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Post by Dr. Xannytoes on May 3, 2017 13:45:06 GMT -8
Leans against fireplace, turns to face camera with smile on face.
Oh hello, I didn't see you come in. I'm Xannytoes, co-host of the Unofficial Advanceshipping contest, Advanceshipper and classy British guy. Recently, I had the idea to write a sort of "guide" on writing Advanceshipping, basically things like how to write the characters so they aren't too OoC (that's Out of Character), general writing tips, et cetera...
And that's where you guys come in!
I want your opinions, your stories, your writing techniques. Why do you write Ash and May the way you do? Why do you write in a certain style? Maybe you've got a cool trick to share? Well share it ya greedy bastard. If I write this guide, I want it to be written with the opinions of the greatest shipping community in mind!
So let's do it! And together, let's MAKE ADVANCESHIPPING EVEN GREATER THAN EVER!
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2017 14:24:43 GMT -8
So, in Life Happens
Ash and may are complementary, and as such their strengths play off each other. They don't need to talk much.
Ash has seen a lot happen, and he's been traveling around in the wilds... so he has this certain ruggedness to him.
Whereas May was pretty much sheltered her entire life until she met Ash.
Soooo, i guess, some advice would be to take some of the basic ideas and stretch them. which is why we're on this forum.
We took the basic characters of ash/may and formed them into something more with our imaginations. (and all the fics we've read)
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Post by Dr. Xannytoes on May 3, 2017 14:30:47 GMT -8
So, in Life HappensAsh and may are complementary, and as such their strengths play off each other. They don't need to talk much. Ash has seen a lot happen, and he's been traveling around in the wilds... so he has this certain ruggedness to him. Whereas May was pretty much sheltered her entire life until she met Ash. Soooo, i guess, some advice would be to take some of the basic ideas and stretch them. which is why we're on this forum. We took the basic characters of ash/may and formed them into something more with our imaginations. (and all the fics we've read) I like it Out of curiosity, how would you write Regular Ash and May? Would you stick to canon or change it up?
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2017 15:11:06 GMT -8
So, in Life HappensAsh and may are complementary, and as such their strengths play off each other. They don't need to talk much. Ash has seen a lot happen, and he's been traveling around in the wilds... so he has this certain ruggedness to him. Whereas May was pretty much sheltered her entire life until she met Ash. Soooo, i guess, some advice would be to take some of the basic ideas and stretch them. which is why we're on this forum. We took the basic characters of ash/may and formed them into something more with our imaginations. (and all the fics we've read) I like it Out of curiosity, how would you write Regular Ash and May? Would you stick to canon or change it up? I'd probably change it up. It's kinda like doing covers... Do you wanna stay true to the original or do you want your cover to take on a life of its own
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Post by Wubbzy on May 3, 2017 16:29:00 GMT -8
Awww, this is a really great idea, Dr. Xannytoes !!! I'm a tag some people so we can get their input! ^___^ Dr. Xannytoes Gengar, LuciferIX Pharah Lightning Advanceshipper Ruby CometXGreninja Marksman Aquadrop Queen PurpleRock I Lady Yoh chloe Sebastian @highshyguy praise luke It's Sky RobSp1derp1g Schrödinger's Anbu Space Medafighter X V Bishie Satoshi Ultratron Manqoba Thanos MetaKnight0011 PichuAuraGuardian19 @bigtimespider Cyber Blaziken Emi KatherineLuvsMJ @gloomyharuka ┌༼ຈل͜ຈ༽┘ Shadow LittleMissMidnight JungKookie(Advanceforever) Aurareader Dr. Phil E. Sophical Boost GP-Luky Trainer Jayden Skarm SSYY_21 adv4eternity DarkSlash9 willy106 @azngamer405 itssupereffective Seth ) It's Sky praise luke Manqoba Sebastian Thanos V blackrubyadv goldmineempire5 Emi chloe Dr. Xannytoes Shadow Aquadrop SSYY_21 itssupereffective Lady DarkSlash9 Serenity Queen PurpleRock I @bigtimespider arkilos Marth, The Black Legend advanceshipper7 adv4eternity @gloomyharuka docboy2 foxygirl angel leebo4 Mallow @subzero yusuke13 Ruby tuff Rix Skywalker ZachaRicO Cyber Blaziken Ultratron Speedy_Fox_IV @ssk005 Prismaric PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON ADVANCESHIPPING FANFICS IF YOU CAN! IT WOULD MEAN A LOT AND WOULD HELP IF YOU GIVE US YOUR GUIDLINES FOR FANFICS IN GENERAL!! THANK YOU! <333I like the idea of readers and writers coming together and sharing their tips on how they prefer to read Ash and May, and how they prefer to write them! Really awesome! . . . . . . . Well, here's my two cents on them. I would just like to say I am no expert, of course. I'm just someone who knows what they love to read and write! xD Give me some other categorize and I'll be sure to put my input on it, and I hope everyone will too! I figured we could go over some of the basics: AU or in the Canonverse: What I've seem to see, is a lot of people will read if it's in the canon verse. Maybe I'm wrong, but yeah, a lot of people seem to prefer that since it will definitely have Pokémon, it feels like a continuation of the series. However, I'm not one of those people. I LOVE AU stories. They are my bread and butter, like omg, the things people come up with, whether it's set for the modern time or medieval etc. I will absolutely love it. If you're trying to do an AU, especially if you're an experienced writer (even if you're not), I say go for it. These are always fun and you can be really creative in terms of how you incorporate the Pokémonn characters in an AU. However, of course, I always love me a canonverse story. Those are fun too, but the point of fanfiction is to diverge, so I don't want to see a complete rehash of the series without changing much. This is my personal preference, but this leads me to my next point. So, in therms of character/character development of Ash and May: So, I have to disagree with the idea of not having to make them stick true to their canon personas. Like, okay, if you're going to make Ash and May significantly different than their canon versions, then make sure you have a good reason/background story as to why they're different. I usually have trouble finding good AU stories, because people like to change up Ash and May's character without an explanation. It makes me sad because I came into advanceshipping for their great dynamic I saw in the show. It's okay to change it, of course, but I say keep aspects of their personality. When I write Advance, or write anything, what I do, is think/ look back to the characters personality, and picture it in my head. See if the character would do what you're thinking. I try to let the characters dictate how the story will go, instead of the other way around. It makes things more interesting in my opinion. Now, I love to see character development in any story. It's great to see the characters changing, and that includes Ash and May. I want to see their thoughts, how they feel, etc. That's something I want more of in general from fanfiction, because sometimes people like to rush it. But yeah, slow and steady generally wins the race in my opinion. In terms of the actual characters, I love keeping big elements about them to my story. Ash: I like seeing him happy, determined to win, always wiling to help other's etc. in the story. Whether it be an AU or the canonverse, I feel these characteristics are usually important in my opinion. That makes him who he is. If it's a canon verse one or something with Pokémon in it, I feel like it wouldn't be Ash if he doesn't love Pokémon. I also love seeing a more mature Ash, but still having hints of denseness, because that is just so him. Like, when I see that, I laugh because I know that is so accurate to his persona. xD May: I see her always been kind of ditzy, but quirky and happy go lucky. She has changed/ had the most development in Pokémon imo, so like, picking a point to start off with her, whether it being the girl who just wants to travel, who dislikes Pokémon, to the girl who has big ambitions and is in love and cares for Pokémon, you gotta put some aspect of her in. Otherwise it won't feel like May to me. I see her teasing too, etc. But yeah, I'll love any AU so long as they are able to remain true to the characters, or even if they just keep elements of their character. Plot: So, like I said, I let the characters dictate the plot. It's much more fun that way to write, and it's really cool to read when you see your favorite characters in different situations. Like, you can still be original in terms of your idea and still stay true to their characters. I'm beginning to learn that having a good plot is essential. Like, the characters have to do more than just end up confessing their feelings for each other and living happily ever after. I want to see them, as I said, go through lots of character development etc. have their own story separate from the romance. Unless if it's outright romance, then I don't want it to be too easy a ride to find each other. I want conflict in my story, and not just, "May is scared to say her feelings." "Ash is too afraid to confess." Like, idk, I don't see them doing that. But yeah, I generally love seeing a nice plot first, or an interesting scenario for the characters to really pull me in. However, there's also a fine line between an extravagant plot that can pull you in, to a plot with too much going on! I would avoid having too much going on at a time because then it gets confusing after a while. Also , I would also like to say that I like simple plots that can turn into something more. I don't like the big plots that go in different directions, because it can get messy that way! My rule of thumb, is to keep it simple, but still have conflict to keep the readers interested! Like it might just be me, but I hate having so much going on at a time, or it's to the point where I can't even follow the story anymore lol. Descriptions: I LOOOOVE descriptive writing. Please, please make sure to do your best to add a lot of descriptions. You may not think it's necessary, but it's necessary to create a scene/ a vibe when you're writing. For example, are they in a school, in an old mansion? Is the mansion old and spooky, or neatly clean and nice smelling? Is it macabre or is it the the most extravagant place you ever imagined. Details like that (or even the creek on the floor that makes May a little scared, or the spotless house that makes Ash suspicious or something! - descriptions at all just make the story/ set the mood of what you're trying to convey. I feel like this is very important. Because I don't want to just read what they're saying, I want to know what's going on around them too, what they're doing as the talk. My point is, make sure, with dialogue too, but make sure to describe the things you feel are important and will make your story stand out/ set the scene. Think of it like a movie. When you watch a movie you can see where they are at what they're doing etc. Try to do that. It's not a movie, but what I try to do, is convey it enough so the readers can picture it in their heads as best as they can. I love it when I read a story, and I can imagine it. That's the point of stories imo. Grammar and Spelling: This goes without saying, but make sure it's correct haha. If you need a beta, then please ask! It's a huge help and helps people improve! I don't mind some errors because I know it's hard to catch everything yourself. So my tip, if you don't have a beta, is, after writing it, leave it alone for a few days, then come back with fresh eyes and reread it. Even read it out loud, that will help a lot! ^__^ I have to do this. I quadruple check my work usually, but even then when I come back to my stories, I spot errors! We can't be perfect I guess haha. Kudos to anyone who is! BIGGEST PIECE OF ADVICE! Finish. Whatever you do, whatever you write, the most important advice I've ever came across was to finish it! No matter what, it's all a way to improve your writing/ have fun. No matter what you're writing, just try your best to finish and have fun with it! I have elements of this in all my writing(or at least try to have), but I'm too lazy to talk about them This is all I got for now! ^__^ I'll write more if I think of other categories, or if you guys have different categorizes I want to talk about! ^___^ I'll elaborate if anyone needs haha.
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2017 17:01:26 GMT -8
Y'all forcing it now..
You guys might wanna clear some things up. I don't know. I feel like if people can't write OOC then they don't have the freedom to write how they want to write.
It is their story, it could also possibly affect the theme Reunion.
If we went by the same guidelines, it'd get boring.
I like being true to the characters as much as the next guy, but it could be for the better.
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Post by Space Medafighter X on May 3, 2017 17:06:32 GMT -8
Erm, okay, I'll share a few quick thoughts.
When I wrote Inconceivable, I was operating off a fairly cliche'd premise. I feel like the way I wrote Ash and May diverged pretty heavily from their core personalities. Ash was forced to basically set his dreams aside to take care of May and their (eventual) daughter, while May had to come to terms with how she felt about Ash and the poor decisions that they'd made to that point. The rest of it was basically a combinations of continuity nods and stuff I found funny.
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Post by Wubbzy on May 3, 2017 17:24:39 GMT -8
Y'all forcing it now.. You guys might wanna clear some things up. I don't know. I feel like if people can't write OOC then they don't have the freedom to write how they want to write. It is their story, it could also possibly affect the theme Reunion. If we went by the same guidelines, it'd get boring. I like being true to the characters as much as the next guy, but it could be for the better. No this isn't for the contest. We're asking you guys for advice in general! We're asking about how you guys feel about advanceshipipng fanfiction/ what you guys like to see when reading and what you like to do when writing it! We want your input on fanfiction writing in general pretty much! XD This has NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CONTEST!! Like that was just my opinion on fanfiction. We like to hear everyone else's. Like I said I ain't no expert, just sharing my thoughts.
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Advanceshipper
Junior Advancer
Laid out an outline for my fanfic, but probably
Posts: 63
Favorite Pokemon: Pikachu! (also manaphy b/c movie 9)
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Post by Advanceshipper on May 3, 2017 17:26:22 GMT -8
Here are some of my general guidelines. Use correct grammar, format your story well (line spacing, etc), make sure your story makes sense (ask others to read! before putting out a chapter), plan out your story while leaving room to change it, and ofc, Advanceshipping! I personally like fanfics that are well written but not elegant (elegant as in uses language that sounds like a speech). No preference as to what genre.
on a side note, writer's block is frustrating.
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Post by Thanos on May 3, 2017 17:28:13 GMT -8
Lemme get back to you guys in a moment.
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Post by chloe on May 3, 2017 17:48:01 GMT -8
Advanceshipping is a free ship. It may not be canon or mainstream anymore but it will always have a place in many people's heart. Go wild! Go outside! Read the book you've always wanted to read. Binge watch on netflix, spam on social media and shit post on forums. Stay up all night and get up early. Live a lot and take a notebook with you to scribbles your thoughts or ideas.
It dosen't matter if you think the idea is good or bad. Just go for it! Even if it's been written a million times. It's the way it's been told that counts.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2017 19:47:28 GMT -8
Y'all forcing it now.. You guys might wanna clear some things up. I don't know. I feel like if people can't write OOC then they don't have the freedom to write how they want to write. It is their story, it could also possibly affect the theme Reunion. If we went by the same guidelines, it'd get boring. I like being true to the characters as much as the next guy, but it could be for the better. No this isn't for the contest. We're asking you guys for advice in general! We're asking about how you guys feel about advanceshipipng fanfiction/ what you guys like to see when reading and what you like to do when writing it! We want your input on fanfiction writing in general pretty much! XD This has NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CONTEST!! Like that was just my opinion on fanfiction. We like to hear everyone else's. Like I said I ain't no expert, just sharing my thoughts. Ohhh okay, I think I understand now. The only thing I can really suggest is to do what you think is best and in your interest. Everyone is into something, so just go by what you want to do. But don't ignore grammar and comprehension. Long as the junk is readable and understandable and it's got that got, I'm fine with it. And don't put pressure to yourself. Ease into it, like butta.
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Midori
Respectable Advancer
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Post by Midori on May 3, 2017 21:34:06 GMT -8
Whatever your vision is for advanceshipping, write off that. I feel that anybody who is willing to write a story of a ship has the best intentions for that ship and they will do right by it. One thing I would say is that it's always a good idea to go back to something that makes advanceshipping, advanceshipping. Be it the student teacher thing, the shared ribbon, the similarities they share, etc. BIGGEST PIECE OF ADVICE! Finish. Whatever you do, whatever you write, the most important advice I've ever came across was to finish it! No matter what, it's all a way to improve your writing/ have fun. No matter what you're writing, just try your best to finish and have fun with it! How about somebody like me who stopped writing a story like a year ago? Maybe in an extreme case like mine where i want to write, but the time that has elapse is a lot, continuing may not be the best option. Maybe I should start anew?
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Post by Wubbzy on May 3, 2017 21:39:54 GMT -8
Whatever your vision is for advanceshipping, write off that. I feel that anybody who is willing to write a story of a ship has the best intentions for that ship and they will do right by it. One thing I would say is that it's always a good idea to go back to something that makes advanceshipping, advanceshipping. Be it the student teacher thing, the shared ribbon, the similarities they share, etc. BIGGEST PIECE OF ADVICE! Finish. Whatever you do, whatever you write, the most important advice I've ever came across was to finish it! No matter what, it's all a way to improve your writing/ have fun. No matter what you're writing, just try your best to finish and have fun with it! How about somebody like me who stopped writing a story like a year ago? Maybe in an extreme case like mine where i want to write, but the time that has elapse is a lot, continuing may not be the best option. Maybe I should start anew? You make an excellent point! and yeah, that's a good point too! Sometimes, it's good to start fresh/anew. I've deleted works before if they aren't up to par with my likes. It's up to the writer. But generally, when that is the case, I don't delete my story. I keep it. And later I go back to it and see if it's worth keeping. Who knows? When it comes to my old stories, there might be cute scenes or a great idea that you can use for your new projects! Either way, it's always good to keep writing! But yes, I still believe it's important to finish. But if it's the case that you don't like it anymore or want to start anew, then you should! But in that case, other advice I use is to never delete it! xD Whether it's a gross drabble or like from my 12 year old past self who was horrible at everything from plot to grammar, I keep that! xD I have all my ugly gross stuff from the past in my files (like of course, in a flashdrive tucked away in the dark depths of my desk), but I still can come back to it if I want to laugh at myself or see how much I improved/ how far I've come! ^___^ But that's just me lulz. anyone else like this? xD
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Rix Skywalker
Full Advancer
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Post by Rix Skywalker on May 3, 2017 21:52:29 GMT -8
I'm relatively new to writing to this level. But there are a few things I follow that I think is quite useful.
Plot:
1. Get the reader to connect with the characters and root for them/hate them.
2. Every character should have a goal or a motivation (even if it just is a glass of water).
3. Every sentence should either reveal a character's background or advance the plot (especially in one-shots).
4. Be sadistic. The best way of putting this: "If you want to know what your characters are like, you must break them."
Formatting/Structure:
1. Spelling and grammar. Can't be stressed enough.
2. Punctuate properly, especially with dialogues. It needs to be clear if it's a dialogue or a regular sentence.
3. Start a new paragraph every time speakers switch. It needs to clear who is speaking
Lastly, read other's works. Nothing like generating ideas to break writer's block.
And write everyday! No excuses. This is the only way to improve. Rather than giving excuses on why you can't write today, tell yourself all the reasons you can and should.
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