Dude, this turned into actual meta

[desertport]

Been reading a bit of h/c fic lately and I love it so. But I've noticed some tendencies that kind of make me lose interest in a story unless it's otherwise good enough to make me very invested in finishing it. I mention them here not to bash, because one fangirl's turn-off are likely another's kinks, but just to see what everyone else thinks.

Comments

[smilla02]

Raymond Chandler once said that readers only think they want to get right to the action, that description will slow things down and make them lose interest. In fact, though, he rightly says, artful description is what makes or breaks a story, what makes it come alive and the action feel realistic and the emotional plane touch us as deeply as it can.I agree with this so much. You know I'm a fan of descriptions, and I think that when done well, those tiny details can make or break a story, highlight the character's state of mind and add a whole dimension to the story. I also think it's hard to find the right balance between too much descritpions and the actual narrative, but the best stories have the details parsed around or integral to the narrative in a way that only enhance what's going on

[sinnerforhire]

I totally agree with that too. I mean, if you're talking specifically about H50 fic, your setting is freaking Hawaii! I'm sure 5 minutes on Google Images and you could find a dozen awesome locations to set a fic. It's not like SPN, where most of the action takes place in run-down abandoned warehouses in Middletown USA. At the very least, look at the way the series weaves the setting into the narrative--it's practically a character in itself.

I can understand that the middle of a shootout isn't the time to be waxing poetic about palm trees, but the characters are still going to be aware (or even hyperaware) of their surroundings--looking for cover, an advantageous shooting point, etc.

[smilla02]

I can understand that the middle of a shootout isn't the time to be waxing poetic about palm trees, but the characters are still going to be aware (or even hyperaware) of their surroundings--looking for cover, an advantageous shooting point, etc.Absolutely. I haven't watched Hawaii 5-O yet so I had no idea that the setting was so integral to the show (though the title of the show itself made me suspect that indeed it was *g*), but I agree that in whatever situation a cop (like a hunter) is aware of their surrounding or even hyperaware of it especially in a dangerous situation. I wouldn't want my characters to look like they're incompetent

[desertport]

There's very little excuse for under-utilizing Hawaii as a setting, isn't there? And maybe SPN needs to get its act together and do some more outdoor shots. :P

[dotfic]

H/C is a genre I really like, but one of my problems with certain kinds of stories maybe has to do with your paragraph on A is hurt --> B has intense feelings about this --> B comforts A --> some resolution. I prefer h/c that affirms the strengths of both characters, rather than something that is about weakening one so the other can be awesome. Everyone will have their own definition of h/c but for my preferences, h/c is not really about injuring/weakening one. I want the pair to be as evenly matched as when they are both on their feet and bickering -- but one happens to be in pain and in need of support and the other is ready to offer. I love when authors find a way to highlight the strength of the injured one, as well as the one offering the help. Even if one literally has to lean on the other, they haven't suddenly ceased being a bamf -- it will be evident in other ways.

Hee, it's possible I have some opinions on this!

[desertport]

I prefer h/c that affirms the strengths of both characters, rather than something that is about weakening one so the other can be awesome.

I agree so much! H/c really enables writers to deify their favorite character at another's expense, but it is also a very powerful way, like you say, to show how awesome _both_ chars are.

Speaking of, have you read ratherastory's Collision Course?

[dotfic]

I haven't yet -- H50 h/c! Will check that out.