9960 réponses à ce sujet

[nrobbiec]

Yes it is. I love Alan Wake. I should just clarify reading my post in your quote it's not worded that well, it's writing the fic I don't want to own up to to the general public of the internet not the quote

[Seracen]

dpMeggers wrote...

Question of the day time!

Going along with Mr. Stoob and nrobbiec 's photo share a few pages ago, I thought maybe we should have a bit of a 'tell us about yourself' question today.

The question(s): Tell us about your screen name/handle/ whatever you want to call it. How old is it? What does it mean? Do you still like it? If yes, why, if no, why not?

...

Got it back in my Halo days.  On campus, we had a large server the size of several dorms, and my name was "The Sword."  Well, I got tired of the jokes whenever we played sword matches.  Also, the name was taken on XBL, IIRC.

My first username was derived from my fave fictional swordsman at the time (Kaede).  It was a unisex name of sorts, and one that didn't really "represent" me properly, so I let it go.  I also used derivations of my sign (Gemini), but that seemed to obvious and overused.

So, being of the appropriate cultural background, I thought of my original handle, and also the Saracens, who were known for their sword folding techniques,  However, I didn't like the spelling, and wanted something unique that would likely be unclaimed, thus Seracen.

Also, it suggests aspirations to culture, and sounds cool. 

Modifié par Seracen, 30 mars 2013 - 02:57 .

[enayasoul]

dpMeggers wrote...

Question of the day time!

The question(s): Tell us about your screen name/handle/ whatever you want to call it. How old is it? What does it mean? Do you still like it? If yes, why, if no, why not?

It's short for my Dark Elf Shadow Knight character name on Everquest 2. It's quite old... 5 years maybe, I lost count.  It's reflects the shadow knight spells of death? Enaya SoulNummer   So, num your soul?

Yeah, I still like her but I don't play with her much lately.

[Fatiguesdualism]

Sorry to say there's no hidden message/unique identity for mine. It's simply two words selected at random out the dictionary (read a lot of spy fiction when younger, obviously!)  But when I was writing up my FFnet profile I realised there may have been a little bit of latent/subconscious anger involved in the letter selection!

[ftkerns]

Quick note at the beginning: I'm really, really sorry for such a long post. I saw the questions that came up over the last few pages and just had to answer them. 

Anyway... Hey, everybody. Been lurking for a long time, planning to jump into the thread for just as long, and various circumstances kept getting in my way. Mostly job-related issues, though since December it's been lack-of-job issues.  I kept thinking, "I need to focus every moment on trying to get a job, then once that's done, I'll be able to shift my focus to other stuff." But after being at that same point for three and a half months, I might as well take a moment to join in, since things don't look like they'll be changing any time soon.

On to some recent topics...

The screen name thing...there's really not much of a story behind mine, other than the fact that I simply didn't bother coming up with anything creative.  I wasn't really planning to ever post anything in the forums, so I simply used my first and middle initials and my last name. I did pretty much the same on DeviantArt, after several usernames I tried were already taken. I tend to use different user names on different sites, I think because I'm never completely satisfied with the ones I come up with, but once people start to notice my writing, I stick with the names I started with.

At one point I thought the novels and stories I'd written might find an audience on SoFurry, so I tried it out and it's worked out nicely. I've been a fan of Transmetropolitan for a long time, and looked at my trade paperbacks for an idea...and just sort of randomly selected one of the titles, Spiders Thrash. And on Fanfiction.net I'm Fatal Intestinal Maelstrom. 

When I decided to post a few things on the TFW2005 forums, I ended up using Gamma Ray Burst because it's the biggest, most violent explosion that can happen in the universe. 

If only I'd put that much thought into choosing a username for this forum. Heh. Oh, well.

And I use emoticons entirely too much.

What inspired me to start writing Mass Effect fanfiction? I actually started Freelancers before ME3 was released. There wasn't any one thing that kicked my story off. It was more a matter of all sorts of little things clicking together in my head over several months--mostly ideas for original characters, how they'd come together to work as a crew, the things they got up to, and whatnot. One day I just needed to start writing it. The thing with my ME story is, the characters are mostly OCs. I started off with Lia'Vael as a way to get the first chapter started, then from then on it's just my own characters until Kenn and Sidonis show up a few chapters later.

Originally, I planned to just turn some of my own characters loose in the ME universe and see what happened. Then I thought it'd be fun to have them get involved on the periphery of the events in ME three, to show the whole story from their perspective. Then ME3 was released and I played it...and once I got to the end...no. I just couldn't. It wasn't just the ending that bummed me out. At first, I thought the whole game was awesome except for the ending, simply because I was finally seeing new Mass Effect stuff. But once I really started thinking about it, I realized that (in my opinion) the entire game is ******-poor storytelling from beginning to end. There's a couple of solid parts--Rannoch and Tuchanka--but even those had problems. And after the EC fixed absolutely nothing, and in fact made many things worse, I ended up uninstalling the game and not even bothering with any of the DLC.

Now, as for motivation or inspiration to keep writing now that the Mass Effect story is over...honestly, I'm doing my absolute best to convince myself that ME3 never actually happened. Freelancers begins shortly after ME2, and I'll incorporate all the ME2 DLC into the story in some way, and the Reaper invasion will happen in a way that's vastly different from ME3--there will be no Crucible, no Catalyst, no space magic , no Reaper "off switch," and no RGB choice at the end. I'm thinking over some ideas for advanced technology that can be discovered and reverse-engineered, but if any is used, it'll be because scientists and engineers figured out how it works and how to adapt it to current technology. There will be absolutely none of that "We don't have the slightest idea what this does or how it works, but somehow we know beyond any doubt it's the only thing that can stop the Reapers" crap.

I should point out that even though I didn't like ME3, I'm a huge fan of the first two games, the setting, and the characters. And that's a huge part of what keeps me motivated. I enjoy it too much to kick all of it to the curb. It's only ME3 that has to go. 

As for the question of where I write and with what...it's almost always at home. I've tried taking my laptop to various places, and it never really worked out. When I lived on the Oregon coast, on the rare occasions when there was actually a sunny day, I sometimes drove to Shore Acres Park or Cape Arago Park, found a picnic table, and tried to get some writing done. Never quite worked. Sitting in the shade was too cold even during the summer, and sitting in the sunlight made it hard to see the laptop's screen. Battery life was another big problem until I finally managed to get a laptop with a battery that lasted six hours or longer. But the biggest problem I had was getting all self-conscious while trying to write. Whenever someone walked by and looked at me, it'd break my concentration. Which was a shame because, other than that, it was a really quite, peaceful setting, and I feel like I should've been able to get more done than I did.

After I moved to Tucson, I didn't have internet service at first, and had to take the laptop to a library or coffee shop to look for a job and keep up with my online stuff. The closest library I was able to find was a half hour away and because I wasn't familiar with the streets and highways, I had several near-crashes because I made stupid mistakes. And I tried a coffee shop once, and found it too noisy to focus on anything. So I decided, screw it, I'll have the internet hooked up at home.

I did almost all of my writing on my desktop until the power supply exploded a few days ago (sounded like a couple of gunshots, scared the crap out of me), and something else must have been fried when it blew, because I replaced the PSU and the computer still won't boot.  Since I have no income yet and money's running out, it'll be a very long time before I can get her fixed. Which is downright depressing. I built that computer, so she's my baby. And I had just installed an eight-core processor and a new motherboard about six months ago, so now I'm terrified that one of those is what got ruined. And she has an awesome mechanical keyboard with backlit keys, which is useful because I often get so absorbed in writing something that I forget to turn on the lights after sunset. *sigh*

But I'm getting by on the laptop. And I have to say, I'm thankful that I bought a laptop and started using Dropbox, because without those, I'd be completely screwed as far as writing is concerned. At least I can continue working on my stories without interruption.

One other thing about how I write. My perferred word processor is Atlantis, mainly because you can load all the stories you're working on in tabs, and I also have a file for jotting down notes, ideas, bits of dialogue, and whatnot. And it all automatically loads, each in its own tab, whenever I launch Atlantis. And over the years I've developed a tendency to work on several things at once, usually doing a chapter of one and then rotating to another. At the moment I'm working on a novel, Freelancers, a Transformers Prime fic series (  ), mulling over various ideas for a sequel to a novel that's actually been accepted for publication, mulling over other ideas for a series of fics set in the Doctor Who universe ( B) ) and writing what might end up being a series of novelettes. Goddamn. 

Anyway, as far as jotting down notes, if there's something specific that I want to be absolutely sure I don't forget, I keep going over and over and over it in my head, burning it into my memory. Sort of like an actor memorizing lines, I guess? Due to the jobs I've had in the past, while they sometimes gave me opportunities to let my mind wander and come up with characters, plot, or dialogue, there was hardly ever a chance to write any of it down, even with a pencil and paper. So I kind of trained myself to keep it all in my head, though lately with all the upheaveal of becoming unemployed and then moving 1,300 miles and then a ton of worries causing me to become scatterbrained, I have to say it's always a good idea to write it down ASAP, just in case. There have been things I forgot before I got home from work and added them to my notes file, but so far I've been lucky enough to retain most of it.

About music or background sounds...for me it depends. Sometimes music helps me concentrate, and sometimes I just like to sit here with the patio door open and the sounds of birds chirping drifting into the living room. When I listen to music, it has to be something instrumental. I'm particularly fond of the Mass Effect and Babylon 5 soundtracks, among others. Or sometimes I use software like Atmosphere for ambient background noise, like birds or wind in trees or a softly crackling campfire.

Think I saw the topic of shipping come up a few pages back. I hardly ever ship characters. Though while playing ME1, I started shipping Tali and Shepard. But because that became an option in ME2, I didn't really need to write anything based on it. The only other shipping I can remember doing is...heh...Jack and Arcee from Transformers Prime. Just seemed like it would make an interesting story, so I figured, why not? But since Shepard and the other main ME characters aren't in Freelancers yet, I'm not really dealing with that sort of thing just yet. I can say, though, that once they do show up in my story, Shep and Tali will be in a serious relationship. And I got the impression that both Kelly and Dr. Michel seemed to have a bit of a crush on Garrus. That could come up in one way or another, sometime later.... 

Oy. There's a couple other things I planned to comment on, but I've taken up far too much space already. I should've joined in a long time ago. Could've answered these questions in smaller chunks.  But at least I'll be able to do that from now on....

[hot_heart]

Ha, going back to the 20th century cultural artifacts/references discussion...do I or do I not explicitly use Philip Larkin's 'This Be The Verse'? Hmm. In some ways it's appropriate but I may just make subtle reference to it instead.

[dpMeggers]

ftkerns wrote...

Quick note at the beginning: I'm really, really sorry for such a long post. I saw the questions that came up over the last few pages and just had to answer them. [smilie]http://social.bioware.com/images/forum/emoticons/andy.png[/smilie]

Anyway... Hey, everybody.

Hi & welcome to the thread! 

hot_heart wrote...

Ha, going back to the 20th century cultural artifacts/references discussion...do I or do I not explicitly use Philip Larkin's 'This Be The Verse'? Hmm. In some ways it's appropriate but I may just make subtle reference to it instead.

If it feels like it's working, I say go for it.

[Lilivati]

dpMeggers wrote...

The question(s): Tell us about your screen name/handle/ whatever you want to call it. How old is it? What does it mean? Do you still like it? If yes, why, if no, why not?

I got it from a sidebar in my calc textbook in high school about historical mathematics.  It's the name of a treatise written by an Indian mathematician in the sixteenth century, and also the name of his daughter.  Much of the work is written as if addressed to her, inviting her to solve the problems presented, and he supposedly wrote it as an apology for ruining her marriage.    I started using it as a handle because I liked the sound of the name, and because the puzzle they exerpted from the treatise was fun, and it's kind of stuck with me for more than ten years now.  I've used it a number of different places, though there are a few out there who aren't me.

I later found out it is more usually spelt "Lilavati", but I've been spelling it this way for years and at this point prefer it.  It's really kind of my second name, as bizarre as that sounds; friends I've made online are as likely to call me Lili as my real name.

[Lilivati]

ftkerns wrote...

Think I saw the topic of shipping come up a few pages back. I hardly ever ship characters. Though while playing ME1, I started shipping Tali and Shepard. But because that became an option in ME2, I didn't really need to write anything based on it. 

So this is completely random, but when I sat down last December and finished the plot outline for my current fic, I had this random thought that Ash and James would work really well together.  Ash dies in my story, but I happened to have a scene planned where they could potentially meet, just in passing, without it being contrived.  So I figured what the hell and threw it into my plans.  I still haven't gotten to that particular chapter, but I admit I chuckled a bit when Citadel released and it turns out that they sort of have a thing at the party if both are available.

[ftkerns]

dpMeggers wrote...

Hi & welcome to the thread! 

Thanks! 

Lilivati wrote...

ftkerns wrote...

Think I saw the topic of shipping come up a few pages back. I hardly ever ship characters. Though while playing ME1, I started shipping Tali and Shepard. But because that became an option in ME2, I didn't really need to write anything based on it. 

So this is completely random, but when I sat down last December and finished the plot outline for my current fic, I had this random thought that Ash and James would work really well together.  Ash dies in my story, but I happened to have a scene planned where they could potentially meet, just in passing, without it being contrived.  So I figured what the hell and threw it into my plans.  I still haven't gotten to that particular chapter, but I admit I chuckled a bit when Citadel released and it turns out that they sort of have a thing at the party if both are available.

Hah, I love it when stuff like that happens. :happy: It never occurred to me before, but now that you mention it, those two really do seem like they'd work well together. They'd have a kind of yin/yang thing going. I can see him thinking up a nickname for her that she might take a while to warm up to....

[Drussius]

dpMeggers wrote...

ftkerns wrote...

Quick note at the beginning: I'm really, really sorry for such a long post. I saw the questions that came up over the last few pages and just had to answer them. 

Anyway... Hey, everybody.

Hi & welcome to the thread! 

Seconded!

dpMeggers wrote...

The question(s): Tell us about your screen name/handle/ whatever you want to call it. How old is it? What does it mean? Do you still like it? If yes, why, if no, why not?

I am a nerd. Let me preface my response with this statement. And I am not ashamed of it.

So, in high school, decades ago (I feel so old), I was running a D&D campaign for several friends. Drussius was the name of the evil necromancer who was the overarching plot villain of the entire game... a recurring enemy that the players frequently failed to thwart and occasionally succeeded in outsmarting... but my friends came to hate him so vehemently that I started using the name just to mock them (good-naturedly, of course)... I received several amusing rants from friends when I first showed up with it in an online game with friends. I think I first used it in a game of StarCraft with a buddy of mine, but I can't be sure. It's been a while. And I have used it ever since. Although I was particularly baffled to find it taken on PS3... That had never happened to me before...

And Happy Easter! I should be sleeping. My youngest will undoubtedly be waking me up in about four hours to make breakfast. But hey... I'm a glutton for punishment. LOL

[MrStoob]

ftkerns wrote...

Quick note at the beginning: I'm really, really sorry for such a long post. I saw the questions that came up over the last few pages and just had to answer them. 

Anyway... Hey, everybody. Been lurking for a long time, planning to jump into the thread for just as long, and various circumstances kept getting in my way. Mostly job-related issues, though since December it's been lack-of-job issues.  I kept thinking, "I need to focus every moment on trying to get a job, then once that's done, I'll be able to shift my focus to other stuff." But after being at that same point for three and a half months, I might as well take a moment to join in, since things don't look like they'll be changing any time soon.

Greetings and welcome!

From my experience, write when inspired.  You never know when those fickle muses will take inspiriation away.  You'll find the time to get it down, even if it is at 3am. 

[hot_heart]

Does anyone feel this is a little too 'philosophical' for Garrus (especially when talking to someone like Miranda)? I'm always wary about twisting characters in order to fit thematic elements, and I've been chipping away at the dialogue for a good while now to try and nail it down (the other details come later).

Garrus looks at me curiously. "That man was your father..."
     With a measured tone, I clarify. "Estranged." Even when I lived under his roof.
     "And now deceased," he adds dryly. "Seems our parents have a knack for messing us up one way or the other."
     "He didn't deserve mercy."
     "Indeed. I heard what you did. And I understand why you wanted to get away." He pauses and his voice softens. "Not that I think it was the right thing to do."
     "I seem to recall a lone turian who, having incurred the wrath of every merc on Omega, barricaded himself in his hideout, prepared to go down in some last, futile act of vengeance. It's a good job we were there to save your skin." I look at his face, while a smirk creeps onto my own. "Most of it, anyway."
     He almost chuckles, but his demeanour remains serious. "That was a different time. I learned my lesson. I see it in the mirror every day, and I'm actually thankful for that fact. Your wounds will heal but it's the rest of it you've got to overcome. Those are the real scars and they affect the people closest to you."

Modifié par hot_heart, 31 mars 2013 - 05:19 .

[Seracen]

hot_heart wrote...

Does anyone feel this is a little too 'philosophical' for Garrus (especially when talking to someone like Miranda)? I'm always wary about twisting characters in order to fit thematic elements, and I've been chipping away at the dialogue for a good while now to try and nail it down (the other details come later).

Garrus looks at me curiously. "That man was your father..."
     With a measured tone, I clarify. "Estranged." Even when I lived under his roof.
     "And now deceased," he adds dryly. "Seems our parents have a knack for messing us up one way or the other."
     "He didn't deserve mercy."
     "Indeed. I heard what you did. And I understand why you wanted to get away." He pauses and his voice softens. "Not that I think it was the right thing to do."
     "I seem to recall a lone turian who, having incurred the wrath of every merc on Omega, barricaded himself in his hideout, prepared to go down in some last, futile act of vengeance. It's a good job we were there to save your skin." I look at his face, while a smirk creeps onto my own. "Most of it, anyway."
     He almost chuckles, but his demeanour remains serious. "That was a different time. I learned my lesson. I see it in the mirror every day, and I'm actually thankful for that fact. Your wounds will heal but it's the rest of it you've got to overcome. Those are the real scars and they affect the people closest to you."

I think the general tone is alright, though I feel that Garrus would be a smidge more terse.  However, I dunno how you developed the relationship between him and Miranda in yours.  In my story, it's professionalism to avoid awkward pauses.

     "Indeed. I heard, and I get your drive to escape." He pauses and his voice softens. "Don't know if I'd make the same call, though it was a hard choice."
...
 He almost chuckles, but his demeanour remains serious. "That was a different time; and I did learn something...what doesn't kill you eh?  Wounds heal...what's left behind are the real scars...and they can affect the people closest to you."

Not a whole lot different from what you did, so I can see how it'd be different depending on how you presented the characters.

Speaking personally, I KNOW I'll have to redo some of my dialogue.  I already rewrote all my Aethyta conversations, and redid a lot of my Jack content as well (I don't curse enough, and been making her sound too bookish...lol).

So yeah, I like it, I can see it either way.  I figure the writing style of the author tends to provide ample transition to most dialogue, so do what makes you happy!

Modifié par Seracen, 31 mars 2013 - 09:11 .

[hot_heart]

Thanks! He is supposed to be annoyed with her actually (he feels guilty for almost allowing her to walk away on Sanctuary as well, and doesn't like the effect it had on Shepard) so I was trying to keep it a little terse in the first place. I'm glad to see the essence of it is OK, just need to phrase it a little more in-character, I think.

I like some of your alterations, so I may include them (with an acknowledgement, of course) if that's alright.

[Seracen]

hot_heart wrote...

Thanks! He is supposed to be annoyed with her actually (he feels guilty for almost allowing her to walk away on Sanctuary as well, and doesn't like the effect it had on Shepard) so I was trying to keep it a little terse in the first place. I'm glad to see the essence of it is OK, just need to phrase it a little more in-character, I think.

I like some of your alterations, so I may include them (with an acknowledgement, of course) if that's alright.

Not a problem at all!  Please do, I'd be honored.   Feel free to PM me if you ever need a soundboard!

Modifié par Seracen, 31 mars 2013 - 09:58 .

[Seracen]

Woot! Finished BS:Infinite! Now I can focus on my writing more.

Finding it more of a last bastion for me, as the dearth of good RPG's with amazing story is sadly lacking...

Need more niche markets, and less homogenization...but that's off topic...to the pages of my fic...

Now, to plumb the depths of my current chapters.... to OMEGA!!!!

Modifié par Seracen, 31 mars 2013 - 10:24 .

[AustereLemur799]

Sorry to digress from the cool questions of the last few pages, but I really don't anything funny or inspirational to contribute (FYI; I'm just a boring, lack-lustre person).

So I've been stuck with a block going on nearly five months. Not lacking in ideas; just motivation.

Two days ago I had a review out of the blue (quite rare since my story has gone stale and is probably in the back of beyond in terms of what's hot) - someone asking me to please continue with my fic.

While I felt really chuffed and happy, I also felt even worse than I already do. I really wish I could deliver. The pressure of wanting to deliver and not doing so is really getting to me.

In some ways, it was all-too-easy to disappear for five months and ignore my writing. But it's still been weighing heavy on my mind. Writing has been a big part of my life for the better part of the last six years - it's helped me escape a lot of bad stuff in my life.

I think much of my block has to do with me refusing to face up to things. I wish I could just sit down and get on with it. I don't understand what's stopping me or why it's so hard.

In the past; I used to crave the feeling and adrenaline-rush from publishing a new chapter (not that I had many to speak of). But I also used to feel terrible anxiety at the same time, and even had to get my Mum to read any feedback I got because I couldn't stomach it!

I guess I really didn't have a question in here. Just wanted to share (hoping that it would make me feel better, but probably not).

I don't know if anyone here plays ME3 MP, but it's kind of like the whole UR discussion - people come on boasting about their URs while other people envy and curse them . I guess I just see all you guys getting on so well, and I really wish I could borrow some of your energy, or aura - or whatever it is.

Anyways, contrary to the MP forum; I don't curse anyone on here for their ongoing good fortune.  I feel crap about myself, yes; but I also feel better to know that there are other good writers out there who have it all going well for them - it gives me hope to know that it is possible.

[Seracen]

AustereLemur799 wrote...

Sorry to digress from the cool questions of the last few pages, but I really don't anything funny or inspirational to contribute (FYI; I'm just a boring, lack-lustre person).

So I've been stuck with a block going on nearly five months. Not lacking in ideas; just motivation.

Two days ago I had a review out of the blue (quite rare since my story has gone stale and is probably in the back of beyond in terms of what's hot) - someone asking me to please continue with my fic.

While I felt really chuffed and happy, I also felt even worse than I already do. I really wish I could deliver. The pressure of wanting to deliver and not doing so is really getting to me.

In some ways, it was all-too-easy to disappear for five months and ignore my writing. But it's still been weighing heavy on my mind. Writing has been a big part of my life for the better part of the last six years - it's helped me escape a lot of bad stuff in my life.

I think much of my block has to do with me refusing to face up to things. I wish I could just sit down and get on with it. I don't understand what's stopping me or why it's so hard.

In the past; I used to crave the feeling and adrenaline-rush from publishing a new chapter (not that I had many to speak of). But I also used to feel terrible anxiety at the same time, and even had to get my Mum to read any feedback I got because I couldn't stomach it!

I guess I really didn't have a question in here. Just wanted to share (hoping that it would make me feel better, but probably not).

I don't know if anyone here plays ME3 MP, but it's kind of like the whole UR discussion - people come on boasting about their URs while other people envy and curse them . I guess I just see all you guys getting on so well, and I really wish I could borrow some of your energy, or aura - or whatever it is.

Anyways, contrary to the MP forum; I don't curse anyone on here for their ongoing good fortune.  I feel crap about myself, yes; but I also feel better to know that there are other good writers out there who have it all going well for them - it gives me hope to know that it is possible.

Welcome to this thread!  I've managed to engage in healthy discourse over the past year or so here, and is the primary reason I still frequent the BW threads.

Sorry to hear about the block, I know the feeling.  I think it's a common coping mechanism, as I use my writing as escapism as well.

You shouldn't blame yourself for your writing travails.  You have to write in your own time.  I have an OLD FF8 fic that'll probably never get done, but I still have it rolling around in the back of my mind.  One of these days, I'll pick it up, rework it, and finish the darn thing (I quit b/c I realized that author self-insertion got too out of hand, and disliked it).

I'm trying to finish my new ME fic before this July, as I KNOW I've got some drama ahead of me, and it'll likely claim every waking moment of my life once that particular jar of marbles falls.

I find my beta readers to be an excellent source of motivation...someone to springboard ideas off of, and whatnot.

Just don't lose hope, and make sure to always have fun with it, and I feel you can't go wrong!

Modifié par Seracen, 01 avril 2013 - 01:31 .

[AustereLemur799]

@ Seracen

Thanks . Not entirely new to this thread, but I've screwed up enough times with my irrationality and just general shortcomings to be able to keep up with the regulars.

I hear what you're saying. Publishing my fic was a big deal - I had been writing for a while before that, but had never, ever thought of actually making it public until I came onto the BSN and saw that loads of people were writing and doing awesome things.

I really don't want to hang back with my stuff. I know that you should write at your own pace and as and when things come to you; don't rush or force things. But when it's compromising your general welfare... Honestly, this might sound bad or wierd; but I can't sleep at night knowing that I need to get this stupid chapter done. Five months is a long time - worse still is that I've got it all laid out. I just can't seem to sit down and write it.

My beta is great in terms of correcting my dyslexia and praising my ideas. I couldn't ask for a better person, except that I wish he could give me a bit more of a push (not that that's really his job). At the moment I also feel pressure from him as well as that person who left the review since both are (to me) expecting great things - and I'm worried that I won't be able to come up with the goods!

[Seracen]

Hmm, question to the audience...

Shepard and Co have started off in their journey, post Reaper War.  Ash is on the ship, and feeling awkward about her previous betrayals.  She's also there as a Council spy (SPECTRE assignment), in case Shep was indoctrinated.  Jack knows this.

They dealt with it for a while, as there was a mission on Feros, but Shep was oblivious.  Now Jack's had it, feels like Shep deserves an apology, so she faces Ash.  Thus, my question...


After Shep breaks up the fight, what does he do?  

I can see him being pissed, being hurt, or just being so tired, he no longer gives a damn.  Hell, he might be pissed enough to start a fight himself, but I don't see that as very captainly...

Currently, I have him handing her a knife, offering his back, and basically saying "get it done, or get out of my way..."

There's a galaxy to save, he already feels guilty about all the deaths in the Reaper War, and I don't think he has any more emotional lows left in him, short of the kind of things that would turn him into a stone cold killer (deaths of his crew primarily).

Seriously, he's so damaged in my story, the only thing keeping him from being a golem (or killing himself) is his romance, and a sense of duty (to rebuild what was destroyed).

EDIT: my first draft basically runs the gamut of him baring his soul, and cracking slightly before coming to his senses again.  I am trying to run that fine line between dark and heart wrenching, without leaving him too broken to get the job done.

Modifié par Seracen, 01 avril 2013 - 09:07 .

[hot_heart]

Without seeing the fic (seriously, where is it?!) or knowing your Shepard, I think what you have sounds good. Though, I always figured Shepard would at least have some sort of "You're either with me or against me: take your pick" sentiment over passing the responsibility to someone else (not that it wouldn't make for an interesting turn of events).

Could work in an angle regarding Ashley's sense of faith/belief, perhaps.

[dpMeggers]

AustereLemur799 wrote...

@ Seracen

Thanks . Not entirely new to this thread, but I've screwed up enough times with my irrationality and just general shortcomings to be able to keep up with the regulars.

I hear what you're saying. Publishing my fic was a big deal - I had been writing for a while before that, but had never, ever thought of actually making it public until I came onto the BSN and saw that loads of people were writing and doing awesome things.

I really don't want to hang back with my stuff. I know that you should write at your own pace and as and when things come to you; don't rush or force things. But when it's compromising your general welfare... Honestly, this might sound bad or wierd; but I can't sleep at night knowing that I need to get this stupid chapter done. Five months is a long time - worse still is that I've got it all laid out. I just can't seem to sit down and write it.

My beta is great in terms of correcting my dyslexia and praising my ideas. I couldn't ask for a better person, except that I wish he could give me a bit more of a push (not that that's really his job). At the moment I also feel pressure from him as well as that person who left the review since both are (to me) expecting great things - and I'm worried that I won't be able to come up with the goods!

Others have said this before me, and better, but I can't find the post to quote, so you're stuck with my inelegantly worded advice.

At the risk of sounding trite: just let it go.

I've been where you are now. The fic in my signature took me eight months between chapters 13 and 14. Like you, the majority of it was planned out, but I just couldn't bring myself to sit down and write it - real life and and a lack of motivation were getting in my way. For a time I did feel sort of guilty, as I've never actually finished writing a fic before, and this one I really wanted to finish, but I just couldn't work up the writing feeling. I fully expect that these feelings are going to hit me again in a few chapters (assuming I don't finish the story before then) and then it'll be months before I start writing again. I think I'm learning to accept this as part of my 'writing cycle.'  I'll have a few productive months, and then I'll be done with it for a while.

As much as the praise is nice, (and anyone who says it isn't is a terrible, horrible liar, if we weren't interested in feedback we wouldn't pubish now would we?), ultimately we write to satisfy that little part of our mind that won't be quiet about our characters and what they get up to. So don't worry about the expectations of others, that reviewer, your beta, whoever, just write for you. If you're not able or not satisfied with what you've done, then by all means keep going. But if you're just writing for others, or if the majority of what you write is goverened by the opinions of others, the quality of your work will suffer, and it will definitely impact how you feel about your own writing.

So let it go. Walk away for a little while. Tell yourself that you'll finish someday, but don't force yourself to sit down and write until the urge to write is so overpowering that you absolutely have to put pen to paper or fingers to keys. If all else fails, play through your favourite game of the trilogy again. But remember that block hits all of us, some harder than others.

And good luck.

Edit: Aha! Found 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.

And a footnote: some people disagree with these opinions. (Even some people in this thread.  You can go to pages14-16 if you want to read the debate). But for the most part, I've found this works if you're trying to pull yourself out of a funk. Maybe not during the writing process, but certainly during the writer's block phase.

Edit: wow did not realize how broken those quote tags were...

Modifié par dpMeggers, 01 avril 2013 - 10:47 .

[Fatiguesdualism]

@hot_heart: Like Seracen I think it's more the 'technical' aspect for Garrus' voice that is the niggle. To me, the guy usual sounds like he's either drawling slightly (relaxed) or talking a little bit clipped (reporting). But what you've got sounds like a conversation he might have.

@Seracen: What you've got sounds interesting - not so sure about the knife bit though. Personally feel it's a bit overly dramatic (especially if there's an audience during their talk). But I think I can see Shep doing it in private. In a busy public setting I would say he would have to slap Ash down, he's the CO (even if he no longer wants to be). But maybe he could be half-hearted about it (tired), short but loud (professional), or full on, in face, I-dare-you-to-take-a-swing at me (angry). Would be nice to see Jack's reaction to the knife/back situation though, hope she's mellowed a bit (or not, fun either way!)

Also Seracen Do you have another profile on FFnet? The one in your sig says 'Beta'

[Seracen]

hot_heart wrote...

Without seeing the fic (seriously, where is it?!) or knowing your Shepard, I think what you have sounds good. Though, I always figured Shepard would at least have some sort of "You're either with me or against me: take your pick" sentiment over passing the responsibility to someone else (not that it wouldn't make for an interesting turn of events).

Could work in an angle regarding Ashley's sense of faith/belief, perhaps.

Heh, I'm well over 30 chapters (and 160+ pages) in, but still haven't posted the thing yet.  Mainly, I was concerned with how some of the plot threads would play out, so I waited this long.  I intend to rectify this oversight, both publicly AND with the beta readers! [crosses fingers]

Hadn't considered that angle though, I'll consider working that in!

Fatiguesdualism wrote...

@hot_heart: Like Seracen I think it's more the 'technical' aspect for Garrus' voice that is the niggle. To me, the guy usual sounds like he's either drawling slightly (relaxed) or talking a little bit clipped (reporting). But what you've got sounds like a conversation he might have.

@Seracen: What you've got sounds interesting - not so sure about the knife bit though. Personally feel it's a bit overly dramatic (especially if there's an audience during their talk). But I think I can see Shep doing it in private. In a busy public setting I would say he would have to slap Ash down, he's the CO (even if he no longer wants to be). But maybe he could be half-hearted about it (tired), short but loud (professional), or full on, in face, I-dare-you-to-take-a-swing at me (angry). Would be nice to see Jack's reaction to the knife/back situation though, hope she's mellowed a bit (or not, fun either way!)

Also Seracen Do you have another profile on FFnet? The one in your sig says 'Beta'

Yeah, "Seracen Beta" is the alt for "Seracen."  FF.net has been terrible about helping me recover that account, as they've not replied to multiple requests.

At any rate, concerning the scene: I set it so that Shep is facing Ash in lockdown, though Liara and Jack are the only ones looking on.

Thanks for the grounding, I was afraid the scene was becoming too wordy and melodramatic.  I basically have them all quietly crapping themselves while Shepard starts monologuing.  Still, I want the audience to feel the impact, rather than hear characters mime said impact.

I know the scene isn't right, as it stands, but I'll poke and prod it into shape.


Thanks to both of you for trying to find my story at the account though!  I shall try to match your diligence with some posts by the end of the week [I swear...for real this time!].

Modifié par Seracen, 01 avril 2013 - 09:35 .