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Post by chloe on Oct 23, 2020 2:24:12 GMT -8
Can’t remember if I entered or not.
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Post by RuthlessDragon6 on Oct 23, 2020 5:31:01 GMT -8
Can’t remember if I entered or not. Not a nice joke Cholobo....
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Post by LuciferIX on Oct 30, 2020 21:35:25 GMT -8
Just as an update, no we haven't forgotten about this. Results should be coming soon as promised. Shouldn't be more than just a few days.
As a bit of shout out before we start finishing up I would like to thank everyone here who participated. I can tell you all put quite a bit of effort into your stories. And considering how long it's been since Advanceshipping has been clued into in the anime, the number of participants in here alone is a good sign that even after all these years it isn't dead quite yet.
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Post by LuciferIX on Oct 30, 2020 21:43:49 GMT -8
Also to those that added in the Pikachu x Glaceon, if you did that to try and get on my good side, it worked to at least a degreee, lol.
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Post by RuthlessDragon6 on Oct 30, 2020 22:03:34 GMT -8
Also to those that added in the Pikachu x Glaceon, if you did that to try and get on my good side, it worked to at least a degreee, lol. I had this thing in mind while writing it... XD.
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Post by RuthlessDragon6 on Oct 30, 2020 22:10:59 GMT -8
And yes, LuciferIX, this is my question to you - 1. What should I do to be popular? Like you and Gerbilftw and Littlemissmidnight were. 2. How to make a fanfic more interesting?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 30, 2020 22:31:53 GMT -8
And yes, LuciferIX , this is my question to you - 1. What should I do to be popular? Like you and Gerbilftw and Littlemissmidnight were. 2. How to make a fanfic more interesting? This is probably the cutest post I heard from you.. lol.
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Post by LuciferIX on Oct 30, 2020 23:10:04 GMT -8
And yes, LuciferIX, this is my question to you - 1. What should I do to be popular? Like you and Gerbilftw and Littlemissmidnight were. 2. How to make a fanfic more interesting? Not sure what Gerbil and Midnight did on their end but I at least started becoming known in the community for my prolific reviewing on ff.net. At one point before my first story I probably had read and reviewed nearly every Advanceshipping fic on the site. Of course that might be an exaggeration, but at the very least if I found it I read it. So while it wasn't by any means well known, nor my intention at the time, my name was at least recognizable. By essentially coincidence I wrote one story and thanks in part to the above I got a number of surprisingly positive reviews. While the next story was a flop (in my opinion at least) "Valentine" and "To Walk in the Shoes of Another" became a bit more well known. Really all I did was try to improve my stories in the end until it culminated into what was likely my best in the end. It might have also been a bit of timing on my part that allowed me to get more attention than I would have otherwise gotten with the cycling of authors at the time too. Honestly, I dont know how else to answer your question. It baffles me more than anyone how I became even moderately well known. --- Okay, well if you're willing to take advice from a self-described hater of the English language and often writing in general, prepare for a bit of a text wall. As for that, in no real order, I would have to say that one of the things that I would always find about stories that I would be notifying the authors of as I was reviewing was that they needed more detail. Describe the setting, describe the facial expressions, make it so that the reader can see exactly what you are seeing. The only part to be conscious of would then be pacing. Put as many details in there as you can but careful that you dont start to cripple your pacing. Describe things to the point that you want it to be known. If the scene requires focus on the characters, make sure that they are known. If you're trying to get a more expansive and awe reaction, detail the backdrop. You as the author painting the picture for your reader will almost always give a better image than if you need the reader to fill it in themselves.
Second would be a part of pacing again. If you want the story to be a bit more noticeable, dont skip things. There are many a story that jumps right into one or both parties already knowing they love the other. Like it or not though, for Advanceshipping at least, that's not canon. So try to forge a story where the feeling of deep companionship is nurtured into a relationship. It will no doubt expand the story dramatically so use that as well to your advantage to paint your picture as I said above. It also allows for you to add and subtract side pieces to accompany the primary plot. Of course the start from zero doesnt always work, so while that particular piece can be quite the addition it in itself won't always work in a particular story.
Third; follow the core structure of a story. Even in a short one-shot the standard plot structure should be in place: Introduction/Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Ending/Resolution. Of course the magnitude of the climax will be story dependent - with a one-shot having a simpler one than a multi-chapter story - but it should be the skeleton of any story. Conflict is almost always what makes a story interesting, everything else is just to add onto it. In Advanceshipping said conflict is most always tied to the confession and lead up to it, though there is also often a co-conflict along with it in the form of a Pokemon tournament, love triangle, or the like which creates that story's climax with the confession coming in the falling action. The more complex you can make the rising action and climax of said conflict, often it leads to a better story. Let the readers experience it with the characters. Drop in hints as to what will happen later down the line, even if they are almost impossible to figure out the first time through.
Fourth is in the characterization. This is often smoothed over in fanfiction since we use often well defined characters in the first place, but it is still important. Most significantly you want to make the characters relatable. Empathy is a powerful human emotion and creating that connection can enhance a work easily, whether it be indicating a character to be likable or hated. The more subtle you can be with this instead of being heavy handed is often better. Don't just say what they should be; indicate it with expressions, body motions, reactions from other characters, etc. It helps create that empathic connection and make people want to know how things turn out.
And finally I'll say try and keep things organized as to how the story will progress. This allows for foreshadowing for one. It also allows you to control the pacing better as well as what you want to set up and conclude as part of the plot structure. It allows for you to plan ideas into the story and more easily progress towards where you can use that scene. To use a personal example; in "Wishes" I literally have probably about 10 to 20 pages of material just describing what I want to see in the story, how the story will progress, quotes to be used, key scenes, etc. Like the scene with Ash and May right before the final contest battle I translated from another anime that seemed like I could get it to fit, so I tweeked things here and there in the story itself along with the original scene to make (what I hope was) a more memorable part of the story. Of course this is more important in a long fic like "Wishes" compared to a one or two-shot, but it still applies to them as well. And that's about what comes off the top of my head. I'm sure the people who have actually actively studied English and writing can give you far better than the amateurish explanation I gave, at least it is a layman's overview nonetheless. But otherwise listen to your reivewers. Ask active authors to read and review your fics in return for you doing the same. Going at it and then looking back on what you can do better, then rinse and repeat, is about all you can do in the end otherwise.
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Post by Manqoba on Oct 30, 2020 23:27:51 GMT -8
Just as an update, no we haven't forgotten about this. Results should be coming soon as promised. Shouldn't be more than just a few days. As a bit of shout out before we start finishing up I would like to thank everyone here who participated. I can tell you all put quite a bit of effort into your stories. And considering how long it's been since Advanceshipping has been clued into in the anime, the number of participants in here alone is a good sign that even after all these years it isn't dead quite yet. Wow awesome, I'm super excited to see the results! I've read all of the entries as well and there are so many amazing ones! Honestly there are so many great one-shots (and so much variety too!) that I don't really envy the judges on this one lol. It seems so hard to put together a top 3, let alone an outright winner. I think it's gonna be super close and not much of a gap between first place and the honorable mentions. So many new participants as well which is really great to see! Good luck everyone!
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Post by Dr. Phil E. Sophical on Oct 30, 2020 23:41:44 GMT -8
And yes, LuciferIX, this is my question to you - 1. What should I do to be popular? Like you and Gerbilftw and Littlemissmidnight were. 2. How to make a fanfic more interesting? Not sure what Gerbil and Midnight did on their end but I at least started becoming known in the community for my prolific reviewing on ff.net. At one point before my first story I probably had read and reviewed nearly every Advanceshipping fic on the site. Of course that might be an exaggeration, but at the very least if I found it I read it. So while it wasn't by any means well known, nor my intention at the time, my name was at least recognizable. By essentially coincidence I wrote one story and thanks in part to the above I got a number of surprisingly positive reviews. While the next story was a flop (in my opinion at least) "Valentine" and "To Walk in the Shoes of Another" became a bit more well known. Really all I did was try to improve my stories in the end until it culminated into what was likely my best in the end. It might have also been a bit of timing on my part that allowed me to get more attention than I would have otherwise gotten with the cycling of authors at the time too. Honestly, I dont know how else to answer your question. It baffles me more than anyone how I became even moderately well known. --- Okay, well if you're willing to take advice from a self-described hater of the English language and often writing in general, prepare for a bit of a text wall. As for that, in no real order, I would have to say that one of the things that I would always find about stories that I would be notifying the authors of as I was reviewing was that they needed more detail. Describe the setting, describe the facial expressions, make it so that the reader can see exactly what you are seeing. The only part to be conscious of would then be pacing. Put as many details in there as you can but careful that you dont start to cripple your pacing. Describe things to the point that you want it to be known. If the scene requires focus on the characters, make sure that they are known. If you're trying to get a more expansive and awe reaction, detail the backdrop. You as the author painting the picture for your reader will almost always give a better image than if you need the reader to fill it in themselves.
Second would be a part of pacing again. If you want the story to be a bit more noticeable, dont skip things. There are many a story that jumps right into one or both parties already knowing they love the other. Like it or not though, for Advanceshipping at least, that's not canon. So try to forge a story where the feeling of deep companionship is nurtured into a relationship. It will no doubt expand the story dramatically so use that as well to your advantage to paint your picture as I said above. It also allows for you to add and subtract side pieces to accompany the primary plot. Of course the start from zero doesnt always work, so while that particular piece can be quite the addition it in itself won't always work in a particular story.
Third; follow the core structure of a story. Even in a short one-shot the standard plot structure should be in place: Introduction/Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Ending/Resolution. Of course the magnitude of the climax will be story dependent - with a one-shot having a simpler one than a multi-chapter story - but it should be the skeleton of any story. Conflict is almost always what makes a story interesting, everything else is just to add onto it. In Advanceshipping said conflict is most always tied to the confession and lead up to it, though there is also often a co-conflict along with it in the form of a Pokemon tournament, love triangle, or the like which creates that story's climax with the confession coming in the falling action. The more complex you can make the rising action and climax of said conflict, often it leads to a better story. Let the readers experience it with the characters. Drop in hints as to what will happen later down the line, even if they are almost impossible to figure out the first time through.
Fourth is in the characterization. This is often smoothed over in fanfiction since we use often well defined characters in the first place, but it is still important. Most significantly you want to make the characters relatable. Empathy is a powerful human emotion and creating that connection can enhance a work easily, whether it be indicating a character to be likable or hated. The more subtle you can be with this instead of being heavy handed is often better. Don't just say what they should be; indicate it with expressions, body motions, reactions from other characters, etc. It helps create that empathic connection and make people want to know how things turn out.
And finally I'll say try and keep things organized as to how the story will progress. This allows for foreshadowing for one. It also allows you to control the pacing better as well as what you want to set up and conclude as part of the plot structure. It allows for you to plan ideas into the story and more easily progress towards where you can use that scene. To use a personal example; in "Wishes" I literally have probably about 10 to 20 pages of material just describing what I want to see in the story, how the story will progress, quotes to be used, key scenes, etc. Like the scene with Ash and May right before the final contest battle I translated from another anime that seemed like I could get it to fit, so I tweeked things here and there in the story itself along with the original scene to make (what I hope was) a more memorable part of the story. Of course this is more important in a long fic like "Wishes" compared to a one or two-shot, but it still applies to them as well. And that's about what comes off the top of my head. I'm sure the people who have actually actively studied English and writing can give you far better than the amateurish explanation I gave, at least it is a layman's overview nonetheless. But otherwise listen to your reivewers. Ask active authors to read and review your fics in return for you doing the same. Going at it and then looking back on what you can do better, then rinse and repeat, is about all you can do in the end otherwise. I give this advice 4 out of 5 stars. Would've given it 5, but you passed up an opportunity to use "denouement" in a sentence, so I'm gonna have to dock you for that. You have now been awarded 7th place in the contest.
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Post by RuthlessDragon6 on Oct 30, 2020 23:42:51 GMT -8
And yes, LuciferIX, this is my question to you - 1. What should I do to be popular? Like you and Gerbilftw and Littlemissmidnight were. 2. How to make a fanfic more interesting? Not sure what Gerbil and Midnight did on their end but I at least started becoming known in the community for my prolific reviewing on ff.net. At one point before my first story I probably had read and reviewed nearly every Advanceshipping fic on the site. Of course that might be an exaggeration, but at the very least if I found it I read it. So while it wasn't by any means well known, nor my intention at the time, my name was at least recognizable. By essentially coincidence I wrote one story and thanks in part to the above I got a number of surprisingly positive reviews. While the next story was a flop (in my opinion at least) "Valentine" and "To Walk in the Shoes of Another" became a bit more well known. Really all I did was try to improve my stories in the end until it culminated into what was likely my best in the end. It might have also been a bit of timing on my part that allowed me to get more attention than I would have otherwise gotten with the cycling of authors at the time too. Honestly, I dont know how else to answer your question. It baffles me more than anyone how I became even moderately well known. --- Okay, well if you're willing to take advice from a self-described hater of the English language and often writing in general, prepare for a bit of a text wall. As for that, in no real order, I would have to say that one of the things that I would always find about stories that I would be notifying the authors of as I was reviewing was that they needed more detail. Describe the setting, describe the facial expressions, make it so that the reader can see exactly what you are seeing. The only part to be conscious of would then be pacing. Put as many details in there as you can but careful that you dont start to cripple your pacing. Describe things to the point that you want it to be known. If the scene requires focus on the characters, make sure that they are known. If you're trying to get a more expansive and awe reaction, detail the backdrop. You as the author painting the picture for your reader will almost always give a better image than if you need the reader to fill it in themselves.
Second would be a part of pacing again. If you want the story to be a bit more noticeable, dont skip things. There are many a story that jumps right into one or both parties already knowing they love the other. Like it or not though, for Advanceshipping at least, that's not canon. So try to forge a story where the feeling of deep companionship is nurtured into a relationship. It will no doubt expand the story dramatically so use that as well to your advantage to paint your picture as I said above. It also allows for you to add and subtract side pieces to accompany the primary plot. Of course the start from zero doesnt always work, so while that particular piece can be quite the addition it in itself won't always work in a particular story.
Third; follow the core structure of a story. Even in a short one-shot the standard plot structure should be in place: Introduction/Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Ending/Resolution. Of course the magnitude of the climax will be story dependent - with a one-shot having a simpler one than a multi-chapter story - but it should be the skeleton of any story. Conflict is almost always what makes a story interesting, everything else is just to add onto it. In Advanceshipping said conflict is most always tied to the confession and lead up to it, though there is also often a co-conflict along with it in the form of a Pokemon tournament, love triangle, or the like which creates that story's climax with the confession coming in the falling action. The more complex you can make the rising action and climax of said conflict, often it leads to a better story. Let the readers experience it with the characters. Drop in hints as to what will happen later down the line, even if they are almost impossible to figure out the first time through.
Fourth is in the characterization. This is often smoothed over in fanfiction since we use often well defined characters in the first place, but it is still important. Most significantly you want to make the characters relatable. Empathy is a powerful human emotion and creating that connection can enhance a work easily, whether it be indicating a character to be likable or hated. The more subtle you can be with this instead of being heavy handed is often better. Don't just say what they should be; indicate it with expressions, body motions, reactions from other characters, etc. It helps create that empathic connection and make people want to know how things turn out.
And finally I'll say try and keep things organized as to how the story will progress. This allows for foreshadowing for one. It also allows you to control the pacing better as well as what you want to set up and conclude as part of the plot structure. It allows for you to plan ideas into the story and more easily progress towards where you can use that scene. To use a personal example; in "Wishes" I literally have probably about 10 to 20 pages of material just describing what I want to see in the story, how the story will progress, quotes to be used, key scenes, etc. Like the scene with Ash and May right before the final contest battle I translated from another anime that seemed like I could get it to fit, so I tweeked things here and there in the story itself along with the original scene to make (what I hope was) a more memorable part of the story. Of course this is more important in a long fic like "Wishes" compared to a one or two-shot, but it still applies to them as well. And that's about what comes off the top of my head. I'm sure the people who have actually actively studied English and writing can give you far better than the amateurish explanation I gave, at least it is a layman's overview nonetheless. But otherwise listen to your reivewers. Ask active authors to read and review your fics in return for you doing the same. Going at it and then looking back on what you can do better, then rinse and repeat, is about all you can do in the end otherwise. How much i thank you is not enough, I'll try my best to add these things, I'm copying and pasting these points in my laptop, so they don't get lost, and as you said I'll try to describe every minor things so my readers can feel it, and when you said - 'I'm sure the people who have actually actively studied English and writing can give you far better than the amateurish explanation I gave, at least it is a layman's overview nonetheless.', what is this? Firstly these advises means a lot, and secondly you are no ameture, means you have written some of the most popular works in FF.net history and you say yourself... ameture... But anyways thanks a lot, and I'll try my best to keep Advanceshipping alive from writing the fic's and following these points. And face it - You're a Legend not an ameture.
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Post by RuthlessDragon6 on Oct 30, 2020 23:50:55 GMT -8
And yes, LuciferIX , this is my question to you - 1. What should I do to be popular? Like you and Gerbilftw and Littlemissmidnight were. 2. How to make a fanfic more interesting? This is probably the cutest post I heard from you.. lol. I don't know if I should be happy or mad at this....?
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Post by RuthlessDragon6 on Oct 30, 2020 23:52:24 GMT -8
Not sure what Gerbil and Midnight did on their end but I at least started becoming known in the community for my prolific reviewing on ff.net. At one point before my first story I probably had read and reviewed nearly every Advanceshipping fic on the site. Of course that might be an exaggeration, but at the very least if I found it I read it. So while it wasn't by any means well known, nor my intention at the time, my name was at least recognizable. By essentially coincidence I wrote one story and thanks in part to the above I got a number of surprisingly positive reviews. While the next story was a flop (in my opinion at least) "Valentine" and "To Walk in the Shoes of Another" became a bit more well known. Really all I did was try to improve my stories in the end until it culminated into what was likely my best in the end. It might have also been a bit of timing on my part that allowed me to get more attention than I would have otherwise gotten with the cycling of authors at the time too. Honestly, I dont know how else to answer your question. It baffles me more than anyone how I became even moderately well known. --- Okay, well if you're willing to take advice from a self-described hater of the English language and often writing in general, prepare for a bit of a text wall. As for that, in no real order, I would have to say that one of the things that I would always find about stories that I would be notifying the authors of as I was reviewing was that they needed more detail. Describe the setting, describe the facial expressions, make it so that the reader can see exactly what you are seeing. The only part to be conscious of would then be pacing. Put as many details in there as you can but careful that you dont start to cripple your pacing. Describe things to the point that you want it to be known. If the scene requires focus on the characters, make sure that they are known. If you're trying to get a more expansive and awe reaction, detail the backdrop. You as the author painting the picture for your reader will almost always give a better image than if you need the reader to fill it in themselves.
Second would be a part of pacing again. If you want the story to be a bit more noticeable, dont skip things. There are many a story that jumps right into one or both parties already knowing they love the other. Like it or not though, for Advanceshipping at least, that's not canon. So try to forge a story where the feeling of deep companionship is nurtured into a relationship. It will no doubt expand the story dramatically so use that as well to your advantage to paint your picture as I said above. It also allows for you to add and subtract side pieces to accompany the primary plot. Of course the start from zero doesnt always work, so while that particular piece can be quite the addition it in itself won't always work in a particular story.
Third; follow the core structure of a story. Even in a short one-shot the standard plot structure should be in place: Introduction/Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Ending/Resolution. Of course the magnitude of the climax will be story dependent - with a one-shot having a simpler one than a multi-chapter story - but it should be the skeleton of any story. Conflict is almost always what makes a story interesting, everything else is just to add onto it. In Advanceshipping said conflict is most always tied to the confession and lead up to it, though there is also often a co-conflict along with it in the form of a Pokemon tournament, love triangle, or the like which creates that story's climax with the confession coming in the falling action. The more complex you can make the rising action and climax of said conflict, often it leads to a better story. Let the readers experience it with the characters. Drop in hints as to what will happen later down the line, even if they are almost impossible to figure out the first time through.
Fourth is in the characterization. This is often smoothed over in fanfiction since we use often well defined characters in the first place, but it is still important. Most significantly you want to make the characters relatable. Empathy is a powerful human emotion and creating that connection can enhance a work easily, whether it be indicating a character to be likable or hated. The more subtle you can be with this instead of being heavy handed is often better. Don't just say what they should be; indicate it with expressions, body motions, reactions from other characters, etc. It helps create that empathic connection and make people want to know how things turn out.
And finally I'll say try and keep things organized as to how the story will progress. This allows for foreshadowing for one. It also allows you to control the pacing better as well as what you want to set up and conclude as part of the plot structure. It allows for you to plan ideas into the story and more easily progress towards where you can use that scene. To use a personal example; in "Wishes" I literally have probably about 10 to 20 pages of material just describing what I want to see in the story, how the story will progress, quotes to be used, key scenes, etc. Like the scene with Ash and May right before the final contest battle I translated from another anime that seemed like I could get it to fit, so I tweeked things here and there in the story itself along with the original scene to make (what I hope was) a more memorable part of the story. Of course this is more important in a long fic like "Wishes" compared to a one or two-shot, but it still applies to them as well. And that's about what comes off the top of my head. I'm sure the people who have actually actively studied English and writing can give you far better than the amateurish explanation I gave, at least it is a layman's overview nonetheless. But otherwise listen to your reivewers. Ask active authors to read and review your fics in return for you doing the same. Going at it and then looking back on what you can do better, then rinse and repeat, is about all you can do in the end otherwise. I give this advice 4 out of 5 stars. Would've given it 5, but you passed up an opportunity to use "denouement" in a sentence, so I'm gonna have to dock you for that. You have now been awarded 7th place in the contest. Oh, I see, someone is jealous that I got advice from a legend. I'll give it 7 out of 5!
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Post by RuthlessDragon6 on Oct 30, 2020 23:53:51 GMT -8
And yes, LuciferIX, this is my question to you - 1. What should I do to be popular? Like you and Gerbilftw and Littlemissmidnight were. 2. How to make a fanfic more interesting? Not sure what Gerbil and Midnight did on their end but I at least started becoming known in the community for my prolific reviewing on ff.net. At one point before my first story I probably had read and reviewed nearly every Advanceshipping fic on the site. Of course that might be an exaggeration, but at the very least if I found it I read it. So while it wasn't by any means well known, nor my intention at the time, my name was at least recognizable. By essentially coincidence I wrote one story and thanks in part to the above I got a number of surprisingly positive reviews. While the next story was a flop (in my opinion at least) "Valentine" and "To Walk in the Shoes of Another" became a bit more well known. Really all I did was try to improve my stories in the end until it culminated into what was likely my best in the end. It might have also been a bit of timing on my part that allowed me to get more attention than I would have otherwise gotten with the cycling of authors at the time too. Honestly, I dont know how else to answer your question. It baffles me more than anyone how I became even moderately well known. --- Okay, well if you're willing to take advice from a self-described hater of the English language and often writing in general, prepare for a bit of a text wall. As for that, in no real order, I would have to say that one of the things that I would always find about stories that I would be notifying the authors of as I was reviewing was that they needed more detail. Describe the setting, describe the facial expressions, make it so that the reader can see exactly what you are seeing. The only part to be conscious of would then be pacing. Put as many details in there as you can but careful that you dont start to cripple your pacing. Describe things to the point that you want it to be known. If the scene requires focus on the characters, make sure that they are known. If you're trying to get a more expansive and awe reaction, detail the backdrop. You as the author painting the picture for your reader will almost always give a better image than if you need the reader to fill it in themselves.
Second would be a part of pacing again. If you want the story to be a bit more noticeable, dont skip things. There are many a story that jumps right into one or both parties already knowing they love the other. Like it or not though, for Advanceshipping at least, that's not canon. So try to forge a story where the feeling of deep companionship is nurtured into a relationship. It will no doubt expand the story dramatically so use that as well to your advantage to paint your picture as I said above. It also allows for you to add and subtract side pieces to accompany the primary plot. Of course the start from zero doesnt always work, so while that particular piece can be quite the addition it in itself won't always work in a particular story.
Third; follow the core structure of a story. Even in a short one-shot the standard plot structure should be in place: Introduction/Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Ending/Resolution. Of course the magnitude of the climax will be story dependent - with a one-shot having a simpler one than a multi-chapter story - but it should be the skeleton of any story. Conflict is almost always what makes a story interesting, everything else is just to add onto it. In Advanceshipping said conflict is most always tied to the confession and lead up to it, though there is also often a co-conflict along with it in the form of a Pokemon tournament, love triangle, or the like which creates that story's climax with the confession coming in the falling action. The more complex you can make the rising action and climax of said conflict, often it leads to a better story. Let the readers experience it with the characters. Drop in hints as to what will happen later down the line, even if they are almost impossible to figure out the first time through.
Fourth is in the characterization. This is often smoothed over in fanfiction since we use often well defined characters in the first place, but it is still important. Most significantly you want to make the characters relatable. Empathy is a powerful human emotion and creating that connection can enhance a work easily, whether it be indicating a character to be likable or hated. The more subtle you can be with this instead of being heavy handed is often better. Don't just say what they should be; indicate it with expressions, body motions, reactions from other characters, etc. It helps create that empathic connection and make people want to know how things turn out.
And finally I'll say try and keep things organized as to how the story will progress. This allows for foreshadowing for one. It also allows you to control the pacing better as well as what you want to set up and conclude as part of the plot structure. It allows for you to plan ideas into the story and more easily progress towards where you can use that scene. To use a personal example; in "Wishes" I literally have probably about 10 to 20 pages of material just describing what I want to see in the story, how the story will progress, quotes to be used, key scenes, etc. Like the scene with Ash and May right before the final contest battle I translated from another anime that seemed like I could get it to fit, so I tweeked things here and there in the story itself along with the original scene to make (what I hope was) a more memorable part of the story. Of course this is more important in a long fic like "Wishes" compared to a one or two-shot, but it still applies to them as well. And that's about what comes off the top of my head. I'm sure the people who have actually actively studied English and writing can give you far better than the amateurish explanation I gave, at least it is a layman's overview nonetheless. But otherwise listen to your reivewers. Ask active authors to read and review your fics in return for you doing the same. Going at it and then looking back on what you can do better, then rinse and repeat, is about all you can do in the end otherwise. And yeah, I believe reviewing others to make my profit will be amazing!
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Post by Dr. Phil E. Sophical on Oct 31, 2020 0:06:47 GMT -8
I give this advice 4 out of 5 stars. Would've given it 5, but you passed up an opportunity to use "denouement" in a sentence, so I'm gonna have to dock you for that. You have now been awarded 7th place in the contest. Oh, I see, someone is jealous that I got advice from a legend. I'll give it 7 out of 5! I wrote like 6 stories between 2012 and 2014 that were widely-varying degrees of mediocre; I haven't touched creative writing since and really don't care too since academic/professional writing takes up what little drive for writing I have left. Lucy's definitely not wrong when it comes to creative writing, broadly speaking. But the truth is that there's also a lot of variance and just straight-up luck involved in the process. Having a decently-written, entertaining story is a necessary condition to succeed (broadly speaking) but it definitely doesn't guarantee success; there are plenty of exceptionally well-written stories that never garner much attention. You can try to "game the system" in little ways: avoid posting at the most popular times of day, to maximize how long your story is on the front page on FFN; if you're gonna write a multi-chapter story, try to write chapters in advanced and release following a regular schedule rather than updating sporadically as you write the story; utilize all your major platforms, since sites like AO3 have a much bigger "market share" than they did back in the day; etc.. Beyond that, pray that the probability gods will smile upon you.
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