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  1. No, not so much embarrassing, but more scary in my case. All my characters are, in some wild and weird extension, me… All the main characters of mine carry with them probably a lot more of myself in them then what I would have wanted… That’s the scary part ;).
    3 points
  2. Forgot weird, crazy, little nuts, strange, hermit…. Wait, that’s just writers…
    2 points
  3. I do accept that what I write isn’t everybody’s cup of tea. (The stories would be likely be quite boring if nobody were offended...) Though, yeah, some feedback can be downright cruel (or, back when we had the ratings, insta-downvote w/o a review immediately following a chapter post, that was very discouraging). Now, reviews along the lines of “The ending was rushed” and “I don’t believe they ended up together” would be definitely more useful, because that tells you something to help improve the story. My stories don’t get a lot of views, likely because they’re in originals, and I stick a lot of warning tags on them as CYA. But, I’m fine with that, and fine with people not wanting to read something because of the warnings, as that’s what the tags are for. The tags can be a bit blunt, though, and I overly cautious with tags, so I can explain in more detail, when asked, what the tag is actually covering. I do want to grow a core/consistent base of readers, because they can help with pointing out issues/mistakes/etc, or spot as a beta reader when needed. On occasion, when I see a story that has good promise but does need some attention, I’ve tried to make it a habit to contain the suggested “fixes” in a direct PM instead. It’s kinda like laundry, I’d rather put the clean stuff up on the line, and advise if I see anything that’s dirty. Of course, as I’ve been on AFF more, I figure everyday is laundry day and the clothes do better staying off me.
    2 points
  4. XD You don’t need to shut up, I enjoy the discussion and differing opinions. And you’re right that you do need to love what you’re writing, even if you don’t enjoy all of the content therein. That’s what I think makes great writers: making your characters into actual people and not just a flat reflection of what a person should be. I can only do MPreg if there’s a very good reason behind it, like magic or aliens or something plausible for the universe it’s in. Though I also don’t see myself writing it anytime soon.
    2 points
  5. It’s a little embarrassing, isn’t it? Lol! I didn’t set out to write myself, but maybe my main character was me all along...
    2 points
  6. Okay… lol. I’ll take BaH as my example here. In the tags, as in the story, I do not personally get excited over the concept, written or otherwise, of rape. However, I definitely love my history, I love trying to write the characters, I love transforming them. Writing BaH and CHHW are all part of what I love and know, but some elements may not be personally stimulating for me. The time frame for BaH was rife with things that are disturbing and not something I want to see in reality, but writing them is something that has to be done. Not sure if I’m making any sense or just confusing more… We’re all weirdos here, that’s why we write. But yes, I understand, certainly. And obviously, there’s a calling for it, so I’m not saying it can’t be, but it’s not something I, personally, would write. Certainly, writing fiction is fine, but carrying it out in reality is not. That’s a good way to think and to carry out the writing. I try to do the same, for all the characters, not just the ones that don’t get me going. Taking BaH for example (...again), I’ve never lived under the eminent threat of death that encompassed Germany at the time, never had to make the decisions any of the characters did, so I try to put myself back to that point. It’s a little easier since that’s something I love (I love history and the World Wars are the areas most interesting to me). But I do the research still, in characters, in everything I can do. Come Hell or High Water is the same way… Unfortunately, living in current times, I’ll probably never experience the wonders of the universe… lol. That said, I have tried to research characters to create real characters. Stuff that doesn’t interest me, take the rape example from earlier, I’ve spent weeks trying to formulate a comprehensive, dark, yet strangely interesting scene regarding this (especially since this is a big moment in that character’s life... Actually, this is one of those several huge moments in that character’s life and will have several overarching ramifications to the rest of the story.)
    2 points
  7. (I’ve been quiet because I’ve been enjoying reading the sprawling discussion ^^) I enjoy PWP every now and then (both reading and writing), mostly in fanfiction instead of original fiction, but most of the time I enjoy writing out a full story. I guess I don’t find it all that weird to write about because children are still sexual creatures. They explore their bodies and those of other children and do experience stimulation and orgasm. (I feel like a total weirdo talking about this. Let me clarify that I believe that fiction is fine, but obviously having sex with real children in real life is bad, m’kay) I can’t speak for Tcr, but for me, when I write about things that I don’t like or that don’t turn me on I try to put myself in the shoes of the person who does enjoy it and then write from that point of view. For instance, if I decide to write from the point of view of a drug addict, even though I’ve never touched (non-prescription) drugs in my life, I’d do a bunch of research, probably read about people who used to be addicts, and then try my best to write about the feelings and struggles of being on and off the drugs. While having experience and loving what you’re writing about do help your writing, it isn’t mandatory for good writing. After all, I doubt Michael Crichton ever had experience in bringing dinosaurs back from extinction and making a theme park with them
    2 points
  8. Okay <cracks fingers>, let’s get started. <Cowers in corner> Do I have to let people know about my writing process? Is it done? When you write, do you ever feel self conscious about it? To be honest, I doubt that anyone ever experiences a clean lack of self-conscious. Always something creeps into the words. Worries that something’s not right, not perfect, that it needs this, or that one forget something. In my case, there’s a lot of questions about ‘Is this good enough’ (...CR can definitely attest to the levels of self-doubt that flows in), which then leads to, ‘is there too much of me in there’. Am I rambling and not answering the question? Maybe I am... Do you feel like maybe you are giving away too much? Always. There’s that nagging sensation that eats away, causes doubts… CR’s been good at slapping me upside the head and reminding me when I’ve given too much away (like a good Beta), although I do see it even when I’m not having her Beta. People go through all sorts of changes in their life. If you are the same person at 20,30 and 40, you are doing it wrong. Well, I’m not the same writer I was at twenty, nor twenty five, nor two years ago. Experiences change perspective, perspective changes writing and characterizations. At twenty, I wouldn’t have thought about coming onto AFF. At twenty-two, I almost died. At twenty five, I challenged myself to start writing outside the comfort zone. Two years ago, I first wrote in a character that I had never thought to include, due largely to my challenge. Last year, I started posting on AFF. Do you feel like there are lines that shouldn't be crossed? On a personal level, yes. Always. Robbing a bank, murder, turning the country into a totalitarian dictatorship… Writing wise, yes, but only on my own personal side. Writing characters who rob banks, commit murder, turn a country into a totalitarian dictatorship is fine within the confines of the written word. Indeed, they are present in reality, so why should they not be present in the world created by an author? I won’t write a minor1/minor2, that’s my personal line that won’t be crossed, but in the world of writing, if it fits into the narrative, then go for it. Can you go too far? Strangely enough, I’ve seen this question paraphrased on several writing sites and even arguments while trying to find details with regards to writing BaH and CHHW. Can you go too far… This bears with it a question more of person preference than of overarching finality. I guess the answer for me is yes, you can. Can that rape scene be cut without any loss to the over all narrative? Can that disembowelment scene be cut down a little because it goes on too long? (There might have been some of that on my part, too, so… lol). But that is preference more than a strict guideline, in my opinion. As I continue to work on BaH and CHHW, the boundaries I once thought as ‘too far’ have shifted backwards, further and further back, (mostly due to Blood and Honour) and I find myself looking back and wondering how far ‘too far’ is now. Maybe you should I feel one should definitely push their boundaries of comfort. But that may just be me.
    2 points
  9. Tcr

    Under-appreciated stories

    Well, little late to this party… RL gets in the way, leave for a bit, and everyone throws a party… I can’t really say there’s one that I’m feeling under-appreciated for after reading all the comments… One, two, three reviews… And here I was feeling like mine were bad at eight reviews. I have my loyal fans and readers that have assisted with those reviews, which is why they feel under appreciated. Blood and Honour, which I feel is one of my better works, has eight (tied with Come Hell or High Water), scored over 1300 views (whereas CHHW has just under 700)… That said, half of those are from two loyal readers (two whom a big thanks goes out to them)… CHHW, most of those, I think half again, are from one… So, it does feel a little under-appreciated… (Yes, throw the chairs now...) MSM: I know how it feels. It’s thanks a lot to the support here and from CR that I’ve stayed here and kept posting up (even through long a long hiatus, Sahara desert length breaks, of reviews and views. Like CR said, come talk to me when you feel like leaving…
    2 points
  10. LOL. Out of control, you? No, can’t be. Must be talking about someone else… I can’t do the PWP, myself, not because I don’t want to, but because I always set out without a plot, then it develops into something that needs multiple chapters to complete with an in depth plot that no longer quantifies it as a PWP… Damn overworked Muse, can’t stop developing stuff! To answer the original question, though, I try to write something in that doesn’t personally excite me in everything I write. I think BaH is going to be the biggest one I’m going to have with that regards… Most of the tags are stuff that I don’t personally get off on… But, that said, I do have one line that I won’t cross… I applaud those writing minor1/minor2, but that’s something I’ve tried and it just weirds me out a little too much… I’ll beta off on stuff, but yeah, I don’t think I’ll be writing it...
    2 points
  11. As the title implies, I am wondering what thought processes (if any) people use in the naming of their story’s characters. Thoughts?
    1 point
  12. Why did I get a shiver like someone went through my mind? I do have a topic for discussing my stories in more detail. http://www2.adult-fanfiction.org/forum/topic/59549-jaimies-campfire-starrebels/ Welcome to the forums. We’re generally friendly, not too many biters, unless you’re into that sort of thing. - DP
    1 point
  13. I know! I saw the note about the one-shot, so I figured I’d check it out first! And I hope I didn’t sound to terribly mean about my aversion to spoilers. That’s all it is. Just my personal aversion. And tags can always be helpful. Yep, I typically go for one type of pairing and I usually look for romance, so… as much as I think I’m ready for a surprise, am I really? As a writer, it’s good to expose yourself to different things all the time, and that’s another reason I’m here and a reason I’ll check out your story later! I checking out stories and topics and plots that are very different from the norm (in my case anyway!) and that is 1000% positive! I suppose it’s different for a reader who is simply here for entertainment, but to each their own and live and let live! Well, I guess AFF has a lot of history I was unaware of (wow, Duh!) But that’s an interesting story about the bitter downvote bot! It also explains the changes I’ve seen on the archive over the years. I’ve popped in and out as a reader and a writer…. But this is my first time on the forums. Nice to meet ya DP!!!
    1 point
  14. I’ve been on both sides of the fence with tags, because they can be spoilers and very wide labels. However, you do have survivors where these things can trigger nasty flashbacks, etc. Or, just as a filter for things that they’re not going to be interested in slash or hetro relationships. Once nice thing about having tossed in so many tags is that I’ve got the flexibility for the characters to do what they want to do – if they really have an urge to take a dump on the windshield of a police car, they can do so. (Well, the cop might disagree...) I had somebody pissed, don’t know who, they might have even rigged up a bot to do the downvote. I’d post a chapter, and within a minute, I’d get the downvote. It was pretty discouraging because the hits weren’t there and the downvote being the only feedback. Dale’s Game is the one I’m actively writing. Originally, it started out as a oneshot, intended for my Christmas story, then it grew … btw, the 2016 Christmas story is the prequel, oneshot, fast read. The others, I’ll return to once I finish with Dale’s Game. Alaska Trekkers is complete, though its in need of a minor touchup now that several characters also feature in Dale’s Game (and DG is chronologically before AT).
    1 point
  15. Well, I’m trying to create a brand for myself I guess. I would like to be known for something consistent, or else I’d just have a ton of different pseudonyms. Writing, like everything else in life, is something that is developed through a thickening of your skin… Imo a good writer seeks criticism. but an even better one, knows how to weave around the haters and find the few helpful gems in pile of shit reviews. Because people who put themselves out there have to learn how to face criticism, because screw reality, but it would be unrealistic to think you will always get applause…. But screw those haters on my story! I had a SUPER long disclaimer warning them about the unfolding terrors. Whiny little bitches
    1 point
  16. Yeah. The worst part about writing is finally putting it out there, the story you want, the way you want it written, and then being bombarded with ‘Well, that was terrible, that sucked, et cetera’ and then questioning everything that you have within. It always sticks with you no matter what has been said and how much someone else says they love it. Unless you revel in disturbing people… Because then it becomes a feast…
    1 point
  17. I second the “scary” because of the fetishes, etc, that are likely buried within my writing. Or, readers deciding you have a fetish when you don’t….
    1 point
  18. Hadn’t really considered it, but there is a difference in PWP of fanfiction vs original fiction. In a PWP fanfic, you have the benefit of context, of characters that have already been built up, so if you write a Dumbledore/Riddle PWP, there’s already a backstory that the reader’s aware of. But, a PWP original fic, without a world already built up, then it’s likely more gratifying, IMO, to google and get more vivid imagery/video of said act (assuming the act is legal). I’ve got trouble there, myself. In my current fic, I’ve got some scenes that are rather close to PWP, but those do serve a purpose, even if the main focus of the chapter’s on the act. I’m a weirdo! And it’s fine that there’s a line you won’t personally cross – that’s the original question of the topic Me, I don’t see myself doing [mpreg] anytime soon, but I’ll write teen/teen. I do feel some ickiness if it’s adult/teen, and I’ll strike Thor’s hammer at any character pursuing adult/kid.
    1 point
  19. OMG!!!!!!! YESS!!! I heard it playing in my head!!!
    1 point
  20. Sounds like a bad remix of a song… “There it is! Lick that floor! LICK-LICK-LICK that filthy floor!”
    1 point
  21. I was really glad to see this whole topic… This is huge support, seeing the struggles of others and knowing you're not alone Very nice everyone!!!
    1 point
  22. Yeah! I love this post!!! When you write, do you ever feel self conscious about it? YES!!! I have to agree with @BronxWench. My upbringing wasn’t hellish or anything, but I’ve suffered a lot of social anxiety and had a lot of pressure at home to succeed. The parents put me through college and I had no clue what I wanted to do. But yes I did! I wanted to write! I’ve been hiding and covering up my true passion for years and now that I’m finally telling people about what I do all day in Microsoft Word, they….. want to see what I’m working on. I’m afraid honestly, I don’t know how honest I should be about what I write. I just don’t want automatic rejection… Thank god for the internet and for the specific tags, so that people can find what they want and stay away from stuff they don’t. It’s not that easy in real life. Do you feel like maybe you are giving away too much? Yes, all the time. But I don’t think that’s a bad thing necessarily. You can add realism to your stories and possibly connect with readers if you write from the heart. Are you willing to bleed for your work? Lol People go through all sorts of changes in their life. If you are the same person at 20,30 and 40, you are doing it wrong. Yep! I’ve definitely changed. I’m still in my 20s, but I’ve already seen significant changes in both myself and writing. I hid a lot as a teenager. I was scared of people. I still am today in my late 20s, but I HAVE to interact with people on a daily basis now. I put some of the more interesting occurrences I have in writing, or they are inspired by real things I’ve gone through. I can’t wait to change more as a person and see it reflect in my writing. Yeah, I’m being optimistic, but so what! Yay! Change is good! Do you feel like there are lines that shouldn't be crossed? Honestly… I dunno. I hate censorship… as long as the person reading isn’t mentally disturbed, I don’t see any topics that couldn’t somehow be put into writing… Hate speech, like @CloverReef mentioned, is hate speech. We’re talking fiction, right? I wouldn’t mind reading a fictional story about the person who wrote that hate speech thou, because as an eternal student of psychology, I’m very interested to know why and how he came to possess those distorted views. Can you go too far? Nope! I think I could put a spin on any topic. I swear, I’m a little insane myself. The deeper I see into the mind of protagonist, the more understanding I have for them (not forgiveness, ok! understanding) I believe in Karma… It’s a hideous crime to murder living things and to steal and manipulate and to rape and molest children. Shit like that is definitely wrong, blah blah blah, but we all know that already. I like to get into the minds of different people, see what they see, walk in their shoes, because otherwise, I only know my perspective and that’s boring. That’s why we read. Live a little! See what’s on the other side :-P Why does everything have to be censored and safe? I don’t like it. I hate censorship
    1 point
  23. I don’t want to ruffle feathers, but what’s wrong with NOT being able to write a PWP? I mean, I guess I could write one. But I’d just be making so much up on the spot, I think I’d get stressed out… I don’t know I like to build on characters and see progression, so I don’t think PWP is my thing either. If you can write plot with depth and you can also do a short and engaging PWP then you are a genius and why are you here, lol! Jk… I just struggle with short stories in any form. I think having a plot and then having sex on the side is easier for me because by the time I get to the sex, I love the characters too, and I give extra attention on their sexy time That last thing you said about writing stuff that doesn’t personally excite you… I’m a little confused, because the most basic tip in writing I’ve ever come across was to ‘write what you know and love’. I think your audience can tell when you really don’t like something. I think it negatively affects the content, but that’s just my opinion I guess. I can understand the challenge, but hopefully if your writing is good enough, you’ll be able to convince even yourself that you like what your writing.
    1 point
  24. And my dirty mind is shortening the topic title to “Exposing yourself” ….
    1 point
  25. I like getting credit for encouraging people. Blame counts as credit! As for the questions, I definitely always feel self-conscious about my writing, though not necessarily for the same reasons as the topic on the original post. Personally, I think the last time I actually felt like I was exposing myself, was the first time I ever wrote smut. People made fun of my story on the forum I posted it on (it was god awful, but thanks to their mocking I avoided posting smut for another year after that.) But other than that one time, I can’t say I’ve ever actually felt like I was exposing myself… But I have felt like I’ve been at the reader’s mercy. They sound like one in the same, but for some reason they’re entirely different issues in my head. Like, I’m afraid people won’t like what I wrote or they’ll ridicule it, but I’m never worried about what they’ll think the content says about me as a person? I don’t feel like I’m giving too much. Sometimes I worry I’m not giving enough of myself. Those are usually the times I’ll delete the entirety of a chapter a dozen times and rewrite. That’s part of the reason I don’t post things often. Spend too much time agonizing over every little word, wondering how I can thrust more personality into it, and I never post until I’m sure. Sometimes I don’t even write until I’m sure. Definitely something I personally need to overcome. Not going to touch the changes topic. I think you already addressed it perfectly. Can lines be crossed? Fuck yes. Some lines need to be crossed. Some lines shouldn’t be crossed. My personal lines, content-wise, are with stories with minors. That’s something I won’t likely cross, but don’t fault others for crossing it. And there are lines I don’t think -anyone- should cross. Like using a story as a platform to advocate or support the oppression/abuse or the removal of basic human rights from individuals or whole groups of people. If your story makes a whole group of people in general feel attacked, or unsafe, or fearing for their lives, I’d definitely say that’s crossing a line that should not be crossed.
    1 point
  26. My answers (also in the original): When you write, do you ever feel self conscious about it? Sometimes. There is a certain feeling of vulnerability in sharing your art with others. I used to feel really self conscious about my writing when I was younger and I often censored myself because I didn't want ppl to see my sick twisted little mind. But I think I kinda surpassed that, at least somewhat. Being anonymous on the internet helps. I try and remind myself that it’s not really worth dwelling too much on what other people think. Do you feel like maybe you are giving away too much? Again sometimes. It is quite easy to learn something about a person from their writing if you only look for it. Of course it depends on what type of a story it is and it varies from person to person. But usually I think that it’s worth it. In order to receive you must give. Writing from emotion and being vulnerable can create amassing art. It creates a connection on a deeper level between the reader and a writer. And it gives the story a certain uniqueness. Like when you learn something about lives of famous authors you see their stories in a new light and you can see the personal connections with their art. I felt way more emotional about reading Kafka after I learned about his life and his abusive father. It put a lot of things in context and made his stories even more tragic in a certain sense because you could see the real man behind all the weird and abstract. I believe that art is just another form of communication. Some people use writing as therapy, which is really fascinating to me. It’s kinda like dreaming. Our brain creates scenarios in which we can test our reactions and practice for real life. I think a lot of writers do this too, whether or not they're aware of it. It is also an exercise in empathy. You can write a character that you would find disgusting in real life and relate to them on a very deep level. It makes you question people around you, makes you wonder what their internal monologue looks like and why they say and do certain things. idk where I was going with this...next! People go through all sorts of changes in their life. If you are the same person at 20,30 and 40, you are doing it wrong. Is that a question? This is really subjective. What is a right and a wrong way to live. Sometimes change isn't always for the better. Sometimes ppl change for the worse and destroy their lives and cause harm to others. Would that be more right than staying the same? Change for changes sake is not really what life is all about. But yeah it’s usually a good thing when ppl grow and mature and all that shit. Though you're not always in the right just because you're older. This really annoys me (from real life), ppl thinking they know better just because they're older than me. I'm all for hearing ppl out and all of that, but when somebody starts lecturing you about something they clearly know nothing about and think you're an idiot just because you're young I wanna choke a bitch! Sorry...rambling again...I do that a lot Do you feel like there are lines that shouldn't be crossed? Can you go too far? Hmm idk... Well I guess. But as long as you're not hurting anyone I think you're good. Doesn't mean ppl are gonna like it, they might hate it. But that doesn't mean you should pander to them. If you don't like it, don't read it. I don't think it’s right to censor ppl. Somebody above already talked about this and I think they said it way better than me so I’ll just leave it at that. But let’s get more personal. I do have lines I don't wanna cross, because I don't want too. But that being said I already crossed a lot of lines... My mind is a fucked up place and sometimes you gotta let em demons loose! A crazy idea pops into my head every now and again (and by that I mean all the time) but I'm not impulsive (or fast enough) to do all of them. So I sift through and way them and pick what I like and what fits. And sometimes my mind comes up with something so fucked up that I just have to do it! Like in one of my stories (that I haven't written yet and even if I did I couldn't post it here) the main character (underage, around 14) gets raped by his father, he's married to his sister who tries to murder one of her children (that is a product of rape by some other guy) and his mother made him disembowel a dog when he was a little kid in some weird ritual. I often wonder wtfs wrong with me too... Like what does this say about me? What would ppl think? Would they think I'm crazy? Would they think I'm a sadistic pedophile? Would they think I have daddy issues? I mean I am not even sure what that says about me! Shit just happens! The story just gets outta hand! Wow these questions could be applied to my answers too... Do you feel self conscious? Yes! Do you feel like maybe you are giving away too much? Yes! Maybe you should. Maybe...maybe not... I'm not doing scat, damn it!
    1 point
  27. Aww boo! Why didya put me last bitch?! I didn't know u deleted anything?
    1 point
  28. Absolutely... I'm really picky about what I read. I tend to pick long stories that have damaged characters, I like to see rememption... So I'm not going to get what I'm looking for in PWP... I think I definitely have a good cast of damaged characters, I strive to get some strong sexual tension started, I can DO THAT. What I'm not sure I can do is live up to the expectations my UST put forth.
    1 point
  29. mastershakeme

    Deus Ex Machina

    @Tcr My problem is plotting things out… I don’t like to plot too far ahead because honestly it runs the fun for me. I’m SUPER nervous of using deus ex and guess what! You just taught me something new! I didn’t know what that meant until today! I just thought it was labeled CHEATING! lol I’m sorry, I’m going to go now
    1 point
  30. I checked one of your stories out, I won’t say which one because I’m embarrassed lol. I don’t read M/F but… you write a good sex scene sir! I’m not new to AFF, but I also have never been a large contributor… I’m glad i saw this topic because that’s why I’m here on the forums... A few months back I too posted a story which I felt was one of my best works. The old ones had maybe 100 comments each, I was so sure I wouldn’t have an issue and I’d get some feedback, but 2 comments…. lol. It really scared me and made me doubt myself. I did a lot of editing and I’m back to post again, but since that happened to me, I’m seeing how much of an affect I can have on my fellow writers. We can always offer each other encouragement. We can show each other support. We can really make someone’s day by leaving them a simple message. I feel VERY socially awkward, but I’m here to give support. Because like all humans, I need a little support too :-P I’m going back to leave you a comment, Melrick Nice to meet you!
    1 point
  31. Anesor

    Under-appreciated stories

    Sometimes trends and demographics make a difference. You can write the most wonderful Quantum Leap story, but if fans have moved on, one good review is excellent. I don’t write that fast, so by the time I finish my draft or my conclusion the attention wave has passed. What people react to can surprise you, too. I once cross posted over multiple sites to try to see where the fans who liked my style hung out, but that was a huge time sink without being very helpful. I may write sometimes for my own amusement, but I post for comments and selfpublish for money.
    1 point
  32. Melrick

    Under-appreciated stories

    Yeah, non sexy stories definitely get less love than plain old smut, usually. And original stories also usually get less attention than fan fiction, sadly. I get more enjoyment out of writing non-smut actually. I agree. I like using my imagination, for porn and non-porn, and it’s hard to do that when you’re being hand-held right through the story. I guess that’s one reason why I enjoy leaving some of my stories open-ended and allow the reader to come to their own conclusion to various degrees.
    1 point
  33. Yeah, I might have to check out “Ripples,” too. I definitely have a couple of stories that I’m quite proud of but that haven’t garnered much attention (“There’s a New Seraph in Town,” “Backward Glance”). Maybe it’s because they are original stories that are heavier on plot than on porn, and because what sex there is involves unrelated, consenting human adults. But I have other stories that I’m proud of that have gotten quite a bit of attention (eg, “Quiet,” “Activation Day”), so I can’t complain too much.
    1 point
  34. I'm kind of strange in this regard. Some just come to me like that (...I guess snapping fingers is a little pointless to show...) while others have taken a while. When I can't just come up with one right off the bat, I often form up a list of random names. Everything I can think of potentially working with regards to the world I am creating. A three column sheet that has given, middle, and surnames. Then I take a look through. It depends a lot on the character as well as the story and consequent plans. Usually I have a bit of an idea of what personality and whereabouts their character arch is going, so this helps a bit. But... A fantasy world is not likely to have Bob for an Elf (okay, someone's throwing tomatoes...), although I would love to hear a tale about Bob the Elf... Depending on the character, too, does the name suit them? At least with me, it becomes a challenge to find a name that I feel fits a character. There a many times, too, that I'll take an existing name that may fit, but doesn't 'look' right for the character and twist it. (For example: Erica - Arika, Zachary -Zakari, Xavier - Zavier.) People are quite creative with names, so I wouldn't be afraid to experiment. And finally, at the end of development, the epic question (well... To me at least): Does it sound like something someone would have? In my case, as mine is not fantasy, I cannot speak much there,but I'm guessing there might be similar veins as naming conventions help make a race... But, I will leave that to other, more experienced, people. Anyway... What I mean is, I have found that most people I know, myself included, have names that roll off the tongue... Most do not have a name like Rhodel Adriana Benedict. Many have something like Thomas Christopher Anderman. It may not roll off the tongue well, but it's not as much a tongue twister as the first... (Okay, the audience is throwing the beer bottles; I'm off.)
    1 point
  35. Random name generators help out a lot. (With some selection for balance and having it sound right.)
    1 point
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