Date: Feb 15, 2015 09:42 am Title: The Significance of Research
Cool - but if Michael is not 'Michael' (if you know what I mean) then he may talk/act differently?
Author's Response:
Yes, though if he is based on Michael, I'd expect some characterological similarities. I will write more about "writing Michael" soon :)
Date: Feb 05, 2015 07:11 pm Title: The Significance of Research
I thought it was just me! I do so much research while writing. Its crucial to the story and helps to keep a realistic feel.
Author's Response:
100% agreed
Date: Jan 20, 2015 08:44 pm Title: The Significance of Research
I would love one on characters and personalities also. I've always wondered whether or not it's more helpful to have a plethora of pictures of not. I personally would rather make up what the character looks like based on my imagination and the writers descrioption, but I guess it's just the way I like to read.
For example, I remember when twilight came out. I read the first book just for kicks and had this mental image of certain principal characters, when the films came out I was sorely disappointed in the casting. Well everything, but mainly the casting.
Author's Response:
Then it looks like that will be my next one :) Thank you for giving your .02 cents. I see pictures as walking a fine line, so I will have to think about this before I write.
[Report This]Date: Jan 20, 2015 07:54 pm Title: The Significance of Research
Oh I know what the next topic could/should be. It ties in with Tut's comments for leading ladies.
Some tips on picking characters through out a story.
Now, I like to use celebrities. Whether they are models, actress/actors, singers, rappers, I loooovee using them because some of them fit their rolls perfectly, but one thing I do try to do is have some average looking people in my story to even it out. I don't always put in the 5'8 tall model with the perfect face and bangin' body or the 6'5 olive skin colored male with beautiful blue eyes and sexy ruffled hair. I like a little bit of normality to my story. Not every one look like models, but just something average.
I tend to use my Stacey Hash character a lot, but she isn't perfect perfect, she's just grown on me, but I do try to keep the other characters in the story toned down. So yeah! Maybe you could do something on people having their characters all look like models.
Author's Response:
Great add-on. I have an issue with too many celebrities/"perfect" people and agree with much that you have written.
Thanks!
[Report This]Date: Jan 20, 2015 07:49 pm Title: The Significance of Research
Never knew you had this Redone, haha.
I will say that this is EXTREMELY helpful which is why whenever you give me advice in my story reviews, I try to use that in the best way I can to help my story grow. In all honesty "Gangsta Lovin" would be what it is today had you not been there to review from the start. You helped me pace the story and keep me on track and I don't steer off like I've done in the past. So for that I give a HUGE thank you!
Anyway, I started MJ fanfiction when I was 10 years old on a site called Stardoll and when I was about... 14? I think.. I moved over to this site, but I didn't start faitfully reviewing (or trying to) and writing my own fanfics until I was 15 close to 16 and since then I think I have serious grown from what I used to right before... Thank the heavens!
I am not the best in grammar and I suck at proof reading my own stuff, but I've started to get into the habit of doing that, and I want to continue it.
Also I am one of those people who seem to eliminate Michael's Jehova Witness characteristic quite often in my stories, but I've never really been one to dwell too much on that, but I can understand the miniature frustration when he isn't one.
I know my writing isn't the best, but I'm trying to slowly improve that as I write my fanfics, but I thank you for sticking around with me! It's so nice to have you as a reviewer! ;D
You do give excellent advice though, I must say that. It's very helpful to me and I'm sure to other writers also. Anywho, thankya girlyyyy.
Author's Response:
What, that I give feedback? LOL.
Aww - thank you for hours of entertainment! I sometimes feel guilty for my feedback to stories. I can be pretty critical, but much like Michael's attention to musical detail, it is out of love. When I read a story that is good, the author is talented, and there is even a chance I might be able to help in some vague, minute way, I speak up.
I don't think it's horrible to ignore the JW. Looking into that is just one means of performing research. I suppose the reason that stands out to me is that he went decades without celebrating a birthday, Christmas, etc in the way most of the Western world does (because amongst other reasons, Christmas came out of a Pagan holiday http://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/ ). Thus, such holidays likely brought up very mixed feelings for him. His JW faith also made Thriller and Bad a huge mixed bag for him, on the religious front.
Brandy - your writing is beyond your years AND continually improving. How you write now is far beyond how you wrote in Why You Wanna Trip On Me. Don't downplay your talent and efforts ;)
[Report This]Date: Jan 20, 2015 07:44 pm Title: The Significance of Research
I remember reading a fanfic that had NYC a mere cab ride away from LA and I thought to myself what a fantastical world that must be. Not only does research lend an air of reality to the story, hey sometimes you learn too. Nothing wrong with picking up a little here and there from reading a fan fic. Especially about a subject as enchanting as Michael Jackson. So many facets!!!
I'm an avid reader of many subjects so I tend to stick to what I'm confident with portraying. I live in NYC so most times that's where my stories usually takes place, etc.
How about choosing a leading lady? For the next topic, but then that might boil down to people's tastes. Idk.
Author's Response:
Da fuq? I'm crying. NYC to LA?! That would be one expensive fare.
I love love love when I'm reading a story and learn something new. One of the great things we are capable of doing is sharing knowledge.
That's a great suggestion! Like you said, it does partly boil down to tastes, but there are some guidelines that can enrich an OG. Thanks
[Report This]Date: Jan 20, 2015 07:16 pm Title: The Significance of Research
My family comes from a Jehovah's witness background. Its a really really really strict faith. though my family stepped out of it when I was like 4 or 5. We still go to their 'passover.' at the Kingdom hall, but that's really all. I have a hard time seeing him as a Jehovah's witness just because the whole Michael Jackson persona is like 80% completely against everything they believe in. The dancing, the music videos (some sexual, some semi violent), the flashy clothes... I just chose to leave all that alone.
I probably do need to research more about his brothers because I don't know a single thing about them. I honestly, if I'm going to have him around his family in a story setting, just randomly throw one of their names out there and have them interact any way I see fit at the moment LOL and hope no one catches on to my BSing.
These tips are good though! I do read some stuff on here and think What in the world?!
I've probably had my own what in the world moments in my stories. This is why I make up towns in most of my stories that way I don't have to stay true to specific locations.
One topic that gets me is stories where Michael and the girl fall in love in like chapter 2. Love at first sight is cute! And if both characters are already thinking it in their heads thats one thing. One night stands, that happens too I can read those, but Michael was supposedly a shy private person, I don't think he'd be opening up telling all his secrets putting his trust into, and jumping into a relationship with some stranger he knows nothing about!? Inviting them to Neverland right away...I heard that in order to visit neverland you had to sign a confidentiality agreement at the door and that cell phones weren't allowed in there. That man had his shit on LOCK no random fan girl is gonna have just free reign of his life after knowing him for a day.
Author's Response:
See, HTTB, I think that how you convey him in The Surrogate accommodated that aspect of his upbringing to a point. On another note, he did that stuff, but he also Witnessed and had his kids Witness (from my understanding). He also had a disclaimer on Thriller, wore very plain clothes off camera when he was younger, etc. I do agree, though, he was a walking contradiction.
I'm not speaking gospel, I'm just giving suggestions/feedback because I've seen so many authors post questions about what they are doing wrong/how to get more readers. I'm not going to write a fan fic, so this is how I fancy myself as giving back.
Great topic idea - it sounds like what you are describing is pacing of the plot? I hope I have that right. He had some people come and stay without a confidentiality agreement. He sometimes invited fans in and showed them around (including to his bedroom). In general, you are right. Many stories portray Michael as much more naive and trusting than he was in the end. Like you, I can only suspend my disbelief so much.
Date: Jan 20, 2015 06:39 pm Title: The Significance of Research
You're more than welcome. Also I feel research prevents the fics from looking like something that would make Michael's family want brain bleach if they read it.
Author's Response:
Agreed. It also keeps authors aiming towards quality work, rather than something that reads as juvenile.
Date: Jan 20, 2015 06:39 pm Title: The Significance of Research
what about like Michael having a relationship with an underage girl? And your advice is very useful
Author's Response:
Thanks Kayla. I'll think about it. I'm hesitant that such a topic will turn into a rant.