The Fiction Section: Story Advice

[Chance]

To all you prospective authors out there...don't you ever wonder who reads your stories? What does your audience think of your posted tales? Your hard work, does it reach anyone at all? Thankfully we're able to rate and post comments on stories on this site...

But here's some advice to garner more readers. These guidelines were created to boost the number of those who actually read your stories; stick to them, and your audience will not only increase in number, but your readers will also appreciate the change(s).

(Not to mention the fact that as Fiction Mod I'll be reading your stories as well. Following these guidelines would make my job a lot easier and make me like you, the writer, a lot more.)

1.) Use paragraphs. Use paragraphs. Use paragraphs. There is nothing more annoying than eagerly opening a new story and realizing it's one huge, long, monstrous, single entry. A huge block of written word is daunting and uninteresting. It makes the reader uneager to read because it looks so long and intimidating. Oftentimes I will shy away from a story with only one huge paragraph, even if it's good, simply because it's difficult to read.

Construct your story so that it is easier to read by creating multiple, smaller paragraphs divided by subject. This will make your stories easier and more pleasurable to read.

Also, it is common English grammar to begin a new paragraph WHENEVER someone else speaks (a.k.a. dialogue). So, don't shy away from that Enter key whenever someone other than the original speaker juts in. It makes for quick, easy intervals between the said "blocks" of written word.

2.) Use grammar. Use grammar. Use grammar. Correct grammar, like using paragraphs, makes your story easier and more enjoyable to read. Correct punctuation (i.e. in contractions such as don't, can't, won't, I'm) and correct capitalization create fluidity and make for much, much easier reading.

A lack of proper grammar only displays one thing: laziness. Clean up your stories to make your readers happier. If your grammar skills are rusty, type your stories on Microsoft Word where SpellCheck and GrammarCheck are automatically in place and will catch most errors. Then, simply copy and paste onto the site.

I realize not everyone possesses good spelling or grammar skills and that's alright, but do your best

3.) Author's notes. These particularly useful little insertions can do more help than you originally thought. Simply insert a quick tidbit before your story in which you directly address your readers. This can be used to guard against unwanted redistribution if your work is wholly original; it can be used to summarize your story or give a short inkling as to what it's about so your readers will know if they want to read the entire thing; or it can warn about levels of maturity, guarding your tale against young readers or those who don't wish to read your more mature content.

Author's notes can only help and they're probably most useful when you mention what your story is about. This way a reader can tell if he/she wishes to put forth the time and effort of reading your entire story.

4.) Be original. Yes, we all love a good fanfic or retelling. We all enjoy a new tale about a couple or pairing we love from published manga and anime...but we also love original work. Let your ideas flow from your head onto the page (electronic page, but you get what I mean). Create your own characters, your own story, your own plot and events. It is more personal and lets your readers get to know you better. It can also be a lot of fun.

5.) Use your font bar. You know, it's that little thing up at the top of the message that allows you to change font style and size. It's very useful. Putting your story in bigger font obviously allows for easier reading so that's always nice. Not everything has to be Times New Roman size 3.

-- I realize that not all of you will find these guidelines useful, but they truly help. Trust me. And remember, they're simply guidelines and advice, not rules. Let your art express itself, that's what the Fiction Section is for. Have fun and write freely, I'm only here to help --

- Chance, your Fiction Mod.

P.S. feel free to PM me with questions

[GaaraOfTheFunk]

Thanks for the tips ^^
I find this very useful while im writing fan fiction, self im not good at grammar i think i should try more look on the spellings XD

[Chance]

Good! And, you're welcome. I hope this helped and I look forward to seeing/reading your story when/if you upload it!

[GaaraOfTheFunk]

Its weird, i uploaded one but i cant seem to find it when i search for it, does it take time for it or something? o.o

[Chance]

Moderators have to first read and then approve your story for it to show up online. It will be posted shortly I'm sure.

[GaaraOfTheFunk]

Ah, okay i see its up now ^^ i guess i couldn't wait XD

[Chance]

Understandable

[JohnGalt]

Truly worthwhile guidelines for any aspiring writer - fanfic or just fic!:P (except the last frontbar thing, which won't apply to normal fiction writers!)

Thanks.

[Paladin]

"...or it can warn about levels of maturity, guarding your tale against young readers or those who don't wish to read your more mature content."
I find this entertaining to read on a pornography/art site.

[Lanthaan]

Thank you for promoting these guidelines. There are definitely something that should be more commonly used.