I know, it sucks, but I really need to pass these classes if I want to get out of this school quickly. At the very
I'm sorry for the long wait on it, but things happened that changed the main characters a lot. There may be another few major changes again in the future, but nothing to really worry about too much in terms of story.Is my new story really not that Interesting? · 10:58pm Nov 14th, 2014
I mean seriously, it seems like everyone's going for my old Story more than my new one. Yes I realize that's probably because it's been around longer and such, but here's the thing. I don't really like my old story anymore. It was more of a way to vent out my frustrations of loneliness and whatnot. This new story however is supposed to be based off of me and my girlfriend's relationship. The female protagonist is my own girlfriend's OC for crying out loud.
I realize that some people don't like anthro characters (I don't understand why) but I just wanted to try a new form of character writing. True I get some faves, but people seem to hit the dislike button more than the like button on my new story. So seriously guys, is my new story really that bad?
It's hard to say for sure before actually reading it, but going off of the preview texts, I might be able to help a little bit.
These are just suggestions and pointers, so feel free to take 'em or leave 'em.
_1_ While some of the most important aspects of a story is a good plot, grammar, and all that other jazz, one thing you have to remember is that the preview ( title, image, and short/long description ) is the butter to your bread. This is the first thing everyone sees, and what most people go off of when trying to figure out if a story is good or not. So it is important to design this section such as to grab each viewer by the balls and make them want more. ( The bold metaphor serves a meaning
) What makes this tedious and time-consuming is the fact that you have to give it just the right touch. Try too hard, and they'll think you're pandering for attention on something that isn't very great. Not hard enough, and they'll quickly lose interest. Again, thinking that it's not good from lack of care. The key is finding the sweet spot!
_2_ Know your audience. This isn't limited to what people expect out of the individual tags listed. This also applies to the fandom as a whole. This is like the opposite of the above. Instead of trying to get the viewer to ask the right questions, you must ask the right questions. Questions like; who will read this story, what do they like, what don't they like, what do they typically see, what is considered rare, what sets the bar, what is taboo, what is revolutionary, what is overplayed - are good places to start. Usually you'll want to ask these questions while forming the general direction of the story in your head, but this also applies to the preface. Doing a little bit of research alongside these questions also help. Poking around the internet for reviews on the good and the bad can be very helpful in learning what people like and done like. ( After having said all this, it is also important to remember that, while giving the audience a little something they like is fine, do remember that what you write is your story, not theirs. If there are things you want to do, do them. Just try to balance them out with things that will keep them interested. Like if you were remaking an old popular action movie and there was a grey-area you want to fill in with your own headcanon ideas. Do it, as this makes it original to you. But then balance that out with something tried and true, like... erm, action! Or perhaps the audience wanted to know more about one thing and less about another. Or they want more of one character and less of another. Or more dialogue here and less banter there. Do that for a balance.
)
_3_ Chose the right title and cover art. Titles and artwork are the first thing anyone will see before skimming the preface. Ere, they must be given the proper amount of attention. It's usually good for the title to hint at or convey the overall message of the story, while the picture cements that idea. It's good to stay away from single-word titles as those are very much overplayed and usually just gimmicky. Once you've built up a presence and your follower-base has a general idea of what to expect from you, than you can use a single-word title here and there. Just don't go overboard.
Those are pretty much the basics. If you have questions or need help, feel free to hit me up in a message. I check them as often as possible
Just as an aside, from one writer to another, allusion can be your best friend, especially when it comes to things that people aren't fond of. Some of the best stories I've read contained characters that were in some degree based off of the writer or someone they knew and even had an OC or two. While I wouldn't have let that affect me, I know that they would never have gained the popularity that they did if they outright said from the beginning that the story contained OC's and characters based on real-life people. Those writers typically waited until the end to mention that. My best guess is that people don't like reading about stories based around the life if the writer because it takes away from the fantasy of what is otherwise made-up, or that they would feel obligated to sympathize with the writer. It could also be a simple void of interest in the retelling of the life of someone they don't know. It can be any number of factors, really. You kind of have to take the stance of, "What they don't know won't hurt them." Then, if you would like it to be known that the story details the day-to-day happenings of John Doe/Jane Doe, make a note of it at the end in a chapter designed to be a message to the readers, or something of the like. Remember that writing a story is like trying to sell people an adventure. They need to like what they see and hear if you want their time.
Wow, that's a lot of info.
2608507
ehheheheh...
Years of experience, really. I used to create and participate in forum-based group roleplays. Essentially, I've been writing and designing since early 2006. And every once in a while, I manage to find the opportunity to share what I've learned.
2608926 I see, well if you get the chance I hope you can read my story.