timepiececlock: (The Scientist _J/A)
timepiececlock ([personal profile] timepiececlock) wrote2003-03-20 06:43 pm

writing

I'm all weired out about my fic.

I mean, I adore that so many people had a positive response, but my personal reaction to it is just strange.

Usually when I write something, I read it over obsessively. Once I put it up somewhere, I like the novelty of going back over my own work as it is in that setting-- and the feeling of "Hey, my fic is up somewhere, and people are reading it." And the fics that I especially liked are ones I've reread often; if someone gives a very specific review I'll often reread in an effort to connect their review to specific elements of my writing, if I can.

But I haven't reread this entire fic even once. I reread sentences as I wrote them, even paragraphs, but once I had the pargraph done I moved onto the next, and then when I was finished I just put it directly up.

Since then, I've reread small portions specifically mentioned in comments, but I haven't gone over the whole fic, short though it is. Essentially, I've only read the completed work as it was being done.

I don't know why. Am I nervous because it was sex fic, and this was my first time writing that? But, half the fic I read is NC17 rated. So it's not outright squickiness. Maybe I'm squeamish because I'm the one who wrote it this time?

I dunno. But I'm torn... on the one had I wait anxiously for more peer response. On the other I want to forget I ever wrote it and never read it. Especially the graphic parts. I think I'm afraid that they suck, and everyone's just being overly nice to me, but you really all think that I'm such a total virgin and have no concept of sex--- and I'm afraid to go back and check to see that it doesn't suck, for fear that it will, so I end up clinging to your words and avoidihg the fic itself.

Except the end, after the smut. I've reread the last paragraphs a few times and I like those.

... I think I'm strange. Also, I'm one of those hypocrites who understands the value of criticism, but deep in my demon/otaku/fangirl/writer heart of hearts can't bear to hear it. I'd rather fix it all on my own.

It's why I tried having a fic beta-read once, and even though the lady who helped was a doll, I hated the experience so much that I didn't even read the second person's beta-response, and buried the fic entirely. That's one complete Spuffy thing that will never see the light of the web. I liked that fic when I finished it, but after one beta-read I was all "OMG it sucks sucks sucks!" and hid it away... then decided the process was too stressful, and to just edit stuff myself. I'm insecure; it's a flaw.
ext_10182: Anzo-Berrega Desert (Default)

Re:

[identity profile] rashaka.livejournal.com 2003-03-20 08:48 pm (UTC)(link)
Why, you're so correct. In fact, I demand you go read everything I've written! Now, this minute! On my journal page there's a link to it on the right. Or you can type my name into the ff.net search engine; you'll only get me as an option. :g: No one else there has anything like my name. I've got about 15 fics; I do one-shots and vignettes.

[identity profile] circe-tigana.livejournal.com 2003-03-20 08:53 pm (UTC)(link)
I love it when someone gets all authoratative on me :)

I'm going, already :)

Do you want constructive crit or a love in (since I'm sure I'll love them!)
ext_10182: Anzo-Berrega Desert (Default)

[identity profile] rashaka.livejournal.com 2003-03-20 09:13 pm (UTC)(link)
Hm... Constructive one the older stuff, simple like/didn't like on the newer ones--- they're still my babies. But if you notice any easily fixable glaring inconsistancies, tell me those outright.

My first BTVS fic was horrible. The writing/narrative didn't suck in and of itself, as it reflected my writing skills at the time, but the plot and characters... just total suckage. I'd just started watching at season six, and hadn't seen FFL reruns, and didn't know anything about Spike but wrote him anyway... 5 months later I went back, looked at in horror, and immediatley pulled it down for the utter crap that it was.