Thanks HGZero, both for taking the time to think about your response and for sharing a bit of yourself in your post.

In my mind I develop a character, carve the plot down to a desired path, and ponder what a good ending might be. Once I sit down to type things tend to go differently
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Oh my, how I can relate to this! I think it is great to let a story stray from your planned path, so long as it still makes sense. Some of my best ideas have come as I am mid-writing and are often much better than what I had planned.

I am aware that though editing, rewriting, and sharing that I control every aspect of my story. I grow in my ability to tell stories and I try to remember the tips I read. I started writing for my self, and kept writing for my characters. Now I write to share the joy they bring me with others.
I love this quote! It is great to write for yourself first. I know this was one of the first things I learnt about writing, not to try to write for a particular audience. If you love what you do, and you have interesting characters and plots, you will find an audience that loves your work.

I have to admit my writing style is my own and while I try to read any tip others have about the art I work very carefully not to give my own
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I think this is great. There is no way any writer can follow every single tip they read, nor should they. If you have found a style that works for you, use it, while being open to any new ideas that might improve your skills. As to sharing your own ideas, well you might be surprised what others could learn from your style.

I am sure all of the tips come from experience and that I just lack enough to understand.
Hmm, while the tips do come from experience, they are someone else's experiences. Your lack of understanding of some points, could just be that they don't suit your style.

When I feel myself grow as a writer it is both exciting and humbling.
I hope you always feel this way.

I praise myself all the time so never worry that what you say might be too harsh.
LOL Well, while I will be honest with you, it is H Dean who will give you the element of harshness you desire.

Thanks again. You can move onto assignment 2 any time you like. I will be very interested in seeing how you like this assignment, as it is only new. I would be grateful if you could let me know what you thought of it.

AG