The use of 'ducklings,' 'wombat,' and a bit about pain in my fiction

[whiteraven1606]

So I'm not one to quit reading something just because someone is using a term that I don't really like used. I've been warned/told (by more than one person) that some people will not read my fic due to the use of 'duckling' and 'wombat.' Yeah, okay.

I can understand if the misuse of terms bugging a person to the point of not reading anymore. I can

Comments

[recrudescence]

At least you have a rationale for using the monikers as opposed to just throwing them in there because other writers do it. If I see someone referred to as a duckling or a wombat a time or two, it certainly isn't cause for me to stop reading the fic entirely, especially if that's the only thing remotely off-putting about it. I have, on the other hand, been unable to make it through fic wherein the author has used those words every two lines. But I'd also feel the same way about a fic that referred to House as "the diagnostician" every two lines as well.

And some of the most extreme "dude, can House do that?" moments I've had have stemmed from fic by authors who actually do have experience with chronic pain. I think writers who lack that experience are more likely to err on the side of caution and limit his abilities. I know I have.

[whiteraven1606]

And that's why I limit how much I use anything but their names. And I'm sure I'm annoying someone with that every two lines.

I don't mind when an author limits what he does because they aren't sure. That's okay. I've just seen a lot of fic where he doesn't do anything but sit and limp. That's sometimes more annoying than monikers for me. That's just what I think though.

[quack3790]

I love the nicknames "wombat" and "ducklings" but I think I've managed to keep both terms out of my fics so far because I've read so many people complaining about them. They don't bother me unless they're overused in a fic.

I'm sorry to hear you have to contend with recurring pain. :( I hope your doctors can find out the true source of the problem.

[whiteraven1606]

I won't overuse them. I love them too. Oh, and I have this idea for a fic... *mumbles as she scribbles note to self* I'll have to write that one soon. Hmmm.

Thanks. If they haven't figured it out in six years I don't think they will. I get a new doctor this year so maybe something will change. :)

[wombat_hug]

I love the wombat name...I think it's so cute. Like the ducklings, too. I didn't know people had a issue with those pet names. Well I still think you rock, even if you would use wombat all the time. So what ever you do. You had me as reader....Is that a good thing or bad...Well that is ohter story.

And I really hope you get better, sad to hear that :(
My mom has a back pain, so I know it's not easy. And it never will be.

[whiteraven1606]

I kind of figured you liked wombat at least given your user name. ;) I've just had a couple of people tell me about it. Thanks. And having you as a reader is a good thing. :)

You never know it might. I can hope. :)
Nope, it sure isn't. Sorry about your mom.

[delphinapterus]

That you plan on writing more fics makes me very cheerful.
I rarely stop reading a fic just because of terms, and I don't think you've overused any terms so far - plus your reasoning for when they should be used works - especially the wombat part, I didn't realize that but it really does fit Chase.

[whiteraven1606]

Thanks. :)
That's good. I try not to overuse anything, but it can happen.
Thank you. I don't think many people have given it a lot of thought, but after watching The Sentinel and listening to Blair go on about spirit animals I give a little thought to any animal references in shows.