Indie Fic Pimp: RandomCran's Rec of the Week: 8/29/11: De Immortalitate by Raum http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7116125/1/De_Immortalitate Review by RandomCran Rating: M Genre: Drama/R...
2011-08-31
2011-08-27
2011-08-27
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Romanward in the rain. Chapter images and update - the 10th chapter is up!
- De Immortalitate, by Raum
Summary: "The life of the Roman patrician Antonius is put at stake by his father, Felix. When Felix brings to his only son a new slave, Bella, more reasons arise for Antonius' concerns. Felix's secret can change Antonius' and Bella's destiny." ExB AU/vampires.
(Chapter 10, Storm)
Reviewers get a little gift (different for each chapter).
There is a Twilighted thread for the story!
I'm up for the Emerging Swan Awards! Check the nominees, perhaps there are stories that you haven't read yet: http://emergingswanawards.blogspot.com. Voting dates - One-Shot, Short Story & Newbie Author: August 22-29. Full length Complete, WIP & Oldie But a Goodie Author: August 30-September 5. The following banner has been made by @Christag_banner
2011-08-24
2011-08-24
2 comments
Today we are going to discuss two subjects, strongly related: research and feedback in writing. When you create a story, you are not only giving your readers a plot and some (hopefully believable) characters, but you are letting them visit your world. It can even be a totally new world because your story is set in an unusual context or in another era.
The feedback you'll get will tell you if the "time/place machine" you are building with your story actually works. Feedback is one of the most precious things in the fandom: both readers and authors should remember that reviews aren't meant only as a praise -- although positive reviews are surely flattering. If readers provide good constructive criticism, reviews can become a great way to improve your writing and to give readers better stories to enjoy.
Readers, prereaders and betas are your best friends, even when their suggestions can be difficult to swallow.
For stories that require a lot of research, you might consider getting in touch with a "technical" prereader -- e. g. an expert of history, if your story is set in a different era, or an FBI expert, like in Stolen.
My Reading Lounge welcomes State of delusion, who is ready to answer some questions about her writing process and her story,
Summary: When Bella Swan was 9 years old, her mother was murdered and her life was irrevocably altered forever. Now that Bella is all grown up, she has joined the FBI, and is determined to bring those who stole her life from her to justice.
Let's discuss this fic with the author!
Raum: "Stolen" is your first fanfic in the Twilight fandom. Would you like to tell us more about it?
State of delusion: Funny, that like Meyer’s Twilight, the story came to me in a dream. I have changed and evolved it quite a bit since then. It came to me shortly after I started reading fanfiction, but it took me a year to get up the guts to stick it on paper.
The story begins with Bella as a young child. Her father is an FBI agent working to bring down a powerful international syndicate, the Volturi. When he gets too close, the Volturi go after him, killing Bella’s mother practically before her eyes. It changes her whole life. She vows to join the FBI and bring them down.
Now, she finds herself grown, in the FBI, and doing what she always wanted to do. She is also falling in love. But will she really be able to bring down the Volturi? What price will she have to pay along the way?
This is an Alternate Universe fic. It does have vampires.
R: Who is your favorite character in the saga and why?
SoD: Of course, like many of us, I am enamored with Edward. I have always thought this was Meyer’s best character. He is in many ways the perfect man—what every young girl dreams about—his perfect looks, his intellect, he’s rich, strong and fast. But, like every great character he has his fatal flaws. He’s a vampire, which in and of itself is a huge flaw, but it’s his self-loathing, that to me, is his greatest flaw. It makes him human—makes him real.
Out of the minor characters, I always loved Charlie. I thought Meyer did a great job creating him. He reminded me a lot of my own father. At times, he was what you expected of a father—watchful, protective and worried for his daughter. But then, there were the times when he just didn’t know what to do with a teenage girl, and he fumbled and floundered. I found him to be very believable.
R: In "Stolen" Bella joins the FBI. How did you come up with this idea? Did you have to do a lot of research to develop this character?
SoD: You always hear that you should write what you know. Well, I obviously ignored that sage advice, because I know absolutely nothing about the FBI. I have had to do a lot of research for this story, and it is very time consuming. It is important to me for the story to be as technically correct as possible so that it is believable. Fortunately, there is a lot of information about the FBI on the web, and I have been able find most of the information I need. The rest has been directly from my imagination.
I did have a reader who works for the FBI contact me recently to tell me what a good job I was doing on this story. She said that, so far, I had really nailed the technical parts about the FBI—that the story was really believable. I was so happy to hear that I had gotten most of it correct.
We have talked a bit back and forth since then, and she has recently agreed to become a technical pre-reader for me. I am really looking forward to have her help on my story.
R: Can you describe the relationship you established with your readers so far?
SoD: I’m new author and this is a new story; so far, my readership is small. But my reviews have been very positive thus far and that has been such an inspiration to me. I don’t think readers realize how much this input means to authors. I know I didn’t until I started writing. But I have had some readers that have provided me with some great feedback that I have really been able to take to heart. And, of course, there is the connection I was able to make with my newest pre-reader that I mentioned above. I’m quite excited about that.
R: Would you like to describe your writing process? Has it changed during the time you've spent in the fandom?
SoD: I am very new to the writing process. I never really consider myself a writer or someone who would take this on. As I became immersed in the fanfiction world, I kept wondering if this was something that I could do. I was really terrified to put myself out there, but I had a few stories swirling around in my head and I decided to give it a try.
It has been a real challenge for me, because I don’t think writing comes easily for me. I write best when inspiration strikes, and unfortunately that tends to come in fits and bursts. I just went through a terrible period of writers block. I wrote and deleted my last chapter a number of times before I felt comfortable with it.
On the bright side, I found that I love writing. It is extremely cathartic for me. I find myself wanting to learn more about the process and working to really improve my writing. It can be a bit intimidating, but I know that it is something I will continue work on.
Another great surprise, and one that I am really enjoying, is how collaborative the process can be. I have one pre-reader and two betas that provide a tremendous amount of input and constructive criticism on this story. And now, I just added another pre-reader to help with the technical information pertaining to the FBI. It’s been a lot of fun working with each of them. Of course, then there is the input from the readers, too. They have all helped me become a better writer.
R: You are a geologist. Did you job experience influence your story?
I keep trying to think of how I could write a story that would pull from my knowledge and experiences as a geologist. I just can’t think of way to make it exciting enough for wrap a story around. I will have to keep working on it.
Thank you, State of delusion!
I made a blinkie for "Stolen" - here it is!
2011-08-20
2011-08-20
No comments
Chapter images and update - the 9th chapter is up!
- De Immortalitate, by Raum
Summary: "The life of the Roman patrician Antonius is put at stake by his father, Felix. When Felix brings to his only son a new slave, Bella, more reasons arise for Antonius' concerns. Felix's secret can change Antonius' and Bella's destiny." ExB AU/vampires.
(Chapter 9, Stars)
There is a Twilighted thread for the story!
Reviewers get a little gift (different for each chapter).
I'm up for the Emerging Swan Awards! Check the nominees, perhaps there are stories that you haven't read yet: http://emergingswanawards.blogspot.com. Voting dates - One-Shot, Short Story & Newbie Author: August 22-29. Full length Complete, WIP & Oldie But a Goodie Author: August 30-September 5. The following banner has been made by @Christag_banner
2011-08-18
2011-08-18
No comments
Today's guest for the Writing Lab is Nayarit. Her lesson about Writing multiple POVs/redundant POVs has been one of the most read and appreciated of My Reading's Lounge writing lab.
A good news: she's going to contribute again to the Writing Lab!
Let's read and discuss her article about:
"Accents in Writing"
Nayarit says:
"When I sent out my first manuscript to an editor, she tore that thing apart. Rather viciously actually. But I’ll never forget every single writing lesson she taught me. And one of those lessons was about conveying dialect in writing and the use of misspellings."
Since the article is very rich, you can download it:
Nayarit - Accents in Writing (.pdf)
Don't forget to follow Nayarit's advice:
"If you remember to keep to the golden rule of everything in moderation, the use of word choice, cadence, and grammar can prove to be an interesting and exciting way to explore writing in accents and dialects. But more than that it shows a reader, instead of telling them. And that’s what you should strive for in your writing.
Explanations, -ly adverbs, oddball verbs of speech, trick spellings—these can’t really help your writing because they distract a reader, they blur the lines instead of transitioning them seamlessly. They take the place of good writing and dialog rather than helping create it. But if you don’t take the easy way out and put forth a little effort, research, and creativity, you’ll find that the payout is something that is rewarding for both the writers and the readers."
Thank you, Naya!
Check Naya's stories! http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1806040/Nayarit
Readers and writers, you are very welcome to discuss!
A good news: she's going to contribute again to the Writing Lab!
Let's read and discuss her article about:
"Accents in Writing"
Nayarit says:
"When I sent out my first manuscript to an editor, she tore that thing apart. Rather viciously actually. But I’ll never forget every single writing lesson she taught me. And one of those lessons was about conveying dialect in writing and the use of misspellings."
Since the article is very rich, you can download it:
Nayarit - Accents in Writing (.pdf)
Don't forget to follow Nayarit's advice:
"If you remember to keep to the golden rule of everything in moderation, the use of word choice, cadence, and grammar can prove to be an interesting and exciting way to explore writing in accents and dialects. But more than that it shows a reader, instead of telling them. And that’s what you should strive for in your writing.
Explanations, -ly adverbs, oddball verbs of speech, trick spellings—these can’t really help your writing because they distract a reader, they blur the lines instead of transitioning them seamlessly. They take the place of good writing and dialog rather than helping create it. But if you don’t take the easy way out and put forth a little effort, research, and creativity, you’ll find that the payout is something that is rewarding for both the writers and the readers."
Thank you, Naya!
Check Naya's stories! http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1806040/Nayarit
Readers and writers, you are very welcome to discuss!
2011-08-15
2011-08-15
No comments
First of all, a glass of Italian spumante for you all!
There's something to celebrate, here in Italy: my Italian friend Camilla won a SHIMMER AWARD (Outstanding Story), 2nd place winner of the category.
Here's the story
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5732101/1/The_Parachutist
"The Parachutist 2 - Our New World" is currently posting on FF.net
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7219449/1/Parachutist_2_Our_New_World
C O N G R A T S !
Many TwiFic authors know Camilla because she gives a lot of feedback to every fanfic writer. She's read almost every fic in the fandom, if it has vamps in it ;)
I'm beyond happy for her.
There's something to celebrate, here in Italy: my Italian friend Camilla won a SHIMMER AWARD (Outstanding Story), 2nd place winner of the category.
Here's the story
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5732101/1/The_Parachutist
"The Parachutist 2 - Our New World" is currently posting on FF.net
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7219449/1/Parachutist_2_Our_New_World
C O N G R A T S !
Many TwiFic authors know Camilla because she gives a lot of feedback to every fanfic writer. She's read almost every fic in the fandom, if it has vamps in it ;)
I'm beyond happy for her.
2011-08-13
2011-08-13
No comments
Update - the 8th chapter is up!
- De Immortalitate, by Raum
Summary: "The life of the Roman patrician Antonius is put at stake by his father, Felix. When Felix brings to his only son a new slave, Bella, more reasons arise for Antonius' concerns. Felix's secret can change Antonius' and Bella's destiny." ExB AU/vampires.
"Antonius," he growled. "You have been given an order. I don't allow any disobedience."
"I'm a free man. Are you considering me a slave?" I hissed. "I'm leaving today. My soldiers are waiting for me."
"Do you care more for your soldiers or for the people in this house?" He sneered.
I narrowed my eyes at him. "What are you hinting at?"
"Antonius," he growled. "You have been given an order. I don't allow any disobedience."
"I'm a free man. Are you considering me a slave?" I hissed. "I'm leaving today. My soldiers are waiting for me."
"Do you care more for your soldiers or for the people in this house?" He sneered.
I narrowed my eyes at him. "What are you hinting at?"
(Chapter 8, Ghosts)
There is a Twilighted thread for the story!
http://www.twilighted.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=17195
http://www.twilighted.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=17195
Reviewers get a little gift (different for each chapter).
2011-08-06
2011-08-06
No comments
Update - the 7th chapter is up!
- De Immortalitate, by Raum
Summary: "The life of the Roman patrician Antonius is put at stake by his father, Felix. When Felix brings to his only son a new slave, Bella, more reasons arise for Antonius' concerns. Felix's secret can change Antonius' and Bella's destiny." ExB AU/vampires.
"I don't know why, but I'm so sad when you're like this, I would have answered. I'm happy when you are. Every moment we spend together is precious. You have never made me feel like a slave, although you are my master."
(Chapter 7, Monsters)
Reviewers get a little gift (different for each chapter).
There is a Twilighted thread for the story!
http://www.twilighted.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=17195
http://www.twilighted.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=17195
2011-08-03
2011-08-03
No comments
There are many sites that offer the opportunity to submit a teaser – a small portion of an upcoming chapter. Alas, sometimes a teaser reveals too much about the chapter, other times it doesn't elicit the readers' attention enough.
As a writer pointed out, “the teaser is like a trailer for the fic, would I watch a movie that contain scenes from the most boring part of my day?”
How would you describe "the perfect teaser?"
The answers have been provided by some great readers and writers on “A Different Forest,” a wonderful place to discuss fanfics.
Length
- “A couple/few paragraphs long that leave me intrigued/dying for the chapter to update. Sometimes this can be done with only one sentence or a picture, too.”
- “It should catch the reader's attention within the first couple of lines. Assuming your teaser is posted on a fic site alongside many other teasers, readers not already familiar with your fic will be impatient to move on if it's not immediately captivating. Following this same logic, I also think a teaser shouldn't be too long.”
- “The teaser should be short enough to read quickly, and shouldn't require an in-depth knowledge of the plot in order to follow along. If it's only going to be a few lines, those had better be some powerful lines.”
Intriguing
- “If it's well written Edwardian angst, I can't left click fast enough."
- “If it's a story I haven't read yet - I like it to have a nice slice of whatever is unique for the story. I end up grabbing a new read or two every week based on teaser threads and it's often because there was something different about the style that made me stop and click through to check out a larger sample.”
- “I like picture teasers. They hint at what is to come without giving too much away but they also can't be too oblique that people who aren't reading your story won't get the idea.”
- “The scene should be interesting. It's blindingly obvious, but I've read so many teasers that contain strangely mundane scenes with the characters doing and saying pretty much nothing.”
- “Something that builds suspense...makes you wonder and guess and question. Pictures and songs are fun too - I've used both and enjoyed both.”
- “I think a good teaser always leaves the reader with at least one question that needs to be answered.”
To say or not to say
- “I'm never for big reveals in teasers (or A/Ns for that matter). I like to read a story unfold. I like it to be brief and not to give anything big away. Something that just makes me excited to see the new chapter coming.”
- “If it's a story I REALLY want a new chapter to, the author could post the entire chapter as the teaser and I'd be happy. I absolutely do not mind being 'spoiled' especially if the last chapter was a cliffhanger.”
- “It should be somewhat self-contained. Readers should be able to figure out what's going on in the scene without any prior knowledge of your fic.”
Common mistake
Cliches: “If it's full of cliches, […] I'm out.”
Readers-unfriendly: “If non-readers of the fic can't get what it's about at all, I get this really weird sense of being discriminated against.”
Give-away: “I really dislike teasers that give away too much of the chapter, and in general I actually really don't like reading teasers unless I'm desperate for the update, because I think they are very hard to do well. If I were queen of the forest, my general rule for teasers would be that the writer should never include any of the climax of the chapter in the teaser, or give away the big piece of action for the chapter. I really really don't want to know. It makes reading the actual chapter so much less enjoyable if I already know where everything is heading, and it leads me to skim.”
Your thoughts?
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