A few recommendations (groups and other people's stories) · 3:16am Sep 24th, 2013
Not all that long ago (relatively speaking) I would have told you that Sturgeon's Law needed a second iteration in order to be properly applicable to the world of fanfiction. There are days when I would still put it as high as 1.5, but that's mostly out of frustration with specific things I've read rather than lingering geek snobbery. The truth is that there are a lot of people out there doing good work. And when I say "out there", I mean in the MLP-FiM fandom, because I've never been as active with any other fandom in the past. Here are some places you can find some of that good stuff.
Twilight's Library (group) - There are a number of groups where stories have to be submitted and approved rather than just added by anyone who feels like it, but I was impressed by the standards here even before they were kind enough to take me on as an admin. And if they're not what you're looking for, they have links to dozens of other groups on their main page.
Cuteness Overload (group) - All fillies, all the time. Cute stories, cute threads, nice people, and FILLIES, FILLIES, FILLIES! ("SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY! We'll sell you the whole seat, but you'll only need... THE EDGE!")
House of D'aww (group) All of your general cuteness needs. It's still a small group, so you can get in on the ground floor. (I got in on the foundation; our illustrious founder was still building the group when I joined.)
Good Grammar Directory (group) - Exactly what it says on the packaging.
Bookish Delight (writer) - I haven't made my way through all of her work, but I figure my upvote on 19 different stories has to mean something. Go start reading her stuff.
Tigerhorse (writer) - Only two stories so far, but both of them have been absolutely brilliant. You may already have both of them on your Faves list just like I do.
MyHobby (writer) - I'm not just saying this because he's planning on writing a story based on one of my weirder ideas. (See previous blog entry.) There's good stuff on his list. That reminds me; I need to read more of his stories.
My Favorites List - Obviously, I would recommend pretty much every story on the list (for varying reasons). I like to think of myself as kind of a snob discerning, so you'll find it isn't a very long list.
Under the Sun's Wings by Foxy Kimchi - I normally can't be bothered to find any damns to give for the average changeling story, but this one was interesting enough that I offered up my skills as an editor. I've only hassled the writer about the first chapter so far, but keep reading. I want to see where this is going, so we need to encourage him.
A Twist in Fate by JustImagine - It's this writer's first story published on the site, it stars a human version of Twist, and again, I was able to lend a hand by doing some editing. What are you waiting for? Go read it.
Samhainophobia by Dramacolt - A very cute follow-up to "Luna Eclipsed". Find out what happened the following year.
Quizzical (and follow-up stories) by JMac - Not gonna lie, the editor in me keeps noticing places where a little proofreading would help, and sometimes the character seems to be a tiny bit over the top, but you know what? It doesn't matter, because the character is likeable, the stories are cute, and I like the way he writes for Twist.
Read stories in these groups, read stories from these writers, read individual stories I mentioned; throw 'em some upvotes and faves. Trying to promote my own work may feel like I'm screaming into the void, but maybe I can do some good for somebody else, yeah?
That's so... nice.
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I try.
Saw my story. You're very kind.
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It's your first story, so a boost doesn't hurt, right? (It's probably a very little boost, given that my own figures aren't sky-high, but every bit counts.) Besides, Twist never gets enough love.
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I wrote that story eleven months ago, and now it's getting a cult following? Awesome.
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I think the cult only consists of me so far, but obviously I'm hoping some weak-minded millionaires will join.
"Believe in me! And give me your wives and daughters!"
Thank you for the kind words. I did get a little bump in views, and I appreciate that.
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So this has actually done some good? That's great!
Oh wow, what a nice and selfless post. Also, thanks.
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You're welcome.