The Art of The Review

If fan fiction were its own nation, reviews would be the currency.

The above statement is one I would venture to guess almost every author (and probably reader) of fan fiction could agree with. Writers love it when readers leave them a review at the end of a chapter. After all, what human doesn’t like to receive some type of acknowledgment after working hard on something? Reviews are a way for authors to know what people loved, what they hated, what stuck even after the chapter ended, and whether or not the plot bunny in question will carry out like the Energizer rabbit or fizzle away relatively quickly.

Unfortunately reviews are also a way for authors to get hurt, to lose motivation, and sometimes they’re one of the driving factors in an author choosing to pull and discontinue his or her story.

I don’t claim to be an expert on this topic by any means, and I’ll be the first to admit I’m still relatively new to the whole fan fiction game (I only started posting a year ago). I have been told, however, that I write good reviews that critique without being cruel and that offer praise and suggestions when applicable. That being said, I was more than happy to volunteer to cover this topic. It also happens to be an area I’m pretty vocal about and that I sometimes struggle with as a writer (I think we’ve all wanted to throw our computers out the window after reading a scathing review).

When it comes to reviews, there’s the good, and then there’s the bad and the ugly (which I like to group together). There can be some good in a bad/ugly review, and some bad/ugly in a good review, but for the most part, when I think of reviews, a few common characteristics come to mind for each of these groups.

A good review…

Highlights what the reader liked. It doesn’t have to contain paragraph after paragraph of praises for the author, but if a certain phrase, scene, character, or moment struck your fancy, don’t hesitate to share that! Authors always know what they liked best about a chapter, but every time we click “post new chapter” we’re left wondering if readers will love what we loved or if they’ll completely hate everything we’ve written. I don’t believe in nor am I a fan of stroking someone’s ego, but it’s nice to know that the time spent writing meant something to someone outside of our small writing bubble.

Critiques, but does so in a constructive manner. I’m sure we’ve all read (and some may have even written) a scathing review in which the author gets chewed up and spit out over grammatical errors, portions of the plot, a character’s features, or another detail from the story. I understand and love the fact that everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, but there is a respectful way to deliver that opinion, even when it isn’t a positive one. Rather than saying something like, “This Bella is such a spoiled bitch and if I were Edward or any other male character in the story I’d run far, far away,” a reader could say, “Bella hasn’t exactly been the poster child for respect when it comes to how she treats Edward. I wonder if he’ll stay with her or if he’ll end up leaving?” Delivery is just as important as content when it comes to reviewing, and good reviews are delivered in a tactful manner. 

Reviews the story, not the author. Making comments on a writer’s style and skills is one thing – reviewing the author’s character is entirely different. They’re not common (thank goodness!), but I have seen the occasional review that gives a rundown on the author’s character but pays no mind to the story itself. Perhaps an author has made a comment on Facebook or Twitter that you don’t agree with, or they replied to a review in a less-than-tactful manner. It’s okay to be upset, it’s okay to want to say something to them, but there is a time and a place where that is appropriate, and it’s not in the review section. A large number of fan fiction authors are also set up on some social networking site, and can be reached privately there to discuss wrong doings. In addition, popular sites such as FanFiction.net and The Writer’s Coffee Shop provide readers with the option to send authors private messages (PMs) if they choose to. The fandoms are a place where people come to enjoy something they love, not a place to foster judgment and hate. Readers and writers alike are responsible for keeping things that way.

Is passionate. Did a particular part of a story or a scene in a chapter leave you feeling incredibly happy, sad, angry, or excited? Tell the author that! If a piece of writing can elicit strong emotions from readers, it means the author is doing something right. Readers are very quick to tell an author what he or she is doing wrong, but it’s a far less common occurrence for us to hear when we’ve done something that really left a mark. As always, classy review is better than a trashy one, and being tactful in your delivery is a good thing.

A bad/ugly review…

Is filled with one rude sentiment after another. Spending twenty minutes writing a review that tells the author how terrible the plot is, how the characters are all stupid/dull/stereotypical/any other irritating quality, how the author’s update schedule isn’t what the reader wants, etc. etc. is not only rude, but it’s also not tasteful at all. Just because someone posts their work and puts everything out there does not mean readers have the right to be disrespectful. If you’re filled with that much hatred for a particular story, perhaps it’s best to simply stop reading.

Is written with the intention of hurting the author. Wait, what’s that you say? You don’t like a particular author? You don’t like the person who betas a story? So what? Move on! Don’t spend your time composing a deliberately nasty review simply because you dislike the individual behind the story. Find a different story to read or connect with an author that you do like. By composing a vile review, you’ve done nothing but caused an author to waste a minute reading the review and another five or ten minutes stewing over it, and you’ve wasted your own time that could have been spent doing something more constructive or enjoyable. There are thousands of stories from hundreds of fandom’s out there to read. Why spend even a minute being callous when you could be busy falling in love with one of them?

Are demanding. Telling an author to “please update soon” is one thing. Demanding that they “update or I won’t read this story anymore” is completely bogus. Fan fiction authors write for free. They take time out of their schedules (some of which are already jam packed) to work on and post stories that readers can enjoy. They aren’t required to post a specific number of words or chapters at a set frequency. Each and every one of us has a life outside of the realm of fan fiction. Authors and readers are also students, professionals, parents, husbands, and wives, and have daily activities to attend to. Be patient. If you’re curious about the status of a particular story, send the author a message or a tweet. If you feel like you just can’t wait anymore, put the story on alert, add it to your list of fics to be read in the future, and move on to the next piece. Providing an author with nonstop proverbial kicks in the ass usually does not have a positive or desired effect on the story.

Tells the author how to write the story. These reviews may very well be some of the most infuriating ones authors have to read. Our stories are like our babies; we all work hard to craft a set of characters and a plot line that we can fill with scenes and situations our minds dream up. To have a reader come along and tell us that something should have happened a different way or that two characters should not be in a relationship with one another is the last thing we want to hear. It’s even more difficult to stomach it when the reviewer has never written anything of his or her own. In a perfect world, everyone who wanted Joey to end up with Dawson could have pushed a button on his or her remote to hand-craft an alternate ending. Unfortunately that was not how the writers of Dawson’s Creek wanted things to come to an end, and it was their story to tell, not the audience’s to write. Be respectful of the creativity people choose to share with you. And if you really want to see a fic where Bella ends up with Jacob and Edward falls off a cliff … open your word processing program and start writing! The fan fiction universe is an ever-expanding one, and we’re always happy to accept new writers!

This list could go on and on, and I’m sure that some of you will have more to offer up down in the comments section on the post. But for those who are new to the game – or even those who are seasoned veterans – I think this is a good place to start.

Reviews are a touchy subject for most, but they don’t always have to be. With a little time, attention, and some TLC, readers can craft reviews that not only express their thoughts on a story, but also provide the author with some constructive criticism, and maybe even include a few humorous points as well!

I’ll leave you with my definition of the “3 R’s”: read, review, and most importantly, respect.

Happy reviewing!

Author: Nikki Storebo, Guest Blogger

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Beta 101: How to be a Beta

Of all the inboxes, on all the sites in all the world…she walked into mine.

Okay, so maybe my adventures as a beta didn’t begin so dramatically. But narratives without drama are like 50Shades of Grey without the Twilight references…they just don’t work.

           

My life as a beta actually began quite by chance. I read a story, and the more I read of the story the more convinced I became that the author was really onto something, if they could just push themselves to write outside their comfort zone. In a move that was very uncharacteristic for me, I sent the author a private message that was brutally truthful, pressed send and prayed I wouldn’t find myself on the receiving end of a flame worthy reply.  To my shock her response was positive. Becoming her beta was such an organic process that it’s hard now for me to remember who asked whom, but it doesn’t really matter – the result was still the same. We agreed, tentatively, to begin the process together and I’ve never looked back.

It feels like ages since that initial email but, in reality, it’s only been a year. In that year I’ve learned so much. Working with Sam (yeah…that Sam) I’ve learned a million big and small things – how to support someone else’s dream, how to push someone to a level they didn’t think they were capable of and a lot about myself as a writer. It has been one of the single most rewarding experiences of my life – and I’ve gained a lifelong friend in the process.

So, now that all the mushy stuff is over, let me share with you what I’ve learned about being a beta.

1.    You’re  a beta…not God

You’d be surprised at how many people get the two confused! Working with an author, it’s important to remember that at the end of the day the creative direction of a story, the vision for what it’s going to be, is theirs alone. You can assist, cajole, challenge and support but you cannot do it FOR them. In the beginning of our beta partnership I’d return Sam’s stories chock full of red corrections. Corrections aren’t wrong (if you’re betaing for someone with grammar issues PLEASE markup that manuscript! Friends don’t let friends post crappy work), but my corrections went beyond grammar and punctuation. I would change whole passages to fit what I felt was the best way to write the story. Sam and I think similarly so it didn’t cause many problems but eventually I had to learn to trust Sam’s voice – let her tell the story. My job wasn’t and isn’t to tell the story for her, but to help her see the areas that can make her story better – and then let her do the work. In the end, as a beta, your influence on the story should make it a better version of the author’s own voice. It shouldn’t sound like you.

2.    To Thine Own self Be True

I’ve received many requests to beta. When I receive them the first thing I do is research the author’s work. There are some things I don’t feel comfortable or capable of betaing (graphic violence, slash, incest, rape or thriller/mystery/murder). If the author leans toward these things I politely decline the invite and, if I can, direct them to someone else. Is it because I think I’m better than them? Absolutely not – it’s because I know myself and what I’m capable of. I can’t help an author write a great violent scene because my brain doesn’t work that way. 

As a writer I want to see other writers do the best they are able to do. If I don’t believe my influence will accomplish that then I do them and myself, a disservice to accept the beta request.

If you’re going to beta, you have to know your limits.

3.    Manage Expectations

There are some authors who want to post four times a week. There are some writers who want you to return their story with edits inside of 24 hours. There are some authors who expect you to SPAG their work (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) but leave the content alone and some authors who expect you to comment on the content of their story. Not being clear on the author’s expectations, and yours, right out of the gate can doom the beta relationship to failure before it even begins.

 I was very fortunate to beta for someone who, like me, has a very busy life. She was happy to get the story back whenever I was finished with no real urgency or pressure. And if she did need something in a specific time frame she was very good about letting me know when she sent it so I could plan accordingly.

Managing expectations also means understanding the writer you’re working with. If you beta for a 15 year old whose first language isn’t English you have to make allowances for that. You can’t read a love story written by a first time teenaged writer and expect it to read the same as something from a 40 year old seasoned writer. Challenge the author but make sure your expectations are realistic.

As easy as it was with Sam and me, I’m fully aware that many beta relationships fall apart based on unmet expectations. For that reason I recommend that anyone deciding to beta get all the expectations out on the table before making a commitment to the partnership. Determine (and put it in writing if possible) how often the author expects to post, what turnover time they expect for editing and exactly what kind of editing  they want. And once those expectations are laid out do your very best to stick to them. If they have expectations that you don’t feel comfortable meeting then be clear and upfront about it. It’s sometimes an awkward conversation but it saves a lot of headache and hassle in the long run.

4.    Don’t bite off more than you can chew

I have been very guilty of this. I was honored when someone asked me to beta. I have a beta for my own stories and I know the reason I have him (shout out to @DwynArthur) is because I have immense respect for his skill in storytelling. To have someone see me that same way felt good – really good. Good enough that it became harder and harder to say no. Being the regular beta for two people was okay (I beta for my beta…I know…weird), and even the third person was a stretch, but not impossible. However, after the third person I took on I tried to take on a fourth – bad idea.  I ended up unable to help the way I planned, had to direct them to someone else and there were hurt feelings all around.

When you beta for someone the work can often be time consuming. If they are working on multi-chaptered fics or some stories require more attention than others you can find yourself spending more time betaing than you do writing your own stories or realize that you aren’t giving as much time or energy to each authors story as it deserves.

Every author deserves your best effort and you can’t give your best effort if you’re stretched too thin. There are going to be times when the difference between being a good beta and a great beta is as simple as three words – no thank you.

Learn from my example – don’t bite off more than you can chew.

5.    Zip Your Lips

I wouldn’t think that this point was necessary but I’ve heard some horror stories that make me feel obligated to mention it.

When you become a beta there are times that an author will share with you the direction they see their story going, potential story lines they’re working on and/or outlines for sequels. In the world of fan fiction there are many storylines that have been used and re-used, even so, when the person you beta for shares story ideas with you it is your responsibility to keep those ideas to yourself. By bringing you into their creative process they trust you to maintain confidentiality and when you share ideas that aren’t yours with anyone outside of that partnership it can carry the sting of a betrayal.  Even if you are sharing it with someone you trust, or someone you think the author would benefit from interacting with, you should never do so without express permission from the author.

6.    A Steady Diet of Cotton Candy…Only Gives You A Toothache

Compliments are nice, but as writers we cannot live on a steady diet of “that was awesome – don’t change a thing!” If you’re asked to beta for someone who doesn’t agree with that…RUN!!

There is one thing you have to be able to do if you’re a beta, one of the most important things in my opinion. If you’re going to beta then you have to be comfortable with telling the truth…the whole truth, even when it’s not the prettiest truth in the world.

Everything that the author gives you, no matter how good of a writer they are, isn’t going to be Pulitzer worthy. Sometimes they’re going to send you work that is (as I term it) lazy writing. Sometimes they’ll give you stories with plot holes as big as Texas and sometimes the work may be all around bad (harsh? Yes…but ask any beta and they’ll tell ya it’s true). So what do you do when that happens? Some would say that you just point out the good stuff, correct some of the bad stuff and wish upon a star that they’ll get better. I don’t agree with those people. Real writers who get real betas want real critique. Real critique – positive, encouraging, honest and effective – makes us better writers and isn’t that what we all want?

As a beta it’s tempting to throw a bunch of feel good words at the author but sometimes you have to call a spade a spade. If there is a plot hole it’s your job to point it out. If one of the characters is lying flat on the page, it’s your job to point it out and help them bring life to it. If their grammar rivals a first grader…yep, you guessed it; it’s your job to point it out. It’s scary at first, but if they came to you then they trust your judgment and appreciate your insight.

There is an amazing author who sometimes critiques my work (he shall remain nameless but I think he knows who he is). In the beginning I’d read his critique and to be honest, it stung – more than a little bit. He told me what I did right but he also told me what I did wrong (I hate being wrong). But as hard as his words were to take, his advice is something I carry with me into every story I write. It felt like swallowing rainwater at the time, but it made me a better writer.

  

One of the most amazing things I’ve ever read from Sam (and she’s written a lot of amazing stuff) was a very emotional scene. She sent it to me with her usual message “Dear Dee, This is awful, I hate it…you probably will too” or something along those lines. I didn’t hate it, but I knew she could do better. I sent it back to her with a little direction but no words of my own added. I was blunt and honest. I told her what was working and what wasn’t and refused to let her accept less than she was capable of. It was a hard conversation. I think she must have re-written and re-sent that scene at least five times. At one point I thought we’d both pull our hair out, but when all was said and done I read the scene and literally cried – it was just that beautiful, and I know that she was proud of what she was able to accomplish.

There are probably a million more tips I could give you on being a beta but I think I’ve pulled on your ear long enough. The last thing I’ll say is this, the relationship between a beta and an author comes in many different forms, but no matter how you find them or they find you I can only hope that you’ll be as lucky as I have been and that your beta partnership brings out the best, not only in the author, but in you.

Now it’s your turn. Tell us how being a beta or finding a beta has worked for you? Leave us your comments or tweet us at @BlogFanfiction.

Author: Dee Miles, Staff Blogger

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Writer's Block

12:00am: Reach for your third cup of coffee with shaking hands as you reread last paragraph you wrote. Notice you said the same idea twice and changed from Omni-present point of view to first person point of view and back again. You also notice that you have spelled the character’s name at least three different ways.

12:20am: After picking keyboard off floor, you attempt to correct mistakes but hit wrong key and translate entire story into Polish. When you try to translate it back computer locks up. Invent seventeen new curse words in less than fifteen seconds. Pray that Bill Gates gets severe pain all over his body as you find your word has dumped entire nights work.

12:45am: Assure Neighbors no one has been killed and computer “just fell” off table and bounced out the window. Power up laptop and take a valium.

12:50am: laptop finally boots up and you start trying to rewrite story.

 

1:45am: Curser blinks at you like the eye of a demon, mocking you, taunting you as it blinks its coded message that you haven’t written anything yet. The walls begin to close in and you feel the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Blinking, on and off, on and off, the words won’t come and the hum of the laptop seems to sound like a cruel evil laugh at your inability to even type one word. In desperation you search out the letters and type the word “crap” twenty-five time, each time pounding the keys harder and harder.

2:15am: banging head on desk idea pops into your head and suddenly you know you have the best idea ever for a story. Raise up to type, blood leaves head to quick you get dizzy and then the Curser catches your eye and all ideas flee under its mocking glair.

 

2:30am: No matter where you walk, the Curser seems to follow you, mock you with its blinking white eye. You turn from it, but the electronic hum seems to call to you, powerless to stop yourself you turn. The Curser has rearranged the twenty-five “craps” you typed into a giant hand giving you the finger.

 Your face begins to turn red as the temperature of your blood begins to rise. Your whole body shakes and you can literally feel your sanity begin to leave your body as you approach the laptop.

2:32am: The electronic hum begins to speak to you in a sarcasm laced voice, chanting, “The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy fence” over and over till the sound reaches a shrill tone that forces you to your knees, hands over your ears to block the sound. You reach the laptop and with every bit of strength you have left, you hurl it out the window with a shout of primal rage, screaming unintelligible words as you begin to dance the ancient dance of victory.

2:33am: The whole story pops into your head. You leap through the window shouting, “The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy fence”.

Author: John Page (@Moviepal), Guest Blogger

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