Talk:The Girl and the Deceitful One/@comment-25464062-20141001061952/@comment-24040907-20141001221736

I believe that there are three types of critics. There are the harsh critics, there are the gentle critics, and then there's me: the ever-so-slightly insane critic. It's difficult for me, because I know that praise is a wonderful thing to receive and even more wonderful to give, but in large quantities it can be annoying. On the other hand, I know from personal experience what it's like to have someone blatantly put down your work, without providing any constructive criticism. It is an eternal struggle to find a way to review someone's work in both lights.

An analogy would be a teacher stamping a gold star on their student's forehead whilst circling errors in their work with a red pen.

I never want to discourage writers. I want them (and you) to feel good about what they write, so you'll continue to write, and pursue that wonderful dream. As you said, it is a reward for both parties.

I went over to Deviantart to check out Memphis. She's got cute eyes :) That is the extent of my knowledge in sculpting, but nonetheless I would say you did quite nicely.

You know, I find it difficult to keep my mind/body stationary for too long. A few years ago I was watching the Olympics, and one of the athletes (who was under a lot of pressure) commented on her busy life, saying that "stress calms her down, help her focus". I thought that was the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. How could stress calm someone down?

But now that I'm an insufferable multi-tasker, I find that saying to be very true. I absolutely relish in the heaping pile of work that is my desk, because I simply cannot remain idle for too long. Call it the overzealousness of the aspiring (albeit laughably stupid) writer that is myself.

And through all of that, you compliment me for my personality. That's the first time I've heard that here, I am all at once grateful and embarrassed. I must deny it, though, for you are the one with the personality here.