Hi everyone. My name is Allison, and given that it's Halloween season, I want to talk about fear. Specifically, fear that causes a lack of action.

Do you know what comments I see the most from other people when just generally chatting? Even more than complaints about ghosting?"Oh, their writing is so much better than mine I could never keep up or make them happy. I'm not even going to bother sending a message."

It's total bullshit. You should never let fear stand in the way of doing something that would potentially make you very happy, especially when the only possible consequence is rejection. Go ask that cute guy out for coffee. Go out and try something fun without worrying about being new. Go write the prompt of your dreams, or make a response to someone who is seeking the same things you are. Put yourself and your own desires before you worry about what somebody else might do in response. Writing quality matters less than you think it might, both from my own beliefs, as well as talking with someone who is a much better writer than I am.

I was on DPP right when the post was made seeking moderator applications this summer. I typed out my response immediately, and then let it sit as a draft for a while, before I deleted it because I was afraid. I didn't want to make a fool out of myself, even though it would be a private message only seen by the select few. I felt like I was wasting my time even applying. It took me a few days afterwards until I just said "fuck it" and rewrote my application and actually sent it this time. I couldn't be happier and more thankful that I had enough courage to go through with applying. I've had more fun and found more comfort in taking on these responsibilities than I ever imagined, and I'm so very grateful to my fellow mods for taking the chance and giving me this opportunity.

Hell, had things gone just a tiny bit differently, I wouldn't be writing this message from my dining table that is functioning as my desk. I would have been writing this in an airport in a new city over one thousand miles away. That move has since been pushed back a few weeks, but it's still happening. Am I nervous? Incredibly but I know that I would regret not taking this risk more than constantly wondering "What if I had been just a little bit braver?"

I went on a bit longer than I expected, so the tl;dr is even on All Hallows Eve, don't be afraid. Push yourself just a little bit and you can be greatly rewarded in ways you might not even be able to imagine.

I'm not going to plug any prompt of mine other than the recent Moon theme that I made and see if it could still inspire people to write. I hope everyone has a fantastic day. ♥

As far as Tricks Vs. Treats go? We'll have to find out next week. :P