Writing Commentary - Tumblr Posts
my toxic trait is to write fanfiction and then see the potential for an original story---so i start writing it and now i can never finish those fanfic stories
late night writer thoughts
I think another problem with the mindset of kudos/comments on AO3 is part of the “stalking” culture on instagram. If you like a picture that is months old on instagram, its “insta-stalking” because you had to scroll through that person’s profile in order to find those months-old pictures. That is NOT how AO3 works. It’s not cringe or embarrassing to find a fic that was posted in 2012 and like it. It is there to read.
Sure, maybe some of us have some old works that aren’t up to our current standards of writing. But I, personally, am never going to look at a kudos email and think “ew omg I can’t believe someone found this fic from 2016 why are they liking it”. In fact, I am entirely going to go “nice! people are still reading some of my older works too, I’m glad they enjoyed it”. It’s an archive, it is meant to be a collection of transformative works, old and new, and you are meant to find them.
In fact, if you find a work that is from five years ago and you really liked it? I bet the author would love a comment even then.
Stories are written to be read.
Show some appreciation.
i’ve just been thinking about how english and americans online expect everyone to know their literature and poetry, their ~classics~ when literally every other country in the world also has an incredible and interesting literary history that is probably more relevant to it’s own citizens, like i’m not saying you shouldn’t branch out to intl lit because i think everyone should but that includes english first language speakers who have never picked up a translated book in their lives
I just don't think "bigot decides to stop being a bigot bc they fall in love with x marginalized group they were previously against" is ever a good storyline
Top Ten Tips for Beginner Writers
Understand
Writing is amazing. It is so satisfying to be able to hold your success, to see your success, to know your hard work paid off. On the opposing side, writing can be a pain. As unfair as it may seem, to succeed, you need to fail. Truthfully, writing is more than putting words on a page. In order to be a successful writer, you need to understand that.
Writer Friends
No one will understand a writer's mind better than a writer. Of course, every writer is different. Even so, they have been/are where you are. They will assist you in growing as a writer, probably better than any English teacher ever could.
First drafts
Think of a building. Obviously, you build from the floor upward. Essentially, your first draft is the foundation of your story - something to build upon. That being said, your first draft is not the story as the floor is not the building.
Keep Writing
As previously stated, in order to succeed, you need to fail. If you aspire to be a successful writer, you need to also understand that it is not the fact you fail, but whether you rise despite the failure. Furthermore, if you wish to improve, you need to continue writing beyond your mistakes.
Originality
Originality is not mandatory. If your plot derives from an AU, writing prompt, or already exists (a book or movie having the same general plot), your story does not lose its value. Some of the best stories exist more than once.
Yes, it counts.
If you post on Fanfiction, you are a writer. If you post on Wattpad, you are a writer. If you write, you are a writer. Your work is valid, no matter what you decide to do with it.
Writing Journals
There will come a time when the perfect idea hits you and you don't have access to a device. Sure, we operate digitally. Even so, invest in a journal. You’ll never know when you might need it.
Reading Books
Reading action packed books helps me understand how to effectively shift between a scene/moment in a chapter. Even if you’re not much of a reader, rest assured the techniques you wish to master are hidden in pages for you to observe.
Taking Advice (the irony is strong)
You will stumble upon posts instructing you on what to use in a sentence, what not to use, how to express emotion, et cetera. Keep in mind that not all of it will apply to you. Use the word “very” if you want to, end a sentence with a preposition if you would like, don’t name your chapters if you don’t feel like it. You are in charge of your story.
Taking Breaks
It is okay to take an hour break, or a week-long break, or even a three-month break. It does not make you any less of a writer. Do whatever you need to do to become the writer you aspire to be, even if that means not writing for a while.
If you have any questions, or feel I missed something, feel free to let me know!