How to Win Friends and Influence People to Read Your Story Part II
ON HERMIT CRABS, BRASS BAUBLES, AND BUILDING CASTLES IN THE SAND
So, fannyfickers, last week we talked about making friends—which was coffee-and-a-scone pleasant, but today we're talking about the "party." Tis to say, communicating in the public forum in our fandom. The goal here is to publicly promote yourself as an author in creative, useful, and non-annoying ways. So hop out of your shell, hermit fannyficker, and come play with the debauched lot of us on the boardwalk!
(And yes, the beach theme is completely arbitrary, but I go to great lengths to amuse myself.)
MY SAND TOWER IS BIGGER THAN YOUR SAND TOWER!
-CONTESTS-
Contests, with such examples as The Dirty Talking Edward Contest, The Steamy Movie Crossover Contest, or A Very Cullen Christmas Contest, are fun little ditties designed to encourage new authors, amuse old fogies, and generate smut for the most part (heh).
The Newbie makes a debut: You probably won't actually win any contests if you're brand new (unless they're JUDGED as opposed to tallied by popular poll vote), so why should you enter?
(1) Because contests one-shots are popular reads - you get more attention.
(2) It's good practice. Contests often force you to write what you normally never would have written
(3) Cuz you love the community and it's fun.
(4) Maybe, you could win (a banner)?
What some contest-pros have to say on the matter.
Fiberkitty, author of Lost and Found and co-host of the Who’s Line Is It Anyway? Contest
A great way to get your name out there as either a new fanfic author or an obscure author is to take part in contests. I don't think I can emphasize that enough. People read contest entries as they will often follow their favorite authors over and then read the competition. If you have other stories posted, give a quick blurb in your author's note of the contest entry so readers will know where to look for more. I have taken part in two contests. Each time my number of profile hits jumped greatly over the days following my story's addition to the C2. Use contests to expand your comfort zone. If you only write M, try writing a T rated one-shot. If you solely do first person POV's, try a third person- or vice versa. Contests are a great way to gain exposure, learn what the readers as a whole want, hone your craft, and best of all, to write that little plot bunny that has been bouncing around in your head but you needed a good excuse to take time and write.
Isabel0329, author of Campus Liasons and co-host of The Dirty Talking Edward Contest
I've often found some of my favorite and most beloved fics by searching through archives of contests in which I'm either interested, participating, or actively involved in running. When I participated in the Sexy Edward Contest run by Jayeliwood, I tried to read as many of the other entries as possible—not necessarily to compare them to my own entry but to see what was out there. A variety of authors entered, from the well-established to the newbie new. Participating in a popular contest can really help a new author get her name out there. Most contests maintain some type of community archive so that community subscribers will learn about your story.
Muggleinlove, author of Readjusted and Between Love and Duty
Competitions seem to have become a staple of the Twilight fan fiction community and I couldn’t be happier because of it. They give established authors a chance to showcase their talent while it allows new authors to test the waters. It gives new authors a platform in which to get noticed and build up their own following. I know of at least one author who got her start while writing for a competition. I, personally, have entered two different competitions and they were both very rewarding experiences. My Twilight/Harry Potter crossover one-shot, The Quidditch Match, won the Steamy Movie Crossover Contest, but I do not think these competitions are about winners and losers. They are about giving the fandom a variety of fun stories to read. Next time there is a competition I hope you would all enter. I promise it will be a lot of fun!
STRATEGIES FOR FAIRLY ALLOCATING THE SHOVELS AND PAILS
-HOW TO HOST A CONTEST-
Don’t think about doing it unless you can "market" it. This is achieved by:
(a) having a ridiculously popular story
(b) partnering with an author with a ridiculously popular story
(c) being a longstanding name in the community.
I make these points not to discourage you, but rather because I don't want you to be heartbroken when no one participates in your contest. So, how exactly do you "market" a story? You partner with another author—or two or five—and post on the boards, on blogs/podcasts/etc., on your profile, on your LiveJournal, and in your next chapter update in your author's note. Also, be sure to explain where and how to find the C2 – some people simply can’t figure it out. One final tip – consider how to make your contest manageable in terms of the number of entries. Think about word length, whether or not it will be based on popular vote, judge’s call, or a mix. Think about the prizes, e.g. banners, TwiCon tickets, special feature (withthevampsofcourse and jandco did this for the Very Cullen Christmas contest – they put the five favorite stories in a sandwich between their own piece), or simply the glory of participation. And Pastiche wants to get on her high horse and really, really encourage hosts to use some aspect of “judging” – and not solely popular vote. Why? Because this highlights new talent better than any other method.
BAUBLES AND SHINY FLOTSAM AND MESSAGES IN BOTTLES
-FIC EXCHANGES-
Step back for a minute and imagine –an entire collection of completed Twilighted fan fiction being delivered to you on a day to day basis. As a reader, there’s nothing better, and this is the gloriousness that is the fic exchange. Currently, the Twilight Gift Exchange, hosted by GinnyW and Shug, is underway with 38 fics and art pieces scheduled to start posting in July. Thus, each day there will be 1-2 new art/fic, with stories ranging from ficlets to 120k masterpieces—and they’re all COMPLETE. Building on this bit of wonderful completeness is the HUGE sense of community –cuz it’s tit fer tat!
Now, exchanges are a wonderful opportunity for new authors – because readers are willing to check out your story and all its delicious completedness. Moreover, you’re not just writing for you—you’re writing for someone else’s prompt, so you can rest easy with the satisfaction that SOMEONE will read your story.
SCREAMING FROM THE SURF BOARD
-THE AUTHOR MAKES A NOTE-
So, I’m one of those people who writes really long author’s notes. It annoys some people, but I keep doing it. Why? Because every time I post a new chapter, I make a note on telling folks what I’m reading. A lot of my readers really like this—they tell me. I’m sure that other readers are slightly annoyed by it, but I’m not going to stop. In fact, I’ve had authors thank me for sending folks over. This delights me. Also, I'm a person writing crap for free. I don't get my picture and a bio on the back cover either, so I feel like I can do what I damn well please. Moreover, you might notice that only a fraction of your readers click on your profile page, but a great, large number clicks on each new chapter you post. The author's note is the way to take advantage of this.
Now, however, I must caveat, because I do think there are limits to this. (1) Distinguish your author's note as an author's note - don't let it sit there and blend in with your story. Use a line divider, bold or italicize the text, or put funny symbols in between. (2) Be to the point. If you're going to have personal anecdotes try to keep tham as short as possible. If your author's notes end up being longer than your chapters, you got some issues...
SAND GETS IN EVERY CORNER
–ON PARTICIPATING IN LITTLE WAYS IN PUBLIC FORUMS-
To-dos:
1. Comment on a blog
2. Vote for your favorite fic on the Eddies/Bellies
3. Email the Temptation Podcast
4. Stalk Smellyia and Guilt Her into Letting You Write an Article
So, one of the great things (in my less than humble opinion, I know) about this blog—is how it’s connected to other blogs and sites. These sites promote each other, which deepens the sense of community and allows fannyfickers to participate in new and more meaningful ways. So, there are all sorts of lovely ways that we all can feed this, by commenting, reading the stories and voting in contests and awards, emailing the podcast or the blog about contests and special events that are coming up, and many other ways (like stalking Smellyia – really DON’T she’ll frack you and cut me, but anyway…).
On podcasting and community:
Moon.witche – momma podcaster extraordinaire and author of Echoes of an Enigma
Podcasting is fun. Podcasting is awesome. Podcasting is...a lot of hard work. Somedays, I'm sure that if I never see another audio editing program it will be too soon. But its all worth it. I love every opportunity I get to meet new people. I love the idea of knowing people through their voices and their real names versus type and screen names. They feel more real to me that way, and less like I made them up to fulfill my need for more Twilight. We've been podcasting for about two three months now and already I've met so many new people and talked to people I never thought I would because of it. And, yes, I've had people read my work because they knew me from the podcast. I like to think I've brought people together as well. I hope I have. That was my own personal goal with a podcast, causing other people to reach out find that there's more than just a screen name to these people. Our motto on the podcast is, "Don'tdo drugs: review!" And we really mean it. Not just because its the nice thing to do but because of it can lead to. This podcast probably never would have happened if I hadn't sent a nervous, short, stuttered PM to Claire (our first direct communication ever) saying something like, "Would you really want to?"
NO MAN IS AN ISLAND – AND SEA GULLS HAVE ALL THE DELICIOUS CLAMS
-HIPPIE PASTICHE WAXES ON-
A group of people working together on fan fiction can really come up with any number of great ways to promote fan fiction. So, don’t feel like what’s discussed above in anyway limit you, rather they are established avenues, and seriously, be bold about creating your own.
Pastiche's Pen Tip: I decided to make a list of what's currently going on.
1. Nominations end TODAY for The Lion and Lamb Awards - Go Nominate! And volunteer to help out with the reading and judging!
2. Temptation Twilight Audio Fanfiction Contest! Submit a voice recording of your favorite fic. End 3/31
3. "That's Mr. Hot Bitch to You" by: Kittenmischief - Hot Bitch C2; End April 12.
4. "Jizz on my Uterus Contest" a The Bad Lemon Contest by: DanBane.E Jizz...on my uterus; End 4/15
5. Twi-Con's Happily Ever After Contest; End 5/30
6. Bethaboo and TheEdwardEmmett's Make it Count - Tell a Story in under 1k!; Currently Voting
7. SUPPORT STACIE AUCTION - Bid to support a worthy cause and get a fic from your favorite author! 4/3-6
Pastiche Pen is a propagator of fanfic reader and writer love and a fellow believer in fandom hippie values. You can find her here. Go review her. Become her friend and others, because she would agree that it's all about spreading the love. But not that big, grossly gratifying inbred orgy love. That's just wrong.
Okay, so my little blurb at the end..is not the one I thought was going to be there...interesting. When talking to Pastiche about doing a blurb for this article I got very caught up in community. Which is one of my favourite things in the world and sent her the following essay:
ReplyDelete"I love community. I love meeting new people and getting to know them and hearing about their lives. I love the idea that a book is a catalyst for bringing people together and creating friendships, ideals, art, and love. There isn’t anything more beautiful in the world then people choosing to come together and make an impact, make a difference in the world.
Throughout life we all have our different communities, we even have names for them, e.g. “friends,” “family,” “co-workers,” “classmates,” etc. Some have people who cross over and some we work really hard to keep completely separate from all the others ones. But no matter what communities you have or who is them there is something that each one shares. They define you. You act slightly differently in each one. You know who likes it when you’re silly, who enjoys in depth conversations, who just wants to relax, and so on. And in each community you can act a little differently, explore separate parts of yourself. Get to know all of you. And the better you know yourself, the better you know what you want to make a difference in. What you want your mark on the world to be and where you want to leave it. Because we all make marks, and it is up to us what we want them to be.
In this day and age, with computers and blackberries and iPhones, etc, it’s so easy to talk to people from around the world, and yet it has never been more difficult to leave your basement and chat with your neighbours. There were many reason’s that I wanted to do a podcast in this community but this was the main one. I wanted the people I met online to be real. I wanted them to have a voice, a face, a personality beyond netspeak and possibly misinterpreted print. This is why I’m always inviting people on, why our prize for our first contest is to come on the show (well, that and you know...it’s free). I want to know you. I want to know as many people as I possibly can because meeting new people is like exploring different facets of myself and finding out what and who I really want to be. And finding that it keeps changing, which really keeps life interesting.
What does this have to do with fanfiction? Everything. This community, the Twilight Fanfiction community, is quite large. We are a huge group of people who all have a similar interest. We could change the world. In another fanfiction community that I was a part of (I’m soooo not saying which one.) I knew of two authors who met through their writing and are now happily married and have a joint fanfic website. That amazes me. The idea that we could cause something like that to happen is miraculous. The possibilities are endless.
So, please, please, get to know your favourite readers, get to know your favourite authors. Put a voice, or even a real name, to the type, and explore life from their point of view. You’ll never be the same and neither will we."
She asked me to make it a blurb and also a little more podcast specific. So I sent her something along the lines of what is written above. Then we didn't like that...so I sent this...which is what I thought was going to be in the article (I would have preferred it..but whatever....I'm cool)
"Podcasting is fun. Podcasting is awesome. Podcasting is...a lot of hard work. Somedays, I'm sure that if I never see another audio editing program it will be too soon. But its all worth it. I love every opportunity I get to meet new people. I love the idea of knowing people through their voices and their real names versus type and screen names. They feel more real to me that way, and less like I made them up to fulfill my need for more Twilight. We've been podcasting for about two three months now and already I've met so many new people and talked to people I never thought I would because of it. And, yes, I've had people read my work because they knew me from the podcast. I like to think I've brought people together as well. I hope I have. That was my own personal goal with a podcast, causing other people to reach out find that there's more than just a screen name to these people. Our motto on the podcast is, "Don'tdo drugs: review!" And we really mean it. Not just because its the nice thing to do but because of it can lead to. This podcast probably never would have happened if I hadn't sent a nervous, short, stuttered PM to Claire (our first direct communication ever) saying something like, "Would you really want to?"
Sorry for the long comment...I'm just really into community and stuff.
Wow. This article was absolutely fantastic, Pistache Pen.
ReplyDeleteI am new here, but I commented on another post under my Christian name about newbie instruction and thank goodness I had a disclaimer about redundancy! This was really good. I'm anxious to read your other stuff now. Thanks for producing such an awesome, straight forward and extensively researched article!
Author’s Notes is a good subject. I can also definitely see the value of promoting through these. I look at those as optional for readers. There is no better method of reaching them and they want information up front that they will just PM about later, so it's a great time to highlight the planned aspects of the story, make announcements and support contests in the fandom.
This is essential to generating and encouraging new readers and writers. The only drawback is abuse of this tool, which makes it obnoxious. As you mentioned, extensive personal information is inappropriate to me and as a reader it makes me uncomfortable. I’ve never heard this addressed anywhere else, but it’s true. There are stalkers on the Internet and when an author I’m reading puts herself out there like that, I worry. This point is a good reminder and gives us all something to think about.
Overall, I can't imagine not using it, but then again I am long winded and like this post, my A/N's continue to go on and on! Ha! Anyhow, I'll stop myself now. Thanks for the informative article!
To Caitlin: I am making the connections now and recognize you from the podcast; thank you for legitimizing this community. I've listened a few times and really enjoy it. It probably takes hours of our time, so I appreciate you. As for your essay - that was very eloquent. I loved and completely agree with this:
What does this have to do with fanfiction? Everything. This community, the Twilight Fanfiction community, is quite large. We are a huge group of people who all have a similar interest. We could change the world. In another fanfiction community that I was a part of (I’m soooo not saying which one.) I knew of two authors who met through their writing and are now happily married and have a joint fanfic website. That amazes me. The idea that we could cause something like that to happen is miraculous. The possibilities are endless.
So, please, please, get to know your favourite readers, get to know your favourite authors. Put a voice, or even a real name, to the type, and explore life from their point of view. You’ll never be the same and neither will we."
Excellent all around. I think this concept is really spreading and the community is growing extensively. For the most part, I think that just creating a welcoming and open environment for readers promotes and inspires readers to become potential authors, and that can only be a good thing.
Never have I encountered such a collection of intelligent, educated women and I am one. Sure, there are teenagers and crazies in this fandom, but for the most part I find myself more and more impressed by reviewers and readers alike. There is wit and knowledge in these ladies and honestly, given the state of popular culture, I find that so refreshing. The possibilities of this phenomenon could be vast if we wanted it to be.
I am all sorts of revolutionary, so I won't get crazy in here, but I will say that I mirror your sentiments with my own fervor. Anyhow, bravo. Someone should put this on a beautiful banner and give me the link. Twilight Fan Fiction Community Creed. :)
Tiffany
oooh, pastiche, i really loved this one. your tips are all very right on. but my favorite part of this is your little status round-up of various writer/reader participation activities. keep doing that. all the stuff going on with the fics seems to slip my mind on a daily basis.
ReplyDeletethanks for the lovely guidance and support as well. you're kind of fantastic.
xo -j
HAHAHAHA.
ReplyDeleteCaitlin sent me what was above, and I was like... um... you wanna write my article for me? HA. So I poked and prodded her until she "focused" the blurb on the podcast - which she was lovely enough to do... and then she let me on the podcast this morning - which she was CRAZY enough to do...
And besides Caitlin, thankyou to The Great Iz, Muggleinlove and fiberkitty for their most excellent help - and letting me bug 'em.
Lovely article, Pastiche.
ReplyDeleteI was going to say something articulate, but then I read "But not that big, grossly gratifying inbred orgy love. That's just wrong.", and I snorted, and I forgot what I was going to say...
Oh right! Author's notes. I do love recommendations in author's notes and I try to do them when I remember. I always feel warm and fuzzy when I rec a fic and its review count goes up. The community rocks.
And I agree with Jenny about the contests, etc. updates. That's good. You should continue to do that.
Hello-wolvesandvamps here.
ReplyDeleteWhat a marvelous article-so well researched and written. You can tell that a great deal of time and effort was put into it and I appreciate all the information.
Caitlin's "blurb" about the Twilight community was so heart-felt and I completely agree with her. Carpe Diem!
Hey - HMonster4 - too darn lazy to sign in ;)
ReplyDeleteContests are such a fabulous way to get traction. And take heart - even if you are noobs, you can do well with a well written story! Not only is it a great way to gain exposure, it pushes you as a writer.'
Great job p2!
I think getting involved in contests is great advice for writers. It was something that I wouldn't consider for a long time, and I regret that now because it definitely does force one to try something new and to put themselves out there.
ReplyDeleteI had no clue how valuable things like contests and fic exchanges could be until I entered a few over the spring/summer. First I signed up for a fic-a-thon that had a deadline of two months or so, and then I proved I was really crazy by signing up for an exchange that ended about a month later. There were several times over the next few months that I seriously questioned my own sanity, but I managed to get both stories done on time. Much to my surprise, these two fics that I thrashed out in a matter of weeks and that I was thoroughly sick of looking at recieved a great response - way better than any of my other one-shots that I had planned out and agonized over for ages. I think it was because I was working under both a time limit as well as prompts that other people had come up with, so it pushed me to develop my writing in ways that I hadn't tried before.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteLovely column, per usual.
I definitely agree about contests. I entered the latest original fiction contest on Twilighted (Fantastical, Forbidden, and Fun) and not only had a wonderful time doing it, but met a lot of other authors as well. All of the finalists posted our stories on Twilighted and for the most part reviewed each others work. I directed people to read the story I wrote and the other contest entries, and many people read my story that came to the site to read entries from the other contestants.
The original fiction contests certainly are not the most popular, as they are Twilight free, so I can only imagine at how much attention a writer can generate from entering a Twilight fanfic contest.
Thank you for writing this Pastiche Pen. I have directed several of the new authors I beta for to this site, and specifically to your article to help them forge their paths as fanfic authors.
jmeyer