I totally feel you about having mood swings with my work, and it can be a total tailspin if I let myself start focusing on the brilliance of others and start comparing. I try to focus on writing things that I enjoy and that I'm passionate about, and when I'm feeling low, I remember the lovely encouragement and comments I've received. <3
As for Erised, we'd be more than happy to have you, but you really should think long and hard about the deadline and commitment. There are a limited number of spots, and if you're worried about being about to finish, or that the pressure of participating could end up being too much, then you shouldn't do it. There are a lot of ways to participate in Erised that don't include signing up. Commenting/Reccing/Betaing: all of these are a great way to really be a part of the fest that are definitely lower pressure. You could also sign up to be a Pinch Hitter, which we are *always* in need of. I know some people find they write better when they have a tighter deadline, and because you're pinch hitting, there tends to be less of the "this needs to be the best thing I've ever written" pressure. I'm definitely not saying you shouldn't sign up as a writer, though! Like I said, we'd be thrilled to have you if you've thought everything over and feel you can commit to creating something. But it's also not for everybody (I've actually never signed up for the fest myself).
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As for Erised, we'd be more than happy to have you, but you really should think long and hard about the deadline and commitment. There are a limited number of spots, and if you're worried about being about to finish, or that the pressure of participating could end up being too much, then you shouldn't do it. There are a lot of ways to participate in Erised that don't include signing up. Commenting/Reccing/Betaing: all of these are a great way to really be a part of the fest that are definitely lower pressure. You could also sign up to be a Pinch Hitter, which we are *always* in need of. I know some people find they write better when they have a tighter deadline, and because you're pinch hitting, there tends to be less of the "this needs to be the best thing I've ever written" pressure. I'm definitely not saying you shouldn't sign up as a writer, though! Like I said, we'd be thrilled to have you if you've thought everything over and feel you can commit to creating something. But it's also not for everybody (I've actually never signed up for the fest myself).
Hope that helps somewhat... <3