FAQ

 

 

Here are some questions I get asked a lot in emails, so instead of typing up the same answers all the time, I’ve decided to make a page for them so you don’t have to email me and ask.

 

 

 

Q.  When are you going to write the companion story to “The Other Child”?

 

Um… good question LOL.  Honestly, I have no idea.  I’m not even sure if I’m going to write it or not.  I was planning to, but now I don’t really want to anymore LOL.  All I can say is wait and see, and if I get inspired in the future, I’ll write it.  But I’m not making any promises.

 

 

Q.  How can I send you a story to host?

 

Go to the Hosted Stories page.  There’s a link towards the top of the page that says “Rules for Hosting”.  Click that and find out. 

 

 

Q.  Will you collaborate a story with me?

 

Please don’t ask me this question.   The people I collaborate with are friends of mine, people who I know pretty well and get along with fine.   I enjoy writing with them because of this.   I am not interested in writing stories with people who I hardly know because I don’t know anything about their personalities or their writing styles.   If I want to collaborate something with you, I’ll ask you.   So, not to be rude or anything, but… don’t ask me.  ;)

 

 

Q.  Do you know when you’re going to update “[insert name of hosted story here]”, and if not, can you give me the email address of the person who wrote it?

 

Usually, I don’t know when the hosted stories will get updated.  I post chapters when I get them, but I never know how often I will get them.   Sometimes chapter will sit around in my email for a few days until I update, but the answer to this question will always be “soon” (meaning I have the chapter(s) and just have posted them yet) or “I don’t know”.  It’s better if you email the author and ask her instead of me.  And if you want her email address, don’t email me asking for it.  I have an “Email [insert author’s name here]” link posted on every story, so just click on the story in question and look it up. 

 

 

Q.  I'm having trouble writing fan fiction. I think of really good ideas but I'll start writing a story and never finish because the next day I think the ideas are all lame and I can't seem to continue the story. All I wanna do is get at least ONE story finished. Do you have any advice at all for me or tips on writing fan fiction.

 

Here is a summarized version of my tips for writing a fanfic:

 

1.       Think of an idea you really like, and make it something that will be easy to write (I would suggest a simple romance or tearjerker, not a complex mystery, sci-fi, or suspense.)  If it’s your first story, you might want to combine ideas from other fanfics (or books, movies, etc.) to get your own original idea.  As long as you don’t totally copy one certain thing, it’s okay.

2.       Plan out your story.  Think of what the basic plot will be and how it will end.  Make sure to include lots of conflict so it will not get boring for you to write and for people to read.

3.       Once you’ve got a few chapters or so, get your story online.  Get it hosted, start a website, whatever.  Get people to read it.  Feedback is really helpful and motivating.

4.       Don’t give up.  Writer’s block happens to everyone, and even seemingly bad cases can be resolved.   If you’re completely stuck, ask for some help from your readers.  They can give you ideas and suggestions that can help you out a lot.  If you know what you want to write and just can’t get going, take a break and come back to it when you feel more inspired.

5.       Don’t get into a hurry to finish or let people pressure you to update.  Take your time, and you’ll be much happier with your story in the end. 

 

Those are my main suggestions for those of you wanting to write a fanfic, but are having trouble getting started.  Hope this helps!

 

 

Q.  Why are almost all your stories about Bsb getting hurt or sick and ending up in the hospital?

 

I have always loved tearjerkers, whether they be movies, books, whatever.  I love things that can make me cry, and when I started reading fanfics, the tearjerkers were the ones I liked best.  Since I like reading those kind the best, it makes sense that I like writing them as well.   I want to write stories that will tug at people’s emotions and make them cry, just as other stories have done to me.   I have found that stories like many of mine, where members of Bsb get into car accidents, or get sick, or whatever, make great tearjerkers, and that’s why I write what I do.

 

 

Q.  Where do you come up with your ideas?

 

I get ideas from lots of places, such as other fanfics, books, songs, and movies.   Some of them I’ve gotten from other people, and some of them, I’ve thought up all on my own.   If you’re wondering specifically where I got the idea for a certain story, just ask, and I’ll let ya know.

 

 

Q.  How do I add a picture/midi/link/frames, etc… to my website?

 

I have worked very hard to make this site, and I have learned a lot about HTML and website-building in the past year.  However, one – I suck at explaining things, and two – I use Microsoft Word to make my site, which I’ve found is a lot different then what most people use to build their sites, so I don’t know what to tell most people who ask me how to do certain stuff.   If you need help with things, here’s a few sites that show you how to do certain stuff.  (Note:  I haven’t thoroughly gone through these sites to see how easy they are to understand and stuff, so I don’t really know how good they are, but they’re better than nothing, I guess LOL)

 

http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Campus/1924/index.html

 

http://webhelp2000.tripod.com/

 

http://members.aol.com/sskufca/webhlp.htm

 

If you’re wanting to start a website and don’t know where to start, I personally suggest using Microsoft Word to build it.  If you already know how to use Word for word processing, website building is not much harder.   If you’re looking for a place to get your site hosted (you know, like Geocities, Angelfire, Tripod, etc…)  I would go for Geocities.  Now, I’ve really only used Geocities and Angelfire, but Geocities is really easy to use, user-friendly, and it’s up and working most of the time.  Angelfire is pretty easy to use too, but the thing I don’t like about it is that you get stupid pop-ups or banner ads at the top of your site, and if you have a banner that you want people to add to their sites to link you, and it’s uploaded to Angelfire, it won’t show up on their page, unless they’re hosted by Angelfire too.  And believe me, that’s really annoying.  So, yeah, Geocities is overall pretty good. 

 

 

Got any more questions?  Just email me or sign the guestbook (there’s a spot for questions in there), and I’ll be glad to answer them.