[Gaslight]

I admit that I'm one of those who "only read WIPs when they're finished" people. I tried to do it with several at the same time and I got my storylines mixed up. The time I spent trying to unravel the neuron tangle in the fic compartment of my brain told me that I should just strive for a linear reading process and not let all the traffic merge willy-nilly. Lately I've also restricted myself to short fics because that's all I have time for -- bathroom break size.

As for the "popular" authors, I haven't read many of the so-called "big names" because I tend to be a writer more than a reader. Also, these fanfic superstars crank out epics of such proportion that I lose interest early on or just can't see them through to the end because I get side-tracked by (horrors!) my own writing. I have stacks of things by the Theis sisters, Thundera Tiger, and even Scribe, but. given a choice between something fast and quick that I can fit into my schedule or something that I'll have to lug around with me for a month to finish it (I am a sloooooow reader), I go the easy route. I do want to eventually read these writers, if only to see what the fuss is about, but I have been so badly unimpressed by a couple much-vaunted fics that I'm leery of approaching anything with a huge reputation that proceeds it. Plus I am also more critical of such fics, if only to provide an ineffective counterbalance to all the huzzahs. But when an author doesn't lack for reviews, I certainly don't feel obligated to leave one of my own. I'd rather spend the few minutes typing up something for someone who would be surprised to see something in their inbox. I also tend to review others' fics in reciprocation if they review mine, unless they write a fandom that I don't know (and I know precious few).

I know by not reading as much as some, I run the risk of eventually repeating a plot or idea written elsewhere. Oh well, I can only hope that, should it ever happen, my style or certain elements will make it tolerable to read. There is so much fic out there that what some people have seen a dozen to a thousand times is brand new to others - like my ignorance that there was a preponderance of Boromir/Eowyn! I've read a Boromir/Arwen (speaking of fics abandoned!! Grrrr!!!! Author didn't even reply to my email if she'd continue with it!), but not with the White Lady.

[sindohte]

[Maram68]

[Lindorien]

Guilty of writing a couple of those...

Here is my technique for Big Long Fanfics --

I read the first page. If it doesn't grab me in the first page, or even the first paragraphs, it speaks not well for the rest.

Then I choose a chapter somewhere in the middle, at random, and start reading. This is to see if the quality of the writing is maintained, slips, or -- possibly -- improves.

Many writers cannot write an opening paragraph to save their lives, but once into a story do well.

Then I choose an end chapter and do the same.

If it holds up to all that -- then I will commit time to it.

Must admit, few longfics do hold up to all that.

But there are limits to how long a fic I will read. Some fics are just so long that I cannot help but think "Didn't Tolkien already do this?"

I also do not like to read WIP. For this reason, I do like the Beta stacks over at HA/HASA. I can read the WIP or still-tweaking stories and comment on them without fear that I am somehow committing to something.

WIP make me nervous in general, for I am not certain if I shall read a very long chapter and then the author will heavily edit that chapter and I will have to read it again. I also appreciate that authors like encouragement, but I further do not understand why one would ARCHIVE a piece that is not finished, nor why an author would post a piece in which the author knows not the endpoint, nor how long it shall be, nor what will happen in the interim.

That's a quarter's worth at least.

[Viv]

Hmmm... First, thanks to Arat for the nice stuff she said about my fic. It still shocks the hoohah outta me to find out that other people read what I scribble. And even sometimes enjoy it. (Weee!)

Now on to a couple of other observations...

I personally don't know any fic "gods" and I don't expect to. I only know one fic writer who is also a published and acclaimed professional fiction writer. The rest of us doodle; hell, even that person uses fic as a doodle, to take her mind off of more stressful writing. If someone out there is using a 600-review count to imagine she's Margaret Atwood, well, that's kind of embarassing. For her.

By the way, could you point out a few, um, "fic gods"? Not the one you're upset with, but just in general.

And regarding reviews... they are really nice. I've had a bad morning or two, and then I come into work and see a pressie in my inbox telling me that someone on this planet thinks I deserve to be here. It's nice. It isn't mandatory, of course, and I'd hate to think anyone felt pressured into leaving me reviews. So, if you feel pressured, please don't. It's all okay.

Oh, and I generally don't reply to every reviewer. Is that horribly rude? I mean, I don't send out thank-you cards to my family after christmas, either. I'm just that kind of awful person. But do reviewers feel snubbed if they offer a beautiful review and don't hear back from the author? If so, I'll surely make a better effort to follow up in the future. I just didn't realize...

[Viv]

[Lindorien]

[Gaslight]

[daw]

I rather like reading WIPs. Reading that way is how I get around the feeling that I don't have time to read something long. I just do it a bit at a time.

Also, IMHO, the only reason not to read something is that you don't enjoy it. Automatically ignoring stories with lots of revews or none, stories that very long or very short, or whatever else means that we miss some things that might give us pleasure.

And finally, I've been pondering what might be happening when I like an author's style less in a later story than I did in an earlier one. In RL, I teach writing to college students and when they try to do something that is new for them, their writing often gets worse before it gets better again. I think that some authors who have already written well are probably experimenting with new ways to write. Maybe they're trying to be more descriptive and are going overboard at first, or they're creating a more elaborate plot and it's getting out of control. I admire them for their willingness to stretch a little and am conscious of my own tendency not to.

And since this thread is about recommendations, I recommend anything by Teanna. She is archived at HASA and at ff.net. She writes young Legolas stories that are among the best I've ever seen and they are mostly short, so they won't take you too long to check out.

[Gaslight]

[Hobmom]

I write for myself, too. If I don't write it's like half of my brain shuts down. It's very cathartic and helps me get my thoughts in order.

But it is nice to get feedback

Sometimes I'll write something and think it is the best thing I ever did and then nobody says a word and I wonder about my own jugment. Did it really stink? Do I have a clue about what I'm doing?

It is hard for some to review fics or even find the time to do more than write their own much less read everything that's out here.

But those of us who can read more and can handle writing just a brief review can really make an author's day by saying something positve or helpful about their story.

[Aratlithiel]

Damn! I keep hitting the 'New Topic' button instead of the 'Add Reply' one and then have to start over!! *learning slowly*

VIV - I just want to make it clear that I did not feel the least bit of pressure to read your fic. and my praise of it was sincere. I logged on & saw that mine had a rev (from you) and lo and behold! yours was right under it so I thought I'd take a look. It truly was excellent and I meant every word I said and when I have the time, I intend to further investigate your work.

Yes, I do tend to go and read an author who has given me a review out of courtesy, but I've often found gems unlooked for in the process. That's often how I find authors I never would have run across otherwise. When searching for fic., I generally search on 'Frodo' and read anything promising that pops up. Since I would not ordinarily search on 'Aragorn' I would have missed your fic. entirely and would not have the promise of more good things to come.

As far as fic. 'gods' goes - I happen to be a huge fan of Willow-wode's who is pretty well-respected in the fanfic world and also happens to be a very nice person. I'm sure she wouldn't consider herself a 'god' but she happens to be one of those authors who has a very staunch following and an over-flowing inbox who still makes time to respond to the commentary she gets. And I will be honest and tell you that had she not responded, I not only would not have become friendly with her, but I probably would have eventually stopped commenting on her work.

There are other 'gods' to whom I've sent thoughtful, in-depth commentary from whom I never heard back and thusly, I have not only stopped commenting, but have lost interest in them as authors. I hate to make it a personal issue and it's probably a shallow thing to admit to, but I have a difficult time enjoying the work of someone I can't help but think of as arrogant.

As Viv says, it may well be that some authors just don't realize that their readers might feel this way and it doesn't occur to them that sometimes a quick acknowledgment is not only appreciated, but expected. I acknowledge that I may be being unfair, but when my time is limited and I have a choice between reading two equally talented authors, one with whom I regularly correspond and one who doesn't even acknowledge my existence, I tend to go with the more friendly one. Lucky for me, I started reading and reviewing before I started posting and so adjusted to the whole 'thank you' thing before I got too deep.

And on a side note, I met Ariel because I sent her a thank you note for a rev she gave...something of mine - what was it again? Can't remember. Anyway, I wrote her a thank you note, she wrote me back, I wrote her back again, and before we knew it, we were co-authoring and meeting for dinner. Good things can happen when you review and also thank your reviewers.

But, personally, as far as OS goes, it seems to me that this is a small enough community so far that thank-you's or no, we'll all see each other on the boards eventually so I doubt any hard feelings will erupt over it. You never have to thank me, Viv - I know you care

[Scribe]

Exactly who are these 'Fic Gods' - I know Thundera Tiger is one, Camilla Sandman definitely but who else? I know I consider myself one of the fringe dwellers, sort of like Lady Allysa, well known only to those who read her stuff. But who else? I'm curious to know.

[Aratlithiel]

Well, I do apologize for not being specific, Scribe, but I hesitate to name names in a derogatory fashion on a public board. I've mentioned one in a complimentary sense and that's all I'm willing to be specific about. I hope you understand. I'm not trying to be annoying, just discreet.

[Scribe]

Actually I asked not in the capacity of naming names but rather who are the popular fan fic authors in the LOTR fandom actually but I understand if you don't wish to name names.