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Before I forget, because I will since my memory can't walk a straight line, I would like to thank those who nominated my fics for the SGA Fanfic Awards, and to those who told me about the nominations, which got me wondering why I hadn't been contacted, searching past posts and stories to see if I was, and discovering that I was contacted in one of my Flashfic stories. I would have found out about it sooner but the E-mail I use for LJ I don't really check that much (too dang slow). I really need to change that.
Anyways, if I hadn't been let in the know, I wouldn't have searched for the announcement and probably wouldn't have found it until too late. So thank you.
Although now I feel bad as a while ago I was feeling down because I thought no one had nominated me. Granted, it hadn't been a good day, but it was still kind of childish.
The thing is, the way I figure it, when it comes to writing or drawing or any of the arts, a little bit of an ego boost is required. Not too big or all you get is, well, a big dang ego. Just enough to keep you motivated, balanced out by a few kicks to that ego to get you to progress rather than settle. You need those days where you think "hey, maybe I am a good writer" because it's so easy to get discouraged. You come across stories making you wish you could write like that, or stories that either need a major overhaul or are just plain crap yet they still get more reviews than one of your fics, leaving you to wonder if people like your stories because they're well written or just because it has good whump. You need assurances in the form of reviews, nominations, etc. or else you start to wonder too much.
You also need those days where you lament your skills after comparing them to skills you think are better, and days where you wonder if your story was enjoyed just because of a single aspect (i.e. the whumping). So long as you don't get discouraged too badly, it motivates you to try your hardest in making your next story better.
The problem is, it can all get a little unbalanced, and you either end up with a big ego or horribly discouraged losing the motivation to write. It's a lot of highs and lows, which are irritating. Necessary on occasion, but very irritating, especially if you're having a bad day.
*Snort* And I'm just talking about fanfic. I'm pretty sure the published world is a lot worse.
Anyways, if I hadn't been let in the know, I wouldn't have searched for the announcement and probably wouldn't have found it until too late. So thank you.
Although now I feel bad as a while ago I was feeling down because I thought no one had nominated me. Granted, it hadn't been a good day, but it was still kind of childish.
The thing is, the way I figure it, when it comes to writing or drawing or any of the arts, a little bit of an ego boost is required. Not too big or all you get is, well, a big dang ego. Just enough to keep you motivated, balanced out by a few kicks to that ego to get you to progress rather than settle. You need those days where you think "hey, maybe I am a good writer" because it's so easy to get discouraged. You come across stories making you wish you could write like that, or stories that either need a major overhaul or are just plain crap yet they still get more reviews than one of your fics, leaving you to wonder if people like your stories because they're well written or just because it has good whump. You need assurances in the form of reviews, nominations, etc. or else you start to wonder too much.
You also need those days where you lament your skills after comparing them to skills you think are better, and days where you wonder if your story was enjoyed just because of a single aspect (i.e. the whumping). So long as you don't get discouraged too badly, it motivates you to try your hardest in making your next story better.
The problem is, it can all get a little unbalanced, and you either end up with a big ego or horribly discouraged losing the motivation to write. It's a lot of highs and lows, which are irritating. Necessary on occasion, but very irritating, especially if you're having a bad day.
*Snort* And I'm just talking about fanfic. I'm pretty sure the published world is a lot worse.
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no subject
Date: 2007-08-23 10:50 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2007-08-23 03:54 pm (UTC)From:Let me say this -- I could write whump - heck anyone can put Shep in danger and being shot or tortured or something. But those kind of writers leave me feeling empty. I have even been known to click off a whump fic that's heavy on whump but nothing else.
The ones that I put as a favorite story or keep me searching for more by the author are those that have whump (come on - you just have to have some kind of whump) PLUS a decent storyline. The dialogue has to ring true, the grammar has to be decent. It has to feel like it could be an actual episode.
Yours ALWAYS does that. I see your name and know I'm going to be getting a very good story.
I admit I don't always review every story and for that I apologize. You just feel weird saying "great story, love it, give me more" for every chapter. Even if that's what you are thinking. So I will try to review at least once a story. Just know I'm there reading everything chapter and I'll let you know if something doesn't ring true.
So -- Love your work, can't wait for more!!
no subject
Date: 2007-08-23 08:10 pm (UTC)From:I do plan on taking a break from the long fics. The one I'm working on now is killing me and will definitely be a "thank goodness that's over!" story.
no subject
Date: 2007-08-23 08:16 pm (UTC)From:It really is a flip-flop deal, though. Some days I feel inadequate and others I tend to get a little full of myself. I really hate the latter and don't give into it, but the feelings are still there and they frustrate me. Pride goeth before the fall and all that. I'd rather not put up with the falling part if I can help it.
And I don't expect everyone to comment. Yeah, it does get a little tough after a while knowing what to say. It's why I usually don't respond to comments on FF.net. For one, it takes forever for me (what with dial-up and FF.net's occasional bouts of being ridiculously slow) plus I never quite know what to say to some of the responses. I'd rather just do a mass thank you and respond only when something needs to be said.
Oh, and thank you. It's always nice to hear when one's work is appreciated... for more than just the whump, of course ;)
no subject
Date: 2007-08-23 08:41 pm (UTC)From: (Anonymous)I've read all of your fanfiction (most of it several times). Being an editor in RL, as well as a beta in my free time, I've worked with a wide variety of writers and on manuscripts varying from fantasy novels to magazines to thesis papers. I have to tell you - on reading your stories, one of my earliest thoughts was not just how much I enjoyed reading them, but that you're the kind of author whose stories I'd love to work on as an editor as well, because your writing is just so *good* it would really be a fun job.
It's not just a matter of good whump. Your stories have an excellent quality about them that shines through in all aspects from characterization to plots to OCs to just the sheer *satisfyingness* of the story. (hehe, and yes, I know, satisfyingness isn't a word. But it does fit! *g*)
There are just so many stories you've written that, by anyone else, I'd probably have skipped. But you've proven yourself enough that, no matter how dubious I may feel about an idea, I read the story anyways. And I have found myself so happily surprised so many times, that I'm not surprised anymore. When I start a Stealth Dragon story, I know I'm going to get a really quality, satisfying story. And it's really fun to see a good author who not only writes great stories, but doesn't seem content to just keep going with the tried-and-true, but looks for new ways of doing things.
So... Yeah, probably rather poorly-expressed and redundant post. Anyway, hope I was able to be at least a little encouraging - without giving you too big an ego, of course ;-)
And now I'm off to see if I can find that original story of yours...
- Imbecamiel
no subject
Date: 2007-08-23 08:51 pm (UTC)From:And so many editors everywhere! One of these days I'm probably going to petition one of you editors to look over my original stuff... I mean, if that's the kind of editing you do.
As for my original story (not counting Black Dragon that's going to be reworked one of these days) it's no where to be found as it hasn't been released for sale yet. Still in the throes of a final edit (and boy did it need it).
no subject
Date: 2007-08-24 04:48 am (UTC)From: (Anonymous)I for one would certainly be interested in looking over your original stuff. I've done a variety of types of editing, everything from final proofreading before publication to reading over unfinished novels in order to give input on plot, characterization, etc. At this point I haven't really settled into a "specialty" so to speak in editing - I work with whatever stage people are at with their writing and whatever level of input they want.
Just started reading Black Dragon - it's definitely got me interested. Must go back and see how much more I can get read before I fall asleep. LOL, not that your story's putting me to sleep! It's just getting really, really late here and I don't want to stop yet...
- Imbecamiel