Fan Fic Writing Questions and Answers.

[Stephen Hawking]

4.  Any male, whether it be Leonard or Sheldon being portrayed as not knowing what he is doing with his woman in the bedroom.

Provided they learn from the experience, I don't have a problem with clueless people in the bedroom. Figuring it out, is part of the fun.

We all had to learn at some point, and Sheldon and Amy are both inexperienced, and will learn from each other.

I realize that some writers have the gift of writing awkwardness in sex scenes and bringing in the humor by doing so. I just don't particularly enjoy reading them.

 

I find some very enjoyable. There's two scenes in a story called Vehicle Delocalization, which involve Sheldon and Amy's first times (mutual masturbation and full on intercourse), which are awkward and fumbling, but also hot.

[jenafan]

In regard to Sheldon being inexperienced, I don't mind him being naive or a little uptight about how to actually do things.  I can see him doing something like reading up about it in the book they got him, but just like reading about how to swim or how to rock climb or how to drive, the reality is different and something he can't really anticipate, especially because he doesn't think about sex the way others do.

 On the other side of the coin, I hate when Sheldon takes one look at Amy's body and turns into a sex machine, knowing exactly what to do to give her multiple orgasms, etc..

 I think that writing sex scenes between Sheldon and Amy can be a difficult thing to balance, between their growing desire and their absolute inexperience.

I get it about the sex machine thing.  I've kind of done this, but I think background can be provided to make it plausible.   As far as learning how to do something from reading a book, I think it depends on how bad an individual really wants to learn the subject they are partaking in.   In my writing, Sheldon is studying other things, not just reading, to gain a better understanding of sexual stimuli. 

I see Amy as a very sexual being.  She can obtain orgasm by looking at a guy.   So, of course, Sheldon benefits from this in that he really doesn't have to try very hard.    

I realize I write a totally different sexual side of Sheldon and Amy than others.  It's ultimately my fantasy.  Sometimes that's why people like it, because a confident Sheldon in sexual performance is different.  Sometimes that is why people don't like it because they feel it is OOC.

IMO, because all the sex is behind closed doors, all writer interpretations can be IC.    I'm just saying there are some I prefer to read more than others. 

I appreciate your feedback.  It tells me that maybe I need to tone down Sheldon's bedroom "skills", even though I still only having them doing the basics,  however I just won't enjoy writing it and I'm afraid I'll cut the "M" scenes out all together because of it.

Edited October 27, 2015 by jenafan

[jenafan]

Provided they learn from the experience, I don't have a problem with clueless people in the bedroom. Figuring it out, is part of the fun.

We all had to learn at some point, and Sheldon and Amy are both inexperienced, and will learn from each other.

I agree.

[nibbler747]

I get it about the sex machine thing.  I've kind of done this, but I've also provided background to make it plausible. 

I realize I write a totally different sexual side of Sheldon and Amy than others.  It's ultimately my fantasy.  Sometimes that's why people like it, because a confident sexual Sheldon is different.  Sometimes that is why people don't like it because they feel it is OOC.

IMO, because all the sex is behind closed doors, all writer interpretations can be IC. I'm just saying there are some I prefer to read more than others. 

I appreciate your feedback.  It tells me that maybe I need to tone down Sheldon's bedroom skills.  I just won't enjoy writing it.

Oh this makes me sad.  You should write it as you would enjoy it.  You've done a wonderful job keeping them in character.  Everyone has different preferences about what they do and don't like.  Some like hot sex, others like the innocent type sex.  Write how you would like to see it, otherwise the chapter will bother you and it won't feel like its yours.  Frankly, I like both.  I love reading a super hot sex scene where they are ravaging each other.  I also like the sweetly innocent ones. 

These stories are our fantasies in a way, so write it in a way that pleases you.  Don't worry about what others think.   It's harder said than done, but if you write it to please what you think others think Sheldon and Amy's sexual life would be, then you won't be happy with what you've written, and that's the ultimate goal....to be happy with what you've written

You are doing a great job, don't doubt yourself.  Go with your original vision.

Edited October 27, 2015 by nibbler747

[jenafan]

Oh this makes me sad.  You should write it as you would enjoy it.  You've done a wonderful job keeping them in character.  Everyone has different preferences about what they do and don't like.  Some like hot sex, others like the innocent type sex.  Write how you would like to see it, otherwise the chapter will bother you and it won't feel like its yours.  Frankly, I like both.  I love reading a super hot sex scene where they are ravaging each other.  I also like the sweetly innocent ones. 

These stories are our fantasies in a way, so write it in a way that pleases you.  Don't worry about what others think.   It's harder said than done, but if you write it to please what you think others think Sheldon and Amy's sexual life would be, then you won't be happy with what you've written, and that's the ultimate goal....to be happy with what you've written

You are doing a great job, don't doubt yourself.  Go with your original vision.

 

 

I quoted my own post because I went back and edited to add more of what I meant to say to complete my thought.   When I originally posted this, I tried to do it with my Android phone, and the quote system was not cooperating, so I posted what I had and now I am back on my computer. 

I can't sleep.   It's crazy that I am here at 3:00 am.

Anyway, I appreciate your encouragement, nibbler.   Even my husband is afraid that I will eventually give up writing again if I start to get the impression that I have to change how I write to meet what I think others want so that it is not enjoyable for me to write anymore.   That's how I burned out when I was writing (20) years ago.

I am just trying so hard to find the balance, because I know I ultimately write for myself, but the whole purpose of publishing is to entice others to read, so I want to make them happy as well.

I think I'm just nervous because the reviews are not coming in anymore like they used to.

Edited October 27, 2015 by jenafan

[nibbler747]

I quoted my own post because I went back and edited to add more of what I meant to say to complete my thought.   When I originally posted this, I tried to do it with my Android phone, and the quote system was not cooperating, so I posted what I had and now I am back on my computer. 

I can't sleep.   It's crazy that I am here at 3:00 am.

Anyway, I appreciate your encouragement, nibbler.   Even my husband is afraid that I will eventually give up writing again if I start to get the impression that I have to change how I write to meet what I think others want so that it is not enjoyable for me to write anymore.   That's how I burned out when I was writing (20) years ago.

I am just trying so hard to find the balance, because I know I ultimately write for myself, but the whole purpose of publishing is to entice others to read, so I want to make them happy as well.

I think I'm just nervous because the reviews are not coming in anymore like the used to.

I think the fact that you are an excellent writer, with an interesting story to tell will entice the readers.  Don't worry about changing your story to please others.  It's great the way it is, and I for one am so happy that you have gotten back into the writing world.

Reviewers are fickle for sure.  I can't tell you how many different people have told me how disappointed they are with the amount of reviews they are getting these days for chapters they published.  It's across the board for sure.  I think it has a lot to do with the show right now.  I know quite a few people that are disappointed in what's being shown, and are becoming more "casual viewers" and not reading as much fanfic as they did.   I think readership in general is down quite a bit, and that's across the board.  I've heard the same complaint from wildly popular authors on here.  As for myself, I saw my views get cut down dramatically from first story to second story.  Then when I wrote the Lenny story, I saw my reviews go from roughly 25 per chapter to 3-4.  So yeah...a bit disheartening!

So take heart, in that it's not your story.  Reviews are in a lull for everyone.  I think it will pick up when Shamy are happy and together again.  Well fingers crossed.

[jenafan]

That brings me to another question:

How do you balance writing your stories with reading others?   There is so much FF out there, that it is hard to find the time to read, but I want to give others as much of my attention as they give to my writing.    I tend to go for the shorter stories that I can read during my lunch break at work, but would like to delve into the multi-chapter stories.   The problem is if I'm reading, I'm not writing.

Do you pick certain days of the week to write and others to read?   I'm curious.  

I struggle with balance in all things of my life.

[Kasey]

That brings me to another question:

How do you balance writing your stories with reading others?   There is so much FF out there, that it is hard to find the time to read, but I want to give others as much of my attention as they give to my writing.    I tend to go for the shorter stories that I can read during my lunch break at work, but would like to delve into the multi-chapter stories.   The problem is if I'm reading, I'm not writing.

Do you pick certain days of the week to write and others to read?   I'm curious.  

I struggle with balance in all things of my life.

If I am in the process of writing my own FF, I try to stay away from reading within the fandom I am writing.  Only because I don't want to be influenced and then feel like I'm "stealing" from someone else.  That is why I haven't read any TBBT FF because I have two stories in some process.  Since new at the BBT writing, I want to develop my own style.

 

In response to reviews, I can say that it thrills me to get them but I am learning that it's okay if I don't get a specific number of reviews.  Or even if I get bad ones.  It's like when you first join a forum and you write posts that no one seem to like, quote or respond to.  It's like you're invisible.  But you still keep posting because if you're like me (a stubborn polish person - I'd say Pollack but found out that is apparently not PC to say) and you have something to say - say it, write it and enjoy those that enjoy what talent you have. 

[jenafan]

If I am in the process of writing my own FF, I try to stay away from reading within the fandom I am writing.  Only because I don't want to be influenced and then feel like I'm "stealing" from

Hi Kasey.   Yes, I have the same issue.  I don't like to read while I'm writing for the same reason.   However, I feel guilty, because I want others to read and review my stories.   So, they should expect that I do the same for theirs.

I have found that reading other FF has improved my writing by seeing others' writing styles, perspectives, etc.   Sometimes their idea triggers an original for me.   For instance, I read a Shamy closet scene that I loved, and that gave me the inspiration to write my chess match in Chapter 4.   I loved the back and forth bantering of words between Shamy and created my own premise using a different setting and dialogue.   So, while I didn't steal the author's scene, it did ignite my imagination to come up with my own.

There are many ways to write the same thing, and people have similar ideas.   Don't be afraid if you are like-minded with another writer.   As long as it's a different story and we are not plagiarizing the words from another, I think it is a compliment to an author that their writing inspired someone to try their own.   Tensor's writing did that for me and now I am addicted.

I can stay on the forums because I can jump on in between my thoughts while writing, but to read a story I need to step away from everything to do so.   That's hard for me to do.

Edited October 27, 2015 by jenafan

[Kasey]

Hi Kasey.   Yes, I have the same issue.  I don't like to read while I'm writing for the same reason.   However, I feel guilty, because I want others to read and review my stories.   So, they should expect that I do the same for theirs.

I have found that reading other FF has improved my writing by seeing others' writing styles, perspectives, etc.   Sometimes their idea triggers an original for me.   For instance, I read a Shamy closet scene that I loved, and that gave me the inspiration to write my chess match in Chapter 4.   I loved the back and forth bantering of words between Shamy and created my own premise using a different setting and dialogue.   So, while I didn't steal the author's scene, it did ignite my imagination to come up with my own.

 

Bolding is mine.  Thank you for this.  I had not thought of it that way. 

Boy do I have a lot of catching up to do now. 

[nibbler747]

That brings me to another question:

How do you balance writing your stories with reading others?   There is so much FF out there, that it is hard to find the time to read, but I want to give others as much of my attention as they give to my writing.    I tend to go for the shorter stories that I can read during my lunch break at work, but would like to delve into the multi-chapter stories.   The problem is if I'm reading, I'm not writing.

Do you pick certain days of the week to write and others to read?   I'm curious.  

I struggle with balance in all things of my life.

When I first started reading BBT fanfic, I had a lot of time.  Now I have zero time.  So to be honest, I only read authors that I know, and know to be good.  I will every once in a while read someone new, if their synopsis and first chapter sound interesting.  Or if someone I trust tells me to check out a new story that's good.  When I do commit to reading a story, I review every chapter, and when you are reading multiple stories, that becomes a lot of reviewing.  But I know the authors like it, and I like it when I get reviews, so I make the time.

I multitask a lot.  I often read stories at lunchtime, or while I'm stirring something on the stove (lol!).  If I'm in a boring meeting at work, sometimes these stories will creep onto my phone! 

As for being influenced by others writing, I find it's not really a problem for me.    I usually find what I am writing about is not too similar with what is currently out there, and I usually have a pretty clear idea from the beginning where I want the story to go.  I little less so on my first story, but now I feel pretty grounded.  My issues is more of writer envy.  When I'm writing a silly funny story, and then ready a poignant beautiful one, I'm kind of like...damn...I feel like a hack!  Lol!  But it's all good.

[Cereal Apist]

Penny and Kurt would be an interesting read!  I don't think I've ever read that one yet.  If you like writing a bit of comedy, I think that one will be a good one for it, with Kurt being a bit on the dim side.  It would be funny if Kurt was taking Penny's cue's all wrong, and they get into a bit of a funny situation.  I think you hit the nail on the head with the lack of emotional connection with Kurt.  That is something special she shares with Leonard.

Here's a question:  What's your FanFic pet peeves?

Mine:

1.  Unfinished stories - Lol...now I'm guilty of that too now (temporarily), but promise to finish it later sometime.  In general, I like it when stories get completed.

2.  Overly Texan Sheldon - I don't mind it creeping in a little bit, I don't like when he goes full on Texas Ranger.

3.  Penny written just as a sex object.  I don't like her written vapid and stupid....she has a strong personality.  Sex scenes with her are fine, but if she's only in the scene so Leonard can get his rocks off, it annoys me.

Ok, I have a lot more, but I'll stop there for now.

I haven't fleshed Kurt out completely yet mainly making him overly macho so far, but yes I see him as dim also

I share your pet peeves especially #3. While I enjoy all the characters Penny is my favorite and she definitely shouldn't be anyone's sex toy. Though I think that happens more in Shenny fic. Lenny stories tend to be more fluffy and mutually supportive.

As for overly Texan Sheldon yeah no. A little drawl or Texan turn of phrase creeping out if he's drunk or aroused but never a Good Ole Boy attitude or anything like that.

[jenafan]

As for overly Texan Sheldon yeah no. A little drawl or Texan turn of phrase creeping out if he's drunk or aroused but never a Good Ole Boy attitude or anything like that.

  Yes, I enjoyed writing drunk Texan Sheldon while in Texas.   I agree, there's a place for it, and it can get to be too much.

Edited October 27, 2015 by jenafan

[Stephen Hawking]

I see Amy as a very sexual being.

I agree.

I think, once she gets going, there'll be no stopping her.

I also don't think she's as shy as she's made out to be.

Let's not forget that she, voluntarily, admitted to Penny and Bernadette, that she masturbates with an electric toothbrush.

Admitting that you masturbate (even without an electric toothbrush), isn't easy for a shy person.

Sometimes that's why people like it, because a confident Sheldon in sexual performance is different..

I find it interesting, and amusing, to have him overreach himself, and to bite off more than he can chew.

I'm sorry, what pun?  

but the whole purpose of publishing is to entice others to read, so I want to make them happy as well.

I don't think you need worry too much about satisfying readers.

There are plenty who enjoy their sex scenes red hot. 

As for the shortage of reviews, I think most, if not all, writers are experiencing this, and I blame it on the Shamy breakup, on the show.

[phantagrae]

I was involved in a conversation over on the TXF site I go to where the subject of a drop-off in the amount of feedback was brought up.

I think the consensus there was that it can be at least partly attributed to the rise of things like "Like" buttons and things like that.  It's easier to hit "like" than it is to write comments.

In the olden days, before social media, people would write emails for feedback to authors, and even then I remember some debate about when and how and if one gave feedback.

I wonder if it's simply a trend nowadays that people don't generally give reviews or feedback as much as they used to back in the day.  I certainly don't think it has anything to do with what's happening on the show.  I mean, does that mean that fewer people are reading fanfic, because of the show?

I think that it's more likely that more people would read fanfic if they don't like what's happening on the show--use fanfic as escape or as some kind of remedy for stories they don't like.  That happened a lot in the 8th and 9th seasons of TXF, where many, many people disliked the whole "Agent Doggett" years.  There was even an alternate S8--very complicated.

[jenafan]

I am about to wrap up my latest Shamy story and have an idea for another one.

As Shamy have yet to consummate their relationship on the show, and I have had them do so twice now (although one was a dream), can I continue doing so in my new stories until it comes into fruition on the show?

I guess this means that if I write (10) stories, each one could potentially have a different scenario of how it could happen if I choose to create he scene.    Is this a problem?

Do the readers treat each story as a sequel or an individual piece that stands alone?

I would like to try and branch out and tackle a Lenny, but it will be much more difficult for me and I'm worried about ruining the beauty of their relationship by just writing them wrong.

[karyshamy]

I am about to wrap up my latest Shamy story and have an idea for another one.

As Shamy have yet to consummate their relationship on the show, and I have had them do so twice now (although one was a dream), can I continue doing so in my new stories until it comes into fruition on the show?

I guess this means that if I write (10) stories, each one could potentially have a different scenario of how it could happen if I choose to create he scene.    Is this a problem?

Do the readers treat each story as a sequel or an individual piece that stands alone?

I would like to try and branch out and tackle a Lenny, but it will be much more difficult for me and I'm worried about ruining the beauty of their relationship by just writing them wrong.

Some writers like to develop their own universe, others just assume they have done it by giving hints in the first chapters to the readers, I see no problem in both of them, as long as it's consistent.

My stories are independent from the other, so whenever I want to write a one-shot for example where they have already consumated their relationship, I just give hints about it, leaving it to the readers imagination, but sometimes I write it as a memory.

But you should define it before you start writing, otherwise the readers might get confused whether it's a sequel or not.

 

[jenafan]

Some writers like to develop their own universe, others just assume they have done it by giving hints in the first chapters to the readers, I see no problem in both of them, as long as it's consistent.

<snip>

This is an excellent idea that I never thought of that could very well help me move forward from the initial coitus into a more advanced relationship in future stories.   Thank you so very much.

[phantagrae]

I am about to wrap up my latest Shamy story and have an idea for another one.

As Shamy have yet to consummate their relationship on the show, and I have had them do so twice now (although one was a dream), can I continue doing so in my new stories until it comes into fruition on the show?

I guess this means that if I write (10) stories, each one could potentially have a different scenario of how it could happen if I choose to create he scene.    Is this a problem?

Do the readers treat each story as a sequel or an individual piece that stands alone?

I would like to try and branch out and tackle a Lenny, but it will be much more difficult for me and I'm worried about ruining the beauty of their relationship by just writing them wrong.

I think it's a matter of making it clear in your notes at the beginning as to whether or not any stories are connected.

So you could write 2 or 3 stories that could be considered a series, with one either dependent on the previous one, or related to the previous one, where maybe one has to know what happened in the previous story in order to understand the new one.

 And then you could write some story that has nothing to do with the others, just spelling that out in your author's note.

My current favorite author, Jo Nesbo, has done something similar with his novels.  He has several books that "star" a main character, a detective named Harry Hole, mostly set in Oslo.  The stories make references to the previous stories, but each Nobel can be read on its own.  I started with The Snowman, and only later found out there were a few Harry Hole stories that came before.  Then he has also written some novels featuring other unrelated characters that don't even reference Harry Hole, even though they're also set in Oslo.

Basically, you can do whatever you want.  Just make it clear in your notes or in the synopsis if you think readers might be thrown off.

All of my stories are standalones, I think.  Especially my early ones where I was exploring different ways that Sheldon and Amy were taking those first steps in kissing or whatever.

Edited November 4, 2015 by phantagrae

[jenafan]

I think it's a matter of making it clear in your notes at the beginning as to whether or not any stories are connected.

So you could write 2 or 3 stories that could be considered a series, with one either dependent on the previous one, or related to the previous one, where maybe one has to know what happened in the previous story in order to understand the new one.

 And then you could write some story that has nothing to do with the others, just spelling that out in your author's note.

My current favorite author, Jo Nesbo, has done something similar with his novels.  He has several books that "star" a main character, a detective named Harry Hole, mostly set in Oslo.  The stories make references to the previous stories, but each Nobel can be read on its own.  I started with The Snowman, and only later found out there were a few Harry Hole stories that came before.  Then he has also written some novels featuring other unrelated characters that don't even reference Harry Hole, even though they're also set in Oslo.

Basically, you can do whatever you want.  Just make it clear in your notes or in the synopsis if you think readers might be thrown off.

All of my stories are standalones, I think.  Especially my early ones where I was exploring different ways that Sheldon and Amy were taking those first steps in kissing or whatever.

Thank you, Phanta.  Your advice is appreciated.   I've added you to my FF favorites and look forward to checking out your style.  I definitely look to other authors to help me learn and improve in my own writing.

[Kasey]

 

I would like to try and branch out and tackle a Lenny, but it will be much more difficult for me and I'm worried about ruining the beauty of their relationship by just writing them wrong.

I think you should try it.  You may just offer a different perspective from other writers...

[phantagrae]

Thank you, Phanta.  Your advice is appreciated.   I've added you to my FF favorites and look forward to checking out your style.  I definitely look to other authors to help me learn and improve in my own writing.

Thanks--and thanks for the nice little review!

 

[Stephen Hawking]

Do the readers treat each story as a sequel or an individual piece that stands alone?

I treat all my fanfics as stand alone stories.

As a result, both Amy and Sheldon have lost their virginity, many times.  

[Stephen Hawking]

Can anyone remember, on what day of the week the girls gather at Penny's, to drink wine, tell stories, watch embarrassing Youtube videos, read Amy's LHOTP fanfiction, etc.?

Edited November 8, 2015 by Stephen Hawking

[Cereal Apist]

Can anyone remember, on what day of the week the girls gather at Penny's, to drink wine, tell stories, watch embarrassing Youtube videos, read Amy's LHOTP fanfiction, etc.?

I'm not sure if it's ever been spelled out in the show or if it's even the same day of the week for each Girl's Night. In my head-canon it would be Friday while the guys have their vintage video game night.