alt.tv.x-files.creative Interview with Tinka
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| Interviews by Fans | |
|---|---|
| Title: | not specifically titled as such |
| Interviewer: | Dee |
| Interviewee: | Tinka |
| 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 Tinka's Responses
I tend to think that the majority of my stories are written for myself. It sounds arrogant but is true. I've written two stories specifically for another person - who is also active here on atxc. I've never written a story that was so personal that I wouldn't post it (I have written fics so crap that I haven't posted them, but there you go). In fact, my "Kare Kare" fic remains one of the most personal things I have ever written - yet, I posted it within hours of completing it. Once it's out there, it's out there .. and people will never really know why I wrote a particular piece, anyway.
Would you write a fic if you didn't think anyone else would read it? *snorts* .. don't get me started on "feedback".. Feedback is a rarity these days and certainly not why I do it. I think of fic-writing as practice. I have been writing xfic for about 10 months now and I can tell it has improved the writing I do for a living. It's nice.
Constructive criticism is wonderful. I must admit that once I post fics to the public forum, that is it. If people dislike my stories - that's fine. I know what my weaknesses are and I love it when I get people writing to me to suggest improvements. Praise is good, and I get a nice fuzzy feeling when I get praised, but it's not going to improve what I write. Honestly, ficwriting is just .. ficwriting. It's not the focal point of my life and I know I'll never be nominated for a Pulitzer. Writing xfic is a nice outlet for stress and a good way to practice.