9959 réponses à ce sujet

[Severyx]

MrStoob wrote...

God help me then.  I can be a wordy bugger sometimes.  Specific words mean specific things. for e.g.  'decline' and 'refuse' are VERY similar, but the underlying meaning is quite different.

Do you mean the person mis-read the word, or mis-understood its meaning/usage?

They mis-read the word as something visually similar (slang word for prostitute in adjective form, it gets censored on the forums). Knowing me a bit, they figured I would not have used that word, nor did it fit nearly as well as the word I did use. He suggested I used a different word, as the potential for other people to mis-read it is clearly there.

Having given it some thought, I decided to leave it as-is. Mis-reading is a reader error, and while it is an unfortunate reality of visually processing the extremely abstract concept of words and writing, there's very little I can do (as the writer) to influence that without sacrificing some intent. Perhaps they might mis-read the word I replace it with, causing even more confusion! 'Sultry' fit my descriptive intention perfectly, so I'm sticking to it.

Anywho - I can see what you mean by your word choice. The nice thing about the English language is that it's relatively expansive, and we have a lot of very similar words that can mean subtly different things, given the right context. I'd say go with your gut feeling and let the cruel, unforgiving world of the internet decide if things are too descriptive or not. I know Tolkein was also a 'wordy bugger', but his audience loved that about him.

[MrStoob]

I didn't mean so much 'wordy' as in extended meandering phrases, more that I can spend ages pouring over whether I've chosen the correct expressive term or action to describe what I want.

"He pushed the door open"
"He shoved the door open"

Very simplified example, but stuff like that.

[MrStoob]

Without giving the story away, I'm not entirely happy with some of my premises re: Liara's knowledge, but what the hay.  Why let facts get in the way of a good story? haha

Short story of FemShep and Liara:
http://www.fanfictio...ows_of_the_Past 

I probably need a brutal critique as a first venture, but be gentle...  lol.

Edit: link hopefully fixed.

Modifié par MrStoob, 28 mai 2012 - 08:19 .

[TrulyInnovative]

MrStoob wrote...

Without giving the story away, I'm not entirely happy with some of my premises re: Liara's knowledge, but what the hay.  Why let facts get in the way of a good story? haha

Short story of FemShep and Liara:
Long Shadows of the Past

I probably need a brutal critique as a first venture, but be gentle...  lol.

OK, a few quick comments. First, I think you're mixing tenses. You have both present tense and past tense in the same scene like in the following examples:

Liara remains silent, giving Shepard a chance to get over the accusation.

Shepard exhaled long and hard, before speaking again.

Second, I don't know the right writing term for this, but I think you're trying to avoid the verb "say" too much:

"That doesn't answer the question," Liara snaps.

"She was indoctrinated!" Shepard hisses.

Realising the impact of her comment, a flustered Liara placates, "Oh you know what I mean, I didn't mean that you... I'm sorry."

I think a lot of the time it's just better to use "X said/says".

Btw, your link doesn't work for me at the moment, I had to manually find the fic.

Modifié par TrulyInnovative, 28 mai 2012 - 08:04 .

[MrStoob]

TrulyInnovative wrote...

MrStoob wrote...

Without giving the story away, I'm not entirely happy with some of my premises re: Liara's knowledge, but what the hay.  Why let facts get in the way of a good story? haha

Short story of FemShep and Liara:
Long Shadows of the Past

I probably need a brutal critique as a first venture, but be gentle...  lol.

OK, a few quick comments. First, I think you're mixing tenses. You have both present tense and past tense in the same scene like in the following examples:

Liara remains silent, giving Shepard a chance to get over the accusation.

Shepard exhaled long and hard, before speaking again.

Second, I don't know the right writing term for this, but I think you're trying to avoid the verb "say" too much:

"That doesn't answer the question," Liara snaps.

"She was indoctrinated!" Shepard hisses.

Realising the impact of her comment, a flustered Liara placates, "Oh you know what I mean, I didn't mean that you... I'm sorry."

I think a lot of the time it's just better to use "X said/says".

Btw, your link doesn't work for me at the moment, I had to manually find the fic.

Yes, sorry, I know what I did wrong with the link now.

Yea, I was conscious of the tenses when I started, but thought I'd tidied it up.  Thanks.

And yea, I was avoiding 'say', as I didn't want it to get 'samey'.  I also wanted them to express how they were saying things.  But if you think it's over the top and unnecessary for the scene, I can have another look over it.

And thanks very much for taking the time.

[TrulyInnovative]

MrStoob wrote...

Yes, sorry, I know what I did wrong with the link now.

Yea, I was conscious of the tenses when I started, but thought I'd tidied it up.  Thanks.

And yea, I was avoiding 'say', as I didn't want it to get 'samey'.  I also wanted them to express how they were saying things.  But if you think it's over the top and unnecessary for the scene, I can have another look over it.

And thanks very much for taking the time.

No problem. Btw, here are a few quick links I googled about the use of the word said:

http://ajbarnett.hub...-words-for-said
http://www.spwickstrom.com/said/

A quote from the first one:

Is it your dream, your fantasy to write a story? Do you have a
book in your head, but 'said' gets in the way? Books are what drive most
authors forward, words are what drive them mad.
We might write short stories, fantasy, science fiction, lengthy
novels, romance, but if we write fiction, then somewhere along the line
we'll come up against the word, 'said'. Does using it fill you with despair?

There are abundant words to use instead, yet to be truthful, you're probably best not using them.
Readers pay such little attention to 'said’, it
effectively becomes invisible. If you use an alternative, it can become
conspicuous; it can make a declaration and say – hey guys, look at me,
I’m important - and at worst, can downgrade your book.
If it’s understandable who is speaking, then remove it
completely. It's surprising how much more professional your work will
look - in fact, let's make a rule - if it's obvious who's speaking,
don't use anything.

Modifié par TrulyInnovative, 28 mai 2012 - 08:20 .

[MrStoob]

It's funny, because there were a hell of lot less 'said' or anything at first, then I second guessed myself (and probably the reader) that maybe I needed to be more clear about who is speaking. Then I found myself doing that a lot, not just with dialogue. "Does that line make sense? It makes sense to me, but I'm writing it. Maybe I should re-arrange it" and so on.

Since it's only two people speaking, then yes, as the quote you have there says:
"if it's obvious who's speaking, don't use anything"

Edit: FFS what goes on with links in sigs?

Modifié par MrStoob, 28 mai 2012 - 08:28 .

[TheWerdna]

I am currently in the planning stages for writing a fanfic. This would be my first attempt at writing a fanfic (besides a alternate ending fic I decided against posting due to the existence of like a billion others), but as summer break starts soon and I am not really doing much I thought writing a fanfic would be a good way to occupy my time.

As such I would like to get some advice/pointers so i don't completely screw up. So far i have writen a outline of the overall plot and have writen rough drafts of the first two chapters and a few random moments from throughout the story. Beyond this i am not sure what else i should do besides just starting to write. As such hat kind of problems should I look out for. Are there any helpful writing strategys or other tips I should be aware of.

Just for refernce, here is the basic summery of my planned story.

The story following two intertwined plotthread,  taking place 23 years after the end of the Reaper war. One plotthread would follow
Shepard & Tali's adopted daughter (and a bunch of new characters). Meanwhile a old enemy reemerges as Shepard is given his first big Spectre assignment in over 5 years. Both of these plotline will be based around the same central conflict (fighting this...enemy) and will come togeather near the end for the climax and conclusion.


If it was going to be a small story I would not be that worried, but I (for some reason) decided I wanted to write a much longer and more conplex story. Anyhow, feedback and suggestions would be very appreciated.

[MidnightRaith]

TrulyInnovative wrote...

MrStoob wrote...

Yes, sorry, I know what I did wrong with the link now.

Yea, I was conscious of the tenses when I started, but thought I'd tidied it up.  Thanks.

And yea, I was avoiding 'say', as I didn't want it to get 'samey'.  I also wanted them to express how they were saying things.  But if you think it's over the top and unnecessary for the scene, I can have another look over it.

And thanks very much for taking the time.

No problem. Btw, here are a few quick links I googled about the use of the word said:

http://ajbarnett.hub...-words-for-said
http://www.spwickstrom.com/said/

A quote from the first one:

Is it your dream, your fantasy to write a story? Do you have a
book in your head, but 'said' gets in the way? Books are what drive most
authors forward, words are what drive them mad.
We might write short stories, fantasy, science fiction, lengthy
novels, romance, but if we write fiction, then somewhere along the line
we'll come up against the word, 'said'. Does using it fill you with despair?

There are abundant words to use instead, yet to be truthful, you're probably best not using them.
Readers pay such little attention to 'said’, it
effectively becomes invisible. If you use an alternative, it can become
conspicuous; it can make a declaration and say – hey guys, look at me,
I’m important - and at worst, can downgrade your book.
If it’s understandable who is speaking, then remove it
completely. It's surprising how much more professional your work will
look - in fact, let's make a rule - if it's obvious who's speaking,
don't use anything.

This is a very good tip. I only ususally deviate from "said" when I want to actually want to describe exactly how a character said something. However, when they are simply talking and there is no emphasis required, I do use "said" or if I have established a pattern, I don't write out who said what since it should be obvious.

As for word choice in sentences, I do think that is important. While you should avoid over thinking something, some words are definitely more powerful than others and you should be careful when using them. I'm going to elaborate on your push/shove example, MrStoob.

If you were describing the scene in LotSB where Liara jokingly pushes Shepard after the "blue babies" comment, I would definitely not use shove in that context.

Liara pushed at Shepard, "You just say these things!"

Liara shoved Shepard, "You just say these things!" (or whatever the actual quote is...)

Now, I would argue that the former holds the obvious humor she has in the scene. The latter comes off as unnecessarily aggressive and would contradict what the reader expects. I don't know how many people would actively notice it, but I do think that people would feel that the latter just didn't feel right for some reason they can't explain. It's sort of on a subconcious level.

[lillitheris]

Somehow I ended up drawing a weird cat-Tali instead of writing tonight.

…

Somewhat tangentially, how do you approach chapters? I essentially hold about 2500 the minimum, with special exceptions. Any shorter and it means I’m probably missing something. On the other hand, if I end up north of 4000, I feel like I’m cramming too much in. Consequently, my chapter lengths vary all over the place.

But then I also see stories with every chapter at 4500 ± 5 words…does anyone write specifically toward a target number?

[hot_heart]

I don't know if it's because of my scriptwriting background and/or inexperience in writing prose but I don't write towards a word limit.

I tend to treat a lot of chapters like 'scenes', although, unlike scripts, some will be more directly connected and involve various locations and timeframes (which would be headed as different scenes in scripts...just to confuse things).

It's just easier to get my head round them that way.

[MidnightRaith]

lillitheris wrote...

Somehow I ended up drawing a weird cat-Tali instead of writing tonight.

…

Somewhat tangentially, how do you approach chapters? I essentially hold about 2500 the minimum, with special exceptions. Any shorter and it means I’m probably missing something. On the other hand, if I end up north of 4000, I feel like I’m cramming too much in. Consequently, my chapter lengths vary all over the place.

But then I also see stories with every chapter at 4500 ± 5 words…does anyone write specifically toward a target number?

I don't have a cap, but I do hold a minimum. Anything below my min is regarded as a waste of my time as well as my readers. I know that I can achieve an average word count and should hold myself to that standard. However, I don't limit myself. Each chapter should feel exactly so, something that has its own overall arc. I generally have something to say in each chapter and there is a definite ending to the subject I was addressing in each one. The only time I separate text into their own chapters is if I feel that what I wrote actually concluded at some point and I began to explore another topic without realizing it.

There are some differences in length between chapters at times, but I don't feel that is a bad thing if you are not sacrificing what actually makes up each chapter just to trivialize it into a word count.

[lillitheris]

MidnightRaith wrote...

I don't have a cap, but I do hold a minimum. Anything below my min is regarded as a waste of my time as well as my readers.

Hmm, you mean in the sense that if you normally publish MIN + M words weekly, suddenly publishing only MIN / 2 words means you’ve wasted time?

But what if you started doing 2000 twice a week instead? That’s still OK, assuming you fill your other criteria of course?

[MidnightRaith]

lillitheris wrote...

MidnightRaith wrote...

I don't have a cap, but I do hold a minimum. Anything below my min is regarded as a waste of my time as well as my readers.

Hmm, you mean in the sense that if you normally publish MIN + M words weekly, suddenly publishing only MIN / 2 words means you’ve wasted time?

But what if you started doing 2000 twice a week instead? That’s still OK, assuming you fill your other criteria of course?

Reaching 2000 words is pretty easy to me. My average is nearly 3000 but occasionally reach only 2500. Essentially, if I don't reach 2000 then the topic I chose for that chapter was something I shouldn't have tried to write because I did not have enough to say on the subject. My writing style depends on having enough to say. I characterize instead of focusing on description or the science of the ME universe. Writing something like combat is going to be a bit of a challenge to me.

With that in mind, I typically explore relationships and what a character is thinking as the scene plays out. If I choose a topic that doesn't allow me to explore what a character is feeling or thinking in an adequate amount then what was the point in that chapter? The point of Striking is to explore what Liara is feeling during the build-up to a relationship with Shepard. Her thoughts, insecurities what she feels about Shepard during the beginning, how that progresses to realizing she has feelings for her somewhere in the middle to the conclusion and how she explains going to Shepard before Ilos was ideal. Explaining all of that is typically going to take more than 2000 words and if it doesn't then I feel that I either compressed her thoughts too much or I didn't show enough understanding of her character.

I'm not saying that I intentionally draw out Liara's thoughts to reach a goal. What I aim to do is keep things natural and organic. If I intentionally forced more out of a topic that I didn't have much to write on, then I feel it would come off as forced and stiff.

[CuHnadian]

lillitheris wrote...

Somehow I ended up drawing a weird cat-Tali instead of writing tonight.

…

Somewhat tangentially, how do you approach chapters? I essentially hold about 2500 the minimum, with special exceptions. Any shorter and it means I’m probably missing something. On the other hand, if I end up north of 4000, I feel like I’m cramming too much in. Consequently, my chapter lengths vary all over the place.

But then I also see stories with every chapter at 4500 ± 5 words…does anyone write specifically toward a target number?

I don't really care about word count as long as it's at least longer than 1500 words (with the exception of one chapter). I find it more depends on where it ends. If I know the chapter is going to end on a cliffhanger, I want it to feel meaningful and not just there because I got lazy. If I feel the chapter ends on a solid note, then it doesn't really matter how long the chapter is.

Modifié par CuHnadian, 28 mai 2012 - 09:50 .

[Icyflare]

Question: how do you guys as readers feel about fanfics that use their Shepard's first name right off the bat and often when other characters are addressing Shepard?

As a writer, it's probably very tempting to establish certain parameters about your Shepard's character as quickly as possible, but it can come off as jarring and breaks the immersion feeling that stories try to create. I actually prefer that writers don't use their Shepard's first names at all unless it's absolutely necessary to the story's plot or dynamics. Anyone else's thoughts?

[Spartanburger]

lillitheris wrote...

Somehow I ended up drawing a weird cat-Tali instead of writing tonight.

…

lillitheris wrote...

Somewhat tangentially, how do you approach chapters? I essentially hold about 2500 the minimum, with special exceptions. Any shorter and it means I’m probably missing something. On the other hand, if I end up north of 4000, I feel like I’m cramming too much in. Consequently, my chapter lengths vary all over the place.

But then I also see stories with every chapter at 4500 ± 5 words…does anyone write specifically toward a target number?

I can in no way speak from experience, but what I've always been taught in school is that any requirement of length in a writing project is nothing more than a guideline. Quality of content > amount of content.
I mean, the only two fics I've written were both one-shots and one is under 1000 words, so I really cannot speak from experience.

Preferably, the chapter should cover enough material to be actually substantial, yet leave off on a note that makes the reader want more.

Icyflare wrote...

Question: how do you guys as readers feel about fanfics that use their Shepard's first name right off the bat and often when other characters are addressing Shepard?

As a writer, it's probably very tempting to establish certain parameters about your Shepard's character as quickly as possible, but it can come off as jarring and breaks the immersion feeling that stories try to create. I actually prefer that writers don't use their Shepard's first names at all unless it's absolutely necessary to the story's plot or dynamics. Anyone else's thoughts?

I think it's always good to establish a first name very early on in the story for Shepard, but only really refer to him as "Shepard" or "the Commander." The first name is kind of special and should be reserved for intimates. Preferably close friends or LIs. Personal enemies could also use the first name to antagonize him as well, sort of how Morinth called Samara "mother" when she knew that it would hurt her.

Modifié par Spartanburger, 28 mai 2012 - 11:00 .

[fluffywalrus]

Icyflare wrote...

Question: how do you guys as readers feel about fanfics that use their Shepard's first name right off the bat and often when other characters are addressing Shepard?

As a writer, it's probably very tempting to establish certain parameters about your Shepard's character as quickly as possible, but it can come off as jarring and breaks the immersion feeling that stories try to create. I actually prefer that writers don't use their Shepard's first names at all unless it's absolutely necessary to the story's plot or dynamics. Anyone else's thoughts?

I can totally understand that, and generally I agree that  "shepard" should often be used more.

I think the only stories I've read where I feel differently are ones that explore Shepard's origin. More or less, I see "Shepard" as the end result of those template decisions you choose in ME1, and these experiences mold this individual into Shepard. In these cases, moving from a first name basis to a last name basis on the main character is often a...I don't know, a more organic process? It's what I'm trying for in my own fanfic, though I'm not sure how well I'm pulling it off thus far(although I do only have 2 chapters published...)

Though I know many others who feel differently than me on the topic, and loathe when Shepard's first name is used. *shrug*

I think first name basis is good for more personal discussions in the fic, but generally, 'Shepard' should be used in non-intimate scenes for the most part.

[MidnightRaith]

Icyflare wrote...

Question: how do you guys as readers feel about fanfics that use their Shepard's first name right off the bat and often when other characters are addressing Shepard?

As a writer, it's probably very tempting to establish certain parameters about your Shepard's character as quickly as possible, but it can come off as jarring and breaks the immersion feeling that stories try to create. I actually prefer that writers don't use their Shepard's first names at all unless it's absolutely necessary to the story's plot or dynamics. Anyone else's thoughts?

Baahhhh! I hate it when characters overuse Shepard's first name. Not because the writer can't have one for their Shepard or to keep this Shepard relatable to everyone (which I also don't like because I go into the fic expecting you to write about your Shepard. Not mine. I can think of mine well enough on my own.) but because the characters don't use Shepard's name in-game. Of course it would be impossible if they did, but the gameplay mechanic gave birth to the impression that Shepard's name is Shepard. It's the title he/she responds to most often.

Anyone watch Bones? There is a character named Seeley Booth, and everyone calls him Booth. That is his name. His first name is only used in emotionally charged scenes or with people like his son's mother or his grandfather. I feel the same about Shepard. Garrus should call Shepard, Shepard. Your LI should largely call you Shepard unless the scene is heavy emotionally (this also pertains to Garrus. The above is only him as a bromance) and Spacer Shep's mom should call him/her by their first name and not Shepard. I just think it's in character for everyone to call Shepard, Shepard for the most part.

[Ainyan42]

Icyflare wrote...

Question: how do you guys as readers feel about fanfics that use their Shepard's first name right off the bat and often when other characters are addressing Shepard?

As a writer, it's probably very tempting to establish certain parameters about your Shepard's character as quickly as possible, but it can come off as jarring and breaks the immersion feeling that stories try to create. I actually prefer that writers don't use their Shepard's first names at all unless it's absolutely necessary to the story's plot or dynamics. Anyone else's thoughts?

I personally never use my Shepard's first name. In any fanfic I write, she's always referred to as 'Shepard' or 'the Commander' - but never by her first name. It can be a bit jarring, especially during a personal scene between her and her LI or a close friend, but I feel that by using a first name for Shepard, it would almost be SI. When I am writing, I want people to be able to read my work and think 'this could be part of my head cannon', which I don't believe can happen when I name Shepard and her name doesn't coincide with their name. It breaks the immersion and takes them out of the story of 'The great Commander Shepard' and instead almost creates an AU.

I don't mind reading fics where other writers use Shepard's "first name", but those stories rarely inspire me to consider their events in terms of my personal head cannon.

[MidnightRaith]

Ainyan42 wrote...

I personally never use my Shepard's first name. In any fanfic I write, she's always referred to as 'Shepard' or 'the Commander' - but never by her first name. It can be a bit jarring, especially during a personal scene between her and her LI or a close friend, but I feel that by using a first name for Shepard, it would almost be SI. When I am writing, I want people to be able to read my work and think 'this could be part of my head cannon', which I don't believe can happen when I name Shepard and her name doesn't coincide with their name. It breaks the immersion and takes them out of the story of 'The great Commander Shepard' and instead almost creates an AU.

I don't mind reading fics where other writers use Shepard's "first name", but those stories rarely inspire me to consider their events in terms of my personal head cannon.

Interesting, you have nearly the opposite opinion to me. I disagree that the fic becomes more like an SI if someone uses Shep's first name. My Shepard's first name is Serra. That most definitely is not my first name nor do I actually put many of my own traits in my Shepard. In fact, my canon Shepard is perhaps the first character I've written about that is hardly like me. I like to think that players each can make their own characters in regards to Shepard and I think Shepard is more like an OC than a SI.

My head canon in regards to Shepard is already formed. I don't really need anyone else to form my own canon. I like to read other's take on Shepard for their own canon. It is interesting to see how the series inspired them to write their Shep and how theirs differs from mine.

[Ainyan42]

MidnightRaith wrote...

Ainyan42 wrote...
*snip*

Interesting, you have nearly the opposite opinion to me. I disagree that the fic becomes more like an SI if someone uses Shep's first name. My Shepard's first name is Serra. That most definitely is not my first name nor do I actually put many of my own traits in my Shepard. In fact, my canon Shepard is perhaps the first character I've written about that is hardly like me. I like to think that players each can make their own characters in regards to Shepard and I think Shepard is more like an OC than a SI.

My head canon in regards to Shepard is already formed. I don't really need anyone else to form my own canon. I like to read other's take on Shepard for their own canon. It is interesting to see how the series inspired them to write their Shep and how theirs differs from mine.

Oh, for the most part my head canon is formed - but I have been known to shift it slightly when I've read a fic that particularly resonates with me - such as a response to a scene in one of the games that gives me an insight into how my Shepard might have reacted. While the exact story may not become part of my head canon, my head canon has been known to evolve in a way which considers Shepard's reaction to that in-game event, when I may not have thought about it before.

Perhaps OC would be a better term than SI - but I consider all Shepards to be OC, because there is no 'traditional' personality for Shepard. Even in the game, each response you take can shape her personality in a different way. As soon as a writer begins naming their Shep, however, it tends to pull me out of reading 'Commander Shepard's Story' and into reading '_______ Shepard's Story'. For me (though I understand not for all), there is a definite distinction between the two.

[Icyflare]

MidnightRaith wrote...

Ainyan42 wrote...

I personally never use my Shepard's first name. In any fanfic I write, she's always referred to as 'Shepard' or 'the Commander' - but never by her first name. It can be a bit jarring, especially during a personal scene between her and her LI or a close friend, but I feel that by using a first name for Shepard, it would almost be SI. When I am writing, I want people to be able to read my work and think 'this could be part of my head cannon', which I don't believe can happen when I name Shepard and her name doesn't coincide with their name. It breaks the immersion and takes them out of the story of 'The great Commander Shepard' and instead almost creates an AU.

I don't mind reading fics where other writers use Shepard's "first name", but those stories rarely inspire me to consider their events in terms of my personal head cannon.

Interesting, you have nearly the opposite opinion to me. I disagree that the fic becomes more like an SI if someone uses Shep's first name. My Shepard's first name is Serra. That most definitely is not my first name nor do I actually put many of my own traits in my Shepard. In fact, my canon Shepard is perhaps the first character I've written about that is hardly like me. I like to think that players each can make their own characters in regards to Shepard and I think Shepard is more like an OC than a SI.

My head canon in regards to Shepard is already formed. I don't really need anyone else to form my own canon. I like to read other's take on Shepard for their own canon. It is interesting to see how the series inspired them to write their Shep and how theirs differs from mine.

I'm actually of the opinion of never using my Shepard's first name either, but it's also rather difficult to establish a Shepard that's relatable with everyone if you're writing your Shepard differently than what the canon could be. Hence, the temptation to overuse their first name if you know they're going way off-canon.

I can agree that a big problem with using your Shepard's first name in your fic is that other in-game characters would never use it so casually, and so it should be used sparingly for emotional/dramatic effect.

Modifié par Icyflare, 28 mai 2012 - 11:59 .

[MidnightRaith]

Perhaps I'm just someone that doesn't write Shepard with the intention of making her (I don't really play ManShep) relatable to everyone. Part of the fun I have with the Shepard character is seeing how different mine is to others and I get disappointed when authors try too hard to make their Shepard into everyone's Shepard.

[Natswit]

MidnightRaith wrote...
Perhaps I'm just someone that doesn't write Shepard with the intention of making her (I don't really play ManShep) relatable to everyone. Part of the fun I have with the Shepard character is seeing how different mine is to others and I get disappointed when authors try too hard to make their Shepard into everyone's Shepard.

Agreed. Sometimes I get fascinated by how many different Shepards there are in a number of fics I read, and that's the best thing about it, to create different personalities that fit in the same story/universe.