Where I try to justify why I'm doing this

I'll probably come back and edit this post later, to add more things and explain what some of them mean. But for now, I'll just start with what I've learned so far.

1. Likable characters are essential to a good story.
2. You'll never write something that everyone likes.
3. Don't ignore criticism. Tactful criticism will help you improve your writing, but realize some people are just assholes. Learn to differentiate between the two. Also, grow a thick skin.
4. Sometimes sleeping on a story problem helps me figure it out. Also, keep paper and pencil next to your bed, to write middle of the night ideas down.
5. Using tools like Grammerly (free version is great) and software to read my stories out loud helps to catch problems. (If someone has recommendations for free/cheap software to read stories out loud, I'd love to hear from you) Finding someone willing to proofread your stories is even better.

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Oh and what the hell, I'll plug my Zootopia fanfic too:
Fanfiction.net
or
AO3
or
Wattpad