Harper Kingsley blogFanfic

July 21, 2013 2 comments

You wasted my time, ficcer, and now I kinda hate you

“This is the story that never ends. Yes, it goes on and on, my friends. Some people started reading it, not knowing what it was, and they’ll continue reading it forever, just because…”

I get it. You’re writing fanfic, natural rules do not apply, blah blah blah.

But maybe there comes a point when you need to be honest with your readers and say: “I have no idea where this is going. I’ve written myself into a corner, so here’s 100,000 words about the MCs new cat, Devilicus.”

Or how about: “This story is 20% awesome plot, dialogue, and characterization. The rest is me detailing every second of their lives in excruciating detail for no other reason than that you’re going to read it and love it. Oh, and by the way, every third ‘update’ is just a random scene apparently taken from some different story. Sorry?”

Look, I love epic fics. When I’m searching a fandom I sort by COMPLETE and WORD COUNT just to enjoy the meaty, plotty goodness of a long story.

But when your WIP fic is 700,000+ words and turns to total crap when I’m 400,000 words in? We’ve got a problem.

I feel like I’ve been tricked. Especially when your spot on characterizations go zinging off into the wilds of OOCness (out-of-character) and this thought provoking and engaging story turns into baby babbling crack.

You’re churning out a crap story, yet you expect me to keep reading it? You seriously think I’m going to praise you? Really?

There’s an epic story, then there’s “This ficcer loves their baby too much to let it go and introduces drama and surprise twists just so they don’t have to shut up.”

I’m not saying you need to study three-act structure or take a creative writing class. It’s just, dude, OUTLINE. That’s all. Even just jotting down some plot points and knowing where you’re going with it will help a lot.

And I don’t end up feeling like you killed my will to live.

~Pax

January 30, 2012 0 comments

Fanfic: A dirty dirty little secret

Okay, so I totally read this==> Christie Gordon’s post “Should a Published Author Let On About Their Fanfiction” <== awhile back and it’s something I’ve wondered for a long time. It’s basically a question on whether a published author should admit to their fanfiction past or not.

On the one hand, you have your root fanbase of fanfic readers, which can really help you with your sales. On the other hand though, I would think you have to worry about litigation or what-not from the authors that are really not very fanfic friendly (hey JKR, LKH, AR, how ya ladies doing?)

October 10, 2011 0 comments

OTW Membership Drive

The Organization for Transformative Works is having their membership drive from now until October 16th. Either renew or make new your membership–minimum donation $10 and you get to post a pretty little badge on your website. How bad is that, amirite?

I’m a firm believer in the ideals of the OTW. A lot of big time writers and movie producers turn their noses up at the idea of their fans using their worlds, but it’s not like they’re making any money at it. Believe me.

If someone loves your world(s) and ideas so much that they want to continue the story where you left off, or even go back and rework a scene or two, what’s the big deal? Plus, I think anyone should be flattered that someone loves their writing/TV show/movie so much that they want to play around in the world you create. Why? Because not only is it incredibly ego-stroking, but it’s like free advertising.

Personally, I’ve been scouring the Internet for some fanfic of my work. It’s not like I’m giving up my copyright or anything and as long as the content is original and the fanficcer isn’t making a profit… what’s the dealio? Still, 🙁 Nobody loves me though. No fanfic for me.

Still, here’s their link