alt.tv.x-files.creative Interview with Marleen
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| Interviews by Fans | |
|---|---|
| Title: | not specifically titled as such |
| Interviewer: | Dee |
| Interviewee: | Marleen |
| Date(s): | November 29, 2000 |
| Medium: | online |
| Fandom(s): | The X-Files |
| External Links: | original post is here |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
In 2000, a fan named Dee asked fanfic writers about their thoughts about writing, specifically feedback.
The excerpts below are from that series of answers.
The original post:
I'd like to direct this questions to fanfic writers: What motivates you to write a story? Do you write a fic because you have a story to tell? Would you write a story for yourself? for an intended audience? Would you write a fic if you didn't think anyone else would read it? The reason I am asking these questions is because I am puzzled by the strong reactions to reader's comments. Does it really matter? Unless you are accused of something horrible, like plagiarism, do the negative/unfavourable comments really matter? I am posting this not incite a riot, I am genuinely interested in what motivates a fic writer to write. [1]
Some of Marleen's Responses
There's no motivation [to write a story], it doesn't even happen very consciously. Sometimes I get an idea or I think to myself "What would happen if ..." that's when it's already too late ;-) Before I realize it, half the story is thought up and then I have to write it down, sometimes the whole thing at once, other times the outline. If I don't do that immediately, it vaporizes. I still haven't gotten to the part where I can let it vaporize :-) although with time and frequency of writing comes the guts to say no to really bad things or precisely to try really bad things ... to see how it goes ... It's a great exercise for the mind and it brings you a little closer to yourself (no matter what you write about). Plus, I've learned a lot in a short while, improving on my English in a fun way. English is not my native language.
Would you write a fic if you didn't think anyone else would read it? No. I write original fiction too and I'd rather die than share that with anyone. Fic is great because there's that impulse you give into and you know there's an audience for it, that's what makes it so exciting to do. Write, post. There's a fast way to get rid of it, that's the only thing that matters ...
I'm sure that comments are truly valued and appreciated when you don't insult or point out things we can all see (a sad and cruel thing to do in public). We all have to learn, nobody here is the summum of style or great writing *every* time. It shows a lot about yourself when you're decent enough to try and establish some kind of e-mail relationship to help an author out. Personally, I'm very stubborn and I've never once listened to advice on how to write. It might not be a good thing but I can't help it. I think it's important to let people grow at their own pace, that means letting them make their own mistakes ... until they crumble and start begging for advice ;-) I'm slowly getting to that point ...I can get very angry when I read comments that may be justified but are delivered in such a way, so as to humiliate. It's not helping anyone.
I always think it's a lot braver to post a story (let's not take writing for granted) and make a few (or a lot of) mistakes than it is to write short, badly phrazed and hurtful comments. I think negative things should be said too, don't get me wrong. It's often how they're said that makes all the difference. If a reader/writer in this place can't comment in style ... enough said.