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Post by ApplesnapOfStormclan on Oct 25, 2017 21:27:35 GMT -5
Im working on a fanfiction with new clans and everything. I rather learn the things I shouldn't do than what I should do.
(Note: I'm planning on making an evil medicinecat) Sorry if this is lame or whatever. Anything helps.
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Post by tiger beetle on Oct 25, 2017 22:06:42 GMT -5
general:
-OOC: since you’re making your own Clans, you don’t have to worry about matching the Erins’ characterization, but you still have to make sure your characters are consistent to themselves.
-pure good, pure evil: even villains who do irredeemable things shouldn’t be walking neon signs with the word EVIL, and even characters who are really good people make mistakes.
-too convenient: like, maybe The Stars Align to make sure every single cat in the Clan mistreats this poor little kit for no apparent reason. Or maybe everyone Just Knows the prophecy kit is special, even without knowing they’re the subject of a prophecy. That kind of thing. Characters should be more than simply plot devices.
-magic knowledge: it may seem obvious to say that the characters only know what the characters know, but it’s an easy trap to fall into when writing to think, “Aspentail is evil, so Reedpaw stays away from her.” Maybe Reedpaw does think Aspentail is evil, but he shouldn’t just magically know who the villain is, unless he has a reason to think it. Again, it seems obvious, but it’s easy to forget when a character doesn’t know something you as the writer know.
-letting readers know too much or too little: don’t reveal the mysteries/etc. too soon, or you’ll lose the ability to create suspense. However, things shouldn’t come out of left field.
-describing too much or too little: don’t be overly ornate with your description; provide enough details for the reader to visualize the scene, but don’t go overboard. If I have to read about Icenose’s glittering emerald eyes every time they make a new expression, I might forget they’re in the middle of kicking Sandstar off a cliff.
things that can be done well but the fandom is a little tired of them so I’m not telling you NOT to do them just saying they’re very common:
-forbidden romance: especially the main character.
-powers: we’ve (mostly) suffered through read POT and OOTS before.
-following a cat’s life from kithood to death’s doorstep: Bluestar’s Prophecy was fine and all, but it’s very common to begin with the birth of the main character and just follow their life story. Important parts of the character’s life should obviously show up, but begin and end in a way that benefits the story you’re trying to tell.
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Post by mintedstar/fur on Oct 26, 2017 2:02:01 GMT -5
I'll echo what was listed in the general section, with the edition:
If people often tell you you need to proof read (i.e. yeah, I'm talking about myself) and you still seem to miss things like grammar or spelling mistakes, PM or otherwise let others look through your work before you post it officially. This way you get an extra pair of eyes on your side.
And anything Holly (above user) listed in the 'things the fandom is tired of' can be broken if broken well. If you think you can add a new and interesting twist, that you know will impress, don't second guess yourself. Post it! The worst that can happen? You get writing experience and learn how to do it right the next time. Which is exactly what she told you in her post now that I reread it. Don't worry world, Mint's going to go to bed now before she falls asleep at the keyboard and becomes more of a fool.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 27, 2017 14:02:40 GMT -5
Avoid character stereotypes. Example: the beautiful damsel-in-distress is the main character's love interest; the big bully is the antagonist; the clumsy, go-get-'em character is the sidekick; the kind-hearted, sometimes unwise character is the main character. Research common stereotypes, and do your best to avoid them. Better yet, turn them "inside out" so to speak to get an opposite character. Big, tough, bully character? How about a big, brute character who wants nothing more than to smell flowers and watch butterflies? And so on.
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Post by ~Sapphire~ on Oct 27, 2017 15:53:11 GMT -5
Overdone tropes include the main characters being introduced as kits, prophecies about the main characters, the main character being 'hated by everybody'. Again, not saying these can't be used well, but if you're looking for originality that's not the way to go. And some people dislike improbable character names, like Emeraldpelt or whatever.
I'll agree with Mint, though - don't second guess yourself. An evil med cat seems like a pretty good start c;
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