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Hi, I have a question. I love to try to analyze the reasons behind the appreciation or not-appreciation of a story. I do that with improvement as a goal. To improve to I try to touch at any genre and do different pairing. I get very different results. Any genre would do but I noticed that my less popular stories are with Mikey as the main character and the few times I got hate it was for some fics with Mikey.
Mikey isn't my fave. I mostly only like Leo, with Raph as the second. But even if I don't like that much Don, the fic I write about him get good feedback.
So, I guess there something I do pretty wrong with Mikey, specifically. I mean, this isn't about him not being canon since none of my characters are, most of the times. What do you think people could possibly not like as a portrayal of Mikey? I did many different kind of Mikey, but not of them seems to work. Or it is because Mikey's fans are fewer or less invested in the fandom? I wonder a lot and my inner Donatello wants to know why!
I wish to hear you thought about it. Do you have a character you write poorly? It is normal? Am I doomed to write Mikey like shit and should stop to try already? Can I train for this in a most effective way that what I did so far (write different genre/different Mikey?
HELP!
Mikey isn't my fave. I mostly only like Leo, with Raph as the second. But even if I don't like that much Don, the fic I write about him get good feedback.
So, I guess there something I do pretty wrong with Mikey, specifically. I mean, this isn't about him not being canon since none of my characters are, most of the times. What do you think people could possibly not like as a portrayal of Mikey? I did many different kind of Mikey, but not of them seems to work. Or it is because Mikey's fans are fewer or less invested in the fandom? I wonder a lot and my inner Donatello wants to know why!
I wish to hear you thought about it. Do you have a character you write poorly? It is normal? Am I doomed to write Mikey like shit and should stop to try already? Can I train for this in a most effective way that what I did so far (write different genre/different Mikey?
HELP!
Good question! This is a really interesting observation to bring forth and I think that there could be a multitude of reasons why your stories featuring him as the main character might not be performing as well.
One thing to consider, is how comfortable you are writing in the "voice" of a character. This is especially tricky when you get into fandoms that have several reboots of the characters, and they all have their quirks that make their "voice" different. If you struggle to get into the head of a character, it may show in your writing. Personally I have to really focus when I write Master Splinter. It isn't easy to write characters we struggle with, but practice and studying the character from the show might help with this.
Another thing to look at, is whether or not people are expecting a certain "kind" of Mikey. Someone who believes Mikey is a shallow goofball who pranks everyone, might not respond well to a writer's version of Mikey that is serious, or insecure. This isn't wrong for either of you since you both are interpreting a character how you see fit, but you won't be able to please everyone if that is the case.
I have also noticed that Mikey as a character has a weird relationship with fans. There are people like me and Zelgadiss who love the character, and will write him frequently. But he also isn't quite as popular as Don in stories that I've seen (as a main character). I don't think it is Mikey fans not being invested in the fandom, but just less representation. He isn't an easy character to write and I'm not sure about drawing (not an artist in that way) and I know of others who struggle with portraying him, so they decide not to.
I think that it is always possible to improve writing, whether that is grammar, character portrayal, or plot development. Practice is vital for getting better, and checking in with others like this is a great resource. I think it might help to define how you view the character. Watch the show that you think portrays him best. Read other Mikey fics that you really like and analyze why you liked them. Start building a strong foundation for your character that you can draw from when placing them in situations in your fic.
Now please note these are my own observations and opinions. However, I think you are a great writer, not only for your work but for trying to improve. That is awesome, and I look forward to seeing what you come up with!
One thing to consider, is how comfortable you are writing in the "voice" of a character. This is especially tricky when you get into fandoms that have several reboots of the characters, and they all have their quirks that make their "voice" different. If you struggle to get into the head of a character, it may show in your writing. Personally I have to really focus when I write Master Splinter. It isn't easy to write characters we struggle with, but practice and studying the character from the show might help with this.
Another thing to look at, is whether or not people are expecting a certain "kind" of Mikey. Someone who believes Mikey is a shallow goofball who pranks everyone, might not respond well to a writer's version of Mikey that is serious, or insecure. This isn't wrong for either of you since you both are interpreting a character how you see fit, but you won't be able to please everyone if that is the case.
I have also noticed that Mikey as a character has a weird relationship with fans. There are people like me and Zelgadiss who love the character, and will write him frequently. But he also isn't quite as popular as Don in stories that I've seen (as a main character). I don't think it is Mikey fans not being invested in the fandom, but just less representation. He isn't an easy character to write and I'm not sure about drawing (not an artist in that way) and I know of others who struggle with portraying him, so they decide not to.
I think that it is always possible to improve writing, whether that is grammar, character portrayal, or plot development. Practice is vital for getting better, and checking in with others like this is a great resource. I think it might help to define how you view the character. Watch the show that you think portrays him best. Read other Mikey fics that you really like and analyze why you liked them. Start building a strong foundation for your character that you can draw from when placing them in situations in your fic.
Now please note these are my own observations and opinions. However, I think you are a great writer, not only for your work but for trying to improve. That is awesome, and I look forward to seeing what you come up with!
I get what you mean. The fact is I prefer the 2k12 series but this version of Mikey is quite limited. The 2k3 Mikey was more interesting and deep but despite many attempts I can't be invested in 2k3. I read a lot, but the fact is I think there very few fics from which I find Mikey's personality shine in a special way. I prefer the dark fics about him and I suppose it's a taste not shared by the majority because it's too far of the canon Mikey. I don't think I really had chosen a voice (neither Mikey's or of any of them). It's maybe a sign I'm still looking for my true self as a writer. Maybe I should just accept the fact I can't convince the readers since I'm not convinced myself about him. As a personal challenge, I like to try and try again but my lack of interest in Mikey must be perceptible to the readers. I put a lot of thought about it after reading your message and I think the truth is if I manage to get my Donnie's fic to perform not too bad is because I dislike him so much, I'm invested in making him gone through a lot but I have just no feeling about Mikey. I can't force feelings and this is probably the reason, despite my desire to improve. Thanks a lot, for your answer. You make me realize it. 
I'm glad my answer could help! Writing is one heck of a roller coaster and not everything we try works out. I hope you continue to ask these really great questions and learn more about yourself and your writing style in the process!
And just a bonus. One of the best portrayals I've seen of Mikey was in a fic called "Underdark" by Nekotsuki. It has dark moments (literally) but still carries that lighthearted "Mikey" vibe. Just thought I would suggest it, in case you were interested.
And just a bonus. One of the best portrayals I've seen of Mikey was in a fic called "Underdark" by Nekotsuki. It has dark moments (literally) but still carries that lighthearted "Mikey" vibe. Just thought I would suggest it, in case you were interested.
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Not turtley, but I'm doing a series of drabbles for a Halloween writing challenge... Would you guys like them here?
We'd love them! This group is for all writers and their works, turtley or not.
Cool! I'll send them right over! (or at least the first batch, if there's a limit...)