Update on My Writing Journey

I want to update the world, and myself, that I have been writing almost every day. Currently, I have been working on erotica. I started one, and distanced myself from it. But then I started a new one and have been adding more to it everyday for nearly a week. I went on a staycation this past weekend which gave me a break from writing, but obviously have jumped back into it.

I finally read some of my writing to a couple of friends and got plenty of praises which really excited me. They gave me a few criticisms, ones that I agree with. Which is perfect because I don't take criticism well, but it is all working out nicely. I also continue to write down my dreams if given a chance and I constantly add notes to myself of what to write and how to write. My excitement builds and plateaus briefly, but it always comes back. I feel I'm on the right path and just need to keep it up.

I will say that this is not the forum where I will reveal my erotica. I figured once I finished writing whatever I'm writing that I will research various sites to anonymously post it. My secret hope or goal is that it will get a lot of views and gradually become immensely popular. I will also eventually send copies to select friends, probably before and after completion.

The key thing I must do before publishing is to come up with a pen name. I have yet to sit down and start that but I feel it is best to write more and figure my style and find a name that seems to coincide with it or me in some way.

To take note of my progress so far, I would like to share some points.
The first night upon writing my second erotica, I spent roughly six hours straight, writing a stream of consciousness with very little distractions. Ever since I have gone to bed and processed the next scenes only to write them down the next day, this continued for a week. It came to a point where I couldn't shut it off. I didn't get much sleep. But it didn't bother me.
Having said that, I also see evidence of my memory increasing. Having played scenes out in detail in my head and to write them down almost verbatim the following day. It's pretty cool.
I have been writing in a notebook and typing as well. I also take notes as I go. The freedom of my summer jobs allows me time to write, but I fear this will change when school starts again. I'm milking it for sure. Most of my typing is done at home, which I usually have a difficult time with. Most of my blogging is done while in public places. Thus I made a great attempt to create a space at home to be comfortable to write and I'm happy that is progressing.
Some troubles I have so far are descriptions and antonyms. My writing so far is bare bones, just to get the general scene going. I will have to go back and add tons of details to make it more engaging. To paint a full picture. I also find that my writing and/or ideas get away from me and it kind of takes me to a place I didn't expect. Which so far isn't really a problem, but an interesting thing at least.
I also realize more so just how good I am with empathy and imagination. It has become supremely natural for me to write personal things that I have not experienced myself. I am writing from different view points, writing of experiences that are not mine. And it is realistic!
I have noticed a few fears now when it comes to sharing this particular type of writing. While it all comes from my mind, it is not all me. Some is really personal, some is true, and some is just plain fiction. I know that with any art, it can be revealing. I have to accept now that whatever is read will be interpreted on its own. Some may think horrible things about me, some may be fascinated, some may relate. Whether they relate to the reality or the fiction, is something I have to accept. So there is a vulnerable bowl of anonymity and personal revelation. It's a whole new experience for me.

What I write on this blog is all personal and true, but I decide what I will and will not share. But in novel type writing, it's all free game. It's fun and scary all at once. I will admit that I love anonymity, hence the need for a pen name. At least to start.

One last thing I would like to discuss is the effect of art. Art creates responses, it provokes. Whether it is bad or good. That is the goal. I have accepted this with other mediums of art and I have accepted it upon beginning my writing journey. But the beauty is, I know that there will be readers that love it, that hate it. It won't matter because those are the ends of the spectrum of response resulting in immediately labeling my work as art. People often discuss how bad Fifty Shades of Grey is, but I will always argue that it is art and it made a huge presence. It provoked the masses. It also opened up the mainstream to BDSM (regardless if you feel that portrayal was accurate or not). Which I think is singularly fantastic. Sex is a touchy subject for anyone and everyone has different experiences, and be damned that people will have their viewpoints. Which only fuels my fire for writing. In addition, a lot of people feel with the release of this book that almost anyone can get something published. While this isn't said as a good thing, I look at the positive side and hope that will be the case for me. Granted, I am not saying I am a bad writer, but I'm new...ish, with little training. This continues to give me hope along with the glory that is the Internet.