User blog:SmudgyHollz/Smudge's Story Improvement

At one point or another along the road, there comes an end to everything. I am sorry to say that, for the moment anyway, I will not be continuing any more of my fanfictions over here. I simply have too much going on in my life - if you read my my online diary you will know what I mean! - and I also have other stories to update. I am pretty sure that you are all aware of this, so I feel slightly guilty mentioning it yet again, but I have my own wiki to run - this gets priority above all that is not family commitments or school work - and I have my own original story that I am currently writing.

Alas, this bumps Warriors Fanfiction right down to fourth place on my to-do-list. I, however, refuse to let this slip any further to the bottom. This has been my home for the past three months and two years. It was the first website I ever joined. And during this period of time, I have learnt so much. Endless amounts of English-related information has been stored up in the back of my mind.

Now is my time to share it all with you.

I know that there are millions of budding young authors - which, I would just like to point out, is exactly what we all are - out there, not sure where to start. Perhaps they are confused about grammar, spelling or just simply feel daunted by all of the breathtaking fanfictions that are lurking within the pages of this site. This is your chance to shine.

And a note to all of the older users here; don't be shy to take part. This is not just for newcomers.

I could explain what "beta-reader" means to you in a hundred different ways, but I am just going to stick with the good, old and reliable Google definition. A beta reader (also spelled betareader, or shortened to beta) is a person who reads a written work, generally fiction, with what has been described as "a critical eye", with the aim of improving grammar, spelling, characterization, and general style of a story prior to its release to the general public.

I'm sure most of you were already familiar with this term, but I had to be certain that you were all clear on it before I continued.

After confirming this with some of you on my previous blog post I am sure of what I am doing and am very pleased with my idea. As I am no longer writing myself, I am going to be helping you to write.

Smudge's Story Improvement is what I have decided on calling it. Make sure to look out for a new section named exactly that, that will soon be appearing on my userpage.

Right, after beating around the bush for so long, I am now going to get straight to the matter;

The whole point of this is constructive criticism. I will try to euphoric and understanding as humanly possible, but if you are not prepared to hear that your story, whether it is an International No.1 Bestseller or not, could be much, much better than there is really no point in reading any more of this post. Yes, I am well aware that it is impossible, frankly, to create a flawless piece of work, but I am here to help you make your piece of work as flawless as can be. It sure won't be perfect, as even you and I combined aren't perfect, but I will help you until you are completely satisfied.

Okay, do you think you are ready to request my help? Take a look at the following points first;

1. The whole point of Smudge's Story Improvement is, as the title suggests, to improve your stories. I will not be writing them for you. What you will do is E-mail me your unfinished pieces of work, chapter by chapter, for me to read through, comment on and help you with.

2. As I have already stated, be prepared for gentle constructive criticism. If you aren't then, and I mean this in the nicest possible way, get lost.

3. Don't be afraid to complain. If you think I am suckish at helping or don't agree with what I am suggesting you to do, tell me so. I will not be offended. As long as you are satisfied, I am satisfied.

Ready now?

If you would like my help, even if you just want me to comment on or simply read your story, sign your name below. I will get back to you on your talk page.

Cheerio!

Look Out Sunshine Here comes 12 jammy dodgers and a fez!