Dear Lovelies,

As so many of my comrades have posted prior, it’s time for this internship to be over and for me to depart this section of the Internet (at least, as a writer). It’s been a short but wonderful ride, so thank you for helping me along the way. Here are a couple o’ things I’ve learned, written and been extra grateful for. From angry things to happy things to learn-y things and everything in between, this has been an excellent experience.

1. My co-writers and editors


I happen to work with some truly wonderful people. I’ve never actually met any of them, but they’re all extremely supportive, talented and kind; if they can emit that over the Internet so effectively, I can only guess how fantastic they are in person. I have gotten a chance to hear their voices, learn from them and grow because of their direct or indirect assistance. For that, I am extremely lucky.

2. Readers (and criticism)

Gaining multiple perspectives is so incredibly beneficial to improvement, so when tons of readers are commenting, it helps me figure out what I need to do more of, what to do less of, what works, what definitely does not work and the like. It’s so great to get feedback; otherwise, I wouldn’t know what specifically to do to make things better beyond what the general advice of others.

I am incredibly sensitive. Like, comically sensitive. I used to get so upset whenever somebody would critique my work in a non-constructive way; as many people do, I tend to take it personally and as a reflection on myself. However, since I’ve started writing regularly for various audiences, my skin has gotten considerably thicker.

For example, when a single reader (not on Lovelyish!) found every article I had written that month and spent three hours commenting on each one with something really derogatory, cruel or hurtful under a different username every time, it bothered me at first… until I realized that I couldn’t please everybody. I get the occasional angry email and plenty of angry comments, but I’m much harder to offend now, even in person. I don’t think I would be quite as all right with criticism these days if I hadn’t learned to interpret it less negatively.

3. Understanding

Through this experience, I’ve gained a considerably deeper understanding of what working in media is like–and I absolutely love it. I feel so lucky that I got to work for an excellent company with great bosses, great editors, great co-writers and great readers. If not for the amazing team, I wouldn’t have learned half as much about what to do, what not to do, deadlines, proper formatting… basically, what you need to learn to do well in online journalism. And that is invaluable.

4. The pieces I enjoyed writing most while here

Happy:

Less Happy:

If you’re on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Xanga or Pinterest, let’s follow one another! I also have one of those “adult person” websites because I thought it was about time I get one, so feel free to check it out if you’re bored and interested. Got any questions about something I’ve written? Feel free to email me (paintedlip@gmail.com). As I said, reader feedback = one of the most wonderful things to receive in the world. I hope you all have a fantastic holiday season and beyond! Thanks again for having me.