For the Newbies and Underappreciated Writers

[emmagrant01]

Most (if not all) of us are here in fandom for fun, but a significant number of us really work at it. We would genuinely like to improve our writing and produce fiction that other people will read and enjoy. Many of us spend more time than we reasonably can spare on this hobby, and we would all like some acknowledgement for that, of course. But when you're a newbie in a fandom, it can seem like that acknowledgment is a long way away.

It's been a while since I've been a newbie, I must admit -- but twice upon a time I was a newbie in two different fandoms, and I know what it's like to struggle with the whole "no one is reading my fic or even giving it a chance" thing. Every now and then I see posts about it from newbies, and though I sometimes want to offer advice or encouragement, I never know quite what to say.

So, in an attempt to provide encouragement and advice for new and "underappreciated" writers, I thought it might be good to create a post where people could talk about their experiences. I have no idea how one would define "newbie", so I won't attempt to do so. So if you want to consider yourself a newbie or an underappreciated writer, go right ahead! Likewise, how do you know that you're not a newbie any more? I have no idea! So if you have advice to give, please do so. No need to identify which category you think you belong to. :-)

If you're not a Fandom Newbie (or underappreciated writer):
• How long did it take you to get your fic "noticed"?
• How and where did you post your fic?
• Who supported or helped you along the way?
• What advice do you have for new/underappreciated writers?

If you are a Fandom Newbie (or underappreciated writer):
• What questions or frustrations do you have?
• Who has been helpful and supportive for you so far?

Feel free to comment anonymously, but I would like the tone here to remain positive. I intend to screen/delete any comments that are wanky or bitchy about specific people in any fandom.

Please feel free to pimp this post!

ETA: And talk to each other, if you like. Some newbies are asking good questions, and it would be great to see them answered! :-)

Y'all are awesome! There's some great advice in these comments about getting noticed as a writer and keeping it fun.

Comments

[phaballa.livejournal.com]

It wouldn't be a recs community actually, or a newsletter. It'd be a fic community for new/underappreciated authors that would have scouts who would then issue invites. But I'm not going to do it, I already mod a community and that's enough work for me!

[deora-mystic.livejournal.com]

I see. So... :-S you don't think anyone might take up this job? Because for a very ingenious fandom, it'd really be a shame.

not even if we bribe with cookies? :D

[phaballa.livejournal.com]

Truthfully I don't pull enough weight in fandom to recruit scouts and to get people to actually watch the community, so it'd be pretty useless for me to run it if the people who do the reccing, etc won't watch the comm. It needs to be someone who's very popular, lots of people read them, so that when they say, "Hey go watch this community!" people actually will.

[deora-mystic.livejournal.com]

Eeeeek. But imagine this: everyone pimps this idea and then (because fandom is, after all, just a very big sea), through LJ waves, someone with enough time/recklessnessand with plenty of weight could actually start it. *gnaws on fists* I'm thinking there are so many newbie/underappreciated authors that will send the wave, pimp it away until someone... Okie. *gives up* Maybe it is too idealistic. :(

[phaballa.livejournal.com]

We can always wish ;)

[deora-mystic.livejournal.com]

*nodnods* Now you got me all hoping. But I'm gonna do my share of pimping, small as it may be :)
And you know, you do have some weight. I mean, I would consider you a big name in the fandom (I tend to call 'big names' - I did not use the B name, just... part of it >_< - authors I keep coming across. No, I don't stalk, what d'you-- okay, maybe a little :p ) and...
*flails and flees before she can embarrass herself more than she has already*

[phaballa.livejournal.com]

You keep coming across me, really? That's sort of fun!