Of FFs, Comments and PMs - Page 5

nice post 👏 and i absolutly agree with you...

What an interesting post!

I've been following the responses, and I do see a lot of well reasoned and well articulated points here. Thank you for putting my first attempt at fiction on the same level as HeadOverHeels, minimuffin, Lyrra99 Nayika,and the others, which is humbling, because they were the writers I read for almost eight months before I got up the nerve to step into the pool, as it were. There is a generosity on this forum that really helps new writers like myself get oriented, and put the wares up for sale!


Having said that, I'd like to point out one thing, if I may: I write because I need to, its stress relief for me. Sometimes a compulsion occurs when a scene or a dialogue pops into my head and wont go away until its been wrestled down onto the screen/paper. That is my issue, and I deal with that through my Fan Fiction. But, sometimes, the way I envision something in my head is not the way it reaches my audience, which is when reader input becomes invaluable.

I think the point I'm stressing is that yes, of course, this is our hard work, imagination, story arc, our creation. But we are not professional writers, who bang out a book with an editor in tow and then wait months for their reviews. They know if their "product" worked the way they thought it would, get well paid, and get satisfaction anyways.

As Fan Fiction writers, we have the luxury of adjusting, reevaluating, reforming the story and incorporating new things in real time. And I personally find that very exciting to incorporate (or disregard!). I love getting feedback on what worked, and what didn't, which is fascinating because sometimes I, myself, don't catch imagery that I'm almost unconsciously threading though the text, which some astute readers do.

Obviously the "tee-hee lolz under 16" crowd is not who I turn to for honest, raw reactions. That I expect from other writers, or thoughtful readers, people invested in the narrative who'll ask me a question I didn't realize had come up, or point out something confusing that I thought was clear.

Those small guidelines help shape future paragraphs for me, so I can self correct, and not let the luxury and indulgence of writing become my sole focus, and remember to write for THEM as well as for myself.

You've clicked on my work, spent 20 minutes of your day reading what I've sent to you. I owe some of you my attention, to make sure I'm not just being self indulgent, but also addressing themes or questions that occur to you because of my writing. Frankly, working with sensitive, informed feedback helps me write better.

That is why, for me, comments, that actually argue, question, criticize-they are GOLD. And as for the "Awsum- Just LUVD U! PM me" guys- Sure. I'll do that. A few times. Its polite to PM, and not to demand adulation and pout if you don't get enough of it. But comments from the readers who I feel are on this journey with me? I look out for them.

Your take? Especially since there are excellent writers currently posting on this topic?

Originally posted by: -Nazreen-

Second everything that's been said here! 😊

I think the FF writers need to understand the fact that what they are writing is purely meant for fun.recreation, and they don't derive their livelihood from it.

Gaah, I'm getting a little too blunt, aren't I? I'm going to get some curses directed my way for sure!

I don't think anyone will curse you in a hurry. And I'm relieved to hear from some of the lovely writers of this forum.

Originally posted by: napstermonster

What an interesting post!

I've been following the responses, and I do see a lot of well reasoned and well articulated points here. Thank you for putting my first attempt at fiction on the same level as HeadOverHeels, minimuffin, Lyrra99 Nayika,and the others, which is humbling, because they were the writers I read for almost eight months before I got up the nerve to step into the pool, as it were. There is a generosity on this forum that really helps new writers like myself get oriented, and put the wares up for sale!


Having said that, I'd like to point out one thing, if I may: I write because I need to, its stress relief for me. Sometimes a compulsion occurs when a scene or a dialogue pops into my head and wont go away until its been wrestled down onto the screen/paper. That is my issue, and I deal with that through my Fan Fiction. But, sometimes, the way I envision something in my head is not the way it reaches my audience, which is when reader input becomes invaluable.

I think the point I'm stressing is that yes, of course, this is our hard work, imagination, story arc, our creation. But we are not professional writers, who bang out a book with an editor in tow and then wait months for their reviews. They know if their "product" worked the way they thought it would, get well paid, and get satisfaction anyways.

As Fan Fiction writers, we have the luxury of adjusting, reevaluating, reforming the story and incorporating new things in real time. And I personally find that very exciting to incorporate (or disregard!). I love getting feedback on what worked, and what didn't, which is fascinating because sometimes I, myself, don't catch imagery that I'm almost unconsciously threading though the text, which some astute readers do.

Obviously the "tee-hee lolz under 16" crowd is not who I turn to for honest, raw reactions. That I expect from other writers, or thoughtful readers, people invested in the narrative who'll ask me a question I didn't realize had come up, or point out something confusing that I thought was clear.

Those small guidelines help shape future paragraphs for me, so I can self correct, and not let the luxury and indulgence of writing become my sole focus, and remember to write for THEM as well as for myself.

You've clicked on my work, spent 20 minutes of your day reading what I've sent to you. I owe some of you my attention, to make sure I'm not just being self indulgent, but also addressing themes or questions that occur to you because of my writing. Frankly, working with sensitive, informed feedback helps me write better.

That is why, for me, comments, that actually argue, question, criticize-they are GOLD. And as for the "Awsum- Just LUVD U! PM me" guys- Sure. I'll do that. A few times. Its polite to PM, and not to demand adulation and pout if you don't get enough of it. But comments from the readers who I feel are on this journey with me? I look out for them.

Your take? Especially since there are excellent writers currently posting on this topic?

Spoken like a true writer. One of the best (and often found wanting) qualities of a good writer is a hunger for feedback---not just praise, but also constructive criticism. Most writers ask for criticism, but they only want praise.

I find that a lot of the best writing emerges in re-writes, for me as a writer, and for other writers I have worked with as an editor. And to do these re-writes, feedback is crucial.

I've loved quite a bit of your writing, and the effort you put is shows, not just in the beauty of your work, but its seeming effortlessness. I also have to say that the work has improved over the chapters--I especially liked the one where Arnav breaks down in the hospital and speaks to NK, and then speaks to no one else other than Khushi, based on an article he had earlier despised.

With polishing and editing, that FF can be a wonderful story, and I wish you continued success in your writing.

Writers should write from their hearts, comments are just supposed to be a plus point not requirements... As simple as that...

Originally posted by: london_doll

Writers should write from their hearts, comments are just supposed to be a plus point not requirements... As simple as that...

I'm not gonna say I don't ask people to comment,

I do but refraining from mandatorizing it and do not believe in sending "buddy list chop" threats.

But everyone has their own point of view, maybe some writers write better when appreciated...

~Ashu <3

Edit: But feedback is very important to show writers you appreciate them, out of common courtesy, people should unbuddy the writer themselves if they don't read your work or if the writer is one of your readers, pm them and tell them not to send you pms, it works out on both ends.

@bold-- that "mandatorizing' other writers do is the part I have a problem with. I don't mind people sending me random PMs, sometimes I have discovered good fiction that way.

That said, if writers respect their work enough to work hard at it, they will gather a following. And if their work inspires me to comment, I will. There's one FF right now I visit on a blog regularly, and comment on each update. That woman simply wrenches them out of me through the power of her writing.

I have had PMs since yesterday from writers asking if they should continue to PM me, the beauty of it was that the list of PMers did not include the ones who usually post a threat 😛

Originally posted by: napstermonster

What an interesting post!

I've been following the responses, and I do see a lot of well reasoned and well articulated points here. Thank you for putting my first attempt at fiction on the same level as HeadOverHeels, minimuffin, Lyrra99 Nayika,and the others, which is humbling, because they were the writers I read for almost eight months before I got up the nerve to step into the pool, as it were. There is a generosity on this forum that really helps new writers like myself get oriented, and put the wares up for sale!


Having said that, I'd like to point out one thing, if I may: I write because I need to, its stress relief for me. Sometimes a compulsion occurs when a scene or a dialogue pops into my head and wont go away until its been wrestled down onto the screen/paper. That is my issue, and I deal with that through my Fan Fiction. But, sometimes, the way I envision something in my head is not the way it reaches my audience, which is when reader input becomes invaluable.

I think the point I'm stressing is that yes, of course, this is our hard work, imagination, story arc, our creation. But we are not professional writers, who bang out a book with an editor in tow and then wait months for their reviews. They know if their "product" worked the way they thought it would, get well paid, and get satisfaction anyways.

As Fan Fiction writers, we have the luxury of adjusting, reevaluating, reforming the story and incorporating new things in real time. And I personally find that very exciting to incorporate (or disregard!). I love getting feedback on what worked, and what didn't, which is fascinating because sometimes I, myself, don't catch imagery that I'm almost unconsciously threading though the text, which some astute readers do.

Obviously the "tee-hee lolz under 16" crowd is not who I turn to for honest, raw reactions. That I expect from other writers, or thoughtful readers, people invested in the narrative who'll ask me a question I didn't realize had come up, or point out something confusing that I thought was clear.

Those small guidelines help shape future paragraphs for me, so I can self correct, and not let the luxury and indulgence of writing become my sole focus, and remember to write for THEM as well as for myself.

You've clicked on my work, spent 20 minutes of your day reading what I've sent to you. I owe some of you my attention, to make sure I'm not just being self indulgent, but also addressing themes or questions that occur to you because of my writing. Frankly, working with sensitive, informed feedback helps me write better.

That is why, for me, comments, that actually argue, question, criticize-they are GOLD. And as for the "Awsum- Just LUVD U! PM me" guys- Sure. I'll do that. A few times. Its polite to PM, and not to demand adulation and pout if you don't get enough of it. But comments from the readers who I feel are on this journey with me? I look out for them.

Your take? Especially since there are excellent writers currently posting on this topic?

Originally posted by: Lyraa99

totally overwhelmed that u like my work.. 😳

AAH.. m with u here... yea threats are annoying.. its like forcing someone to read the work.. frankly speaking... i write angst... there might be ppl out there who love to read light romances where they dont have to get depressed.. i cant force everyone to comment... i believe if the readers enjoy reading as much as a writer enjoys writing then they will comment without being asked to do so...

secondly 95% of the people on my buddy list are ppl who have sent me requests... in fact there are hardly one or two people i remember sending buddy req to... there are selected few readers i truly follow...for those who threaten, sometimes i have no choice but comment with an awesome even if i dont read the update.. cz they read mine n i feel m unfair to them..

(since comments mean so much for some writers)

till now i have not really un-buddied anyone..(its a lil difficult for me as i dont make ti compulsory to comment, i cannot know who like the posts and who dont,,,)

All i have to say to readers out here is like the post if u read.. comment at least once if u r a reader just to let the writer know that u r indeed following the ff...

and to the writers.., write because u enjoy it.. write because u wanna write.. dont write for comments.. and dont threaten people or hold back updates because you dont get the expected number of comments cz its not fair on those who read ur work and comment regularly...

Trust ur talent to write.. u dont need too many comments to judge the fact that u r a good writer.. dont insult ur writing and ur talent by forcing people to read ur work and comment...

gud points raised by u lyraa. so i guess going fwd rather than seeing the # of comments newbies like me need 2 concentrate on the qlty of the comments. guess ppl either hitting the LIKE button or adding 1 word like wow/awesome etc r just being polite.

now i understand. for some of my updates u post comments & on some u simply hit the LIKE button. which means in the former case u really liked it & in the latter u r just being nice 😃

got the hint 😉

Originally posted by: madmaxine

Look, who wouldn't kill for the kind of feedback you're asking for? I would. Out of the 10 odd pages of comments for the FFs/Os's I write, on average, I get maybe 3 (If it's a good day) that are well thought-out and useful. Though when I have specifically asked for criticism in the beginning, I have gotten that too...and fairly honest criticism it was. But it's a rare event, and one I've stopped expecting. I write for the same reason as you. Just an outlet..stress buster after a busy day at work and all that. For that purpose, this forum works fine. People here are perfectly lovely and very receptive and encouraging.

And to be upfront with you...I don't think I have made the effort to give anyone honest feedback on their work either, (too damn lazy!) unless specifically asked to comment on some aspect of the work. (An event rarer than Hailey's Comet) So, yeah..when I don't do it, how can I expect it of other people? I can't. Therefore, I don't. (Obviously, this doesn't apply to you if you are a good soul who makes it a point to critique others' works honestly.) I write. I post. I check comments. I laugh over some of them and smile at most of the rest. Bas. Khatam. Finito.

The most honest criticism I got of my work was when after several months, I finally puckered up the courage to send 2 of my favorite pieces to my brother recently. He told me they sucked big time. Actually, he was really scathing. Like, scathing to the extent that I thought maybe I should just stop writing scathing. But, luckily..I have a healthy enough ego to preclude that too!

Cheers!

Vidhya

PS: In case anyone cares, I threw myself on the floor and wept myself to sleep after reading his note...NOT! But I told him I did, and made him promise to buy me the new iPad for being an asshole to his only sister. 😊

Not to diss your brother or anything, but to me a good critique is one that makes me get up and want to fix my work, not howl my head off. Though an iPad3 in compensation would be nice.😆

The best feedback I have ever had came in the way of questions on my work: why did I want this character to do this, why do I need such and such setting, do I think it would help if I did the scene this way instead of that way? When I tried to answer those questions, I saw light.

The best feedback needs to be Sensitive as well as honest, and many critics forget that important part.

To me, I can see places where a story on the forum can improve, but am lazy.

Some of the writers have PMed me their work for comment after this thread, but I'm not sure I can do entire justice to it---I can suggest pointers, which would be helpful in some way. I'll try my best. I haven't made a helpful comment on the forum thus far, only expressed admiration when compelled to do so.

Good critiquing takes time and effort, and I guess I (or any writer) would only invest that amount of time if it were a crit partner's work or when being paid as an editor.

@Neem: You can diss my brother..I don't mind at all. I do it a lot myself.😆 Seriously, I was going to copy paste what he said i his email in my earlier comment and then I changed my mind. Because it was really awful. But he was right. He basically said writing FFs based on soaps sucks because the characters aren't yours and you don't have enough flexibility with them. (I'm paraphrasing very loosely here..his language was..um..strong!) His advice (and I'll say it here, but but never to his face!) and he's right, is this: If you want to write anything seriously, write your own stories...think about your characters, and think about the story you want to tell. And play to your strengths, obviously.