Just thinking that other people may read my words made me nervous and now I'm more self-conscious of my content. This is not a casual hobby anymore, so I strive to be more professional. Of course, I still love it.
I think the characters are the most important elements. Without them, there wouldn't be a story. You can have the best setting, the best grammar, a great plot, the best intentions... but if your characters are flat, you basically have nothing to drive it all forward.
I've been writing since I learned how to shape words. My Grandmother didn't know how to read so she always pretended to read from a book while making up the story. I knew that wasn't how the story went, but I played along. She is my inspiration to create my own stories. So ever since I learned how to write I followed her example.
