12 stories (a fanfic challenge)

by **Skybase Girl** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 8:25 pm

Help ! Having read all this, am confused and intimidated ! I am on the fringes of trying to get what's in my head on to computer and the biggest problem is having lots of great beginnings and endings, but shaky middles.

This challenge sounds good in theory- short ( I can do that) and possibly romantic ( easy !) but to get a good plot in as well is something else. Having read most of the CS fanfic for some time, my opinion is most writers do better with longer stories. Maron and Chris, your stuff is ace, and "Valediction" reduced me to a snivelling wreck.

My biggest problem ( apart from being a compete nerd when it comes to computers ), is trying to think like a writer, not a csriptwriter. This is really hard when it comes to the action/techno stuff. I'm working on it, but could use some help.

Sorry if this strays from the point of this subject. I'm beginning to realise I meander on too much. Will try to do better.

by **Carrie** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 9:53 pm

You are quite right Sage....really not much of a deterrent.. however...I didn't specify which boys they were....
:twisted:

and..Thank-you back..(I adore a little feedback now and then...)

by **Carrie** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 10:10 pm

oops...I found out I posted the same message twice..I must have pressed Submit intead of Preview...how embarrassing... :oops:

just as well we have an EDIT button...

by **Marion** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 8:23 am

Following on from what Skybase Girl was asking, this is just to remind everyone that help is at hand if you feel the need for it.
The website offers a beta-reading service. For details check the following link:
http://spectrum-headquarters.com/v-web/bulletin/bb/viewtopic.php?t=146

We are not professionals, but we will try to help. Rest assured that Chris is a wonderful person and gives every encouragment to new writers. You couldn't be in safer - or kinder - hands! [And I speak from personal experience there!

]

by **Carrie** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 10:57 pm

I second that, Marion. Chris is a nurturer when it comes to new authors. I owe her a big thanks for allowing me to 'practice' on her website!!!

Skybase Girl, good endings are often the hardest thing to write, and in my opinion, the most important, especially in a short story so I think you are off to a good start! (or end..oops..)
And remember..the first draft is always horrible (well mine are, anyway!) but there is no rule anyone has to see it!! So don't worry!

Website · by **Sage** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 10:50 am

Endings aren't too bad for me; usually by the time I've finished the opening I know where I want it to end up. It's just how to get there that can be hazy sometimes, and then pacing myself with the action and everything else. So I try to break it down into chapters/scenes and plan those, then write.

I don't know for sure, but most of my stories here and for fanfic100 (link is in my signature) are probably under 5000 words. With the longest so far being about 20,000 words; which is still not all that long compared to the average novel or multipart story.
I'm also crap at tech stuff too, so lean toward character based stories.

It takes diffrent skills to be able to write multiparts or short stories. Some people can do both equally well; but I think generally writers lean one way or the other. Which doesn't mke anyone a better or worse writer either way. You just have to figure out your own strengths through experimenting then hone it.

Shaking the inhibitions and just writing can be so hard; but that's the only way to get on the road.

by **gojohnniegogo** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 8:17 pm

Love your avatar Carrie!

I started a fanfic about three years ago, only ever managed to write a side and half of a4! I cant decide whether or not to go back to it or not. There's not much there. I cant decide, I'm much better at short stories than something substantial. Well, I've not got a limit on when I can write it, think I may read a few other fanfics first, get some inspiration. I've got a few ideas floating around in my head. But I'd like to spread them to different stories if possible.

by **Carrie** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 12:19 am

Thank-you gojonniegogo!
If you havent already....then take a look at the calendar for 2007 which features not only the delightful spy Lady Dianne Simms, but all the other young men and women of Spectrum before they were famous...

I hope this link works...

http://spectrum-headquarters.com/v-web/bulletin/bb/viewtopic.php?t=909

And...whatever makes you think short stories are not substantial??? A well written story is a good story, however long or short it is. They are different animals, that's all. If you have an idea..don't give up on it..one of these days it will find it's natural home...

and if you need any help, then there are plenty of people here willing.

Website · by **Sage** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 7:44 pm

I totally agree

OK I've finally decided on which table & pairings to do, so my claim is for ...
Blue/Scarlet*, Blue/Symphony, Ochre/Rhapsody, Magenta/Destiny(three stories per pairing - on the theme of 'occasions').

So hopefully that's something for everyone

Link to the table is here

*Intended to be in a friends/field partner capacity. I say intended because well this is my fic after all.