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 Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2009 5:32 pm
I know there was previously an old 2007 thread entitled 'Fanfics', but that didn't take off, so I thought I'd be the one to give it a shot this time. I always like to see what other fans have to say.
Let's face it; with just about any series, the fan-art earns much more attention than the fan-writing, and it's not hard to guess why. I don't think it's only a result of the TL;DR epidemic, though that is a problem; most people will agree that it's just simpler and more convenient to look at a picture rather than to rely on similes and metaphors on a page to develop a story in one's mind.
Then there's also the situation where some fanfiction are written in a rush, without consideration for punctuation and being faithful to the character. We all must have seen something that has made us cringe at some point. "LULZGOIMANZ." Those make the heads of fans spin, and in some cases, turn them away from the series entirely (which is always a shame).
But, I'm being obvious. Though I draw, sometimes I find I can express my thoughts much more clearly in writing, moreso when limitations in my skill prevent me from effectively executing my ideas. I'm one of those folks who take writing seriously and who unfortunately look for validation, which is one of the hardest things to find. I've spoken to fellow writers who also aren't sure whether it's worse to receive no comments on a piece of work, or something brief, irrelevant or ignorant, like 'LOLHAWT.' biggrin I'll take anything I can get these days, but sometimes, you can't help but wonder if someone is reading deeply, and if you have reached out to them and sparked something in some small way. That's worth everything to me, personally - because after a while, writing for myself isn't enough. smile
Enough about me, though. What are your thoughts? And that said...
What are your favourite fanfiction? If you write some yourself, what do you enjoy exploring most (subject/character/emotions/backstory/pairings)? Which character or characters do you relate to when you write? Just throwing bones for you to chew on.
Also, you can drop in some links to your stories (if the forum mod is not against this in any way). Chitchat away!
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Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2009 7:58 pm
Fan art scares me more than fanfiction. xD I'm very hesitant to look at art, as it's mostly yaoi and supposed to be "sexy" or whatever, but usually just makes me shudder and feel embarrassed for the artist. =D
Well, fanfiction does the same for me, but not as often. I usually read stuff from series or games that I know, which is few but good as I'm not a big reader of internet stuffs as it kills my already dying eyes.
I have tried to take writing seriously, but it's more fun for me to write lame fanfiction where people are rarely in character. xD But it's supposed to be stupid and comical, so whatever. As for comments, they can be nice, but I can't really expect something that I rarely give out, so I'm to the point of not caring. But I hate the ones where the story is so obviously satire or whatever and the commenter is ripping apart every word or trying to make it all historically accurate, like one story I read and somebody commented about "In the middle ages they wouldn't have..." when it was a fanfiction based on a fantasy game that doesn't take place in this world. I'd rather have the LOLHAWT comment, as it would at least make me laugh. xD
My favorite stuff is wacky stories, something that will make me laugh. And as long as I can make a joke out of it, I will write about anything. Writing seriously is a challenge for me as the story usually ends up as something I laugh at as I write. Plus for me it's hard to take fanfiction as something serious. (Yay for totally repeating myself! And writing 'laugh' over and over and...) And I try not to relate to any character, unless it is original, since all of my original characters have a little piece of me in them. I'm not like any of the Lupin characters, which is mainly what I write, fanfiction-wise. And that is something I am glad for, as me being me is already scary enough. xD
Least favorite stories (in Lupin fanfics since I mainly read those) are yaoi and ones where Fujiko dies, usually violently as the author hates her, and ones trying to be true to the characters and the show. And Goemon ones I find boring as it's all these big words and inner thoughts and, well, because it's centered on a boring character who I think is only good when he's insane and killing people. =D Yay death!
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Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2009 12:52 am
Quote: I have tried to take writing seriously, but it's more fun for me to write lame fanfiction where people are rarely in character. xD But it's supposed to be stupid and comical, so whatever. As for comments, they can be nice, but I can't really expect something that I rarely give out, so I'm to the point of not caring. But I hate the ones where the story is so obviously satire or whatever and the commenter is ripping apart every word or trying to make it all historically accurate, like one story I read and somebody commented about "In the middle ages they wouldn't have..." when it was a fanfiction based on a fantasy game that doesn't take place in this world. I'd rather have the LOLHAWT comment, as it would at least make me laugh. xD Well, from what you've said, I can better understand why the 'LOLHAWT' comments would jive for you, heh. Quote: And I try not to relate to any character, unless it is original, since all of my original characters have a little piece of me in them. I'm not like any of the Lupin characters, which is mainly what I write, fanfiction-wise. And that is something I am glad for, as me being me is already scary enough. xD Hrm... interesting. Well, it's true, someone will always bring a part of themselves to a character, original or canon. If you were to write a serious fanfiction, which you've said isn't your preference, not relating to a character and thereby keeping a 'distance' would probably show in the writing and keep the reader from connecting fully with your work. But again, this is just a thought - I am aware you said you like silly, humorous fanfiction, so this doesn't really apply. SRYSBIZNESS. Quote: Least favorite stories (in Lupin fanfics since I mainly read those) are yaoi and ones where Fujiko dies, usually violently as the author hates her, and ones trying to be true to the characters and the show. ...You don't like fanfiction that's in-character? I have to admit, that's the first time I've ever heard that from anyone. Funny stuff. Quote: And Goemon ones I find boring as it's all these big words and inner thoughts and, well, because it's centered on a boring character who I think is only good when he's insane and killing people. =D Yay death! Wouldn't limiting him to being brainwashed and mindlessly violent make him even more boring to you since he's the same, over and over again? I personally don't really get how Goemon, if presented as a piece of cardboard with a pointy weapon, can possibly be cool and have lasting appeal. Sure, he can pull off some incredible feats, but meh! I just keep thinking of this strange, hilarious analogy - what if you wanted all the world to know you as a person, but everyone didn't care to know you for more than your ability to twist your tongue into strange shapes, as seen at a talent show? XD Quite a few specials have been guilty of making 'Mon pretty flat and unlike a robotic - or just a plot device in the flesh. He might as well not show up, really. Most of the time, it takes him three quarters of an hour to get wherever he needs to be on his mule, and by then, the special's nearly finished, ha. Bummer. Ah, me? Knowing that I'm just about the only, if not the only active Lupin writer on FF.net putting forth introspective, 'Mon-only stuff, I can't help but smile at the comment. I love every writing every word. biggrin I'm aware that Mon-fiction isn't very popular (unless, I suppose, he's in some improbable yaoi pairing,) but it really doesn't matter to me; if I were in it for that, I'd probably be writing for the wrong reasons, heh. It's undeniably cool and rewarding when I do come across those one or two people who are on the same wavelength, and I can ramble on with for hours. XD I don't think I'll have regrets continuing to explore something Monkey Punch didn't, and most people don't. It's like chipping away at a wall, and discovering this hidden hallway full of riches just waiting to be dusted off. After all, quiet people aren't just quiet; loud people aren't just loud. Always much more to them, so that's what motivates me, as a SRYSBUSINESS writer. I know people can argue that developing in-depth backstories for Lupin characters might hinder the action, but I feel that if a fanfiction is meant to be plot-driven and revolve around a heist/adventure, knowing the characters' motives and 'where they're coming from' can make the action much more intense and interesting, depending on the particular situation. Mmyes, again, all the above represents my thoughts and feelings and not those of anyone else, bah. Thoughts, comments, concerns? razz
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Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2009 2:31 am
Quote: If you were to write a serious fanfiction, which you've said isn't your preference, not relating to a character and thereby keeping a 'distance' would probably show in the writing and keep the reader from connecting fully with your work. But again, this is just a thought - I am aware you said you like silly, humorous fanfiction, so this doesn't really apply. SRYSBIZNESS. Well, I just have a bad habit of making stuff up as I go along and then trapping myself in a convoluted plot that I can't figure out, which is why I stick to wacky stories as plots don't matter and everything can be random and not make sense. xD My serious and semi-serious stories are dead for now as everything I think of to wrap things up makes me sad and I can't even force myself to write it. Quote: ...You don't like fanfiction that's in-character? I have to admit, that's the first time I've ever heard that from anyone. Funny stuff. Really? xD I don't know... the serious Lupin stuff I've read just makes it seem like I'm reading a script from an episode or special and it just seems stiff to me. Quote: Wouldn't limiting him to being brainwashed and mindlessly violent make him even more boring to you since he's the same, over and over again? I personally don't really get how Goemon, if presented as a piece of cardboard with a pointy weapon, can possibly be cool and have lasting appeal. Nah, not to me. I enjoy gratuitous violence. I don't think he should be cardboard. They should give him more of a personality. I don't know how he went from awesome manga Goemon to bland anime Goemon. How'd that happen? =/ Quote: I just keep thinking of this strange, hilarious analogy - what if you wanted all the world to know you as a person, but everyone didn't care to know you for more than your ability to twist your tongue into strange shapes, as seen at a talent show? XD xD But that's most people with a talent. I hear or read things from conventions and it's always about the person and the characters they created or voiced and it always annoys me because I'm sitting there wondering random things like what's their favorite dessert or if they have any pets, stuff like that. I'm more interested in them as people and what shaped them to do what they do. Quote: Most of the time, it takes him three quarters of an hour to get wherever he needs to be on his mule, and by then, the special's nearly finished, ha. xD So true. But just think if there was mindless violence as he rode on the mule. =o I know Monkey Punch has his little rules, but I often wonder why Goemon and Jigen are even in some of the specials. And can they write one where Goemon is already with them in the beginning? Quote: I don't think I'll have regrets continuing to explore something Monkey Punch didn't, and most people don't. And Goemon seems to be the least thought up character, so there is much to explore. xD If it's done well and doesn't bore me, then I don't mind reading that kind of stuff. You get to see what the writer thinks of the characters, which is always interesting. :3 Not always entertaining, but.... Quote: I know people can argue that developing in-depth backstories for Lupin characters might hinder the action, but I feel that if a fanfiction is meant to be plot-driven and revolve around a heist/adventure, knowing the characters' motives and 'where they're coming from' can make the action much more intense and interesting, depending on the particular situation. I'm so used to the specials anymore that more time on backstories and less on the actual reason for the story is normal for me. =| But then that sort of thing is expressed better as a multiple chapter story and not a 90 minute special. :3 For me, it just depends on the subject of the past stories and the reasonings whether or not I will continue with a story, unless I know the thing isn't supposed to be taken seriously. Personally, I bore of the whole "Jigen had a girlfriend who was killed" thing and the "Goemon suddenly has a girlfriend, but she's really using him and he can't see it" thing. Or something happening and Goemon losing so he could just wander off and mope and not be in the rest of the story. But in fanfics, I guess it can be more open since you can make the thing 20 or 100 chapters to explain stuff. As long as it isn't filled with meaningless conversation and references to the shows thrown in randomly. gonk Unless, of course, as a joke...
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Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2009 10:27 am
Quote: Well, I just have a bad habit of making stuff up as I go along and then trapping myself in a convoluted plot that I can't figure out, which is why I stick to wacky stories as plots don't matter and everything can be random and not make sense. xD My serious and semi-serious stories are dead for now as everything I think of to wrap things up makes me sad and I can't even force myself to write it. Mn, when it comes to forcing, it is best to leave things be. I know what that's like... it's a little depressing when things can't be finished. Quote: Really? xD I don't know... the serious Lupin stuff I've read just makes it seem like I'm reading a script from an episode or special and it just seems stiff to me. Hm, well... somehow I doubt those scripts go in as much detail. razz But, yeah, well, I think people hope to make something believable, as if their work really is an episode or special in itself. Can't blame 'em. smile Quote: Nah, not to me. I enjoy gratuitous violence. I don't think he should be cardboard. They should give him more of a personality. I don't know how he went from awesome manga Goemon to bland anime Goemon. How'd that happen? =/ Can't say I know how. He was a bit of an arrogant goof, and that kind of was passed over to Zenigata in the anime - I guess they thought that it would work best for someone as traditional-minded as 'Mon to be serious. Lupin and Jigen were already silly, so maybe they wanted to distinguish him a little bit. Quote: xD But that's most people with a talent. I hear or read things from conventions and it's always about the person and the characters they created or voiced and it always annoys me because I'm sitting there wondering random things like what's their favorite dessert or if they have any pets, stuff like that. I'm more interested in them as people and what shaped them to do what they do. Heh, yeah... who knows if they're happy about that representation - must get a little old after a while, or so I'd think. Quote: xD So true. But just think if there was mindless violence as he rode on the mule. =o I know Monkey Punch has his little rules, but I often wonder why Goemon and Jigen are even in some of the specials. And can they write one where Goemon is already with them in the beginning? I'd like that - going back to the Red Jacket days when they, for the most part, were just there together. It made their bond more than professional. Those glimpses of their personal connects were cool. Quote: And Goemon seems to be the least thought up character, so there is much to explore. xD If it's done well and doesn't bore me, then I don't mind reading that kind of stuff. You get to see what the writer thinks of the characters, which is always interesting. :3 Not always entertaining, but... Ha, yeah. Whatever floats one's boat. Quote: I'm so used to the specials anymore that more time on backstories and less on the actual reason for the story is normal for me. =| But then that sort of thing is expressed better as a multiple chapter story and not a 90 minute special. :3 For me, it just depends on the subject of the past stories and the reasonings whether or not I will continue with a story, unless I know the thing isn't supposed to be taken seriously. Personally, I bore of the whole "Jigen had a girlfriend who was killed" thing and the "Goemon suddenly has a girlfriend, but she's really using him and he can't see it" thing. Or something happening and Goemon losing so he could just wander off and mope and not be in the rest of the story. But in fanfics, I guess it can be more open since you can make the thing 20 or 100 chapters to explain stuff. As long as it isn't filled with meaningless conversation and references to the shows thrown in randomly. icon_gonk.gif Unless, of course, as a joke... Heh. Yeah, I could do without all those used and abused 'love interest' plot twists. If they'd want to go that way, it'd be more interesting, say, if Jigen broke it off mentioning that he just didn't dig her all that much, or that the sex was boring... Okay, that's OOC, but, in that case, it's not like she stabbed him in the back, or was killed. biggrin Argh, and I absolutely hate when any plot has Goemon breaking his sword - it's a cheap way to sweep him off-screen. razz
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Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 12:34 am
Quote: Can't say I know how. He was a bit of an arrogant goof, and that kind of was passed over to Zenigata in the anime - I guess they thought that it would work best for someone as traditional-minded as 'Mon to be serious. Lupin and Jigen were already silly, so maybe they wanted to distinguish him a little bit. I guess. Zenigata as the comic relief made me hate him when I first saw the anime. And then reading the manga made me like him to the point where I dealt with him in the show. Same with Goemon. Love them in the manga, but very meh in the show and specials. Unless they're being all serious and violent. Quote: I'd like that - going back to the Red Jacket days when they, for the most part, were just there together. It made their bond more than professional. Those glimpses of their personal connects were cool. I liked how they were together and then usually at the end they were still together. And for the specials it seems they aren't together and then at the end split up. It's like they can't tolerate each other anymore. xD Quote: Heh. Yeah, I could do without all those used and abused 'love interest' plot twists. If they'd want to go that way, it'd be more interesting, say, if Jigen broke it off mentioning that he just didn't dig her all that much, or that the sex was boring... Okay, that's OOC, but, in that case, it's not like she stabbed him in the back, or was killed. biggrin Argh, and I absolutely hate when any plot has Goemon breaking his sword - it's a cheap way to sweep him off-screen. razz May be OOC, but at least it'd be different. And it'd give the Jigen fangirls someone to loath. xD I guess they figure Goemon and his sword would make things too simple and would shorten the story by half. Still lame, though. I'd be happy if they took episodes and stretched them out or combined them. Good episodes, that is. xD
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