How to Tell Your Friends You're Dating a Changeling Update: I shall do it as it was intended, my way · 1:10pm Feb 17th, 2014
Heh. It happens, my friend. I know how you feel. But you'll have that. Those people that dislike your story without giving you constructive criticism, they're just not the people you're writing to. You gotta look at the positives, my friend.
All the people that enjoy your stories, they're the ones that appreciate what you have going.
I threw out all my audience-pleasing plans for Solitary Locust, and my god did that feel good. You have no idea how good it feels to be free of this contrived bullshit I came up with just to make you, my audience, happy. I'm not going to do that anymore, because it's a waste of my time and getting e-fame doesn't make me feel fulfilled like I thought it would. No, no, I'm going to do whatever I want from this point forward, which is to say I'm going to do what I always wanted to do.
I feel... refreshed, alive again. The pressure I've been under since this story hit the feature was far greater than it should have been in the first place. I love you guys, I really do. I appreciate your kind words and fair and balanced criticisms, but now I realise I should have been writing for me. I feel better, my writing looks better, I'm not second guessing myself on every line dreading if you guys are going to hate it. This story is back to what is meant to be, a fun look on a different idea, rather than the constant lesbian Dash ships that fill the feature box like a virus. I never liked the idea of Dash being gay because its based off the stereotype of strong women and tomboys have to be gay.
What I loved about the attention was that people seemed to enjoy something that was a little different for once. Now though, the story is being dictated by people who don't like more risky subject matters and people who disagree with my personal beliefs (the whole evil/good convo in the last chapter) and the story was suffering because of it. Now though, I'm back, and better than ever. The reason this chapter has taken so long is because I tried to write it the way of the few people who complained, and it sucked! Now, it has been rewritten and is currently being edited by my awesome team who I would be lost without. I feel much better about the chapter and you should expect it by the end of next week at the very latest.
So why am I writing this? Well, apart from the update, I feel like I should jot down what I learnt. Criticism is important. It has improved my grammar, my pace and how I tell a story, but the words of a few individuals should not dictate how your story is written. Everything I write is written for a reason. What some may see as fluff, or needless details, I see as world building. When I go into detail above the hive Daedalus runs or Question Mark's house, I do it to paint the picture of what it looks like. I don't need to do that with Twilight's library as you guys already know what it looks like. When I have Daedalus walk among Question's memories, it's not just for comic effect or simply to see how Dash and Question got together, but maybe the king can learn a thing or two from the creatures he hides himself away from.
So for you future writers or current writers, don't take criticism as an insult or as law. Find the middle ground. Accept what does need improvement, but measure what will jeopardise the story and what might just add to it. We all tend to be opinionated, but sometimes it's just an opinion, it doesn't always make it right... but if it's complaints about grammar, take it on and listen, don't throw it out of your mind because that's your chance to learn. No one should expect perfection, just go for what you think is right.
This is starting to feel like a report for Celestia, isn't it? Alright, the important thing is you should expect the next chapter very soon, and you'll see an appearance from these two:
Oh, and I know a few of you were interested n that Doctor Who fic I've got coming along, "Doctor Who: Of Spacemen and Ponies." Well the release date may be bumped up to the 2nd quarter of the year but it's going fantastic!
If anyone would like a link to what I have of the first chapter, feel free to let me know and I'll give a sneak peek. I hope you all have a great day and stay beautiful you guys.
- Infinite
if said Dr. Who story includes th' 9th, i do indeed want to see it.
Complaints on the last chapter? I just went and looked at the comments, there were like two people who didn't like that bit. Did you get PMs about it or something?
1844443 Bit of both, yes. I'm surprised how many actually.
1844444 Wow, that just floors me. I am a pretty heavy commenter, but I just can't imagine sending a PM to someone complaining about their story like that. Feels too much like leaving a harassing voice mail.
Then again, I suppose there are plenty of people who are a bit more shy about leaving their opinions in public.
1844447 I think since there are so many favourites and likes, if that person their writes a negative comment, their worried it will get noticed and then they'll be harassed... possibly. I got at least five if I recall correctly.
A most important lesson you have learned. One I have yet to apply to my own writing, which reminds me that I really should just do it for me and let others enjoy it after the fact.
1844450 Yes, you do that Chilvary. Your a great writer, don't let anyone put you down.
That is always a great lesson to learn. Wish you luck and look forward to reading the wonderful ideas that will flow.
Oh that cat stretch is hot!
Simba! Nooooooooooooooo
1844625
cnt.likealaugh.org/131Chaos/20131103-130033-131-367.jpg
I had no idea you were changing anything to meet the fans expectations. The "no black or white, just grey" wasn't your own idea? Shame, kinda liked it. Anyway, you should always write for yourself, how can you put your passion into something if it isn't what you want?
I've mostly just been sticking around to see where this goes, not to mention the DashxQuestion/Toxotis relationship, not to mention how the others are dealing with it. Also the possible changes (and trouble) this could stir up for both Equestria and the Hives.
But mostly I like the effects the two have on each other. Rainbow Dash not smacking Twilight for blasting her? Toxotis threatening Deadalus in jealousy? The two really have an affect on each other.
Anyway, I won't promise to like every decision you make, but so long as you keep it interesting I probably won't care too much. Not that you're going to let my opinions influence you much, as you've just stated, but I think I'll just put that out there.
Eagerly awaiting updates.
1844691
You misunderstand, that was my thing and one of the things some people didn't like. I've rewritten the unpublished next chapter, that was he thing affected by those people.
1844705 Ah, I see. My mistake. Anyway, as before looking forward to the next update.
It seems you have done a good thing. I love my fans, but my story is my story.
as it should be really
Thank you for this, bro. You just made me feel tons better about the fic that I'm in the process of writing myself.
So, because of this, once I get a few more chapters written out (by hand, then typed up in Word (or, more probably, OpenOffice), and once I can round me up a pre-reader/proofreader and an editor or two, they'll be posted here...and----wherever I have a writer's account.
So, once again, thank you for this. I needed it more than you know.
1845451 Good to hear
1845470
Dude, I'm happy when I'm reading your stories, whether you pander to fans or not. Your work is excellent, and I'm glad to know you're back at the grind.
1845647 Flattery will get you everywhere
I keep forgetting I have fans now... that's so weird
1845470
Good for you!
Listening to your readers is one thing, but if you have something planned, that means you did it. YOU. Don't second guess yourself. If you did it first, you were probably right.