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Writing Critic/ Tips for FanFic
Also, don't say your story sucks. Be confident! My story 'I'm A Loaded Gun' was my first ever fan fic and it's still one of the most sucessful fanfics on here. I haven't written on the first section in two weeks and it's still on the popular page with 25,000+ views, 110 subs, and 50+ votes. If you don't have confidence in your work, it makes the story suffer. If the writer says it sucks that doesn't attract readers. Just be confident (: I know you all can.
that was really helpful! my biggest comment is to rule #5 if you see a story and you like it. DONT COPY IT and just change a few things. that's pretty much plagiarism. if it inspires you to write something that could be similar to the inspiration, change it and make it YOURS.
I read like 20 stories where BVB adopted 14 year old girls . there is only 1 where they adopt a boy. congrats for that person changing it to a boy! my story is already having that kind of thing happen. except its pretty similar still. the person finally took it in another direction then mine. which is good because then they are now their own writer.
I used to not be confident in my storys but now, now I am. I know i'm good but its more of a modest knowing i'm good. I look up to the people like you who have the thousands of reads and almost a hundred comments. that's INCREDIBLE!!!!!! I hope to one day get that. its like we have a fan base inside a fan base. lol I follow certain stories more than others. I literally check the list of updates like 123435484848 times a day. lol I need a life. any ways, your tips are helpful and I could say I think the same exact thing. especially the grammar thing. sometimes its just to horrible to even try to read. sigh. anyways, that was a lot of help!
I read like 20 stories where BVB adopted 14 year old girls . there is only 1 where they adopt a boy. congrats for that person changing it to a boy! my story is already having that kind of thing happen. except its pretty similar still. the person finally took it in another direction then mine. which is good because then they are now their own writer.
I used to not be confident in my storys but now, now I am. I know i'm good but its more of a modest knowing i'm good. I look up to the people like you who have the thousands of reads and almost a hundred comments. that's INCREDIBLE!!!!!! I hope to one day get that. its like we have a fan base inside a fan base. lol I follow certain stories more than others. I literally check the list of updates like 123435484848 times a day. lol I need a life. any ways, your tips are helpful and I could say I think the same exact thing. especially the grammar thing. sometimes its just to horrible to even try to read. sigh. anyways, that was a lot of help!
I'm glad it helped you (: that's the point! I really appreciate you as a reader, you are pretty chill!
Finally someone who understands me! I hate when fan fictions have any of the things you pointed out about grammar, misspelled words, punctuation, and all that. I'm more of a writer than a reader. I can't read BVB fics because not many of them are very well written and they all have the same generic plot. BVB adopts some girl, or Andy falls in love with this girl in like 3 days. They're all the same. Mine, I would say, are much different. Sure, I have some of the same aspects as other people, but I try to make them different. That's also a suggestion I would add to your list. Make your ideas original. Everyone is using the "I was adopted by BVB" plot. Think of something completely different. Think of something that could become a real story. To make it fan fiction, you just use the band members as the characters. That's a key to good writing. Think of something that no one has ever thought of before.
Another thing I hate is when writers use themselves as the main character. I didn't come to read a story about how you have a sucky-ass life and all of a sudden, BVB shows up and saves you by letting them live with you. Let's be real here, that is never going to happen. I like stories that are realistic, not some fangirl bullshit. (I know, I'm a tough critic). Make the characters unique. Sure, you can slip a part of you into your characters. I do it all the time. Most of my characters are dancers, because I love dance and I'm able to write about it very well. But please, for the love of all things holy, do not make you the main character. Many critics out there will automatically cast your character as a Mary Sue, and that's the biggest insult you could ever receive in the writing world.
My stories, as well as your own, get billions of views, tons of votes, tons of subscribers and I've had a following fanbase for over a year. Another thing is don't give up. Some people (like me) will give you harsh criticism. We'll try and make it nice harsh criticism, but don't take it personally. It's only going to make you that much better by accepting what they have to say and using that advice to improve your skills. I've received harsh criticism before and look where I am now. It only made me that much better. Sure, I was upset at first, but it helped me improve in the long run.
As for staying with your comfort, I have to semi-disagree with you. Obviously if you're not comfortable writing sex, don't write sex. I'm not comfortable with it so I don't do it. But don't always stay in that comfort zone forever. Writing is about taking risks. Don't think you can write horror? Try it and see. If you don't try, you'll never know. Always write in first person? Try third. Always practice writing genres or narratives outside of your comfort zone on your own. Not everything you write has to be published on a website. Writing for yourself is okay, too.
And the time issue I also disagree with. In cases, yes it needs to be controlled. For example, like you said, don't have the characters meet and fall in love in two days. That's also bullshit that will never happen. But you're allowed to keep time very loose in your stories. Time doesn't have to be strictly set. Most of the time, I don't even mention days, weeks, or months in my story unless it's necessary. Having no sense of time is less restricting and gives you as a writer more freedom to worry about developing the characters instead of worrying what day it is in the story. Just don't shift years ahead all of a sudden without recognition of the time shift.
I'm 18 years old and I've been writing since I was 16. I've taken a creative writing class at school and I'm extremely knowledgeable in the topic of writing. I'm here for anyone who has any questions at all about writing as well. Just wanted to make that clear, and I'm up for critiquing if anyone needs it! (I promise not to be too harsh) :)
Another thing I hate is when writers use themselves as the main character. I didn't come to read a story about how you have a sucky-ass life and all of a sudden, BVB shows up and saves you by letting them live with you. Let's be real here, that is never going to happen. I like stories that are realistic, not some fangirl bullshit. (I know, I'm a tough critic). Make the characters unique. Sure, you can slip a part of you into your characters. I do it all the time. Most of my characters are dancers, because I love dance and I'm able to write about it very well. But please, for the love of all things holy, do not make you the main character. Many critics out there will automatically cast your character as a Mary Sue, and that's the biggest insult you could ever receive in the writing world.
My stories, as well as your own, get billions of views, tons of votes, tons of subscribers and I've had a following fanbase for over a year. Another thing is don't give up. Some people (like me) will give you harsh criticism. We'll try and make it nice harsh criticism, but don't take it personally. It's only going to make you that much better by accepting what they have to say and using that advice to improve your skills. I've received harsh criticism before and look where I am now. It only made me that much better. Sure, I was upset at first, but it helped me improve in the long run.
As for staying with your comfort, I have to semi-disagree with you. Obviously if you're not comfortable writing sex, don't write sex. I'm not comfortable with it so I don't do it. But don't always stay in that comfort zone forever. Writing is about taking risks. Don't think you can write horror? Try it and see. If you don't try, you'll never know. Always write in first person? Try third. Always practice writing genres or narratives outside of your comfort zone on your own. Not everything you write has to be published on a website. Writing for yourself is okay, too.
And the time issue I also disagree with. In cases, yes it needs to be controlled. For example, like you said, don't have the characters meet and fall in love in two days. That's also bullshit that will never happen. But you're allowed to keep time very loose in your stories. Time doesn't have to be strictly set. Most of the time, I don't even mention days, weeks, or months in my story unless it's necessary. Having no sense of time is less restricting and gives you as a writer more freedom to worry about developing the characters instead of worrying what day it is in the story. Just don't shift years ahead all of a sudden without recognition of the time shift.
I'm 18 years old and I've been writing since I was 16. I've taken a creative writing class at school and I'm extremely knowledgeable in the topic of writing. I'm here for anyone who has any questions at all about writing as well. Just wanted to make that clear, and I'm up for critiquing if anyone needs it! (I promise not to be too harsh) :)
@thatscalledyes
hi there!!! I read your comment and agree with you on several points. I completely agree with the whole typical stories that we find on here. i'm hoping you could check my story out and critcic me for it so I have room to improve as a writer. I strive to get better and to see someone with good judgment like you, I would appreciate if you could tell me if its not the typical bubblegum stuff of BVB finding people and then you live with them. I took an aspect of that and applied it to Ashley finding out he had kids. my characters may have some things in common with me like yours have with dancing. I was once a dancer so I kind of like reading about characters being dancers. :) so please if you have time, can you let me know if I am doing okay? I want to grow as a writer and well I need help to know if I am getting better. thank you. have a good day. :)
hi there!!! I read your comment and agree with you on several points. I completely agree with the whole typical stories that we find on here. i'm hoping you could check my story out and critcic me for it so I have room to improve as a writer. I strive to get better and to see someone with good judgment like you, I would appreciate if you could tell me if its not the typical bubblegum stuff of BVB finding people and then you live with them. I took an aspect of that and applied it to Ashley finding out he had kids. my characters may have some things in common with me like yours have with dancing. I was once a dancer so I kind of like reading about characters being dancers. :) so please if you have time, can you let me know if I am doing okay? I want to grow as a writer and well I need help to know if I am getting better. thank you. have a good day. :)
@AshesToAshes13
Of course, I would love to! I'm a bit busy for the next few days but I would love to check out your work and give you some good, solid tips on how to improve :)
Of course, I would love to! I'm a bit busy for the next few days but I would love to check out your work and give you some good, solid tips on how to improve :)
@thatscalledyes
I have to agree with you on the generic stories there, although I must admit i have kinda used a generic plot with one of my stories, but then changed it alot, and I've gotta agree with the sex aspect too, I've read so many sex scenes on here that I'm reading and think, yeah that dunt happen in real life, I'm 24 and not been writing long, literally the first story I wrote was nobody's heroes, on here lol, in January, i think lol, but I've had a friend read them before I out them up, well when he's not busy lol, I've found this thread very helpful, so thank you @BVBgirl355 for posting. I also want to add, keep things as real as possible, do research on things you don't fully understand, like pregnancies especially, like finding out the day after sleeping with someone, that really doesn't happen, takes 10 days for the hormone that tests detect to even be produced, and feeling movements within the first month, again that doesn't happen, I didn't feel anything with my son until nearly 7 months pregnant well after my gender scan at 20 weeks lol, and it's something that really annoys me lol, sorry I'm ranting now lol I'll shut up now.
I have to agree with you on the generic stories there, although I must admit i have kinda used a generic plot with one of my stories, but then changed it alot, and I've gotta agree with the sex aspect too, I've read so many sex scenes on here that I'm reading and think, yeah that dunt happen in real life, I'm 24 and not been writing long, literally the first story I wrote was nobody's heroes, on here lol, in January, i think lol, but I've had a friend read them before I out them up, well when he's not busy lol, I've found this thread very helpful, so thank you @BVBgirl355 for posting. I also want to add, keep things as real as possible, do research on things you don't fully understand, like pregnancies especially, like finding out the day after sleeping with someone, that really doesn't happen, takes 10 days for the hormone that tests detect to even be produced, and feeling movements within the first month, again that doesn't happen, I didn't feel anything with my son until nearly 7 months pregnant well after my gender scan at 20 weeks lol, and it's something that really annoys me lol, sorry I'm ranting now lol I'll shut up now.
@chipmunkcalling
Haha I found your comment amusing. I agree with your points. I've read so many stories like the day after unprotected sex with a band member they have morning sickness and I'm like...uh that's not how that goes. Or I've read stories about car accidents or other serious injuries and they've got it so wrong. I do my best to work with my own knowledge or will speak with friends of mine in medical to get the proper diagnosis or recovery for the injuries I portray. I seriously think if you've never experienced sex, don't write about it. I mean you can if you want, but even kissing, if you've never kissed someone how can you describe it to another person?
Haha I found your comment amusing. I agree with your points. I've read so many stories like the day after unprotected sex with a band member they have morning sickness and I'm like...uh that's not how that goes. Or I've read stories about car accidents or other serious injuries and they've got it so wrong. I do my best to work with my own knowledge or will speak with friends of mine in medical to get the proper diagnosis or recovery for the injuries I portray. I seriously think if you've never experienced sex, don't write about it. I mean you can if you want, but even kissing, if you've never kissed someone how can you describe it to another person?
@BVBgirl355
exactly lol, which is why i've read the heroin diaries so many times for one of my stories lol, btw thats an awesome book lol, but yeah the sex thing, even if you ent experienced good sex then dont write about it lol, we dunt wanna read about a quickie lol, as long as its better than 50 shades then is all good lol
exactly lol, which is why i've read the heroin diaries so many times for one of my stories lol, btw thats an awesome book lol, but yeah the sex thing, even if you ent experienced good sex then dont write about it lol, we dunt wanna read about a quickie lol, as long as its better than 50 shades then is all good lol
@chipmunkcalling
Yeah, I mean a generic plot for a base is completely fine. I do that sometimes too, as long as you add twists that no one else has thought of before, you know? And research is good too especially when it comes to pregnancies. For my story Lost It All, I did a bit of research while writing it so I wouldn't make any mistakes. Being 18 years old already, I know that you don't find out you're pregnant the day after but some 13 and 14 year old girls writing pregnancy stories don't know that so yes, research is super important so you get all the facts straight. And I agree, I think this is a really great thread for people to post their tips for writing because obviously I couldn't hit every single one and there are so many different ones and people have different opinions on :)
Yeah, I mean a generic plot for a base is completely fine. I do that sometimes too, as long as you add twists that no one else has thought of before, you know? And research is good too especially when it comes to pregnancies. For my story Lost It All, I did a bit of research while writing it so I wouldn't make any mistakes. Being 18 years old already, I know that you don't find out you're pregnant the day after but some 13 and 14 year old girls writing pregnancy stories don't know that so yes, research is super important so you get all the facts straight. And I agree, I think this is a really great thread for people to post their tips for writing because obviously I couldn't hit every single one and there are so many different ones and people have different opinions on :)
I totally agree with the point that there seem to be the same three premises going around with the fics on this site. Adoption, Vampires, and Touring with the Band. If done well these can turn out really good (except for probably the adoption storylines). I also like reading fanfictions that don't always end in a happy ending or ones that aren't tied up with a neat little bow at the end. Life isn't perfect...it's complicated and sometimes things don't work out.
I also try really hard to research things before adding them in. In my story Love By Mistake I put in there that BVB released their video for Rebel Love Song in October, which they did. It takes a quick wiki search to see what the band was up to at a certain part in their career and I think it makes for a more realistic story. I do read and reread my chapters before I post them, and yeah some times mistakes still pop through but I find it sad when I'm reading a fic and suddenly there are words or grammar that obviously weren't supposed to be there.
FORMATTING is also my biggest pet peeve. Your story should not be a solid paragraph with the wording running together. Break it up. I use one space between dialogue and then I double space between dialogue and descriptive points. My personal pet peeve I guess but one all the same.
I also try really hard to research things before adding them in. In my story Love By Mistake I put in there that BVB released their video for Rebel Love Song in October, which they did. It takes a quick wiki search to see what the band was up to at a certain part in their career and I think it makes for a more realistic story. I do read and reread my chapters before I post them, and yeah some times mistakes still pop through but I find it sad when I'm reading a fic and suddenly there are words or grammar that obviously weren't supposed to be there.
FORMATTING is also my biggest pet peeve. Your story should not be a solid paragraph with the wording running together. Break it up. I use one space between dialogue and then I double space between dialogue and descriptive points. My personal pet peeve I guess but one all the same.
@Broken Wing
Usually I don't worry too much about reality when it comes to the band's music and things like that which you mentioned but I can see how it would make the story seem more realistic. I figure, hey it's a fictional story, you know? And yes, formatting is the biggest problem I have. If I can't even read the story, how am I supposed to judge your writing skills and help make you better or tell you that there isn't much improvement needed? I'm glad you pointed that out!
Usually I don't worry too much about reality when it comes to the band's music and things like that which you mentioned but I can see how it would make the story seem more realistic. I figure, hey it's a fictional story, you know? And yes, formatting is the biggest problem I have. If I can't even read the story, how am I supposed to judge your writing skills and help make you better or tell you that there isn't much improvement needed? I'm glad you pointed that out!
@thatscalledyes
I mean it doesn't have to be completely 100% realistic, but I do think it helps to give the readers a time frame to follow. Even if it's just mentioning something that did happen, like Andy breaking his nose or Sammi and Jinxx getting married.
Another thing-please people, stop writing in the summary or description of your story that's it's your first fic and to please be nice but to give you advice as well. Sometimes I can't do both, haha, but I will try to be as constructive as I can. Plan out what you want to write as a summary or description because if you 1) Don't have one 2)If it's so hard to understand that I have to cross my eyes or 3) Use the words, 'suck' , 'please be nice' or 'my first' I probably am going to be less likely to open it. Be confident in yourself and in your work.
I mean it doesn't have to be completely 100% realistic, but I do think it helps to give the readers a time frame to follow. Even if it's just mentioning something that did happen, like Andy breaking his nose or Sammi and Jinxx getting married.
Another thing-please people, stop writing in the summary or description of your story that's it's your first fic and to please be nice but to give you advice as well. Sometimes I can't do both, haha, but I will try to be as constructive as I can. Plan out what you want to write as a summary or description because if you 1) Don't have one 2)If it's so hard to understand that I have to cross my eyes or 3) Use the words, 'suck' , 'please be nice' or 'my first' I probably am going to be less likely to open it. Be confident in yourself and in your work.
@Broken Wing
Yeah, I've used Andy breaking his nose and his ribs in one of my stories before, so I understand what you mean.
And yeah, the whole "Sorry it sucks" and "It's my first fic so be nice" isn't going to make me want to read it. If I know it's your first fic before I even read the first chapter, I'm going to leave. It's fine to let people know it's your first in the author's note once they have read through the first chapter but putting down your own writing isn't the best thing. You want to be confident in what you publish, otherwise, why would you publish it?
Yeah, I've used Andy breaking his nose and his ribs in one of my stories before, so I understand what you mean.
And yeah, the whole "Sorry it sucks" and "It's my first fic so be nice" isn't going to make me want to read it. If I know it's your first fic before I even read the first chapter, I'm going to leave. It's fine to let people know it's your first in the author's note once they have read through the first chapter but putting down your own writing isn't the best thing. You want to be confident in what you publish, otherwise, why would you publish it?
@thatscalledyes
@BVBgirl355
I totally agree with the generic stories thing... I've actually been thinking about starting one as a joke where the adopted kid falls in love with the band member that adopted them... And so I had pregnancy in one of my stories and I did my best to keep it realistic and reasearch as much as possible. What really bothers me the most is in a story someone using first person doesn't capatilize any of the I's, it's like one of the most basic things you learn in school. I've only really been writing for a few months on here and I mean, I know my writing is certainly not very good but I am trying to improve and create more realistic storylines than my first story which I have to cringe at when I read. But the one thing I disagree with is the sexual part. Say if you had never really kissed anyone but you want to add something about them kissing, it's not really that hard to vaguely describe even simply mediocre kissing. Also, with the rereading, if I can't sit through it to read simply because the chapter I am about to post is too repetitive or boring, I revise or shorten it so that it works. Back to the generic storyline thing, I used the one where the girl doesn't talk but I made it completely different to all the ones I have seen like it. Anyways, I would really apreciate it if one of you would share some constructive criticism on my fanfictions if you get the chance. Your tips have really helped though!
@BVBgirl355
I totally agree with the generic stories thing... I've actually been thinking about starting one as a joke where the adopted kid falls in love with the band member that adopted them... And so I had pregnancy in one of my stories and I did my best to keep it realistic and reasearch as much as possible. What really bothers me the most is in a story someone using first person doesn't capatilize any of the I's, it's like one of the most basic things you learn in school. I've only really been writing for a few months on here and I mean, I know my writing is certainly not very good but I am trying to improve and create more realistic storylines than my first story which I have to cringe at when I read. But the one thing I disagree with is the sexual part. Say if you had never really kissed anyone but you want to add something about them kissing, it's not really that hard to vaguely describe even simply mediocre kissing. Also, with the rereading, if I can't sit through it to read simply because the chapter I am about to post is too repetitive or boring, I revise or shorten it so that it works. Back to the generic storyline thing, I used the one where the girl doesn't talk but I made it completely different to all the ones I have seen like it. Anyways, I would really apreciate it if one of you would share some constructive criticism on my fanfictions if you get the chance. Your tips have really helped though!
@We are young and we are strong
I don't know if I've already said this (I probably did and I'm just too lazy to go back and read all the messages) but to avoid a generic story line, think of something without worrying about it being fan fiction related and then just change it into a fan fiction after you come up with the idea.
I think sex in stories is fine if you know how to write it well and you've experienced it and know how to describe it accurately. But usually I tell people to stay away from it because I find it awkward when it's poorly written and we don't need a graphic picture of it either. We can just kind of assume by what we know that they had sex and we know what happens.
If I weren't so busy with College, I would love to share my thoughts on your stories! Maybe when I get a break from school, I will definitely try!
I don't know if I've already said this (I probably did and I'm just too lazy to go back and read all the messages) but to avoid a generic story line, think of something without worrying about it being fan fiction related and then just change it into a fan fiction after you come up with the idea.
I think sex in stories is fine if you know how to write it well and you've experienced it and know how to describe it accurately. But usually I tell people to stay away from it because I find it awkward when it's poorly written and we don't need a graphic picture of it either. We can just kind of assume by what we know that they had sex and we know what happens.
If I weren't so busy with College, I would love to share my thoughts on your stories! Maybe when I get a break from school, I will definitely try!
Ive been asked by a few users to put out some writing tips.
#1 Try your best to use proper grammar.
It's a huge turn off to me, as a reader and writer, to read stories with any of the following:
wild punctuation
misspelled words
grammatical errors
improper separation of speakers
The biggest issue for me as a reader is the improper separation of speakers. Every time that you
change speaker you are to start a new paragraph. It makes your work easier to read.
#2 Develop your story
Try to actually write. Don't TELL me what is happening, SHOW me what is happening. Try to avoid over using he then, I then, she then, or anything close to that. The less you use replacements like he, she, it, I, the better your writing can be.
#3 Be Aware of Time Aspect
My biggest pet peeve when reading is when writers suddenly shift days, weeks, or hour with no reasoning explained for the shift. This also pertains to timeline development. Don't have two characters meet, talk once, and then get married. I hate that the most. You need to create their world, feelings, and love. Make the characters not just to be characters, they are an extension of you in some way. Get to know the people you have made.
#4 Stay with Your Comfort
Just because some writers on here choose to add sexual content doesn't mean you have to just to get views. I myself am very inexperienced in physical relationships and I do my best to only write what I know. However, I do add some sexual writing to my stories, but it's because I feel comfortable enough to add it. If you aren't OK with writing it, then don't. You don't have to feel pressure to add it. I know we have a lot of younger writers on this site. Just because their are writers who are older doesn't mean you have to follow our writing styles. Writing is meant to be expression and everyone's writing is their own. Don't copy someone elses work.
#5 Write to Read
Would you you read your story? Don't just slap a few paragraphs into the text box. Take your time to form a story that would capture the attention of an audience. Be exciting and do as you wish. I tend to imagine if my story was actually a book I was writing or a movie I was watching. Also PLEASE, do your best to re read before posting to correct any errors. I am guilty of spelling errors in some of my work, but correct as much as possible.
Thats all I've got. I hope you enjoyed this or possibly even learned something. Happy writing!
7/26/13