9960 réponses à ce sujet

[ElectricZ]

Wow... leave for a bit, and a whole new fanfic thread is born! I'm not really active in the ME FF world anymore, but it's great to see civil discussion on a BioWare forum. Kudos to everyone for keeping it that way!

So I saw some people venting their frustrations about not getting feedback, then Sialater's response to it.

Sialater wrote...

Never write for other people. You will never and I mean NEVER EVER please them. Write for yourself and improve because YOU want to. Writers can't count on an audience.

You need an audience, try acting.

Sorry to come off harsh, but I keep hearing that from writers. Writing is not a way to get people to listen to you. It's shouting into the wilderness, gaining more coherence and experience in your yelling till you attract some VERY little attention. Writing, especially fan fiction writing is thankless. You wrote because you must. Not because you expect people to hear you and listen.

Listen to this lady, she knows of what she types.

Someone did a study a while back that said people could get addicted to affirmation. It's why Facebook is so popular. You post something, someone clicks 'like', you feel good. You are validated. FF.net is no different. Who doesn't like it when someone favorites your story? Or favorites you as an author? Or you see that magic email notification of [REVIEW ALERT] pop up. It's a buzz. It's a kick. But like Sia said, if that's the reason you're writing, this is the worst hobby for it.

No one is obliged to read what we write, just like we're not obliged to write in the first place. It's all volunteer, all the time, on both sides of the fence. It's nice when both sides come together, but it shouldn't be an expectation. Even people who "just want feedback" are being a little unrealistic. You're giving away something for free, and then getting annoyed you get nothing for it.

That's the risk of creating anything: people may not like it... or worse, not even acknowedge it. But it's nobody's fault. You have to realize that while it's nice when someone does validate your art, no one is obligated to do it. And if you're depending on that to give you the buzz of writing rather than the act of writing itself, you're setting yourself up loads of disappointment...

Modifié par ElectricZ, 03 juin 2012 - 07:22 .

[lillitheris]

ElectricZ wrote...

Someone did a study a while back that said people could get addicted to affirmation. It's why Facebook is so popular. You post something, someone clicks 'like', you feel good. You are validated. FF.net is no different. Who doesn't like it when someone favorites your story? Or favorites you as an author? Or you see that magic email notification of [REVIEW ALERT] pop up. It's a buzz. It's a kick. But like Sia said, if that's the reason you're writing, this is the worst hobby for it.

No one is obliged to read what we write, just like we're not obliged to write in the first place. It's all volunteer, all the time, on both sides of the fence. It's nice when both sides come together, but it shouldn't be an expectation. Even people who "just want feedback" are being a little unrealistic. You're giving away something for free, and then getting annoyed you get nothing for it.

That's the risk of creating anything: people may not like it... or worse, not even acknowedge it. But it's nobody's fault. You have to realize that while it's nice when someone does validate your art, no one is obligated to do it. And if you're depending on that to give you the buzz of writing rather than the act of writing itself, you're setting yourself up loads of disappointment...

These are all great points, and definitely something to be mindful of. However, that’s still not quite my point.

Here’s the simplest example: did you write what I quoted entirely ‘for yourself’, or did you want someone else to understand what you’re saying? And did you write it because you thought everyone would want to hear it, or because you wanted to say it?

…

Shorter: ‘write for yourself’ is a gross oversimplification.

Modifié par lillitheris, 03 juin 2012 - 07:37 .

[Mr.BlazenGlazen]

lillitheris wrote...

ElectricZ wrote...

Someone did a study a while back that said people could get addicted to affirmation. It's why Facebook is so popular. You post something, someone clicks 'like', you feel good. You are validated. FF.net is no different. Who doesn't like it when someone favorites your story? Or favorites you as an author? Or you see that magic email notification of [REVIEW ALERT] pop up. It's a buzz. It's a kick. But like Sia said, if that's the reason you're writing, this is the worst hobby for it.

No one is obliged to read what we write, just like we're not obliged to write in the first place. It's all volunteer, all the time, on both sides of the fence. It's nice when both sides come together, but it shouldn't be an expectation. Even people who "just want feedback" are being a little unrealistic. You're giving away something for free, and then getting annoyed you get nothing for it.

That's the risk of creating anything: people may not like it... or worse, not even acknowedge it. But it's nobody's fault. You have to realize that while it's nice when someone does validate your art, no one is obligated to do it. And if you're depending on that to give you the buzz of writing rather than the act of writing itself, you're setting yourself up loads of disappointment...

These are all great points, and definitely something to be mindful of. However, that’s still not quite my point.

Here’s the simplest example: did you write what I quoted entirely ‘for yourself’, or did you want someone else to understand what you’re saying? And did you write it because you thought everyone would want to hear it, or because you wanted to say it?

I would say "for myself", because I wanted to say it, and I want someone else to understand or at the very least be a bit entertained by it.

[ElectricZ]

lillitheris wrote...


These are all great points, and definitely something to be mindful of. However, that’s still not quite my point.

Here’s the simplest example: did you write what I quoted entirely ‘for yourself’, or did you want someone else to understand what you’re saying? And did you write it because you thought everyone would want to hear it, or because you wanted to say it?

…

Shorter: ‘write for yourself’ is a gross oversimplification.

Not trying to debate that - I was mainly dispelling the notion that readers are obligated to interact with authors.

But to answer your question, I write because I like to write. Specifically, I got into ME fanfiction because I loved the characters and story so much, I wanted more after the game was over. When I write, I am in effect creating my own DLC.

When I wrote my first fanfic (right after I finished ME2), I didn't even know Fanfiction.net even existed, or that what I'd even written was classified as fanfic. (I was that far out of touch. )  I wrote it for me, to fill in a blank left by the game. I could not accept that Tali would willingly serve on a Cerberus ship, especially after what she said to Shepard and Jacob after coming aboard. But, the next time Shepard talked to her, time had passed, and things could have happened behind the scenes to explain it away. My mind is always trying to fill in those gaps. And since I don't know jack about programming mods or getting the voice actors or Bioware writers to show up and play it out for me, I wrote my own version of what happened to make Tali change her mind.

But obviously, I thought someone might enjoy reading it. Otherwise I wouldn't have posted it. I can't remember how I found FFN, it was mentioned on BSN probably, but I was pondering throwing up a blog and just posting it in the wild. When I did find FFN, I was amazed to see not only was there this massive collection of fanfic, but they had tools to create, post and even track readership. I never would have known about it had ME2 not made such an impression on me.

That being said, my ME2 fic was the first work of mine I've ever kicked out for public consumption, and I've been writing off and on for a long while now. But it was very liberating, I'm glad I did it, and I'm sure as heck happy to get any kind of feedback I can from it.

Don't get me wrong, I understand the feeling of writing something and getting no feedback. I got hooked on it too for a while. I'd throw up a new chapter and then check my email every few minutes to see the flood of responses I was sure I was going to get... only to get a [favorite story] notification when I was hoping for a dozen "yew RAWK" reviews.  At that point I realized I was chasing after the reviews instead of writing for the fun of it. I was sitting by the phone waiting for someone call when I could have been doing better things. It was a reality check and had it not happened, it would have ruined what is otherwise a fun (and free!) hobby for me. I guess maybe I'm hoping to keep someone else from making the same mistake.

Short version: Accolades are not the reason I started writing. And if the next thing I put out there gets absolutely zero response, I'm gonna keep doing it... because I like doing it.

[lillitheris]

ElectricZ wrote...

Not trying to debate that - I was mainly dispelling the notion that readers are obligated to interact with authors.

That’s certainly true, although I don’t know if anyone’s actually arguing that they are.

It would be an interesting topic in itself, of course; I think it’s more of a cultural issue than anything. Traditional media consumers have since early 1900’s been mostly raised to expect works to be complete and noninteractive (with a notable exception in TV series).

Don't get me wrong, I understand the feeling of writing something and getting no feedback. I got hooked on it too for a while. I'd throw up a new chapter and then check my email every few minutes to see the flood of responses I was sure I was going to get... only to get a [favorite story] notification when I was hoping for a dozen "yew RAWK" reviews.  At that point I realized I was chasing after the reviews instead of writing for the fun of it. I was sitting by the phone waiting for someone call when I could have been doing better things. It was a reality check and had it not happened, it would have ruined what is otherwise a fun (and free!) hobby for me. I guess maybe I'm hoping to keep someone else from making the same mistake.

Short version: Accolades are not the reason I started writing. And if the next thing I put out there gets absolutely zero response, I'm gonna keep doing it... because I like doing it.

It sounds like you caught yourself in time, that’s good!

Modifié par lillitheris, 03 juin 2012 - 08:30 .

[Icyflare]

lillitheris wrote...

Sialater wrote...

Never write for other people. You will never and I mean NEVER EVER please them. Write for yourself and improve because YOU want to. Writers can't count on an audience.

You need an audience, try acting.

I disagree. “Write for yourself” is a dangerous oversimplification, in my mind…yes, your motivation should be internal, and your target audience should be yourself, but all art is fundamentally communication.

A painter paints to express feelings and ideas; it’s important to capture those, express them, refine them, but they also try to capture them in a form that can be understood.

If someone views the painting and thinks it’s got blue and red or even thinks that it’s aesthetically pleasing but nothing more, then the artist…the artist hasn’t failed — and the work can absolutely be something to be proud of — but they’ve only fulfilled half the potential of the work, the half for themselves. The other half is getting other people to understand. Not like, or agree, but understand.

Anyway, that’s a long way to say that while I’m glad that many are satisfied just writing for themselves, I think trying to suppress that urge to communicate in others can be unhelpful or outright counterproductive.

Edit: just to be extra clear, this is only my opinion as usual…

I'm not sure if I 'm completely comprehending what your points were, but I'll give it  a try.

Art is all about communication. It's a two way relationship. While it may be significant to you, if it's in a form that's incomprehensible to others, it loses its meaning in a social context.

I could scribble some random lines in the street that may mean something to me, but if passerbys don't understand its purpose, it is no longer art or even graffiti, but pure vandalism. It becomes something I never intended it to become, simply because it did not communicate my ideas well enough in its present form.

Writing is the same idea. You have a story you want to tell, emotions to depict, characters to share. While "write for yourself" may be an oversimplification, the basic premise--that writing by itself should be an internal motivator rather than dependent on external validation--is something I can agree with. However, if you take it at face value, it's easily to forget that when you're writing TO someone, you're writing FOR an audience.

Think of some of the best/popular movies and novels out there (not necessarily one and the same); they' re liked because they get their messages across to the audience clearly and in such a way that it resonates emotionally with them.  They like the stories because it means something to them, and that's what you have to keep in mind when you're writing. Your writing should have some meaning to the audience you're aiming for, but don't be reliant on others' approval. It's a vacuum of your energy that could be devoted to improving your story/writing.

I may have completely missed the point, but I feel there are some valid notes in there as well.

Also, I'm surprised at the amount of outspoken support this thread had been getting. I liked it because it allowed me to get a foothold on new writing and editing skills I'm getting the hang of.

Modifié par Icyflare, 03 juin 2012 - 11:44 .

[Severyx]

I write because I want others to see my work. Whether or not they like it moot in my eyes because I'm going to do it anyways. Because I enjoy it.

I went many years building stories, plots, and characters in my head and leaving them there. Believe me when I say that this ends up feeling extremely hollow, mostly because these works have never been looked upon by anyone other than myself. Sure, I enjoy them, but I want more for them. Validation is nice, but not necessary. I just want my stuff to be seen.

[gearseffect]

Severyx wrote...

I write because I want others to see my work. Whether or not they like it moot in my eyes because I'm going to do it anyways. Because I enjoy it.

I went many years building stories, plots, and characters in my head and leaving them there. Believe me when I say that this ends up feeling extremely hollow, mostly because these works have never been looked upon by anyone other than myself. Sure, I enjoy them, but I want more for them. Validation is nice, but not necessary. I just want my stuff to be seen.

Wait these stories are they orignal stories not Fanfic? That why no one ever sees them?

[Severyx]

gearseffect wrote...

Severyx wrote...

I write because I want others to see my work. Whether or not they like it moot in my eyes because I'm going to do it anyways. Because I enjoy it.

I went many years building stories, plots, and characters in my head and leaving them there. Believe me when I say that this ends up feeling extremely hollow, mostly because these works have never been looked upon by anyone other than myself. Sure, I enjoy them, but I want more for them. Validation is nice, but not necessary. I just want my stuff to be seen.

Wait these stories are they orignal stories not Fanfic? That why no one ever sees them?

Do you mean the ones in my head? Yes. Those were either entirely original IPs or original plot/original characters in an established setting.

Right now, I only have one piece of work I've manage to pull together to be seen by the public eye, which is my <shamelessplug> story listed in my sig. </shamelessplug> I have a number of original IP works also starting to see daylight, but these are more for my Game Design classes at Full Sail University.

[Mr.BlazenGlazen]

Icyflare wrote...

lillitheris wrote...

Sialater wrote...

Never write for other people. You will never and I mean NEVER EVER please them. Write for yourself and improve because YOU want to. Writers can't count on an audience.

You need an audience, try acting.

I disagree. “Write for yourself” is a dangerous oversimplification, in my mind…yes, your motivation should be internal, and your target audience should be yourself, but all art is fundamentally communication.

A painter paints to express feelings and ideas; it’s important to capture those, express them, refine them, but they also try to capture them in a form that can be understood.

If someone views the painting and thinks it’s got blue and red or even thinks that it’s aesthetically pleasing but nothing more, then the artist…the artist hasn’t failed — and the work can absolutely be something to be proud of — but they’ve only fulfilled half the potential of the work, the half for themselves. The other half is getting other people to understand. Not like, or agree, but understand.

Anyway, that’s a long way to say that while I’m glad that many are satisfied just writing for themselves, I think trying to suppress that urge to communicate in others can be unhelpful or outright counterproductive.

Edit: just to be extra clear, this is only my opinion as usual…

I'm not sure if I 'm completely comprehending what your points were, but I'll give it  a try.

Art is all about communication. It's a two way relationship. While it may be significant to you, if it's in a form that's incomprehensible to others, it loses its meaning in a social context.

I could scribble some random lines in the street that may mean something to me, but if passerbys don't understand its purpose, it is no longer art or even graffiti, but pure vandalism. It becomes something I never intended it to become, simply because it did not communicate my ideas well enough in its present form.

And this is what's holding me back. 

[gearseffect]

SO your worried about not being able to communicate/write your story well enough for others to fallow it? Get in it and enjoy it? Well that's one of the joys of Fanfic, it's an already established universe, so readers jumping in and understanding it is fairly easy. You don't have to worry about explaining Cerberus, Batarians, Quarians, Geth, Turians, Krogan, Reapers, because your readers will already be fans of ME.That's why they call it Fanfic.

I can't remember who asked this, but they wanted to know what I meant by my terms when writing Shep, as choosing to go the route of "I" when wring to make it more personal. What I was meaning was that by using I, was by doing that, it would put the reader right inside Jake Shep's head, right there.

By giving it a more personal feeling I was attempting to say that it could give the reader a better sense of connection with the character, the reader wouldn't be an outsider looking in, they'd be inside his head with him.

An example of the altered wording
_________________________________________________

Before even setting foot on Aratoht I had a bad feeling about the mission. Every fiber of my being screamed doing this mission solo wasn't a good idea.

The details Hackett had given were vague at best. I tried to get more information from him. Information on Amanda Kenson, how he knew her, her service history, personal background, files on each member of the science team, any sort of files on their work, and most importantly any details on the Reaper artifact, none of which Hackett gave.

_________________________________________

The unaltered terming from a few pages back

________________________________

Before even setting foot on Aratoht he had a bad feeling about the mission. Every fiber of his being told him doing this mission solo wasn't a good idea.

The details Hackett had given him were vague at best. He'd tried to get Hackett to provide him with more
information on Amanda Kenson, how he knew her, her service history, personal background, files on each member of the science team, any sort of information on their work, and most importantly any details on the Reaper artifact, none of which Hackett gave.

_________________________________________________

I changed the top one because I worried that style would put many people off. Which one flows better, sets a better atmosphere/tone, conveys Shep's emotion/feelings better, and allows the reader to feel more connected to the character? What do you think?

Also don't waste your time pointing out my spelling/grammar errors

[Mr.BlazenGlazen]

I don't know man. I mean I kind of want to continue it, it's just feels that the only way people would enjoy it is if I suddenly became a really good writer. To get me wrong, I like getting feedback and the feedback people have been giving me here are good, I think. It just feels that the only way people would actually enjoy the story is if I suddenly got a writing overhaul on my next chapter. I'm looking over everything, and for an inexperienced story teller like me it feels that I won't be able to pull it off no matter how hard I try, thus making the story an instant failure.

[Icyflare]

@gears: I prefer the first one actually. The second creates a bit of a distance from the audience, which I'm not sure you want. Be careful with first person narrative as it has to be continually engaging and interesting for the audience to want to keep reading.

@BlazenGlaze:

Mr.BlazenGlazen wrote...

it's just feels that the only way people would enjoy it is if I suddenly became a really good writer.

Seriously, your self-doubts are poisoning your narrative abilities. A lot of us could make more people enjoy our work if we suddenly became better writers.

Writing is a skill, and skill takes time and practice to develop. Talent at story telling really helps, but most of us aren't born with that. If you want to write better, you need to do it more. Take flufflywalrus' advice and nail yourself to your computer until your inner troll shuts up. If you're always focusing on what you're lacking, you'll never appreciate what you're good at.

Again, the choice is up to you. My opinion is that your hesitancy isn't based on a particular story but on your writing abilities in general; therefore, even if you quit the story, you will always doubt your abilities. You will always reach that point where you wonder if you're good enough to continue. I say just push through and get that issue over with before it consumes more time with any future writing you're planning to do.


On another note that completely flips my previous tone, is anyone free for some beta-reading? I have a oneshot that involves femshep/Liara, roughly about eight pages, that I would appreciate some feedback before I post it.

Modifié par Icyflare, 04 juin 2012 - 12:22 .

[fluffywalrus]

Icyflare wrote...

@gears: I prefer the first one actually. The second creates a bit of a distance from the audience, which I'm not sure you want. Be careful with first person narrative as it has to be continually engaging and interesting for the audience to want to keep reading.

@BlazenGlaze:

Mr.BlazenGlazen wrote...

it's just feels that the only way people would enjoy it is if I suddenly became a really good writer.

Seriously, your self-doubts are poisoning your narrative abilities. A lot of us could make more people enjoy our work if we suddenly became better writers.

Writing is a skill, and skill takes time and practice to develop. Talent at story telling really helps, but most of us aren't born with that. If you want to write better, you need to do it more. Take flufflywalrus' advice and nail yourself to your computer until your inner troll shuts up. If you're always focusing on what you're lacking, you'll never appreciate what you're good at.

Again, the choice is up to you. My opinion is that your hesitancy isn't based on a particular story but on your writing abilities in general; therefore, even if you quit the story, you will always doubt your abilities. You will always reach that point where you wonder if you're good enough to continue. I say just push through and get that issue over with before it consumes more time with any future writing you're planning to do.


On another note that's completely flips my previous tone, is anyone free for some beta-reading? I have a oneshot that involves femshep/Liara, roughly about eight pages, that I would appreciate some feedback on before I post it.

I'm going to echo Icyflare here. Writing takes practice. It's a constant struggle to improve, but it's worth it. I look back at a lot of my terrible short stories in the past and shake my head at how they used to be, but I know I've gotten better. Same with my current fic. I feel, from chapter 1 to 3, I've improved. Even if I'm still inconsistent.

As for checking over the one-shot,
Sure, I guess. I take it a beta-writer = beta tester for a story?
I'm up for reading it, checking spelling mistakes, pointing out stuff that I feel might throw off the flow, etc.
After 10PM tonight(It's 8PM right now), I don't have much to do. That and, as you might guess from my avatar, Liara's probably my favourite character in ME. And I love reading femshep/Liara fics, so...it would be a fun jaunt.

Modifié par fluffywalrus, 04 juin 2012 - 12:10 .

[Icyflare]

Excellent, I'd really appreciate that. I can beta-read your stuff if you need it in the future too. Is there a way I can get it to you somehow? I don't want to post it on FFnet until I get all the kinks out.

[fluffywalrus]

Icyflare wrote...

Excellent, I'd really appreciate that. I can beta-read your stuff if you need it in the future too. Is there a way I can get it to you somehow? I don't want to post it on FFnet until I get all the kinks out.

You can send it to me at:
thedeadflag (at) gmail.com

[Sialater]

Look, none of us started out experts. Arguably, none of us are anyway. But all of us struggle with the inner trolls on a daily basis. Practice may not make perfect in the case of writing, but it certainly means you'll get closer.

My very first attempt at writing was when I was 16. My protagonist was the biggest Mary Sue that ever Mary Sued along with the purplest of prose. But I kept going with no one ever giving me an indication that I was good. I even had a college professor tell me I sucked and i'd never sell anything.

About a year after graduation, I sold a short story. With no feedback from anyone else.

I write because I have to. It's more effective than Prozac or Lithium. For me, at least. If someone else enjoys it, so much the better. I put my stuff up on FF.Net because it scared me. Not because I expected anything to be read.

So, at the risk of quoting a movie: never give up, never surrender.

[Mr.BlazenGlazen]

Alright.

Okay, I'll do it. I'll continue the story. I'm hoping things will be sort of clear in the next chapter. I left it sort of ambiguous on what's going to happen for a reason but I did leave some clues here and there, I think. Maybe to readers they can't see it at all yet.

Modifié par Mr.BlazenGlazen, 04 juin 2012 - 01:41 .

[Icyflare]

Sialater wrote...

About a year after graduation, I sold a short story. With no feedback from anyone else. .

You sold a short story? Can I ask for more details about the process that went behind it? I'm interested in becoming a writer and would like to know how does one get around to selling their work.

[gearseffect]

@Sialater, what was that bit about "I write because I have to. It's more effective than Prozac or Lithium. For me, at least"

then the bit about "I put my stuff up on FF.Net because it scared me." wait are you saying you write stories because of sh!t in your life, it's an outlet, for you to channel things? Whoa Bro (hopefully I didn't call ya bro, when your really a chick), man now you got my attention haha, I can say without a doubt that is one of the reasons I too write. Whoa I'm not the only one here.

@Icyflare I'd offer ya my services, but I don't know that I'd be any good at checking for spelling/grammar errors that is the one area I know I suck at.

@Mr.Blazen, You need to get over your doubts, your second guessing yourself, and all that. I did that back when I was in high school, then I got some feedback that offered me constructive criticism. It made me more upset, because I took it as a insult, and way too personal.

Don't continue doubting yourself, and don't give up, it's what I did, and I really wish I hadn't given up back in high school.

[zapphoman24]

I started really writing when I was about sixteen or seventeen years old. I'm 26 now and I to this day have never finished a story due to my self doubt. Two Years Later has been the furthest I have ever gotten into a story and it has an already established universe. I mean I have ideas but I worry all the time that it isn't original enough or it's been done before. I worry too much of what other people are going to think about it and I just don't continue.

Self doubt kills stories and same with seeking the admiration of others. I realize that now. Thank you.

[MidnightRaith]

Icyflare wrote...

You sold a short story? Can I ask for more details about the process that went behind it? I'm interested in becoming a writer and would like to know how does one get around to selling their work.

Several published authors actually put this process in their website FAQS. Here's an example. Use the links on the left side of the screen to get to the "How can a new writer get a publisher" section. I don't read Tamora Pierce, but she seems to have written an informative bit on the subject regardless.

A question: How you y'all prefer authors addressing reviews? Personally, a pet peeve of mine is when people write our their review responses in their chapters. It's not much of an issue when it's at the end of the chapter, but many do it at the beginning A/N. It's great they answer, but if I reviewed, then only one response is to me, and the rest I have to scroll forever down to get to the stuff I came to the site for.

In my opinion, I think authors should do this in PMs. Fanfic.net allows authors and readers to interact in a way that published authors don't usually get to do. Take advantage of that while you don't have any creepy stalkers if you're lucky enough to get into the big leagues eventually. Usually, I like to answer as many of my signed reviews as realistically possible right before I upload a new chapter.

[fainmaca]

@ElectricZ: Good to see you, EZ! Felt like you went off the grid for a wee while there.

@MidnightRaith: I always respond to my reviews via PM. Usually its just to thank them, but if they brought up any points I like to discuss those. The only thing I put in a A/N is a mention of the names of ones who respond to those PMs, thanking them for the helpful discussion.

[PMC65]

MidnightRaith - I prefer to PM the reviewer and there are also reviewers who choose to PM me instead of do an official "review". That's okay with me as well.

[CuHnadian]

MidnightRaith wrote...

Icyflare wrote...

You sold a short story? Can I ask for more details about the process that went behind it? I'm interested in becoming a writer and would like to know how does one get around to selling their work.

Several published authors actually put this process in their website FAQS. Here's an example. Use the links on the left side of the screen to get to the "How can a new writer get a publisher" section. I don't read Tamora Pierce, but she seems to have written an informative bit on the subject regardless.

A question: How you y'all prefer authors addressing reviews? Personally, a pet peeve of mine is when people write our their review responses in their chapters. It's not much of an issue when it's at the end of the chapter, but many do it at the beginning A/N. It's great they answer, but if I reviewed, then only one response is to me, and the rest I have to scroll forever down to get to the stuff I came to the site for.

In my opinion, I think authors should do this in PMs. Fanfic.net allows authors and readers to interact in a way that published authors don't usually get to do. Take advantage of that while you don't have any creepy stalkers if you're lucky enough to get into the big leagues eventually. Usually, I like to answer as many of my signed reviews as realistically possible right before I upload a new chapter.

I always PM my reviewers, whether it's to thank them or discuss the points they made.