Star Signs - Writing Help

TIP FOUR - Apply Fics

Apply Fics

Apply fics! You know, my opinion on writing apply fics has really evolved over the years. Always loved them and the idea of them, didn't quite know how to write them well. But I figured it out after a few realizations. Which, between that and the fact I've applied to many of them, made me realize it isn't as easy as it appears on paper.

This chapter will have two parts. Writing an apply fic and applying to one. Both are equally important, since the entire point is collaboration, and I've had experience doing both. With a bonus — the last section is based on responses I got on an announcement, asking what influenced their choices on apply fics! A bit of collaboration for the collaborative fics.

Plus it's just useful to see people's opinions outside of my own. Because a lot of these points aren't do-or-don't. They're personal things. Which means having more voices equal it being more helpful.

Writer's Perspective

Accessibility —

This is something I've been trying to work on it my own apply fics — balancing what I need for the story and what will make it the most accessible to those applying. Because people will need to fill out the forms and do the password, something that will take time out of their real lives, and they will need to balance those two things when deciding to apply.

The best example of this is period apply fics. I barely ever apply to them. Why? Authors will ask for faceclaims for "period accurate faceclaims, lots of gifs that fit the fic and character, and diverse characters." Which in near impossible. I hate to break it to you, but period shows and movies are not diverse! And the ones that are don't get popular, and if you aren't crazy popular than it's unlikely you'll get gifed.

Which means the kinds of characters you can make is very limited.

Another example I can think of from my experience is the issues I have with playlists and theme songs. I do not have a very wide range of musical tastes. Lots of songs, not very diverse. So when people would ask for a theme song and a five song playlist...my options for characters are very limited. Unless I specifically build the character with some songs in mind, I'm probably going to struggle to find a playlist, a required part of the form.

Here's the question you should always ask before including extra information:

How easily can someone fill out this part of the form? How likely is it that appliers don't have the resources to do this?

Some things people can easily go look up. A simple google can get you, say, information on Myers-Briggs types or astrology signs. Or it's information they don't need to look outside their own mind for. For example, developing their personalities or habits or backstory can all be done just by thinking about it.

Other things, however, need resources. Making aesthetics and playlists. Finding faceclaims. And it's easy to assume that people have all the same resources you do — they know the same amount of songs, actors, and aesthetic images that you do. Except they don't.

I'm not saying never do this. I often ask for aesthetics. And some people need faceclaims to imagine the characters, and use playlists for a bigger one for the book. Instead I would suggest doing this in ways that are accessible.