#calmlb writing advice

[calmlb]

Hiya! Sorry if this is a weird question, but I am also a fic writer, and I got a comment the other day saying that the fic was "the most un-canon shit i've ever seen." How do you manage to write fics that actually make the readers happy? I can't write any romance without it being the most cheesy work on the planet. No need to respond if it's an odd question. Thanks.

OMG i am so sry that happened to you 😭💔🫂 comments like that are the worst bc they’re so unnecessary?? like

1. even if it was “uncanon,” this is fanfiction. you’re allowed to be self-indulgent or write things that would never happen in canon (←is that not literally the origin of fanfiction? 😭)

2. if you don’t like it, don’t read it! they chose to go a step further which is so uncalled for. you’re doing this for free & no one is forcing them to read anything

moving on from why i dislike those kinds of comments so much pfft, i can recommend tagging your fic as “out of character” or “self-indulgent” if you think it is, but honestly that type of person is hating just to hate

as for your question, i don’t necessarily write to make the readers happy. i always hope it will ofc! but i just try to write wtv I would want to see happen next— aka the softest or cutest thing i can think of while still being in character (even if that characterization is specific to an au, etc)

i don’t rly write romance, but when i was younger i felt like my writing could sometimes be overly… dramatic? cheesy? or unrealistic, so maybe try picturing the scene playing out irl or in a movie to help keep it from getting too unrealistic (that’s what i do at least :’))

other than that, it might not even be a problem with your writing… just a troll who felt the need to spread hate instead of just moving along

again, im so sry that happened to you, & i hope that it doesn’t discourage you from writing or sharing your writing 🥹🩷

[calmlb]

any way you could drop some writing advice? i love your fics sm

omg i'm so honored 😭 tysm for reading my fics!! 🥹 here are a few things that come to mind...

1. don't be afraid to write scenes out of order

if you’re feeling inspired to write something but you’re not at that part of the fic yet, JUST WRITE IT!! especially if you have writer’s block on a particular section. there’s no rule that says you have to write scenes in chronological order :)

2. picture how a scene would play out irl, especially when writing dialogue

this helps to make your dialogue sound more natural and figure out what details to include, such as body movements, expressions, the setting, etc.

3. cut exposition that isn’t necessary/relevant to the plot

this could include details like "he picked up his toothbrush and applied the toothpaste, then began to brush his teeth." unless that adds to the plot in some way, you can just say "he brushed his teeth, straightened his hair, and went out to the kitchen to make some breakfast." the second example is much less wordy and mundane, & moves the story along better

it could also include where you start a scene/fic. if it's not important to the plot to show the character getting ready for the day before going to work (where the action begins), cut it! just start when the character arrives at work, or when they’ve been at work for 2 hours, etc. readers will automatically assume that they got ready first, and again unless it's plot relevant, it can be boring & slow reading.

those are a few notes off the top of my head— but everyone has their own style & way of doing things so don’t let anything i say deter you from what you wanna do :’) i hope this was helpful tho!! 🩷🩷