I'm just a fledgling writer. A fledgling writer much like yourself, actually. Alas, I wrote nothing.

That...is my story. These are the chapters within.

Age: Twenty-One
Gender: Male
Contact Info:
Private Messaging
FictionPress
Adult FanFiction

Every so often, I feel compelled to fill out some of the chapters that fill my mind, and here you'll see the results. Story stories are my life's blood in situations like this, but I do try to tackle the larger projects as well. I won't lie, I'm a sporadic updater, if only because I'm likely to spend more time reading fiction than write it. In this way, I can learn methods that are tried and true, and avoid habits that spell disaster. Sometimes it works out better in my head than on paper, but no risk, no reward.

To understand the ideals and drives of others, see what concepts they've come across, to hopefully inspire with written review, that's my mission, and if I, too, must take up the mantle, it's not so hard a thing to do. The challenge is to continue what has been started, and often even more difficult is to convey the original idea across multiple chapters. Remember to keep a general outline of what you want to accomplish in the long-term on file, not just in your head - being able to reinforce your original idea with new ones is the key to maintaining a strong plot. Also, knowing what you intend in the end makes it that much simpler to control derailments instead of they you.

The worst thing writers can do to themselves is succeed too well. Make an amazing one-shot, for instance, and you might find that enough people enjoy what you've done that you'll start considering how you can expand, which always runs the risk of losing the original flavor that made your story special. Take care not to sacrifice your intentions to satisfy the fanbase, but also keep in mind that they are you supporters. Give back to them, from time to time, but don't feed them too much. You'll wind up with Neon Genesis Evangelion if you follow that route too far.

Don't be afraid to take risks, and if it draws incomprehensible flames, take it not as unwarranted criticism but as a mark of respect. That person might have spent a lot of time thinking about how you should do that impossible...something with a goat, and you should reward them for taking the time to flesh out that thought and tell you about it. In fact, if they've made it clear precisely what they found disagreeable, make sure to include it in your next chapter - it'll insure that you have at least one consistent reviewer, and it's rather entertaining seeing what people can come up with. If they remain committed, consider using some of their ideas, with permission, of course, in your own work.

Treasure reviews from readers who all but write a thesis on your work. They're a rare breed, and it's easy to just think of them as such. If someone spends that much time trying to tell you something, take note, pay attention. If anything, use them as fuel for your motivation in working on that difficult next chapter. It'll make it look like they had an input, and you want to foster that kind of thinking. It serves to keep you writing, and them reviewing. Theoretically. Um...try to foster two or three, for when they get tired of feeding your ego bubble - it will happen. No exceptions.

Never forget that you aren't working in a vacuum - if you know that you need help, find an author whose style or interests are similar to your own, and consider a collaborative effort. Ask them for tips or ideas, as well, and attribute their assistance where appropriate. It's only fair that everyone knows who helped you make your high fantasy, swords and sorcery world. And, if it happens to be a complete wash, you can rest assured knowing your good name isn't the only one tarnished. Sharing is caring, as they say.

Last, far from least, and possibly most importantly, if there's any advice that I could give you, based on advice that has been given to me in the past, it has to be this. Don't forget to wear sunscreen. If you don't take anything else from what I've provided, at least remember that. It's very important - if you want to know more, Youtube "Baz Luhrmann - Everybody's Free (to Wear Sunscreen)."

And now, with that, I leave you to your regularly scheduled perusal.