yukihimedono

Alright, so, as the title says, does a lack of feedback affect your stories?  (Ie while you’re writing, does the lack of feedback make you change things, doubt things, et cetera, et cetera?  And vice versa, does a lot of feedback affect you?  Do you change things that you probably wouldn’t have based upon those words?)  This is probably a question that’s been asked before, don’t throw the pineapples (they kind of hurt), but…
As for me, so far I’d say not really (in terms of changing things that otherwise wouldn’t have been).  The lack of feedback on a lot of mine does make me question certain decisions, as I’m sure everyone does when faced with that same thing…  For example, I know people are reading them (...unless they’re accidentally clicking into it and getting out of there as fast as possible…  I’m going with the former, though), but lately I’ve been debating the… slow burn of one of them…  Introducing and trying to create likeable characters that everyone wants to see survive through with the interactions that ring true necessitated the long fuse to the dynamite, and it’s been making me question that length.  I’m sure everyone has something like that.

Feedback use to effect me and how I would write a story.  I had one work called ‘The Gates of Heaven and Hell’ and it ended up with two split timelines – one that the readers seemed to like then the one that I originally envisioned.  Needless to say that the “favorite” version was never finished.  I lost interest even though readers seemed to like it because I wasn’t as invested in that storyline as I was in my original one.  That taught me an important lesson.  I think it’s a Catch-22.  It’s hard to find a balance between what you enjoy writing and what readers will enjoy.  If you aren’t happy then chances are the work won’t see a conclusion.  Plus, you have those readers who are ardent followers of a writer and will read anything and everything said writer publishes.  My process is different now.  I tend to write several chapters before I consider posting any work, and most of the time it doesn’t see the light of the internet.  LOL. 
Saying all that, I do have one work where I have had lots of reviews and that has encouraged me to continue writing, though things don’t get put out there as much.  And I do work collaboratively with other writers and readers.  There have also been suggestions (some in reviews and some emailed to me) that I have taken into consideration and even implemented into the work.  I believe that it’s based on a “case by case” scenario.  There are some stories that you create and don’t want to see major changes and then there are some that you feel free enough to take those risks.  I think it depends on how you feel about a work as to how it progresses, whether that is the pace of your writing or the plot of your story.

I actually changed a story I was publishing because my editor thought it needed some things to make it more, I don’t know, appealing, or relevant, or engaging. I forget the word exactly. But the changes never felt right to me, and now that the book’s been accepted for republication, I went back and deleted all the stuff I added at that editor’s urging. The thing is, I never really got feedback from readers non this book, so I have no real idea if they liked those bits or hated them, but I’m much happier with the manuscript without them, so… I’m taking a deep breath and going with my gut.

It's nice to know that there are others who feel the same way I do.
I'm much like DemonGoddess. When I have time to read something, I review it. My to-read bookmark list is so, so very long.
trudy,
One of the things that's keeps me going is that (most of the time) I don't have a set ending, just a vague idea of what I want - so I end up writing and finishing things just so I know how it ends. A good example of this is my Inu-fic, An Unexpected Love. I know that seems silly and as the author, I should know where the story will go and end but sometimes, it's just more fun that way. I find it exciting (does that make me a dork?) and I use a lot of silly things; word prompts, places, actions, colors, events, anything and everything I can think of. I have a lot of OC and original fiction.
AUL started out as a short five-chapter, lemon-sex-filled story. I was frustrated with another story and just wanted to write something that was completely useless and made no sense what-so-ever. I wanted a break. Unfortunately for me, it became a ridiculous hit. I extended the storyline after talking to a couple of friends, but it's still going through a slow revision process.
The problem is, my muse is fickle and flighty. It comes and goes when it wants. Thus, my several oneshots, which I don't post anymore due to AUL. Ironic?
Enough ranting and complaining. What I want is to try to bring this to the attention of the readers. I'd like it to change, as I'm sure other writers would too. I don't mean to threaten them or put a long AN berating them but I was considering offering the ones that reviewed a reward, like a oneshot or drabble. I've got a couple of ideas on how to pick the reviewer, but I'm wondering if anyone else thinks this is a good idea or if I should completely throw it out? I'm not sure if it will increase reviewers but it might help me through word-of-mouth.
What's sad is that the quote below is on the main page (multiple times) and it's like it doesn't phase people. Do they even read the news?
"Please remember that this site is free to use. As such, the authors receive nothing for their efforts, except reviews. Do let them know that you read their stories, please! I'm sure they'll appreciate hearing from you!" - Apollo

Warning: THIS IS A RANT. My rant.
Why is it that no one reviews stories anymore? Everytime I read something, I comment - even if it sounds super corny! I think it encourages the writers to work more knowing that there are people that are enjoying their work. And it's a great way to develop your writing skills. It encourages them to continue and get better! I sucked major (really) when I first started writing in 1998. (I think I'm revealing my age, >,<") It's been over ten years and I've gotten more comments and likes from those horribly written fics than I do now. Why is that!?
Criticism can be bad or good but at least it's something, right? It's within in the perception of the receiver as to whether they take it with a grain of salt or blow it out of proportion. Even though I was starting out, the negative words didn't get to me. The encouraging responses from others were what I focused on. People were reading my work and liking it! It made me feel really happy that my ideas were something worthy of reading. Are people afraid to say anything now? What's wrong with 'I liked it' or 'good job' or 'interesting'? A word at least! I beg you readers, please do something!
I'm sure that, for people like RosieB, Wheezambu or QuirkySlayer, reviews are what kept them writing through the years. I don't know anyone who hasn't heard of 'Beside You in Time', 'Possession' or 'By the River of Shadowed Moments'. These weren't written quickly but, at the same time, are some well-written and thought-out stories that have so many complexities. Sure you have to wait for chapters but I don't mind and several hundreds of others don't either.
To be honest, I've written thousand of pages, several oneshots and tons of ideas, but most of my work isn't published. I don't post it because I don't see a point - to a certain extent. I do have friends that read what I write and urge me to continue but I write for myself, like every other fanfiction author, more than anything else. And like everyone else, real life gets in my way, but I believe that I would post more if I knew that there were people that enjoyed what I have to write and say. I feel like I'm in a stalemate. I only get feedback from a limited audience and would much rather prefer honest thoughts from others. I'm never going to met you. And even if I do, what are the chances with seven billion people on the planet?
So please, take a minute or two and just say something. If you like an author, review their work - encourage them. If you don't like a work, at least find something nice to say to balance the negative comment. You don't have to be harsh, bad comments can be more helpful than good ones if they are worded correctly. And if you don't want to post it for others to read, then PM them. Just do something.

Hi, I wanted to let anyone who is reading the story know that I will be using this thread for any updates (or extras) pertaining to Ruin Explorers.
So here's an 'extra' from me.
This is the map that I made and am using as a reference for my fic. I made a folder @ photobucket that I will be putting stuff in.

Hi, I just posted a oneshot that was a response to a challenge I posted. Please check it out if you have time.
Title: Scurrilous
Author: yukihime
Summary: Jay is forced to give into Clarence's demands.
Rating: Adult.
Pairings: Jay Jin/Clarence Ewan. (This is NOT the pairing in the manga.)
Spoilers: Volume 6, Chapter 42, pages 21-22.
Feedback: Yes, please.
URL: http://manga.adultfa...story.php?no=60
Thanks,
yukihime

Hi, I just posted a oneshot. Please check it out if you have time.
Title: Heart's Desire
Author: yukihime
Summary: Shou meddles with Shuurei and Ryuuki's relationship.
Rating: Adult+.
Pairings: Shuurei/Ryuuki.
Feedback: Yes, please.
URL: http://anime.adultfa...hp?no=600051613
Thanks,
yukihime

Hi, I just posted the first chapter of my multi-chapter Ruin Explorers fiction. Please check it out if you have time.
Title: Ruin Explorers
Author: yukihime
Summary: With Rugudorull defeated, Ihrie and Fam set out in search to break Ihrie's curse, leaving Lyle with Rasha and Miguel to pick up the pieces of the fallen kingdom. The duo meet a new friend and stumble onto something that will change Ihrie's life, bringing secrets and feelings forward that shake the group. Set after the OVA series.
Rating: Adult+.
Pairings: Ihrie/Lyle, Ihrie/OC, Fam/OC.
Spoilers: End of the OVA series.
Feedback: Yes, please.
URL: http://anime.adultfa...hp?no=600051620
Thanks,
yukihime
None of the chapters have been beta-read. After it's finished, I will then re-post the proof-read chapters.

Hi, I just posted a oneshot that will be preceding my multi-chapter Ruin Explorers work. Please check it out if you have time.
Title: Rapturous
Author: yukihime
Summary: The battle with Rugudorull is over and Ihrie is ready to move on, but Lyle has different intentions.
Rating: Adult+.
Pairings: Ihrie/Lyle.
Spoilers: End of the OVA series.
Feedback: Yes, please.
URL: http://anime.adultfa...hp?no=600051606
Thanks,
yukihime

For the past year, I have been using one-word prompts to write drabbles and oneshots. I find that it's a nice break when writing multi-chapter fics and it helps "freshen" me up when I return to them. I hope this helps you too.
Prompt: scurrilous
- grossly or obscenely abusive
Sample post taken from rules.
Pen Name: Apollo
Story link: (Link)
Review replies link: (link, if you have one)
Type of fic: Drabble
Rating: Adult ++
Fandom: Original
Pairing: N/A
Warnings: M/M, PWP, Oral, Bond
I don't plan on closing this thread.
I hope that I posted this correctly.

For the past year, I have been using one-word prompts to write drabbles and oneshots. I find that it's a nice break when writing multi-chapter fics and it helps "freshen" me up when I return to them. I hope this helps you too.
Prompt: scurrilous
- grossly or obscenely abusive
Sample post taken from rules.
Pen Name: Apollo
Story link: (Link)
Review replies link: (link, if you have one)
Type of fic: Drabble
Rating: Adult ++
Fandom: Original
Pairing: N/A
Warnings: M/M, PWP, Oral, Bond
I don't plan on closing this thread.
I hope that I posted this correctly.