fuckyeahcharacterdevelopment:

wallmakerrelict:

I love giving and receiving fic reviews, but for a long time the whole process of writing a review used to be very fraught because I wanted to show my appreciation but I didn’t want to leave a generic “Loved this, please write more!” like every other comment the author had already gotten and was probably sick of. (Note – as an author, we do not get sick of these comments. We do not get sick of any comments.) But I figured something out a while ago and I figured I’d share it. How to leave a good comment on a fic: PICK A LINE.

Literally any line. Pick it as you’re reading. If a phrase or a sentence or a paragraph jumps out at you, highlight it and hit Ctrl+C. Then save that puppy until the comment section, paste it in, and let the author know why you liked it.

“___” My favorite line, it was hilarious!

“___” I’m gonna cry! Poor Character B!

“___” That is totally something Character A would say.

“___” omg this totally sums up their whole relationship, doesn’t it?

I’m a writer who is friends with a lot of writers. I have never met a writer who didn’t fucking love this. Worried that you’re not leaving a comprehensive review? It’s okay. Tell the author about the five-word sentence that you loved in their 10K word fic, and they will glow. I’m telling you this is foolproof. Take the stress out of commenting. Pick a line. Make a writer’s day.

Also true for times that a friend asks you to read their work, and you want to be supportive!

Any time that you are reviewing/editing/just trying to give somebody a boost, being specific shows that a) you were really paying attention b) what in particular you liked (feedback is always great!) c) if the writer is shy about praise, something specific is harder for them to brush off as someone ‘just being nice’.

Support your fellow writers!   

Although it must be said – if you’re not comfortable with leaving a review, please, don’t worry. As a writer, I can guarantee you this -your little “loved it!” or “this was awesome!” means fully as much to me as a long, detailed comment. Don’t be shy – I really, really don’t mind short feedback at all!