[Report This]Date: Mar 16, 2015 08:22 pm Title: Case Example - Using Repetition to Increase Suspense
It didn't bug me, but now that I see it... it will LOL.
I don't really have much to say on this topic... I don't have any big suspense stories besides the Bodyguard. Knowing me, you should know I did not take the typical route of exposing his secret.
I can't be argumentative on this one so that doesn't leave very much for me to say lol. Very helpful info!
Author's Response:
No debates? How sad :(
Let it bug you. Let it fester until all you can see is that "c". bwahaha
Girl, you totally toss suspense into your stories. I could think of half a dozen cliffhangers you've done without serious effort.
[Report This]Date: Mar 16, 2015 05:42 pm Title: Case Example - Using Repetition to Increase Suspense
Thank you so much. Now I know better how to apply this to my story. Lol I didn't even realize they had misspelled suspense.
More soon <333
Author's Response:
NP. Thanks for the question :)
'Suspence' doesn't annoy me as much as their error at the bottom of the screen. I facepalm every time.
[Report This]Date: Mar 16, 2015 10:47 am Title: The Basics
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14fX79jQHLJbKxKg3YpkZmLUXjKG9osXNkYFN_bRD-84/viewform
I just found this survey on tumblr about defining and describing your OC's. It was honestly SO useful! They ask you the normal questions, but then a lot of in depth ones that make you think about not only who the OC is as a person, but what their point is within the story and how their arc should be played out GIVEN THEIR PERSONALITY. Maybe you could post this in an author's note of yours--it could be really useful to people who are planning stories, have writer's block, or are trying to figure out the direction of their story and the characters. It's a little lengthy, but honestly so, so, so good to just sit down and think about this stuff. There were a lot of questions I'd never even considered in terms of Julia and I feel like I've learned a whole lot about my writing style and the direction of my story :)
Author's Response:
Shoot - I missed this before. Is it the survey that you find helpful, or is it the results? The results seem focused on gender, sexual orientation, race, and some personality factors (e.g. warmth, dominance, emotional stability). The results read like a social psych experiment.
Do you find the questions more helpful than:
http://fuckyeahcharacterdevelopment.tumblr.com/post/50825149893/character-sheets-and-character-creation
http://www.writingclasses.com/InformationPages/index.php/PageID/106
? I'm looking to update a previous segment and will bump it when I do so. I'll wait until I hear back from you, though ;)
[Report This]Date: Mar 16, 2015 07:29 am Title: Case Example - Using Repetition to Increase Suspense
Ahhh sorry for the late review(s)! First of all you know how I feel about your last author's note about the CV thing lmao...yep..yep...
Suspense-- I wish I was more strong willed so I could include cliffhangers! I'm an instant gratification person and always find myself wanting to continue the story immediately. Same for playing the long-game...I'm always nervous to include "mystery" tidbits that go unresolved for chapters at a time for fear that a) they'll be a let down and b) the readers will forget/not understand what I'm trying to do. << I think above anything else in my writing, I need to work on suspense! Thanks for bringing this back to the forefront of my mind!
I saw some conversation about the merits of swearing in the review section, and this is something that while I feel strongly about, I'm also self-concious of. I know that I swear a lot. Some of it's intentional, some of it's bad habit (in writing and irl) I do always try to make a point that, in my story specifically, people like Julia and Janelle are the potty mouths and Michael is someone that swears when necessary, not like the college kids that the other characters are. Even still, I'm afraid that it's excesive and I do try to tone it down. I feel like, particularly for Julia, her tone and style of dialogue has beend developed to include a healthy string of explicitives, but I do my best to counterbalance that with insightful dialogue as well.
I'll come back and write more later, gotta run now. Good stuff, good stuff!
Author's Response:
NP. No rush, no obligation, no ....I ran out of words.
You've done cliffhangers - need I remind you of Julia getting kicked out in LA or the car scene?
"potty mouth" I'm dyyyying. I usually hear cursing or swearing. This takes me back to volunteer work that I used to do.
Swearing is an art form. As with slang, it can carry a lot of meaning and can change how one sees interactions/dialogue, without even changing the message of the statement.
TY!
[Report This]Date: Mar 15, 2015 08:17 pm Title: Case Example - Using Repetition to Increase Suspense
Regarding to the cliffhangers I've never really read a story that over did them. I can tolerate them but I hate them more than anything too. It's like I can do it on my story but I wouldn't want the author of my favorite story to do it just because thats my favorite story.
Now, when it comes to suspense I'm not very good at it. Every now and again I get lucky and write a good suspenseful scene, but I am not afraid to admit that I'm not that good at it. I'm a little bad at building up to big suspense scene but the way you make repitition work within suspense is nice!
Wait, now that I think about it the recent dinner chapter in GL was a good suspense moment... or would you not call it suspense? And maybe the chapter where Semaj and Michael were close to doing it and her parents had returned.. that was a nice little moment there and I won't lie when I outlined for that to happen I was tempted to make it a cliffhanger but I thought against it.
I really hate the building of a suspense scene... or a big climax for the simple fact that authors enjoy to use cliffhangers right in that moment. So when I feel the rise of a big scene I'll stop reading for a good four chapters and then I'll come back to it so that way I can read straight through it.
Author's Response:
I love the double standard ;)
I think the biggest key to suspense is to not allude too much to what will happen. Just follow the KISS strategy. A few repetitions can do that beautifully.
I'd call the dinner a suspenseful scene.
I think you hit the nail on the head. That's definitely a factor in my decision to delay starting most stories until they are a fair bit developed.
Date: Mar 15, 2015 07:31 pm Title: Case Example - Using Repetition to Increase Suspense
ooo! and for the vampire bit also that he is becoming increasingly thirsty for blood..or is that revealing too much? or never sleeps in the night..
Author's Response:
I think the increasing thirst for blood also works. Again, repetition can't be used for everything, but spread out and used sparingly, it is a powerful tool.
One excellent way to use it is to have seemingly unrelated factors start to escalate at the same time, then to tie them together at the apex of the tension. The key there, though, is that the readers don't necessarily know they are all linked.
Date: Mar 15, 2015 08:44 am Title: Writing Suspense into your Fiction
I beleive you covered the use of 'snakes' in chapter 15 Lets Talk About Sex. Wooooo Lmaoooooo. I kill me. That euphamism is dedicated to SkyWriter. Lmao.
;)
<333
Author's Response:
LOL. True, snakes and bayonets.
Date: Mar 15, 2015 03:28 am Title: Writing Suspense into your Fiction
Noooo, I LOVE cliffhangers! I do. :)
Author's Response:
I do as well, just not on every chapter. Are you okay with them on every single chapter?
[Report This]Date: Mar 14, 2015 10:06 pm Title: Writing Suspense into your Fiction
@ Redone boo :) no problem! Also, I am rather late in this discussion lol I haven't read all the replies or suggestions on this topic so I do apologize in advance if you in fact did clarify a point (because you might very well have). My post was based on some of the later replies I have seen and some of the suggestions I have read.
Also, I notice that there are some things I pointed out that I could have clarified more in my last response.
I want to clarify again if I did not clarify before in my last post that I really think this is an excellent story or "fanfiction guide" that you created and you have done an excellent job in providing pointers for writers because god knows I need it! hahaha Because I am always looking for pointers and things that I can do to grow as a writer.
With that being said, when I refered to "restricting creativity" I was mostly specifically referring to conceptual ideas, characterizations and story concepts. For example, having a strong OG's as a good OG characterization. I was in no way referring to grammatical advice, structuring of stories, or other technical pieces of english writing.
This is why I made the comment that maybe its not that some writers need to improve technically but maybe "every story is not for everybody". I was specifically referring this phrase to some of the conceptual suggestions that you made, just to give you another perpective to think about ...thats all :)
I think there is a niche and audience for all these different concepts, themes and characters. There is no right or wrong. For example, There might be some readers that might not like Michael to be portrayed as a virgin and of course there are some who don't (I personally don't prefer this myself but just giving you something to think about because I know some MJ fans who like to see him portrayed as a virgin in these MJ stories or innocent)
There are some people who don't like cussing, or hyper sexual explicit deragatory slang or "slang dialogue" and there are a niche of writers who cater to that audience who don't. However, me personally, I LOVE it lol Because I think it can make certain conversations strong with emotion and reflects the "conversation" of certain communities or groups of people depending on what the personality or cultural beliefs the character is reflecting. Lastly, I always love a good dirty explicit sex scene lol because I love feeling what the characters are feeling and you do that by being detailed and maybe sometimes explicit (there is an audience for that too).
There is a audience for all these different concepts and characters regardless of how cliche or repetitive they might be and I respect you giving suggestions of other concepts and characterizations that people can open their horizons too as well. Its just the way some of it was phrased seemed a bit restrictive and to me kinda implied that if these suggestions are not used than you won't get any readers or replies
The reason why I mentioned replies is because that was an essential thing you mentioned that you wanted to help readers achieve in your opening quote of the cover of this fiction.
This is why I said, "just because a story has low replies doesn't make it good or bad per se because there are other factors that should be taken into consideration such as.
There are readers who don't give reviews and instead favorite stories or just give ratings.
There are some readers who read stories that they like but don't give any reviews
I just said that to say that I don't think that reviews specifically should be the end all be all factor for what determines a great story as you kinda imply in your opening. I have read a few really great stories that have little reviews likewise there are few stories with a lot of reviews in which concepts or story lines are not as appealing to me imo (and this goes back to the whole every story is not for everybody) Once again I am not trying to be harsh or offend :)
And I will apologize if my last review came off "harsh" to you because that definitly was not my intentions at all.
In my last post, I was just giving a different perspective of what I have personally heard from other MJ fanfiction writers who write. There are some who just do this for fun because they love Michael and I just pointed that out because I think that is a point you might want to consider as well.
In your last response, I noticed you said that you were interested in hearing what I have to say just in case you might have to change something and that was not my intentions to change your opinions. I was just trying to give you a different angle or perspective to think.You have definitly given me much to think about! Keep up the good work and Nice guide ! :)
Author's Response:
Yay, thanks for returning and addressing my queries :)
When I say a strong OG, I meant that the author develops the character. Doesn't just keep her as someone who is passive b/c of poor character development. For instance, someone who we only really know the description of, but has no set personality, has minimal history, and changes with the wind. I don't feel that is restricting creativity...it's actually asking authors to be creative.
I agree about different niches. I just also do believe that there are some rules to writing fiction that should be attended it if you want the fiction to be read by more than just a couple people. What you described (e.g. virginity, swearing, sexually explicit language, slang), I don't see any one of those as being rules to good/bad fanfiction. There is a time and a place for everything. My main message is that an author should be aware of and attend to that time and place, if he/she wants to write a fanfic that more than three people will read without cringing. I'm being completely direct. I like some ff with a number of very sexually explicit scenes, tons of slang, swearing, different types of OGs, etc. A person can write using ebonics, the Queen's English, or American English...it really doesn't matter to me, as long as it's consistent with the setting, the characters, and the plot. Ditto for a dirty explicit scene - if it's in the first chapter, is unrealistic, doesn't match the personalities that have been portrayed, etc - to me it's a wasted scene and I'm out of the ff. Putting something in, just to put it in, is IMO the lowest level of creative expression.
I also agree about there being some uses for the cliche characters and concepts, as I stated in that segment and the reviews. These can still be done well. I'll be posting another chapter of cliches soon, and I think the same about many of those. If the writing is good, the author takes a unique slant, and/or in some way adds a spin to it, it can work in the author's favor. There are very few instances in which I think an author just shouldn't go there...and those tend to be the ones that are: a)banned on this site or b) show that the author has no clue what they are talking about (Just thinking off the top of my head of instances that I've seen recently: a court case that ignores how court cases proceed, a PO dating their client, a therapist dating their client, a student who attends med school and college at the same time, a student who takes gen ed courses during law school, etc). One could argue that there is an audience for both, but one could also argue that there was an audience for The Chevy Chase Show, Celebrity Boxing, Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire, and 2 Girls 1 Cup... I'm not naming those to say that the writers are similarly low brow, but to make the point that stating that there is an audience for everything, doesn't necessarily mean that that is the audience an author wants. I'm essentially writing this for those authors who strive to eventually have a story that appeals to readers in a similar way that Michael's music appealed to the general public. He didn't go for the small niche, he strove to be timeless and make music that all people could enjoy.
Thank you for clarifying re: my phrasing. I will attend to that more carefully in my next segment on cliches.
I focused on replies as those are originally why I started this thread. People were asking and begging for replies/reasons why they weren't getting replies. So, I'm going to be completely blunt: I think replies are an important measure of whether or not people enjoy a story. When people are members and read a story but don't post a review, it's not simply because they are being lazy. Often there is another reason that they aren't saying. It could be because they don't like what they read, they feel it is played, there is something in it that turned them off, it is forgettable, they are otherwise occupied at the moment, the author never replies to them, or they just don't know what to say. I don't think that I ever said that low reviews meant a story was bad or that reviews are an end all, be all. Please quote me if I did....
There are readers who don't give reviews and instead favorite stories or just give ratings.
^I've done that in a couple some cases. Mainly when the author doesn't engage with the readers....and those are also the first stories I remove from my "favorites". The thing is, that as a writer, that isn't as helpful as a review. You don't know what they are responding to when they neg you or favorite you. Ditto for readers who read a story they like and don't give any reviews. That's like having a fan who loves to hear your song on the radio, but never requests it, doesn't purchase your album/singles, and doesn't play it on spotify. It's a fan that clearly isn't gripped enough to do anything about liking the song.
I hope my response makes sense. It's early and I'm tired lol. Thank you again for clarifying and expanding more on what you said. You helped me to better flesh out my thoughts on this topic (in my head) as well as gave me some points to ponder as I go forward with this segment.
Date: Mar 14, 2015 07:20 pm Title: Writing Suspense into your Fiction
I was asking for examples of Repetition not reptilian. Smh. Lol.
Author's Response:
Damnit. I was all set to post a segment on how to use snakes in one's stories.
[Report This]Date: Mar 14, 2015 07:18 pm Title: Writing Suspense into your Fiction
Oooo this is excellent!! I need this especially for CTTG. My recently posted chapter of Inked also has a high Suspence factor to it was well. I love a good suspenseful story.
3)can you give some examples of reptilian that works well?
5)This I have had a little issue with in both stories. Luckily I'm quick on my feet and I've been able to steer things back to where I need them to be. Where was this segment a month shot!!!! Shakes fist at sky!! This is even more proof to me how much this thread is needed.
6) The cliffhanger. I may have over used this too. Lol. I have a love hate with cliffhangers. I love them but then I need immediate gratification of the next chapter. This is why I kinda like catching stories that have already been established where I can move chapter to chapter without waiting.
••••••••
PS I have to say SkyWriter's reviews always has me in tears when I read them. OMG. Lmaoooooooo. 'Sausage under my barbecue hood'. (Paraphrasing) DEAD!!! you hear me!! DEAD!!!
••••••••
I'll leave this little quote that me and the hubs were discussing just yesterday and it rings true for this thread.
"Do not correct a fool because they will hate you for it. Correct a wise man because he will forever be grateful..." This is gold.
Love it as always!! More soon! <333
Author's Response:
I love that quote. Thanks :) I'm a huge believer in the quote: "Perfection is the willingness to be imperfect" by Lao Tzu
3) I'll add a mini segment with an example. Anything else I should post an example of that you (or anyone else reading this) can think of?
5) LOL. Sorry eep.
6) this is easy to over use. It's so tempting to include as an author....and it's also why I typically wait until a story hits past 25,000 words to read.
SkyWriter is full of those gems. Srsly. I can't respond to any of her comments with even a modicum of seriousness. 
.
Thanks as always!
Date: Mar 14, 2015 04:43 pm Title: Writing Suspense into your Fiction
Suspence is one of the weaknesses of mine when it comes to fanfics or even my favorite shows because it leaves me wanting more and I would be that much more compelled to stick around..I love it for sci-fi..when the chapter could end with the badguy for the fic smirking or laughing evilly and not putting why..it leaves you wondering what is on the person's mind..or if the bad guy makes a sinister scheme and the chapter ends like that the reader wonders whether the villain will succeed or not..if the scheme is carried out and not saying what happens to the protagonist right away
Suspence could work for pretty much like a good 'ol romance fic or even family oriented ones..one character revealing bad news and not letting the listener's reaction be known..or simply just saying that there is news to be told..or arguments..or car accidents..(which makes me feel uncomfy as if I feel the character's pain) ..so many possibilities..
Most agreed that the suspenceful element must not be overdone...
Author's Response:
As you alluded to, there are so many uses for suspense. So much of the suspense is in our heads and a product of our desire to know more.
Thanks as always for your input :)
Date: Mar 13, 2015 08:31 pm Title: When the Dog Bites. When the Bee Stings
MJ-Is-My-Morphine is right in a lot of essences. Really, its anyones prerogative to write exactly as they want, in whatever style they want, whatever subject they want, in whatever ill-grammar that they do so choose, but I really feel like the point has been missed.
There's no one here who has been cast out or individually berated for anything they've done as a writer -- but the point of these tips are to help writers who WISH to IMPROVE along their journey through fiction.
I've seen a lot of people taking shots here and elsewhere about "readers" who critisise and belittle stories without knowing who the reader is, what experience they've had and so forth. @RedOne has been subject to that and it irritates me. In the past I have also been told that I'm just a "reader" so I have no idea what I'm on about -- mind you, without that person knowing that I hold a university degree in writing, editing, and reporting for various different means. I am aware that Red also has something similiar and a LOT of experience, so her opinions in terms of editing, grammar, story format, flow, fluidity of a body of text are completely valid and sometimes, professional.
We all like to read what we like to read. If someone wants to read something incredibly cheesy to the point its hard to even read on through a tiny gap in your fingers, then fine, thats your right ... but I would say that the general audience of readers want either one of two things and I'll be frank;
Michael Jackson smut.
Or;
A good solid fictional story with a great plot and the kind of characters that will keep readers hanging on for ever subsequent chapter.
I fall in to the latter catergory myself, personally. I also write stories for the latter category and it is my hope that my readers will continue reading and will leave me honest feed back. I'm a little girl with a strong backbone, I can handle it. I would also like to know if my writing sucks so I can fix things if necessary.
In the same vein as some of the comments; 'if you don't like a story, you don't have to read it', I'll apply it here. If you don't want tips, if you don't care for what a reader thinks of your story, then you don't have to take on board any of Red's tips.
If you feel a bit like tl;dr, then maybe don't bother....
I choose to, I like to read everyone's opinions here because it helps me determine the kind of stories that my audience likes to read and what I should do and what I shouldn't do. My fictions are a work of my own heart, my own views, my feelings and such, but without people reading them and getting that same kick from reading it as I do writing them, then I probably wouldn't bother posting them. There is nothing more delightful than reading honest and warm feedback from my awesome audience.
I grapple with the idea someone would feel like, "Fuck you all, I'll write what I want! I don't care HOW shit it is!"
However, I am a person who always wishes to better herself every single day whether it be in a friggin' fan-fic or if its in every day life... so... I guess that could be just me.
========
Critisisms & What I Hate:
When things progress way too quickly. A girl is a complete sweetheart and preaches about how she's very 'proper' and does things that would be uncharacteristic for her backstory - i.e jumps in to bed and demands MJ do her anal. No offence, to any girl who thinks she's good but just likes a bit of butthole action, but that's probably something you don't want to do the first time you sleep with someone. ..... Again... just me... *shrugs*
Using expressions that are incredibly disturbing. Now, this is totally my opinion because I'm a little bit prissy when it comes to sex... but an OG telling him, "PLOW MY PUSSY RAW!" makes me want to cry. All I can think about is the tube of canesten or thrush cream she's going to need later..........
Obviously stories are not interesting if everything happens easily and without a single obstacle and if both characters are super perfect, but the amount of obstacles that occur is something that I think about a lot. If I am super invested in to a plot and they keep chucking in an obstacle every time things are going nicely like a fuckin' backyard game of Tough Mudder, then I'm gonna bounce. There's nothing more frustrating than a relationship that's starting to be nice, then Suzy Fuck Me Dukes walks -- the ex ghost from Michael's christmas past and throws a monkey wrench in the whole episode. And then once that bitch has made her stage left exit, the OG's crazy dipshit ex rolls his ass back in and tries to kidnap her and pop a cap in MJ's beautiful behind....
....homer drool..... mmm beautiful behind.
Grammar wise?
I am pretty shit with grammar. I'm Australian, thats about the short and long of my excuse, we speak very lazily and if you grow up in a more lower class area, then you will struggle with were/was for the rest of your life. Seriously, the struggle is real. I'm not too concerned with it though, that's why writer's have editors. :P
What I do love??
Good spelling. Good plot with plenty of twists and turns but they don't always have to be negative. I do like MJ being a bit of a story hero; because I truly believe that's where his heart was at. I like OG's with personality, not a brain dead bitch who's sole purpose in life is to love, cook and suck MJs ballbag at his every whim. I like head-strong OGs with plausible back stories who aren't crazy but can hold their shit together and not let him get away with too much. OGs who put up with MJs cheating? Fuck that, Michael Jackson or not, send that beautiful behind away.... and enjoy the view......
I love flowing plots where sex scenes are built up and writing less is sometimes more. I don't want to see weird euphemisms for penis and vaginas. Like, "Michael put his sword in to OG bitches moonlight," or "he slipped his man worm in to my womanly garden", Or, "his pork sausage ended up under the hood of my BBQ" you know, stuff like that.
And lastly,
Critisism, Reviews, Comments -- whatever you want to call them, they build you up as a writer, they make you strong and they make you better regardless of how they might sting in the moment. Or, you can be a blockhead and not take it on because you clearly know better.
Its my guess that these posts by Red are inspired by the countless beggers for comments and reviews but the same people who crack the sads when someone offers advice that they don't like. Here the advice is fair, honest and free for the taking.
I LOVE YOUR TIPS RED :)
Author's Response:
I'm kinda speechless.
Frankly, I think your break down of two things readers want is rather accurate. Now, I will say that smut can be well written and have a decent plot, so the two aren't mutually exclusive. However, I do agree with the general point of your statement.
I grapple with the idea someone would feel like, "Fuck you all, I'll write what I want! I don't care HOW shit it is!"
^ I do, too.
i.e jumps in to bed and demands MJ do her anal. No offence, to any girl who thinks she's good but just likes a bit of butthole action,
^ I had to c+p that b/c I'm laughing so hard that I'm crying. Well, that and it deserved to be bolded.
Oh, and I believe the image you were imagining looks something like this: 
Love your criticisms and loves. I think grammar is a common problem across the US as well. It is very dependent on the quality of one's education, where a person lives, cultural factors, etc. I do believe in using slang and similar languages (e.g. Ebonics) in dialogues and thoughts. I'm not as sold on using it in describing the scene.
Thanks @SkyWriter!
Date: Mar 13, 2015 08:21 am Title: The Basics
Well, I tend to agree that a lot of the critique, especially in the review section (take mine for example) is people's subjective opinions. But that doesn't mean it's less helpful for those who want to improve or get more comments. Many writers enjoy writing stories to entertain their readers. It's just easier for them to do so when they know what their readers like. Also, people's tastes vary and it's interesting to share and see what people have in common. At the end of the day, it is completely up to the writer to choose which points to take or leave. You are perfectly free to write a love story inspired by a telenovela or a horror fic with vampire MJ sucking kids' blood. Go as far as your imagination allows. And if you like, u can rite a hole story lyke dis.
Author's Response:
Totally agree. I feel as though I prefaced the fact that this is partly my opinion, in my summary.
i shud rite a chaptr lyk dat. Id rawk dat shit owt
Date: Mar 12, 2015 08:09 pm Title: The Basics
Very interesting and this review is kinda long sorry lol
I know Im going to be in the underdog here but I agree with Coco as well and I actually think Coco made some really good points in their last comments.
Some of the critiques and recommendations here are actually really good pointers but I feel some of these critiques are just subjective opinions about "what some don't or don't like in a story" not necessarily pointers on how to improve as a writer. Now I understand everyone has their own personal style of MJ fan fiction writing that they prefer reading and that's fine.
However, I don't see why all fan fiction writers have to write in a "standard way" when its creative writing. Some of these "rules" kinda defeats that purpose in my opinion.
The whole point of MJ fanfiction writing(in my opinion ;) is out of pure love for Michael. We are all here because we are MJ fans. I don't see why people should be artistically restricted in how they choose to express that in their story or fantasy. I am in no way trying to offend :) but just being honest with how some of the critiques came off to me in my opinion.
In my opinion, I think we all should be encouraging each other as writers and supporting each other and not looking down on each other's works ( whos is the best writer or who is not the best writer- now of course there are always going to be more talented and creative writers but I feel all works and ideas should at least be valued and respected).
It's one thing to say, "Yea this can help with grammar or developing a story plot" but it is another to try to dictate ideas and concepts someone should or should not put in their writing if they "want more reviews".
I don't think everyone who writes a story here comes here for that. Maybe some people write stories because that's what they enjoy doing. Maybe some people are not striving to be "perfect" writers and this is just something they do for fun because they love Michael or because they like writing because it makes them feel good (there can be many reasons but just giving some examples)
I just don't like this whole "elite" rulemaking of MJ fanfiction writing and I don't think whether someone has a lot of reviews or a lot reads dictates whether a story is a good story or not. I guess I am trying to say,it might not necessarily be the writing that is the problem but maybe every story is not for everybody (and thats okay) but at least creative freedom is respected and encourage. Once again, I am in no way trying to offend with this opinion but just my personal opinion about some of the suggestions stated.
Author's Response:
I appreciate you breathing more information to what Coco was saying. I was hoping she'd expand upon her comment. :)
My thought is that these "rules" aren't rigid. They vary by case, so I'm not quite sure what you mean by "standard". They are often flexible, as I've conveyed over and over. Those that aren't, are generally identified in highly regarded published literature vs. that which is often relegated to discount stores.
I have also stated time and again that these are a combination of my opinion, the opinions of others, and research I've done. I'm sorry if I haven't made that clear enough :/
As to encouraging each other, I believe several reviewers have stated that this helps inspire them on how to develop as a writer. That is my goal - to encourage writers/budding writers to feel like they have more information/assistance in developing their stories. Often people start writing without a clear sense of what they are doing, then 2-20 chapters in...they stop. They hit "writer's block" or feel trapped by where they took their story. My intention is to help writers avoid that block and/or overcome it when they get there. IMO perfection is unattainable, but progress is always a goal.
About your "want more reviews" point. Fair enough. How about if I say, "if they want more people to stay engaged in their stories and/or take interest"? I just mention reviews as those are an excellent means of finding out whether people are staying engaged, what they think about one's story, and lessening the void that one faces when posting a chapter into the great abyss of the interwebz.
I notice that you are focusing a lot on reviews. Is there a reason that point is so salient to you? What if I removed that entirely and the focus was just on becoming a better writer and/or deepening and strengthening fanfiction?
I think assumming that I am poo-poo-ing creative freedom is a gross overstatement. There are tons of different types of FF that I've favorited, that I read, that I'll give shout outs to. Now, if by creative freedom you mean that I'm not down with people portraying Michael as a sex offender or in sexual relationships with minors, then I'll cop to that. Then again, I suppose you could say the same thing for this site as it doesn't condone such writings.
I apologize if I'm terse - long day and I'm trying to go through each point directly. I hope you stick around and reply. I would really like to further operationalize some of the points you've made. That will help me know exactly where I might need to make changes and/or where I'm not being explicit enough.