LOL soignee!
@ Ette, don't you dare say your writing is bland! Don't make me get my bat to chase your gremlin of self doubt! : D
Fanfiction Sucks
Débuté par
Maria Caliban
, févr. 06 2010 07:23
Retour en haut
#552
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 05:31
Tarante11a
-
- Members
- 342 messages
Well, if it's on ff.net, the review facility is there to do just that. I assumed you meant 'edit' because you said 'and write red pen over everything' — sorry I don't have my metaphor antennae on today. 
I think it's just 'bad form' to be anything other than polite and kind when you are reviewing, especially as a fellow writer. And as I say, I really am not convinced the quality of my own writing allows me to go around pointing the finger.
I think it's just 'bad form' to be anything other than polite and kind when you are reviewing, especially as a fellow writer. And as I say, I really am not convinced the quality of my own writing allows me to go around pointing the finger.
#553
Guest_EtteStarz_*
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 05:34
Guest_EtteStarz_*
Guest_EtteStarz_*
-
- Guests
Gilgamesh1138 wrote...
@ Ette, don't you dare say your writing is bland! Don't make me get my bat to chase your gremlin of self doubt! : D
No bats needed thanks, Gil. But apparently, I need more sauce in my writing given everyone else is doing it.
Modifié par EtteStarz, 20 avril 2010 - 05:35 .
#554
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 05:38
Gilgamesh1138
-
- Members
- 1 915 messages
LOL, if by sauce you mean sex, well no, not necessarily. It is also how you write not just what you write. I had a teacher who made us describe a jar of pickles in a creative way. Even the most mundane can be made amusing if you tell it right.
#555
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 05:48
Tasmen
-
- Members
- 1 793 messages
Tarante11a wrote...
I think it's just 'bad form' to be anything other than polite and kind when you are reviewing, especially as a fellow writer. And as I say, I really am not convinced the quality of my own writing allows me to go around pointing the finger.
The quality of your writing is just divine if you ask me
That being said, there are some folks that are open to constructive criticism and others that are not. I do try to offer constructive comments if that person had made it clear they would like that kind of review of their work. But like, Tara, for the most part, I'm polite when I review and try to find something nice to say.
#556
Guest_EtteStarz_*
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 05:51
Guest_EtteStarz_*
Guest_EtteStarz_*
-
- Guests
Tarante11a wrote...
Well, if it's on ff.net, the review facility is there to do just that. I assumed you meant 'edit' because you said 'and write red pen over everything' — sorry I don't have my metaphor antennae on today.
I think it's just 'bad form' to be anything other than polite and kind when you are reviewing, especially as a fellow writer. And as I say, I really am not convinced the quality of my own writing allows me to go around pointing the finger.
Well, I appreciate your politeness, Tara. I work with young journalists every day, and reviewing their work is always challenging because you have to keep in mind where they are in their careers and life while making sure that you're keeping focused on helping them become better writers, storytellers and reporters. And each editor has a different style so it can be difficult for them to find the right mentor who understand what they're about and their needs. And they're all so different but have the same desires and goals as writers, so I usuallly try to give tactful and tough love, but it's all love.
The voluntary nature of fan fiction makes reviewing difficult at times. It's one of those things, if you don't have anything constructive to say, don't say it. No one is forcing you to read the material - so if you don't like it then move on.
But if the author has asked you personally for a review, then I think you need to try to be as helpful as possible keeping in mind the author's intent and willingness to grow or improve. That's why they asked...if it's not asked of you then don't force it. One advice I give to some of my young writers is: when in doubt, leave it out. Same goes for questionable public reviews and intents.
Modifié par EtteStarz, 20 avril 2010 - 05:55 .
#557
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 05:58
soignee
-
- Members
- 5 035 messages
Tarante11a wrote...
Well, if it's on ff.net, the review facility is there to do just that. I assumed you meant 'edit' because you said 'and write red pen over everything' — sorry I don't have my metaphor antennae on today.
I think it's just 'bad form' to be anything other than polite and kind when you are reviewing, especially as a fellow writer. And as I say, I really am not convinced the quality of my own writing allows me to go around pointing the finger.
oh you do the zevran/kitsen stuff! I love that
#558
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 06:02
Tarante11a
-
- Members
- 342 messages
My apologies for sounding a bit scratchy and self-righteous - perhaps I seemed a bit rude myself. (I've just woken up and it always takes me a little time to become human.) I'm just a bit sensitive about this issue. I just know I would be utterly crushed if someone told me my writing was crap and I'd written a bad story. It would just kick me where it really hurts.
But — and I guess this is where I can ask a question — I'm particularly under-confident about querying storylines and canon. I'm still confused about the etiquette in fanfic when it comes to what is and what isn't allowed. After all, it seems to me that you can kind of write what you like - breaking canon all over the place if you feel like it. On the subject of Zevran giving someone rufies - and I'm playing devil's advocate here - if a player doesn't get on with Zev, he might come across as a violent, immoral sh*tbag. And anyway, if the writer *wants* to say he dosed and raped someone, then surely that's up to them? It might not be a concept you like or the subject matter might be uncomfortable but that's not your 'problem'... if you see what I mean?
Anyway, as I say, I'm still finding out about fanfic really. But I am sorry if I sounded like a bit of a cow.
@Tasmen - you are very sweet to say so, thank you.
But — and I guess this is where I can ask a question — I'm particularly under-confident about querying storylines and canon. I'm still confused about the etiquette in fanfic when it comes to what is and what isn't allowed. After all, it seems to me that you can kind of write what you like - breaking canon all over the place if you feel like it. On the subject of Zevran giving someone rufies - and I'm playing devil's advocate here - if a player doesn't get on with Zev, he might come across as a violent, immoral sh*tbag. And anyway, if the writer *wants* to say he dosed and raped someone, then surely that's up to them? It might not be a concept you like or the subject matter might be uncomfortable but that's not your 'problem'... if you see what I mean?
Anyway, as I say, I'm still finding out about fanfic really. But I am sorry if I sounded like a bit of a cow.
@Tasmen - you are very sweet to say so, thank you.
Modifié par Tarante11a, 20 avril 2010 - 06:08 .
#559
Guest_EtteStarz_*
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 06:05
Guest_EtteStarz_*
Guest_EtteStarz_*
-
- Guests
Gilgamesh1138 wrote...
LOL, if by sauce you mean sex, well no, not necessarily. It is also how you write not just what you write. I had a teacher who made us describe a jar of pickles in a creative way. Even the most mundane can be made amusing if you tell it right.
Pickles! Thanks for reminding me that I haven't eaten lunch! I know, it's always a challenge to make the "ordinary" magical and marvelous - one of my design professors used to tell us that creative freedom was often found in set parameters. Stupid paradox - but it's true because it forces you to really think about the possibilities set before you.
#560
Guest_EtteStarz_*
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 06:10
Guest_EtteStarz_*
Guest_EtteStarz_*
-
- Guests
Anyway, as I say, I'm still finding out about fanfic really. But I am sorry if I sounded like a bit of a cow.
Well, from one heifer to another, moo.
Don't worry too much about the fan fiction - and just focus on the writing. The later will take care of the first. And we all have moments of self-doubt - it shows that you care about your work and the craft.
#561
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 06:32
soignee
-
- Members
- 5 035 messages
EtteStarz wrote...
Anyway, as I say, I'm still finding out about fanfic really. But I am sorry if I sounded like a bit of a cow.
Well, from one heifer to another, moo.
Don't worry too much about the fan fiction - and just focus on the writing. The later will take care of the first. And we all have moments of self-doubt - it shows that you care about your work and the craft.
yeah we all have em, I had mine last night, lols.
#562
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 07:10
Gilgamesh1138
-
- Members
- 1 915 messages
I join the heifer group proudly Tara- MOO huggles. And your writing is divine! I love it too:D. 
In fact I have put everyone of you ladies on my author favs. Soignee being my most recent. I love different your styles are, and how good your story plots are. They are all well written and entertaining. All, I can ask is where is the next chapter? *bats laashes at the herd*
In fact I have put everyone of you ladies on my author favs. Soignee being my most recent. I love different your styles are, and how good your story plots are. They are all well written and entertaining. All, I can ask is where is the next chapter? *bats laashes at the herd*
Modifié par Gilgamesh1138, 20 avril 2010 - 07:11 .
#563
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 07:43
Tasmen
-
- Members
- 1 793 messages
EtteStarz wrote...
Don't worry too much about the fan fiction - and just focus on the writing. The later will take care of the first. And we all have moments of self-doubt - it shows that you care about your work and the craft.
True that! I am my own worst critic. I have highly critical of my own writing.
#564
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 07:48
Obtusifolius
-
- Members
- 265 messages
Hey fan-fiction folks - I rarely come in here because I don't write fan fiction and I almost never read anything apart from set texts for college (I'm starting this really badly, aren't I?) Anyway... I was directed to these parts by a member going by the name of Kerridan Kaiba (I'll edit in a minute if I've misspelled), who said you might be able to assist with a problem I'm having.
I made a thread in the Off Topic section because I've written a short (non fan-fic) story for my final project, but I don't know how to end it. If any creative types feel up to assisting, that would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance! See here: http://social.biowar...3/index/2354770
I made a thread in the Off Topic section because I've written a short (non fan-fic) story for my final project, but I don't know how to end it. If any creative types feel up to assisting, that would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance! See here: http://social.biowar...3/index/2354770
Modifié par Obtusifolius, 20 avril 2010 - 07:48 .
#565
Guest_EtteStarz_*
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 08:43
Guest_EtteStarz_*
Guest_EtteStarz_*
-
- Guests
For those of you who are suffering from the pangs of doubt, feeling the dull pain as it gnaws on your spirit, I'd just like to share some words of wisdom from others who travel these same weary roads as writers.
On the eternal struggle of mastering the craft
A writer is a writer not because she writes well and easily, because she has amazing talent, because everything she does is golden. In my view, a writer is a writer because even when there is no hope, even when nothing you do shows any sign of promise, you keep writing anyway. - Junot Diaz
Yes, writing is almost always too hard, except for those breathtaking times when it isn't, except for those almost ineluctable moments of deliverance when the lair's lamps burn bright, and the air carries a scent, and through the silence one hears the chitterings of language. Writing is almost always too hard, except when the story blows in. - Beth Kephart
You write to communicate to the hearts and minds of others what's burning inside you. And we edit to let the fire show through the smoke. - Arthur Plotnik
On why the struggle matters
And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt. - Sylvia Plath
We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect. - Anaïs Nin
I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking, what I'm looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear. - Joan Didion
Let me listen to me and not to them. - Gertrude Stein
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. - Maya Angelou
-----
Okay, now that I’m done with the mawkish, self-indulgent stuff…
I’m going to blog about break dancing in parachute pants.
On the eternal struggle of mastering the craft
A writer is a writer not because she writes well and easily, because she has amazing talent, because everything she does is golden. In my view, a writer is a writer because even when there is no hope, even when nothing you do shows any sign of promise, you keep writing anyway. - Junot Diaz
Yes, writing is almost always too hard, except for those breathtaking times when it isn't, except for those almost ineluctable moments of deliverance when the lair's lamps burn bright, and the air carries a scent, and through the silence one hears the chitterings of language. Writing is almost always too hard, except when the story blows in. - Beth Kephart
You write to communicate to the hearts and minds of others what's burning inside you. And we edit to let the fire show through the smoke. - Arthur Plotnik
On why the struggle matters
And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt. - Sylvia Plath
We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect. - Anaïs Nin
I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking, what I'm looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear. - Joan Didion
Let me listen to me and not to them. - Gertrude Stein
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. - Maya Angelou
-----
Okay, now that I’m done with the mawkish, self-indulgent stuff…
I’m going to blog about break dancing in parachute pants.
Modifié par EtteStarz, 20 avril 2010 - 09:40 .
#566
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 08:52
Miri1984
-
- Members
- 4 532 messages
I don't offer criticism unless people ask for it. But then, I don't finish reading bad FF. I read too much crap when I'm at work to waste time at home doing the same thing.
If people ask me to Beta Read, that's a different story - I'll happily offer criticism and ways to improve. In fact, if I'm beta reading I'll actually look for things to improve - even if there isn't very much there! Even the best writing has room for improvement. I don't think people ask others to read their work before publication unless they're looking for ways to improve and it's a bit much to say you'll beta read and then send it back saying "nope, this is perfect!"
If people ask me to Beta Read, that's a different story - I'll happily offer criticism and ways to improve. In fact, if I'm beta reading I'll actually look for things to improve - even if there isn't very much there! Even the best writing has room for improvement. I don't think people ask others to read their work before publication unless they're looking for ways to improve and it's a bit much to say you'll beta read and then send it back saying "nope, this is perfect!"
#567
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 08:54
LadyDamodred
-
- Members
- 5 122 messages
Miri1984 wrote...
I don't offer criticism unless people ask for it. But then, I don't finish reading bad FF. I read too much crap when I'm at work to waste time at home doing the same thing.
If people ask me to Beta Read, that's a different story - I'll happily offer criticism and ways to improve. In fact, if I'm beta reading I'll actually look for things to improve - even if there isn't very much there! Even the best writing has room for improvement. I don't think people ask others to read their work before publication unless they're looking for ways to improve and it's a bit much to say you'll beta read and then send it back saying "nope, this is perfect!"
Srsly. It's a pain in the ass to get people to offer criticisms, which being that this is the internet, is fairly shocking. I've had a couple of good comments, and have tried to tweak those areas, but I still need someone to review and be brutally honest.
#568
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 09:15
Maria13
-
- Members
- 3 831 messages
Obtusifolius wrote...
Hey fan-fiction folks - I rarely come in here because I don't write fan fiction and I almost never read anything apart from set texts for college (I'm starting this really badly, aren't I?) Anyway... I was directed to these parts by a member going by the name of Kerridan Kaiba (I'll edit in a minute if I've misspelled), who said you might be able to assist with a problem I'm having.
I made a thread in the Off Topic section because I've written a short (non fan-fic) story for my final project, but I don't know how to end it. If any creative types feel up to assisting, that would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance! See here: http://social.biowar...3/index/2354770
Read your story once again before you go to bed, try to think about it before you go to sleep and something may suggest itself before morning. This works for me, sometimes...
#569
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 09:20
weyrleader
-
- Members
- 244 messages
EtteStarz wrote...
weyrleader wrote...
know what was also a trend? Parachute pants......and we all know how that went!
I thought they were coolI mean, how else can you do the helicopter with Alfonso Ribeiro's Breakin' and Poppin' without them?
Oh, I'm so blogging about this tomorrow! classic!
lol! Glad I could assist!
#570
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 09:38
Gilgamesh1138
-
- Members
- 1 915 messages
ROFL Wery!
@maria13 I too sometimes sleep on it and it helps.:innocent:
@ Ette, I LOVE those quotes. That makes me feel so much better as I am struggling with my latest chapter. It is being a bugaboo to write. *SIGH*
@Obtuse, I will jump over and take a look.
@ LadyD, link to stories please?
@ Weyr link to yours too please, I want to give you and Lady D shout outs on my author's notes. :happy:
@maria13 I too sometimes sleep on it and it helps.:innocent:
@ Ette, I LOVE those quotes. That makes me feel so much better as I am struggling with my latest chapter. It is being a bugaboo to write. *SIGH*
@Obtuse, I will jump over and take a look.
@ LadyD, link to stories please?
@ Weyr link to yours too please, I want to give you and Lady D shout outs on my author's notes. :happy:
Modifié par Gilgamesh1138, 20 avril 2010 - 09:39 .
#571
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 09:38
Scrimgeour10
-
- Members
- 124 messages
Just discovered this thread - great that there's a place for writers to chat about their fanfiction!
In terms of reviews, I have to admit I'm fairly lazy in leaving them. And it's terrible, because it's the worst thing when you're getting lots of alerts subscribed to for your own story but no reviews, and then you realise you're doing the same to other people! But I never feel compelled to give a review unless I really like the story. If I enjoy it I'll maybe pick out bits that they could improve on. If it's bad then I normally just leave it.
On the other hand, when receiving reviews its nice to get a good bit of concrit now and again. As nice as all the "wow this is good, update please" reviews are, it's great when you get one going in-depth and praising the good stuff, but being honest and concise about things that could be improved on. Personally, that encourages me to try and improve my writing more.
In terms of reviews, I have to admit I'm fairly lazy in leaving them. And it's terrible, because it's the worst thing when you're getting lots of alerts subscribed to for your own story but no reviews, and then you realise you're doing the same to other people! But I never feel compelled to give a review unless I really like the story. If I enjoy it I'll maybe pick out bits that they could improve on. If it's bad then I normally just leave it.
On the other hand, when receiving reviews its nice to get a good bit of concrit now and again. As nice as all the "wow this is good, update please" reviews are, it's great when you get one going in-depth and praising the good stuff, but being honest and concise about things that could be improved on. Personally, that encourages me to try and improve my writing more.
#572
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 09:47
LadyDamodred
-
- Members
- 5 122 messages
Gilgamesh1138 wrote...
@ LadyD, link to stories please?
My stories can be found there. Broken Road is the one I'm currently struggling with. I'm fine with the one chapter that's up, but chapter two is giving me fits. I was going to try and up it today, but it's not happening. I'm not comfortable upping it in it's current state, but I need need another set of eyes to look at it.
#573
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 09:50
Tarante11a
-
- Members
- 342 messages
@Scrimgeour10 - I completely agree about getting constructive reviews. It's lovely to get people telling you how much they like your work, absolutely no question about that, but having someone make suggestions about your writing, whether it's about technique or about the content of your story, is always helpful. But I think it should always be done in a positive way, to help the person move forward, to add to their experience of writing, rather than just slapping 'em about a bit and making them feel small. That's not constructive.
On the other hand, if I was being horribly self-indulgent and my writing was disappearing up it's own arse and/or was just plain bad, I would hope one of my pals would take me to one side, give me a slap and bit of a talking to. But that's a privilege reserved for people I trust. ^^
On the other hand, if I was being horribly self-indulgent and my writing was disappearing up it's own arse and/or was just plain bad, I would hope one of my pals would take me to one side, give me a slap and bit of a talking to. But that's a privilege reserved for people I trust. ^^
#574
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 09:52
LadyDamodred
-
- Members
- 5 122 messages
Mmmm, a lot of times people forget the 'constructive' part of constructive criticism. Just saying something sucks it's very helpful. Just like saying 'Awesome! Keep going!' doesn't help as much (though I am guilty of that).
#575
Posté 20 avril 2010 - 09:54
weyrleader
-
- Members
- 244 messages
Gilgamesh1138 wrote...
@ Weyr link to yours too please, I want to give you and Lady D shout outs on my author's notes. :happy:
No such animal, yet! Probably out of fear of making a public spectacle out of myself.
Will keep you posted, though.
