Thanks so much for your thoughts on this, everybody. I'm not so sure about talent tho sqrl. Even in my more manic moments, when my ego is at it's peak, I'll come across something that totally blows my mind, and I'll think, "Man, I wish I could write like that." Of course I don't mean I wannna copy the author's style - I just wish I was that good. Don't think I don't appreciate the compliments tho; part of me agrees with you and embarssing as it may be to admit, sometimes it has me subconciously fishing for compliments; it's an annoying character flaw for which I publicly apologize.

Nevertheless, I sincerely appreciate your kind thoughts. They help to keep me writing.