-You're not wrong about the italics, parentheses, etc. I used a lot of that style stuff before I worked harder on substance. My fic definitely suffered for that. I actually posted about this- and LMR specifically, a while back when LJ was talking about writing styles. How since my writing has improved, I've relied a lot less on shortcuts. Which in itself has *also* made my writing better.

I actually see a lot of writers go through a similar process.

FWIW, all the versions of LMR on any of my sites are now italic-ly sanatized for your reading pleasure. *G* I'm glad it worked for you in whatever form you found it in originally. I definitely think the style has its place, and has the potential to make new things possible. It can also be overused and a total crutch, for writers who haven't figured out any other way to get their points across.

For me, I think I am at a place where I am able do most of the things I want to with my stories, without having to rely on kooky style stuff. I'm really satisfied with the two fic that came after LMR, that contained flashbacks, weird timelines, etc., and didn't need any changes in style to make any of the sunstance stuff clear.

And now I am done babbling at you.

/self-wank

-Dude, doesn't he smell?

Yes. Yes he does, particularly after I killed him.