Fic progress

[valis2]

As usual, time restraints sharpen my swords, and the ginormous bloated thing I wasn't certain about writing for Snupin has revealed itself to have a simple, tripartate structure at its core that is making me jump for joy. Huzzah!

The daydreaming stage (the longest part of me writing anything) is at its end.

My ratio seems to be 4 parts daydreaming, 1 part writing, for just about anything.

What about you guys? What's your daydream-to-writing ratio?

Comments

[rinsbane.livejournal.com]

Totally depends on the fic. I have fics that spring into my head fully formed. These are among my favorites because the writing of them is equally easy. It's not the easiness that I like so much as the surety of them. These are the fics that I can feel in my bones, that I see rather than think up myself - it's all there, just waiting to be recorded.

I have fics that are the complete opposite, ones that I ponder for months, that taunt me, that slide out of my grasp both in idea and as I try to write them. I've got one of them right now. This is very rare. It's only happened once before. But that one is also one of my favorites because it seeped into my head over the months I thought about it. Not, however, one of the readers' favorites, and I suspect the current one will not be either.

Most fall in between, and I spend more time daydreaming about them than writing. I tend to be a quick writer once I sit down to do it. I'm more blah on these fics. I might like them, but they often slide in and then out of my consciousness once I've posted.

And then there are just the times when I have no time to write. Like now. So out of necessity I ponder fic, a few minutes at a time as I snatch them, rather than writing.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Y'know, I have fics that jump in my head, and then I dissect them and completely shred them into dust first, before writing them. It's a nasty habit. I just can't stop. I have this really overactive "Does this make sense?" bit of my brain that has to question everything a million times over.

So, on one hand I feel like I lose a lot of spontaneity. On the other hand, I'm usually very satisfied with what I end up writing, in a "making sense" sort of way. (Of course, I always see things I could change, but I have to stop myself and let it go at some point...)

Not, however, one of the readers' favorites, and I suspect the current one will not be either.

It is interesting, isn't it? Some writers can just tell. The fic I'm writing for snupin santa will be what the recipient asked for, but I doubt highly that it will be popular, simply because of the niche it must inhabit. And I've just given up entirely on receiving much feedback for my poetry; people in fandom don't seem to be interested. But I still write it, because that quick burst of creativity feels so good sometimes, you know?

And when I have no time to write---like lately---I have so many ideas that my head feels like it's going to explode. I really want to spend the next three months writing as much as possible, because spring is already booked solid. I don't know how much fic I'll actually finish, but the thought is there, at the least. *crosses fingers*

[rinsbane.livejournal.com]

Ah, yes, the dissecting fic problem. I don't do it because of the issues you mention. And if I think about it too much, it will be written in my head and then I see no point in putting it on paper. So if I get a great fic in my head but have no time to write, I put it out of my head until I can write it. Otherwise, I kill it by thought. Heh. I make it sound like I have a lot of self-control. Nope. What really happens is that I hold out for a few days, a week, and then I saw, screw it, I'm writing, and no one's going to stop me! I get to breaking points where the need to write just consumes me, and I'm useless for anything else, lack all concentration. At which point I rationalize it and say, "If I just spend a day writing, get the fic out, then I'll make better use of my time otherwise because I won't be plagued by the need to write." Hah!

The poor niche fics. I know what you mean. You might not get many comments with such a fic, but the comments you do get will be heartfelt and more than the simple "I loved this!" (which is also terribly gratifying, don't get me wrong). In a way, knowing that you snagged a few people wholeheartedly can be more rewarding. I had this experience with my last fic posted. Although I got relatively few comments, esp coming on the heels of a well-received Snarry, I was thrilled with each and every one. The fic meant more to me, was a better fic, so perhaps the comments meant more. Also, my expectations were at that level - I mean, who wants to read about Andromeda Black Tonks? We don't even know her!

I can usually tell, long before I write it, what will be "popular." I know precisely what I would have to write and how I would have to write it to have a "hit," but that's not the kind of fic I like to write. Esp when it comes to Snarry. So I rarely write it. Because even though I post 100% for readers, for them to tell me, "yes!" I really do write for myself (ok, and maybe my adored beta, [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com]). It gives me pleasure. But then, I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with my Snarry fic in general, so it's not a good example. My style of writing isn't well-suited to writing Snarry because there's so much anger there, and for it to ring true, you have to deal with that. But I write quiet, (hopefully!) understated things, or so I flatter myself, which doesn't suit Snarry. Yet the dynamic fascinates me, so I keep coming back to it.

Heavens, I'm running on here! As for your poetry, I suspect you're right about fandom. Was it fandom poetry or poetry unrelated? But your reasons for writing it are golden - they're what keep me writing as well. I personally don't appreciate poetry properly as a class of literature. There are exceptions - 3, as a matter of fact. Neruda, the Song of Solomon, and Sufi poetry as a class. Other than that, it's a rare poem that catches my eye. I suppose I'm hopelessly wedded to the narrative form, alas. Poetry takes more work to read - and perhaps to write. You're packing more into shorter phrases. It deserves more attention.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

The poor niche fics. I know what you mean.

Yeah, I know I'm going to adore writing this, but the audience will be fairly rarefied. Still, I think the recipient will really enjoy it. The fest organizer did a fabulous job of matching us, honestly. The recipient and I think a lot alike about what we like to read and write.

You're talking about the Bone fic, right? I have that on my To Read list, absolutely. I'm a bit behind right now, but I will eventually get to it. I adore myth/folktales/legends, and I'm eagerly awaiting some times so that I can savor it.

I can usually tell, long before I write it, what will be "popular."

Yeah, I often get that vibe as well. I have a few fics on the backburner in my head. One, I'm quite certain will have a few reviews at least, simply because its subject matter is popular. The other is gen, so I'll be lucky for a pat on the head from my loyal readers.

(PS: perverse_idyll totally rocks. And I just totally rec'd a fic you wrote to her, and it turned out she beta'ed it. ha!!)

Snarry really seems to be the pinnacle of writing in HP right now. A lot of great authors are writing HP, and there seems to be a sort of intelligentsia feeling about it...it's very interesting, because it's one of those pairings that a lot of people in fandom don't like.

As for your poetry, I suspect you're right about fandom. Was it fandom poetry or poetry unrelated?

It was fandom poetry. I adore writing it, it's usually a burst of energy, and I'm always happy afterwards. Of everything I've written lately poetry-wise, this Snupin set of haikus (http://community.livejournal.com/lupin_snape/429354.html) stands out the most in my mind. Oh, wait, I did write a Snarry poem (http://community.livejournal.com/lupin_snape/429354.html) as well, I've just remembered. Anyway, I love writing poetry, and I wish there were a more active set of poets in fandom. Oh, and don't think you have to click on the links, btw. ;) I'm a middling poet at best, honestly. It takes a lot of work to be a very good poet, as you say.

I really love Rita Dove...I think she's a brilliant poet, absolutely. And I love Margaret Atwood.

And I need to go to bed. At this point I'm just responding on auto-pilot. sheesh!

[rinsbane.livejournal.com]

Now it's my turn to respond on auto-pilot. It's not even late, just past 9:30 and I've just now stopped working, but I've been working since 7 this morning without more than a shower and eat break, and my brain is fried. I'm going to bed. But this is way more fun, so here I am first! *g*

I shall bookmark your poetry links for a time when I have a brain, thank you very much! I can't say for sure that I'll properly appreciate them, but have no fear that - that would inevitably be a lapse on my end rather than yours.

Snarry: I think that for several years it's been the second most popular pairing out there. Not really a new thing. I don't have an OTP, but if I were forced to pick one, that'd be it. I've been reading it for several years, and given a choice between two equally good authors, one writing a Snarry and one not, I'd start with the Snarry. But good writing rather than any one pairing is the key for me - I don't really understand people who only read one pairing. It's about the writing, so I'll read anything well-written.

Thank you for the rec, even to my beta! That made me laugh. It really does warm my heart to know that.

And yes, I was referring to the Bone fic. My Romi. I had to spend a bit of time getting to know her, but I did know her by the time I started writing, and it was a very easy fic to write once I started. I could see each scene as I came to it. No hurry to read, esp with Smutmas and other fests coming up. (yay!) Should you ever look at that fic, enjoy.

Apologies for the schizophrenic feel to this note. I'm off to bed. Sweet dreams!

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Am completely fried right now, but will attempt a comment...

The poetry was just a thought, don't worry about it. ;)

The Bone fic is totally on my list of THINGS I MUST READ OMG HELLS YES. So I will get to it very soon, after the "lockdown" of the rest of the week so that I can finish the snupin santa fic.

I sometimes enjoy Snarry...and sometimes not. I'm really only into adult!Harry Snarry, especially post!war.

Blargh. Must go to bed myself. *hugs*