So I saw this tumblr post (ha) a while back

 

 

And it has totally changed my opinion on self inserts. No, it's not that easy to change my opinion, but this just...made sense to me, y'know?

 

When I was a littler duckling in 7th grade I did write OC coughcoughselfinsertmarysuecough fics. Were they terrible? Yep. But was I expressing my imagination? Yep. Aaaaand for many people such as myself, it's a damn good thing.

 

I know I know, a lot - not all - self insert or OC fics can tend to be on the suckier side. But please, the next time you go batshit insane over someone's OC/self insert story... I mean, offer constructive criticism at least. A lot are beyond firetrucking repair but hey, if you really can't help yourself and find one thats at least a 6th grade reading level then it might be salvageable!

 

Point is, whether they're 13 or 33, try not to hate excessively. I mean hate all you want, but keep it to yourself or in your circle of equal haters. Try not to start a random conflict over someone's imagination.

 

I haven't been able to write anything in years but recently I've done a few short fics and I plan to do more. While I'm at it, I think I'm going to try doing an OC story again. Like, for the longest time I was ashamed of my OC stories or even thinking about writng one. Now, I think I'll try to write one with pride.

 

I dunno. I mean, what are your thoughts on this? I know some people actually do like to read OC fics - including myself, I practically scout for them - for reasons unknown, haha. I say live and let live. I think it's cute, especially when it's the younger side writing the OC fics.

What's this about?

What's this about?

Card games.

Card games.

 

On motorcycles?

On motorcycles?

No on tricycles. God Sora get with the millenium items

I understand the intent behind it and how it can be a healthy release, but we smug better-than-you Serious Business writers tend to look at stories as stories, and blatant wish fulfillment tends to get in the way of good decisions in storytelling and characterization.  I say blatant wish fulfillment because I think all fiction is escapism to some extent.  The problem with stories that care more about wish fulfillment than anything else is that they don't think about how to actually write.  They don't juggle between what they want to see versus what makes for a good story.  There's no compromise.  Anything that pops into their head, goes.  And the people who take writing seriously do not appreciate that.

 

You don't need to write a self-insert to fall into those traps, but when a piece is clearly just meant to fulfill someone's fantasies, there's an added stigma to it when it's done poorly.  Since most of these writers are inexperienced teenagers, you'll see poorly-done self-inserts more often than not.  I pretty much ignore OC stories and especially self-inserts, not just because they're usually done poorly, but because they're just not in my tastes--I'd rather read about the canon characters.  But as much as they can bug me, I'm not about to stomp on anyone's fun.  I don't flame stories like that (anymore).  I just go somewhere else.  No one wins--I waste my time typing up a critique they'd probably just attack me for writing.  You're right: live and let live.

I wrote a self insert story once: I ended up as the next keyblade weilder, and finally the ruler of Wonderland.

It was just to express some deep anger I had towards specific people in my life: each Heartless catagory was based on them. 

It can help to do these sort of stories sometimes, so I don't see why it's a problem. 

Interesting topic. But my question here is; how exactly do you even write good fanfiction? I've been trying to figure it out but I feel like if I even tried to write fanfic based off of my current knowledge I'd been walking on very, VERY thin ice.  

Interesting topic. But my question here is; how exactly do you even write good fanfiction? I've been trying to figure it out but I feel like if I even tried to write fanfic based off of my current knowledge I'd been walking on very, VERY thin ice.

It's best to understand that most fanfiction won't start off flawless. One of the most important parts of being an author is the willingness to cast aside doubts and fears and just write what you feel is best. Look back at what you make, and learn from your mistakes. Accept and encourage constructive criticism, but don't let anything shake your resolve.

 

In the end, that's really the best thing we can do.

Interesting topic. But my question here is; how exactly do you even write good fanfiction? I've been trying to figure it out but I feel like if I even tried to write fanfic based off of my current knowledge I'd been walking on very, VERY thin ice.

Just do what I do: toss caution to the wind and go balls out on a long shot.

I understand the intent behind it and how it can be a healthy release, but we smug better-than-you Serious Business writers tend to look at stories as stories, and blatant wish fulfillment tends to get in the way of good decisions in storytelling and characterization.  I say blatant wish fulfillment because I think all fiction is escapism to some extent.  The problem with stories that care more about wish fulfillment than anything else is that they don't think about how to actually write.  They don't juggle between what they want to see versus what makes for a good story.  There's no compromise.  Anything that pops into their head, goes.  And the people who take writing seriously do not appreciate that. You don't need to write a self-insert to fall into those traps, but when a piece is clearly just meant to fulfill someone's fantasies, there's an added stigma to it when it's done poorly.  Since most of these writers are inexperienced teenagers, you'll see poorly-done self-inserts more often than not.  I pretty much ignore OC stories and especially self-inserts, not just because they're usually done poorly, but because they're just not in my tastes--I'd rather read about the canon characters.  But as much as they can bug me, I'm not about to stomp on anyone's fun.  I don't flame stories like that (anymore).  I just go somewhere else.  No one wins--I waste my time typing up a critique they'd probably just attack me for writing.  You're right: live and let live.

Well some will grow into better writers and expand their horizons beyond just OC fanfics, while others will, yeah, be kinda stuck on that Mary Sue, "I don't take criticism" phase. Still the point for this imo is that people can escape from life, just like another coping method. OC fics that are well written are GREAT, but eh, even if they suck then good for the person. Plus, there are almost always people out there who like them, even if they don't know good writing in itself so eh. And yeah, no point in flaming stuff like that anyways. Hopefully they will learn through constructive critiques from others and just even as they grow and learn from their mistakes, as we all try to ^^