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I used to work in exactly the same way as you Moya and it can't be done. My advice is, thank people for their kind comments and then take a deep breath, relax and then decide what you really want to read and go to that... but only after you've done your own day's writing. I tend to read freshly posted stuff these days, I couldn't keep up with what I was doing so I read what was last posted. But I have started doing something that isn't good. I'm using reading on ABC as an excuse for not writing. I never wrote a single word last week. I did a lot of editing of my old Prague stuff. That probably took longer than actually writing it, then I'd come to read and think I'll write tomorrow and then, by Wednesday, I thought I'll write next week... well it's next week tomorrow so I need either a Sammy or a Kate chapter. Whichever way you do it Moya, just enjoy.

I totally, agree with you two. It's like chasing your own tail. It's impossible to keep up with everyone you like, and then at the expense of other's work you have never read. You could end up a neurotic wreck. I know the feeling you get when you feel you're letting people down. I don't know how Tina, keeps up with all her fans. The trouble is, you make a rod for your own back trying to spread yourself around supporting your fellow writers. You end up with a guilt complex if you feel you've failed. It's all down to time available. Peronally, I'm a very slow reader and I like to comment at length now and again. But it can be a very time consuming business whatever way we look at it. I think our own writing should take priority and if we have time left, then we have a certain obligation to read and comment on others. There's no easy answer. I think we've seen recently the consequences of trying to do the impossible, and the effect it has had on a few popular members of ABC - they have broken down, suffered burnout, had a few paddies, and then left the site in a blaze of glory and apologies to everyone concerned. Thankfully, in nearly all cases they then return a few days later with batteries recharged and apologies for making a fuss. I say to others, just do your best, but don't lose any sleep or make yourself ill trying to keep up with everyone. But if you feel the weight of it all bearing down too much... take a break, a couple of weeks or even months off, no need for apologies, and come back refreshed. Most of all, don't worry - you're not letting anyone down. Mr and Mrs Dinum.

I'm rubbish at commenting on other people's work, and I feel terrible about it, especially when they've taken the time to read my stuff. But at the end of the day, I'm a writer, and I'm trying my best to make some kind of career out of it, and although I hate the phrase I'm 'in the zone' at the moment, and writing some things that I'm really excited about. So I'm not doing much reading of other people's work, and consequently not much commenting. Because I'm a spoiled, selfish only child!!! But I constantly feel guilty, and I know in a few days, weeks, months or whatever my creative juices will dry up and I'll be back reading and commenting. Not that my comments are particularly helpful. Just relax Moya, and enjoy your writing and your reading.

Hi Moya Well, what I do is just when I have the time to come online, and I know it's going to be just a few short mins of the day, I comment. When inspiration hits and I have longer amounts of time, I just hop on and get writing. Just my little comment!

And it is so noticeable that it is the people who do plenty, who worry about not doing enough. You both give plenty back. Moya, typing with Parkinson's, especially in the mornings, makes you an inspiration to the rest of us. I can only imagine the concentration and energy it takes and the sheer frustration when your body won't do what you ask of it.

As a newbie here, I don't have any favourite authors yet. For now, I'm reading and commenting from the "Read" section of newly posted stories. Once or twice, I've considered delving into someone's back-catalogue if I've been intrigued enough by their recently posted work. And I think, for now, that's the best way. I'm sure I'll develop allegiances eventually, but I'm just plodding along, commenting where I feel I can.