SLASH pet peeves

[cassiopeia13]

I'm going to skip over the general stories Pet Peeves like not knowing the correct forms of words, and such. These are some major items I have found in slash writing and don't understand WHY These stories are so popular and get recommended. These are just my personal opinions, and as a slash author myself, I can say that I find it really irksome

Comments

[cassiopeia13]

haha. Well we authors appriciate that

[cassiopeia13]

*laughs!* Those banners are hilarous. *laughing*

Aw! Thanks about adding our story to your "To-Read" list. We worked very hard on it and (thank GODS) it's almost done @_@

My biggest pet peeve is when someone I don't know called me "Honey" or "sweetheart" I don't mind as much in the south (cause pretty much all women call women that *heh*) if it's by a woman, but I can't stand ANY MAN calling me that. It's degrading.

[wounded_melody]

#2 is a pretty common yaoi trope, so slash writers are probably following that.
And about comments to stories: I try to leave comments on stories I really like, but find it hard to write something that is more than 'wow this is good'. There needs to be some kind of review writing course in schools XD

[nastasie]

1) I am terrible at describing places, spaces, etc. But I do write a lot of introspection in between lines of dialogue and, of course, long stretches of narrative with little to no dialogue (I'm not sure if this counts with regard to your complaints?). My stories tend to happen in my characters' heads, which is why I don't think I'm going to have much of an audience in the slash community. I'm incapable of writing fantasy/adventure or stories with lots of action (I am not discounting the possibility that I won't have an audience simply because my stories are crap, of course

[cassiopeia13]

*laugh* I totally get what you mean about Remus and Sirius. Yes, there is a trend that Remus is the weeping "girl" and.. I dunno what story these people were reading but Remus most certainly wasn't weeping or girly.. though he was kindda a butthead towards the end, but he came around *pats him on his little head

[gabrielsknife]

I'mma gonna go outa order, so bare with me please ^_

[cassiopeia13]

I completely agree with everything you said. Though, As far as pet names go, a woman is different, she's a woman. But two dudes, calling one another "pumpkin" just makes me want to LAUGH. I mean I can't take the story seriously. Sometimes, I don't mind "love" but I really can't stand when a man calls another man "beautiful" or "Sugar" or "honey" or anthing. I dunno. just makes me want to laugh and roll my eyes.

I agree about the fan fiction thing. I know that slash really started out of fan fiction, because shows and books are what we know. So that's what we gravitated towards, but if you're going to branch out, and call yourself an "original slash" writer, you need to stop thinking in terms of "fan fic" and start thinking about the novels you've read. How they're created, the structure and characterization, plot that type of thing. And there are just way to many authors out there who have no clue.

[gabrielsknife]

Okay, I see what you mean about the "dainty" pet-names. Those can be out of character for most male characters, but what bout your effeminate males? Or your urbane males? "Baby, please," is a common phrase to use when you're in hot water with your mate. I could see some exceptions being made here and there, but I wouldn't rule out pet names all together.

And you're so right about branching out. The sad thing is, a lot of "budding slash writers" have no idea they're *not* breaking stereotypes. They're reading other *budding slash fiction* instead of reading *experienced slash fiction* and they're running on old plot-lines, tired character ideals or even *gasp!* run-on settings.

I, personally, think the best way to combat issues like these is to leave constructive criticism for these budding writers. If nothing else, offer some alternative reading to expand upon their repertoire. The more your budding writers know, the more they learn about their community, their peers and their art. ^_^ Knowledge is power lol!

[cassiopeia13]

Haha. Yes, Sir Bacon said it best, "Knowledge Is Power!" I totally agree! I do do that, actually. With stories where the majority of the reviews are "SQUEE THIS IS SO BLOODY BRILLIANT!!!!" I email the author seperately, and give constructive Crit hoping they take me seriously. I'm sure they don't, but it makes ME feel better

[eurypon]

I have almost the same pet peeves you have. So I have tried to write a yaoi story that uses some of those elements (rape etc.), but that at the same time doesn't follow the scenario you describe

[thecommandant]

"Guys don't have to make excuses to want to have sex with other guys, women don't have to make excuses for being strong and in charge."
- I'm a bit late to this discussion, but I recently discovered the community and I read your story a while back, so reading your comment, with hindsight, is interesting . I like that line above quite a bit. Some writers point out cliches and plot points that are overused, and while they may have a legitimate argument, a lot of those cliches are no longer valid if there is more to them (#2). There is a lot to consider and I enjoyed the relationship you constructed between Ehander and Anaxantis.

"I can see on both sites where I post this story that many people are reading it. Few, very few comment or review."
- I'm encountering that problem as well. It's difficult for a writer to not have feedback, to not know if his (or her) writing is enjoyable to readers.