Pet Peeve

[dragonydreams]

During my lunch break today, I was reading some stories that have been piling up in my email and felt the need to rant.

I read 2 chapters for one story by someone who I think is a new author. At least, I don't think I've read anything by them before. Aside from the spelling and word usage errors that always bug me with un-beta'd stories (at least I hope it was un-beta'd), this person did something that will guarantee me to not give feedback...

They asked for advice. This is a personal pet peeve, and I don't mean to upset anyone by saying this, but don't ask your readers for advice on where your story should go. That's what a beta reader is for. If you have something to say about where you're going, then say it in the Author's Notes in the header. Don't tell me what other pairings you're thinking of getting together. If you're going to do it, then just DO IT! Don't ask my opinion about it. It's your story! You're not going to please everyone. Write what you want to write.

/rant

Comments

[velvetwhip.livejournal.com]

I know which story you are referring to, and I have to agree! I personally HATE it when people write to me with explicit ideas about what they think I need to do with my story, and it's writers like this one who ENCOURAGE such behaviour!


Gabrielle

[dragonydreams.livejournal.com]

I figured you'd know which one I meant. I can understand being nervous about the direction of a story, but that's one of the reasons people get betas. As you well know, I'll pour out all my worries and concerns to my beta(s). It's what they're there for. If someone doesn't have one, they should ask for one!

[velvetwhip.livejournal.com]

I agree! I get nervous ALL THE TIME! Which is why I worship my betas for putting up with me! But that's what betas are for...ironing out the questions of plot and character before you post a story!

By the way, you happen to be a splendid beta, yourself, and I just want to take the time to thank you again for all your patience and know-how!


Gabrielle

[wickedfox.livejournal.com]

Ouch... remind me to stay on your good side.

*grin*

I gotta agree... you should have a fairly solid grip on your story before you start it. Though I know I have asked for opinions on writing sequels. I remember seeing people actually post polls on "should I do this or this" type thing. I often find myself wondering why they don't just write a "choose your own adventure" type fic.

Oh well, everyone approaches writing differently I suppose.

[dragonydreams.livejournal.com]

I admit to usually having no idea where a story is going to end up when I start it. But I also have a harem of betas whose opinion I can ask when I'm not sure.

When it comes to sequels for me, it's usually more of "Do I have time to write one?" in response to the demands for it. *grin*

I'm guessing that this person is a novice and doesn't know any better. Just gives people like me something to rant about. The story could be promising, but I'm not going to tell her how to write it.

[http://users.livejournal.com/falling_rain_/]

I saw a story like that the other day. And if it's the same one, I hope it was unbeta'd. If it was beta'd, the key word is spell check. When they ask for advice, I never give it. The author should be an author. You're right that's what a beta is for(the idea thing)!!! And you're right, you'll NEVER please everyone.

midnight

[dragonydreams.livejournal.com]

I think when I started writing I posted 2 stories unbeta'd. When I had questions, that's when I solicited a beta. Now I don't know what I'd do without them.

Preach it, sister. :)

[valorgrl.livejournal.com]

You've touched on one of my pet peeves as well. I hate when an author will ask advice about a fic to the readers: Who should be the pairing or do you think I should do this?

The only time I've ever asked a question was if I wrote a one-shot and if people were interested in my continuing with a longer multi-chaptered story. Not that I would haven't written it, I just wouldn't have posted it if no one was interested. :)

Re: Preach it, sister. :)

[dragonydreams.livejournal.com]

If the story is finished and you're looking for interest in continuing it, I don't see anything wrong with that. But it's the five line paragraph asking for advice that gets annoying.

[ex-claudia69504.livejournal.com]

Personally, I'd rather be surprised by where the author is going. Suspense will drag me in everytime. I'm easy like that.

But, I agree. Don't ask for advice, unless you are a) still writing it and want it all perfect and you have a select few people you are showing it to because hey, been there, done that, or b) have seriously come to a complete block as to what to do next. And, if that's the case, might just wanna stick to the select few.

[dragonydreams.livejournal.com]

I agree. It's better to be surprised. It's what makes us look forward to the next chapter. And if you want advice, ask your friends or beta, not the general public.

[cornerofmadness.livejournal.com]

I don't know the story you're referring to but I don't entirely agree. Now obviously you as the writer should have a very firm grip on your own story (and nothing irritates me more than reviewers who don't review but rather give ME marching orders of what should happen) BUt there are times when I'm working a long work in progress where I've asked for suggestions and it has always made the story better, whether or not I use them all. Sometimes my readers have seen things I haven't and I would have turned out a lesser story than what I would have come up with otherwise.

And quite frankly, a lot of professional writers will tell you that as well. They get overwhelmed with suggestions from fans and most get tossed to the way side but I've met more professional writers than I can count that have invited input from their readers and have used it.

Now if you're talking about asking for help with major plot points (like who should be paired off I think was one of your listed rants) than yes, that is rather novice. You should already KNOW that before you start but asking for story input isn't actually a novice thing to do.

[dragonydreams.livejournal.com]

It was on one of the lists I don't think you belong to. This was at the bottom of the first chapter:

What do you think? Is it worth continuing? I'm planning on having Willow try to stop Angel and Buffy from shagging. Then, Miss Calender won't die and Willow won't have to perform the soul restoration spell which leads her on her path to magical destruction. Of course, you know what they say about the best laid plans.

She then worked much of that into chapter two and put this after the story:

What's next, gentle readers? I feel so Andrew-ish now! :) We'll be exploring the Angel/Willow relationship more fully. And Spike will make an appearance. I expect Willow will change the time line more than she bargains for. What will Xander think about Willow seeing so much of Angel when he realizes she's lost her hero worship of him? As far as other ships, I'm toying with Oz/Buffy.

Now can you see where I'm coming from better? We don't need to know the entire story ahead of time. What's the point of reading it then?

[cornerofmadness.livejournal.com]

Ah well yes see now that WOULD bother the heck out of me. Asking for input is one thing. This is trying to please everyone and you're right, that's not possible. ANd it does ruin any suspense.

My pet peeve. The people who put in the feedback column 'if you don't feed back I wont' finish this story.'

[dragonydreams.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I don't like being threatened into sending feedback.

[cornerofmadness.livejournal.com]

we brought that up on one of my lists about people NOT doing that and of course the person who did it routinuely was angry saying she had too many stories to write and she was only going to do ones people were interested in. Well not everyone feedbacks immediately. And a LOT of us said we delete stories with that kind of threat on there without reading (I do) And again write stories that make YOU happy. I've barely gotten any feedback on the last few stories sent but so what. I'm happy with them and that's what counts.

[elenorlaura.livejournal.com]

I find it a bit irritating too. It is more a case of why should I read something that you aren't committed to enough to have worked out the plot, or relationships?

I got a note today from a colleague in Cambridge, and it sounds like you are having some weather. I hope that isn't going to interfere with your vacation plans.

[dragonydreams.livejournal.com]

I hope so too. I have a feeling flights will be delayed, but I have a non-stop flight, luckily. I'll call for a taxi in the morning. I figure that by then I'll have a better idea of if my flight's still going and/or how delayed it will be. I'll also have a better idea of traffic delays so I'll know how much time to give myself to get there.