tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291157166360423354.post8586919650886042303..comments2023-06-25T11:02:00.806-05:00Comments on The Lazy, Yet Discerning Ficster: AdminEssay: How Grand Is Your Plan? by SmellyiaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291157166360423354.post-87426794322422105772009-06-06T22:13:08.225-05:002009-06-06T22:13:08.225-05:00GIrl - we are all novices to an exten except for a...GIrl - we are all novices to an exten except for a very select view - me being one of the biggest! <br /><br />Kudos on going with your gut and improving your story! I know outlining is not for everyone. Sometimes a thorough outline is almost impossible for an author. One I have enjoyed lately said that in his outlining process, about 2/3's of the way through he could just not get any further. SO he started to write and the meat of the story took its own form - albeit his ultimate goals were congruent with his initial outline. My own outlines are bizarre - some parts are fleashed out to the minute detail and some chapters are like one sentance stating the goal of the chap. WWDAN had song lists, detail and character pop-ups. Disaffected's end is outlined vaguely and my next fic has in depth chap by chap goals & detail. As you can see, I am very inconsistent in my habits. So we all have our own method to this madness.<br /><br />Also, beta help - when the partnership is the RIGHT one - is invaluable. I am thrilled to hear you found someone to go with you on this writing journey. <br /><br />For me, fanfic is a hobby, but many more put more stock in it and I commend them for bringing us their talents and sincerely hope those who want to succeed in the world of writing do so. I am medically trained and will probably always utilize my education - being hat it cost me a small Ethiopian Village and the better part of my twenties ;) - but writing fic is my creative outlet - that and drawing and reading and taking jewelry classes and traveling and apparently redecorating my house! And I find it extremely intriguing how so many people come from all different places to share in this mutual interest. Some look as ficwriting as a catalyst for bigger and better and some use to just have fun (I am the latter), but regardless, I think we all get something from each other in this surreal life. I love hearing the different viewpoints and discussion - one of the many and slightly insane reasons I started this blog.smellyiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14315692016037258109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291157166360423354.post-90644439436542323362009-06-06T21:55:34.299-05:002009-06-06T21:55:34.299-05:00Wow! Thank you so much for the explanation and you...Wow! Thank you so much for the explanation and your honesty! <br /><br />I have to say, I totally agree with you now that I understand more where you are coming from. I guess when I was referring to plot changes I was more talking about making smaller changes--things that might change the direction of the story after the fact, but not so much change how the characters are portrayed. I hadn't thought about major characterization changes as a possibility, and that I can see being a huge issue. I suppose if that were something that a ficster were contemplating, perhaps they should save it for a new story ; )<br /><br />I was thinking of my own experience in writing my first fanfic, and I had been flying by the seat of my pants for the first 3 or 4 chapters before I actually started to outline stuff. I found that when I did start an outline I totally blocked up. It was horrible! Baaaahhhh! Then I finally finished the 3rd and 4th chapters and just threw in this odd element that totally reframed the entire story and the plot. I got lucky and it all seemed to kind of work out. But again, I had not posted the stuff only to change it; it happened while I was writing. I have reposted several times with corrections and chapters that are more fleshed out, but that was after I started getting beta help.<br /><br />Please keep in mind that I am coming from a very novice perspective--as a person who is only beginning to toy with the idea that I may be a writer...Catherine Spangler helped me realize that over on the Twilighted forums (hehehehe!). Basically, I approach all of it as a learning experience--an experience that I have chosen to share with all of those willing to help me tackle my first story--props go out to all of you who have! <br /><br />I can honestly say that I have been squarely hit in the face with the reality that there are so many talented people that write fanfic, that it is not just a hobby as some might think, and that a lot of really moving, sincere, and even titalating stories have been posted throughout the fanfic world, and everyone who particpates should be so proud and in awe of what is at their finger tips.<br /><br />Back to the topic at hand though, in essence I completely agree with what you are saying that we write for the fanfic world, but with the idea that there is a mutual respect between writers and readers, so yay! I get it. You have captured yet another budding fictster with the nuances of writing fan fiction!<br /><br />Thanks so much again for your thoughts...you have also made me think a lot today ; )Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291157166360423354.post-89919068592175578422009-06-06T18:49:06.464-05:002009-06-06T18:49:06.464-05:00Thanks! And very good point. I should probably cla...Thanks! And very good point. I should probably clarify what I meant. <br /><br />Sure you can do whatever you'd like, however, if you are trying to write a cohesive story, switching up established plotlines or character traits mid-fic may cause you to run into problems. <br /><br />Now, you mention writing for the fanfic world...this is where I can be controversial in my personal ideas. And be assured - these are just my personal views and that's my reality - not necessarily anyone elses. <br /><br />I think that if you are writing a fic AND posting it - you are writing for the FF world by attempting to write the best story you are capable of. You want people to read and enjoy. If you didn't care, you wouldn't post. At least I wouldn't. I have a load of work that is all my own that is only seen by my eyes - that's when I write for self. The material I post, however, that is for others' enjoyment. So in its essence, posted work - for me - is for the masses and giving them disjointed stories because I changed my mind doesn't seem fair to the reader. BUT THAT'S JUST ME!!!!<br /><br />Now what I mean when I say switching up is more extreme. Sure we make mistakes and have to adjust our plots as we go in the FF world. My fic, Disaffected, is a perfect example. The first 8 or so chaps are a hot fucking mess LOL! And when I hit a certain point, I had to reassess, change my outline and DIRECT my fic elsewhere while still maintaining consistency so as not to lose the core of the story. I didn't do the best job - but like you said, this is where we learn and it was a great lesson! <br /><br />Now, for example, if your Bella is a waitress in Vegas with minimal education, but has a knack for simple wisdom without the fancy trimmings is having a conversation with Edward and all of a sudden she is using academic speak with words your reader would have to look up because you wanted her to now be intellectual - that would make me blink a time or two. It's inconsistent and does not improve, but distract. If you want a more intellectual Bella, just write one - in a different fic. Same goes with plot lines. <br /><br />Granted, I mentioned direction before - sure you can change direction anytime - just make sure it's believable and isn't exactly out of the very very very left field. <br /><br />So you are so very right in saying that adjustments for the good of the story should be made. I meant more that fics that want to completely change the core of the story. That would not a better story make ;). There is definitely no rule to say you can't do any of that (unless you've paid for such rules in formal education;), but if your goal is to retain readers and improve, I think it is way more of a challenge to retain consistency while redirecting. <br /><br />I mentioned this earlier on and I think this applies here: "Remember: An outline is just a guide, nothing set in stone. If brilliance strikes you – go with it! You never know where you might end up. Your story could be better than you ever imagined thanks to her holiness, The Muse." A change in direction that works within the core principles you've set forth is always okay - it's up to the writer!<br /><br />Oh and this sounds really really bad, and I was almost offended the first time I read it, but after reflection, additional reading and even discussing it with a professor and a family member who works within the literati, I have changed my mind. I once read (cannot remember where or who said - but I will do a search) this: "Only the pretentious write for themselves. A storyteller's goal should always be for the readers' pleasure, that is where any writer's pride lays." It went something like that and I have come to agree. Writing for self is where we start, but the story is only as good as a readers' enjoyment. And since the fanfic world is our reader - then we should respect them as such. BUT we should never let the masses control every aspect - as we respect them, they should respect us in return. <br /><br />And really thank you so much for making me think on this for a bit today - I needed the stimulation!smellyiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14315692016037258109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291157166360423354.post-91989416105733965782009-06-06T18:01:36.878-05:002009-06-06T18:01:36.878-05:00Thanks for posting this...it's very helpful! :...Thanks for posting this...it's very helpful! : ) I have a question though about something you wrote though (referenced below):<br /><br />"Note: The world of FanFiction is very different from the O-Fic world. You post chapter by chapter (in the majority of cases), so if midway through you want to change some aspect of established plot-lines – tough shit. It’s already posted and you have to work with what you got..."<br /><br />I understand why an outline is helpful, even in the most basic form, however, I'm just wondering when talking strictly fanfic why you cannot change an established plot line just because its been posted. I wonder about this because when I first stumbled across fanfic writing and sites I could not help but think what a great place to learn and refine your skills, and what better forum than getting direct reader/beta feedback? If it means you have made some kind of mistake or have decided to change paths for whatever reason, is there some strict implied rule out there that stipulates not changing things after posting? I totally see where it can potentially make the story feel disjointed and perhaps even alienate readers, but every decision and choice we make has both risks and benefits. So do we write and post for the sake of the fanfic world we are posting to or do we write and post for the sake of writing the best possible story? Just thought I would throw that out there as my curiosity was piqued! Thanks for writing such helpful articles and posts! They are always greatly appreciated! : )idealistic4verhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17645886831162547256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291157166360423354.post-56995965462366223492009-06-04T13:39:42.515-05:002009-06-04T13:39:42.515-05:00Haha, yeah... I linked her to the site and directe...Haha, yeah... I linked her to the site and directed her to all those parts on your labels list... I find it utterly hilarious JUST how similar the advice was; I even mentioned pina coladas, though my reference was an example rather than your use of the drink as a bribe... Thus is the proof that great minds think alike, eh? ;)MuffNbutterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03371417957751349299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291157166360423354.post-5929563047100955552009-06-03T21:47:18.271-05:002009-06-03T21:47:18.271-05:00Thank You guys - I'm just pulling together and...Thank You guys - I'm just pulling together and regurging ;) - I actully ran into my college english/creative writing professor the night before i wrote this and asked her some questions bout how we did the traditional outlines - she's a Dominican Sister btw - and had a great convo about plotting. <br /><br />:( sorry Muffn - you can still link her tho - there are tons of articles for her - try the tags: Deconstructing, Style, Craft and Riting Skool.smellyiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14315692016037258109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291157166360423354.post-38662182837452973212009-06-03T19:58:22.834-05:002009-06-03T19:58:22.834-05:00Yay for plotting. Good job at explaining why it m...Yay for plotting. Good job at explaining why it matters, and done with humor. :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291157166360423354.post-12211132800924179822009-06-03T19:16:18.382-05:002009-06-03T19:16:18.382-05:00I kind of want to laugh and cry right now... A fri...I kind of want to laugh and cry right now... A friend/reader of mine just emailed me asking for advice about writing a story, leading me to write a very detailed email describing pretty much exactly what was written here, though obviously in a less eloquent format.<br />To add the cherry on top, I recommended this blog at the end of the aforementioned email, saying they had a few articles that might also be of service.<br />In other words, I agree wholeheartedly with all that was said above, and I wish I had visited here before checking my email this afternoon, lol. Good article.MuffNbutterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03371417957751349299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291157166360423354.post-41234607857645359042009-06-03T10:40:33.581-05:002009-06-03T10:40:33.581-05:00You guys here are TLYDF are my new heroes. I love ...You guys here are TLYDF are my new heroes. I love the recommendations (of course) but all these articles on how to be a better writer are just knocking my socks off. I'm amazed at how much I've learned about writing in such a short time. Okay, well, maybe "learned" might be a bit premature... If what I write sucks I promise not to mention you, but if I knock it out of the park you will have eternal love in my "Thank You" pages.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15405609039631555117noreply@blogger.com