Blogtravaganza! · 7:36pm Feb 26th, 2015
This is my first blog, and I will be going over several things here, for posterity. First things first:
Art Submissions!
I'll be honest with you guys, I love art of all shapes and forms (except minimalist, cause that's just lazy) and that's one of the reasons I've grown fond of this community. If you ever feel like sending me art that relates to me (i.e. my persona, my stories) go right ahead, even if you find it crappy, I'll put it up. My page is basically the communal fridge to stick art on. I firmly believe in posting all (SFW) art that gets sent, and giving credit, because practice and positive reinforcement could only lead to success. Heck, even if the art doesn't relate to me, I can probably help you find a user/story it does relate to.
Writing Process
I know that there are others who write way faster than me, but I'm proud to admit that I could update faster than most others. My typing speed has nothing to do with it, I just operate a bit differently. Here's how it goes.
1) Write a list of events, from start to finish, that would encompass your story. This is your summary, and it will help you transition from chapter to chapter with a plan in mind, as well as hint future events. Most successful stories are started this way. Mine is long enough to be considered a full story, possibly a novel, and I occasionally find myself adding events, to fluff it up and add development.
2) Make a character chart. I do this, but I'm not sure if others do. It helps to be consistent with your characters, so building a character chart for canon characters and OC's can really help you out. Make sure to mention relations between characters, how they act, think, quirks, and keep in mind they act differently near different people, or when influenced by particular emotions. For example, it would be out of character for Applejack to cry for no reason, but entirely within character for her to cry if Granny Smith died. (A very simplified example) Remember: Every character has a reason to do what they do.
3) Make an interesting start. Please don't use a future event as a cliffhanger for the rest of the story, it's rare that someone could pull it off well. Your beginning should answer a lot of questions, but create even more. This grabs the reader, immersing them in the story. And don't spoon-feed your readers, most readers are capable of basic logic, so every minor, inane detail is too much.
4) Write two chapters; one to upload now, the next to upload either in hiatus or when the next chapter is ready. This gives you time to read over the chapter and correct it, rather than spitting out the raw product instantly. Use your free time to read over, write, or read other works. You'd be surprised how nice it is to read another person's works, and how their word choice could enhance your own.
4a) Write in word document first, so basic spelling is correct. Reread when done.
4b) Save to google docs, reread and check once more.
4c) Save on fimfiction, check one last time for errors before uploading.
5) Listen to criticism. We love it when people tell us they love our stories. But to claim you are the perfect storyteller means you deserve a slap upside the head. Literature is an art form, and like all art, the creator is constantly improving themselves. Accept the criticism, ignore the occasional shit-flinging, however rare it may be in this community.
6) Keep at it! Writer's block sucks. I should know, I have six hundred pages of unfinished stories. But I intend to correct that, starting with Improbable Truth. Write at least five hundred words every day. This is the mental equivilant of scribbling a pen on paper to get the ink out. You think nothings there, but if you push it a bit, there will probably be some.If you're not 'feeling it' after those five hundred words, either delete them, or continue the next day, after a break. I usually binge watch a series during a 'break', to get y mind off of things and allow a natural osmosis of ideas to occur.
7) Feel fuzzy when I get likes, allow people to get on the boat for free. Get a bit pissy at the random dislikes, push a sinner into the Styx to make myself feel better.
Things I've Noticed That Could Maybe Help Other Writers
I got more views over two days when I submitted a chapter at 1:00 EST, rather than at night or in the morning. But when i submitted it in the morning, I got far more views in one day, but less over two.
Groups help with getting your story out there, but not as much as you'd think.
People are willing to help you if you PM them.
Some people will dislike without giving a good reason.
Payment(At the Styx)
Ignore that jerk singer, Chris de Burgh, and prepare to pay me at the river, up front. I only pushed, like, five guys in the Styx, and they were all jerkwads! I mean, I know they were bitter because they died, but that's no reason to take it out on me! ...They really hurt my feelings...my mom says I'm beautiful, even without skin...they don't know what they were talking about...
