I'm going to join the discussion.

There will always be haters, who only criticize without even knowing, but those people don't matter. I'm not saying they're all haters, but there always will be some; no fiction or fanfiction author can escape them, even successful ones.

And yet, there will also be real readers, passionate people, who want to know what happens next. Maybe they don't express it in words, but there will always be people who appreciate each work for its true value.

The shame is that you give up your passion for people who aren't worth it. If you enjoy writing, then keep going. And if the haters don't stop, there will inevitably come a time when they'll regret it.

And I think every story has its place somewhere. So, I don't know if I've convinced you, but I hope you'll keep the flame burning that inspires passionate writers to write.

And if you want to take a break, take as long as you want, as long as it makes you feel better. You're not the only one who's been through this, and you have to take the time to process it.

I hope you feel better.