Birthday Week - Reunion Check In

This doggo can hardly believe that our beloved YWS is already 20 years old! The theme for this special birthday celebration is Reunion! As old and new members stop by to celebrate, one of the best things about a reunion is just stopping in and catching everyone up about where you've been and what you've been doing - and getting a little reminiscent and nostalgic!

Here I'll encourage you to do so with a little Reunion Check-In! Feel free to skip questions or add extra information as you see fit, whether you're an old member, new member, or somewhere in between - we're thankful for each person who has been part of making YWS the community that it continues to be today!



Grab some of these questions (or all of them) and join our Reunion Check-In!

Check In Questions

1. What usernames might others remember you by?

2. Why did you join YWS?

3. Describe your writing when you first joined!

4. Describe your writing now!

5. Best writing advice that you picked up from YWS along the way?

6. Who is a YWSer who made an impact on your YWS experience?

7. Who is a writer you've looked up to while on the site (YWS or otherwise)?

8. What has been your proudest YWS contribution?

9. What has been your favorite YWS memory?

10. What has been your silliest YWS memory?

11. Were you ever involved in any of the YWS rivalries... what team? (SPEW, Monkey vs Dragons, Unclassified vs Classified, NanaWars, Rose Takeover, Duolingo Takeover, Veggie Takeover)

12. Advice you would have given yourself when you first joined!

13. Advice you'd give a new author?

14. Prediction for your writing 10 years from now!

15. Most memorable YWS site-event? (ie. RevMo, NaNo, NaPo, RPMonth, April Fools etc.)

16. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've read?

17. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've posted?

18. What do you hope YWS looks like in another decade?

19. If you could add a quote to the YWS quote generator what would it be?

20. Anything else you'd like to share about your writing, life, or YWS memories?

Code: Select all

[bebas]Check In Questions[/bebas]

1. What usernames might others remember you by?

2. Why did you join YWS?

3.  Describe your writing when you first joined!

4. Describe your writing now!

5. Best writing advice that you picked up from YWS along the way?

6. Who is a YWSer who made an impact on your YWS experience?

7. Who is a writer you've looked up to while on the site (YWS or otherwise)?

8. What has been your proudest YWS contribution?

9. What has been your favorite YWS memory?

10. What has been your silliest YWS memory?

11. Were you ever involved in any of the YWS rivalries... what team? (SPEW, Monkey vs Dragons, Unclassified vs Classified, NanaWars, Rose Takeover, Duolingo Takeover, Veggie Takeover)

12. Advice you would have given yourself when you first joined!

13. Advice you'd give a new author?

14. Prediction for your writing 10 years from now!

15. Most memorable YWS site-event? (ie. RevMo, NaNo, NaPo, RPMonth, April Fools etc.)

16. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've read?

17. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've posted?

18. What do you hope YWS looks like in another decade?

19. If you could add a quote to the YWS quote generator what would it be?

20. Anything else you'd like to share about your writing, life, or YWS memories?

Check In Questions

1. What usernames might others remember you by?
@teatiime, @herbalhour, @chrysanthemumcentury
2. Why did you join YWS?
because of my ever so lovely friend @LuminescentAnt!
3. Describe your writing when you first joined!
gosh... it was definitely something! i'd describe it as "thinking things had to rhyme, short and kinda brash"
4. Describe your writing now!
sad melancholic grief that's quiet and absent, missing, and feeling space with color
5. Best writing advice that you picked up from YWS along the way?
JUST KEEP WRITING!! DRAFTS ARE MEANT TO BE BAD!!
6. Who is a YWSer who made an impact on your YWS experience?
so many. @Spearmint, @EllieMae, and @fatherfig to name a few
7. Who is a writer you've looked up to while on the site (YWS or otherwise)?
@dissonance, @foxtails, @farq4d, and @alliyah
8. What has been your proudest YWS contribution?
hhhhhmmmm. napo 2024, or perhaps roundcake.
9. What has been your favorite YWS memory?
writing in pads doing collab poetry (shout out to chi, envy, alliyah, and @candyhearts, to name a few)
10. What has been your silliest YWS memory?
LSS! ugh that was so fun.
11. Were you ever involved in any of the YWS rivalries... what team? (SPEW, Monkey vs Dragons, Unclassified vs Classified, NanaWars, Rose Takeover, Duolingo Takeover, Veggie Takeover)
classified, duolingo, veggie
12. Advice you would have given yourself when you first joined!
be more you, and read over things more. be paitient. everything will come in its time.
13. Advice you'd give a new author?
write freely, and write what you enjoy.
14. Prediction for your writing 10 years from now!
sadder and more sad
15. Most memorable YWS site-event? (ie. RevMo, NaNo, NaPo, RPMonth, April Fools etc.)
NAPOOOOOO!
16. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've read?
catharsis, purple stones, umbilical, for anyone who wants to die, this is your inheritance (chi, ant, payton, ellie, alliyah)
17. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've posted?
i still see you everywhere and nowhere at the same time, enchanting starlight/haunting aurora, teaching notes,
18. What do you hope YWS looks like in another decade?
MORE POETS!!
19. If you could add a quote to the YWS quote generator what would it be?
"explodes." - century
20. Anything else you'd like to share about your writing, life, or YWS memories?
you all are lovely humans

1. What usernames might others remember you by?
Lullaby or Fleur
2. Why did you join YWS?
In high-school I had a friend who introduced me to writing poetry and the website. I had an account from 2016-2018 but the email for the account is no longer active. I wanted to make some writer friends and/or share my work and read others works again so I rejoined.
3. Describe your writing when you first joined!
Focused on perfect grammar, sometimes rhymed, quite emotionally driven content.
4. Describe your writing now!
Authentic, based on observations and memories, able to be spoken word.
5. Best writing advice that you picked up from YWS along the way?
Grammar isn't necessary but can be used in favor of the poem depending on context and purpose.
6. Who is a YWSer who made an impact on your YWS experience?
There are a few, it's really hard to pinpoint a singular YWSer.
7. Who is a writer you've looked up to while on the site (YWS or otherwise)?
@dissonance has some of the most beautiful writing I've had the gift of reading.
8. What has been your proudest YWS contribution?
NaPo!
9. What has been your favorite YWS memory?
First joining back in 2016 on my old account, it all felt so new.
10. What has been your silliest YWS memory?
Everyone changing their names to beverages and arguing who was the best in a WFP.
11. Were you ever involved in any of the YWS rivalries... what team? (SPEW, Monkey vs Dragons, Unclassified vs Classified, NanaWars, Rose Takeover, Duolingo Takeover, Veggie Takeover)
Nope
12. Advice you would have given yourself when you first joined!
Girl don't take it too seriously.
13. Advice you'd give a new author?
It's good to experiment to find your style and come out of your shell.
14. Prediction for your writing 10 years from now!
Hopefully being able to write poems in different structures and formats.
15. Most memorable YWS site-event? (ie. RevMo, NaNo, NaPo, RPMonth, April Fools etc.)
NaPo :)
16. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've read?
I wish there was a way to see all my liked poems, I can't remember off the top of my head. There's been a few super amazing ones.
17. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've posted?
One of my top 2 is Babbling because it reflects my mind as I think and write without much editing. I also love Charmed as it is one of my favorite romantic poems and the name of the poetry book I wrote for my (now)fiancé.
18. What do you hope YWS looks like in another decade?
Similar with slightly improved mechanics!
19. If you could add a quote to the YWS quote generator what would it be?
“I like good strong words that mean something…”
― Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
20. Anything else you'd like to share about your writing, life, or YWS memories?
Thank you for existing. If YWS didn't exist, teenager me probably wouldn't have continued to write poetry.

1. What usernames might others remember you by?

I did not have any other usernames lol.

2. Why did you join YWS?

I joined the site because I wanted to find a place to write in but also a somewhere where my work wouldn’t be lost.

3. Describe your writing when you first joined!

I still have very short writing at times but I think that when I first joined I rushed a bit in my writing and it was very short! I didn’t go into much depth on things.

4. Describe your writing now!

I think it’s gotten better. I’ve gone more into depth on my characters and stories to really go into world building. Obviously there is still more work to be done but I think I’m doing good so far.

5. Best writing advice that you picked up from YWS along the way?

Hmm…I think it would be to go more into depth with my characters/stories. Because people like my work, it’s just that there is always room for a bigger picture.

6. Who is a YWSer who made an impact on your YWS experience?

Uhhhh…there’s a lot but two of them are @IcyFlame @EllieMae.

7. Who is a writer you've looked up to while on the site (YWS or otherwise)?

@RavenAkuma ^v^

8. What has been your proudest YWS contribution?

There’s a lot I’m proud of but I am really proud of my series “Love in decaying hearts”.

9. What has been your favorite YWS memory?

When I posted my first Creepypasta fanfic, I felt more confident in my writing. ^v^

10. What has been your silliest YWS memory?

THE GOOSE SCAVENGER HUNT.

11. Were you ever involved in any of the YWS rivalries... what team? (SPEW, Monkey vs Dragons, Unclassified vs Classified, NanaWars, Rose Takeover, Duolingo Takeover, Veggie Takeover)

Unfortunately, no. Perhaps I should become more involved. :>

12. Advice you would have given yourself when you first joined!

Don’t sweat it. Just write the story. People will have different opinions, but you keep on going and working on your writing. ^v^

13. Advice you'd give a new author?

Even if you have doubts, write the story! It’s yours to write and yours to imagine! :>

14. Prediction for your writing 10 years from now!

I have a feeling my tone in my works will become darker over time just from how much I will have grown, but I’ll have to wait and see! :>

15. Most memorable YWS site-event? (ie. RevMo, NaNo, NaPo, RPMonth, April Fools etc.)

Revmo. :>


16. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've read?

So far it’s “Not my Circus” by @GengarIsBestBoy. It’s so fun and carnival-esque! (That’s not a word but whatever.)

17. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've posted?

Now don’t take this the wrong way. I LOVE my original works but I think my favorite is actually a fanfic called “When Jason the toymaker met Laughing Jack” or something like that. I just LOVEEE how I wrote the romance! :>

18. What do you hope YWS looks like in another decade?

I hope that more people will have fostered a sense of community with one another and that there are more activities for everyone to participate in.

19. If you could add a quote to the YWS quote generator what would it be?

I’d say… “So what if I’m crazy? All the best people are!” -Melanie Martinez, Mad Hatter.

20. Anything else you'd like to share about your writing, life, or YWS memories?

I’m so glad to be on this site, to express myself freely. I love progressing with my work and sharing my ideas! :>

Check In Questions

1. What usernames might others remember you by?
Malachi and Messenger are the only 2 I've ever had

2. Why did you join YWS?
I wasn't sure where else to post my writing and Wattpad scared me xD

3. Describe your writing when you first joined!
Bad in the line to line, but okay as plot and characters went

4. Describe your writing now!
Evolving

5. Best writing advice that you picked up from YWS along the way?
Rules are meant to be learned so that you know when to break them

6. Who is a YWSer who made an impact on your YWS experience?
Oh boy. So many. @tgirly @Pompadour @SushiSashimi @Sonder @Blues @awholebunchofothers

7. Who is a writer you've looked up to while on the site (YWS or otherwise)?
@Blues, @Sonder, Hannah Lindsey (check her out on Instagram, her art is amazing her account is Hmnnah)

8. What has been your proudest YWS contribution?
How many reviews I did when I was more active, especially on review days

9. What has been your favorite YWS memory?
I had so many chats when the chat bar was around. I loved playing mafia in the chat room. Receiving some of the kindest reviews I could ask for.

10. What has been your silliest YWS memory?
The time when a bunch of us spammed each other's walls with pictures and I literally made my gamer tag after it and have never changed it

11. Were you ever involved in any of the YWS rivalries... what team? (SPEW, Monkey vs Dragons, Unclassified vs Classified, NanaWars, Rose Takeover, Duolingo Takeover, Veggie Takeover)
I was not

12. Advice you would have given yourself when you first joined!
I think I am pretty happy with how I joined. I was active in storybooks, reviews, writing and socializing. I really enjoyed my time from Day 1

13. Advice you'd give a new author?
WRITE. READ. You don't get better without doing those 2 things a lot

14. Prediction for your writing 10 years from now!
Published with a few books *fingers crossed*

15. Most memorable YWS site-event? (ie. RevMo, NaNo, NaPo, RPMonth, April Fools etc.)
I honestly have not participated much but does Knights of the Green Room count?

16. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've read?
I would have to dig through my reviews, but anything my Pompadour and Sonder, The Book Man by Clues, uh I'm blanking.

17. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've posted?
Eternal my Muse and Never Alone

18. What do you hope YWS looks like in another decade?
Less blue, more green, just as friendly

19. If you could add a quote to the YWS quote generator what would it be?
PO-TAY-TOES - Sam wise Gamgee

20. Anything else you'd like to share about your writing, life, or YWS memories?
If you don't take it seriously it'll take you a lot longer to get where you want to go. If writing is just a hobby that's perfectly fine, but if it's your dream.and passion you have to actively pursue it. Also, marriage to the right person is amazing <3

Check In Questions

1. What usernames might others remember you by?
THIS ONE I've had this username since i joined and i love it too much to ever change it
2. Why did you join YWS?
Someone who was my friend at the time did. They are no longer on the site and we dont talk anymore. But I'm glad I found this place
3. Describe your writing when you first joined!
Oh goodness. Definatly ansgty, but stil the action and adventure stuff I write now! I'd say it was heavily focused on diolauge with a love of action.OH and a graveyard of typos
4. Describe your writing now!
Still with a focus on diolouge, i will never lose my love for characters. But its defintaly better paced with more decrption, still a graveyard of typos.
5. Best writing advice that you picked up from YWS along the way?
Write, write for you, write what you want to write. Even f you wont ever finish it. It was fun, and you should be having fun.
6. Who is a YWSer who made an impact on your YWS experience?
Good or bad? Because theres been a bit of both. I'm not sure i can pick one.
7. Who is a writer you've looked up to while on the site (YWS or otherwise)?
@Messenger, his book series he's writing is pretty cool
8. What has been your proudest YWS contribution?
Hum, I dont feel like I do much on here, in terms of contribution. But the tagbooks for the holidays are loads of fun. I enjoy contripting to those a lot.
9. What has been your favorite YWS memory?
Back in 2020, there were lots of writing sprints for NovMo, and I had a blast, I never see them around anymore. I feel like theres more poets then novelist/story writers on here now, so maybe thats why.
10. What has been your silliest YWS memory?
Theres too many XD Idk
11. Were you ever involved in any of the YWS rivalries... what team? (SPEW, Monkey vs Dragons, Unclassified vs Classified, NanaWars, Rose Takeover, Duolingo Takeover, Veggie Takeover)
No, I dont know why but I dont tend to enjoy takeovers.
12. Advice you would have given yourself when you first joined!
Raise your standers, nice doesnt mean good honey. Oh and fix those typos!!
13. Advice you'd give a new author?
Write, just write, even if its trast and gibberish and doesnt make sense. Have fun, if your not havig fun, or enjoying the process, adjust it so you do. Or switch projects!
14. Prediction for your writing 10 years from now!
Hopefully less typos and a few novels published!!
15. Most memorable YWS site-event? (ie. RevMo, NaNo, NaPo, RPMonth, April Fools etc.)
Always NaPo and the Christmas tagbooks
16. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've read?
uhh i like both @elektra and @Messenger novels
17. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've posted?
Trust me not, i just had fun writing it Trust me, not? (Part 1)
18. What do you hope YWS looks like in another decade?
I hope its still a safe place, where people can share writing and just be people, without the pressure of social media
19. If you could add a quote to the YWS quote generator what would it be?
I know my value, nobody else opnion really matters-Peggy Carter

20. Anything else you'd like to share about your writing, life, or YWS memories?

YWS has been such a wonderful place, and my writing has grown because of it. Ive lost all my real life friends, due to them walkig over me/inconsiderate, includng one that i considered my BFF and writing buddy, so its really nice to have a place where I can have friends, and write with people, without the fear of getting too close to them and them letting me down.
so thanks everyone<3

Check In Questions

1. What usernames might others remember you by?
Ley, Leya, or my OG: PixieStix :D

2. Why did you join YWS?
I was 11 when I joined YWS (back in 2011) and I joined because my friend was online and recommended the community! She talked to my parents and they allowed me to make an account :D

3. Describe your writing when you first joined!
It was absolutely horrible but I was also 11, so I'm not judging myself too much. I definitely grew up on the site and have improved so much!

4. Describe your writing now!
I would say I still have a lot of growing to do, but I'm pretty proud of my writing now! I have YWS to thank for that <3

5. Best writing advice that you picked up from YWS along the way?
Not everything will be perfect. Take a breather and remember that editing exists! XD

6. Who is a YWSer who made an impact on your YWS experience?
@Soulkana, @Spearmint, @WeepingWisteria, @Obscura, @winterwolf0100, @Blues, @EllieMae <3 And much more!

7. Who is a writer you've looked up to while on the site (YWS or otherwise)?
@Soulkana, @Mageheart, and @Snoink! <33333

8. What has been your proudest YWS contribution?
My proudest YWS contribution would be running LSS this year with RP Crew. It wasn't smooth sailing all the time, but I'm so proud of us and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to help out with such a cool, fun, and successful event!

9. What has been your favorite YWS memory?
My favorite memory was @LadyMysterio and @WeepingWisteria and I's Pad Birthday party that @chrysanthemumcentury and other YWSers threw for us! It was so much fun <3 and I learned that I share birthdays with two amazing humans!

10. What has been your silliest YWS memory?
My silliest memory is writing a hilarious dream scene for our LSS RP Thread with @WeepingWisteria, @Spearmint, and @chrysanthemumcentury. It was so funny and so fun to write. XD

11. Were you ever involved in any of the YWS rivalries... what team? (SPEW, Monkey vs Dragons, Unclassified vs Classified, NanaWars, Rose Takeover, Duolingo Takeover, Veggie Takeover)
I was involved with the veggie takeover and was team Veggies! >:D

12. Advice you would have given yourself when you first joined!
You'll fit right in, everyone on the site is there for the same reason you are: to improve their writing and be part of an amazing community!

13. Advice you'd give a new author?
Just find a story and/or premise you enjoy writing about. Screw what other people think-- if you enjoy it, keep writing!

14. Prediction for your writing 10 years from now!
I'm hoping that I'll be publish way sooner than 10 years from now, but I hope so also finish my Divine Trilogy ;3

15. Most memorable YWS site-event? (ie. RevMo, NaNo, NaPo, RPMonth, April Fools etc.)
LSS, RPMonth, and NaPo! I loved all of the YWS events though!

16. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've read?
Something about Monsters by @WeepingWisteria, where all wild things go by @EllieMae

17. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've posted?
Daughter of War by far. I'm so proud of all the chapters I've posted.

18. What do you hope YWS looks like in another decade?
I hope YWS continues to be a wonderful community filled with writing, collaboration, and pure talent! I'm always in awe at the talent all of us have on this site.:3

19. If you could add a quote to the YWS quote generator what would it be?
I'm not sure honestly XD Definitely something about potatoes. Maybe:
"Insert something about potatoes here: ___" -Elektra

20. Anything else you'd like to share about your writing, life, or YWS memories?
I just wanted to say that I'm so grateful for all of you and I can't believe YWS is 20 already *cries*. You all are so amazing!

Check In Questions

1. What usernames might others remember you by?
Hmm, probably only AilahEvelynMae since that was my username for the majority of the time I have been on YWS. I briefly had another username when I joined, but I don't think anyone really remembers it, haha.

2. Why did you join YWS?
I wanted a place to share my short stories and make friends online with other kids/teens.

3. Describe your writing when you first joined!
I remember learning how to use a keyboard for the first time and writing stories on my very slow laptop. I didn't know how to use quotations or capital letters or spell. I mostly wrote short stories based off of books I read or historical fiction. I did some warrior cats roleplays on another website lol.

4. Describe your writing now!
Now I love writing horror and I love all genres of poetry! I have also started roleplaying more which is really fun too. I have also explored a lot more with visuals and spoken word, which I love.

5. Best writing advice that you picked up from YWS along the way?
When I joined YWS I did not know how to review or critique at all. My reviews were so bad. Even though I enjoyed what I read, I wasn't able to put it into words, but over time I have grown a lot to be able to provide feedback. In terms of actual advice, the best thing I have ever been told was by @Spearmint, who told me when I am overwhelmed between two options, to go with the one that brings me the most peace in my heart. I still use that all the time in my life and it has helped me make some big life choices, which turned out great in the end.

6. Who is a YWSer who made an impact on your YWS experience?
My best friend @Quillfeather for sure. She is the best person I know and makes my life better every single day. I would not change anything about our friendship and I am so grateful that we met on YWS. Working with her on PCrew is really fun and she is the hardest working friend I have.

Also @Que, you are incredibly kind and insightful and an amazing listener! @Spearmint hanging out with you is always the most fun thing ever and you make me so happy! @alliyah you have really helped me settle into the mod crew and working with you is always really amazing! @Elektra I am so glad that I met you and you have become such a good friend of mine who I trust so deeply! @Kaia you are such a good person and I have loved the times we have talked in WFP and had so many amazing conversations about faith and life! @chrysanthemumcentury you helped me so much this last year and have been an amazing friend I could turn to with my problems and are an amazing poet! @LadyMysterio its always fun hanging out with you and you are super cool and also @Snoink you helped answer a lot of my faith questions a while ago which meant a lot to me!

7. Who is a writer you've looked up to while on the site (YWS or otherwise)?
I really look up to @fatherfig because he is the type of friend who is always there for me and creates the most beautiful and relatable poems. We have been friends for years, but especially in the last year or so we have grown a lot closer and I enjoy every late-night conversation with you. Gem is the type of friend who I can trust with anything and is an incredibly talented writer.

8. What has been your proudest YWS contribution?
Maybe this year when I made most of the active site members Duolingo avatars and most people changed them to be their profile picture xD It filled me with so much joy. Oh and also the Duolingo takeover.

9. What has been your favorite YWS memory?
Being in THCUGG pad with @Quillfeather @chrysanthemumcentury @fatherfig @LadyMysterio @Kaia @Razor @Spearmint (and many others) for a lot of my freshman year of college and just dying laughing (and trying to not burst out laughing in class cause of how funny you guys are). Also when we played Gartic Phone and other games that one weekend.

10. What has been your silliest YWS memory?
Quill is a woman? No questions asked. #QuillIsAWoman. Thank you, Krampus.

11. Were you ever involved in any of the YWS rivalries... what team? (SPEW, Monkey vs Dragons, Unclassified vs Classified, NanaWars, Rose Takeover, Duolingo Takeover, Veggie Takeover)
Most definitely, yes. I perhaps had something to do with the @Duolingo takeover. #SmellieAsparagusForLife

12. Advice you would have given yourself when you first joined!
Don't post those Vocaroo Disney song covers.

13. Advice you'd give a new author?
Take time to read others' work and experiment with your unique writing style.

14. Prediction for your writing 10 years from now!
Probably still a WIP in Google Docs T-T but hopefully a published author!!

15. Most memorable YWS site-event? (ie. RevMo, NaNo, NaPo, RPMonth, April Fools etc.)
LSS this year was really fun! I think I was most productive in NaNo//NovMo 2023, but I loved all of the Halloween events this year (NaPo week!).

16. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've read?
Basically anything by @farq4d, @Que, and @alliyah

17. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've posted?
Probably my spoken word poem

Deep sink poetry too.

18. What do you hope YWS looks like in another decade?
Hopefully, many new young members cause we will all be old by that time! I will be nearly 30... *existential crisis*

19. If you could add a quote to the YWS quote generator what would it be?
Spanish or vanish 0-0
-Duolingo

20. Anything else you'd like to share about your writing, life, or YWS memories?
I love you guys so much!! Thanks, YWS for making my life so much better.

Check In Questions

1. What usernames might others remember you by?
They would know me by MercedesBlue and SkyVibes. I don't think I've changed my name more than that.

2. Why did you join YWS?
I joined because my bestie @Kaia told me how amazing this website is.

3. Describe your writing when you first joined!
I've never been a good writer and it was at it's highest point of cringe.

4. Describe your writing now!
My writing still isn't great but considering my book Hybrids, I will say it might be less cringe and I thank every person who's helped me get to this point!

5. Best writing advice that you picked up from YWS along the way?
Description is key. Anyone can write a dialogue but its how you describe this conversation that really puts the image in the reader's head.

6. Who is a YWSer who made an impact on your YWS experience?
I can't pick just one! That's torture! @Kaia, @FigFather, @EllieMae, @Vampricone6783 and @ToastK

7. Who is a writer you've looked up to while on the site (YWS or otherwise)?
@Kaia and @EllieMae

8. What has been your proudest YWS contribution?
I forget the event but it happened recently where we were split into two teams and were trying to clear the greenroom. I gained a ton of points from that.

9. What has been your favorite YWS memory?
"Quill is a WOMAN????" (WFP moment at its finest)

10. What has been your silliest YWS memory?
"Howwwlllllll" (WFP action at it's best)

11. Were you ever involved in any of the YWS rivalries... what team? (SPEW, Monkey vs Dragons, Unclassified vs Classified, NanaWars, Rose Takeover, Duolingo Takeover, Veggie Takeover)
I was involved in the Veggie Takeover. I was also on the pumpkin team i think it was but idk what event that was for.

12. Advice you would have given yourself when you first joined!
Join a WFP sooner to meet all the amazing people on this sight even faster.

13. Advice you'd give a new author?
Writing is art and like art, it's never complete until you decide it's complete. It's okay to work on your art for a while so don't feel rushed.

14. Prediction for your writing 10 years from now!
Hybrids will be completed and I will be better at describing and writing more memorable characters.

15. Most memorable YWS site-event? (ie. RevMo, NaNo, NaPo, RPMonth, April Fools etc.)
April Fools. It took me FOREVER to figure out what the heck was going on XD

16. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've read?
I love @Kaia's I Knew book, but I don't think she'd let me count that so @EllieMae' and @Spearmint 's "Oh Washing Machine Oh Waschmaschine is my other current favorite.

17. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've posted?
I won't count Hybrids because it's a book so I'll say "The Year I Lost One of My Best Friends". It helped me a lot it recovering from grief.

18. What do you hope YWS looks like in another decade?
more people who are amazing and maybe even more ways to interact with one another!

19. If you could add a quote to the YWS quote generator what would it be?
If life gives you lemons, give them a blueberry. No one will expect it.

20. Anything else you'd like to share about your writing, life, or YWS memories?
Kaia is my only friend. I struggle with loneliness more than I'm willing to admit and most of the time I don't have friends because people don't accept me for the weird artistic person I am. But YWS did and I met a community of writers where I can just be myself. I still wish we could all meet up in a coffee shop and write together.

1. BrokenHeartsari (Ari for short), Queenmaderose (rose for short), Esmeraya.

2. I joined YWS because I was looking for a place to write without feeling judged.

3. My poems back then were very rough, and the flow wasn't the best. Some of them, after Gem proofread, were very raw, as the reviews stated.

4. My poems now have a little more imagery, and I would hope others would agree that it's gotten better as far as flow.

5. Gem( I think the name now is @fatherfig but forever gem in my eyes), @MapleWay (I think that was the name around the time lol), @NivedaJames22 , @dissonance , @YourFriendQuirks08 , @twiggy and @ChesTacos had a huge impact on my writing and really helped me when learning the different poetic devices.

6. I looked up to Coffegem (I think that was his name around the time I joined).

7. HarryHarrdy and @ailyah (I'm pretty sure the name is wayyyyy different now for Harry)

8. My proudest YWS contribution would probably be my growth in poetry, thanks to the feedback I've received.

9. My favorite YWS memory would be the support I felt from the community when I shared my early work.

10. My silliest YWS memory would be when I was in my chaos phase with the username Queenmaderose.

11. I wasn't directly involved in any rivalries, but I enjoyed starting chaos between them

12. I would have told myself to be more confident in sharing my work from the start.

13. I’d advise a new author to embrace feedback and not be afraid to experiment with their writing.

14. I predict that my writing will continue to evolve, incorporating even more imagery and depth.

15. The most memorable YWS site event for me would be the supportive atmosphere during Napo.

16. One of my favorite YWS literary works Swallowing Glass I've read was a poem by Gem that inspired me greatly.

17. One of my favorite YWS literary works I've posted would be a poem that incorporated feedback from my peers. eye of the storm

18. I hope YWS looks like a thriving community with even more resources for writers in another decade.

19. “Every word you write is a step forward, no matter how small.”

20. I want to share that YWS has been an incredible space for me to grow as a writer, and I cherish the memories and friendships I've made here.

3. Describe your writing when you first joined!

I was a strictly prose person. No poetry for me. Except then I started writing original songs and then YWS friendships opened the world of poetry to me as well.

6. Who is a YWSer who made an impact on your YWS experience?

@Mars @PenguinAttack @Kylan @Evi @Clo @Juniper @Holysocks @Rosendorn @KnightTeen @Navita

I miss you all so much.

7. Who is a writer you've looked up to while on the site (YWS or otherwise)?

This was always @Kylan .

10. What has been your silliest YWS memory?

I miss @ArtiArtichoke . Or was it @ArtyArtichoke ??

14. Prediction for your writing 10 years from now!

A deeper view of the world, since I now know where life comes from (wow we were literally all helpless babies at one point you guys).

15. Most memorable YWS site-event?

I loved events that brought older members and newbies together. @Snoink ran a game show of some sort like that, and I enjoyed it a lot.

I also love the poetry tournament during NaPo, which I think @Firestarter started??

1. What usernames might others remember you by?

I've always been Snoink, though I have a bunch of nicknames, lol. ^^

2. Why did you join YWS?

Because one of my friends on TYWC wanted me to review his writing, which was on YWS, so I created an account to review it.

3. Describe your writing when you first joined!

Oh goodness... I was really into short stories and novels, and ESPECIALLY anything that smelled like dystopia. I thought dystopia was the best. My poetry was pretty dumb, lol. I had a secret love for comedy, though I felt comedy didn't have a really good place in dystopia. So like... if you go through my older works you'll either find horrifying dystopia or just bizarre comedy. Also, not everything I wrote had a plot??? For some reason, I thought plots were optional and that, if you had enough twists and turns, plots didn't matter. *hangs head in shame*

4. Describe your writing now!

I mostly write novels now! My novels are NOT dystopia. Mind you, they can be grim at times (the stakes are high!!!), but they also have generous comedy sprinkled throughout that give the work a more... balanced feeling? Also, my novels actually have PLOTS! They are crazy rides and you don't know what's going to happen, mind you, but they do have a legitimate plot structure underneath the twists and turns. So yay! Improvement! My poetry is still pretty dumb though, haha.

5. Best writing advice that you picked up from YWS along the way?

Okay... this is dumb but I was writing the predecessor to my current Swan story. Anyway, one of the reviewers was like, "I'm not sure who is saying this??" to some of my dialogue. Which was a Very Valid Review because at the time I decided that I didn't like doing dialogue tags because I stupidly thought they were unnecessary and I figured my writing was strong enough that it was obvious who was saying what lines because I just wrote awesome characters. (DO YOU HEAR THE PRIDE??? You know it's about to go down, LOL.) Anyway, I read her review, thought, "Eh... I can ignore that." And I did.

Anyway, TEN YEARS LATER, I looked at the work that I wrote that I was too proud to put dialogue tags in, and GUESS WHAT. I have no idea which characters were saying what. None at all. It was horrible. I briefly looked at my work to see if I could save any of it, since I was restarting the Swan story again. NOPE.

My reviewer was 100% right and I was too stupid at the time to follow her very kindly put advice.

So. Moral of the story? ALWAYS USE DIALOGUE TAGS.

6. Who is a YWSer who made an impact on your YWS experience?

I've had soooo many people here who have literally changed my life. But I think the YWSer who most changed my life forever is @Crysi. Because of Crysi, I met my now-husband. (It's a loooong story, haha.) So thank you. <3

7. Who is a writer you've looked up to while on the site (YWS or otherwise)?

Honestly, @BluesClues is inspirational. I was there when she posted her story as an LMS story that she wrote for the thrill of it and saw her in love with the story. I saw her go through the discouraging process of shopping for going into trad publishing. And now... WOW. Like... what a journey! And omg, thank you for sharing it with us??? Like, we've had a couple of published writers throughout the years, but once they get published they kind of disappear from YWS. So like... thank you for sticking around. <3

8. What has been your proudest YWS contribution?

The fact that there are pig stars as the highest star rank is because of me, since I love pigs so much. ^^

9. What has been your favorite YWS memory?

Guh... there are so many fun memories. I think my favorite is the Completely Evil Plan though. That prank was the best. <3

10. What has been your silliest YWS memory?

Okay... so like. There was this one April Fools prank where the mod forums suddenly became "visible" and all you could see was us squabbling and fighting with each other, so like... it looked pretty bad, haha. Anyway, it was just a prank! The "mod" forum was totally a thing we set up months in advance and I kind of adored playing the role of a dictator who just yelled at everyone and fought with everyone. (I assure you... I love working with our staff... it was very out of character for us to fight like that. We try to be very good to each other. :3)

11. Were you ever involved in any of the YWS rivalries... what team? (SPEW, Monkey vs Dragons, Unclassified vs Classified, NanaWars, Rose Takeover, Duolingo Takeover, Veggie Takeover)

I'm sorry, that's #Classified.

Spoiler

Also, I am DELIGHTED that there is no mention of CCF, only SPEW... MWHAHAHAHA. Take that, CFF! SPEW may not exist, but now you have been forgotten! XD

12. Advice you would have given yourself when you first joined!

Uh... oh dear, lol. I probably would tell myself that you don't have to be so hard and proud and also, you're not always right. I was a pretty intimidating force of nature at first on YWS...

13. Advice you'd give a new author?

Hahaha! I have my own children now who see me writing and are now writing their own stuff. My advice to them is to just have fun creating their story and that know, no matter what happens, I'm in their corner, cheering them on! Also, I tell them to be kind to each other and remember there is plenty of room in the world for lots of different stories.

14. Prediction for your writing 10 years from now!

Uh... I hope to be published? I know... I've always said that, hahaha, but like. I think my latest stuff is really good and my writing actually has a ~plot~ (shocking, I know) and maybe people will want to read my books??? (I can dream, lol.)

15. Most memorable YWS site-event? (ie. RevMo, NaNo, NaPo, RPMonth, April Fools etc.)

Anything with a prank. XD

16. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've read?

I really like this poem: Turn Out the Lights

17. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've posted?

Okay!!! So this is a dumb poem, but! I love how chaotic it is. An Ode to Squirrels

18. What do you hope YWS looks like in another decade?

...oh. I don't know???

19. If you could add a quote to the YWS quote generator what would it be?

I'd stick this entire poem in it:

Flower in the crannied wall,
I pluck you out of the crannies,
I hold you here, root and all, in my hand,
Little flower—but if I could understand
What you are, root and all, and all in all,
I should know what God and man is.

- Alfred Tennyson

20. Anything else you'd like to share about your writing, life, or YWS memories?

UM. YOU GUYS ARE SO AMAZING. THANK YOU!!!! (Also, twenty years WOW.)

1. What usernames might others remember you by? I was lliyah for year because I really wanted to commit to an April Fools joke, also once in a while known as anchovies.

2. Why did you join YWS?
I was not a writer, but I love my sister tgirly more than anything and wanted to understand her mind and world so decided to join YWS to spy on her writing she wouldn't share with me and spend more time with her. YWS became another way I could connect with her, competing on Review Days or just reading her works. Along the way though I also started loving reviewing, and would connect to many folks through the review system even becoming friends with a couple off site. When I became a mod I didn't really know what crew to join as their wasn't a "review crew" and I felt unqualified to be considered for any of the others. I joined poetry crew and gradually started thinking of myself as a poet rather than just a poetry reviewer - as a mod it also opened up the community and I started really loving YWS event organization and participation too. It's been a joy. YWS literally gave me a love for poetry and an understanding of "being a poet" that I never would have had without it. I have had so many friends from this site throughout the years and feel like a whole facet of my personality and identity would not exist without the influence of YWS in my life.

3. Describe your writing when you first joined!
Capital Letters. Reflections on school breakups mostly. Sometimes really vague.

4. Describe your writing now!
lower case letters, and lots and lots and lots of conjunctions, reflections on memory and ancestry and hindsight. Bird reaching, tomatoes struggling to grow, letters unread, and drowning with the tide. I like list poems, letter poems, and unusual or creative image poems. I feel like my poetry feels more connected and part of a continuous life reflection, lately there's more peace.

5. Best writing advice that you picked up from YWS along the way?
Don't be afraid to rewrite the same poem multiple times, it doesn't eliminate what was previously said, it gives you a chance to reimagine and hone-in on what is important.

6. Who is a YWSer who made an impact on your YWS experience?
So very very many, this list is incomplete.
@tgirly (my sister), @Rook (my awesome co-editor of COOP zine!!). @Liminality & @Hijinks (long term PCrew friends and poet inspirations) @Hannah (made reviewing fun with Kotgr and has always been a poetry idol), @Aley & Nikayla (my first poetry crew mentors that taught me a LOT about poetry), @BluesClues (another writing inspiration and WFP friend) @Arcticus' poetry and posts have always been inspiring @Brigadier so many tag teamed projects - I would probably not still be in Kotgr or Squills without Brig. @EaglyFly good friend! AvantCoffee has been a friend for quite some time now! <3 (-> @aether) @TheBlueCat, @starlitmind, @Que, @Quillfeather, @dissonance, @Plume, @Meshugenah, @EllieMae, Spark! (PCrew) and @Shady, @Iggy, @Spearmint, @Rydia, @Mageheart, @Snoink, @Liberty all were important parts of modding and so many more!

7. Who is a writer you've looked up to while on the site (YWS or otherwise)?
Among others, some favorites have been tgirly, Hannah, Arcticus, Rook, and Liminality

8. What has been your proudest YWS contribution?
In the realm of events assisting in organizing NaPo, RevMo, the search for the Golden Goose, and the two years I ran Camp NaPo have been really happy memories. In the realm of writing, I'm proud of my influence in there being a Chicken Genre on YWS, and I'm very proud of several of my Knowledge Base additions (like the YWS'more, the Big Book of Records, Avoiding Review Spam, and Specificity in Poetry). In modding, I'm proud of having helped train up 8 JMs throughout the years -> 3 that have become GMs and I have thoroughly enjoyed the many events and moderating discussions I've been a part of. And I'm proud of protecting YWS from being overthrown by Classified at least 2 times if not half a dozen.

9. What has been your favorite YWS memory?
Participating in the classified clue hunt (ran by AvantCoffee) is pretty high up there and went on to inspired me to create a couple clue hunts later. I also thoroughly enjoyed some of our staff April Fools pranks and running scavenger hunts. And also the time I traded bird doodles for points and got 123,456 points. Have had a lot of great memories and co-written poetry in write-ins throughout the years too. Oh! Another favorite was when we finally found the Golden Goose - the "reveal" post was super fulfilling to write.

10. What has been your silliest YWS memory
Everything related to Unclassified and The Egg has been delightfully silly.

11. Were you ever involved in any of the YWS rivalries... what team? (SPEW, Monkey vs Dragons, Unclassified vs Classified, NanaWars, Rose Takeover, Duolingo Takeover, Veggie Takeover)
Oh yes. Team Dragons, Team Egg, Unclassified, anti nana, anti veggie, anti classified xD pro Big Brother

12. Advice you would have given yourself when you first joined!
Read more, write more, be you!

13. Advice you'd give a new author?
Read more, write more, be you!

14. Prediction for your writing 10 years from now!
I hope I still write poetry, and maybe even have a book of poetry published in some capacity.

15. Most memorable YWS site-event? (ie. RevMo, NaNo, NaPo, RPMonth, April Fools etc.)
All of them! Especially NaPo though (and especially 2019) <3

16. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've read?
Can't pick!

17. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've posted?
years lost to locusts "quarantine too far from home | letters to our mothers" and how to begin to weave a basket both about my uncle Leslie.

18. What do you hope YWS looks like in another decade?
I hope it is thriving, I hope it continues to get updates when needed, and continues to provide a place for folks to find community over the shared hobby of writing. I also hope I can always pop back here and check out my old writing and random old posts, YWS is a time-capsule in a way, and that's part of what makes it special.

19. If you could add a quote to the YWS quote generator what would it be?

""Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."" (Christopher Robin, A. A. Milne)

20. Anything else you'd like to share about your writing, life, or YWS memories?

What a wonderful time it's been. Thank you to those who've inspired and listened and shared - grateful for each friend made along the way and grateful to be part of this wonderful community.

2. Why did you join YWS?
Writing community for kids and tweens I was on for like four years ended and so I went on journey to find out where to write now...and as you probably already guessed, I ended up here
14. Prediction for your writing 10 years from now!
Ugh, I don´t know. I wish I will learn how to write better poems and finally feel comfortable writing whole chapters and chapters in English...and my big dream is to get published one day, so who knows
15. Most memorable YWS site-event? (ie. RevMo, NaNo, NaPo, RPMonth, April Fools etc.)
Look, I am not here for that long compared to other members...but CampNaNo was funny and I loved Spooktober activites!

Check In Questions

1. What usernames might others remember you by?

Some people might remember me as ToKillAMockingjay >_> how embarassing. But most will remember me as Ignorance! I named myself after my (at the time) favorite Paramore song! But then someone nicknamed me Iggy and then everyone started calling me Iggy, and the rest was history!

2. Why did you join YWS?

I joined YWS when I was 15. The community that I had found prior to YWS was a forum on Fanfiction and it was unfortunately deleted, so I was pretty upset and felt like I had nowhere to go. Thankfully, one of the girls I had met on Fanfiction was also on YWS and she told me about it, so I ended up joining in 2011 and I'm so glad I did. I came here looking to share my writing and also do some roleplaying, and I found so much more. I found an amazing community and friends. I also improved my writing so much by reviewing and reading other people's works. I also became a moderator for the first time and learned so much about leadership, being a role model, and teamwork. I didn't expect to ever get the chance to do that! I was just a lonely girl looking for some online friends.

3. Describe your writing when you first joined!

It was... so bad. I removed all of it yeaaars ago so no stalking from any of you! But it was so bad. I made cringe poetry and didn't know how to separate dialogue lines. Yeah... I've come a long way since then!

4. Describe your writing now!

I don't write much anymore >_< but it has definitely improved SOOO MUCH thanks to YWS. I mean seriously. Keep in mind that I was 15, but still. I've come so far since then LOL it was honestly the reviewing that taught me so much. I would read other people's reviews in order to improve my writing skills, and I learned about things I didn't know of before. Then I would apply that knowledge to my writing as well. I also learned a lot from reading other people's writing as well, but I definitely think that the reviewing is what taught me a lot of what I know about writing.

5. Best writing advice that you picked up from YWS along the way?

Please take reviews into consideration. I feel like a good amount of people share their writing here because they want flattery and they tend to ignore any advice or criticism. I know it's hard to hear about issues with your writing but that's what this site is for, because what do you think a publisher is going to do? The same thing, right? And their criticism will cost you money! At least here, the reviews are free! So take advantage of this system and listen to the reviews. Use the feedback to improve your writing. Of course, not all feedback is helpful feedback, so comb through it and pick out what you think is most helpful, but at least take some of it into consideration.

6. Who is a YWSer who made an impact on your YWS experience?

There's honestly so many and some of them aren't around much anymore but I still think about them often. One person I looked up to (and still do!) so much was @Rydia. She taught me so much about moderating and how to be a leader. She had one of the most bubbliest and infectious personalities I had ever seen and I loved being in her light. I miss you dearly.

Another person that immediately comes to mind is @PenguinAttack. Simply the best and most beautiful soul ever. She is another person that taught me so much about moderating and I learned so much from her eloquent and thoughtful posts in the mod forums. She is also an incredible poet and her love for poetry rubbed off on me. I used to not care much for it but after I started reading hers and being around her while she wrote poetry, I fell in love with it! She even inspired me to do NaPo for the first time. I definitely credit a lot of my poetry skills to her, as well as my love for poetry.

7. Who is a writer you've looked up to while on the site (YWS or otherwise)?

I've definitely looked up to a lot of the writers here on the site! Some prose writers I looked up to a lot (and still do!) are @Deanie @Noelle @BluesClues and @StellaThomas. I've never been able to tackle a novel of my own, I always fizz out after a chapter or two of attempted writing, and so I especially admire these writers for being powerhouses when it comes to novel writing.

Some poetry writers I looked up to a lot (and still do!) are @PenguinAttack (ofc) @Audy @LadySpark @alliyah @Aley @Meshugenah @Rook and @Hannah. Reading their poetry taught me so much about myself and what I wanted to say.

Some roleplay writers I looked up to a lot (and still do!) are @Sassafras @crossroads @obscura @Carina @ScarlettFire @Rosendorn @elektra and @Shady. I loved roleplaying with you all and you taught me so much about my writing and how to collaborate with other writers.

I also strongly admire @Elinor for pursuing her passion in screenwriting, filming, and writing. As well as @BluesClues for publishing a novel I watched her work on for years and years. You both are incredible and I am so proud of you. I want to be like you guys one day... if I could actually come up with my own ideas for once

8. What has been your proudest YWS contribution?

I would say helping @AlfredSymon (I miss you man) resurrect Squills. It's so amazing to see how far Squills has come and I'm so glad I was able to help get it back on its feet. I'm also proud of the work I did on Squills, both as a reporter and as an editor, and I am endlessly thankful for having had that opportunity.

9. What has been your favorite YWS memory?

I have too many that they all just blur together and become a hazy feeling of happiness. I can't name a specific one. I know I was really happy when I became a JM and then a GM. I was really happy when we did fun YWS events, like Monkeys vs Dragons, and I was especially happy when the old YWS chatroom (and chatbar) were still around and we got to hang out in there every day.

If we count off-site-but-still-YWS-related memories then meeting @Carina and @veeren would definitely be one of my top YWS memories! I still remember when Carina ran down the stairs to tackle me when she heard me and my suitcase walking towards her apartment. And then we did the same thing to Veer. :') how was that only in 2018 yet it feels like it was a century ago? Also when are we recreating that moment??

10. What has been your silliest YWS memory?

Definitely when I pulled an April Fools prank on the site during 2015 and made everyone believe that Nate was stepping down! I remember being SCARED that I was gonna get in trouble... but it was too funny to not do! And I'm glad I did! I was giggling so much that day.

11. Were you ever involved in any of the YWS rivalries... what team? (SPEW, Monkey vs Dragons, Unclassified vs Classified, NanaWars, Rose Takeover, Duolingo Takeover, Veggie Takeover)

Monkeys vs Dragons! #TeamKangaroo! Although I don't remember the other ones very well. I blame Pat Buchanan.

12. Advice you would have given yourself when you first joined!

Stop embarrassing me! Nah I'm just kidding me. Although I am embarrassed by some of the things I posted or said up until 2013... like girl... just be chill. Relax. LOL

13. Advice you'd give a new author?

Start writing. Just write, even if it's embarrassing. You can always make it private later on, when you go back and cringe. but if you don't start now, you'll never improve! So start writing. And start building some amazing friendships with people, so they can help you and you can help them!

14. Prediction for your writing 10 years from now!

Uhhh.. maybe I'll be writing more by then? Maybe I'll have started a novel, finally??

15. Most memorable YWS site-event? (ie. RevMo, NaNo, NaPo, RPMonth, April Fools etc.)

See #10! But also, I completed NaPo on my first try! I've always been especially proud of that one! But alas, the following years were not as successful. >_>

16. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've read?

I cannot remember one, unfortunately >_< we desperately need a bookmarking system! (actually we did once upon a time, it seems?? but I don't think we had it for works... idk)

17. One of your favorite YWS Literary Works you've posted?

I don't really have one. I haven't written something in so long that all of my past writing just seems embarrassing to me now. But I do miss writing.

18. What do you hope YWS looks like in another decade?

I hope it's still here. And I hope that you are all here as well, in some capacity. And I hope that there are more writers that I will get to meet and become friends with and who will inspire me with their beautiful minds.

19. If you could add a quote to the YWS quote generator what would it be?

Well... I can! And I do! The last one I added recently was this: "Poetry is thoughts that breathe, and words that burn." -- Thomas Gray

20. Anything else you'd like to share about your writing, life, or YWS memories?

This post got really long and I don't wanna make it any longer, but I just wanna say a big thank you to everyone on this site who touched my life in some way. There's so many of you that I still think about to this day and miss dearly. Getting old is hard because I look back at the way things used to be and it makes me sad, because I know things will never be like that again. Everyone got older and got busier, started families and careers, and we will never be able to go back to those simpler times where we could just hang out in the chat room, but within that sadness is also immense love and happiness for the time that I got to spend with those people while I could. And that's the beauty of an online community. You get to meet so many amazing people and while you might not know them for very long, you get to hold them in your heart for the rest of your life.