Buffy fanfiction: Four Friends -- "Ghosts Can't Cry"

[ozma914]

Title: Ghost Can't Cry
Author: ozma914
Characters: Dawn, Buffybot, Dana, Kara, mention of Tara
Rated: G
Warnings: totally unnecessary nudity.
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss and co.
Summary: Post Chosen: The gang returns from a mission that went horribly wrong, only to learn something worse happened while they were away. 773 words

This

Comments

[cbtreks]

It's so nice to see some fic from you again!

Detroit, hmm? I wonder what sorts of particularly noxious demons are settled in those salt mines?

The bit with Tara getting the e-mail and crying was very touching.

[ozma914]

I picked Detroit because I figured there were most likely plenty of empty factories in the area ... maybe I could invent some monster that comes to life out of old auto parts, "Transformers" style?

In retrospect, I should have written a fic actually showing Tara getting the e-mail; it's kind of chickening out, not showing the scene. Still, I thought I did okay considering I usually don't write for challenges at all. But now I'm thinking a sequel dealing with the aftermath should be considered ... I'll have to figure out some way to turn it on its head, rather than make the tombstone story become an emotional downer.

[myfeetshowit]

You have an uncommon ability to pick the right slice of life.

I read your comments, and you mentioned you were chickening out by not showing Tara's scene. I don't think you were though--not for a short story.

Everyone who read Ghosts can't cry 'saw' that scene. You didn't need to write it.

You've written Act II-the emotional resonance of the story. The readers immediately imagined the ghost of story past--Tara's receipt of the email, and the ghost of story future--the girls comforting Tara. You've allowed the readers to be part of the writing process, but guided them where you wanted them to go.

[ozma914]

You know, what amazes me about you is your uncanny ability to figure out what I was doing with a story before I've figured it out, myself. You're constantly saying things about my stories that have me slapping my head and saying, "That's *so* true! How did I miss that?" Thank goodness my subconscious is so much smarter than I am. :-)

Just the same, I do have something of a sequel in mind for this story, something only slightly related that came to me as I was mowing the lawn. I do my best thinking there -- don't know why.

[myfeetshowit]

"...your uncanny ability to figure out what I was doing with a story before I've figured it out, myself."

I've discovered I can read in two modes--just reader and editor. *thank goodness* I would lose a lot of enjoyment if I couldn't still just read. Editor mode takes longer, and I slip into it more easily with fanfic, probably because that's what I've beta'd. With short stories like this, I can read through for enjoyment, and then repeat in edit so I can try to give meaningful feedback.

You are wise to let your subconcious do the work, though. The forebrain tends to stall when you attempt to think and write at the same time. I know this.

[ozma914]

Yes, you're absolutely right, the conscious mind can be a bit too limiting. I've found that I have to have a bit of an outline for my stories, but I've also discovered it's very important not to outline and plan *too* much, and leave no room for the subconscious to work.

Generally, I read other works for fun and then have to force myself to read in the editor mode. Obvious problems will grab my attention, of course ... there have been a couple of times in the new Harry Potter book where I've stopped and scratched my head a bit at the technique, but I'm having too much fun to worry about it much.

The last time bad writing ruined a novel for me was one written by William Shatner -- by himself apparently, not a ghost writer. It was horrible; every mistake that could be made, was. It's a good thing I like him as an actor.