Hey, y'all! Sorry if you thought this was an update! So, I figured it was time to set some ground rules for this story 'cause I haven't until now. All of these 'rules' should be common sense, but I feel the need to say them anyway. Most (all) of these have to do with comments on my story.

 Constructive Criticism is not welcome- Criticism does NOT help in all cases, so unless you are asked to give it, don't. It's that simple. And I'm NOT asking for it.

Be kind- I don't want any rude comments on my story, okay? If your mama hasn't told you yet then I'm telling you now: "If you ain't got anything nice to say, don't say it at all!"

Your opinion?- My pet peeve is when people comment on one of my stories and say something like, "I think you should've done this..." or "I don't really like that this happened..." Honey, I am the author. I write my stories how I want to write them. I'm not on this Earth to please you or anyone else. If I already posted a chapter, I'm not going back and changing it to please you. It's said and done and posted. Don't try to change it. If you do, your like the annoying 'backseat driver' of the writing world.

The 'Debbie Downers'- Don't comment on my story if all you're gonna do is try to put me down. Don't tell me my story sucks, don't tell me everything you think is wrong with my story. I don't want to hear your negativity. It doesn't help me improve. It makes me sad and angry.

Inconsistent updates- As you know by now, I'm a pretty slow updater. You wanna know the secret to getting me to update faster? Positive comments. Yep, it's that easy. I'm lazy and a procrastinator, and if you don't comment, I'm not updating. I urge you to comment at the end of EVERY SINGLE ONE of my chapters, so if I'm slow, leave a kind 'Please update soon, Josie!' I will not update if you are rude about it. I've literally had a reader comment on one of my stories and say, "Wow, it's been so long I don't remember any of the characters." Ya know how to fix that? Skim over the previous chapters or just stop reading. Don't tell me. This isn't facebook. I don't need to know exactly what you're doin' or how you're feeling.

Positivity- You can always tell me what you think would be cool to happen in future chapters. That's not rude. That's totally cool with me. It even helps with writer's block. Just don't tell me how to change what I've already written.

The compliment sandwich- DON'T DO IT. I absolutely HATE this. Don't give me a compliment, then an insult, then a compliment all in one comment. Example: "Oh, Josie, this story is so beautiful. This one part kinda sucks though... But I love it! Update soon!" How. Stupid.

All in all, don't tell me negative things. I don't care that you think my story sucks or whatever else you want to say that's rude. I write for my own enjoyment and improvement. These rules should apply to every story you read. Even if someone isn't that great at writing, you should NOT tear them down. We all suck at writing when we first start. Take a look at my very first fanfic for example. I want to burn it and erase it from my mind. The fact is, everyone improves with practice, so ALWAYS encourage people. Again, criticism does NOT help in all cases, so unless you are asked to give it, don't. It's that simple.

Your negative comments do not inspire me to do better. They make me sad and angry. I don't change my story for anyone. If you don't like where it's going, don't read it and DEFINITELY don't comment. I haven't had to really deal with this stuff on this particular story, but since it's my most popular, I decided to post this.

I am, in fact, a human being. I am not a robot or a weird pedophile posing as a 17 year old southern girl. I have feelings, as do all other authors. Always remember this before you comment. I have the great power of the 'block' option incase you forget or decide to overlook these simple rules of kindness.

Please be kind to one another and love each other. My next update is coming soon so be on the look out!

Love,

Josie <3