Fanthology thoughts

[JeffTibbetts]

Okay. Decisions, decisions...

Okay, so we have an editor (JeffTibbetts), at least three proofreaders (Cormac Airt, helterskelter, and Battle-Brother Ludovic), and a publisher (me).

As editor, JeffTibbetts gets to make the hard decisions on things such as deadlines, story length(s), content requirements (themes, etc.), which stories are accepted (whether from a quality perspective or any other criteria), etc.

We'll let JeffTibbetts develop his plan and then start a new topic here to announce his ideas (and he's free to contact me for any B&C administrator guidance he might like - purely optional on whether or not he wants to do it and I won't hold it against him if he doesn't).

So, here are my initial thoughts. Feel free to chime in however you like. I would not mind a couple editorial lackeys assistants to help with the workload, but this will be a community-based project and I'll do my best to support our collective ideas. I do plan to keep things on track as much as I can, though, so don't be mad if I take a tough-love approach for the sake of quality work.

Length: this is tough and I'm open to suggestion, but I would really like a lot of shorter stories. There's no reason they can't be developed more in the future but let's keep them trim here. Some will hate me, but I don't want anything longer than 3,000 and that's on the long end. Here's why: a good short story collection can have works in the 5-6K range. But, those are print. We must conceive of this project with the mindset that it will be consumed online. Even if it's a pdf, I'm not expecting a print run. Most people reading even a thousand pages online will start to feel fatigued and distracted. It's like waiting on hold on a phone call: 5 minuets seems like 10. 1000 pages online feels like 2000, etc. I feel extremely confident that we can get some really quality writing in that length, even if the first drafts start much longer. So, there will be length requirements for each draft, getting smaller as we go. Rarely is a short story made better by adding to it. If we could get these down to 1-2K I would be very happy.

Content: I'm open on this one. Really open. My initial thought is that I like balance in collections. Individual stories can be all over the map and over-the-top, but on the whole I want to feel like this represents the board as a whole. I'd love to see stories about marines, loyalist and traitors, sisters, guard, maybe even mechanicus. But, I'm also looking for some thematic balance. I'm biased towards anything that's different. BL does a great job with action and heresy-era (obviously) but what we rarely hear about in fan-fic is what happens behind the scenes. Before and after battle. Also, what makes the stuff we're doing better than what's already being done. If you'd like to submit something, I'd love you to put some thought into this: why should someone keep reading what I'm writing? What's in it for them?

What will be the criteria for selection? Not writing skills. We can work on that. Not length. We can pad and trim anything. Not bribes. I was a Boy Scout. I will be looking for two things: something that catches my interest first and foremost. Second, a sense of commitment and work ethic. I want to think that the potential of the story will be realized in a disciplined manner. Writing is not always fun, folks. It's often hard. But, as Rogue Trader taught me: "Endeavour is its own reward."

So, deadlines. I'd like people to really look at what's going on, and ask themselves if they have something they want to be included. If so, I'd like you to submit a draft to me, by email to submissions@TibbsForge.com, before the end of May. Please include 'Fanthology' in the subject line. This 'draft' can be as simple as on outline or as fleshed out as 4000 pages of thought-vomit. Either is fine. I'm not using my personal email to be a jerk, I'm using it to help me stay organized and make the workshopping process easier. I'd like to be able to take these files and send them around to the other writers to start the workshopping process. Take note: that means if you have a submission accepted, you will be expected to help your peers to make their writing better as well. We will share a bond of brotherhood (and sisterhood) as we go through this together.

Again, I'm looking for potential in these drafts, not a polished gem. That will came later. Once the actual submissions start rolling in, we'll see what we have to work with. If we get 100 subs, I'll do my best to read them all and we'll select the right ones. If we get 5 serious subs, that doesn't mean the project is off, but it also doesn't mean we'll just put out whatever we get. We WILL work and hone these until they're great. Depending on how many we get, I will organize passing the drafts to each other.

Throughout the process I'll be posting progress and asking questions here on the board. Please, please reply with thoughts, objections, etc. Nothing here is carved in stone and I'm open to anything if it makes sense.

[Dosjetka]

I'll make an effort and pitch an Inquisition/Imperial Guard story. Perhaps even something else, time and motivation permitting.

Also, no objections with what has been written above. Carry on

[Olis]

My only gripe is the word limit. A hard 3000 word limit would be difficult for me, mostly as I tend to keep adding to stories before I could think of them as 'finished'. However, first world problems and all that. It's not like I can't do it, it's just the hardness of the limit that'll concern me.

 

Besides that, I think what you've laid out sounds reasonable, as a start. What exactly is the plan after the submissions have been sent in and they've gone through the rigmarole of editing? 

[Ace Debonair]

The word limit won't be too bad. We'll just have to save larger stories for the actual forum Fanfiction section.

Prologues or side-story companions to those bigger tales should work just fine though.

All I've got to do first is rename the Iron Circle, since it turns out that's been used for Perturabo's bodyguards or something and might cause confusion if I used it for something else.

[JeffTibbetts]

My only gripe is the word limit. A hard 3000 word limit would be difficult for me, mostly as I tend to keep adding to stories before I could think of them as 'finished'. However, first world problems and all that. It's not like I can't do it, it's just the hardness of the limit that'll concern me.

Besides that, I think what you've laid out sounds reasonable, as a start. What exactly is the plan after the submissions have been sent in and they've gone through the rigmarole of editing?

Yeah, it's a tough call but based on the medium and trying to get as more, rather than fewer stories it's the right call. It's a tough thing for any writer to whittle their stuff down but I think you'll like what it does to your writing.

As for the rest, well... I plan to go through three rounds of peer editing and revisions. After that, I'll start collecting what we have and putting it together in the order that offers the best overall structure and flow. Eventually I'd like to get somebody to read through them and maybe write us a forward and the rest will be up to the publisher. This will take quite a while, so I'm concentrating first on getting some submissions and we'll see how many we have to work with.

The word limit won't be too bad. We'll just have to save larger stories for the actual forum Fanfiction section.

Prologues or side-story companions to those bigger tales should work just fine though.

All I've got to do first is rename the Iron Circle, since it turns out that's been used for Perturabo's bodyguards or something and might cause confusion if I used it for something else.

Yeah, side stories, intros, character studies, even excerpts of longer works. That's the idea. If this is good stuff, it should entice a reader to look more in depth into some other stuff. Too bad about your Iron Circle idea. It's not like you're known for being short on ideas, though, Ace. :D

[Son of Carnelian]

Just sent my submission! Can't wait to hear any thoughts you have on it. 

[JeffTibbetts]

Just sent my submission! Can't wait to hear any thoughts you have on it. 

 

I got it, man. Good read. I'm going to chill with offering lots of comments right away, as I want the workshop process to get to it before you go messing with it too much. 

[Conn Eremon]

For those of us who offered to help with proofreading, but will not be submitting anything ourselves, how do you intend to incorporate us? Or is that something further down the road?

[Deus Imperator Vult]

First off, love this idea. I'm an aspiring writer as is but trying to get any sort of attention for your work can be a serious pain. I also keep finding myself getting sucked into fan fiction more than working on ACTUAL projects I have sitting on my desk top so the chance to actually make one of them a serious commitment would be good. The word limit doesn't bother me too much one of my first assignments at uni was a 100 word piece of flash fiction just so the tutors could enforce the seriousness of word limits upon us haha believe me I know what you mean about writing not always being a walk in the park.

 

I really like the concept of focusing on areas BL can neglect too. Although, I am always proud of my pages long viceral battle scenes as I'm sure we all are :) Would you only be looking for one concept per writer? I have a few ideas I've been toying with as well as a spin off from a larger piece I've done and could probably have more than one typed to length by mid May.

[JeffTibbetts]

For those of us who offered to help with proofreading, but will not be submitting anything ourselves, how do you intend to incorporate us? Or is that something further down the road?

That's a legit question. Even the best writers will need some help with grammar, spelling, tense, etc. As well as just getting another set of eyes on drafts. I don't see any reason at all why I can't divvy up submissions (I've already got a couple, keep them rolling!) and have another set of commenters in on the workshop rounds. Most workshops are actually done in groups but given the difficulties of trying to get people ready at the same time around the world, I figure email only is a good way to be. Sometimes those group sessions can be a lot of fun though... I wonder if we can maybe get some Google hangouts going or something.

First off, love this idea. I'm an aspiring writer as is but trying to get any sort of attention for your work can be a serious pain. I also keep finding myself getting sucked into fan fiction more than working on ACTUAL projects I have sitting on my desk top so the chance to actually make one of them a serious commitment would be good. The word limit doesn't bother me too much one of my first assignments at uni was a 100 word piece of flash fiction just so the tutors could enforce the seriousness of word limits upon us haha believe me I know what you mean about writing not always being a walk in the park.

I really like the concept of focusing on areas BL can neglect too. Although, I am always proud of my pages long viceral battle scenes as I'm sure we all are Would you only be looking for one concept per writer? I have a few ideas I've been toying with as well as a spin off from a larger piece I've done and could probably have more than one typed to length by mid May.

That's what I like to hear, man! And don't get me wrong, I DO want some action in here. I just know how tempting it is to have pages and pages of it, and even the best action is going to be at best on a level with BL stuff. No offense intended to anybody, but it's what they do.

As for more than one by a single person? I guess I don't have a problem with it if the B & C community doesn't. It kind of depends how many subs we get I suppose. I would rather get as many people involved as possible, but if we're running short...

[Ace Debonair]

Yeah, side stories, intros, character studies, even excerpts of longer works. That's the idea. If this is good stuff, it should entice a reader to look more in depth into some other stuff. Too bad about your Iron Circle idea. It's not like you're known for being short on ideas, though, Ace.

Actually my plan right now is to cheat and simply change my Multi-Chapter alliance to 'The Circle of Iron', because I still want to use all the imagery and I can't think of a better/more appropriate name.

Now all I have to do is come up with the right situation, and I can start writing.

[Deus Imperator Vult]

 

 

That's what I like to hear, man! And don't get me wrong, I DO want some action in here. I just know how tempting it is to have pages and pages of it, and even the best action is going to be at best on a level with BL stuff. No offense intended to anybody, but it's what they do. 

 

As for more than one by a single person? I guess I don't have a problem with it if the B & C community doesn't. It kind of depends how many subs we get I suppose. I would rather get as many people involved as possible, but if we're running short... 

Oh yeah I'm completely with you I mean it's very easy to dilute story with violence but nobodys going to read an entire book on blood splatter and limb splitting. Fair enough well to be fair I can always submit one and keep the others in the wings as it were. I might use this as a reason to finally start a Soroitas peice since I've been um'ing and ah'ing with that for the better part of the year. If I read anyone else talking about fan fictions on any other threads I shall direct them here brother.

[Brother Argent]

I am still interested in submitting something for this but deciding on a final idea will be, as always, the toughest thing...

[JeffTibbetts]

I am still interested in submitting something for this but deciding on a final idea will be, as always, the toughest thing...

 

Remember, the rough draft can be pretty dang simple. You have over a month, so take your time and feel free to put some thought into a cool idea that you think people want to read. 

 

Need any help narrowing down some ideas? Maybe you can start a brainstorm thread under the Fanthology area? 

[Olis]

The title for my entry will be "Mad Dogs and Englishmen". Make of that what you will. ;)

[Son of Carnelian]

 

For those of us who offered to help with proofreading, but will not be submitting anything ourselves, how do you intend to incorporate us? Or is that something further down the road?

 

That's a legit question. Even the best writers will need some help with grammar, spelling, tense, etc. As well as just getting another set of eyes on drafts. I don't see any reason at all why I can't divvy up submissions (I've already got a couple, keep them rolling!) and have another set of commenters in on the workshop rounds. Most workshops are actually done in groups but given the difficulties of trying to get people ready at the same time around the world, I figure email only is a good way to be. Sometimes those group sessions can be a lot of fun though... I wonder if we can maybe get some Google hangouts going or something.  

 

A Google hangout roundtable would be ideal. I've been in on one or two of those and being able to get the feedback face to face with someone else is invaluable. 

[JeffTibbetts]

 

 

For those of us who offered to help with proofreading, but will not be submitting anything ourselves, how do you intend to incorporate us? Or is that something further down the road?

 

That's a legit question. Even the best writers will need some help with grammar, spelling, tense, etc. As well as just getting another set of eyes on drafts. I don't see any reason at all why I can't divvy up submissions (I've already got a couple, keep them rolling!) and have another set of commenters in on the workshop rounds. Most workshops are actually done in groups but given the difficulties of trying to get people ready at the same time around the world, I figure email only is a good way to be. Sometimes those group sessions can be a lot of fun though... I wonder if we can maybe get some Google hangouts going or something.  

 

A Google hangout roundtable would be ideal. I've been in on one or two of those and being able to get the feedback face to face with someone else is invaluable. 

 

I'm totally down to try it. I just wonder about getting people together across the pond. I've got a plan for that in the works, but for now I'm just waiting on more submissions. If we don't get many, this could be very one-on-one after all. 

[Dosjetka]

I've just sent my (first, and perhaps only) submission to you, Jeff. And aye, Google Hangouts could be a neat way to get us talking!

[Deus Imperator Vult]

Submitted, apologies for the cutting it this close.

[Olis]

Submission sent yesterday. Eager for an update.