I’m not very good at drawing humans. That’s putting it lightly, if I’m honest. I can’t draw humans. I can draw cats and dogs and that’s pretty much it.

I know that some writers like to find artwork of characters that look like theirs, but I have a hard time finding good images. If any of you writers use artwork to show your characters, where/how do you look for it?

I’m stuck in a rut comparing myself to others, whether it’s my writing or drawing, and whenever I make something I can’t help but think that it’s terrible compared to what others could do. Why would others want to see mine if there’s more, better work? There are plenty of artists out there, and good authors on here to be sure, I’m just not one of them. How can I tell myself to stop comparing my work and just work without shame? Does anyone else have that problem, because I don’t want to feel silly for posting this.

I don’t post often and I don’t usually feel comfortable sharing my work, but at least it’s with some stories and not some silly comment. Constructive criticism and feedback is appreciated, I’m still learning and I’d like to learn more!

The dragon unfurled her wings, unleashing a torrent of flame from her maw. I desperately shielded my eyes from the blinding light, only daring to open them when the screams of agony around me subsided. My vision danced, but it soon became clear that I was unharmed. They were right.

Icy wind slammed into his face. The ship’s deck was flooded, but the captain managed to reach his first-mate.

“You know I trust you, Captain, but I don’t see how binding the crew will help us beat the storm!” she shouted.

The captain grinned. “Not the storm, love. Sirens.”

I ran through last night’s conversation in my head. One flash from Brody’s flashlight meant it was safe to find him. Two flashes meant there was danger. We should’ve planned more... I pushed the thought away. We’ll be okay. With a deep breath, I peered over the ledge. Three flashes.

Actually, this one was meant to be an extra account, but I ended up using this one more and now I’ve forgotten the original, so I think it’d be safer to stick with this one.

I really couldn’t figure out where to put this, but I was wondering if there is any way to change my username? I first came up with ‘CrazyCat’ when I was in my Warrior cats phase at what was probably eleven years of age and reused it when I made this account, which was a mistake. So...I don’t know what I’d change it to, but if I could pick a new username, this would definitely not be it.

I'll come out of hiding for this. We'll see if you can make my av even better.

Well, I tried to use all the suggestions.

The balloons seemed out of place over the worn rock. To anyone passing by, I explained it was her birthday. Perhaps they wouldn't think so odd of me then, looking as if to celebrate her death. With the small, cake-stained plate in my lap, I closed my eyes for a moment. If only I had told her the truth, she could enjoy the treat with me. Instead, I sat alone, pushing away thoughts of bullet-holes, and wishing I hadn't nagged her so. Though I knew that I couldn't blame myself for her death, it didn't stop me from lingering on the thought that I'd worsened her life. I leaned down and whispered the words I should have said. “I love you.”

I looked it up and squamous means scaly, so I guess it's a different term?

This is the only site I can think of that really takes writing seriously. I could ask around other forums, but I know there are users here that can help.

Anyway, I want to make a high fantasy novel. The kind with elves and dwarves, in a realm much similar to that of Tolkien's. One of my goals, though very long-term, is to write something so well, that when people think of such novels, they think of not only LOTR or the Inheritance Cycle, but my book(s) as well. Now, I'm nowhere near that writing level, and I'm currently still trying to put together a story for this site, but I still want to reach that point someday. I'm hoping to polish my writing skills here(this isn't saying I'll be publishing a storygame in the next month by any means).

The point is, as I was thinking about ways I could make my world different while still keeping with a Tolkien theme, I became worried that my setting would be limited. Secretive, wise, and talented Elves in forests. Hardy, stubborn dwarves in mountains. Magic at a level able to be wielded, but only by those powerful enough. Even if I created a new history for this world, and added my own creatures, I don't want my story to be hindered by these restrictions. I want people to read and understand that this isn't a Tolkien fanfiction, but my own work. I may be stressing out over nothing, perhaps changing history and characters would make a story unique, but it doesn't much feel that way now.

...Well, that was my rant. I guess I'll do homework now.