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Post by raquelaroden on Sept 30, 2009 6:09:30 GMT -5
So...I'm always reluctant to begin a thread, but whatever.
I was really, really worried about my last chapter. I felt like it was all over the place, and worse--much of it was remedying a major plot hole that had long gone unnoticed. I also knew that I needed to introduce a major clue, and some extra characters. Plus, I had just read up on how to use photo layers (I know--I'm so ignorant when it comes to photo editing) because I absolutely had to use them this time to add things to my scenes that just weren't possible in game. So, you can imagine my trepidation as I released an update under those conditions. The update took forever to create, which added to my frustration.
And the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Several say this is my best chapter yet. Every time someone says that, I reread the chapter, and look for what they are seeing. From my perspective, the chapter is me trying to remedy one mistake or shortcoming after another--a testament to the perils of winging it--but to my readers, it's a wealth of new information and explanation of questions and events that were just lingering.
I think I am just bad at seeing the story from the reader's perspective, and that's something I need to remedy--not because I want to write strictly to please my readers, but because I think my chapters won't be effective at moving the story along if I don't try to think about what the readers are wondering and wishing they knew at any given point.
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Post by thelunarfox on Oct 5, 2009 12:27:41 GMT -5
You're just winging it? That's awesome!
The deeper we get into the story, the better it gets. And I'm not just saying that because we see more of Nick, I swear. (Though I really do like him. He's just so cute.)
I hear you on that last point! I am horrible at that myself trying to see from the reader's point of view, and I think it's important. You put it well. It does move the story along more effectively, and you end up having to do less exposition in the comments when readers are confused.
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Post by raquelaroden on Oct 7, 2009 5:58:30 GMT -5
Just a rather unrelated thing--though a lot of you have already commented on my story, you might notice that your comments aren't showing up right away. I changed my settings after some concerns with a spammer. It's one particular person (if the IP is to be believed), and it's being caught so far, but I was concerned that someone might make a sensible comment (which I would approve), then let loose with a string of spam (I've heard of such things happening), so I turned the settings up so that I have to approve every comment before it shows up. Because I'm paranoid like that. Anyway, I just thought I would explain the situation.
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Post by raquelaroden on Oct 11, 2009 22:06:06 GMT -5
ARgh. I'm so impatient. I feel great pressure to update at least once a week. I can only find time to play on the weekends of late, but if I have a particularly busy weekend, then there goes my chance to update. I could have altered my vision of the next chapter so that it wouldn't take as much work, but I know that I'm just being impatient, and that I wouldn't be satisfied with the result. The next chapter is pretty important, and I shouldn't skimp just because I ran out of time this weekend. Sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day!
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Post by girlyesterday on Oct 12, 2009 17:58:20 GMT -5
In my experience, stories can't really be rushed so I wouldn't worry too much about updating once a week. I don't have a specific schedule for any of my stories for that exact reason. Some weeks, it runs like clockwork, other weeks it's like pulling teeth and sometimes, RL happens and that's okay. The people who like and read your story will always be there no matter the length between updates.
Also, sorry to hear about the spamming. I used to have problems like that over at blogspot when I used it last year. It's a pain to have to do that but I'd do the same in your situation.
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Post by dbloveshermac on Oct 14, 2009 20:10:13 GMT -5
Think of it this way, Rachel. If "real life" is eating away at your writing time, just think of it as research time or experience time. Almost everything we do can make us into better storytellers if we are observant. If you have to go shop for groceries, you might notice the shopper in line in front of you at the checkout who has a nervous tic that gives you a brilliant idea for a future character. So even though it feels like lost time now, it could be enriching your future writing.
Hope that helps with the pressure to publish syndrome.
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Post by raquelaroden on Oct 14, 2009 21:32:49 GMT -5
Aww, thanks Carnaxa and DB. Both of you make excellent points. My schedule is my own--I'm accountable to no one but myself (and I need to be more patient). My inspiration for the story started with something that happened in my every day life, so I really like the idea of looking at real life as research for future characters and story arcs, instead of viewing it (probably unhealthily) as a burden that takes time away from my story and playing.
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Post by raquelaroden on Oct 23, 2009 20:44:58 GMT -5
So...I think someone from this forum brought up a possible plot hole, and I have been thinking about it for a while.
The question was whether or not Ed's mom would be worried because of some of the events that have transpired (I'm trying not to give away anything in case some of the readers haven't read the story). I think Ed would try to keep her mom from knowing about her involvement in this case--that won't be possible much longer, but I think the secrecy has been successfully preserved for now. Hmm...
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Post by dbloveshermac on Oct 26, 2009 22:55:40 GMT -5
I can see that the recent happenings will make it hard for Ed's mom to not find out what she's been up to. Given what happened with Ed's brother, I expect there may be some familial fireworks on the way…
I'm excited to see how you're going to explore this!
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Post by raquelaroden on Oct 27, 2009 5:31:46 GMT -5
DB: Yeah, after Chapter 23, there's no way she can keep it from her parents...there are several other plot holes I need to plug up as well, which were pointed out by Moondaisy. I definitely need to be more careful with the next story....
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Catherine
Junior Member
I like to say SQUEE!
Posts: 97
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Post by Catherine on Oct 27, 2009 10:55:17 GMT -5
I'll be looking forward to seeing the bits with Ed and her parents. I liked the way you wrote Ed's mom's first appearance. It'll be neat to see how you write her reaction to Ed's new hobby.
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Post by raquelaroden on Nov 20, 2009 6:45:11 GMT -5
So I'm trying to be "good" and plan out the next story carefully. I was in a very boring grad course yesterday, so I used the time I was stuck in there to plan out some of my story. I wrote out a list of overarching themes and storylines that needed to be given out piecemeal throughout the length of the series.
I also began a list of the specific plot for the next story, where I write, "Chapter 1" and then underneath it I list little bullet points of what I want to happen there, in a very general manner. This way, I can look at my two lists and say "Oh, it's about time I sprinkled this bit of the larger storyline into this smaller story", and maybe I can give out clues in a more organized and satisfying manner. I don't know. I think this approach will work for me, and that I will be better able to avoid plot holes. But one thing this sort of listing out made me wish for was a very pretty writing nook--one with like...three walls of windows looking out onto a beautiful vista, and one wall with a white board/cork board thing so I could map out my story and look at it whenever I needed....I might build it in TS3 and put my Simself in there for fun.......
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Catherine
Junior Member
I like to say SQUEE!
Posts: 97
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Post by Catherine on Nov 20, 2009 6:50:12 GMT -5
You should do that. You never know. Just looking at your Simself there might relax your brain and let the inspiration seep in.
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Post by raquelaroden on Nov 20, 2009 7:09:37 GMT -5
Stumbled on a Sean song whilst playing Rock Band with the husband last night.
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Post by raquelaroden on Dec 5, 2009 8:41:06 GMT -5
I'm so excited! I finally got a chance to fire up the game and I built the set for the first chapter in Story 2. Actually--I realized it would be easier to take an appropriate house and change it into what I wanted, so I raided the pre-built house bin and made some changes. It turned out great, and took less time. I've been so busy with family over Thanksgiving and then school (finals and papers) that I just couldn't fit in the time to work on the first chapter (though most of the second story is mapped out with chapter summaries, and I definitely know where it's going). After next week, I should have more free time, though I'll be going away for two weeks to visit family for Christmas. I might try to do what Carnaxa did, and have chapters written ahead to be published at intervals automatically....hmmm....
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Post by raquelaroden on Dec 11, 2009 6:36:54 GMT -5
So, I have more time now that I've finished school for the semester (and I'm probably not going to take any classes next semester), which equals more play time!
In any case, last night I looked over my notes, and then I fired up the game and started snapping pictures. And I just wasn't feeling it....I felt like I wasn't able to capture any good pics and like something was off, and I finally ended the session in frustration, even though I needed a few more shots to use in a chapter. But--I was convinced that I didn't have anything useful, and that I'd have to do it all over again anyway.
Well....about an hour later, I started playing with the pictures and started putting text to them, and lo and behold I did have something to work with. I don't know why I always think "Bleh these pictures are no good" as soon as I take them. I think it's because I usually start with an idea in my head of the types of things I want their faces to express or that I want them to do, and when they don't I just get frustrated. Lucky for me, that feeling passes and I'm able to see that I can actually use the pictures. It's just so weird.
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Post by dbloveshermac on Dec 11, 2009 22:40:41 GMT -5
That has happened to me! Sometimes when I look at the pictures out of sequence, I start to see their potential. I bet you've got some great stuff, and I look forward to seeing Ed in her next chapter!
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Post by raquelaroden on Dec 13, 2009 21:47:18 GMT -5
So....something I guess I tend to do in my stories is come up with ideas on the fly and in a way sort of assign myself things to do. For instance, though I have an outline of how this story will go, many details aren't fleshed out until I actually sit down and write the chapters. This time, I've sort of assigned myself to build a set--Sean's house. I'm having so much trouble getting started! I just thought, "ah yeah, she'll need to go to Sean's house this time" and I wrote it, and NOW I have to build his house, or at least choose an appropriate one from the bin or something....and it's so hard because I'm not sure what kind of person he is yet--does he like modern design, or is he more of a classic kinda guy? Will it suit him, or not? Does he like it, or not? Does he care about it, or is it just a place for him to sleep? I'll really have to spend some time thinking about these things....and it's wonderful, but at the same time I'm wondering what I've gotten myself into, lol.
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Post by thelunarfox on Dec 13, 2009 23:33:12 GMT -5
lol! I know that feeling. You know, when it comes to stuff like that, sometimes I'll just think to myself while writing. I have a dump file where I ask myself what I think and sort of reason it out. Maybe that might help you.
Of course, once you get to building the set, things might also come together.
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Post by raquelaroden on Jan 2, 2010 9:18:32 GMT -5
So I've been building and building, and building some more. First off, I think I've finished Sean's house, and I loooove it. I remembered some of the hints given on one of our forum threads about looking at real houses for inspiration, and doing that really helped. I think it turned out well, and I might put up more pics of it on the White Elephant thread once the chapter containing it is up.
I've been building other houses as well, though. I had one house in my head that needed to be built (and I can't say more about it without giving something away), but I also thought "One day we'll need to see Nick's house, too...." so I started thinking about what that might look like. I've been having a blast building and decorating. In all the previous Sims games, I spent more time building and decorating than I did playing, I'd bet (though I was very rarely satisfied with my endeavors).
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