IF Seal: What if I don't know what to say to an author?
i am going to slide a little note in here as an avid/ if reader. chances are, whoever author submitted that note about not receiving enough asks was- ive read their if! and as someone who reads so much, I'd like to note that sometimes it doesnt mean a lack of interest or fear of commenting. sometimes it's just hard to find something to say because the if is SO good! i dont often send a lot of asks to certain blogs because i dont have a question or scenario because they are /so/ good at fleshing out characters and plot that i just silently, excitedly, stalk. now, this isn't discouragment to leave asks. im aware that comments are like - authors #1 source of fuel. but please dont always assume it's negative! some of you are just too good 💔
Dear Excitedly Reading Friend,
Ah, I do relate to this myself very much indeed! And I certainly want to join with you in reminding our dear author friends that it is not mere lack of engagement with a story that may result in quietness.
I will say, even an anonymous "I love this!" or "oh my gosh!!!" is helpful to authors: there is no pressure to write an essay about exactly why you love a game, although that's immensely exciting to receive too. So if readers are thinking "I don't know what to say, I just like it!", that is a good enough thing to tell someone and will likely make a writer's day.
Thank you for your perspective, friend!