9961 réponses à ce sujet

[Fairybolt]

As suggested in my post above, plot planning is a huge failing of mine.  I know the milestones but the bits in between are pretty haphazard.  I sort of organically think about what each character would be doing to advance to 'milestone A' but nothing planned out, just on the fly writing to try and get everyone to the same page.  It can be, and it has been mentioned, a bit jarring the way I end up getting there sometimes.

Exactly how I am.  I wonder if it's as noticable to others though?  is it a common problem amongst writers?  Heh. I was actually asking a friend last night what she thought about the issue, and she told me it wasn't evident in the story I'm working on.  Specifically, I reached the point where my main character had to decide whether she'd break the law and become a fugitive with this other character (story is sort of a romantic thriller, hehe) and she has to do it for the story to move forward.  I planned for her to do it, and I tried to set her up as someone who would do it.  But, the entire time I was writing I was wondering if I did enough setup.  After talking with that friend I do feel better.  I did establish that my main had gone after her junkie sister a number of times before that sister died, and really regrets that she wasn't there to stop her from dying.  I also established that this character in peril is really the only one she has left in her life that she cares about.

It works, but I still regret not going into it a bit more.

[MrStoob]

Fairybolt wrote...

As suggested in my post above, plot planning is a huge failing of mine.  I know the milestones but the bits in between are pretty haphazard.  I sort of organically think about what each character would be doing to advance to 'milestone A' but nothing planned out, just on the fly writing to try and get everyone to the same page.  It can be, and it has been mentioned, a bit jarring the way I end up getting there sometimes.

Exactly how I am.  I wonder if it's as noticable to others though?  is it a common problem amongst writers?  Heh. I was actually asking a friend last night what she thought about the issue, and she told me it wasn't evident in the story I'm working on.  Specifically, I reached the point where my main character had to decide whether she'd break the law and become a fugitive with this other character (story is sort of a romantic thriller, hehe) and she has to do it for the story to move forward.  I planned for her to do it, and I tried to set her up as someone who would do it.  But, the entire time I was writing I was wondering if I did enough setup.  After talking with that friend I do feel better.  I did establish that my main had gone after her junkie sister a number of times before that sister died, and really regrets that she wasn't there to stop her from dying.  I also established that this character in peril is really the only one she has left in her life that she cares about.

It works, but I still regret not going into it a bit more.

I think I've done the reverse.  In one part of my main fic, after a few chapts of 'setting up' I half expected someone to comment "We KNOW that about that character now!  Now move on!" hehe.

Edit: and lol on the Vicky Beckham quote.

Modifié par MrStoob, 19 avril 2013 - 12:41 .

[MrStoob]

I had a vision. Through the bright light, I only saw three letters... LLL... then a voice spoke to me...

“I wish I had saved my earlier post about amps. Here we go once again (note that this is canon, I’m just clarifying the terminology):

There are three technical components to biotics:

1. Internal amplifier or ‘implant’: embedded and directly connected to spine or similar. Amplifies and focuses biotics usage. This is e.g. the ‘L2’. Can be used by itself.

2. Plugin socket: a port attached to the internal amplifier, with the port accessible from outside the body. Requires #1.

3. External augments ‘amps’: various types of enhancements that can be used to augment biotic powers through the plugin socket. These may be simple extra amplifiers or special-purpose ones e.g. intended to boost a certain type of biotics usage. Requires #1 and #2.

Unlike humans, who cannot perform any* biotic feats without an internal amplifier, asari do not need any of these…but most of them have at least #1, unless they wish to essentially completely ignore their biotic capabilities. Anyone in the military etc. will likely also have #2 and #3.

* Essentially the limit of their abilities is that you can see they have the ability. Think maybe things like accidentally making a penny float for 2 seconds or so.”

[hot_heart]

Yeah, that's what I was remembering. For your own purposes, I'd still go with an amp for Miranda. Would've been interesting if she were an example of a human biotic without a need for one, but I think maybe that's a bit of a stretch (moreso than the current canon).

(Haha. lillitheris responds as I'm writing this).

QOTD time!
Do you ever worry that you're not writing your protagonists/characters as smart as they should be?

It's a constant fear myself, and I'm terrible at plotting in the first place. Having a character guide it could end in disaster. Having said that, I've got to try and wrap up this sidestory successfully (and meaningfully) very soon. Eek.

[MrStoob]

hot_heart wrote...
QOTD time!
Do you ever worry that you're not writing your protagonists/characters as smart as they should be?

I rarely give them that much agency lol!

[Bebuse]

hot_heart wrote...
QOTD time!
Do you ever worry that you're not writing your protagonists/characters as smart as they should be?

Interesting one! When I am writing from a very intelligent character's perspective, it can be a little difficult if it is about something that is their area of expertise - eg Liara doing something complex and information broker-y. To that end, if I came to such a scene, I would consider writing it from another character's perspective.

I also have to occasionally stop my characters from asking "obvious" questions for the sake of prompting the reply - I'm ok with that to a level but sometimes it can be a bit much... the obvious face-palm moment from the game that comes to mind is Shepard's "asari can breed with each other?" line 

[MrStoob]

Bebuse wrote...
I also have to occasionally stop my characters from asking "obvious" questions for the sake of prompting the reply - I'm ok with that to a level but sometimes it can be a bit much... the obvious face-palm moment from the game that comes to mind is Shepard's "asari can breed with each other?" line 

"So... you'll have sex with anything?"
"Now you see how rumours get started!"

Happy days... 

Modifié par MrStoob, 19 avril 2013 - 06:01 .

[Seracen]

hot_heart wrote...

...

QOTD time!
Do you ever worry that you're not writing your protagonists/characters as smart as they should be?

It's a constant fear myself, and I'm terrible at plotting in the first place. Having a character guide it could end in disaster. Having said that, I've got to try and wrap up this sidestory successfully (and meaningfully) very soon. Eek.

Oh lord, stuff like this happens all the time.  Most times, I can fake my way through many kinds of dialogue, if I need to.

However, having an eclectic personal library hinders me on occassion for writing styles.  I start writing dialogue along the lines of completely different characters!

Case in point, I had a beta inform me that Jack and Aethyta sounded "too smart," in certain sequences.

Conversely, writing for Padok WIks (non-Mordin) has been hair-raising as well, as the dude's a damn rocket-scientist.  Sure, the speech patterns and mannerisms are difficult to bolt down, but the content must be crafted with just as much care.

As such, my Padok Wiks is relatively...terse, and won't be getting quite that many scenes.

[Fairybolt]

hot_heart wrote...
QOTD time!
Do you ever worry that you're not writing your protagonists/characters as smart as they should be?

In most cases, not really.  I sort of attribute that to my academic background.  I did a lot in cultural history, first with the uneducated in the Depression and then with the mroe educated after Vietnam.  I walked away, I think, having a good handle on how people react and how many view the world differently.  Even smart people do dumb thnigs and the uneducated can be extremely canny and intelligent.  Understanding that sort of helps me to at least justify my characters' reactions.

[0311devil]

I need someone to proof read and give me an outside opinion on my current Mshep/Tali fanfic. It's my third ME FF but i havn't written one in a LONG time sooo this should be interesting. Inbox me if you're willing to give me an idea on how my FF is going thus far.

[MrStoob]

smudboy's ME3 plot analysis goes into levels of 'dumbness' quite well and the different types, usually characters who shouldn't be dumb, acting dumb. For example, Shepard queries with Anderson why he/she needs to go to the Citadel when the fighting is on Earth. Terrible out of character moment. That whole opening scene has people acting dumb...

[Drussius]

^ Agreed on people acting dumb, but a lot of that was forced exposition because they were, as I recall, claiming that ME3 was an excellent 'introduction' to the Mass Effect series as a way to draw new players. If they didn't explain the importance of going to the Citadel, new players wouldn't get it. Still, I agree that it was one of those "she really wouldn't need to ask" moments.

Edit: And I also question the judgment of people who play the third installment of a trilogy before the first two.



Separate topic:

I need some creative input regarding something I plan to include in my story, but don't want to ask here because a few of our regulars are also readers of my fic, and I don't like to give out spoilers. So... Anyone with a keen love of writing/reading asari-related fics who is willing to help with a little creative input, please PM when you have a chance. I probably won't be around to respond until morning, but I find myself in need of a sounding board, and I get the feeling there are people here who are more well-read in terms of ME books/fanfics than I am, since I put all reading on hold over the last nine months while I've been writing so I could concentrate and focus on my own story.

Edit #2: And to the people who have joined us since I last posted: Welcome to the thread!

Modifié par Drussius, 20 avril 2013 - 11:49 .

[hot_heart]

MrStoob wrote...
For example, Shepard queries with Anderson why he/she needs to go to the Citadel when the fighting is on Earth. Terrible out of character moment. That whole opening scene has people acting dumb...

Stupid thing is that they included Vega for the purpose of exposition for new players, and he starts expressing the same viewpoint from the moment you meet him and continues to do so on even on Menae (unavoidably so).

Even worse is that Shepard is in front of the committee at the very start, saying they need to fight together and such...then backtracks. (And throughout, everyone is acting on the knowledge that Earth will become pivotal by the end of the game despite no evidence to suggest that).

God, I hate that opening so much it's unreal.

Modifié par hot_heart, 21 avril 2013 - 03:02 .

[MrStoob]

hot_heart wrote...
God, I hate that opening so much it's unreal.

Ha!

"How do we stop them?"
"Stop them?  This isn't about strategy or tactics!  We fight or we die!"
"Hm.  Don't we need some kind of strategy or tactics to fight?"
"I SAID: We fight or we die!"
"Yes... but..."
"FIGHT or DIE!"
"Is he going to keep on saying that?"

...and so on.

Sorry. 

[Spiritwolf1]

http://www.stripes.c...romise-1.216687


Medi gel

[MrStoob]

Spiritwolf1 wrote...

http://www.stripes.c...romise-1.216687


Medi gel

Isn't that that kind of thing that Superglue was originally intended for?

[Fatiguesdualism]

Spiritwolf1 wrote...

http://www.stripes.c...romise-1.216687


Medi gel

That's scarily similar to how I head-canon medi-gel too! 

[Seracen]

Spiritwolf1 wrote...

http://www.stripes.c...romise-1.216687

Medi gel

Heh, it even sounds like the ME announcer!

MrStoob wrote...

Isn't that that kind of thing that Superglue was originally intended for?

Agreed, IIRC superglue was originally for triage hospitals on the battlefield.

This is exactly what biofoam looked like in Halo: ODST, I could see medigel being an advanced form of this.

Modifié par Seracen, 21 avril 2013 - 09:08 .

[AustereLemur799]

Guys, I know that I have my flaws - and for that I can only apologise profusely. I always seem to come on here when I'm in the worst possible place (which I know isn't great for you guys). I really do apologise for all my crappy behaviour.

I feel ashamed that people were kind enough to respond to my crap last time round and I wasn't lurking at the time, so I only got around to reading it now.

I don't want to come across as attention-seeking or anything, but I really am grateful that you guys put up with me - and, granted; you shouldn't have to. I know (or I think, from what I can remember at the time when I was off my face) that I pretty much said goodbye. That would be the smart choice, but I keep finding my way back here (probably for worse rather than better).

I'd like to contribute where possible (assuming I have anything useful to say). On the other hand; if I'm being annoying or problematic - just tell me to do one, and I will.

In the meantime; I'll just be quietly admiring everyone's success and taking a page out of your book of productivity and success.

Thanks again. And sorry - really sorry for being a general idiot.

I know that I have a lot of work to do - both to build confidence with you guys and also with my readers.

[Seracen]

AustereLemur799 wrote...

...

Thanks again. And sorry - really sorry for being a general idiot.

I know that I have a lot of work to do - both to build confidence with you guys and also with my readers.

Hey Lemur, welcome back!

Speaking for myself, I really do beleive you are being too self-conscious.  I haven't been angered by anything you've said or done.  Heck, I consistently ask for feedback and advice as much as I respond to other topics.

Just take a deep breathe, and remember to have fun.  Until you start being rude (which I assure, you haven't been), I certainly won't be perturbed.

Meanwhile, I suggest having fun with the questions of the day, or maybe even ask your own.  Perhaps it'll get the writing juices flowing!

Modifié par Seracen, 22 avril 2013 - 06:13 .

[Drussius]

^ Seconded. I can't recall anything you've said, Lemur, that would be construed as causing problems in any way.

And also seconded on the second! I like the QOTD, personally. While I haven't responded to many of them myself due to the general craziness plaguing my life of late, it's always interesting to see the responses. Personally, I apologize for not contributing much to the thread of late, but as I said, things have been crazy for me and time is at a premium. I've even had to erode my buffer of finished Chapters to remain on-schedule with releases for my story. I am no longer four Chapters ahead. I'm three...

Unfortunately, when I want to post of late, it's usually something related to my story (I'm self-centered that way) and I always choose not to because I am heavily anti-spoiler. I hate when people spoil stories or movies or games for me, so I refuse to do it for others. Since I write ahead of my releases, any question asked related to my story would be a spoiler.

Still, I just wanted to thank those of you who responded to my earlier post, including our esteemed leader lill, for helping to focus my thoughts a bit and get me on track. Now I have just a few hours to write before my daughters get up, so it's back to work!

[MrStoob]

Thirded? Is that a word...? lol

EDIT: yes, it is. 

Modifié par MrStoob, 22 avril 2013 - 11:04 .

[CDR David Shepard]

Is there anyone here willing to help me out and write a quick backstory shortstory for me?

[Progman Omega]

Not sure if this isn't in line with standard protocol, or something, but here goes:

QOTD:  Where do you draw the line between head-canon and psuedo-canon?  That is, how much do you feel you can change about established dialouge/plots/relationships without your story dipping into the AU pot?

For me, if it's not nailed down specifically, like the sequence and order of some missions/events, I don't have a problem applying my own small spin to it.  As long as it makes sense, and probably happened in the first place.
Otherwise, I get super self conscious about it.  I try to ground a story inbetween two canon events, or right before or after one so it appears more connected to canon.

For example, when I wrote "Home", I kept going back and forth between setting it during the flight to Earth from the Charon relay and setting it in Arcturus.  Logically, since the only relay that connects to Earth is at Arcturus, the allied fleets would use it as a staging area for the assault on the Citadel.  We never see this happen in-game, but otherwise it would be impossible for the fleets to actually clear the relay together, and in formation.  Eventually, replaying the final sequence reminded me that Hackett boards the Normandy right before they make the jump to Earth, and that gave me the canon-grounding point I needed to justify Arcturus as the setting.  

[MrStoob]

Progman Omega wrote...
QOTD:  Where do you draw the line between head-canon and psuedo-canon?  That is, how much do you feel you can change about established dialouge/plots/relationships without your story dipping into the AU pot?

I can be pretty loose with established events or exchanges.  I have Liara stopping Samara from shooting herself in front of Falere for reasons established in the time between ME1 and ME2 and a history they have, or that it was Vido Santiago that set Liara up for the Shadow Broker during Redemption (the Blue Suns were involved after all) and subsequently it was Liara who arranged the Zorya job, using Zaeed so she could get revenge on Vido.  In my fic, Zaeed and Liara have a history too.  She was a busy girl even before Shep met her.  Hehe.

Stuff like that anyway.