Thank you all for the support on this story throughout the years! "Dear Diary" was an amazing story to write and I hoped to see it shine the moment the idea behind it came into my mind. I also hope that it had any bit of impact to all the readers that came across it, no matter how insignificant it was. If you enjoyed it, I promise I will try to come up with more original ideas like this. Until then, I really want to thank you for believing in it and in me as a writer. You made this possible for me. Thank you.

I also have some things to share with you all. From now on, I will be posting everything that "Dear Diary" has achieved through your love and support! For this, I consider YOU the winners of each contest in which the story has taken part. Congratulations!

--- ACHIEVEMENTS ---

WINNER OF "The Dreamcatcher Awards" (Hosted by @RedRoseFicz)

CATEGORY: Short Stories

Reviewer: @jambudweep

Title: 10/10

"Dear Diary: Faded Home" perfectly captures the story's essence. The title resonates with the protagonist's struggles and creatively links the diary to his concept of "home," reflecting its significance in keeping him connected to their roots.

Cover: 8/10

The cover effectively conveys the story's message, particularly for introspective readers. However, the color scheme could be improved. Gray, representing boredom and depression, would be more authentic, while the white, symbolizing peace, slightly contradicts the character's emotional state. A reversed color scheme with more gray and less white might better fit the narrative.

Blurb: 7/10

The blurb effectively draws readers in with a story excerpt, but the second paragraph feels like a disclaimer. Consider adding a clear label and condensing the blurb to focus on captivating aspects, hinting at twists and tensions. Currently, it reveals too much, potentially leading to a "DNF" (Do Not Finish).

Grammar: 4/10

Writing in 1st person and present tense requires careful attention to verb tense consistency. Unfortunately, I noticed some inconsistencies and errors, including punctuation mistakes, overused or missing articles, and incorrect prepositions. While these errors are understandable given the author's non-English speaking background, a thorough editing pass would help refine the narrative and improve overall flow.

Writing Style: 9/10

The story does a great job of showing depression, anxiety, and loneliness. The author's emotions shine through, making the story feel real. The sci-fi elements add a unique touch. The simple writing style makes the story easy to follow, and the diary format is creative and immersive. However, some readers might find the message hard to understand until the final chapter.

Dialogue Delivery: 9/10

The book is mostly narration, except for the last chapter, which has natural dialogues-exchange between medical staff. The narration effectively captures the character's conversations with his diary and Amelia. While separate dialogues weren't necessary, it would have been interesting to see conversations between the world's creators.

Character Development: 15/15

The character's journey is a powerful exploration of grief, trauma, and reality. His progression from denial to desperation is believable and heartbreaking. The use of his diary entries adds complexity, showing the fragmentation of his mind. The tragic ending highlights the devastating consequences of untreated mental health issues. Overall, the character's development is a masterful exploration of the human psyche, tackling tough themes with sensitivity and realism.

Plot: 9/10

This story is a gripping exploration of grief, trauma, and the human psyche. It combines psychological thriller, drama, and tragedy elements to create a unique and captivating narrative. The plot expertly explores the protagonist's emotional pain, making it easy to empathize with him. The story takes unexpected turns, keeping readers engaged. However, the ending feels somewhat predictable, and the supporting characters lack depth. Overall, the plot is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche.

Overall Enjoyment: 13/15

I did enjoy this story. The setting was really different, like too unique. And the twist that came in the end was... unexpected but expected at the same time. I felt content with that end because it makes this story authentic and relatable. One thing I'm curious about is how he was able to find out the exact date he was writing in the diary when he had no idea of anything? It was getting interesting as I dug deeper. In the 4th chapter, I started thinking that maybe the character is in a coma and he is hallucinating things like this. Then a new character, Amelia, was introduced, who sounded like someone dear to the narrator. I came up with lots of theories, like Amelia might be his wife or his friend or family member. At one time, I even thought Amelia might be the diary's name... hehe! It was getting complicated as the threads unfolded. The character's desperation and feelings of helplessness resonated deeply. His breakdown was a poignant moment, relatable to anyone who's faced overwhelming struggles.His fading optimism added depth to his journey. I really felt sad when he addressed himself as "Amnesia patient." The end was heart-wrenching but understandable. It felt like that was the only way to end his unbearable pain.

Total: 84/100

SECOND PLACE IN THE "Sapphire Stories Awards" (Hosted by @TheGemmeCommunity)

CATEGORY: Short Stories

Reviewer: @RedRoseFicz

"Dear Diary: Faded Home" is a thought-provoking short story that masterfully crafts a sense of disorientation and longing. The protagonist's diary entries provide an intimate window into their struggles to comprehend their surroundings and recall their past. While pacing occasionally suffers from repetitive introspection, the narrative's unique blend of sci-fi, mystery, and philosophical elements keeps the reader engaged. The writing is clear, and the protagonist's emotional journey is compelling. With refinement in character development and pacing, this story could become even more impactful. The author's ability to balance complex ideas and emotional resonance is impressive, leaving room for further exploration in potential sequels or extensions.