Concrit the crap out of me

[galadriel1010]

So recently I've been spending a lot of time over on fanficrants (it's fun, I like it there) and I've been seeing stuff being commented on that I know I do, but I don't know if I'm doing it right or wrong. You've probably noticed that I've really got into a writing rhythm, and this is partly thanks to some wonderful people who have told me that they like my writing and that they think I'm good at it; it's reawakened my desire to pursue it professionally, after a long enough break from the idea that I actually have some workeable plots and, you know, talent (I hope).

So, I'm turning to you. You who has ever read anything I've written and thought 'she's doing that wrong' or 'she needs to improve on that', or even 'this is what she's good at'. Particularly if I've offended you with something I've written, or I've done a portrayal of a certain group or trope badly, because I don't want to make the same mistake twice and offend you again.

I've turned on anonymous commenting (I think), but I've turned on reCaptcha because of the Snape commentor going around, and I've turned on comment screening, so you can say if you're happy for me to make it public or if you want it to stay between us.

I don't know if anyone's going to read this, but if you've got this far, thank you, even if you don't comment.

*Feels like a total primadonna...* Another cry for help, I'm looking for advice on what I'm doing wrong in my writing, or even what I'm doing right so that I can improve it, make more people happy, make fewer people cross and generally be less fail.

Comments

[teachwriteslash.livejournal.com]

Hi! First of all, I read your schmooop series last week and was remiss in commenting. I enjoyed the progression and they made me smile.

One thing I would say is that your write what you write for your genre. If the genre is schmoop, I don't expect a lot of angst. If the genre is drama, I expect less schmoop. Don't worry quite so much about what others think is 'appropriate' for a story in a certain fandom.

A suggestion I would make is to slow down a little. Take time to tell the story. For instance, in the schmoop series Gwen sort of vanished for a bit until she reappeared in the sofa scene. I also wanted to know more about the decision to adopt Andrew and maybe even a bit of his history.

Overall, writing takes practice.

ETA: Universal Truth - LJ will eat the last three sentences of my post when I've been profound in my own mind.

What I was trying to say is writing takes practice. Being willing to practice the craft, take risks by doing things you have not, and at least listening to concrit (even if you don't agree with it) will make you a better writer because you will be defining your style.

Teach

[fiwen1010.livejournal.com]

Thank you. That's really helpful to know. I definitely intend to keep practising :)