Personally, I think these last two chapters are stellar. Your dialogue doesn't bore me - and I'm dialogue-picky, I get bored very easily - and your use of characters like Mike Stamford brings a refreshing touch to the admittedly overused post-TRF story idea. The plot appears to be well-thought-out (that much is obvious, and that's a rare thing with a long WIP), and promises originality over the usual TRF fics. As I said, I'm thoroughly disgusted with the fandom at the moment but I will read this and thoroughly enjoy it for its refreshing new take on the business. Your angstier scenes are not over-the-top, as so many writers' scenes are (loved the bit with John and Lestrade here), and I like that you are using characters that don't get much love in post-TRF fics.
Honestly, and correct me if this isn't your intention - but I can easily see this as an actual episode script. And possibly that's where people are dropping out of interest with it, if they are - because let's all admit, we watch the episodes once or twice but then on rewatches sometimes we fast-forward through the in-between scenes to get to the 'really good' ones. Because it's a WIP and a long fic, you're going to have readers who aren't overly interested in chapters like this because they're necessary filler; because most people read to feel an emotional reaction. Few readers read stories to marvel at the art and brilliant workmanship that goes into writing these tough interim chapters - but I am one of those, and I totally respect you for the work and effort you put into these chapters. Fanfiction to me is a work of art and a labor of love, and when I read a fic I want to see that in the author's writing. I see that in yours. Chapters like this are the reason I would keep reading a fic like this - because that tells me you love the work enough to take the time and write a solid foundation, rather than just throwing us into a pool of drama and h/c. If I want to read that, I'll go trawl a kinkmeme. Quality foundation and backstory is much harder to write than emotion-provoking angst; you have both, and that is the perfect balance.
Don't let a decline in feedback dissuade you from writing what you believe. You are the only one you need to please; if you please the rest of us, that is just an added bonus. Write what's in your mind and soul; write because you are a writer and you must; write because you are an artist and this is your work of love and vision. If the rest of us love it as well, then that's just a pleasant addition. I wouldn't have spent this long in a review if I didn't believe in you and your fic; but remember, you must believe in yourself and your art more than anyone else.
I say, well done, and I look forward to reading the rest of this!
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2012-06-11 09:21 pm (UTC)Honestly, and correct me if this isn't your intention - but I can easily see this as an actual episode script. And possibly that's where people are dropping out of interest with it, if they are - because let's all admit, we watch the episodes once or twice but then on rewatches sometimes we fast-forward through the in-between scenes to get to the 'really good' ones. Because it's a WIP and a long fic, you're going to have readers who aren't overly interested in chapters like this because they're necessary filler; because most people read to feel an emotional reaction. Few readers read stories to marvel at the art and brilliant workmanship that goes into writing these tough interim chapters - but I am one of those, and I totally respect you for the work and effort you put into these chapters. Fanfiction to me is a work of art and a labor of love, and when I read a fic I want to see that in the author's writing. I see that in yours. Chapters like this are the reason I would keep reading a fic like this - because that tells me you love the work enough to take the time and write a solid foundation, rather than just throwing us into a pool of drama and h/c. If I want to read that, I'll go trawl a kinkmeme. Quality foundation and backstory is much harder to write than emotion-provoking angst; you have both, and that is the perfect balance.
Don't let a decline in feedback dissuade you from writing what you believe. You are the only one you need to please; if you please the rest of us, that is just an added bonus. Write what's in your mind and soul; write because you are a writer and you must; write because you are an artist and this is your work of love and vision. If the rest of us love it as well, then that's just a pleasant addition. I wouldn't have spent this long in a review if I didn't believe in you and your fic; but remember, you must believe in yourself and your art more than anyone else.
I say, well done, and I look forward to reading the rest of this!