Subject: There's a LJ community
Author:
Posted on: 2009-12-04 16:21:00 UTC
called oc_analysis, if you want people to look at your chars and check if they're not a Sue.
Subject: There's a LJ community
Author:
Posted on: 2009-12-04 16:21:00 UTC
called oc_analysis, if you want people to look at your chars and check if they're not a Sue.
Hey - I'm new around here obviously... Found the PPC while research bad writing as a method of improving my work, I figured knowing what not to do always helps. =)
I'm told by friends (adults and teens alike) that I'm pretty good, but being that they are my friends I'm concerned they might be biased so recently I've been trying to seek additional opinions.
Currently I have three or four writing projects going at once, an original fiction I hope to someday get published as a novel, and a couple fanfics. I want to share my writing, but fear of becoming yet another suethor keeps me from showing off any of my recent writings, and I continually shoo readers away from my old stuff because it's just plain awful.
I suppose what I most need is a beta reader, preferably someone who knows the Assassin's Creed 2 fandom fairly well. Please? I need to be sure my OC isn't too Sue-ish before I can feel comfortable posting my writing anywhere. ^^;
And that other greetings-style stuff pople say. I hereby present you with a bag of pebbles and a Random Shiny Object, and welcome you to Munchkinland Hogwarts the PPC.
Have fun!
And probably the only poke you'll get, as the Ceremonial Poking of the Newbie is rather an old tradition. Anyway: *pokes*
I second pretty much everything Sedri said regarding beta-reading and OCs and being comfortable. Sometimes the best way to learn is just to chuck it out there and take what comes with an open mind. {= )
~Neshomeh
Kudos for you for seeking to better yourself! Have an egg whisk. It's shiny, gold-plated, and hey, it whisks eggs. Not only that, but it's pretty useful for getting rid of author wraiths and the spambots that pop up every now and again.
Welcome to the insanity! Enjoy the ride.
Have a venomous arthropod!
Unfortunately, I won't be buying AC2 until it hits the bargain bins at Target. Sorry!
I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the fandom, but props for getting out there and looking for a beta - I'm sure you'll find someone!
Welcome to the PPC! Here's a set of archery equipment from the Raven Armory! I don't know the fandom, so I can't beta, but hello anyway.
Welcome to the Board! Please deposit your sanity in the provided receptacle. *indicates bucket marked "Warg Fodder"* You shan't need it here.
I'm afraid I don't know that fandom, so I can't help you directly, but I commend your dedication. It took me about six years to swallow my perfectionistic fears and post my work, and it was only thanks to some very good 'net friends that I've since built up my courage and am trusting myself - and yet I still find myself clinging to the feedback from my betas.
(By the way, you might want to start by changing "research" to "researching" in your first line.)
As for your actual request, our community isn't exactly a free beta-reading service; we do favours for each other, yes, but generally our lives are busy and we stick to writing missions because that's what we love best. So it's really up for grabs as to whether anyone around here has both the time and background knowledge to give you a hand. If no one can help, might I suggest some other methods?
Firstly, there are various litmus tests around which you can take to help judge it yourself, some of which cater to original characters, which can therefore be adapted reasonably well to any fandom for which no specific test has been devised. A few seconds of googling found me this, which looks pretty good, at first glance. If it doesn't work, just do some searching on "Mary Sue litmus test" until you find something that does work.
You could also browse around fanfic archives specific to Assassin's Creed and ask some active writers whose work you think well of if they would mind reading over yours and giving a brief opinion - most people, I've found, are more than willing to give up a little time (especially if you compliment their work first, but I didn't say that).
Or, if there's absolutely no other option, you could simply dive in and see what happens. I suggest this, actually; the worst thing you could get is a bad review, but if you put a polite, succinct author's note at the start saying you would really appreciate honest feedback because you are so worries that your OC might have some Stu-traits, you will almost certainly get feedback. It won't all be good, but some will, and that's what you're after, right?
Also, if you're anything like I was seven years ago, then I suspeect you may feel like you have to present something perfect right away or else your penname will get a not-so-great 'reputation'. If so, let me say that it's an empty worry. For one thing, this is the Internet - you can always change your name and start over. But even besides that, you've got to feel comfortable with your work because you like it. If you stake your feelings on other people's opinions, you're forever going to be a slave to them. Trust me. That's not how a writer should work. To be happy with it yourself, simply be honest. Ask yourself the hard questions. Would you be willing to completely scrap your favourite scene, plotline, or character if it was bringing the story down? Are you putting too much of yourself or your wishes into the story? These are the kinds of questions the litmus tests will make you think about, even if they don't apply directly. They're probably your best bet.
... I've rambled on. Oops. Sorry; tends to happen. I do have one last question: Are you joining our PPC community, or are you just dropping in to ask for help this once? Either is fine, but it would be good to know.
That said, nice to meet you :)
- Sedri
Nice to meet you all, and thanks for the gifts. XD
But... may I ask what a plover is?
Also I'm afraid I don't have any sanity - around here that's reserved for "normal people." Heh.
@Sedri
(Haha, thanks. XD)
Oh, of course. I didn't mean to make it seem like that was all I'm here for. I always like making new friends, of course, especially other writers.
Thanks for the advice, I tried the litmus test and it came out pretty low, so maybe I will go ahead and post it somewhere. I just have a lot of difficulty seeing my work as good - I'm constantly fretting over every little thing. ^^;
As a side note: I'm used to a different style of forum, so if I'm not doing this correctly please just say something.
A plover is a sort of bird. I think every single person who's joined our board has recieved one. We all tend to have our own particular gifts we give people. That said, since you're staying, allow me to give MY gift: A Transdimensional Pocket Knife. You may have no use for it.
If the litmus tests came out low, then you should have little trouble. Fretting never did anyone much good. :)
As for the forum/board, if you're doing a mass answer to everyone, it's probably better to post as a reply to your original thread - I imagine this will be overlooked by many people who think you're talking only to me. The only other board ettiquette I can think of is don't double-post, as things get kicked off the end of the page if there's too many.
So, welcome!
- Sedri
called oc_analysis, if you want people to look at your chars and check if they're not a Sue.