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When I decided I wanted to share a story I had been thinking about on this site I promised myself I wouldn't whine about the reception it would get. The story has a lot of content that might not be everyone's cup of tea and I respect that. But I had to write it the way it came to me and I even embraced some of the more challenging aspects of my inspiration on purpose, trying to do it MY way and not how I have seen it done countless times before. The irony would be that the story would be couched in familiar tropes and settings. I was shooting for subversion.
Anyway, I knew that the audience would be limited and skewed towards the "lurkers" among us. I think I've made my peace with that. I think. What has surprised me is the silence. I've had a few very enthusiastic supporters DM me and that has been absolutely lovely. But I kinda thought there'd be more comments (none for my last 3 chapters and a total of 4 for my last 5). I thought that by posting it I could learn something about how my writing affects people.
So far, I do see it being read. Not like some of the more popular stories, but again, I knew that going in and at least someone is reading it. So, whether or not you've read any of it, here's a chance to tell me what you're thinking without having it be associated with my story.
If you want to say that content like my story shouldn't be on a site with such sweet, wonderful stories then go ahead. If it just didn't sound like your kind of story, that's fine. If you didn't like it but don't want to be negative, please believe that I can handle it. If you're waiting until the story is done before reading it, I understand, we've all been disappointed when a new author abandons a story just when it is getting good. But I'd suggest it's kinda hard on a new writer when no one says anything at all. Even a general bit of advice at this point would be welcome.
The ending of the story is written. Most of the chapters in between are as well, but not completely (probably 3 of them). Chapter 9 is being proofread right now.
I do love this site dearly and can't imagine ever leaving it. Thanks for your attention. I'm done making this all about me. For now.
Comments
If it helps, I haven't
If it helps, I haven't bothered to read it. I saw "X-Men Fan Fiction" and that was the end of it for me. I'm just not much of a comic book fan fiction person.
It may be that many of the folks looking are the same way. There's no reason for us to try to give you feedback, because it's just not our cuppa.
I'll get a life when it's proven and substantiated to be better than what I'm currently experiencing.
I'm actually hoping that's a major reason
My reason for choosing a fan fiction story as my first was partially laziness. As long as I stayed somewhat true to the characters, most people coming to the story knew the characters and the universe already. I could focus on the story, which tries very hard to inject some reality and humanity into the fantastical world of superheroes. So while I'm trying for a certain degree of subversion, I would never claim it's really anything other than fan fiction.
But really, thank you for taking the time to comment. I expect it's a big reason for the lower readership level and I appreciate hearing from someone first hand who feels that way. What has frustrated me has been those who do read it and say nothing at all.
Same Here...
...especially with Marvel characters. (60s DC characters, just maybe, but I think most of them have been retconned beyond my recognition by now.)
So I'm not reading it either. Sorry I can't be more helpful.
Eric
(Apparently there's an author named Eric on FM who did a lot of comics fanfics. I'm not him.)
No apology needed
I understand completely and I appreciate you taking the time to let me know. I also agree about the retconning.
Actually, most serious fans who do read it would probably be at least slightly annoyed at how I've chosen to mix the various abilities and backstories. But I'd like to think that's how it's always been with storytelling. The Greek myths aren't some meticulously planned series of stories from a single source, they morph and evolve as different tellers used the gods, goddesses, heroes, etc.to serve the story they wanted to tell.
Me, too.
I was intrigued by the cover illustrations, but I also am not into the Marvel X-Men universe. Perhaps it's my age; the X-Men were introduced when I was in high school and was no longer reading comic books. I haven't seen any of the movies in the franchise, and I don't intend to do so. Since I'm not interested in the subject, I skipped reading the stories. Perhaps I'm selling you short, but I'm afraid I wouldn't "get" the references.
Borrowing characters is a two-edged sword
As I told someone who sent me a DM, I'm not going to claim that my story is anything other than fan fiction. I'd like to think it goes beyond the typical comic or movie, but I purposely chose to do a fan fiction in order to use their characters and universe. So it'd be silly to complain when people don't read the story because they don't know (or like) those characters or universe.
But I really appreciate you reaching out and letting me know. Also, the illustrations are a lot more work to find than I expected, so thanks for noticing those even if you're not reading the story.
commenting is a dying art?
My latest release didn't get a single comment either. I've tried not to overthink it because people appear to be reading it. I even got some kudos, but no comments.
I find any form of feedback exhilarating, even negative feedback, but I know some writers don't. Maybe you wrote such a perfect story that no one had anything to add?
Haha! I doubt perfection is my problem
Wow Morgan, when you look on the bright side, you go all out. Lol
You're probably right, in general. I know that I've been guilty of it myself. You see a comment that you kinda agree with and think you don't need to say anything. Or read a story and just don't have a strong opinion. I generally leave a kudo , but now that I'm on the "other side" of the situation I see how I could have been more supportive.
Thanks for reaching out and commenting, and I will try to look on the bright side.
just not my cup of tea.
I mean, I understand the concept of fan-fics and so forth, but to me... I don't know, I guess I believe in a concept of "character Integrity", being true to the history/intents of the creators or writers of established characters. I guess that's why I don't read fan-fics that deviate sharply from a person or character's known history or motivations.
Totally respect that
I do think there's some irony to your sentiment with how Marvel changes character motivations, origins, background, etc. whenever it suits them. But they do own the characters and I certainly can't make any such claim. My goal IS to remain true to the history/intent of the characters to the degree possible with how they've been retconned over the years. Otherwise there's not much point in borrowing them in my opinion.
But really, thank you for taking the time to share. It is helpful to know that it's the type of fiction that is the biggest barrier for most readers.
Now if I could just get some insight from those who did read it or for whom fan fiction isn't something they avoid or put off...
Fanfiction
I have dabbled, and enjoy it. For many its a good start to get into writing obviously if you as passionate about the story, then good for it. Fanfiction.net is a good place to look around and see what's popular and whats not.
A number of stories out there I would love to see a fanfiction written about. One of the harder aspects is that with some of the franchises the readers get a little heated if their 'loved' character is not loved back or if you 'for shame' change they are the way in cannon. Funny enough the biggest complaints is that its not 'canon'.
But isn't that the whole reason for fanfiction? If I wanted to read Harry Potter stories that are cannon there are some wonderful books written by JKR but I enjoy other people take on it.
As for replied, yea Kudos are nice because its a general way of people telling you they like the story. Comments are often makes one more willing to write more. But don't be discouraged if you don't get a ton or none at all as long as you're enjoying writing that's the most important part.
Is fearr Gaeilge briste, ná Béarla clíste.
Broken Irish is better than clever English.
Writing is its own reward
Thanks Elsbeth. I wouldn't say that I'm discouraged. It's more like having a hope not quite pan out the way you let yourself play out in your mind a little too perfectly. But I have been very pleased with the process; it really is my first story. I've learned a lot already and feel much more confident that I can weave an interesting story with characters that are my own. I mean, it's not like I've been dying to do fan fiction or even an Xmen story, it's just a very complete concept that came to me with a tg twist that I thought I could share with the BC community. It was kinda cheating and, I thought, a little provocative. I saw it as an interesting first challenge.
The irony is that this one blog entry has provided me more insight and better support than 9 weeks and probably more than 40,000 words of story postings. It certainly has affirmed my sense of BC as a supportive community.
Comments
It is frustrating to work hard on something you enjoy writing only to find that you didn't get the reception you expected.
I agree that is more rewarding to be liked than ignored. I did notice that you didn't post your story on fictionmania.tv That's another story site that has fan fiction. You might want to post it there before you give up.
I have written many tales that have flopped for a number of reasons.
My suggestion is that you keep on trying. Writing is an addiction for me and I write for myself. When I find a story that others like, I think about writing sequels.
The fact that I don't read or write fan fiction doesn't mean a thing. A lot of my stories were influenced by reading someone else's story, so in a way, it becomes fan fiction.
In my youth, I enjoyed Mickey Mouse, Donald, Daisy, Pluto, Goofy, and Scrooge McDuck comics. But, I never thought to write a fan fiction Disney story. Maybe that's what the world is waiting for.
Thanks, I was thinking the same thing. Not the Disney fanfic tho
Thanks Leslie. I do plan on posting there and on tgstorytime. I've seen a lot of BC authors post on those sites over the years. I just wanted to make sure I shared it here and didn't get distracted.
Late to the party
I'm not usually one to leave comments. I know that makes me sound a little dickish, but hey that's just me sometimes. I'll work on that. Anywho....... I know that even if you are writing this for yourself regardless of weather anyone else will read it at all, human nature is a social thing. And receiving recognition for a job well done is important. I just found your series a few days ago and am impressed. I was at first concerned about continuity, but then thought "you know even Marvel has retconned everything so many times and created so many alternate universes that I don't even know what the continuity is. So to make a long comment short, 1: your doing great and 2: I'll try to leave more comments.
Never too late
It's never too late to hear someone tell you that they like what you're doing. With the challenges of the current chapter (and the last 2), it's actually perfect timing. Thanks! If you end up offering other BC authors a comment due to my whining, I will be thrilled.