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"Wright, you've written 'right' wrong. Now, Wright, I want
you to write 'right' right, right away."
- teacher to a student
Fanfiction is fun. Well, reading it is, anyway. But when reading becomes as much a chore as writing it was, when the story's text is difficult or even painful to read, it is time to do something about it. And that is what this document is all about.
"Our admiration of fine writing will always be in proportion to its
real difficulty and its apparent ease."
- Charles Caleb Colton
Well written stories look seamless and effortless because a lot of work is put into them. This may seem contradictory, but it is similar to reggae music: it's the space, the strategic placement of notes (or in the case of writing, words) that gives each played notw or written word that much more impact. And a song, like a story, may be good on paper in its rough form, but without the polish of a producer or a proofreader, it stays only an idea, not something of lasting value.
"Writing comes more easily if you have something to say."
- Sholem Asch
While I'm not offering to proofread and correct stories for aspiring writers (I ain't got the time!!!), I am offering a collection of useful ideas and information. I urge all writers, new or established, to at least consider the key points I mention. So much fanfiction out there is only a few minutes effort from rough work to finished, and nothing I suggest here is excessively time-consuming. (The amount of text an author can write in one hour can be fixed within five minutes.) Do yourself and your writing justice - make it worth reading and worth saving.
"What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure."
- Samuel Johnson
And that leads to the most important reason for fixing your story: pride. Not arrogant pride, but of self-accomplishment. Make your story something that represents you, what you think, and who you are. You would not perform an act (legal or otherwise) that would embarass or degrade yourself, so why would you do that with your stories? Having said that, I hope this guide is of some help to you. If it has, tell me, and if it hasn't, tell me that, too! Contributions and corrections are always welcome. Enjoy!
Shunsuke -||| |
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