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Last post by clouddancer 4 Sep 2008 18:23
I'm close to finishing this part of the story so i thought it might be easier for anyone who is interested in it if I let you know when I update it in the Archives.
Cheers Ebony.
P.S thanks for reading my story.
http://www.gatchfanfic.com/viewstory.php?sid=801
http://www.gatchfanfic.com/viewstory.php?sid=801
Ooohh!!! I loved the first part of this story. Now I have something to look forward to for bedtime reading. Thanks for continuing. 
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 12 Aug 2008 17:38
This is such a fascinating story, Ebony! I am really looking forward to see how this all turns out!
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 12 Aug 2008 20:16
Tj the rest is waiting for you to Beta, I'm onto the third part now.
This is a great good story Ebony! I'm caught! I can't wait to read the continuation!
Hi Everyone.
I did a major Opppssss (CONSEQUENCES) when posting the story I Accidently got 2 chapters mixed up and left them out. I had to try and work out how to fix it since i have never done that before!!! I'm so sorry for the error.
chapters 4 & 7 that I made the mistake with, and they have Condor parts in them too...aggghhhh
Originally posted by Ebonyswanne Hi Everyone. I did a major Opppssss when posting the story I Accidently got 2 chapters mixed up and left them out. I had to try and work out how to fix it since i have never done that before!!! I'm so sorry for the error. chapters 4 & 7 that I made the mistake with, and they have Condor parts in them too...aggghhhhFor me it worked fine Ebony! It was like two stories going on at the same time. It made it even more interesting to read. So no worries!
I'm so happy I get to read another one of your fics!
It was in the posting of Consequences... I missed two chapters!!! Agghhh I should know better than to post and keep an eye on a toddler at the same time. (I noticed the error when i went to post another chapter tonight.) The story is still being posted, but it took me ages to get it back in order on the websites.
They aren't approved in Archives yet, but they are up in Fanfic,net.
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4416243/1/Consequences
I might have misunderstood something in your previous post. Sorry if my last one sounded strange. Anyway, looking forward to reading your whole fic Ebony. Cheers!
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 13 Aug 2008 07:01
Don't worry, Ebony, I've made the same kinds of posting mistakes before. It's easy to do when you have a LOT of chapters, particularly if you are copying and pasting them over from ff.net. 
I'll be sure to look at your new chapters today!
I'll be sure to look at your new chapters today!
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 14 Aug 2008 14:26
Tell me about the copy and past thing!!! 
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 14 Aug 2008 14:34
Originally posted by Ebonyswanne Tell me about the copy and past thing!!!Well, I like to do a bit fo formatting in my fics (at the least, some italics and also underlining of chapter titles... that kind of thing). But if you try to import or copy/paste the file from MS Word it loses all of that stuff in the Fanfic Archives. For some reason (I'm not a techhy person at all so I have no idea why) if you copy the chapters from fanfiction.net and then paste them into the text box at fanfiction archives, then the formatting doesn't get lost. So that's how I post my fics at the fanfiction archives: I upload the docs to ff.net first and then copy them from there and paste in the fanfiction archives boxes.
Originally posted by Transmute JunI look forward to trying this "copy and paste from ff.net", when I finish the Guinevere sequel (someday...). I've always had to go through my MS word docs and put in a bunch of and to get italics to show in fics at the Archives, and it was tedious!Originally posted by Ebonyswanne Tell me about the copy and past thing!!!Well, I like to do a bit fo formatting in my fics (at the least, some italics and also underlining of chapter titles... that kind of thing). But if you try to import or copy/paste the file from MS Word it loses all of that stuff in the Fanfic Archives. For some reason (I'm not a techhy person at all so I have no idea why) if you copy the chapters from fanfiction.net and then paste them into the text box at fanfiction archives, then the formatting doesn't get lost. So that's how I post my fics at the fanfiction archives: I upload the docs to ff.net first and then copy them from there and paste in the fanfiction archives boxes.
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 14 Aug 2008 15:26
ITA, it can be tedious posting at the fanfic archives. And I'm not sure why the 'import' thing doesn't work either....
I haven't posted anything in the Archives for this very reason. The few times I've tried, it's only aggravated me. But maybe I'll try your trick, TJ, and see if I have more success. 
for the tip!
for the tip!
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 14 Aug 2008 17:52
Originally posted by Hinotori I haven't posted anything in the Archives for this very reason. The few times I've tried, it's only aggravated me. But maybe I'll try your trick, TJ, and see if I have more success.HTH! Hopefully we'll see you posting there, Hino!
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 14 Aug 2008 18:57
The error happened because it was from my original doc... usually I write the story in seperate chapters, but not this time I did it the other way around.
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 18 Aug 2008 18:16
Ok I have updated and its all sorted relating to the chapters...
Enjoy!! 
http://www.gatchfanfic.com/viewstory.php?sid=801
http://www.gatchfanfic.com/viewstory.php?sid=801
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 18 Aug 2008 19:28
Ebony, this truly is a wonderful story! I am looking forward to seeing where you are going with it!
Oh Ebony, such a good story! I really love how you are exploring all of these complicated relationships and making the conflicts live so fully between each of them. I can't decide how I am hoping it will turn out . . . even more so, I am excited to see what you will come up with next. Thank you for this great read. 
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 18 Aug 2008 22:19
I'll be posting more soon, I've only a little bit to do to tie up the ending for this part in my file.
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 19 Aug 2008 16:48
Thanks Meg its getting there...
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 19 Aug 2008 20:24
I've posted chapters 12 & 13 and they are approved in archives.
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 21 Aug 2008 23:52
I've just put chapters 14 & 15.
I have finished writing this part, I"m just waiting for the last chapter to be beta'd.
I've started typing the third story now Yay!!!
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 22 Aug 2008 06:36
Oh, you know how to wield that pokey stick! Is it a good excuse that my new computer came last night so I couldn't be online while DH copied over the hard drive from the old one? 
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 22 Aug 2008 08:08
So that is why we did not see you around much. I was beginning to wonder.
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 22 Aug 2008 08:58
Originally posted by clouddancer So that is why we did not see you around much. I was beginning to wonder.Yep! I am now the proud owner of a 24" iMac!
Originally posted by Transmute JunCongratulations TJ! Mac is cool!Originally posted by clouddancer So that is why we did not see you around much. I was beginning to wonder.Yep! I am now the proud owner of a 24" iMac!
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 22 Aug 2008 11:10
Congratulations TJ.
I guess your DH finally managed to convince you to go Mac again. I know you were discussing it while I was visiting.
Now I have to decide if I am going to go with a new laptop or if I should just update my hard drive and OS on the laptop I have now.
Ooooo...sounds nice! I was wondering where you were, too...I almost IM'd you...guess it's a good thing I didn't... 
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 22 Aug 2008 14:09
A new computer!!!
I bet that feels better than a new car!!!!
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 22 Aug 2008 16:09
Originally posted by clouddancer Congratulations TJ. I guess your DH finally managed to convince you to go Mac again. I know you were discussing it while I was visiting.Well, we were having debates. The final nail in the coffin for the PC was that I would have to use vista if I got a PC... I know Hino uses it, but Vista scares me. I've heard so many horror stories!!!
Thanks Meg! 
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 22 Aug 2008 16:11
Originally posted by Springie Ooooo...sounds nice! I was wondering where you were, too...I almost IM'd you...guess it's a good thing I didn't...Feel free to IM me anytime, Baybee!
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 22 Aug 2008 16:12
Originally posted by Ebonyswanne A new computer!!! I bet that feels better than a new car!!!!No. No it doesn't. But it's still fun.
Congrats on the new Mac, TJ!! 
Vista's not so bad - at least once you get used to it. It's just finding all those darn work-arounds (most of the ones I needed were for Adobe)! But it's really not the terror everyone thinks it is. When something wonky pops up, you just have to find the "techie talk" forums and they know all the tricks....
When was looking to buy the laptop, I almost went Mac because of Vista. But then I learned that Vista is going to be the OS MS will be basing their future releases on, and it's better to have Vista as the factory-installed OS rather than upgrade to it. So between that and the fact that my IT Guru is a pc guy, that was why I ended up going PC and Vista...
Vista's not so bad - at least once you get used to it. It's just finding all those darn work-arounds (most of the ones I needed were for Adobe)! But it's really not the terror everyone thinks it is. When something wonky pops up, you just have to find the "techie talk" forums and they know all the tricks....
When was looking to buy the laptop, I almost went Mac because of Vista. But then I learned that Vista is going to be the OS MS will be basing their future releases on, and it's better to have Vista as the factory-installed OS rather than upgrade to it. So between that and the fact that my IT Guru is a pc guy, that was why I ended up going PC and Vista...
Mazoltov on the new Mac, TJ. I am a Mac girl and welcome anyone to the fold (particularly those who return from the dark side . .um, I mean rediscover Mac after going 
and pc a while.).
It does take a bunch of time to get everything set up as you want it, but so much fun to do it too.
and pc a while.).
It does take a bunch of time to get everything set up as you want it, but so much fun to do it too.
Originally posted by Ebonyswanne I've just put chapters 14 & 15. I have finished writing this part, I"m just waiting for the last chapter to be beta'd. I've started typing the third story now Yay!!!Just finished reading them! This is such and intriguing series and has so many intricate twists and turns. I am caught up in the emotional journey and turmoil of all of them. Looking forward to next part. Truly an evocative read. Thank you.
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 23 Aug 2008 08:40
Originally posted by gogirl212 Mazoltov on the new Mac, TJ. I am a Mac girl and welcome anyone to the fold (particularly those who return from the dark side . .um, I mean rediscover Mac after goingWell actually, I've been Mac for a LONG time, When we got together, my DH was a Mac man (he even had worked at Apple) and I was a PC girl. But he fell to the lure of the games, and when we moved in together suddenly he was always on my PC for the games. He got me an engagement computer (like an engagement ring, but it was a computer) and he used it way more than I did! Since we got married 'my' computer had been the Mac and his has been the PC. So we have both. I can use both, I'm comfy on both, but I'm scared of Vista...
I think these days, it is good to be versed in both. When I used to freelance, the company I worked for usually provided a computer and more often then not, it was a PC. I can work on either, but at home, I prefer a MAC. I am not much of a gamer, except for CIV III which works just fine on my mac.
I like the idea of the "engagement computer"! Maybe for significant anniversaries, you can get significant electronics instead of paper, leather, etc.?
I use a PC, an XPS with Vista. I'm still figuring out Vista's quirks, and it also has the newest MS Office package, and the new Excel and Word are quite different, and (to me, right now) annoying. I use the older PC upstairs for fic-writing, because it has a comfy chair in front of it (and the version of Word that I actually understand), whereas the XPS is sitting on a coffee table and requires me to perch on the edge of a couch and lean over (which is what I'm doing right now).
The BF is pretty much a Mac guy now, and has his own Mac that I rarely ever use, but he uses the old PC upstairs to play games. I need to learn more of the "Mac" ways, as I keep hearing how much better they are. The XPS that I use was given to me by the friend that I do bookkeeping work for, because he's all Mac, all the way, now and doesn't want it anymore (lucky me!) and because it has Quickbooks installed on it.
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 23 Aug 2008 14:50
I wouldn't necessarily say that Mac is better than PC, but I've just heard so many scary things about Vista. For me, the plus with a PC is that it can run various DVD softwares that I need to make screenshots and copy/play 'unusual' DVD, such as ones from a different region or that have weird formatting... which is a lot of my 'Gatch' collection. Also, our digital camera has nice download software we can only use on PC, and the Yahoo IM client is much nicer on PC. Also, the computer games available for the PC rock! Games available for the Mac are limited, with the notable exception of Delta Tao games.
The benefit of the Mac is that we have Photoshop and Imageready for it (it would cost a lot to rebuy that software in PC form, and they don't make Imageready anymore, which is the program I use to make my animations). There's also the benefit that it comes with Grab, which is a fabulous screenshot software that works on anything EXCEPT DVDs. And the biggest bonus is that pretty muich all viruses are made for PCs, so if there's a weird virus going around I don't have to be so scared about opening emails or visiting websites. And of course, there's no Vista.
Honestly, with the pluses and minuses to both, I went with an other Mac because it was similar to what I already had and I wouldn't have to spend hours setting everything up. So it appealed to my laziness. 
Honestly, with the pluses and minuses to both, I went with an other Mac because it was similar to what I already had and I wouldn't have to spend hours setting everything up. So it appealed to my laziness.
You lost me in all of this computer talk...
Anyway ...chapters 16 & 17 are up and I'll be posting more soon.
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 24 Aug 2008 19:31
I've put up four more chapters.
Just thought I'd let you know...cheers Ebony.
Originally posted by Ebonyswanne You lost me in all of this computer talk... Anyway ...chapters 16 & 17 are up and I'll be posting more soon.Ebony - I am dying here!
That exchange in the truck . . .aaaaaahhhhhh! I need resolution!!!!
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 24 Aug 2008 20:29
its coming it starts to speed up more from here. I"m glad you're liking the story!
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 25 Aug 2008 08:34
Ebony certainly knows how to leave you hanging!
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 25 Aug 2008 14:51
I've posted two more chapters. so there is seven chapters to go. I'll post two each day.
Cheers
Ebony...
Yes!! Time for my nightly fix. (You think I am kidding? I am so hooked on this that I check obsessively all day to see if you've posted something else. At least now you have me on a schedule. I won't have to keep sneaking to my computer while I am in the middle of a lecture just to make sure I haven't missed something.)
Originally posted by gogirl212 Yes!! Time for my nightly fix. (You think I am kidding? I am so hooked on this that I check obsessively all day to see if you've posted something else. At least now you have me on a schedule. I won't have to keep sneaking to my computer while I am in the middle of a lecture just to make sure I haven't missed something.)I know that feeling. The same thing happens when TJ posts her stories as well.
Originally posted by clouddancerCD, please please do not bring back those horrible memories of waiting for the next installment in the Fugitive series! Between the two of them I really might need to take a pill.Originally posted by gogirl212 Yes!! Time for my nightly fix. (You think I am kidding? I am so hooked on this that I check obsessively all day to see if you've posted something else. At least now you have me on a schedule. I won't have to keep sneaking to my computer while I am in the middle of a lecture just to make sure I haven't missed something.)I know that feeling. The same thing happens when TJ posts her stories as well.
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 25 Aug 2008 18:20
I'll begin posting the next story in that series next week.
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 25 Aug 2008 19:01
Originally posted by gogirl212Now I really do not recommend that. Now what I can really recommend is taking anOriginally posted by clouddancerCD, please please do not bring back those horrible memories of waiting for the next installment in the Fugitive series! Between the two of them I really might need to take a pill.Originally posted by gogirl212 Yes!! Time for my nightly fix. (You think I am kidding? I am so hooked on this that I check obsessively all day to see if you've posted something else. At least now you have me on a schedule. I won't have to keep sneaking to my computer while I am in the middle of a lecture just to make sure I haven't missed something.)I know that feeling. The same thing happens when TJ posts her stories as well.
or 
I am sure one of them will cure what ever ails you, and if absolutely necessary take both. 
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 25 Aug 2008 19:04
Originally posted by Transmute Jun I'll begin posting the next story in that series next week.Cloud jumps for joy at reading that news.
Lets see ... it looks like Ebony will have completed her run by that time so gogirl should not been in too much pain. On the other hand, I will be back at work again and will only be able to read in the evenings.
Originally posted by clouddancerOh, I like that medicine much better. Take two and call you in the morning . . hehehe.Originally posted by gogirl212 CD, please please do not bring back those horrible memories of waiting for the next installment in the Fugitive series! Between the two of them I really might need to take a pill.Now I really do not recommend that. Now what I can really recommend is taking an
Originally posted by Transmute Jun I'll begin posting the next story in that series next week.
But I am going to take CDs advice and try to sit here between and and think of some way to occupy my time while waiting for the next post.
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 25 Aug 2008 19:54
I just went and checked in Archives, Chapters 22 & 23 are up!!!
TJ... thats a great series you wrote...
Ebony, I just finished chapter 23. This is fantastic story. Very nice reading. Looking forward to coming chapters!
Originally posted by gogirl212It is even better if you take them in ... ahhhh ... to the showers, before heading to bed and calling me in the moring.Originally posted by clouddancerOh, I like that medicine much better. Take two and call you in the morning . . hehehe.Originally posted by gogirl212 CD, please please do not bring back those horrible memories of waiting for the next installment in the Fugitive series! Between the two of them I really might need to take a pill.Now I really do not recommend that. Now what I can really recommend is taking an
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 26 Aug 2008 06:53
Originally posted by Ebonyswanne TJ... thats a great series you wrote...As is yours!
Originally posted by Ebonyswanne I just went and checked in Archives, Chapters 22 & 23 are up!!!Yay, new chapters! I'm enjoying the ride, Ebonyswanne -long live angst!
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 26 Aug 2008 14:51
You got Iborgia!!! LOL
I'm typing up part 3 now... I'll post more today of part 2
I'll be on the lookout for it, as, I'm sure, will others!
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 27 Aug 2008 15:26
I've just posted the last chapters in Archives, so they should be approved soon. 30 chapters in total for this story!
Well I'll get on with the job of finishing the series...
Its been approved...
So here is the rest of part 2
http://www.gatchfanfic.com/viewstory.php?sid=801
Ooh, it's complete now?
Don't keep us waiting too long for part three!
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 27 Aug 2008 20:07
Yes it is, part three will be conclusive...
Please let me know your thoughts... I like to know what people get out of a story.
Originally posted by Ebonyswanne Yes it is, part three will be conclusive... Please let me know your thoughts... I like to know what people get out of a story.Okay! Now that it's complete, I'll give it a re-read, beginning to end, and get back to you. It's a long fic (how do you do it?) and I fear that my memory is a little fuzzy on the earlier chapters.
Iborigia to tell you truth I dunno...it's just how I think I guess. I'm a complex person and everything I do reflects it. To be honest, to me I see it as a short story... Even when the third one is done.
I have much longer stories in the works but they are original stories not Gatch, thats why I don't mention them... Anyway I hope you enjoyed it.
A short story? Sigh, you and TJ...
Oh yes, I've enjoyed it. I like all types of fics -mission fics, comedy fics, parodies, PWP, etc., but I really enjoy fics that focus a lot on characters' emotions and interactions with each other. There's so much potential with Gatchaman to go behind the scenes and shape relationship stories that weren't actually there in the series, but that work with existing canon, and you do it very well!
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 28 Aug 2008 06:50
Originally posted by lborgia88 A short story? Sigh, you and TJ...What? How did I get lumped in here??? I've written short stuff. Honest! Just, um, not much of it.
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 28 Aug 2008 14:44
What is a short story? or a long story????
5,000 words or 50,000 words???
I've never really thought about it. I just write the story i have in my head....
Hmm, I'd say, to my own way of thinking, that anything under 10,000 words is short. 10,000 to 40,000 is medium and 40,000+ is long. Beyond 80,000, we're talking novel-length. You're right, though, that is is ultimately the story that determines the word count, not the other way around.
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 28 Aug 2008 15:30
I've written stories in all of those categories. I'm not sure 80,000 is novel length though. I thought most novels were at least 160,000 words?
Originally posted by Ebonyswanne What is a short story? or a long story???? 5,000 words or 50,000 words??? I've never really thought about it. I just write the story i have in my head....According to this site here (katspace - under general fan fiction) it gives a def of a novel as 50,000 words or more.
I quote (for what it's worth) Wikipedia:
"A novella is a written, fictional, prose narrative longer than a novelette but shorter than a novel. While there is some disagreement as to what length defines a novella, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America Nebula Awards for science fiction define the novella as having a word count between 17,500 and 40,000."
According to the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America Nebula Awards, you have written many novellas, and clearly some 40,000+ works, which by their definition, it would seem, are novels.
Now, if only there was a Nebula Award for fanfiction...
Wow, Ebony - just finished reading Part 2 - and awwwww . . . I love it when everyone gets all noble and sad and how will it all ever be right again . . . great work! I have just been enjoying this story so much. I actually re-read from the beginning all the way through. My heart will be sad and worried for all of them until I can find out what is next in Part 3!!
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 29 Aug 2008 05:37
Originally posted by gogirl212 Wow, Ebony - just finished reading Part 2 - and awwwww . . . I love it when everyone gets all noble and sad and how will it all ever be right again . . . great work! I have just been enjoying this story so much. I actually re-read from the beginning all the way through. My heart will be sad and worried for all of them until I can find out what is next in Part 3!!I actually have no idea how this ends, but in general, I wouldn't count on Ken an Jun getting Dyami back. Although hopefully they will learn to live with the situation and come to peace with it. That's just my guess though. Ebony is great at proving me wrong.
I'm not making any predictions, and I imagine there are plot twists yet to come!
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 29 Aug 2008 06:01
Originally posted by gogirl212 According to this site here (katspace - under general fan fiction) it gives a def of a novel as 50,000 words or more.That's interesting, GoGirl, and also what you posted, LB! I found this, which I think answers all of our questions: How many pages make a novel? I've seen on actual publisher sites that they consider 60,000 words minimum for a romance novel and 120,000 for a sci-fi/fantasy novel. That's consistent with this article, which shows that different genres tend to produce stories of different lengths. I can see why a straight romance novel would be shorter too: once you have the characters together, you can only break them up and bring them back so many times before it gets dull. Whereas plots that have more than just that one element tend to be longer. That being said, I was curious, so I went and looked up a bunch of my fics on ff.net just to see. < 20,000 words I have 15 fics in this category. Most are < 10,000 words but I have a couple around 15,000 words and one just barely under 20,000. 20,000 to 50,000 words I have 10 fics in this category, ranging from just over 20,000 words to over 40,000 words. > 50,000 words I have 4 fics in this category. I took series and combined them for the purposes of this count. Also, I have some co-written fics which fall in the first 2 categories. There is also the Murder at the Snack J IF (just over 20,000 words) and the Night at the J IF (just over 22,000 words). The Dreams Can Come True IF is over 50,000 words! Wow...
That's a lot of words! I have yet to exceed 15,000, but the Guinevere sequel is looking like it will, as I've got 7500 words there so far, and that's only about two-thirds of part I (the sequel's going to be in two parts).
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 29 Aug 2008 19:04
Originally posted by lborgia88 That's a lot of words! I have yet to exceed 15,000, but the Guinevere sequel is looking like it will, as I've got 7500 words there so far, and that's only about two-thirds of part I (the sequel's going to be in two parts).Ah, but you are only at the beginning of your fic writing career! Some of my first fics are also my shortest.
It could be that my ideas are, gradually, getting bigger in scope, and therefore producing longer fics. But, if I went through my first fic with an eye towards "improving" it, it would probably end up shorter. Most of my editing/revising seems to result in words being cut out, not added. I think it's due to the fact that everything I wrote in my formative years was for school, and I used to write papers out by hand and then type then up on old typewriters (a tedious business!), so if a teacher or prof said they wanted 10000 to 15000 words, I gave them 10000 words (why type an extra 5000 words if I didn't have to?) and I always tended to err on the side of conciseness, keeping it short. I think this mindset has stayed with me all these years, whether I wanted it to or not, even though I now compose directly into a word processor.
I will strive to overcome this! 
Not to say that I don't appreciate a long fic (I love!! them) but bigger is not always better. Sometimes size doesn't matter. I think when writing (at least I tell this to my students) you need to keep writing until you have said what you have to say. Some people need more words, some less. My least favorite writings are from the students who think that more words will will substitute for lack of ideas or research. (Not that that is at all the case here - I wish my students could see all of the wonderful ideas that fly around here).
Just keep writing as much as you see fit - I promise I will keep reading.
Cut?? You actually cut stuff on your final read-throughs/edits?? What's that like and how do you do that??? My fics always seem to grow by at least a page when I do that, which is probably part of the reason why I never think of them as "complete". (usually I just say, "That's it! I'm done! I know there's more that can be done, but I can't read this thing anymore!!")
And thanks for the trip down memory lane... Oh, the days when you would hand-write your papers, then type them on the typewriter! Funny how now even the thought of hand-writing a fic makes me run the other way... But ugh! All those times you would start typing, then make a mistake, and have to retype the page all over again! Word processors are one invention I'm definitely eternally grateful for! 
And thanks for the trip down memory lane... Oh, the days when you would hand-write your papers, then type them on the typewriter! Funny how now even the thought of hand-writing a fic makes me run the other way... But ugh! All those times you would start typing, then make a mistake, and have to retype the page all over again! Word processors are one invention I'm definitely eternally grateful for!
Originally posted by gogirl212 Not to say that I don't appreciate a long fic (I love!! them) but bigger is not always better. Sometimes size doesn't matter. I think when writing (at least I tell this to my students) you need to keep writing until you have said what you have to say. Some people need more words, some less. My least favorite writings are from the students who think that more words will will substitute for lack of ideas or research. (Not that that is at all the case here - I wish my students could see all of the wonderful ideas that fly around here). Just keep writing as much as you see fit - I promise I will keep reading.Oh but I so admire long fics and those who write them. Long fics really let the author create a "world" that the reader can feel, and let the author add layers of events and interactions, making the story richer, and then they can bring it all together at the end for a really powerful conclusion. That said, I also love short and medium fics too! I guess, being stuck in "lazy student" mode makes me afraid to start something big for fear that I wouldn't see it through to the end. I'm already a little nervous at the length the Guinevere sequel is turning into -I wasn't planning that, but that's where the story went. But, I will finish it!
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 30 Aug 2008 06:38
Oh, you guys are making me feel bad. I just have this horrible, horrible fic-writing disease. I feel a need to describe everything, and I love dialogue... It's like I have a Gatch/BOTP cartoon running in my head of the story and I want to describe it enough so that the reader can see what I see. Does that make any sense?
This shorter fic stuff has been mentioned before. Katsesama in particular is an expert in saying the most with a minimum of words. I just find it so hard to cut things. I feel like if I'm cutting I'm leaving out a vital part of the story or changing it altogether. It's probably poor writing ability on my part, but honestly, I don't see it changing. If I changed my writing style that drastically, I suspect I wouldn't enjoy writing as much, and the fics might dry up. 
I do understand that long fics scare readers off. That's why I usually post a couple of chapters at a time... so it's not so intimidating for someone approaching it. Of course, I'm a masochist. I see a long fic from a fvorite author and think, 'Oh, Goodie! Now I have tons to read!' Of course, I read a lot of fantasy novels, and they're usually just getting started aorund page 1,000 or so, so I guess I'm used io it.
in saying the most with a minimum of words. I just find it so hard to cut things. I feel like if I'm cutting I'm leaving out a vital part of the story or changing it altogether. It's probably poor writing ability on my part, but honestly, I don't see it changing. If I changed my writing style that drastically, I suspect I wouldn't enjoy writing as much, and the fics might dry up.
I do understand that long fics scare readers off. That's why I usually post a couple of chapters at a time... so it's not so intimidating for someone approaching it. Of course, I'm a masochist. I see a long fic from a fvorite author and think, 'Oh, Goodie! Now I have tons to read!' Of course, I read a lot of fantasy novels, and they're usually just getting started aorund page 1,000 or so, so I guess I'm used io it.
Originally posted by Hinotori Cut?? You actually cut stuff on your final read-throughs/edits?? What's that like and how do you do that??? My fics always seem to grow by at least a page when I do that, which is probably part of the reason why I never think of them as "complete". (usually I just say, "That's it! I'm done! I know there's more that can be done, but I can't read this thing anymore!!")Yes, I could tinker and dither with a fic for a long time, but I too reach the "I can't read this thing anymore" stage! And I wholeheartedly agree with enternal gratitude for word processors!
Originally posted by Transmute Jun Oh, you guys are making me feel bad. I just have this horrible, horrible fic-writing disease.Is this disease contagious? Send some viruses my way, to get the words really flowing. Now, the fact that it's 6.30 AM where you are, on a Saturday morning, and you're up and at the computer -that's just sick!
Originally posted by Transmute Jun Oh, you guys are making me feel bad. I just have this horrible, horrible fic-writing disease. I feel a need to describe everything, and I love dialogue... It's like I have a Gatch/BOTP cartoon running in my head of the story and I want to describe it enough so that the reader can see what I see. Does that make any sense? This shorter fic stuff has been mentioned before. Katsesama in particular is an expertNo no no - I love a long long fic! I love it the same way I love fantasy novels that come in trilogies. I want to be lost in the world for as long as I can. And all of the rich detail is what I think really makes the story live. But I have learned to appreciate vignettes and short stories and poems - I love the diversity among writers, styles, lengths - there is a place for all of it. There is a place for Gatchaman novels (like Scavengers) and a place for Gatchaman Haiku and everything in between. I admire the writers who can put together long works - that is always my challenge in writing anything - even my thesis. I am excited by the original idea, but slogging through to the end is hard hard work.
Originally posted by gogirl212 I admire the writers who can put together long works - that is always my challenge in writing anything - even my thesis. I am excited by the original idea, but slogging through to the end is hard hard work.ITA! It took me a long time to finish my dissertation.
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 30 Aug 2008 13:22
Originally posted by Transmute Jun Oh, you guys are making me feel bad. I just have this horrible, horrible fic-writing disease. I feel a need to describe everything, and I love dialogue... It's like I have a Gatch/BOTP cartoon running in my head of the story and I want to describe it enough so that the reader can see what I see. Does that make any sense? This shorter fic stuff has been mentioned before. Katsesama in particular is an expertTJ i know how you feel, and if it is a disease, then I must have caught it while I was visiting with you during Comic Con. The story I am writing at the moment appears to be one of these long stories you are talking about. I find myself trying to get in all the details of the setting as well as all the conversations I hear. I keep looking at how much my story is growing and then going back and wondering what I should cut from it to make it shorter.
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 30 Aug 2008 13:24
Originally posted by lborgia88 Now, the fact that it's 6.30 AM where you are, on a Saturday morning, and you're up and at the computer -that's just sick!I am usually up at that time. During the week I'm up at 4-5am to go in to work 2 days a week, and then I'm up by 6:30 am the other 3 days so I can get ready and get the kids up for school at 7 am. On weekends it's nearly impossible to sleep in, because my body is used to the other schedule!
Originally posted by lborgia88 ITA! It took me a long time to finish my dissertation.For me, that was because *cough* such topics weren't nearly as interesting as fics... Do you suppose it's possible to earn a PhD by writing a Gatchaman fic?
Originally posted by Transmute JunThere might be a dissertation in some kind of "popular culture" field, focusing on the the phenomenon of fanfiction, with an emphasis on Gatchaman...Originally posted by lborgia88 ITA! It took me a long time to finish my dissertation.For me, that was because *cough* such topics weren't nearly as interesting as fics... Do you suppose it's possible to earn a PhD by writing a Gatchaman fic?
To quote one of my favorite lines from one of my favorite movies...
"That's the beauty of college these days, Tommy.. You can major in Gameboy if you know how to bullsh*t"!"
(free massage from the Condor if anyone can name the movie and what character said it!)
Originally posted by Transmute JunIt sounds like you are a classic "morning person." I am familar with their ways, as everyone in my family is one -except me. I love to stay up till 4 AM and sleep till 11 or noon, except it throws you out of whack with pretty much... everyone, so I don't do it much anymore. I can generally function at 7.30 AM, with coffee, the internet, and soothing NPR voices easing me into my day.Originally posted by lborgia88 Now, the fact that it's 6.30 AM where you are, on a Saturday morning, and you're up and at the computer -that's just sick!I am usually up at that time. During the week I'm up at 4-5am to go in to work 2 days a week, and then I'm up by 6:30 am the other 3 days so I can get ready and get the kids up for school at 7 am. On weekends it's nearly impossible to sleep in, because my body is used to the other schedule!
Originally posted by Hinotori To quote one of my favorite lines from one of my favorite movies... "That's the beauty of college these days, Tommy.. You can major in Gameboy if you know how to bullsh*t"!" (free massage from the Condor if anyone can name the movie and what character said it!)Well really, Buffy the Vampire Slayer has gotten some legit attention from academia -it's high time that Gatchaman did too. Let's see. "Children of War: The Impact of WWII and the Meaning of Orphans in Early Japanese Anime" "The Leader is Always Alone: The Dynamics of Authority and Romance in Early Japanese Anime" or so many other possibilities... Except, this would not be writing fanfiction.
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 30 Aug 2008 21:37
Originally posted by Hinotori To quote one of my favorite lines from one of my favorite movies... "That's the beauty of college these days, Tommy.. You can major in Gameboy if you know how to bullsh*t"!" (free massage from the Condor if anyone can name the movie and what character said it!)I have never seen this movie, but I'm guessing... Tommy Boy?
Originally posted by lborgia88 It sounds like you are a classic "morning person."Yes, I always have been. We'd probably get along okay, as I live my life on East Coast time.
Originally posted by Hinotori (free massage from the Condor if anyone can name the movie and what character said it!)Can I still get that massage if I resorted to cheating and used Google to figure it out?
Originally posted by Transmute Jun I have never seen this movie, but I'm guessing... Tommy Boy?
Originally posted by lborgia88 Can I still get that massage if I resorted to cheating and used Google to figure it out?Ummm.... No and no!
Hmmm...I would have guessed "Tommy Boy" too...what about "American Pie"?
Funny you should mention massages...wait til you see one of my upcoming pics...great minds think alike!
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 31 Aug 2008 11:52
Originally posted by Springie Funny you should mention massages...wait til you see one of my upcoming pics...great minds think alike!I can hardly wait!!!!
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 1 Sep 2008 16:41
Originally posted by lborgia88 That's a lot of words! I have yet to exceed 15,000, but the Guinevere sequel is looking like it will, as I've got 7500 words there so far, and that's only about two-thirds of part I (the sequel's going to be in two parts).Writing my first ficcies felt like forever and they aren't that long...
Well, every week it's longer than it was the week before. Some days, I only add a paragraph or so, but I figure that as long as I'm writing, it's on track to get finished.
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 1 Sep 2008 18:13
I have had a good weekend. I added 7 pages to my story.
Yeah, my muses have returned. 
(Only if you talk to TJ she will say I have been crying on her shoulder, because I have messed up my tenses so badly, on those pages, I am beginning to wonder why I write at all.) *sob*
(Only if you talk to TJ she will say I have been crying on her shoulder, because I have messed up my tenses so badly, on those pages, I am beginning to wonder why I write at all.) *sob*
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 1 Sep 2008 18:27
Originally posted by clouddancer I have had a good weekend. I added 7 pages to my story.That's awesome, CD!!!!
(Only if you talk to TJ she will say I have been crying on her shoulder, because I have messed up my tenses so badly, on those pages, I am beginning to wonder why I write at all.) *sob*You HAVE? Really? I didn't think so at all. And FWIW, I didn't notice a problem with your tenses at all!!!
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 1 Sep 2008 18:34
Thank you TJ.
That helps reinforce my positive writing energy.
That helps reinforce my positive writing energy.
Originally posted by clouddancer I have had a good weekend. I added 7 pages to my story. Yeah, my muses have returned.No sobbing! Grammar can be fixed up later; the big thing is to get the words flowing and written down. Seven pages! Go CD!
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 1 Sep 2008 22:06
See you scored CD by just writing...
Tenses... You know i haven't thought about that in my own writing for ages. I hope I"m getting it right...
Originally posted by EbonyswanneDear Ebony I am no expert in English grammar to judge whether you have done it right all this time or not.One thing for sure is that I like to read fanfics not because I want to learn about English tenses, but because I like to be entertained and mesmerised by the story. And you, Ebony, has definitely delivered on those points in your fanfics. and to CD, trust me, most fanfic readers rarely notice any mistakes in tenses. Just keep writing because I am looking forward to more stories from you.
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 2 Sep 2008 14:56
Awww, thank you everyone. I guess I just want things looking good when I post. Of course I know you always find "one" more mistake every time you look at something. (It is funny looking back at old Report Cards I have written and finding a spelling mistake no one saw at the time of publishing.)
Now I wonder if I can find the time to write tonight. First day of teaching and I am tired. My mind is still working over everything I have learned about my new batch of students.
And then I have to get some things cut and prepared for class tomorrow, darn photocopier was out of white paper. Maybe I will be lucky and it will be in tomorrow. *fingers crossed*
Originally posted by clouddancer I have had a good weekend. I added 7 pages to my story. Yeah, my muses have returned.Ah-ha! I should have known... I had wanted to write over the weekend, but didn't have the desire to. Now I know why... Those muses of ours really need to let us know when they're going to be traveling north of the border or coming back down south of the border!
But WTG, CD!!! Seven pages is a wonderful amount to add! And don't worry about tenses or perceived mistakes. Tenses are what beta readers are for (at least that's what I tell myself!), and to this day, whenever I re-read one of my completed fics, I always find things that are wrong or I should have changed. Just think of it as the nature of the beast!
All these nice compliments.
Now I wish I was willing to let you read some of my fic as a reward.
*Cloud contemplates whether she should release the first chapter and then leave some unhappy readers in the lurch* (Of course that means I can not go back and make changes if I do - I have been finding I have adjusted minor facts while writing the next chapters.)
Originally posted by Springie Hmmm...I would have guessed "Tommy Boy" too...what about "American Pie"?Oops! I just realized I never gave the answer! That quote was from Droz in PCU (or as I like to call it "Ferris Bueller for the College Crowd"!)
Since no one got it, I guess this means I get the Condor massage. Woo-hoo!!! 
Funny you should mention massages...wait til you see one of my upcoming pics...great minds think alike!Double woo-hoo!! That's one for my Condor massage, one for your upcoming pic, and one for great minds thinking alike. Guess that's actually three woo-hoo's... Perfect for:
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 2 Sep 2008 16:04
I haven't done any writing in a week! 
So I'm behind in part 3 already since i want it done by the 1st October.
I work much better with a deadline.
I want Ken for my massage.... looking at the avatar Hino makes me want him more...yummy.
So I'm behind in part 3 already since i want it done by the 1st October.
I work much better with a deadline.
I want Ken for my massage.... looking at the avatar Hino makes me want him more...yummy.
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 2 Sep 2008 16:05
I've never even heard of that movie... does that make me uncool?
And I'll just chime in as one of those who ALWAYS finds another mistake when re-reading fics.
And I'll just chime in as one of those who ALWAYS finds another mistake when re-reading fics.
I have heard of "PCU", but I have actually never seen it.
I was rereading some of "Guinevere" about a week ago, to refresh my memory as to what I'd written, and I found a typo that I'd somehow managed to overlook all this time!
Sooo, being the obsessive person I am, I had to go around to ff.net and the Archives, to fix the typo...
I managed to write about a page of my new fic today -mostly smut! 
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 2 Sep 2008 18:05
A page of Smut ... whoo hooo. Go LB.... I am waiting.
gasp! 
You've never heard of it?? OMG, the first time I watched it was in college, and I swear it encompassed everything about campus life you could ever imagine!!
It has quite the cast - Jeremy Piven, Megan Ward, David Spade, Jon Favreau...
And I think at least part of it was filmed in Toronto!
Wikipedia PCU Entry
ETA:
Here's imdb's quotes page. I'm 
just reading these!! (Ok, so I have a very warped sense of humor!)
PCU quotes
You've never heard of it?? OMG, the first time I watched it was in college, and I swear it encompassed everything about campus life you could ever imagine!!
It has quite the cast - Jeremy Piven, Megan Ward, David Spade, Jon Favreau...
And I think at least part of it was filmed in Toronto!
Wikipedia PCU Entry
ETA:
Here's imdb's quotes page. I'm just reading these!! (Ok, so I have a very warped sense of humor!)
PCU quotes
From the descriptions, I think it would remind me of many aspects of my undergrad life, 1988-1993! Those crazy days...
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 2 Sep 2008 18:41
Oh, smut.... I can hardly stand the suspense!
I can hardly stand the suspense!
Originally posted by Ebonyswanne I haven't done any writing in a week!I'd write faster if I had a deadline (or maybe I'd just panic) but then I would need to really believe that something bad would happen if I missed my deadline, or that I'd get a big reward for meeting it!
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 3 Sep 2008 02:39
My reward is thats its DONE!!!
I guess I just get on a roll and i can't stop... even when I worked full time I had a note book so i could write in my lunch break because the drive is there to do it.
If I do go over the deadline then I keep writing anyway...
(I want to get on with my other story that's sitting in my files waiting for me to come back to it,the muses for it are still strong, and I have worked out more of my plot so I'm dying to get it down.... but I must finish this series first. I hate to leave it half done for ages and then lose my drive with it.)
Originally posted by Ebonyswanne My reward is thats its DONE!!!True! Knowing that you've finished something is good feeling. I'd like to think I could have part I finished before the end of this month. And, the BF is going out of town for a conference in a few weeks, and I'll be able to sit at the computer till 4 AM and write... I can write so much more easily at night than I can during the day.
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 3 Sep 2008 06:24
I find that with 2 kids and a DH demanding my attention (not to mention various work commitments) I just have to grab a moment when I can. This is why the notebook method works so well for me!
I wish it worked for me. Before I can write anything new, I have to sit and re-read a good chunk of what I've written previously, to get into the right mindset and the flow of the story again (while, inevitably, making little revisions), especially if I'm trying to write in the morning (as I have been lately) -and it all takes time.
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 3 Sep 2008 07:55
Originally posted by lborgia88 I wish it worked for me. Before I can write anything new, I have to sit and re-read a good chunk of what I've written previously, to get into the right mindset and the flow of the story again (while, inevitably, making little revisions), especially if I'm trying to write in the morning (as I have been lately) -and it all takes time.Yes, but I don't have to do that if I'm working on it every day.
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 3 Sep 2008 07:56
Originally posted by lborgia88 I wish it worked for me. Before I can write anything new, I have to sit and re-read a good chunk of what I've written previously, to get into the right mindset and the flow of the story again (while, inevitably, making little revisions), especially if I'm trying to write in the morning (as I have been lately) -and it all takes time.I find that is what I have to do as well LB. I knew there was a reason I was not being successful with a notebook and why I have started taking my laptop everywhere I go.
Originally posted by Transmute Jun Yes, but I don't have to do that if I'm working on it every day.I still need to re-read, even if I was writing the day before, especially in the morning when my brain is just starting to wake up.
Ebonyswanne
Gatchamaniac
posted 3 Sep 2008 16:59
Sometimes I need to do that...re-read a part.
I do like to write at night...no distractions!
Sigh, my brain writes best at night, but at night the BF is here and, for some strange reason, he wants my company and does not want me to hole myself up in front of the upstairs computer and ignore him while I write -what a jerk 
There are reasons I didn't move in with him until I was finished writing my dissertation!
There are reasons I didn't move in with him until I was finished writing my dissertation!
I do the same thing, LB and CD! I swear this is the reason why so few of my fics ever get completed! I'm so busy re-reading what I previously wrote, which inevitably leads to editing/revising, that I barely get a new paragraph written before I have to stop.
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 3 Sep 2008 18:50
So, if I may make a suggestion....
DON'T do all of this re-reading. Unless it's really been months and you need to remind yourself of what's going on. Just refer to your outline, and continue on. You don't want to waste valuable writing time editing when you could be getting down fresh ideas. ONLY WHEN YOUR FIC IS COMPLETE should you go back and do all of that fine-tuning editing, because after all, until you're done, you don't really know how to appropriately mold the earlier parts, do you?
Just a suggestion...
Well I tend not to do a huge amount of editing when I reread. I might change a word or two if I made a spelling error but otherwise, I am just reading to feel the mood I was in or to basically remember what the last thought was I had. Usually I am only rereading from a couple of paragraphs back, or if I ended after a conversation I will read from the beginning of it.
I hate having to stop writing in the middle of a conversation. I have stayed up late to complete at least the "conversation" itself that needs to be said, even if I do not get down the feeling of the words (he snarled, they groaned) or the movement while the words are being spoken (shook their heads, motioned with their arms). Does anyone understand what I am trying to explain? There is probably a better way of explaining it but I can not think of it in this moment.
Anyways my point is, I do need to reread, but I try not to make it a large job so I can get back to the writing quickly.
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
posted 4 Sep 2008 05:45
Originally posted by clouddancer Anyways my point is, I do need to reread, but I try not to make it a large job so I can get back to the writing quickly.Yes, CD, that's exactly what I meant. Don't take too long to get back into it... a few paragraphs of re-read should be enough.
For me, it's more like a few pages. I don't know, that's just how my brain works -I need to read some before I can write some. And, if I read what I wrote the day before, I can still remember where I was at and what I was trying to do or evoke then, but that 24 hours also gives me just enough detachment to tell if it's on track or if I need to adjust my heading a bit.
Generally its the last paragraph that I wrote.
I've found with my longer story I'm just better to keep writing and not look back as much, or else it goes no where.
You know I love to write more than read at the moment... I used to read Fantasy books that are huge complicated stories. But at the moment I like my own stories more and the images I have as I write the story.....
I NEVER thought I'd like writing this much, I always thought it was for people more educated or who had attended courses on it. (but then again, I'm only writing fanfic!!!
)
)
I never thought I'd like writing any kind of fiction, but now that I've tried it, I'm hooked.
I'm still reading long fantasy novels (currently on book 3 of R. Scott Baaker's Prince of Nothing trilogy) but not as quickly as I used to, usually just for about 20-30 minutes before sleeping.
clouddancer
Gatchamaniac
posted 4 Sep 2008 18:23
I never thought I would write again, so this site, and all you inhabitants, have made a huge difference for me.
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