On Fics & Ships

[kamiyashi]

Due to the fact that the recent post on fic shipping seems to have either disappeared or got deleted, I’ve decided to take up the topic in my own post with a slightly different angle because the potential for discussions is definitely present and I encourage a healthy debate!

Comments

[hemntjrseth]

I tend to read slash fics but I prefer ones with a lot of plot and storytelling. I admit on indulging on some PWP on occasion but I'd much rather read a fic that is engaging and interesting.

I feel that many writers discredit themselves when it comes to writing in this matter. May believe that their fics will get more views and reviews if they write short fics with little meaning, but this is often not the case. People do like longer fics that build up and expand upon ideas.

However, I will read any fic if its well written and appropriate, no matter the pairings.

I usually write whatever comes to mind but I rarely publish anymore. I don't quite have the confidence to punish like I once did. I feel that people have become more judgmental lately.

When I do write, I write late at night before going to sleep. It's a nice way to relax before bed. My iTouch and computers are full of plotbunnies.

[hemntjrseth]

I challenge writers to go beyond your comfort zone and always work to improve yourselves. You won't grow as a writer if you don't take risk.

For the readers.. try reading something new and find new authors.

[kamiyashi]

PWP just doesn't hold my interest; lemons should move a plot along or prove something about character development (in my opinion).

There's an immediacy of response that changes the way people interact in the world now and I think it's spilling over into reviews in a way? But I would encourage you to post! As you said, "You won't grow as a writer if you don't take a risk," right? <3

There is something about writing at night that's nice. I think it's because that tends to be the only time when the world is (relatively) silent.

Finding new authors is a great challenge! How else can anyone find new voices?

[hemntjrseth]

I believe there is a time for PWP and there is a time where it is inappropriate. Sticking a random lemon in the middle of a very long fic and not having that lemon develop the plot in any fashion is in my opinion wasteful.

I suppose you're right. I guess I've just become wary of critics what with all the wank in this fandom these days. I'll work on building up the courage to post again,

Writing at night is just lovely. It's quiet, serene and you can just allow your mind to unwind and for the words to flow out. It's very calming.

[kamiyashi]

I think I'm incapable of writing a PWP, honestly. Plot always ends up creeping into it.

At end of the day (since we write at night, heh), you write for you. If others love it, fantastic. If they don't, you can't take it personally.

I do most of my writing at night or in trains and cars. Night because it's quiet, vehicles because there's nowhere to go and no internet to distract me, hahahaha.

[hemntjrseth]

Even PWP has levels of complexity. I've found that the best PWPs allow the reader to create their own image rather than forcing certain words and actions upon them. Of course I can't blame writers for explicit language and a rough writing styles. If done right, it can be pretty damn hot.

That's true with a lot of things, actually. Whether it be writing, art, cosplay, roleplay or even just one's own opinion. Some people are like it, some people will hate it, and some people will just judge you because they don't like you for whatever reason. And it's perfectly fine.

The thing I like about writing is that you can do it anywhere, at any time and without Internet access. It's a great way to kill time.

[kamiyashi]

You're right about it being possible to write it anywhere. I've written stories entirely on my phone. The world's a changing place~.

Oh, there are many hot PWP, but I'm sure the proportion of good to terrible is probably really super skewed.

[hemntjrseth]

I must have a simpler phone than you do because it only allows me to write up to 1000 characters per note. (I need an iPhone) But I tried to set up one of those Japanese novel writing mobile sites so that I can try writing on my phone as well.

Yes, I think you're right XD Some PWP is just terrible. But I've found some gems in the mass of mediocre. I wouldn't recommend AFFnet though, it's been my experience that the mass of bad outweighs the good. Then again, R-18 isn't technically allowed on FFnet either. So idk.

[kamiyashi]

I am guilty of having an iPhone and writing a 20,000 story on it before. I keep all my stories on it and edit them whenever I'm in transit without my computer.

It's been almost four years since I've read a fic, so I can't really speak to the state of PWPs or much of fics in general, but I remember finding more bad than good. That was true just in general, which is when I turned from reading to writing.

[hemntjrseth]

If I could afford the expensive phone bill, I'd have one too. I like my LG Rumor Touch but it's definitely not a phone meant to run heavy processes like apps.

Out of curiosity, why has it been so long since you read fic? Is it distracting, uninteresting, or something else?

[kamiyashi]

I pay $80 a month and have unlimited data; I paid more for my piece of crap phone with no internet on another network. So I actually saved money by switching to an iPhone; I did take advantage of the 18 months same as cash financing at a big box store which helped and now that they have cheaper tiered data plans, it's even better cost-wise

[hemntjrseth]

I was discouraged for a long time because I wasn't getting any reviews. Though I suppose that was due to my terrible updating schedule, or lack there of.

I like critiques. I find that they are much more useful than "That was awesome. Write more." or "That sucked. Kthnxbai"

[aestover]

I didn't see the appeal of PWP until I saw one that not only had the sex but also had an insightful conversation between the two afterwards. I cannot for the life of me remember the fic at all beyond the fact that it was tendershipping ;__;