I have a slight issue. any advice?

[Espurr 449]

So. I've been writing a story on fimfiction for a bit and my first story was great. Then my second story... I'm still working on it, but it's not so great. More and more people are beginning to hate it. I'm thinking I should just get rid of it or something. I'm beginning to think that maybe I shouldn't be writing at all. Maybe I just need more practice? I don't know. But it seems my story may, according to them, have a few grammer issues and pacing issues. Grammer can be fixed. Pacing, well that's just how I write my stories. But maybe they're not as good as I thought they were. Any advice?

Edited June 25, 2014 by Star Ruby

[Ribbonfree 2,383]

Critique is critique, and if the majority of the comments on your stories are negative you really should consider stepping back and objectively examining your own style for shortcomings. 'How you write' is as much of a practicable art as drawing or what have you, you can keep the style that you have while shoring up things like diction, grammar, and so on. It's all about improving your style while keeping it your own, you know? So keep going at it for sure, but don't just dismiss criticism. You're writing for an audience, so your audience is a metric by which you should measure and evaluate yourself.

[Steve 290]

you cannot be afraid of criticism. its everywhere especially if youre making stories

 

dont stop writing just because people hate it

[Sir Xarthas VI 470]

What LypRis said. But if you need some actual help with the story, I can proofread it for you, see how it is and see where there are any mistakes or where there could be improvements. Just a thought

[Snow Frostflame 3,568]

well you came to the right Unicorn I have been writing Fan Fic's as well first of all to write a great fan fic you must be inspired i don't write unless i feel inspired off of something second you must have friends who will check your work i had my fan fic checked by 8 different people and third you cannot fear criticism if you think your fan fic is good then its good you don't need anypony else opinion to decide that if you truly spent hours maybe days and weeks brainstorming and writing then who cares if a few ponies out there don't like it i spent a third of a year writing my first fan fic

[SkyBound 829]

Just so you know , I have moved your thread to the Creative Resources section as you seem to be seeking input and advice on the general critique on your writings rather than posting a story.

 

As it has already been said, one cannot be a hesitant when it comes to receiving critiuqe, as it is a vital part of growing as an artist.  It is nearly a necessity to seek such input from others, as there are times that they will be able to pick up errors that you may have overlooked or were not able to distinguish prior.  However, the aim of such constructive comments is not to discourage and create in the quality of your work, but to help guide you in a direction toward improvement and build upon your work and skills.  You just have to maintain an objective outlook when it comes to critque, considering what you can from these remarks and apply them to future works.  Your readers do not wish to hurt you, but only want to see you grow so that they can enjoy more of your stories and writings in the future.

[DoctorMcCrimmon 132]

I have been writing for over two decades now in some form or another. And, I'm sure, you did in school, too. Look back on that, see how far you've already come. It'll help drive you to keep going. And, who knows? I've looked at stuff I did fifteen years ago, back in school, and thought "my! That's clever!" And I rewrote it in a more adult fashion. It'll give you practice fixing your work, while keeping it objective.

 

Heck, I look back on only a decade ago's work and /cringe/ from the typos in it! You learn as you go. Take the criticism to heart, but don't take them as bashing.

 

As Ms. Frizzle always says: "Take Chances, get messy, make mistakes!" It's the only way to grow. Try asking the reviewers for examples. For something they can concretely fix. For instance: "in chapter six, you skimmed over a whole part. It felt forced. Try adding details about what she's doing, about her surroundings." Would be a big help. I know I'm lucky enough to have creativity run in my family. So I already have those objective judges right at home (sometimes brutally!). But if and when you don't, you've gotta get it from outside sources. If a reviewer leaves a vague comment, PM them. Ask them for advice on how to fix it. They'll (usually) feel honoured you're taking their advice to heart, and proud that they were able to help somepony else improve themselves.

[Jeric 46,860]

You have a concern with pacing. Pacing can be controlled through dialog -- though some pantsers tend to run into issues frequently with that. Did any of reviewer mention scene length, or the lack of/over reliance on dialog? Do you plot or do story beats ahead of time, or hit the keys and go?

 

If you want PM me and link me. I'll take a look and let you know what I think. If you have MS word I can even do a structural edit with Track Changes so you can see first hand what to look for when you are drafting.

 

Also, how you write will change as you continue to find your voice. Listen to the reviews, and try to adapt.