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so, here's a writing tips thread because apparently we do that now:
1) if you're a beginner, the best way to get a feel for style and prose is to read a TON. Find authors you like, examine what it is you like about their writing, and think about how you would apply that to your own narratives.
2) pacing makes or breaks a story. it doesn't have to be all action all the time, but if you feel like you're getting dragged down with exposition, throw in funny side plots or underlying mysteries to keep the reader's attention
3) don't be scared away by literary rules from your english teachers. writing is an art form, not a science. want to break narration and address the reader directly? go for it. Want to do some crazy formatting? do it. all rule sticklers do is limit the art form.
4) no one actually knows how to use commas, and anyone who tells you that you're using too many or not enough is a liar.
5) pov is an excellent tool for story telling and can control the way that you distribute information to your audience, while also giving them understanding of the broader cast of characters--but in shorter stories, too much POV shifting can be confusing!
6) don't compare yourself to other writers, particularly in fandom spaces. it's something you enjoy, and the barometer for your success should not be stats, because at that point you're not writing for yourself--and it will slowly eat away at your enjoyment of storytelling.
7) when world building, it can be overwhelming to just draw a map from scratch and fill every blank in piece by piece. the world should grow from the story and it's needs.
one easy way to do it is to find one key story element and build your world around it. (cont.)
one easy way to do it is to find one key story element and build your world around it. (cont.)
for example, in one of my original works, I decided I wanted to create a country that was actually a floating island on the back of an enormous dragon, and I designed the country around that idea from top to bottom! it makes it feel unique and fleshed out.
8) Fanfiction is not the ugly cousin of normal books. Some of the most moving, well written pieces I've ever read have been on AO3, and some of the shittiest stories I've ever seen have been in barnes and noble. Your work, no matter what the original source is, is meaningful!
9) contrived love triangles have sunk many good stories. if you can make it work, i commend you, but it's a narrow plank to walk.
(if you don't like number 6, this is for you)
10) if you're frustrated because you like your writing style, but you aren't seeing the audience response you want to see: think about the audience you're writing to. hook them in with popular tropes before exploring your own ideas!
10) if you're frustrated because you like your writing style, but you aren't seeing the audience response you want to see: think about the audience you're writing to. hook them in with popular tropes before exploring your own ideas!
11) stories aren't like space shuttles, where one mistake means certain death. they're more like cars, and if it breaks down, you can usually just fix it by fiddling with the parts. if you notice a problem, do not panic, you will be fine!
12) there are times when criticism can be valid, but if the person is attacking you personally, it probably does not have much to do with you or your work!
13) don’t feel locked into one “tone” for an entire story. Happy stories can have sad moments, dark stories can make you laugh! Creating a range of feelings grounds the story!
14) not every scene needs to be described moment by moment (sex scenes sure 
) but in general, you control the pace at which time moves in your story. Feel like things are going slow? Fast forward that bitch, you’re the one with the remote!
) but in general, you control the pace at which time moves in your story. Feel like things are going slow? Fast forward that bitch, you’re the one with the remote!
15) there is no one correct way to write a diverse cast of characters, because nobody can really agree on that—but write your characters compassionately, make their identities present and distinct without letting it dominate their stories, and you’ll have something meaningful.
16) you’re allowed to write stories that have characters that don’t do the right thing. You’re allowed to write stories that don’t have healthy relationships. You’re allowed to write stories that don’t have happy endings. If people don’t want to see it, they don’t have to read it
On sex scenes:
17) realistic porn can be refreshing if you want a sense of realism, but porn doesn’t have to be realistic. We all know some of that shit just isn’t possible, but boy, do we love watching them do it...
17) realistic porn can be refreshing if you want a sense of realism, but porn doesn’t have to be realistic. We all know some of that shit just isn’t possible, but boy, do we love watching them do it...
18) consent is an undervalued and underrepresented factor in erotic fiction and we love, LOVE, to see it
19) if you refer to a man’s ass cheeks as “globes”, you will get bullied. I’m just saving you the heart ache right now.
20) adding emotional context to sex scenes instead of making them pure visual descriptions invests your audience more, and can heighten the tension
21) if you want to write an AU, the easiest way to make yours stand out is to combine tropes in unexpected ways. For example, a sugar daddy AU doesnt JUST have to be a sugar daddy AU, it can also be a coming of age story with a side of a “who dunnit” mystery!
22) if you want to use an idea you saw from another writer, but you’re worried it might be too close—always, always ask! It saves everyone involved so much stress.
23) all relationships in stories matter, not just romantic ones. Focusing on families, friendships, rivalries, they can make your world feel so rich and emotional, it’s worth the time to invest in them!
24) if you’re making an original character, substance doesn’t matter at first. Give that bitch an AESTHETIC, and the rest will grow from there—plus, dedicated song playlists REALLY do help.
25) fandom opinions / preferences =/= valid writing criticism, and just because someone doesn’t like your ship or the way you write a character does NOT make you a bad writer! It reflects on them, not you!
26) there really isn’t such a thing as “in character” or “out of character” portrayals in fan fiction. Did you write the original story yourself? No? Did any of you?
then it’s all out of character bc we have no idea what’s actually in the original creator’s head
then it’s all out of character bc we have no idea what’s actually in the original creator’s head
27) the only real cause of writer’s block is stress and disinterest, and the only real cure is to a) stop pressuring yourself and b) get excited about the story again. Re-read it, listen to music that makes you inspired! Go for long drives and talk to yourself. It’s all valid!
28) in writing, big, gory horror is not the most effective tool. Use subtle imagery and foreboding to make your audience go, “WAIT NO WHAT THE FUCK—?” two pages later when they realize the man is inside the house
29) “please update” comments should not pressure you. You command your own train. They are helpless mortals who can only stare at their screens and wait.
30) 99% of the time, your audience is bigger than you think. People are shy, but your work is being consumed, and it’s appreciated! For every negative comment you get, think about the reviews, kudos, and bookmarks that outweigh it!
31) if you are lucky and you do have a wide audience, never take them for granted! No one is obligated to give you a platform for your art, but they make it possible!
I’m going to leave it here and add stuff if I think of more. But notice that this was a lot of advice, but none of it was critical of other people’s work. That’s because it’s an art form, and advice is more than just criticizing stuff you don’t like.
Thank you!
Thank you!
