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Topic:
**Over 30 Writers Club** New Discussion question 11-17-08
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Lilith Demodae
Registered:
Oct '99
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Date Posted:
8/4 9:55am
Subject:
RE: **Over 30 Writers Club** New Caption Game 7-28-08
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I understand your frustrations. It's similar to the whole CC vs OC conundrum. Fics that revolve around OCs rather than yet another tale of heroics and sacrifice by (CC of your choice) aided by ('ship of your choice) often don't get a lot of attention.
We're used to it by now. Not that it isn't still frustrating, but you do get used to it.
You just sort of need to resign yourself to a lower level of readership if you write deeper fic or fic about characters not in the movies/books/comics. *shrug* There's a couple of threads on the resource forum that specialize in certain types of less popular fic so that people interested in them can find them a little more easily. For example, there's the OC story index.
Also, I find that while I tend to have a lower readership in actual numbers, the quality seems to be proportionately higher, giving more indepth, insightful, and generally more specific and helpful comments, instead of just *gush* "Oh I just loooooove Jaina and Jag!!!"
This is Star Wars, and a lot of people are here for the fluff of quick and easy entertainment, or for their favorite characters from the movies. That's totally understandable. Not everyone likes to find the dark and twisty corners of Uncle George's sandbox to play in. Not everyone brings their own action figures instead of borrowing his. That's okay. Just be prepared to play by yourself instead of in the middle of all the action with the other kids. Who knows, you might find a kindred spirit or two in those hidden corners who'll play with you.
That's my two credits worth. 
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Golden_Jedi
Registered:
Jun '05
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Date Posted:
8/4 9:55am
Subject:
RE: **Over 30 Writers Club** New Caption Game 7-28-08
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dianethx posted:
There are a lot of readers/writers who like the fast pace or light romance or silly humor that can sometimes be associated with 'teen' readers/writers.
Just for the record, I didn't mean to use the word 'teen' in any derogative way... Like I've said many times before, ESB always brings back that 15-years-old girl in me that DRL still tries to neutralize...
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The country is that place where chickens walk around uncooked - Julio Cortázar Unexpected Blossom http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28693266 Sailing Little Boats http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28747916
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Jedi_Emeritus
Registered:
Dec '05
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Date Posted:
8/4 10:38am
Subject:
RE: **Over 30 Writers Club** New Caption Game 7-28-08
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divapilot posted:
Fanfic is a wonderful way for a novice writer to improve his/her skills.
Exactly. Although I do not consider myself to be a novice writer (disagree if you want  ) the main reason I got into writing fanfic in the first place, was to improve my writing of prose. And that's the nice thing about Star Wars and other fanfic worlds - the sandbox is already there, waiting for you to create your own little niche.
As for the comments about CC's vs OC's, my argument would be that there is so much to explore in the Star Wars universe, I personally do not feel the need to create new characters, or at least new 'major' characters. I work on 'OC's' enough when I write my own stuff. I have nothing against those who do write based on their own characters, but personally it does not really interest me. As for plotting a major story, while there is a certain amount of plotting to be done with any story I kinda like being able to write something that does not require me to create an entire story from scratch.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of wading you have to do to find stories which appeal to you - it is unavoidable. I think there is some stuff on this site which is not necessarily well written or perhaps somewhat juvenile, but I have not been able to pin it down to any one area - both saga and beyond seem to have good and not so good fics in equal measure. Before I cannot really say much about since I do not go there very often - the subject matter really does not appeal to me unless it is KotOR based and I have found there are really very few stories on this site that are.
One thing I will say though, is in general I find the level of writing on this site far superior to other sites (FF.N comes to mind). There are some over there which are absolutely frightening. 
-----signature-----
"The road to hell is paved with adverbs." - Stephen King There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness.' Take My Hand: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28300611/
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UrbanJedi
Registered:
Dec '99
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Date Posted:
8/4 1:08pm
Subject:
RE: **Over 30 Writers Club** New Caption Game 7-28-08
- Date Edited:
8/6 8:24pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
UrbanJedi
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Now this is what I was looking for, some good old fashioned discussion.
I understand the whole concept about "teen" does not neccessarily mean bad. I was reading fics by McilyNochi when she was very young that were some very adult based themes. Those fics were very well written, indeed. However, rarely do I see an adult writer putting down some of the things I've seen.
But this has all strayed from my point. I guess the original point I was making was, it's discouraging when the "teeny bopper" fics (and I use that to describe the genra, not the age of the author, although most of the time they're one and the same) have hundreds, if not thousands of replies, when some of the really good fic on here has few.
I think some of you hit the nail right on the head. And don't even get me started about the whole issue with writing OC's. OC's can get way out of control sometimes, because used by the wrong person, they have this God complex thing going on and it's almost to the point of ridiculousness. However, I enjoy writing OC's, because I feel that it gives me my own little corner of the sandbox that was mentioned previously.
Anyways, I'm glad I'm here, and despite the pages and pages of garbage out there, I will agree with you all that the quality is much better than the drivel on FF.N. I mean Darth Maul and Obi-Wan in love? What the heck is that all about? I'm just saying.
Thanks for listening, thanks for replying, and if you've checked out my story, thanks for reading.
-----signature-----
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tryants. - Thomas Jefferson My Fic Flaspoint: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28892000/p1/?0 I have a character who is half OC and half LFL...how mess
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divapilot
Registered:
Nov '05
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Date Posted:
8/4 1:37pm
Subject:
RE: **Over 30 Writers Club** New Caption Game 7-28-08
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Jedi_emeritus posted:
As for the comments about CC's vs OC's, my argument would be that there is so much to explore in the Star Wars universe, I personally do not feel the need to create new characters, or at least new 'major' characters. I work on 'OC's' enough when I write my own stuff.
True. However, from a purely marketing point of view, I find that unless I have a canon character to dangle in front of the audience, I won't be able to tempt the readers in to come meet my OCs. I loves OCs, I love reading them and writing them. But there are plenty of canon characters who can use a little attention too. So many complex personalities.
I often read fics on "recommendation" - If I see that someone I respect has responded to a fic, it interests me to go and check it out myself.
-----signature-----
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UrbanJedi
Registered:
Dec '99
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Date Posted:
8/4 1:56pm
Subject:
RE: **Over 30 Writers Club** New Caption Game 7-28-08
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divapilot posted:
Jedi_emeritus posted:
As for the comments about CC's vs OC's, my argument would be that there is so much to explore in the Star Wars universe, I personally do not feel the need to create new characters, or at least new 'major' characters. I work on 'OC's' enough when I write my own stuff.
True. However, from a purely marketing point of view, I find that unless I have a canon character to dangle in front of the audience, I won't be able to tempt the readers in to come meet my OCs. I loves OCs, I love reading them and writing them. But there are plenty of canon characters who can use a little attention too. So many complex personalities.
I often read fics on "recommendation" - If I see that someone I respect has responded to a fic, it interests me to go and check it out myself.
I definitely found this out the hard way. The very first story I ever posted on these boards was a about a completely OC fic about a CorSec agent. I think I had one reader and I may have imagined him. It's a wonder I ever came back. But, it doesn't change the fact that while a canon/EU character will be in my story, an OC will always be the main character, or at least a main character. If I'm resigned to a lower readership because of that, then so be it.
-----signature-----
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tryants. - Thomas Jefferson My Fic Flaspoint: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28892000/p1/?0 I have a character who is half OC and half LFL...how mess
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dianethx
Registered:
Mar '02
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Date Posted:
8/4 5:49pm
Subject:
RE: **Over 30 Writers Club** New Caption Game 7-28-08
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divapilot posted:
And Diane, what is this about not ever going into Beyond? Does this mean you aren't going to work on that story in Beyond any more??? 
I will finish it! I even have another one with Cade that I need to finish before posting. It's just that Beyond moves so much faster than Before or Saga that it's sometimes hard to keep up. I do go there occasionally.
As for the OC vs CC, I tend to like CCs and that's what I look for on these boards. I do read OC stories but that's not my main focus. Unfortunately, that's how it is for a lot of people so sometimes OC fics languish.
-----signature-----
Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 9/22/08 Fragments of Illusion- http://boards.theforce.net/bts/b10475/28456473 updated 11/20/08 jedidas3's Master At last - Hope for our country
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Jade_Pilot
Registered:
Dec '05
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Date Posted:
8/6 4:50pm
Subject:
RE: **Over 30 Writers Club** New Caption Game 7-28-08
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Hey, the ONLY scarey place around here is Lit. *shudders*
I don't know, I read tons of stuff. I enjoy some fluff and drama and mush and angst and AU and humor. Sometimes I'm in the mood for something light that I know will have a happy ending and sometimes I like a dark, angst-o-rama. Why can't we have all of these??
Same with writing. I write just about everything (though I struggle with action) and have posted in all three eras. Some of our teen writers are cutting their teeth here and will grow as writers, or not. I've seen a lot of writers try new things and others stick wtih the same old same old. I've enjoyed both and all and OCs and AUs and Canon.
Fortunately, TF.net is a big enough place for everyone and every kind of story! *cue music*
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"A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have." ~ Gerald Ford
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UrbanJedi
Registered:
Dec '99
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Date Posted:
8/7 5:58am
Subject:
RE: **Over 30 Writers Club** New Caption Game 7-28-08
- Date Edited:
8/7 6:07am (1 edits total)
Edited By:
UrbanJedi
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dianethx posted:
divapilot posted:
And Diane, what is this about not ever going into Beyond? Does this mean you aren't going to work on that story in Beyond any more???
I will finish it! I even have another one with Cade that I need to finish before posting. It's just that Beyond moves so much faster than Before or Saga that it's sometimes hard to keep up. I do go there occasionally.
As for the OC vs CC, I tend to like CCs and that's what I look for on these boards. I do read OC stories but that's not my main focus. Unfortunately, that's how it is for a lot of people so sometimes OC fics languish.
You're absolutely right. I've seen some OC fics go on and on and on, but it was due more to some serious Mary Sue issues than with anything else. I can see where one would be wary. But I think a well written, well fleshed out OC can be just as intriguing and just as brilliant as a CC fic. At least with OC, you can flesh the character out the way you want. With CC, there are certain parameters you have to stay in, to a certain extent.
Jade_Pilot posted:
Hey, the ONLY scarey place around here is Lit. *shudders*
I don't know, I read tons of stuff. I enjoy some fluff and drama and mush and angst and AU and humor. Sometimes I'm in the mood for something light that I know will have a happy ending and sometimes I like a dark, angst-o-rama. Why can't we have all of these??
Same with writing. I write just about everything (though I struggle with action) and have posted in all three eras. Some of our teen writers are cutting their teeth here and will grow as writers, or not. I've seen a lot of writers try new things and others stick wtih the same old same old. I've enjoyed both and all and OCs and AUs and Canon.
Fortunately, TF.net is a big enough place for everyone and every kind of story! *cue music*
I'm not saying not everyone can't post here. I'm just saying that it's frustrating when the teen age threads are on page 900 and the well written threads have 3 readers. That's all.
-----signature-----
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tryants. - Thomas Jefferson My Fic Flaspoint: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28892000/p1/?0 I have a character who is half OC and half LFL...how mess
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Takianna
Registered:
Apr '05
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Date Posted:
8/7 1:33pm
Subject:
RE: **Over 30 Writers Club** New Caption Game 7-28-08
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UrbanJedi posted:
But this has all strayed from my point. I guess the original point I was making was, it's discouraging when the "teeny bopper" fics (and I use that to describe the genra, not the age of the author, although most of the time they're one and the same) have hundreds, if not thousands of replies, when some of the really good fic on here has few.
I don't know about anyone else (and this is not to sound mean), but I don't always write for the audience. I know that is what we want everyone to do, respond to what we have written and give us feedback. Sometimes, though, I feel like if I don't write something, I might explode! I've been working it out in my head for so long that it needs to get out.
On the other hand, when you have an audience, it can help you develop. I like to write stuff people probably think is in the "teeny bopper" genre. That's just what I want to write at that moment. I also like to write kinda off the wall things. It just depends on the mood.
Just my two cents. Please don't stone me!
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Jade_Pilot
Registered:
Dec '05
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Date Posted:
8/7 2:49pm
Subject:
RE: **Over 30 Writers Club** New Caption Game 7-28-08
- Date Edited:
8/7 2:51pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Jade_Pilot
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UrbanJedi posted:
I'm not saying not everyone can't post here. I'm just saying that it's frustrating when the teen age threads are on page 900 and the well written threads have 3 readers. That's all.
I think once you look around a bit, you'll see that the so called "teen age" stories are actually quite well done. We have some wonderful younger writers here who attend to their craft with a very serious mind.
There are also more mature writers here who started out as teenagers and are now producing works worthy of publication. On the other hand, age is not the most important factor in writing ff. Check out the winners of the Before, Beyond and Saga Awards and you'll notice a wonderful mixture of ages and genres.
And Takianna, no one gets stoned in the Over 30 thread. That's only done in the JCC! 
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"A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have." ~ Gerald Ford
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Jedi_Emeritus
Registered:
Dec '05
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Date Posted:
8/7 4:23pm
Subject:
RE: **Over 30 Writers Club** New Caption Game 7-28-08
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Takianna posted:
I don't know about anyone else (and this is not to sound mean), but I don't always write for the audience.
That is a very good point and I don't think it sounds mean at all. I write what I like to write, what I want to write and with an eye toward not only making it a coherent, interesting story, but also hoping to improve my writing in the process. Those who read and respond are an added bonus. Please don't mistake me - I don't take the readers for granted or belittle their contributions. I appreciate their input and the fact that they have taken the time to tell me what they thought, not to mention the encouragement they give me.
But I really believe that at the end of the day, you have to write for yourself.
-----signature-----
"The road to hell is paved with adverbs." - Stephen King There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness.' Take My Hand: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28300611/
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UrbanJedi
Registered:
Dec '99
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Date Posted:
8/8 6:04am
Subject:
RE: **Over 30 Writers Club** New Caption Game 7-28-08
- Date Edited:
8/8 6:07am (1 edits total)
Edited By:
UrbanJedi
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Takianna posted:
UrbanJedi posted:
But this has all strayed from my point. I guess the original point I was making was, it's discouraging when the "teeny bopper" fics (and I use that to describe the genra, not the age of the author, although most of the time they're one and the same) have hundreds, if not thousands of replies, when some of the really good fic on here has few.
I don't know about anyone else (and this is not to sound mean), but I don't always write for the audience. I know that is what we want everyone to do, respond to what we have written and give us feedback. Sometimes, though, I feel like if I don't write something, I might explode! I've been working it out in my head for so long that it needs to get out.
On the other hand, when you have an audience, it can help you develop. I like to write stuff people probably think is in the "teeny bopper" genre. That's just what I want to write at that moment. I also like to write kinda off the wall things. It just depends on the mood.
Just my two cents. Please don't stone me!
I totally get what you're saying. As I said before, I'm resigned to a lower readership because all of my fics have an OC as a main character. And when I say "teeny bopper" I'm not neccessarily talking about the age of the author. I guess I view the "teeny bopper" genre as pages and pages of "oh my gawd, Jag and Jaina soooo belong together." I know there are several younger writers on here who are fantastic authors. I befriended some of them when I used to post here a few years ago, and for the most part, their stuff was fantastic. So again, understand that it's not about the author, but about the story.
Jade_Pilot posted:
UrbanJedi posted:
I'm not saying not everyone can't post here. I'm just saying that it's frustrating when the teen age threads are on page 900 and the well written threads have 3 readers. That's all.
I think once you look around a bit, you'll see that the so called "teen age" stories are actually quite well done. We have some wonderful younger writers here who attend to their craft with a very serious mind.
There are also more mature writers here who started out as teenagers and are now producing works worthy of publication. On the other hand, age is not the most important factor in writing ff. Check out the winners of the Before, Beyond and Saga Awards and you'll notice a wonderful mixture of ages and genres.
And Takianna, no one gets stoned in the Over 30 thread. That's only done in the JCC!
I agree with everything you've said, Jade. And by the way, thanks for the PM you sent me. I think that's the first time since I've been here that anyone has taken time out to do something like that. I appreciate it. Did you actually read my story? Just curious. Thanks again.
-----signature-----
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tryants. - Thomas Jefferson My Fic Flaspoint: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28892000/p1/?0 I have a character who is half OC and half LFL...how mess
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Jade_Pilot
Registered:
Dec '05
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Date Posted:
8/8 2:27pm
Subject:
RE: **Over 30 Writers Club** New Caption Game 7-28-08
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Hey UrbanJedi! I'll read it as soon as I don't have to scroll back and forth! I have a wide screen and I actually get motion sick when I do that. Honest! And to think as a tike I wanted to be an astronaut!  Guess I'll have to settle for reading stories about people in space!
JP
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"A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have." ~ Gerald Ford
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UrbanJedi
Registered:
Dec '99
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Date Posted:
8/8 10:44pm
Subject:
RE: **Over 30 Writers Club** New Caption Game 7-28-08
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Jade_Pilot posted:
Hey UrbanJedi! I'll read it as soon as I don't have to scroll back and forth! I have a wide screen and I actually get motion sick when I do that. Honest! And to think as a tike I wanted to be an astronaut! Guess I'll have to settle for reading stories about people in space!
JP
That's funny, I wanted to be an astronaught too as a kid, till I played hookey to stay home and watch the Challenger launch in '86. After that day, I didn't want to be an astronaught anymore. As for the scrolling, it's fixed. Again, I appreciate you taking the time to let me know about that. I had noticed it, but wasn't sure what was causing it. Thanks again.
-----signature-----
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tryants. - Thomas Jefferson My Fic Flaspoint: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28892000/p1/?0 I have a character who is half OC and half LFL...how mess
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