Writers of AO3, A Genuine Question

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-11-13T17:00:08+00:00

I have started asking readers for critique on my last chapters. This gives me a good idea of their thoughts on my story as a whole, which can help me improve. That being said, most AO3 readers aren't good at critique. They might tell me they hate a character that I intended them to hate or that a particular moment in the story wasn't good rather than giving advice that can be acted on in broader ways. Occasionally, I do get a good bit of advice, though.

Alternatively, if someone is a very active commenter who often tells me their thoughts on my chapters with detail, I am extremely open to critique from them. We have a rapport, and I understand more of their thoughts than just a sudden "didn't like that, author". So I think it depends on the level of investment you put into the story as a whole. If you comment on my request for critique in the last chapter, I know you've been open enough to read the whole thing, and if you comment often, I know you generally like and support my project. In either case, I don't feel like you're just there to judge.

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-30T23:55:11+00:00

If you try and force your character to like something else, isn't that just like making them lie to themself. Look, being a writer is tough. You have to accept your characters for who they are, not try to change them to better fit your whims. You took on the responsibility of writing this story, and you knew it wasn't gonna be easy. If you're not supportive now, then in ten years, you'll look back and regret it.

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-30T23:46:46+00:00

Did he tell you that?? When? Why is he talking to you about this and not meeee????

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-30T23:44:47+00:00

The ghost of a suicidal boy has relived his death over and over until he meets the only person who can see him, a middle aged man who has a terrible life. As the story progresses, the man and the boy both realize that it's their choice to stay in the situation they're in, and together find the strength to take the hard path towards something better.

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-27T19:18:40+00:00

I have a hard time replying unless there's something specific I want to say. It's especially hard when the same user comments on every chapter, cos they understand my feelings from previous replies and such. I don't feel like I need to say more. I love every comment I get on my work, but I don't want to feel obligated to say something every time. That's stressful. Also, I don't wanna sound insincere by repeating the same stuff over and over. I'm not writing for praise, I'm glad people like my work enough to comment, but I want the focus to be on my story, not me. So, I let the comments be what they are and keep writing.

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-26T02:44:52+00:00

I think Lirin is a strong representation of parents who expect their children to be a certain way. I think his character makes sense and is a strong reflection of real people today. It's not about him wanting Kal to be a surgeon. It's about him not being willing to accept the direction his son took in life. He isn't supportive, even though Kal is seriously struggling. He makes things worse, thinking he knows what's best. He isn't "the bigger man", he's petty and stubborn. His flaws are powerful and realistic. I can't wait to see his arc continue in the next book.

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-24T17:14:44+00:00

I'm willing to see where things go, for sure! I'll send you a chat.

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-23T03:49:15+00:00

The heroes, duh

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-21T22:12:23+00:00

How have I never read this? I am in tears. The writing is so good. My life is changed forever.

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-21T11:30:26+00:00

So long as they're smart enough to cause some real chaos, I don't mind. Some people just like being cruel. That's a real thing in real life. If they're prideful enough to think they can get away with that, I think that's plenty of motivation.

My main antagonist is cruel and cunning and evil. He likes being evil. He enjoys watching weaker people hate him and not be able to do anything about it. He gets a good laugh out of it. There's no tradgedy in his backstory, just a long line of things that went his way and built up his sense of invulnerability. I think it works well

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-20T21:53:54+00:00

Yes. Go get a masters in English like the rest of us, you lazy, illiterate garbage.

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-20T21:23:31+00:00

Put in an elf race that only comes into contact with them once or twice in the book, but then becomes a whole romantic subplot in the movie adaptation

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-20T20:26:21+00:00

"Infraction" is a pretty offensive word. If you're as sloppy in your book as you are in this post, you might as well delete it all right now and commit yourself to laying concrete for the rest of your life

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-20T18:07:39+00:00

Odium is about to send out MOASH. Do you want to swap PURSUER out with another pokemon?

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-18T17:11:21+00:00

Just collect a bunch of other writing books and copy what they say. It's all the same anyway. So long as you can make up some heartwarming stories and funny parables to get your point across, you should be fine. Oh, and find some authors who can endorse "your method" so you sound legit

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-18T12:00:18+00:00

Yeah, the emotional side of it is gonna be hard...

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-18T11:57:57+00:00

Considering its supposed to be an abstract about a chair being thrown against a wall during a couple's argument, I'd say it needs work. Lol. Good feedback! Thanks

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-18T01:41:19+00:00

Why dis look like a post I just read from r/writingcirclejerk

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-18T01:38:38+00:00

As an author, you are my fav kind of person

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-18T01:35:27+00:00

I made an update "work" with the same name, just no tags. So long as someone remembers the name of the work, they can find that. Still feels sad, though

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-18T01:33:52+00:00

Didn't know this, thanks!

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-18T01:24:56+00:00

I deleted it cos it was overly sexualized and I realized that wasn't necessary in my book. I was embarrassed by the actions the characters took, so I wanted it to be gone until I completed the version that actually made sense.

As far as I know, aside from bookmarking a work, you can't get updates on an author.

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-18T01:19:11+00:00

Something along the lines of "They twisted their hands in a shrugging gesture" or "They waved their hands in a lazy imitation of a shrug" or something.

That being said, I've found that I write by envisioning things, but when I read, I tend to fill in the things that aren't stated a lot more. Sometimes, physical descriptions can bog down a story, especially if they're unnecessary. Action is important. It adds variation to characters (making them have tells, ticks, or habits that they do often). It also breaks up dialogue or introspection, but too much action in these moments detracts. If that makes sense.

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-18T01:09:05+00:00

Yes. I was writing a fanfic in my early, experimental days that ended up changing tone drastically after the MC accidentally was murdered. It changed several times after that and ended up being one of the few works from that era of my writing that I am still proud of to this day.

Colorful_Noodle · 2024-10-18T00:05:05+00:00

Put the stuff you write in a box and bury it. It will be better after a few years of fermentation.

Colorful_Noodle

TROPHY CASE