Pfft--don't let folks drag you down! You've got lots of time to refine your writing. Don't give up! Remember, I'm almost 20 years older than you, I've been writing since I was in primary school, and my first University degree was in creative writing; I've got a LOT of experience behind me. And that's really all it is: experience and practice. Keep on with it, take classes, READ a LOT and pay attention to the *way* people write, not just *what* they write. Best advice I can give.

And thank you so much for the kind words. :D I'm off on a visit to your side of the pond here in a couple days, and I'm hoping (hope hope hope!) to get Reunited ch 11 done before I go. We'll see if I manage it! :)