Tonks love! And If you're going to tell me I suck, send evidence

[mhalachai]

First off: Tonks love! theregoesyamum has a great character profile up on Tonks: The Deconstruction of a Miss Nymphadora Tonks. In which Gun goes into the character, how Tonks is smart and blunt and fallible and real, and then the writer backs her shit up with evidence. Good times.

Second: You know, if you don't like what I'm doing in my stories, tell me. But give me evidence and specifics, not just "yeah, this licked, you hack." I'm willing to take criticism as much as anyone, but give me a hand and make it constructive, KTHNX.

PS No one actually said that my writing licks, or called me a hack. I'm paraphrasing.

Comments

[shopteacher-guy.livejournal.com]

I have to agree with Watcher, I don't always like what is happening to the characters in the story, and yes they do whine a bit (A BIT?!?) just like in the books.
BUT!
That has nothing to do with the quality of the writing. Harry and Anita are going through some changes and with change comes uncertainty. The fact that we are discussing Harry, Anita, Nathanial, Jason, Ron, etc, etc, like they are real people says something about the power of both the cannon authors and Mhalachai's (your) work. Truth be told I really needed chapter 63,with it's wonderful fluffy bits, more on account of where I am personally than anything else, because the heavy chapters were so well written it was piggybacking on my personal angst. The fact that I am still VERY interested in this story after this much time is quite a feat, there are only a few writers on the web who have done that, I think you are one of the best.
If you wonder "Why do I do it?" because of a few nay-sayers (we call them butt-heads around here) please listen to the majority of us who scramble to be the first to post after a new chapter, who sit at their computers at work and at home going "oh my god, oh my god, oh my god" when things get hairy in Inevitable-ville knowing we are getting odd looks from co-workers, parental units, and partners. Relax, we like you, we really like you (and your work)
Heck, take a look at the number or responses you get after you post a chapter..... HELLO.... rabid fan-base here!
If you are just touching base to make sure you are still on track.. fantastic, if you are feeling any doubt about your work, please stop it!...right now.... stop... now...
Write another chapter, post it, then watch how fast the comments pile up, people putting in their 2 cents worth about plot, favorite characters, ships, and so on... (see how I ask for an update sooner rather than later, but make it look like I did it because I care about your well being.... clever that)
Sorry, got carried away there.

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

That has nothing to do with the quality of the writing. Harry and Anita are going through some changes and with change comes uncertainty. The fact that we are discussing Harry, Anita, Nathanial, Jason, Ron, etc, etc, like they are real people says something about the power of both the cannon authors and Mhalachai's (your) work.

I am aware I put a bit too much thought into the characters, but I think any writer is slightly detached from reality :) Anyway, they're all well-rounded multi-dimensional characters with issues, which makes it easier to understand motivation and all that.

The fluffy bit... heck, I needed that too. If I had to write angst for another chapter, I might have imploded. The level of angst is actually why I can't write much Switchback these days. It's too much, all the time. Depresses me like no tomorrow.

Heck, take a look at the number or responses you get after you post a chapter..... HELLO.... rabid fan-base here!

I always wanted to give people rabies.

if you are feeling any doubt about your work, please stop it!

Not sure I can do that, and here's why -- I think any artist who's getting constant feedback should always be questioning how their work is being received. There's the fine line of "I'm doing this my way" and "I should do what people want me to". I am aware that I'm still growing as a writer, and if someone wants to take issue with how I'm writing, power to 'em. The day I decide that I don't need to listen to anyone as I am *perfect*, I invite someone to slap me.

[shopteacher-guy.livejournal.com]

I am aware I put a bit too much thought into the characters, but I think any writer is slightly detached from reality :)
I can't comment on how much you put into your work, however your characters are rich, so I don't think it's "too much"
I always wanted to give people rabies.
And I'm foaming at the mouth right now.. oh wait, that's just my afternoon late'

I am aware that I'm still growing as a writer, and if someone wants to take issue with how I'm writing, power to 'em. The day I decide that I don't need to listen to anyone as I am *perfect*, I invite someone to slap me.

I was just worried you were in the middle of writing something heavy, then read someones comment that brought you down. Sort of like what happens to Harry and Anita on a daily basis, a throw away comment sends them spiraling down into angst and funk... that's all.

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

I was just worried you were in the middle of writing something heavy, then read someone’s comment that brought you down. Sort of like what happens to Harry and Anita on a daily basis, a throw away comment sends them spiraling down into angst and funk... that's all. Don’t mention it, every word is absolutely deserved. :)

I have three stages of grief when it comes to scathing comments:

1. Cry. Think I'm a horrible writer. Consider removing my stories from the internet. This lasts about 5 minutes.
2. Defiance. I don't suck, they suck! I'm amazing and awesome and know best! How dare anyone question me? This lasts longer, sadly, up to a day depending on the criticism.
3. Acceptance. Every comment has a point, and I need to look at those points objectively. All commentary is welcome.

And then I'm fine again :)

[shopteacher-guy.livejournal.com]

Ok,
I think you are a great writer, and am enjoying the heck out of this story. I hope I get some time to write myself this long weekend.
Work has been sucking the life out of me.. every night this week I have stayed after to spray guitars... (I teach a guitar building class)