Writer's Trademarks Meme

[jedibuttercup]

OK. So, I'm not-- unless, Heaven forfend, my Yuletide story decides to sprout like a crazy weed-- going to participate in NaNoWriMo this year. The most I've ever managed in one month before was in the 25,000 word range, which left me wiped out for weeks afterward and feeling hugely disappointed, so-- no.

I do, however, still have ficathons and promised stories stacked up to work on. And when I saw this meme go 'round, it got me thinking, too. I'm a fairly self-aware writer, but no one is perfectly so, and I'm always interested in improving.

Gacked from st_aurafina:

What would you say are the trademarks of my writing? What themes or quirks or turns of phrase have you noticed? What is it that makes a story by me -- well, a story by me?
~

Comments

[raiining.livejournal.com]

Hmm, neat meme.

Your stories ... well they consistently stay in character, while managing such wonderful (and sometimes cracktastic) crossovers. But no matter where you pick up and drop people, they stay *them*.

You've also got a great reveal: usually just near the end in your shorter stories, where sometimes (not always) you'll keep the reader in suspense as to what's actually going on, or whose talking to who. Since most of what I read from you are crossovers, the suspense can have me guessing! And when you give us the reveal, you have this way of doing it that's very 'you'. Trying to think of how to articulate what I mean ... I guess it goes back to my first point - people stay in character, and so it never feels like a surprise as to who they're talking to/whats going on. But it *is*.

... I'm remembering your most recent Xander-talking-to-miniJack story and your beautiful Firefly story with Zoe as Serenity as I type this. Great examples.

[jedibuttercup]

Wow. Great comments; thank you for replying.

I do try very hard to keep characterization consistent; if I can't "see" and "hear" them as I write, I feel like I'm failing. And I always love to hear that I'm succeeding at it. I want my stories to feel like they're just a half-step out of canon, that no matter how weird the premise it rings true to the characters and the world(s) they come from.

The other bit, though, the reveal-- Hmm. That probably comes out of an early prof of mine who insisted that "in medias res" was the best way to start any story; never infodump, just drop the reader right in with the character, and drop details in slow but steady. Now that I think of it, that probably is a technique I use more often than not, especially in short-fic. (I love the surprised "oh, of course!" reactions I tend to get to those, like the identity of Buffy's boyfriend in the most recent Buffy/Pirates crossover I did). Thank you for pointing that out.

[glam-geek.livejournal.com]

You're very kind to your characters. Not always in the situations you put them in, but you always explain their motivations! The way you write them, your audience can sense your sincerity.

[jedibuttercup]

I have never thought about my writing style that way before. "Kind"? Because I do put some of my characters through the wringer.

But yeah, it does make sense, the way you define it. I never really think about making sure everyone's motivations show, but I am pretty concerned with always getting into characters' headspaces before I write them, so I guess it kind of works its way in. Interesting.

...Sincere. I like that; it's probably one of the best compliments anyone has ever given my writing. Thank you!

Trademarks

[anabels.livejournal.com]

The big one to me is how through and rigorous you are with your research. You won't write until you have the background you need. Not in the sense of "nah nah I know all my canon" but there is never anything jarring or out of place and you have the small details as well as the big picture. I suspect this is even harder when you are working with other people's characters and settings than you own. Though I am (selfishly) looking forward to the day when you have the time and inclination to create a universe of your own.

Also how true you are to yourself as a writer. Your princlples and beliefs are always present, not in a way that is obtrusive just present and there. Your Yuletide story dilemma being just one example.

Re: Trademarks

[jedibuttercup]

I've seen too many stories that would otherwise have been awesome, hung up on one stupid little detail that would have taken five minutes of research to fix. Like a recent Stargate crossover I saw where someone was using a wormhole for two-way travel. *facepalm*

It just-- I write best when I am feeling secure in the characters and situation; when I can close my eyes and it practically writes itself. Like it could be just a half-step out from canon. If something trips me up, I have to stop and check, or it'll bug me forever.

> Though I am (selfishly) looking forward to the day when you have the time and inclination to create a universe of your own.

I do have ideas. And one universe in particular that's been sitting in half-written notebooks-and-maps form in a drawer since I was about 12. The problem is, updating it with a more adult eye so that it doesn't read like a collection of every fantasy epic cliche in the book. *grin*

> Also how true you are to yourself as a writer. Your principles and beliefs are always present, not in a way that is obtrusive just present and there.

Thank you. That's really good to hear.