Fic Talk > I Challenge You....
Engarde!!!! The Reading Duel challenge
Rose:
Thanks for the feedback Mel!
One thing about the celeb cameos, they're more meant to mock, since Howie is the "forgotten" Backstreet Boy. We thought it'd be funny if he led a pack of forgotten boybanders as his minions. Which is why, when you see the members of FANS, they're all the members that weren't too popular. And why something had to happen to send Justin over there. But you're right, it's a perference thing. Sadly we have more original characters meant to come in, but we (still) in some ways, haven't gotten that far yet lol.
RokofAges75:
Thanks, Mel! I'm glad you feel that the story is flowing better now. That's what we were hoping for. I know just in the times I've reread parts of it, I feel like Episodes 4 and onward are stronger than the first three in that sense. That said, they also get more "out there," so I know that might be a challenge for a reader like you who prefers realistic fiction.
Rose just went and added science fiction to the genre list for this story because it really does incorporate some sci-fi elements, with all the little gadgets and weapons, genetically-altered penguins, and what you've read about in Episode 5. In the spirit of spoofing James Bond and Austin Powers, it's definitely over the top and out there. Even though it has its serious moments, it's meant to a comedy/spoof, above anything else, and so it shouldn't be taken too seriously.
It's funny because when we are writing about real places and things that really exist, we are very diligent about researching and staying as true to life as possible, but for the sake of keeping it outlandish and entertaining, we take plenty of creative liberties and stretch reality to its limits, too. It's a nice challenge for me because I am a lot like you - I prefer realistic fiction, rather than sci-fi or fantasy, but this is the story where I get to be creative and use my imagination and sense of humor the most, and I love it for that.
I've also never been a big fan of crossovers, but we built our 00Carter universe around using celebrities in this alternate universe. FANS is made up of the "forgotten" members of boybands, who are not pop stars in this universe, but wannabes who couldn't make the cut of Himitsu Takana or real agencies like the FBI, CIA, or MI6. Most of the non-BSB celebrities are just in there for us to mock; we didn't want to fill the story with original characters that would take away from the fact that it's still supposed to be mainly a Backstreet Boys AU fanfic. I understand you not liking the celeb cameos, though; it's just a personal preference.
I hope you did end up liking Episode 5! That one isn't my favorite just because it takes quite a turn and is a lot different from the other episodes, but it has its moments. My favorite episode is probably Episode 6, so I'll be curious to hear your thoughts on that one. :)
Carter-Orange:
OK, up to Chapter 52 now.
A few things have come up which made me wonder. If Nick and Amanda were best friends in Florida when they were kids, how come her parents don't know him? How come they live in New Jersey? Did she just spend summers in Florida or something? How come no one seemed to know who Aaron was when he turned up, and Amanda didn't know Nick's mother. If they were best friends, surely they'd have met, been to each others houses, etc. I also find it odd that her parents haven't seen Celine yet, surely they would've come for a visit as she's their grand daughter.
Carter-Orange:
1) Name of the story you read and the author and what you feel the genre is. Your answer might be different then the authors.
You Give Love A Bad Name by DelphinaCarter . I think the genre should be Romance/AU/Drama
2) Would you have ever read this story if it wasn't a challenge?
I probably wouldn't because this is the third in the series, the series starts with Nick as a 10 year old I believe. I don't really care to read stories about the Backstreet Boys when they were little kids.
3) What was your favorite scene?
The romantic location and proposal at the end.
4) Who was your favorite character and why?
Probably Brian because he was there for Amanda through it all, and he seemed to be the only one looking after the baby, despite being a policeman who did double shifts.
5) Overall tell us one reason why you think someone else should/or shouldn't read this story.
If you want a nice easy read with a bit of drama and a happy ending then you might like it. If you like stories with more background story behind what's going on, more details and more realistic, then this won't be for you.
6) Did it convert you to the genre it is? Would you be willing to read another story just like it?
I already like AU/Romance/Drama, so yes I would read more stories in those genres.
7) Give one piece of concrit that might help the author for future reference. This can be positive too, concrit doesn't always mean negative.
I'm not being negative here, but the story started out with a lot of promise, but it didn't live up to what I wanted it to be. I would've liked more details rather than one event after another without much description. I also think it you are writing a baby into the story, you have to deal with the baby and not shove it off onto people. I know the character runs her own nightclub, but surely she isn't the only person there, doesn't she have a manager to help? I feel that it's not realistic for a new mother to work really long hours and dump her baby on friends, especially when the main person looking after the baby seems to be Brian, who also has a full time job as a policeman. I know it's fiction and you thought it would be boring to write about the baby, so why did she have the baby? Or why doesn't she have a childminder rather than various male friends who have no clue about babies. This story gives the impression that Nick and Amanda couldn't give a shit about their baby, and I hate parents like that. I'm not having a go, I just want to help you understand that from a mother's point of view, that seemed irresponsible of them. Maybe other people are fine with it. I'm sorry to go on about it, but I could rant all day when it comes to people having kids who shouldn't.
8) This should be the question the author asked in their survey. Everyone's will be different.
Tracy asked if the story flows well. I have to say that a lot of it does flow well, it's an easy and fun read most of the time.
9) Would you recommend this story and author to another person? Why or why not.
I would recommend Tracy to others as she has some good ideas, she just needs to expand them a bit more and think about what her characters are doing.
10) Out of 10 stars what would you give this story?
I'll give it 6.
11) Do you think after you are done reading what's there so far (and you only have to read however many chapters are there when the start of this challenge was given) Do you think you will continue to read the story through to the end to see what happens to the characters?
N/A because it's complete.
And for those of you reading completed stories, if there was a sequel, would you be curious enough to continue reading on?
They've got their happy ending, so what else is there?
Sorry for my honesty, and I hope you aren't offended Tracy.
mare:
Wow Steph! You have finished both of your stories and meanwhile some of us have barely gotten started on our first. You rock!
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