[Report This]Date: Mar 06, 2015 03:47 pm Title: Writing Science Fiction/Fantasy - Material Added
Honestly? I've always wanted to put one of my sci-fi fanfics down on this site but I'm scared it'll be disliked since I've never (and I mean never) branched off from Romance and Drama fanfics. In my years of FF none of my sci-fi fanfics have ever hit the internet. I've only ever come up with two of them, though.
But after reading this I was just tempted to post mine just to see what I could do, but then again fear strikes so I'm totally cool on it, lol. I might change my mind, but for now I think I'll just stick to my Drama and Romance.
The picture with MJ smiling with the headphones: I just find that soooo cute. You're right it did catch my attention!
Research helps; in my sci-fi thing the planet works just like earth does but of course you have the strict government (districts) and supernatural powers. Like you said its nice to have relateable things in there so I thought mixing the real world with some nonrealistic aspects would make a very good planet or dystopia.
You could say that the Hunger Games, Divergent, and Match had a lot of inspiration for my sci-fi fanfic and then mix that with my own imagination and bam.
But on here I haven't really got into any sci-fi stories... YET. The Bodyguard is calling my name, but I'm waiting until I have time to read it and not have to stop.
Scratch that, I have gotten into Let Them All Materialize by Lenetta16... but that's pretty much it.
I guess you have to have a passion for sci-fi to see yourself actually write one, huh? Maybe that's why I haven't.
Author's Response:
Brandy - Remember, you are at your limit for the number of FFs you can juggle at once!
The ones I've gotten into have been Aschmuck's....and I think that is it. I've read some others, but I end up stopping because ....well, I don't want to rant. I should try The Bodyguard. I think the same is true about sci-fi as is about romance or drama or comedy: the more you read it, the better the chance that you will be successful at it.
Date: Mar 06, 2015 08:02 am Title: Writing Science Fiction/Fantasy - Material Added
I understand. Would love to update more often and hope to once one of my other WIPs are complete.
The AU setting can apply to Maestro fics, but I also meant any supernatural setting like if the author decides to be creative and make Michael any supernatural being like a vampire, a warlock, a demon, elemental, sorcerer, etc.
Author's Response:
How many stories are you working on at once?
[Report This]Date: Mar 05, 2015 09:32 pm Title: Writing Science Fiction/Fantasy - Material Added
Sci-Fi is one of my fav genres to read,watch, learn about. One of my all time fav Authors is Octavia Butler. She's incredible at all the things you've listed above. Creating relatable worlds with enough reality that it would pull you in.
I've tried my hand at sci-fi writing. I began to write a story called "The Boy Who Would Be King" about Michael being from another planet and he's brought to earth by a caretaker as a baby and is given to Katherine and Joseph to raise after his real patents are killed in an interstellar battle. After a while they return for him to fulfill his destiny. I wanted to have it published as a graphic novel which I was going to illustrate but I never finished the story:((( I changed his name to Peter but I would have illustrated him as Michael. (I should find it...lol). Everything in the story was real world until Michael starts to get beckoned by his extratersetrial caretaker.
I also did one I posted here called 'The Time' it starts off like a period piece but the events evolve into Scifi/real world. (You may have to read it to catch the drift lol). I employed a lot of what I learned from Octavia in my writing both "The Time" and "The Boy Who Would Be King" which as I said before encompasses most of your points. Outlining what I wanted to happen made it so much easier.
The culture is mos def important. Tone and Langage is crucial( for me at least). The writer has to differentiate when dealing with outer worldly or supernatural beings we can't expect the to relate like we humans do. (Unless they where human at one point)
While the Thriller/Ghosts premise has a great storyline, I would love to see writers stretch their imagination beyond those two worlds.
"Go easy on the cliches"A big YES!!! In any genre. It just makes the story seem corny unless it's purposeful and it's well placed in a comedy.
Right now I enjoy "The BodyGuard" by HoneyToTheBee and AtMJsHouse was writing one called "The Darkone" but she hasn't Updated it in a while :(((
Great post! Very thorough! Research! Your fav word!
More soon.
Author's Response:
Research is simply a word that is so applicable to writing of any kind. It can ground the most unbelievable plot and make it believable by giving it a solid base. The think with sci-fi/fantasy in particular, is that if it is based in science, one must actually understand the science. If it is based in an already developed book/tv show/movie, it must be consistent with that point of reference. When an author decides to take too many creative liberties, he/she alienates anyone who is very familiar with that frame of reference.
Tone and language are definitely important aspects of infusing culture and strengthening the POV.
I partly agree about Thriller/Ghosts. I think it would be nice to see people try completely different paths with these. I've seen some very creative takes on these, and some very repetive ones. I'm actually surprised that more haven't made Scream into a sci-fi fic.
Thanks :) I was rather concerned about this one...as I said, sci-fi is generally not my cup of tea. So often there is a gap in the writing that just destroys my ability to believe the story.
Date: Mar 05, 2015 08:53 pm Title: Writing Science Fiction/Fantasy - Material Added
most of my fics have been family oriented (one with a touch of romance) but right now my newest work in progress fic is fantasy--about Maestro to be exact. Was worried I would screw up at it since it's my first attempt at a supernatural Mike fic but so far it isn't too complicated..not to mention I love supernatural beings..besides Twilight, etc, anime influences can also be used (although there are some series that don't have supernatural at all) and that's what I will use to aide with any supernatural fic I do (without being a rip off, of course)
With Michael's character Maestro, this is a few instances where one can get away with really building the character, particularly when details are open to interpretation, as not much is known about Maestro except that he likes scaring people for fun, he is mysterious and anyone who dares to test his patience won't like the result..what I am doing is giving him traits of the real Michael here and there. For instance, him being a sweetheart when people get to know him.
AU really works here, for example if someone wants to have him as non-famous because then it would be difficult to reveal his identity(whatever he is) to the public without him being called crazy or something. and only so long he would be able to keep underwraps. Also an author can get away with making him evil here as well, whether he is kidnapping, telling his victim he would steal their soul, locking them in a basement or dungeon, things like that..it's up to the author whether they want to have him be utterly defeated or for him to gradually turn into the kind, caring soul..because I have a thing for villains who turn good so I prefer the latter. you're absolutely right, research is essential to make these kinds of fics work
Author's Response:
Oh, I wanted to let you know that I'm not trying to snub your stories by not reading them. Ghostly Attraction looks provocative - I'm just really hesitant to get invested when you update on alternate months.
I think I'm an outlier re:Twilight. I stopped after a couple chapters because I found her writing style to be choppy and disappointing.
I think by nature of a fic being sci-fi/fantasy, it becomes AU. Or are you referring specifically to Maestro?
Thanks for chiming in :)
Date: Mar 05, 2015 10:50 am Title: The Basics
Yeah, I did. The beginning of the first one was kinda slow for me, but I trudged on like you said. It honestly went from being really boring to being like grippingly good within the span of like 5 pages!
I think it's probably the most accurate depiction of Michael and his life that I've seen.
Now if only she'd finish it...I need to know how she's magically going to be able to have a baby now!
Author's Response:
Agreed on the rate at which it ramps up and the realism of her depiction of Michael. I hope you commented....I posted a few in hopes that it would motivate her. They only just reopened the forum in order to get more people to comment and motivate Carol.
[Report This]Date: Mar 04, 2015 11:45 pm Title: The Basics
Oh, and you're welcome for your 200th and 201st review :) You deserve it!
Author's Response:
Thank you :)
[Report This]Date: Mar 04, 2015 11:43 pm Title: Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens
Michael has human flaws.
The commas are largely where they should be and the words are spelled (at least for the most part) as they should be (unless the character is speaking in slang). >>>>
The author shows, not tells. **Yaaaaaaaaaaas
I feel like I have a better sense of Michael from having read the story. (How I feel after finishing ADD, etc)
Hurray for fun stories!! I like stories that inspire me to get on their level. I like feeling like the bar has been raised and I need to try my best to match it. We as writers should support and challenge each other everyday. (That might sound like I'm talking about competing, but I mean it in just a purely inspirational way.)
Author's Response:
LOL. Did you read them both? I think that is what drew me to that story the most. I felt like I was getting schooled - in a good way. The figures stayed in character, everyone screwed up once or twice, and the drama wasn't out of control.
[Report This]Date: Mar 04, 2015 11:29 pm Title: Developing a strong female lead character - UPDATED
I really enjoyed reading this chapter. It was so enlightening. I try to make it a duty to not fail in creating a good OG. Sometimes I wonder if the OG's in my stories are too perfect but I try to make them easy to relate to. As far as making yourself the OG,I agree with you. We all want to be that girl who ended up with Michael but you don't want to make your readers awkward. However, sometimes I'll give the OG a part of me like a characteristic or hobby I have. For instance, in one story I made the girl's favorite cake a strawberry one with chocolate frosting. This is also my favorite. Other than minor stuff like that, the OG is her own person. Once again, great advice.
Author's Response:
I think the OG is a very fine line. I waffle back and forth on whether I should write a segment of "signs your OG is too perfect" or "ways to make your OG more (realistically) flawed".
Giving the OG a few of your characteristics is completely normal. I mean, who do you know better than yourself or your hobbies? My main argument is against making the OG 100% or even 95% you.
Thanks girl :)
Date: Mar 02, 2015 05:58 pm Title: Knowing Your POV: Who's on First?
I used to be able to work with 3rd person omniscient but now I just can't. It's confusing.
That really depends. The first story I fell in love with writing first person was written solely in the MG, Erin's POV. It was her story, her experience. I guess I drove my readers crazy by just writing her point of view because they wanted to know why Michael wasn't acting on the feelings it was clear that he was feeling for her.
When the story ended and readers begged me to write a sequel, I featured both POV's so that the readers could know Michael's motives and reasons for his actions. It was nice to know what was going on in Michael's head, especially since there was a significant time gap between the two stories.
I think it all goes back to first person being personal but I think a larger portion of it is that it's easier to write and easier to comprehend as a reader than 3rd person.
Author's Response:
That's better than me. I could do a gag version of 3rd person omniscient...but I'd probably get frustrated after the first paragraph.
You could say you were driving them crazy, OR you could say that you were leaving them in suspense ;) In reality, we are only truly granted one POV.....which sucks when it comes to dating. Alternating the POVs, can be especially powerful (as you've said), as a result.
Ah. Touché
Date: Mar 01, 2015 08:14 pm Title: Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens
Lovely! Thank you for all the tips. I just caught up! Now to update my own chapter with a burst of new inspiration. (:
Author's Response:
Thank you for checking back in :) I saw your story and I'm eager to read it once it grows a bit. Very interesting summary!
Date: Mar 01, 2015 07:57 pm Title: Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens
I agree with HoneyToTheBee..I love supernatural..(I suppose you could blame it on the loads of anime I watch)..it's one of the only exceptions where I feel Michael could get away with being evil enough to kidnap someone or like threatening to banish them somewhere for being disobedient but he has to turn good eventually. ^^
Author's Response:
That last note is critical, imo. The transition would just have to be natural.
Date: Mar 01, 2015 11:32 am Title: The Basics
I can just try again with a different email.
Thanks Tut for the shoutout!!! I get super excited when I see Inked or CTTG high up on the Most Recent!
Author's Response:
K - they are on the look out. Let me know if you don't hear anything back within 2 days of sending it.
[Report This]Date: Mar 01, 2015 08:47 am Title: Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens
Oh Boy so many things make me light up...
1)Like you the update is a winner. I'm always excited when My favs update.
2)When the author is engaging. I like to read the responses to my reviews.
3)The moments that make me talk to myself out loud (in a good way)
4)The awwe moment for me as well.
5)When Michael and the OG meshes so well when the relationship starts to build.
6)The gasp and blush...when a sex scene is so well executed I have that burn in my cheeks and I clutch the invisible pearls around my neck.
7)A good supporting cast. I like when the OG and Michael both have interests outside of each other.
8)Suspence and a well executed explainations to it. Something that makes me fiend for the next chapter.
I'm sure there is more but I can't think of them all right now. Lol. I just love being engaged not only with the story but with the author as well. I like when I feel comfortable enough with the authors and the readers of my stories that I can joke with them without them feeling any offense or be flippant. Thank goodness most of the people I deal with here get my sense of humor. Laughing and joking makes me feel lighter and is essential to life. If I say man I can't stand you!!! Just know I mean the complete opposite. I say that to people who I really like.
As an author of 2 fics here what makes me feel light is if I'm able to draw people seamlessly into my story. Make them feel so engaged in it that they invest emotionally in the characters like I do and it reflects in their reviews of each chapter I post. I always engage with my readers!! Oh and I feel absolutely light when the authors I love reading read my stories as well and we bond through reviews. Love that.
As for stories here that have me by the preverbal balls... They're too many to name so I will name the authors
fenderjazzkid: I lose it when she updates. Her writing is so real to me. That's ma boo
HoneyToTheBee: Michaela is the bomb!!! Creepy Internet love Michaela!! Lmao she knows what I'm talking about.
BrandyandMJ: love love love!
Zendaya : that's my BB
Gabby7
DaretoDream
Kunda
Jazii: even tho she hasn't updated in a while. She's my girl from way way back on MJJB
TenderLovingCare!
so many fics make me light up!! I would be over flowing this post if I don't curve myself lol. (If I missed anyone it wasn't on purpose)
I trust you will be giving us a "When The dog bites and the bees sting..." Chapter as well. Lol. (I have a few lines to drop in that post if it ever happens lmao) ;)
As for the Genres post I can't wait to see what you share with us! I have complete trust that you will be thorough!
Love and appreciate this post!
More soon <333
Author's Response:
The authors: Jazii totally needs to update more. I'm waiting for Gabby's next update lol.
You and Michaela came to mind when I wrote about authors encouraging each other. You guys have the lovin' of a fairly clean RP going, but neither of you have to be Michael (thank gawd).
Hmm. I hadn't considered such a thread. I'd like to do it, but I can imagine the bitterness I might evoke from some authors...
2) YES. And not just "thank you" if I write something of substance.
I just laugh and joke regardless. If someone takes offense, I'll just be wary of that author. The only time I take offense is when it's a passive aggressive joke/statement. I make time for this, but I won't for that.
Genres is coming. I've got 3 to-dos before I start working on that.
[Report This]Date: Mar 01, 2015 08:24 am Title: The Basics
Yes I did try to join! how in the world was my email invalid... I'll try again. Is there someone I can just email directily? I don't think I'll post my stories there, but I'd like to read what's there.
Author's Response:
For some reason your email won't even let them email you. Maybe you entered it incorrectly? I'll ask if I can post an email address here...
[Report This]Date: Feb 28, 2015 11:04 pm Title: Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens
1. I agree here of course unless its clear the author means to create an OOC Michael.
2,3. Totally agree.
4. Is negotiable. I've never seen this here, but I'd never read a parody fic that makes fun of him in a mean spirited way. On the other hand, some people consider it disrespect when you take Michael's character and turn him into something evil. I'm ok with that. It's all in good fun.
5-9. Yes!
10. I like pictures. But I don't need to see every outfit and house, and club that the characters go to.
11-23. Yes Yes Yes
24. I don't really worry about things like that. I love supernatural fics. I may eventually write a twisted modern day take on a Maestro fic.
25-27. Agreed.
28. I never have written a bad or semi bad review but I think I might start lol. There are so many times when I want to be like Really!? Come on! I can't read this block of text! Space this shit out!
The rest agreed. I'll add what I like the most in a story is when the characters don't necessarily like each other in the beginning. I like watching the OG and Michael grow to like each other and then the moment that they finally kiss or whatever I get that AWWW!!
Another thing I like is character development from bad to good. I like seeing an evil or mean Michael get changed into the good guy we all know he was. All the progression in between and that moment that he's finally nice to the OG AWWW!!
Author's Response:
1. Agreed. I considered adding an OOC point, but I'm concerned by how many qualifiers I'd have to add. It would be something like "When an author does OOC well, staying within the confines of all of the rules that I personally place around OOC, is well-written, and doesn't overly offend me". For instance, in the beginning "Heist" is beyond my OOC acceptance of MJ, but AtMJsHouse gradually makes him less OOC as the story unfolds.
4. I honestly question some people. I do believe that one's own demons plays into how stories unfold, so while they may love MJ, the way it is written can still be outright disturbing. Here are some cases I've seen on here: Michael as serial rapist, an author who describes herself as deriving pleasure from putting MJ in the "sickest" and most humiliating situations possible, Michael injecting his wife with heroin, Michael having sex with his sisters.
10. To each her own :) I do agree about every outfit, house, pair of shoes, facial expression, club, appearance.....
24. If the premise is sci-fi, than it makes sense. If it suddenly becomes sci-fi, seemingly without planning, warning, or intention? 
28. I've written that lol. I have no problem writing a half positive-half negative review. My goal is never to be mean...if I feel it is going that way, I will delete all of my comments on that story before I'll post it. I do see posting a story publicly as both requesting that readers enjoy it, and that they give feedback. Otherwise, why share it? A number of FF writers have attained deals with one of the major publishing houses.....my thought is that if one even wants to entertain such success, they must better their writing.
Ooh, I agree with both of your points. For sure. Off the top of my head, "Jerk" and your Bad era story came to mind. InLoveWith... was doing that beautifully with "Devil's Kiss" on here, but then she stopped posting. I think she needed more reviewers :/ The transition must be gradual and natural, though. All three of you attained that ;)
Btw - did you try to join mjje? I got word that someone with your name tried, but the email address was invalid...