Do You Read Any TMNT Fanfiction?

[Refractive Reflections]

I wanted to get a quick general assessment of what this forum thinks about reading TMNT fanfiction in general. Not necessarily just here in the Technodrome Forums (since its mostly more dedicated fans), but in more general fanfiction websites such as Fanfiction.net. The fanfiction.net website has over 9,700 stories so far under the "Cartoon: Ninja Turtles" category while the "Cartoon: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" category has over 220. (Don't ask me why they have two different categories, but they just do.)

Feel free to post all of your hopes, disappointments, reactions, pleasant surprises, and criticisms here.
Here are some issues/topics to get you started: The fanfics are too superficial/deep? A disturbing amount of yaoi/Turtlecest stories? Mostly written by teenage fangirls who write include themselves in those romance stories? Numerous original characters (OCs) who fit the usual Gary Stu/Mary Sue descriptions? Any fanfiction stories that actually impressed you and caught yourself reading over again?

What is the ideal fanfic story for you? A lot more action/fighting? Character development? What TMNT universe do you prefer or does any of them work for you? Would you ever consider writing a fanfic story yourself if you had the time?

What tendency do you notice most frequently that you despise or actually do like in fanfiction stories? What topic/issue/plot/characters do you wish fanfiction stories would cover?

Thanks for your input everyone! I always wanted to get a general feel for how more dedicated TMNT fans saw these fanfiction stories compared to much more casual/passive fans.

[Blossombrooks]

Here goes...I read a lot of TMNT fan fics because I write a TMNT fan fic. I am not the supposed stereotypical teenage girl but an adult who started watching some 20 odd years ago as a kid. I guess that's when I started creating my own stories but i've only recently started posting and reading others.
It's been an eye opener but usually in the positive sense. I've read some truly great fics by people whose talent amazes me.
Despite the fact that I write a 'ship' fic (urgh, hate that term) the ones i've enjoyed the most have more action and less of the romance. As long as a good understanding of the characters is present though i'm usually hooked.
I like to see the characters challenged by situations that are perhaps more extreme than we'd see in the cartoon and more detailed than we would see in the comics.
Currently on my alert list at ff.net?
Bubblyshell's stories (all good) but especially 'Hide and seek'
Machias Banshee's 'No place to call home'
Escollido's 'The way of warriors'
Kikide's 'Shadow Hunter; Traitor'
Chevy Nova's stories, 'Donatello's spot'

I've seen some fairly strange stuff but I'm not going to criticise it, someone else probably thinks mine is weird, so y'know, people in glass houses...

All in all I don't think I need to buy a new book for a while, I'm constantly discovering gems on there that deserve praise. :tgrin:

[Bossa Nova]

Like Blossombrooks, I enjoy fanfiction because I write a lot of it myself under the FF.net handle Chevy Nova. However, writing them takes up quite a lot of my time, limiting my time to actually reading other stories. Adding the fact that I do believe there is a good deal of stuff I don't care to read out there also limits how much of the good stuff I am able to find. I don't care for OCs of any type (I will make exceptions for villains), romance (t-cest or otherwise), AUs, or just plain poor writing.

A majority of the time what I read is what is suggested to me through my older sister, who reads a great deal more fanfiction than I do. We have very similar tastes in how we like the Turtles to be written, so if she finds something that strikes her she'll save it to her account and I'll read it later. I do generally prefer more mature themes that explore the Turtles' family relationships, their battles and self reflection. Occasionally I like the more cute, light-hearted stuff too, but I tend to limit those types of stories for one-shots as I find it's often difficult for those types of themes to carry the weight of a full length fanfic.

When I write I tend to pull from a variety of sources, usually based heavily in the 1st TMNT movie, and then adding bits and pieces from the 2k3 series, the Nick series, the later films and the current IDW comic as I see fit. I like various aspects of each one, so I try to write them so they blend as one long continuity in the same universe, as opposed to stories that belong in separate versions.

Honestly though, I'm not sure how active the rest of the fandom is when it comes to fanfiction. I know there are a choice few who are active that I like to check in on, but it does at times seem that fanart is more popular than fanfiction. That's just from my own observances though, I could be totally off on that.

[pannoni1]

I try to read as much as possible when I have a chance, but if I hear of a writer that is notable for poor fanfics, I tend to avoid it. I recommend it since it can be the basis for ideas of official material plus its entertaining and unpredictable. I also wish there were people who were both talented in fanart and fanfiction (Andrew NDB for example) since these are the most well-rounded members with regards to creation. I enjoy both Expanded Universe and independent fanfics, plus what makes fanfics more enjoyable is a dillignet knowledge of official material so you can relate to it easily.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I wanted to get a quick general assessment of what this forum thinks about reading TMNT fanfiction in general. Not necessarily just here in the Technodrome Forums (since its mostly more dedicated fans), but in more general fanfiction websites such as Fanfiction.net. The fanfiction.net website has over 9,700 stories so far under the "Cartoon: Ninja Turtles" category while the "Cartoon: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" category has over 220. (Don't ask me why they have two different categories, but they just do.)

Feel free to post all of your hopes, disappointments, reactions, pleasant surprises, and criticisms here.
Here are some issues/topics to get you started: The fanfics are too superficial/deep? A disturbing amount of yaoi/Turtlecest stories? Mostly written by teenage fangirls who write include themselves in those romance stories? Numerous original characters (OCs) who fit the usual Gary Stu/Mary Sue descriptions? Any fanfiction stories that actually impressed you and caught yourself reading over again?

What is the ideal fanfic story for you? A lot more action/fighting? Character development? What TMNT universe do you prefer or does any of them work for you? Would you ever consider writing a fanfic story yourself if you had the time?

What tendency do you notice most frequently that you despise or actually do like in fanfiction stories? What topic/issue/plot/characters do you wish fanfiction stories would cover?

Thanks for your input everyone! I always wanted to get a general feel for how more dedicated TMNT fans saw these fanfiction stories compared to much more casual/passive fans.

There is also some under comics. I mailed them some weeks ago about this, but noone replies.

Here are some tendencies.
*Lack of stories based on the 1987 show (nothing more than scandal)

*The 2003 universe dominates, but the 2012-stories will sone be bore than the 1987 show-based.
*A lot of what if... secenarios?
*The TMNT from the 1987 show meet themselves from the 2003 show due to alternate history time travel (written years before Turtles Forever).
*A 5th, female, girl turtle mutant suddenly appears (musn't be Venus de Milo).
*Venus de Milo appears in early stories (written from 1997 until circa February 2003, when the 2003 show takes over)
*Dark stories (Splinter dies, torture, blood, hyper-violence)
*Sexualization
*Girl dominated writing

Best?
"Duck and Cover" (Christmas-based with Ace Duck)
"The Long Road" (the one of Bebop and Rocksteady's adventure)

I love the idea of taking an action figure from the late 1980's-early 1990's that was never in the 1987 show, and write a fan fiction story about it.

[ZariusTwo]

I love the stories that do their darndest to cover the Turtles closeness with each other. As stated, Bubbly and Nova's stories are always on fine form, and I'm amazed at how many stories Bubbly has written, she has a wealth of time and talent for such undertakings.

While I love the artwork and outright passion put into the project, I've found fancomics like "Turtle Turncoat" to be a missed oppertunity and another case of trying to "grim up" an 80s cartoon property instead of embracing it's charm and sense of play. Don't get me wrong, I'm perfectly fine with the desire to have the 80s 'toon "grow with you", but the key is to not forget what makes it as unique as it is, the warmth, the wisecracks, the zany plots, and the ability to get through any situation with a smile on your face, putting the values of teamwork and other things through their paces etc.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I love the stories that do their darndest to cover the Turtles closeness with each other. As stated, Bubbly and Nova's stories are always on fine form, and I'm amazed at how many stories Bubbly has written, she has a wealth of time and talent for such undertakings.

While I love the artwork and outright passion put into the project, I've found fancomics like "Turtle Turncoat" to be a missed oppertunity and another case of trying to "grim up" an 80s cartoon property instead of embracing it's charm and sense of play. Don't get me wrong, I'm perfectly fine with the desire to have the 80s 'toon "grow with you", but the key is to not forget what makes it as unique as it is, the warmth, the wisecracks, the zany plots, and the ability to get through any situation with a smile on your face, putting the values of teamwork and other things through their paces etc.

But Turtle Turncoat is more an own TMNT universe, which is inspired by elements from several TMNT universes.

[BubblyShell22]

I always read Turtles fan fiction because it's awesome and a way to escape from things. Yes, I've written many stories thus far, mostly based on the 2003 series, though I am starting to delve into the Nick series as well and have scores of ideas for stories to do. I do have more time than ever now that I'm not working and haven't been. It's a way for me to escape the depression of not having a job and feeling like I'm useless.

As for what I'll read, I'll read anything that's well-written and catches my interest. Universe doesn't matter, though I do often try to read fics in universe I'm familiar with such as the cartoons or the movies. Any poorly written fics I either skip over or just offer a lot of advice on how it can be improved.

Some recommendations:

Blossombrooks' Tengu Legacy series (she posts as Brooke Thomas on FF.Net)

Machias Banshee's stories are awesome.

Bossa Nova's works.

Anything by Cynlee. She's just so talented, especially with her Turtle-Tot stories.

Zarius's fan movie script is worth checking out here as he's very talented at what he does.

Alex Hamato also has good works.

Connie Nervegas is a good author as well.

GreenWillow's works are worth a mention though she sadly took her site down.

Leo656 had some good stories though I can't read them now.

I know there are others, but these are the ones I can think of off the top of my head. If I think of others, I'll be sure to add to this list.

[plastroncafe]

Most, if not all, of the fanfic I read these days comes in the form of forum/journal based panfandom rpgs.

[eoireitum7]

I've never gotten into this stuff for some reason. I have a lot of friends who are into it though. Maybe in the future I will.

[Eiko]

I find a few of the fanfics quite entertaining and funny there was one i really found good forgot who wrote it but it was called Control it had Bishop and Shredder teaming up trying to get Don to use that helmet that the triceratons used on him in the cartoon in the story it is now a mind control devise and only works with Don quite funny

[Slade]

I tried reading some fanfic a while back. I had a crap phone with some Internet so I usually tried to read while at work(LOT of downtime). Anyway having that limited Internet made it pretty difficult to actually find anything. The stuff I did find usually turned me off from the author's summary. As a few of you have said already, the stories consisted of a new or been around since the beginning female turtle. A young OC girl who takes precedence over the turtles. This female usually is written as being more angry and hard headed than Raph. I've stumbled upon alternate realities that just take the turtles in strange destinations. Futures that have them quit fighting and become bi/gay with humans. I really can't get into it anymore.

[Machias Banshee]

Well, I'm glad people read my stuff... :goofygri:

I'm currently working on a story, but I rarely read anything... there's so much incest and sex-based fics that I can't read any of it. I have a select few authors that I'll pay attention to, but usually it's more about character development than chopping people up. Or, it'll be about when they were younger... or something funny.

Anything by Splinter or Cynlee, pretty much... their quality of writing is top notch.

I got my raptor character for RPGs, but that's it. She's not in any stories... I avoid mary sue fics like the plague.

Funny thing is, practicing with fan fiction actually helped with my personal writings in school and now with what I do now for work... the more practice you get, the better you become.

[Refractive Reflections]

While I love the artwork and outright passion put into the project, I've found fancomics like "Turtle Turncoat" to be a missed oppertunity and another case of trying to "grim up" an 80s cartoon property instead of embracing it's charm and sense of play. Don't get me wrong, I'm perfectly fine with the desire to have the 80s 'toon "grow with you", but the key is to not forget what makes it as unique as it is, the warmth, the wisecracks, the zany plots, and the ability to get through any situation with a smile on your face, putting the values of teamwork and other things through their paces etc.

To ZariusTwo,
If there was much more comic relief and more heart-warming family scenes in "Turtle Turncoat" to balance out the grimmer scenes would you have liked it better? I think the major dilemma some fanfic writers of the 80s Toon is that they want to make the plot serious or important enough so that its not forgettable (since they are putting so much effort into it) or they really want to have deep character development, but in the process it can go on a tangent into a darker tone that the Turtles can't recapture that cartoon innocence. It seems like a very delicate balancing act in writing those 80s Toon fanfics.

To Everyone,
Thanks for including all of your opinions and experiences in encountering TMNT fanfiction. This thread is turning out to be very refreshing and revealing to read from a TMNT forum unlike the vague reviews from Fanfiction.net. Feel free to keep posting your opinions everyone! Don't be shy thread stalkers! LOL

[Jester]

There are some Fan Fics I love to read aloud and in character. I think it was Jo Dawn who wrote one where Donatello suffered from brain damage in a battle, and it was heart rending to see him remember that he used to be the smart one...but his brain wouldn't work like that anymore.

[Bauer536]

I wish there was an option on here that said, "I don't like fanfiction when it's all about mean-spirited behavior, if it involves bizarre made-up characters, if there are too many typos, or if the turtles happen to have romantic relationships with one another." That last one is sick.:tsick: However, it's simple: I hate fanfiction when the characters are written all wrong.

Tigerfog's MNT Gaiden comic upset me. I mean, I feel like the story never ends. I can't even read it because it's so dark and depressing, and it just goes on too long (especially without Leo):tsad:. Donnie should have not shut Leo out of his life for killing Splinter. Besides, Splinter told him to do it. Therefore, it looked like, to me, a sacrifice, and Donnie should have known that. I just don't like how the story went. Plus, we don't need profanity to make things serious. I mean, the Dark Knight films didn't use the "F" word, and it was still dark. If they don't need that, TMNT doesn't need that either.

Recently, the fanfictions I don't really like are the ones on Nick.com. I don't like how the characters are written. I feel Ciro Nieli would not even like all of them either. Plus, I don't like these made-up characters, who, I feel, have no purpose in the TMNT universe. It then becomes one of those stories where the turtles are just there, but it's really about the OC's. I hate that. I feel like saying, "You know what, make your OC characters by creating a different franchise and stop using them for TMNT. I like the turtles, but we need something more original. Let's see what your characters have to offer on their own."

When I wrote this idea once, I didn't look at it as fanfiction because of certain things I did. One: the turtles were in character. Two: OC characters were only secondary and did not take over any scenes where the turtles were the main focus. Three: it was not only serious in some places, but it had humor. That's what TMNT is all about: comedy and drama (and of course, action).:twink: Four: there was no mean-spirited behavior, unless it came from the bullies. Lastly, five: no turtle had any romantic relationship together. No Turlecest stuff or anything. This was made like it was actually a TMNT episode on Nickelodeon.

Now, we do have our flaws. There are things that we miss when trying to stay true to the characters, but I just feel there are others who really need to look back at some of their work and realize that they need to revise it a bit. Heck, I would love to see a fanfiction where the turtles are reading some of the fanfiction out there today and see how they react towards them. I'd love that.:tlol:

[ZariusTwo]

To ZariusTwo,
If there was much more comic relief and more heart-warming family scenes in "Turtle Turncoat" to balance out the grimmer scenes would you have liked it better?

If it was a little more "knowing" of it's surroundings, incorporated more of the Channel Six crew, oddball characters, humor and warmth, yeah it would have been a more satisfying experiance, although I did like the bits where April was hugging Raph when the story was in it's infancy, all that good will seems to have been flushed down the toilet and the story's just gotten, frankly, sillier as it gets "darker". It comes off like something which only has a vauge appreciation of the old show.

Many 80s cartoon fans do this all the time with the simpler shows from their childhood and it can boarder on interesting to irritating. I used to be in love with "Of Mice and Mayhem" (a darker and edgier Rescue Rangers fan comic designed for fans of 24 and 'shippers), but as I got older I just grew out of that urge to have my favourite cartoons to have the same mentality as a grown up would have. I think the real challenge is to put yourself in the mindset of those working on the cartoons at the time and find out just what drove them to make an altogether innocent show despite being the age to be a cynic and to have desires to tell dark storytelling. Obviously it was network mandates and focus groups at the time that forced them to think a certain way, where as fanfic authors who don't have such a job in the industry don't neccersarily have to follow that.


But Turtle Turncoat is more an own TMNT universe, which is inspired by elements from several TMNT universes.

I don't care. Cosmeticly it's still using the 80s 'toon as a template.

I'm not saying it's awful, it's just not for me.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

If it was a little more "knowing" of it's surroundings, incorporated more of the Channel Six crew, oddball characters, humor and warmth, yeah it would have been a more satisfying experiance, although I did like the bits where April was hugging Raph when the story was in it's infancy, all that good will seems to have been flushed down the toilet and the story's just gotten, frankly, sillier as it gets "darker". It comes off like something which only has a vauge appreciation of the old show.

Many 80s cartoon fans do this all the time with the simpler shows from their childhood and it can boarder on interesting to irritating. I used to be in love with "Of Mice and Mayhem" (a darker and edgier Rescue Rangers fan comic designed for fans of 24 and 'shippers), but as I got older I just grew out of that urge to have my favourite cartoons to have the same mentality as a grown up would have. I think the real challenge is to put yourself in the mindset of those working on the cartoons at the time and find out just what drove them to make an altogether innocent show despite being the age to be a cynic and to have desires to tell dark storytelling. Obviously it was network mandates and focus groups at the time that forced them to think a certain way, where as fanfic authors who don't have such a job in the industry don't neccersarily have to follow that.




I don't care. Cosmeticly it's still using the 80s 'toon as a template.

I'm not saying it's awful, it's just not for me.

TMNT thankfully has a lot of versions already from the start to play on, from the comedic 1987 show to the dark Mirage.

[Tony Day]

If it was a little more "knowing" of it's surroundings, incorporated more of the Channel Six crew, oddball characters, humour and warmth, yeah it would have been a more satisfying experience, although I did like the bits where April was hugging Raph when the story was in it's infancy, all that good will seems to have been flushed down the toilet and the story's just gotten, frankly, sillier as it gets "darker". It comes off like something which only has a vague appreciation of the old show.

I was the one writing it when it was in its infancy (part 1). That's why it was more light-hearted. When Alan took over for part 2 and 3 he incorporated his own writing style which is much darker. Alan’s a fan of Tom Clancy and the like so he always trying to sneak in as much military stuff as possible. I didn’t like this aspect. In the end I think it comes down to taste. For me, I never cared for the channel six characters, apart from April. I preferred the turtles and my absolute fave thing about the entire TMNT universe is Shredder himself. Alan was adamant on scrapping all catchphrases (cowabunga etc) and the more silly things such as knuckle heads and foot cruisers. We had a lot of disagreements’ but in the end we compromised. He got to do something he was interested in. I got a far more focused and tighter script. Not to mention more time to work on the art itself.



I don't care. Cosmetically it's still using the 80s 'toon as a template. I'm not saying it's awful, it's just not for me.

Each to their own I suppose. No one's forcing you to read it. That was not meant to be a snide comment to you Zarius, I know you have been following my comic for a long time now. But come on... I'm not getting paid to do this ya know.

Hugs and kisses

Tony

www.trydowave.com

[BubblyShell22]

Just remembered some recommendations I forgot in my last post:

M.D Owen's work is awesome including "I Remember You" and Wonder in Leoland." Both are well-written and worth the read.

Splinter/Terran has some good works as well. "In Another's Shoes" is a riot and you really need to read it.

"Falling" by Fantasia Wandering is a great delve into the new Nick Series and very well done.

Reinbeauchaser also has some good stuff, though she hasn't written much lately.

If I think of more, I'll add them.

[ZariusTwo]

Each to their own I suppose. No one's forcing you to read it. That was not meant to be a snide comment to you Zarius, I know you have been following my comic for a long time now. But come on... I'm not getting paid to do this ya know.

Hugs and kisses

Tony

www.trydowave.com

Sorry for coming across as a bit "hot and bothered" there Tony, I get like that when I have to defend opinions that don't "go with the flow" of popular consensus.

At least you cleared the air up on the aspects of the story that were yours, I wish more of your vision could have been interpreted in the finished work, as I did enjoy it greatly when it started, and I still get a kick out of the illiustrations, your talent cannot be ignored no matter how angsty the plot gets. It's your artwork which keeps me coming back to it.

[Tony Day]

Cheers Zarius. It sure is hard producing a comic single handed and I imagine any fan project. Speaking of fan projects, I see you have written a film script. I'll have to give it a look :)

Cya mate
Tony

[ZariusTwo]

Cheers Zarius. It sure is hard producing a comic single handed and I imagine any fan project
Tony

I'm more impressed by the fact you do this for free. Having worked with artists on aborted fan comic projects, I know how easy it is for people to get "sidetracked" from commiting to non-paid work. Glad you've stuck it through.

[Refractive Reflections]

To ZariusTwo and TonyDay,
I wasn't intending to create any type of divisive questioning in exploring ZariusTwo's tastes about your great work "Turtle Turncoat" TonyDay, and I apologize if it came across that way. It was solely curiosity on my part, on what each fan's individual tastes/preferences are for any type of Fan work (since it was the topic of discussion on this thread), including and beyond just fanfiction.

Both of you two each have done exceptional fan works! :D As each of you have stated before, it's very commendable that both of you have stuck with each of your fanworks for so long despite the temptation of being sidetracked.

[ZariusTwo]

To ZariusTwo and TonyDay,
I wasn't intending to create any type of divisive questioning in exploring ZariusTwo's tastes about your great work "Turtle Turncoat" TonyDay. It was solely curiosity on what each fan's individual tastes/preferences are for any type of Fan work, including and beyond just fanfiction.

Think nothing of it mate, we dealt with our artistic differences pretty civially. Sometimes a good critical kick up the back side improves on a work.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Jephael has just finished "Seven Shredders", check out his fansite.

[Refractive Reflections]

To those readers who were disappointed by the fanfics and don't get into anymore (i.e. "Raph Tha Dude" and "Bauer536" and others) or maybe those who haven't even bother to read TMNT fanfics,

Have you checked out or heard about the "Stealthy Stories" Fanfic competitions? (It's another TMNT forum site.) It could help in filtering through the bad fics and actually make reading TMNT fanfics an enjoyable experience.

http://www.5wwwww5.com/stealthystories/index.php?c=7&sid=cddee9904e51f51778fcbf5a3c88bb76&mforum=stealthystories

Most of the repliers on this thread, I believe, are also members there. It could be worth another try to check it out. Speaking of which, do you think the Technodrome forums should have their own fanfiction competitions? It would be interesting since this forum has a significantly larger amount of members/traffic and has a more diverse variety of fans (ranging from preferences of lighthearted [i.e. OT] to darker toned [i.e. Mirage] style of TMNT writing.) I guess what I'm trying to convey is finding a way to make really good TMNT fanfiction easier to access/find that even the most devoted fans can enjoy, almost as if their favorite series "never ended" in way since the legwork of not being disappointed is already taken care of (through voting/competitions.)

Just something to think about.... ;)

In other news, the ff.net category of "Cartoons: Ninja Turtles" exceeded 10,000 which is both good (more stories) and bad news (also means more sifting through the bad fics.)

[Yorae]

I can't say I read fanfiction - maybe one or two random stories here and there. I am a not very quick reader, so I never seem to find the time to sit down and read any fics.

A pity, though. Since I've heard about some really good fics out there.

[Candy Kappa]

besides a couple of good fan-comics I don't dwell much into fan-fiction, mostly because it's not canon and if it's in it's own universe a lot of the fan made characters kills it for me. Like the Sues and Stus.

[Luzmagica]

I had read and enjoy so much some TMNT in FanFiction....
I peek different stories and i found some are great /interesting/well done and very well talented writers to enjoy.... some others just cute tales....also enjoyables!
and of course sometimes I read some fictions I didnt like....
To sum up.: I think if you enjoy reading about TMNT you can find stories you will love....!!! :tgrin::tgrin::tgrin: just need to find the one that fit with your taste....there are tons of stories....Im sure you will find any you will like to read once and again!!!!
Im following also a story waiting for an autor to updated next chapter for a long time!!!!! :lol::lol:

[Vivi]

Yes. There is definitely an array of...uh...themes which puts many people off, but the aforementioned writers plus a few others are worth the sifting.

Not too keen on the Mary-Sue stuff, but I have read some of the more disturbing things online and have thought, 'wow, they really nailed that character.'. But for me my favorite stories are always the ones containing insight into the turtles themselves, peppered with a little violence.

[Powder]

besides a couple of good fan-comics I don't dwell much into fan-fiction, mostly because it's not canon and if it's in it's own universe a lot of the fan made characters kills it for me. Like the Sues and Stus.

Definitely this.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

To those readers who were disappointed by the fanfics and don't get into anymore (i.e. "Raph Tha Dude" and "Bauer536" and others) or maybe those who haven't even bother to read TMNT fanfics,

Have you checked out or heard about the "Stealthy Stories" Fanfic competitions? (It's another TMNT forum site.) It could help in filtering through the bad fics and actually make reading TMNT fanfics an enjoyable experience.

http://www.5wwwww5.com/stealthystories/index.php?c=7&sid=cddee9904e51f51778fcbf5a3c88bb76&mforum=stealthystories

Most of the repliers on this thread, I believe, are also members there. It could be worth another try to check it out. Speaking of which, do you think the Technodrome forums should have their own fanfiction competitions? It would be interesting since this forum has a significantly larger amount of members/traffic and has a more diverse variety of fans (ranging from preferences of lighthearted [i.e. OT] to darker toned [i.e. Mirage] style of TMNT writing.) I guess what I'm trying to convey is finding a way to make really good TMNT fanfiction easier to access/find that even the most devoted fans can enjoy, almost as if their favorite series "never ended" in way since the legwork of not being disappointed is already taken care of (through voting/competitions.)

Just something to think about.... ;)

In other news, the ff.net category of "Cartoons: Ninja Turtles" exceeded 10,000 which is both good (more stories) and bad news (also means more sifting through the bad fics.)

Why don't we merge with Stealthy Stories? But what's the best with Fan Fiction Net is how you can add universe in the search functions.

[BubblyShell22]

Is Stealthy Stories back up? For the past few weeks, it's been down, and I haven't been able to access it.

[Jephael]

besides a couple of good fan-comics I don't dwell much into fan-fiction, mostly because it's not canon and if it's in its own universe a lot of the fan made characters kills it for me. Like the Sues and Stus.

I never make up characters. I use people from my actual life. Of course I usually ask them if they're cool with it.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I never make up characters. I use people from my actual life. Of course I usually ask them if they're cool with it.

Another cool idea is to take one character that got an action figure, but didn't appear in any cartoon or comics, and give that figure a story. (I've seen that being done to Ace Duck, who just was seen on the TV screen, and Sergeant Bananas).

[Candy Kappa]

I never make up characters. I use people from my actual life. Of course I usually ask them if they're cool with it.

That still makes them fictional characters for the story, within the universe of your stories.

[gobo]

I'm not interested in reading any, but I might write a few more... eventually.

[Refractive Reflections]

Is Stealthy Stories back up? For the past few weeks, it's been down, and I haven't been able to access it.

I have been able to access the website easily, its just that the website says there's a "general error" if you post anything. But the thing is, is that the website does post your reply despite the error. (I noticed myself posting 3 times accidentally.) I think its still generally working well, but just a couple of bugs.


besides a couple of good fan-comics I don't dwell much into fan-fiction, mostly because it's not canon and if it's in it's own universe a lot of the fan made characters kills it for me. Like the Sues and Stus.

:) I definitely hear you about the whole Sues/Stus thing. That's why I throwing in the idea of maybe having a Technodrome competition/voting system where it could sift past that. It could provide somehow, I'm not sure exactly how, a way to quickly find how light or dark (or what universe) you want the Turtles to be without worrying about being disappointed since it was already read through by more devoted fans. Almost like a "Hall of Fame" fanfiction library of sorts... Do you (anyone) know what I'm trying say? :-?
(I just worry though if that competition/voting system could evolve in time to more of a favoritism-type of competition rather than simply based on good plots and character development; thus making the whole process useless. :ohwell: )

The purpose behind that idea was just so that TMNT fans could find more ways of continuing their TMNT interest without wasting tons of time searching through it all.
...Remember, there's already over 10,000 stories already in just the ff.net "Cartoons: Ninja Turtles" category alone. LOL :lol:

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I have been able to access the website easily, its just that the website says there's a "general error" if you post anything. But the thing is, is that the website does post your reply despite the error. (I noticed myself posting 3 times accidentally.) I think its still generally working well, but just a couple of bugs.




:) I definitely hear you about the whole Sues/Stus thing. That's why I throwing in the idea of maybe having a Technodrome competition/voting system where it could sift past that. It could provide somehow, I'm not sure exactly how, a way to quickly find how light or dark (or what universe) you want the Turtles to be without worrying about being disappointed since it was already read through by more devoted fans. Almost like a "Hall of Fame" fanfiction library of sorts... Do you (anyone) know what I'm trying say? :-?
(I just worry though if that competition/voting system could evolve in time to more of a favoritism-type of competition rather than simply based on good plots and character development; thus making the whole process useless. :ohwell: )

The purpose behind that idea was just so that TMNT fans could find more ways of continuing their TMNT interest without wasting tons of time searching through it all.
...Remember, there's already over 10,000 stories already in just the ff.net "Cartoons: Ninja Turtles" category alone. LOL :lol:

I support the idea of having competitions at the Technodrome Forum (maybe we should have one per universe), but they would still be published at Fan Fiction Net.

[Refractive Reflections]

I support the idea of having competitions at the Technodrome Forum (maybe we should have one per universe), but they would still be published at Fan Fiction Net.

I agree with publishing on fanfiction.net because the format is more appropriate rather than combining both the story and comments on one thread.



Anyways though, another reason why I proposed the idea of competitions/voting is so that TMNT fans can find awesome fanworks without having to search through years of threads in the search feature. One example, is I really like Tony Day's "Turtle Turncoat" comic ( http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showthread.php?t=13544 ) and had I not joined here in Nov. 2012, and joined 5 months later, I probably wouldn't have come across it.


Okay, so I've been brainstorming and I know this is a big task, for whoever decides to initiate it, and another responsibility for the moderators/administrators of this site. But this was my idea:

(1) Have two sub-forms within the "Fan Works Discussion" page with: "Honorary Fanfiction" and "Honorary FanComics"
(2) Each of those sub-forms would have subcategories/subforums within them for each universe (i.e. OT, 2K3, 2012 CGI, Mirage, Image, Archie, Alternate Universe, etc.)
(3) The requirements for a fancomic/fanstory to have an honorary distinction: (a) Must have a minimum of 25-100 users that have rated it. The number is debatable of course (I'm looking at the over 2,000 active members..that's where the 100 came in), but it should be significant enough that it reflects most of the TMNT fandom's opinions, but at the same time not too many where it's impossible to accomplish because of a small amount of readers/traffic. Of course this could change with fluctuating users/traffic. (b) The average rating must be 4 out of 5 stars minimum or (or I would prefer out of a 10 scale), 8 out of 10 rating minimum.
(4) Each fancomic/fanstory within each of its thread within its respective universe sub-forum has a list of reader's comments on why it was so awesome. That can elaborate on the character development, plot, artistic style/written description, detail, themes, etc (with appropriate spoiler boxes applied to the comments).

This is all just ideas I'm throwing out there...that's all...There just has to be a more accessible/easier way to find decent fancomics/fanstories without wasting time searching around the internet and fanfiction.net

What are your ideas and thoughts about this situation? Look forward to hearing them...:)

[BubblyShell22]

I can get on Stealthy Stories now. I just had to do it a different way than usual.

As for your idea, most of my stories are on FF.Net, and I always provide links to them here so anyone can read them from there and either review there or here.

[Guitar_Raph]

I never make up characters. I use people from my actual life. Of course I usually ask them if they're cool with it.

Same here. My Houston neighbor is based on Ex-Cel Dude (minus the musical abilities).

What makes my fanfics funny? Phonetics! I make up names or companies. For example...
Dizzylodeon (Nickelodeon/Disney crossover)
Tom Tivo (Tim Tebow)
Selma Farrell (Patty Farrell; Wimpy Kid movies)

Sometimes I use real names. But the geography is real (I-495 for example).

So my TMNT universe is a crossover; Next Mutation meets 2K3.

[ZariusTwo]

I was bored and started up a wiki devoted entirely to TMNT Fanfiction.

http://tmntfanfiction.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page

Have fun.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I was bored and started up a wiki devoted entirely to TMNT Fanfiction.

http://tmntfanfiction.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page

Have fun.

What is it to include? New stories, or articles about every TMNT fan fiction story that's around on the Internet...

[ZariusTwo]

What is it to include? New stories, or articles about every TMNT fan fiction story that's around on the Internet...

I did some browsing for other fanfiction wikias and they tend to do a bit of both, which I think just clutters everything up. I'd prefer it to be an index of where to find fics online, with lots of information about things like individual fanfic universes and things generally accepted as fanon.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I did some browsing for other fanfiction wikias and they tend to do a bit of both, which I think just clutters everything up. I'd prefer it to be an index of where to find fics online, with lots of information about things like individual fanfic universes and things generally accepted as fanon.

You mean like those TMNT rings of fanfiction who were around circa 10 years ago. Sound like good ideas. Sorting per universe would also be good.

[Sleepingseeker]

Feel free to post all of your hopes, disappointments, reactions, pleasant surprises, and criticisms here.
Here are some issues/topics to get you started: The fanfics are too superficial/deep? A disturbing amount of yaoi/Turtlecest stories? Mostly written by teenage fangirls who write include themselves in those romance stories? Numerous original characters (OCs) who fit the usual Gary Stu/Mary Sue descriptions? Any fanfiction stories that actually impressed you and caught yourself reading over again?

What is the ideal fanfic story for you? A lot more action/fighting? Character development? What TMNT universe do you prefer or does any of them work for you? Would you ever consider writing a fanfic story yourself if you had the time?

What tendency do you notice most frequently that you despise or actually do like in fanfiction stories? What topic/issue/plot/characters do you wish fanfiction stories would cover?

I've recently started to write ff (I'm sleepingseeker on ff.net) and have been enjoying myself immensely! :lol:

I love reading the darker stories posted, action, adventure, tragedy, romance done well, all lure me in. I'm looking for quality work in the storytelling. I'm looking for further character development. Situations that for some reason or other that do not come up in the regular outlets are great, or simply like the reality of the aftermath of fighting, say, injuries and recovery?

What I don't like: I can't stand the "abused woman" who the turtles fall for storyline. I'm sorry I just can't stand it. Could never see that happening. I think TCEST stories are sickening, imo. But I just avoid those and appreciate the warning in the summaries. I dislike the MarySue stories as well but to a lesser degree. I hate it in the stories where everything is completely taken for granted. The relationships form as though there is nothing amazing or incredible in the fact of the mutant's existence.

I don't have a problem with OC's at all especially if done well and have used some in my own stories. I think people cringe when you use the tag "romance" because it's so often used terribly. But romance can be really really good if done with the right touch. Any of the universes could work for me, a blending of them sometimes is interesting. I've been a fan since the first comic, still have all my issues and have followed them in just about every incarnation, even the newest through IDW. I have an open mind:)

Man, I would love to hear opinions on my stories. Good or bad, just be constructive. :tsmile:

[Refractive Reflections]

I've recently started to write ff (I'm sleepingseeker on ff.net) and have been enjoying myself immensely! :lol:

I love reading the darker stories posted, action, adventure, tragedy, romance done well, all lure me in. I'm looking for quality work in the storytelling. I'm looking for further character development. Situations that for some reason or other that do not come up in the regular outlets are great, or simply like the reality of the aftermath of fighting, say, injuries and recovery?

What I don't like: I can't stand the "abused woman" who the turtles fall for storyline. I'm sorry I just can't stand it. Could never see that happening. I think TCEST stories are sickening, imo. But I just avoid those and appreciate the warning in the summaries. I dislike the MarySue stories as well but to a lesser degree. I hate it in the stories where everything is completely taken for granted. The relationships form as though there is nothing amazing or incredible in the fact of the mutant's existence.

I don't have a problem with OC's at all especially if done well and have used some in my own stories. I think people cringe when you use the tag "romance" because it's so often used terribly. But romance can be really really good if done with the right touch. Any of the universes could work for me, a blending of them sometimes is interesting. I've been a fan since the first comic, still have all my issues and have followed them in just about every incarnation, even the newest through IDW. I have an open mind:)

Man, I would love to hear opinions on my stories. Good or bad, just be constructive. :tsmile:

Thanks for the input Sleepingseeker! And welcome to the forums (noticing your post count and join date)! :)

I understand where you are coming from about how the relationships formed have to be natural and not forced or rushed. Personally I treasure the stories with well-writing that are introspective, to understand how they mentally process things, and highlight the relationships and connections the characters make with each other. If its truly remarkable, the writing transcends the characters where even non-TMNT fans can enjoy it since the reader can relate to those relationships/situations.

One major accomplishment for any writer, in my opinion, is if the writer can make the reader relate and empathize for a character who has a personality opposite to the reader. One example is making a devoted Leonardo fan empathize and understand Raphael's viewpoint and substantially increase the reader's favor for Raphael or vice versa. Which in the end, helps the reader to have a greater awareness and appreciation for a diversity of personalities in real life.

Hope you enjoy your time here at the Technodrome forums Sleepingseeker! :D

[NiNi]

I'll admit that I don't read a whole lot of TMNT fanfiction, but I have read some. Usually ones people point out to me and if my friends had written them. Any of the ones I've read done my friends were actually good. Those felt like I was checking out a 2003 series kind of story; not sure why I get that kind of vibe sometimes depending on which story I read.

I suppose it depends on my mood if I want to read any or not, but I haven't been strongly compelled to view many.

People would ask me if I would ever write any (I'm guessing because of the character that I have), but I only say no because... well... I'm more of an artist, not a writer. I'm better with imagery than I am with words, basically.

[Sleepingseeker]

Thanks for the input Sleepingseeker! And welcome to the forums (noticing your post count and join date)! :)

Hope you enjoy your time here at the Technodrome forums Sleepingseeker! :D

Thanks for the welcome! I'm having so much fun reading posts and just generally being around people who love this fandom as much as I do! :tsmile:

My ff.net account is...http://www.fanfiction.net/~sleepingseeker if anyone wants to check out my stories.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Is anyone here interested in co-writing stories on Fan Fiction Net?

[BubblyShell22]

I definitely recommend SleepingSeeker's stories. She is a great writer and really knows how to weave a plot.

[Shark_Blade]

Never read one but now I'm curious.

Some titles in this thread might be worth checking out. :)

[chrisdude]

I'm in the very early stages of writing one. The story is outlined, but I've only written about four pages. It's not based on anything specific, but it's influenced by everything. An original origin story. My first fan fiction.

[***First of Two Latin Kings***]

I haven't written any in a long, long time. I used to write it religiously.

There wasn't really a poll option that suited me-- I used to read TMNT fan-fiction just for the sake of reading it: it didn't even matter how badly the characters were portrayed or how bad the writing was.

Contrary to what some people in this fandom would say, there is a lot of GREAT fanfiction out there (GreenWillow's being the best, in my opinion, and even SHE considers a writer who went by Phishstar to be the greatest-- or did, again, this was close to ten years ago). Fan-fiction, in my opinion, has always been more of a girl/woman thing, as far as TMNT are concerned, for some reason. And for some other reason, a lot of it is very dirty/naughty.

I kind of feel that a lot of the people who dislike it dislike it more on the basis that it is kind of "girly" and usually caters to the lowest common denominator/is very cliché. Back in the day, I wrote TONS of it. I started writing it when I felt there was a "need" to keep the characters alive (after Next Mutation and the Image series both ground to a halt), and continued to write it with the advent of Volume 4, Tales of the TMNT Volume 2, and the 2003 cartoon series, because there was so much inspiration there, and I'd become addicted to writing it during the "dry spell"-- I was also in college at the time, taking writing classes and doing a lot of writing anyway, so it just sort of "fit" into all of my interests.

I have several stories I'd love to finish, but honestly, it has been so long, that I don't know if I even could.

Some people have made the argument that MUCH of Tales of the TMNT Volume 2 was basically "glorified fan fiction," even though it was canon, because it was simply approved by Peter Laird but there was very little input from him on many of the stories. Despite Eastman's involvement, the same thing could possibly be said of the IDW series. One reason I LOVE IDW has to do with the fact that they've combined some very Mirage elements with some very Fred Wolf ones, something I used to try to do myself in my own fan-fiction. So I can't imagine myself feeling a "need" to write fan-fiction as long as that comic is running. It would just feel redundant. But who knows...?

[Konchadunga]

I'll never say never, but I haven't yet. The Fred Wolf series doesn't have the depth to be a good fanfiction, the 4Kids show did basically all the stories it needed to, the IDW and Nick series are still in progress and I usually don't read fanfictions for such things, and just two episodes of The Next Mutation were too much for me. I might read a fan-written conclusion of the Mirage series, since it's probably the only conclusion we'll ever get, but only if one gets a recommendation.

Also, for the record, turtlecest is disgusting and repels me from TMNT fanworks as a whole.

[ZariusTwo]

I'll never say never, but I haven't yet. The Fred Wolf series doesn't have the depth to be a good fanfiction.

Hardly true. I've found that universe far more fun to play with than any of the other existing canons, and I've had good reviews for my stories, so maybe, before mouthing off rubbish like this, you should actually bother reading some stories, they might, and probably will, prove you wrong on that one

[BubblyShell22]

I agree. I've read a lot of good fan fiction from the Fred Wolf universe, and I feel it can be used as good material if you can think of an idea.

[Zulithe]

I've thought about writing some but I don't consume any fanfiction. I do look at tons of TMNT drawings and fan comics on tumblr and deviantart though.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I agree. I've read a lot of good fan fiction from the Fred Wolf universe, and I feel it can be used as good material if you can think of an idea.

Which do you recommend, except for those by Zarius?

[Plasticplayhouse]

never really got into fan fics. i might read it, if it was good and i'm sure there are plenty of good fanmade stories out there. just dont feel like reading throught the lame stuff to find the good stuff though. it's easier to just read what's officially published.

[Refractive Reflections]

never really got into fan fics. i might read it, if it was good and i'm sure there are plenty of good fanmade stories out there. just dont feel like reading throught the lame stuff to find the good stuff though. it's easier to just read what's officially published.

I know exactly what you mean, and the time wasted going through them. The fanfics on this thread are great, but there have been some great ones outside of the attention of the Technodrome forums or just lost/forgotten through time in the Technodrome threads.

It's why I was suggesting a "TMNT fanfiction/fancomic Honorary Library" of sorts:
http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/showpost.php?p=1052979&postcount=41

Here's an example of a good fanfic (actually a one-shot), that is lost in the mountainous piles of mary-sue, turtlecest, and cliche plots on fanfiction.net:
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/408505/1/Staring-at-the-Sun

It's a introspective look into Michelangelo into his character beyond the stereotypical "party dude" depiction. If I didn't deliberately search at the back end of the "Ninja Turtles" category (this was posted back in Sept. 2001), I would have obviously missed it.

[Jephael]

I think I'm getting kinda burnt out on writing fan fiction. I can't seem to think of any really good original ideas anymore. My last story involved a massive teamup between the Fred Wolf TMNT, Teen Titans and Superman. I just dunno how to top that.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I like Zarius works very much.

[BubblyShell22]

Yeah, Zarius is awesome.

And, JLS, I liked "Staring at the Sun." It was very well-written and very thought out. Nice to see that there are stories like that. Thanks for sharing that.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

It's just so boring that there are three different categories (Cartoons: Ninja Turtles, Cartoons: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Cartoons: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles).

[ZariusTwo]

I think I'm getting kinda burnt out on writing fan fiction. I can't seem to think of any really good original ideas anymore. My last story involved a massive teamup between the Fred Wolf TMNT, Teen Titans and Superman. I just dunno how to top that.

Best to take a break if you feel you're spent. I'm sure more ideas will come to you again in a couple of months.

[snake]

I read good fanfics, ones at don't have t-shipping in them, can't stand that.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I read good fanfics, ones at don't have t-shipping in them, can't stand that.

T-shipping?

[snake]

T-shipping?

Yeah, turtle shipping, I hate that.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Yeah, turtle shipping, I hate that.

And what's that?

[snake]

And what's that?

Like when they put two turtles in love with each other, search up t-cest for more:tgrumble:

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

OK. I think all such stories shall include warning before it starts. Same if it's hyper-violent and it seems like the story is written just because of a lot of hyper-violence.

I go fore adventure-based fanfiction in the 1987 cartoon, where they go up against Shredder and Krang or some other bad guys, try to rescue/save someone or travel. The same with the fanfiction I write.

[snake]

OK. I think all such stories shall include warning before it starts. Same if it's hyper-violent and it seems like the story is written just because of a lot of hyper-violence.

I go fore adventure-based fanfiction in the 1987 cartoon, where they go up against Shredder and Krang or some other bad guys, try to rescue/save someone or travel. The same with the fanfiction I write.
I like yours, it doesn't have to be all serious or anything, it's just fun.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I like yours

Which one did you read? Which one did you like?

[ZariusTwo]

You write a lot of European Vacation era stories, is it your favourite season because you like to fill in the gaps on their journey?

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

You write a lot of European Vacation era stories, is it your favourite season because you like to fill in the gaps on their journey?

Some Europe episodes were good, other not. Just want them to travel more.

[Refractive Reflections]

Besides www.fanfiction.net I discovered a whole other site for fanfiction called Archive of Our Own, http://archiveofourown.org/ One feature that makes it a step above Fanfiction.net, is that it more clearly tags the stories, so it makes it easier to clearly find what themes you are looking for, but on the other hand it can reveal spoilers.

Of course, as with Fanfiction.net, it has its abundance of "mature/explicit" themed stories. :roll: Navigate carefully now... ;) ...But as with finding any decent fanfic story, you gotta search deep for it.
Here's the category for TMNT: http://archiveofourown.org/tags/Teenage%20Mutant%20Ninja%20Turtles/works

(Instead of creating a whole new thread, I just decided to make it as a post for this thread.)

[BubblyShell22]

Hmmm, interesting. I'll have to check that out sometime.

[Pterobat]

None of the poll options suited me, either: there wasn't an option for "doesn't read fanfiction, but writes it on occasion."

Now, I don't think I'm better than other people, it's just that...eh, I don't know. I just don't feel the urge to read fanfiction anymore. I post it publicly, but it's something I do for me, and I'm not interested in being part of the reciprocal fanfiction community/culture anymore.

Incest makes me nauseous, so there's T-Cest out. Making the OT "dark" is something I roll my eyes at, and being dishonest about a character's faults is another. Since I don't read fanfiction I haven't witnessed those firsthand, but they don't sound like something I'd enjoy.

[Refractive Reflections]

So I was reading the Wikipedia entry for Fanfiction.net (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FanFiction.Net), and one detail that stood out was it's apparently the World's most erotic site for women according to the Wall Street Journal (http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052748704463804576291181510459902?mg=ren o64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB1000 1424052748704463804576291181510459902.html):

One of our most interesting findings was that women are very different from men in how they use these online services. All across the planet, what most women seek out, in growing numbers, are not explicit scenes of sexual activity but character-driven stories of romantic relationships.

...

In addition to providing a new platform for traditional romance tales, the Web has fueled an explosion of stories written by a highly interactive community of female amateurs: a genre called "fan fiction." These pop culture "fandoms" consist of enthusiasts for such familiar franchises as "Harry Potter," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Twilight," as well as for other books, television shows and movies. The most popular fan fiction website—and the world's most popular "erotic" site for women—is FanFiction.net, which boasts more than two million different stories and more than 1.5 million visitors a month. Nor is fan fiction limited to English-speaking countries; there are vibrant fan fiction communities in Russia, Japan, Brazil and China.


The article doesn't necessarily state how this data was collected to classify Fanfiction.net as being an "erotic" literature site for woman, and how it distinguishes the difference between "romance" and "erotica" fanfic stories. But then again with around 80% of its registrants being female, way back in 2002 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FanFiction.Net#Creation), it could explain the abundance of the romantic/erotic-leaning content on Fanfiction.net and therefore including the TMNT fanfics there.

Feel free to comment on this article and its application to TMNT fanfics... I'm pretty sure everyone will have an opinion on it. :lol:

[Pterobat]

That most fanfic writers are ladies is no secret...and when I say most, I mean *most*, not just the romance writers. I myself, have the double X chromosomes. :lol:

(I don't write heavily romantic stories, though. I want my writing to read like tie-in novels starring the characters nobody cares about.)

A lot of people have studied why women write *romantic* fanfic, but never why we write fanfic *in general*. It'd be interesting to find out, since this all
goes against the common wisdom that girls never do anything nerdy, when we're doing one of the nerdiest things on the planet. :)

[BubblyShell22]

That's very interesting to hear that FF.Net is the most "erotic" site for women, but it doesn't surprise me. There are some good mature stories on there for sure.

[MsMarvelDuckie]

Most erotic site for women? That doesn't surprise me, with some of the writers on there. Hummerhouse comes to mind. Her stories are almost always VERY mature. I will also agree with others that Bubbly, Sleeping Seeker, and Zarius all have great stories on there. I also post a few tales there myself- under the same name I use here- and it's been a great outlet for my writing.

[BubblyShell22]

And your stories are wonderful, Duckie. Seriously, go read her epic story "Love Is Shell." It's awesome.

[Technogeek29]

I'm stuck in how I want the story to flow. Mine is essentially Turtles Forever but with all 3 Turtles Cartoons. Labeled "Trinity Unit". The title has a double meaning.

I got the idea from the Kraang being able to travel between worlds in Worm Quake. They travel to the 2k3 verse by mistake and run into the Purple dragons who they attack because the Purple Dragons try to mug them. In the heat of the moment the Turtles spot the scuffle and wonder if they should help? When a Kraang is injured and reveals himself the 2k3 Turtles mistake him for an Utrom and offer the assistance but make the Kraang focus their attention on them instead. Raph not wanting to let them get away tackles one of them into the portal it was escaping in forcing the other Turtles to pursue.

Here I wanted them to end up in the OT Verse haven't really planned out a meeting yet and I at least wanted a small scuffle between the two teams. I want to have Krang, The Kraang and Ch'rell team up but with all parties secretly planning to backstab the other for their own agenda's. I know I'm introducing the 2k12 Turtles last but their show hasn't finish it's season 2 run yet so I waited until more potential elements I could use we're revealed. I'm at a lost what to do for some characters like April, Casey and Splinter. And the only Shredder (besides 2k3) I really plan on using was the OT.

It all sounds good but I'm not a good enough writer to make it come to life like I envisioned in my head.

[BubblyShell22]

My advice would be to write down the idea and see if you can create an outline for it. If you can, then maybe that'll organize your story better so you know where to put what in your story.

[Metalwolf]

I put "Yes, I'm always interested/curious to read about them."

However, this comes with a caveat: Right off the bat I will not bother with a story if the description (on fanfiction.net) has the words 'young' 'girl,' or 'teen.' Very often these end up containing Mary Sues.

Also the words "Turtle-cest' 'slash' or 'femslash.' Once I found a story that had Master Splinter get busy with Leo. Icky icky poo.

Second thing in these types of fictions is if they have an encounter with mutagen. Very often they get turned into a turtle, fox, lizard or tiger. Something conveniently not ugly so the Turtle(s) can fall in love with them.

Third, I hate romance. Romance sucks in most forms but especially in idle teen girl noodlings. I hate reading about it, and it's almost the same old thing: TurtleXOC who is either a girl turned mutant or she has magical powers.

All of these are my main top peeves in fanfiction, at least as far as TMNT fanfiction goes. I'd also put on OOCness of canon characters, but I think that bugs most people, not just me.

[snake]

One reason I hate digging through FF archives for something good is all the ORIGINALCONTENTDONOTSTEAL self insert mary sue characters that 13 year old girls put in their fanfics just to have a relationship with one of the turtles (Usually Raph) or get mutated into a Lizard, Fox, or whatever.

[Sleepingseeker]

I put "Yes, I'm always interested/curious to read about them."

However, this comes with a caveat: Right off the bat I will not bother with a story if the description (on fanfiction.net) has the words 'young' 'girl,' or 'teen.' Very often these end up containing Mary Sues.

Also the words "Turtle-cest' 'slash' or 'femslash.' Once I found a story that had Master Splinter get busy with Leo. Icky icky poo.

Second thing in these types of fictions is if they have an encounter with mutagen. Very often they get turned into a turtle, fox, lizard or tiger. Something conveniently not ugly so the Turtle(s) can fall in love with them.

Third, I hate romance. Romance sucks in most forms but especially in idle teen girl noodlings. I hate reading about it, and it's almost the same old thing: TurtleXOC who is either a girl turned mutant or she has magical powers.

All of these are my main top peeves in fanfiction, at least as far as TMNT fanfiction goes. I'd also put on OOCness of canon characters, but I think that bugs most people, not just me.

Oh man, I understand. Romance can be bad. Just terrible. But!

I love when I get a potential reader who HATES romance, because I want to convert them! :lol: The problem is that romance by itself is festering with over-done, overly-sweet, b.s. that we've honestly seen time and time again in every rom-com that studios produce. Real romance should be filled with twists, action, tender moments, angst and fear. It should reflect all the complications of reality made even more messed up because of the situation the guys find themselves in.

If I could be so bold as to suggest that you give my story, The Tender Trap, a try. I have taken more than a few readers from hating romance to seeing it in a completely new light. https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9016809/1/The-Tender-Trap

I usually write heavy and often dark themes suffuse my tales and while this story is categorized as romance, I think you may enjoy it. Thanks for checking it out! :tcool:

[Zulithe]

i love reading fancomics. but fanfiction just isn't the same... because to me TMNT is tightly integrated with the visual aspect... it started off as a comic so it's part of its heritage.

[Metalwolf]

Sounds intriguing, Sleepingseeker, I'll have to check it out. Already the premise looks to be interesting, and doesn't appear to have the dreaded OCs, teen girly fluff or badly mispelled/bad grammer mistakes most of the readers of those fics can often expect. :D

[pennydreadful]

I also put I "Yes, I'm always interested/curious to read about them."

I've been an avid fanfiction reader since my early teens, and to me it's just a natural extension of enjoying a franchise. I'm an unabashed yaoi/slashfic fan - I understand it's not for everybody though.

I don't like MarySue/GaryStu fics, and poor spelling/grammar instantly puts me off, so I generally use rec sites rather than trawling through ff.net. If it's well-written, I'll read any genre - unfortunately I just don't have as much free time lately so I don't get to read as much fanfic as I'd like to (my "to read" and "to watch" piles are enormous and I will probably never get through them all!).

[Netkeeper]

>Maybe I might, but it's not worth my time to look for it.

My vote. It's the closest to "I'd be reading constantly if anybody wrote my OTP" but alas, nobody gives a damn.

[BubblyShell22]

And what's your OTP, NK?

[Netkeeper]

2k3 Leatherhead/Donatello. :V

[BubblyShell22]

Ah, I see. Well, you could always write one yourself if you really wanted.

[Netkeeper]

Oh trust me, I've heavily considered it. I'm just not much of a fic writer because my narration is really clunky and boring; I excel in dialogue. [That and I prefer RP.] Ah well, though.

[BubblyShell22]

You could always keep working at it. Everyone has to start somewhere when it comes to fan fiction.

[MsMarvelDuckie]

And your stories are wonderful, Duckie. Seriously, go read her epic story "Love Is Shell." It's awesome.

Hey, thanks for the praise, Bubbly! Funny, I never really thought of it as "epic", but sure, why not? And yes, it IS heavy on romance (I admit, I started this thing when I WAS a teen fan-girl"), and yes, it DOES contain an OC- though I don't really consider her a Mary Sue- no powers, not "perfect", and certainly not a mutant. (Just an ordinary young woman with a strange and rather messed up connection to the TMNT through her past- that's all I'm sayin'....) Quite a few flaws on this gal, actually.

I will say that it's a bit more mature, like some others on ff.net, though not overly descriptive (heh, at least not YET....) of love scenes or anything particularly gory or dark. At worst, I'd label it a "rated R". Not so much for content as the theme. And a few plot-twists that might be a bit more mature than some readers like.

Anyway, if anyone's interested, it is here:

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9377718/1/Love-Is-Shell

And if that doesn't float your boat, my personal fave that I've done (ie, I consider this one my BEST) is this:

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9407947/1/Goodbye-Father

Warning- be prepared for a tear-jerker there.....

I also have some non-TMNT stuff in there, and a cross-over that has been really fun to write- with Gargoyles!!

[Shiro Kame]

Yes, a personal favorite of mine is "Little Mikey".

[blindturtle02]

I'm a fan of TMNT as well as the written word, so you bet I enjoy reading fanfiction. I've always seen writing as a form of art which I'm also a fan of, believe it or not. Yes, I'm talking about paintings and drawings. Wild, huh? Anyway, I read allot of ff, especially TMNT. I wish I had time to write, but school is kicking my butt these days, so I've read quite a bit of dromer fanfiction during my spare time in order to take a break from it all. I can't think of a story which hasn't drawn me into the world of TMNT. Everything I've read has been one hell of a ride so far.

When it comes to actually dissecting stories, I don't do any of that. That probably takes allot of the joy out of reading stories. It's always been more exciting for me to let a story be a story, and to enjoy the ride. I think it'd be a treat to gain insight via the author after having read a fanfic, but only after. Call it something akin to DVD bonus features if you like. If forewords/afterwords are included, you bet I'm going to read those. Don't have time to explain why at the moment, but I'm a sucker for authors' notes. Tests to study for at present, so more on that in this or some other thread at a later date, maybe.

[Netkeeper]

You could always keep working at it. Everyone has to start somewhere when it comes to fan fiction.
True, but I just have little interest in writing by myself.

[MsMarvelDuckie]

I'm a fan of TMNT as well as the written word, so you bet I enjoy reading fanfiction. I've always seen writing as a form of art which I'm also a fan of, believe it or not. Yes, I'm talking about paintings and drawings. Wild, huh? Anyway, I read allot of ff, especially TMNT. I wish I had time to write, but school is kicking my butt these days, so I've read quite a bit of dromer fanfiction during my spare time in order to take a break from it all. I can't think of a story which hasn't drawn me into the world of TMNT. Everything I've read has been one hell of a ride so far.

It's always been more exciting for me to let a story be a story, and to enjoy the ride. I think it'd be a treat to gain insight via the author after having read a fanfic, but only after. Call it something akin to DVD bonus features if you like. If forewords/afterwords are included, you bet I'm going to read those. Don't have time to explain why at the moment, but I'm a sucker for authors' notes.


You like authors' notes, huh? Then I bet you'd love Piers Anthony's books. He has ALWAYS included a fairly lengthy one in each of his books. Though the books themselves are almost always a treat, so are the notes. In fact, he is the ONE writer who first inspired me to write. (Although my love of Anne McCaffrey didn't hurt!) I guess I have him to thank (blame?) for my love of reading, writing, humor and fantasy. And my mom, of course, who has always encouraged me in both, and whose book collection was always open for me to pick up anything I wanted to! Took me to places as diverse as Mars, Holmes's London, prehistoric Europe, Chincoteague Island, a little farm where pigs and spiders talk, Xanth, Middle Earth, Pern, and everywhere in between.....

[BubblyShell22]

I hear you there, BT. I've always considered writing as a form of art and one of my art professors in college even said writing could be considered art. We were supposed to submit something to put on display, and I explained that I wasn't very good at drawing. Well, he told me that I could write something instead, so I wrote a poem about TV and some of the shows I liked. It turned out pretty well, and I even got to read it in front of the class. Everyone loved it and thought it was good, so I've always considered writing as a form of art since it is a form of expression.

[raphmike]

i really do like read fanfiction what i like read about adventure, sci-fi, family,
and mystery. all of you did great job write story tmnt. :)