbarondorum (and other fake latin as needed).

[trinastar.livejournal.com]

Totally seconding this comment. Plus if people really were intrigued by your True Blood Recaps I will simply state as a common reminder that in five days the First Season will be coming to DVD at a variety of local retailers. Go rent, buy, barter with your life's blood for a copy and enjoy.

Stop badgering the Cleo. If she wants to run away for a week or two she most certainly can do so. She is her own person.

[autumns-lioness.livejournal.com]

Star Trek in 15 minutes? You really are a goddess! LOL!

That said, it can wait, take time for yourself! We can wait, and while we do this shiny thing will keep my attention ;)

[aldehyde.livejournal.com]

agree with neil gaiman [as usual] but not with some of the comments on his post. in fact, i had to post a mini-rant on my own journal as a reactionary measure, heh.

btw gaiman just RT'd your tweet. how cool is that.

[stormarrow.livejournal.com]

Exactly. Neil Gaiman is epic, and he is so right. I don't know why people feel entitlement towards this stuff, but it's not fair to the artist.

Get some R & R! =) You should just relax and if you feel like writing, then write, if not- then do something else!

[greedyskunk.livejournal.com]

Great posts from both you and Neil. It's good to be reminded now and again that a person is behind the SLoD entries and, as people do, she has a life. Take care of yourself.

[missbaxter.livejournal.com]

Fan entitlement seems to be a weird, weird thing...I don't think I've ever mentioned to you how much Secret Life makes my day whenever there's a new entry, but the reason it does make my day is because you've put time, effort, thought and considerable skill into it. And I'd much rather read a work that an author cares about than something they feel obligated to write due to fan expectation. From a wholly selfish perspective, if you decided to take a really long break, I'd miss the dolls and the movie parodies and the recaps, because all of your writing really does brighten my day, but it's much more important in every respect that you enjoy the writing you're doing rather than having it feel like a chore or a job! I hope this comment comes across as encouraging rather than nagging - regardless of the time you take off, or the new projects or directions you pursue in either writing or life, I would argue that people who enjoy your work aren't going anywhere; we're happy to read whatever you feel like posting whenever you put it up :-)