I'd also like to know how they chose the stories to be studied.  We all know that there is some amazing work out there just in the Sherlock fandom.  I'd like to see them reading something like "Alone on the Water."

ukaunz wrote:

Oh my god, tonnaree, I saw you comment above and decided to look up "Alone in the Water". I assumed it was the one by Mad_Lori (plenty of kudos so it must be good). I read it. I cried (understatement). What an absolutely heartbreaking, beautiful story. I'm so glad I read it, but I'm so sad, I'm going to have to watch Sherlock just to remind myself that it didn't "really happen"! I actually had a dream last night with Benedict in it... Can't remember really anything about it, except that there was sadness and loss

I look forward to reading any fanfic you recommend, you have good taste.

Edit: actually, I think I need to listen to some Cabin Pressure, or I might feel miserable all day

Glad you liked it!
I think reading Alone on the Water is sort of a rite of passage in the Sherlock fandom!
I normally don't go anywhere near the words "Major Character Death" when reading fan fic but from the moment I joined the fandom I kept hearing about AOTW.  Finally couldn't resist it.

My reaction was much the same as yours.  So beautiful and so sad!  I was sobbing by the end.

Mad Lori is a treasure. 

Vhanja wrote:

I think construcive criticism is a good thing. Praise is of course wonderful, but that isn't what makes you better or makes you learn from your mistake.

However, two important things here: 

1. Emphasis on "constructive". Criticism shouldn't be harsh, rude or sarcastic. And a comment, I think, should also include what you liked about the fic, not just what you didn't like.
2. Fanfic should be reviewed as fanfic, not as published literature (novels). If I'm reviewing a romantic comedy, I shouldn't criticise it for lacking explosions and car chases. Likewise, a fanfic should be criticised within the terms of fanfic, not as anything else.

Let me offer my point of view as a fanfic writer.

I write for two reasons.
First, I write about things that can't be seen on screen (yet). (Yes, I'm talking about Johnlock. )
Second, I write about stuff that fulfills my emotional need. (Ever since I gave birth, I am a bit if a drama queen occasionally, so poor Sherlock and John have to go through a lot of pain and angst right now.

I am very happy and very surprised that my angsty fic is such a success, TBH. I never wrote with rhe Intention of getting a certain amount of kudos or comments. And I love those supportive comments.

I also want to improve my writing. That's why I asked three people to beta each and every chapter before I publish it. They give me the constructive criticism I need.

For the comments, I would consider it rather impolite if someone would start criticising my choice of adjectives or the pace of the story. Because the comment section is not the right place for criticism.

I would never say no if someone offered to beta to improve my writing. But there is an unspoken agreement that you leave positive comments or no comments at all.

I feel very comfy with that unspoken rule and can understand how painful it can be if some students who are unfamiliar with your dandom or don't like the pairing would leave harsh comments.

I really really think the authors should have been ask if they were ok with their stories being used and were open to criticism.

So hard - I made 26% only, and with most of them I just had to guess   

As they said: "Good try! The best part is, there's lots of excellent fics still out there for you to read!" 

Last edited by Harriet (March 8, 2015 2:27 pm)

tonnaree wrote:

I normally don't go anywhere near the words "Major Character Death" when reading fan fic but from the moment I joined the fandom I kept hearing about AOTW.  Finally couldn't resist it.

Interesting, I don't really mind Major Character Death at all, because if it's brilliantly written it hurts so good. It's really not that I want characters to die, but in my experience a lot of the fics which involve a MCD are tremendously good fics well before the death actually happens. And then, when it happens, it's all the more tragic.
I also like fics with a happy ending, but it usually touches me more profoundly when something tragic happens.
 

I agree, Schmiezi. An exception where I simply could not stop reading in spite of the MCD tag was prettyvk's "Two Years as Your Interpreter". It has been recommended in the other thread. 

And there are beautiful retirement fics which had me in tears but in a good way. But I usually avoid fics where I have to expect one of them to die prematurely and the other to spend his life alone. 

Sorry, not on the quick. If I can remember the title of one, I will let you know. 

Found one:

"The Final Proof" by Silentauror
http://archiveofourown.org/works/2092047

Ah, Silentauror, this just has to be good, right?