let's talk about the writing thing.

[amelialourdes]

I'm not a writer. I don't consider myself one. I'm not really good at it. I think once upon a time I had an imagination and creativity to write but I think that I've lost it. That said, I've always received pretty high grades when it came to English, grammar, phonics, reading comprehension, language, etc. I consistently wrote in college and graduated with a degree that is based on literary and visual analysis. I think that I have a pretty firm grasp on the English language. That said, when I see badly written fan fiction? I cringe.

Bad fic? It happens. For whatever reason, people make up what they make up without any regard or consideration of the personality of the characters that they're using. They write what they write without care or acknowledgment of their own terrible spelling and grammar. They don't bother with betas because a few fawning reviews means that they have fans and it doesn't matter what the writing looks like.

That bothers me. It bothers me. Every time someone spells something wrong and it's posted for all to see, it makes the angels cry (quote courtesy of Quinn from Glee). Someone on my flist has recently spoken a lot about the writing process and writing in fandoms and her perceptions are dead on. It's refreshing to find someone who's receptive to critique and commentary about her work. Of course, it wasn't always that way. It's never that way in the beginning. In the beginning, I imagine that people do think that they're good writers and for whatever reason (I blame fawning reviews with no critique) aren't receptive to criticism.

Fandom is supposed to be fun, yes? The stories are just stories. They're not up for Pulitzers or even national writing contests. I understand that. This is just a major, major, MAJOR pet peeve of mine that I want to address for myself and to share with anyone who may feel the same. Or! Feel differently. I'm open to both ideas. I'm not having fun if a large chunk of a story doesn't make sense. I sometimes try to look past the errors to just read the story itself but then it's bad characterization that gets to me.

So, if you're a writer or if you're an active reader, what in fandom fanfiction bothers you if you're bothered by anything at all? No specific fandom here. Any fandom at all. What will turn you off of a story? If you're a writer, why do you/would you not accept constructive criticism? Are you open to constructive criticism?

Comments

[sandid.livejournal.com]

As a reader there are definitely things that drive me wild. Spelling is one of them. Grammer, not as much. Of course, if it makes no sense at all and is so badly written I can't read it. I don't. I close it and leave.

From viewing these comments, I think writer's are harder on themselves and each other than we readers are.

I enjoy many diverse forms of fan fic and clearly I don't mind stretches in characters. The only form of fan fic that I just don't get is MPREG. My mind just can't wrap around that.

Like everyone else, I smirk when I see Brain instead of Brian. There has also been more than one occasion when I wanted to explain - There - Their - They're or Then and Than.

We all have are/our pet peeves. lol

I've been told that I am too gushy about fics. *shrugs* Maybe, but I would rather be nice and appreciative as a reader. If I think it sucks mud, I don't comment. No sense in being mean. Also, since I'm not a writer, I can't speak to many issues.

My two cents....carry on...............

[amelialourdes.livejournal.com]

Closing it and leaving is often the best solution. Sometimes I feel compelled to proceed and only end up getting angry or annoyed. Leaving it alone and just walking away would be the best thing to do. I just don't always go for that option!

You think that writers are harder on themselves? You mean in everyone's critique of their own stories? You're right. I think that that saying "you are your own worst critic" is absolutely on point. But, I think that that is the sign of a conscientious writer. I admire writers who actually take the time to sit down, express something, and want to get it right for people.

I certainly think that there are different groups of readers. Everyone who's responded in this post are more active readers than passive readers. That's not to say that passive readers also overlook all of the errors but they may see them and just easily move on from them. Whereas, other people really feel like taking that red pen out and marking along the way. I'm more of a red pen type of person.

Yeah, I think that's my argument in this whole thing is why writers don't receive more constructive criticism. Like you said, if something sucks, you just back away from it. I don't consider it as being mean. If someone wants to help or suggest something for the story -- critiquing it -- I don't think that there's anything wrong with that. But, I think I'm gonna say that most people don't want that because it hurts their egos.

So, I guess it will officially be the question that will never have an answer, lol. It can go around in circles and I suppose it just depends on the person!

[sandid.livejournal.com]

I've always been a believer in constructive criticism. However,over the past six years I've seen comments that make my hair curl. Constructive is one thing, downright mean another.

Since I don't feel adept at questioning a writer, I don't. Certainly, there are many times I want to say, "You have twelve spelling errors. Line, blah, blah, blah." Maybe, I would prefer to do that offline. *shrugs*

One thing is certain. I've adored QAF fan fic for years and I still want new stories. There are new voices out there. I just know it. lol

Plus I have a list of things I'd like to hear. *blushes*

Love all the writer's - ok many of you....heeeheee