Since I've Been Asked This A Lot · 3:20am Sep 8th, 2013
Apparently I am hiding some big 'ol secret about how to become a popular author on this site. Really, there isn't much to it, but if you guys wanted to know so bad, here are some tips on how to be a good author.
Note that this is my opinion and shouldn't be taken too seriously since I could be wrong on some aspects. Just making sure you all know.
1. Have Fun With It: One of the most important aspects of writing is actually enjoying what you write. If writing feels like a chore you're forced to do, then you aren't writing right. If you feel free with energy moving through your fingers as you type out your story, then that's the right way. Writing should be an enjoyable hobby/career, and if you don't like it then that will impact negatively on your stories.
2. Keep On Trying: Is that one 10k oneshot you put a ton of effort into not getting enough views? Is your ongoing epic not stacking up as much attention as you'd want it? Do your stories continue to remain unappreciated and abandoned by the userbase? Well, complaining about it won't help. You know what will? Actually getting off your ass and writing until someone does pay attention to it. Until people do take a look at it. Being a quitter never got anyone anywhere. Someone who keeps on going, never giving up is someone who succeeds.
3. Listen To Your Readers: Remember, without watchers or readers, your stories would remain anonymous without hardly a glance by anyone else. Your audience knows best most of the time, so take then with tact. Listen to critiques and leave from them wiser than before. Any free advice that comes your way you should incorporate. With every complaint comes a new opportunity to improve. With every kind word comes more appreciation for your readerbase. So never take your readers for granted, no matter how stupid the comment or facepalmish the advice.
4. Write What You Want To Write: Now, this piece of advice is something I wish I had learned much earlier. If you've seen enough of my stories, you'd know that I have the tendency to fall under three categories. Crossover, clop or comedy. Usually in the long overdue incomplete variety or oneshot kind. Usually I get complaints such as "Stop getting featured!" or "You only write stories to pander to fans!" and even the occasion "Can't you write anything other than clopfics/crossovers/humanized/oneshots?" At the beginning these comments really got to me, because I thought they pointed out to me I'm a bad writer. But then I quickly realized something that would forever change my writing. I write for fun, to relieve stress, and to improve my writing. If I wrote just what you guys wanted of suggested, then I would not have fun, I would get more stressed out than usual, and my writing quality will be shitty as fuck. I write what I want, and sorry to you all, but you all will just have to deal with that. So every other writer out there, just remember, write whatever you like and you'll be good to go.
5. Write Down Goddamn Everything: Hey, did you just have a kickass idea for a story? Then write down as much as you can about it! I have an entire notebook at home filled with different story ideas. Whenever I'm in the mood, I just write what's on my head for new updates or new stories. Anytime is a good time to write, and you should never stop either. As long as you put words on a page or screen, you're succeeding at something. Even if the idea seems shitty at first, some hashing out with some pals and buddies can shine it to perfection to jot down. So just remember, write as much as possible whenever possible.
And that's all, folks! Not all the advice I have to offer, but a good enough amount. Also, should I do more blogs like this in the future? Tell me if you enjoy it!
Advice sucked.
Good tips! I'll keep them in mind!
How to become a popular author:
1. Name yourself after an extremely well-known kid's show that hardly anyone hates.
2. Write decent comedy.
Thought that was obvious.
1335226 Sadly true. I mean look at me. 50 people would not be following me if my name hadn't been Dunsparce/Bowser
1335231
Inb4 I'mJustAnotherBrony favorites one of my stories to get me to read his.
All of that is sapient advice that I follow myself, and I have 69 followers (heh heh) so I would also add that even once you do all these things, don't expect to get big overnight.
Always thought this was pretty damn obvious.
1335246
Don't do it, it sucks.
1335232>>1335226
Then explain me. How the hell do I almost have 250 follows?
~Skeeter The Lurker
1335264
No thanks.
I think you really nailed down some good points.
point #2 is something I take to heart, because until I got a cover image and wrote my fifth chapter, hardly anyone was looking at it.
speaking of cover images, I think that should be a sixth point. My story didn't take off until I had one, and they help catch the readers attention to look at the story description.
1335267
Always with the 'pleasant' response.
~Skeeter The Lurker
1335272
These are good tips! I would also add to try to be nice to people on the site and respond to comments. I always figure if someone takes the time to comment on my stuff, I'll respond (unless it's spam or not directed towards me). Liked my story, loved my story, hated my story, they still took that time. That's my motto, anyway.
There are other tips out there as well.
Listen to the sponge, he knows what he's talking about.
Thank you Rainbow Bob, this advice has actually really helped me in a big way, thank you SO much!
thanks for the advice this will help for my secont story when ever i get to typing it
How to become a famous writer, #realtalk edition:
1) Don't write anything and dance like an idiot.
2)
You mother bucking genius!
This is honestly a really great blog. It says a lot about you that you're willing to take the time out of your busy schedule to put something like this together for all of us silly people. Your words are inspiring and insightful.
Thank you.
I've learned so much.
Thanks for the advice
1.) I love writing stories. Once I start reading another story I get lots of ideas and then butterflies go in my stomach because I have a really good idea and then I end up writing a new story
2.) One of my stories has a few views and I don't like the fact that it has more dislikes than likes but I decided to just put up a new chapter today for it and keep going, as if I care about what others think. It's my story and a few people/ponies like it so I'm just going to continue it, even if it turns out to be a big piece of garbage
My keys to success:
1) Hate anyone who is intolerant of other peoples' cultures
2) Hate the Dutch
Excellent advice.
Well I really liked this. If you wanna do more in the future, perhaps some more specific areas of advice.
This will help a lot! Thanks!