A Handy-dandy Guide to Writing Real Person Fiction

Writers of real person fiction are understandably desperate to have their stories read. Especially on the present platform, there is not a lot of reading going on, and even less subscribing/rating/commenting. This is a current phenomenon I have noted in fanfiction as a genre.

Thus: as a matter of etiquette, treat others as you wish to be treated!

1- Don't be a 'ghost reader,' someone who reads stories, enjoying them a great deal, but who also never does anything to give the author positive reinforcement. If you like something, make sure you let the author know, be it by rating, subscribing, or commenting. This is true for old/completed stories as well. These are the only ways that writers of real person fanfiction get positive feedback. Writing to an empty void is not fulfilling.

2- Don't be annoying. Many writers will comment on other writer's stories solely in an attempt to get other people to read their stuff. Would you like it if someone did this to you? Of course not!

3- Take the high road. If someone gives you a negative rating or comment, don't be vengeful about it. Seeking out that person's works and giving them all poor ratings, or entering into a flame war, does nothing to show your good character, it makes you look bad and puts potential readers off. Don't slam other peoples' character or works, it's unnecessary and nothing good comes of it. Prove you are the better writer and person by actually acting like it and writing good shit.

(a) this must be a 'do as i say, not as i do,' thing, because you are at the worst about this! i can't believe you even included that! -a

(b) Shut up, hahaha! -SP

4- Don't plagiarize. It is my understanding these days that anything you write is copyrighted, it is not necessary to leave copyright marks, though it might drive the point home to readers. However, what you are copyrighting is how you wrote an idea, not the idea itself. Copyright law is beyond our scope of discussion, but the main point is as follows: Don't be a fucking douche, don't lift plots, just come up with your own shit because it is the right thing to do. Repetition is boring anyway.

Notes

Any useful points thus far? Let us know! :3