[@Altered Tundra] Oh I understand completely with the running out of steam part when managing characters. I like to take small breaks so I can build up my steam again. And I totally relate with being your own worst critic. Before presenting a project in class, I would point out the flaws and potentially risk my classmates getting a judgment on my work before they even read/watched it. As creative minds, I guess one of our biggest hurdles is having faith in our skills, understanding we are not perfect and we still have a lot to grow, but we're not terrible, and to be open to criticism.

In film we have this thing called the "oreo" critique. And that's where you say something nice about the work, then say all the critique, then end it with something nice. 

It's a really good technique when you're someone who doesn't take critiques lightly. 

To be honest, I don't even think I'm that amazing of a writer but people tell me otherwise. If people compliment my work, that must say something of my skills, right? So we live and we learn.