Specula's Topic

[Specula]

Lousy topic name, I know. Anyways, I was thinking to myself 'If FF.Net and MM.Org don't allow me to post a pure A/N chapter even if I need to tell you something like I do right now, why not start a topic on this board and direct people here?'

I'm aware that the people who I've been less... Pleasant to for flaming me will probably flame/spam etc, but that's beside the point. This is a general topic where my fans/readers can talk to me about anything related to my fics. Like with my fics, I will accept the following:

CONSTRUCTIVE criticism:

In case I didn't make my point, constructive criticism is rather simple to explain. For example saying 'this sucks' is flaming. However, saying 'this sucks because' and then saying why it sucks by backing it up with a logical and well constructed argument is not flaming. Sure, it's putting it rather... Bluntly, but at least your providing reasons why it's no good, therefore classifying it as constructive criticism and not flaming.

Questions:

Questions that are not things like 'what about the Suna/Oto invasion in two of your fics' as well as some others I have specified in A/N. As long as they're not questions I've answered many times, it's fine.

Suggestions:

If you have any suggestions as to how I can improve the way any of the story lines are heading, by all means please tell me. However, as the heading suggests, a suggestion is offering an alternative, not ordering/demanding I change it.

Also, I will post news here occasionally and try to answer your posts and what not with some sort of regularity and punctuality. Oh, and just for the sake of it, below are links to my FanFiction and MediaMiner profiles as well as my fics on each site and their status:

Fan Fiction Account

Fic Links on FanFiction:

A Tail of Two Bijuu

Main Pairing: Naruto x Yukiko (Female Jinchuriki OC).

Status: Complete.

Return of the Bijuu

Main Pairing: Naruto x Yukiko (Female Jinchuriki OC).

Status: In Progress.

Living Behind a Mask

Main Pairing: Naruto x Female Kyuubi.

Status: In Progress.

Rubies & Sapphires Book 1

Main Pairing: Naruto x Kurenai.

Status: Complete.

Rubies & Sapphires Book 2: Onyx & Citrine

Main Pairing: Naruto x Kurenai.

Status: In Progress.

Chances Missed

Main Pairing: Naruto x Tayuya.

Status: In Progress.

Media Miner Account

Media Miner Fic Links:

A Tail of Two Bijuu

Return of the Bijuu

Living Behind a Mask

Rubies & Sapphires Book 1

Rubies & Sapphires Book 2: Onyx & Citrine

Well, this initial post isn't going to contain much that will relate to anything after I post this, mainly just as an introductory post.

UPDATE: 18/08/06:

Well, I suppose I owe you guys an explination as to why I've essentially dropped off the face of the world. It's a multilayered problem;

1: Big fight with parents = lots of stress.

2: Moving out of home.

3: Starting a new full time job.

4: Working on all four stories at the same time.

In other words, I'm completely knackered. I've almost finished the majority of chapters for my four current stories and I'll update them asap.

Anyways, I know I'm just another author, but I'd like to make some requests for several pairings for fics. I don't mind if no one does it, but I'd <3 you if you do. It's my birthday on September 3rd, so maybe someone could write one for me then? *Activates chibi puppy dragon eyes no jutsu*

These are my requests numbered from most wanted to least wanted:

Naruto Fics:

#1: Naruto x Rin (Kakashi's Teammate).

#2: Naruto x Anko.

#4: Naruto x Inuzuka Hana (Kiba's older sister).

#6: Naruto x Temari.

Bleach Fics:

#3: Ichigo x Yoruichi.

#5: Ichigo x Matsumoto.

As another request, they don't sell Naruto games for Gamecube in Australia and there are never any on sale on Ebay. If any of my readers come from Europe, I'd <3 you if you could buy me a Naruto GameCube game like Naruto: Clash of the Ninja 2 and post it to me. No, I'm not the sort of stingy guy who'd ask for it for free. Tell me the price for both the game and the shipping/handeling and I'll pay you back for it. Remember though, it has to be for a PAL GC and preferably in English too, if possible... I remember my brother got me a spanish version of Final Fantasy 9 for my birthday a while ago... Kind of useless since I can't read Spanish... <.<

Can't think of anymore 'requests'... Anywho, I'll be updating shortly, so don't worry guys! Just one more page of Chances Missed and I'll update!

11/11/06 Update:

The poll for Living Behind a Mask epilogue/sequal:

Ok, so I managed to convince somee people to come here, and as promised, here are your options:

1: 5 Year Time Skip.

2: 10 Year Time Skip.

3: 20 Year Time Skip.

4: 30 Year Time Skip.

5: 40 Year Time Skip.

6: 50 Year Time Skip.

Make your pick. Just post a quick reply and post your prefered choice.

Specula.

[Liquid Armor]

Yo!

Its me Kyubbi-sama from fanfiction.net.


Great work so far!


For chances missed are you going to reveal Naruto to konoha with the knowledge that he is the yondaimes son?

Will Tayuya be able to love naruto after the second stage of the curse seal?


Good luck and update soon!

[Specula]

Yo! I'm going to have Naruto severely mess with Konoha's minds about that. You'll see how I pull it off. Personally, I think itl'll be great.

From what I've been able to see, the second stage of the cursed seal may take away your free will, but everything else is left intact. It's essentially not noticable to people who don't know them. So, yes, the relationship will still develop.

[Liquid Armor]

Will Naruto ever be able to break tayuya free from orochimaru?

Will you give Naruto any other "gifts" from orochimaru?
Kusanagi raijin or something like that?
Or is he already too powerful?


Are you thinking of making a Naru Hina pairing?
I have no idea why I like that pairing so much.



Also I was wondering how to get a banner into your sig?
Im trying to get a Naru Hina pairing sig but it wont let me copy and paste.

[monkeylord]

Originally Posted by Specula

Lousy topic name, I know. Anyways, I was thinking to myself 'If FF.Net and MM.Org don't allow me to post a pure A/N chapter even if I need to tell you something like I do right now, why not start a topic on this board and direct people here?'

I'm aware that the people who I've been less... Pleasant to for flaming me will probably flame/spam etc, but that's beside the point. This is a general topic where my fans/readers can talk to me about anything related to my fics. Like with my fics, I will accept the following:

CONSTRUCTIVE criticism:

In case I didn't make my point, constructive criticism is rather simple to explain. For example saying 'this sucks' is flaming. However, saying 'this sucks because' and then saying why it sucks by backing it up with a logical and well constructed argument is not flaming. Sure, it's putting it rather... Bluntly, but at least your providing reasons why it's no good, therefore classifying it as constructive criticism and not flaming.

Questions:

Questions that are not things like 'what about the Suna/Oto invasion in two of your fics' as well as some others I have specified in A/N. As long as they're not questions I've answered many times, it's fine.

Suggestions:

If you have any suggestions as to how I can improve the way any of the story lines are heading, by all means please tell me. However, as the heading suggests, a suggestion is offering an alternative, not ordering/demanding I change it.

Also, I will post news here occasionally and try to answer your posts and what not with some sort of regularity and punctuality. Oh, and just for the sake of it, below are links to my FanFiction and MediaMiner profiles as well as my fics on each site and their status:

Fan Fiction Account

Fic Links on FanFiction:

A Tail of Two Bijuu

Main Pairing: Naruto x Yukiko (Female Jinchuriki OC).

Status: Complete.

Return of the Bijuu

Main Pairing: Naruto x Yukiko (Female Jinchuriki OC).

Status: In Progress.

Living Behind a Mask

Main Pairing: Naruto x Female Kyuubi.

Status: In Progress.

Rubies & Sapphires Book 1

Main Pairing: Naruto x Kurenai.

Status: Complete.

Rubies & Sapphires Book 2: Onyx & Citrine

Main Pairing: Naruto x Kurenai.

Status: In Progress.

Chances Missed

Main Pairing: Naruto x Tayuya.

Status: In Progress.

Media Miner Account

Media Miner Fic Links:

A Tail of Two Bijuu

Return of the Bijuu

Living Behind a Mask

Rubies & Sapphires Book 1

Rubies & Sapphires Book 2: Onyx & Citrine

Well, this initial post isn't going to contain much that will relate to anything after I post this, mainly just as an introductory post.

UPDATE: 18/08/06:

Well, I suppose I owe you guys an explination as to why I've essentially dropped off the face of the world. It's a multilayered problem;

1: Big fight with parents = lots of stress.

2: Moving out of home.

3: Starting a new full time job.

4: Working on all four stories at the same time.

In other words, I'm completely knackered. I've almost finished the majority of chapters for my four current stories and I'll update them asap.

Anyways, I know I'm just another author, but I'd like to make some requests for several pairings for fics. I don't mind if no one does it, but I'd <3 you if you do. It's my birthday on September 3rd, so maybe someone could write one for me then? *Activates chibi puppy dragon eyes no jutsu*

These are my requests numbered from most wanted to least wanted:

Naruto Fics:

#1: Naruto x Rin (Kakashi's Teammate).

#2: Naruto x Anko.

#4: Naruto x Inuzuka Hana (Kiba's older sister).

#6: Naruto x Temari.

Bleach Fics:

#3: Ichigo x Yoruichi.

#5: Ichigo x Matsumoto.

As another request, they don't sell Naruto games for Gamecube in Australia and there are never any on sale on Ebay. If any of my readers come from Europe, I'd <3 you if you could buy me a Naruto GameCube game like Naruto: Clash of the Ninja 2 and post it to me. No, I'm not the sort of stingy guy who'd ask for it for free. Tell me the price for both the game and the shipping/handeling and I'll pay you back for it. Remember though, it has to be for a PAL GC and preferably in English too, if possible... I remember my brother got me a spanish version of Final Fantasy 9 for my birthday a while ago... Kind of useless since I can't read Spanish... <.<

Can't think of anymore 'requests'... Anywho, I'll be updating shortly, so don't worry guys! Just one more page of Chances Missed and I'll update! Catch you around!

Specula.

SPECULA-SENSEI!!

[Liquid Armor]

Originally Posted by monkeylord

SPECULA-SENSEI!!

I like that!


Catchy phrase


Specula-Sensei

[zackn3]

yo big fan of your can i call you specula-sensei too?

[Specula]

Hey guys! Hmm, I set this thread on subscription so that I receive an email every time someone posts, but I didn't get any since the last time I posted... Oh well... I don't mind what you guys call me as long as it's not something that's against the rules; IE names, and all that junk. Never been called Sensei before... There's always a first for everything I guess

I'm really not suprised someone's neg repped me already... I'm also not suprised they did it anonomously. Spinless coward...

Anyways, I'm just about to update the next chapter for the Bijuu series. Just another page and I'll be done.

[Liquid Armor]

Yo!


Tried to give you some good rep


Whats up?
Are you thinking of making a Naru Hina fic anytime soon?

[Specula]

Thanks

No, I won't be making a NaruxHina fic. They're too common. I specialise in rare pairings

[zackn3]

hai specula-sensei will you be giving naruto a blood line limit in chances missed or will he just basically have kyuubi and cursed seal powers

[Specula]

Well, unless you consider the Cursed Seal/Kyuubi chakra combination a Bloodline Limit, then no. Naruto's powerful enough without one.

[zackn3]

i see good point though the ingan from the biju would be a good addition to
his arsenal \

[Specula]

Originally Posted by Liquid Armor

Yo!


Tried to give you some good rep


Whats up?
Are you thinking of making a Naru Hina fic anytime soon?

Oh, and I just checked my profile. If you did rep me, you negatively repped me

i see good point though the ingan from the biju would be a good addition to
his arsenal \

Well, I kind of like to make each of my storylines give Naruto not only a different personality, but a different set of abilities besides the given (Kyuubi, Kage Bunshin, Rasengan and eventually Hiraishin are the given in my opinion)

[Liquid Armor]

Originally Posted by Specula

Oh, and I just checked my profile. If you did rep me, you negatively repped me



Well, I kind of like to make each of my storylines give Naruto not only a different personality, but a different set of abilities besides the given (Kyuubi, Kage Bunshin, Rasengan and eventually Hiraishin are the given in my opinion)

Im so sorry
I thought I was good reping you

So when is the next update on chances missed?
Its my favorite of all your fics so far

[Kawaii desu ne]

In general, I like your stories. You put a lot of dedication into making them and I'm confident I could never write as much as you do (in such a short time too!). Damned short attention span.

I've noticed four noticible problems in your writing style. It's up to you if you want to fix them, but I figured that I'd point them out.

--Attention to detail: Sadly, very little detail is given on background/setting and mood. I noticed that in your "A tale of two bijuu" that it was hard to visualise each character as description was limited.

Much of writing a story requires you to embue a mood into each setting. If it's happy, describe the trees so that they're filled with life and prospering, if it's hopeless, the trees are warped and decript. Hell, the trees might just be normal trees, but from the perspective of the character, the mood will make things seem more something than they are.

That's how I feel anyway, I'm not a perfessional at this kinda thing.

--Too tranquil: Probably your biggest problem. Stories tend to go down hill with the mood becomes too "stale", they stagnate because the main character isn't having any trouble. In most stories, I notice that the main character encounters a major problem and slowly resolves it throughout the story, but, after the first couple chapters, the character arrives at a state of bliss--In the instance of your "tale of two bijuus", it's when Naruto get's a loving girlfriend in the matter of a single day. He never really dips below "shit I'm as happy as hell".

Although you might add combat scenes or introduce new, lesser problems, the mood remains similar. The main character never really proves anything, and he appears to be godly.

The main character only continues to grow in strength, and more overpowered baddies are needed to keep things from being one-sided. Don't be afraid to underpower your characters in not only aspects of physical power, but in emotional choices. Naruto is far from perfect, keep it that way.

For example, Naruto only drew me in because the beginning was really innovative. Naruto, the main character, is/was a total wussy loser from episode 1 to whenever he beats neji in the chuunin exams. Sasuke filled the role of "valiant hero extrodinare", taking a hit from Haku's needles, fighting Orochimaru 1v1, having the love of Sakura, the attention of Kakashi, and the pure skill needed to be an amazing ninja. Naruto was a worthless ninja with the Kyuubi, a disgrace, a "I'm not a hero overnight" character. He still has a long way to go too, he's still a ramen-dobe after 319 chapters. The only difference is he's gotten more confident and he's ascertained some skill.

--Not enough showing. A well-balanced story has both showing and telling. You descibe Naruto as he reacts to seeing his girlfriend, then you tell what they do as they spend the day together. It's hard to explain without numerous examples, but I don't have time for that (attention span)

--Paying attention to what matters. This is a minor problem I only really encountered in the bijuu series. There was way too much detail put into describing how to make hash browns and how elevators work. Describe the character's reactions if you must, but going into intracite detail about machines every average person understands is extremely boring.

Again, I'm no professional, but I think your stories would be much better if you took any of my advice to heart.

~Gracias

[Sesshoumaru]

I am an advocate of a non-A/N chapter website.

I enjoying pestering FF.net about that for years until they finally did something about it.

[Specula]

Originally Posted by Kawaii desu ne

In general, I like your stories. You put a lot of dedication into making them and I'm confident I could never write as much as you do (in such a short time too!). Damned short attention span.

I've noticed four noticible problems in your writing style. It's up to you if you want to fix them, but I figured that I'd point them out.

--Attention to detail: Sadly, very little detail is given on background/setting and mood. I noticed that in your "A tale of two bijuu" that it was hard to visualise each character as description was limited.

Much of writing a story requires you to embue a mood into each setting. If it's happy, describe the trees so that they're filled with life and prospering, if it's hopeless, the trees are warped and decript. Hell, the trees might just be normal trees, but from the perspective of the character, the mood will make things seem more something than they are.

That's how I feel anyway, I'm not a perfessional at this kinda thing.

--Too tranquil: Probably your biggest problem. Stories tend to go down hill with the mood becomes too "stale", they stagnate because the main character isn't having any trouble. In most stories, I notice that the main character encounters a major problem and slowly resolves it throughout the story, but, after the first couple chapters, the character arrives at a state of bliss--In the instance of your "tale of two bijuus", it's when Naruto get's a loving girlfriend in the matter of a single day. He never really dips below "shit I'm as happy as hell".

Although you might add combat scenes or introduce new, lesser problems, the mood remains similar. The main character never really proves anything, and he appears to be godly.

The main character only continues to grow in strength, and more overpowered baddies are needed to keep things from being one-sided. Don't be afraid to underpower your characters in not only aspects of physical power, but in emotional choices. Naruto is far from perfect, keep it that way.

For example, Naruto only drew me in because the beginning was really innovative. Naruto, the main character, is/was a total wussy loser from episode 1 to whenever he beats neji in the chuunin exams. Sasuke filled the role of "valiant hero extrodinare", taking a hit from Haku's needles, fighting Orochimaru 1v1, having the love of Sakura, the attention of Kakashi, and the pure skill needed to be an amazing ninja. Naruto was a worthless ninja with the Kyuubi, a disgrace, a "I'm not a hero overnight" character. He still has a long way to go too, he's still a ramen-dobe after 319 chapters. The only difference is he's gotten more confident and he's ascertained some skill.

--Not enough showing. A well-balanced story has both showing and telling. You descibe Naruto as he reacts to seeing his girlfriend, then you tell what they do as they spend the day together. It's hard to explain without numerous examples, but I don't have time for that (attention span)

--Paying attention to what matters. This is a minor problem I only really encountered in the bijuu series. There was way too much detail put into describing how to make hash browns and how elevators work. Describe the character's reactions if you must, but going into intracite detail about machines every average person understands is extremely boring.

Again, I'm no professional, but I think your stories would be much better if you took any of my advice to heart.

~Gracias

I'm wondering about something. I can see every single comment made in reference to a fic was my 'Bijuu' series. I don't suppose you happen to read the very first line in the first A/N, did you? It said 'this is my first fic ever'. Naturally, the first is always the worst. As for lack of detail, I've specifically said, that is done on purpose. The lack of detail is so that people can imagine the scene in any way they want. I hate the fics that go so over the top, the actual plot content to description ratio is about 1:10. In a way, my style is what an anti-sue is to a mary-sue. Teachers always thought that the only way you are allowed to write creative literature is by packing it with detail and marked me down for it. How stupid. I personally enjoy stories that let me imagine a scene several ways in my mind's eye while still sticking to the plot given. That's what I hope to achieve. In onther words, my writing is mainly focussed towards those with a vivid imagination, like myself. In total, those people number about five in every hundred. So no, I will not take your advice to heart, because of rather personal reasons that I have not stated here. Basically, it's going against everything I've strived for if I do.

[Kawaii desu ne]

Originally Posted by Specula

I'm wondering about something. I can see every single comment made in reference to a fic was my 'Bijuu' series. I don't suppose you happen to read the very first line in the first A/N, did you? It said 'this is my first fic ever'. Naturally, the first is always the worst. As for lack of detail, I've specifically said, that is done on purpose. The lack of detail is so that people can imagine the scene in any way they want. I hate the fics that go so over the top, the actual plot content to description ratio is about 1:10. In a way, my style is what an anti-sue is to a mary-sue. Teachers always thought that the only way you are allowed to write creative literature is by packing it with detail and marked me down for it. How stupid. I personally enjoy stories that let me imagine a scene several ways in my mind's eye while still sticking to the plot given. That's what I hope to achieve. In onther words, my writing is mainly focussed towards those with a vivid imagination, like myself. In total, those people number about five in every hundred. So no, I will not take your advice to heart, because of rather personal reasons that I have not stated here. Basically, it's going against everything I've strived for if I do.

Whatever you wanna do's fine with me. I meant no ill, just a couple 'a things I enjoy myself. I suppose its better to write "rebelliously" than to comprimise your ideals.

And I have read your other fics (halfway through most of them), but by nature I skip author notes (in general, they're paragraphs of 'blah blah blah').

[Specula]

Oh and sorry if that response was a little... Agressive. It just strikes a deep nerve with me when people think that I automatically have to conform to their standards otherwise I'm wrong. It's like the certificate to show you passed the finals/HSC or whatever the end exam is called at the end of year 12 where you are. Having a piece of paper that shows how I measure up to other's standards means absolutely nothing to me. I've always been very tempted to burn it, but employers insist that it means something... Anywho, I'm rambling here. The point is, sorry for sounding rude, but I'm a rebel who won't change for anyone