I have nothing against self-inserts, actually I’ve read a few that were really well done and enjoyable. But nothing annoys the hell out of me when a self-insert is disguised as something it’s not, such as a reader-insert or a original character. Technically they are original characters but in the end they are not because they represent a real person. So it’s really annoying when a story says it’s OC x Canon Character when it’s actually a Self-Insert x Canon Character. No one wants to come across stories that are misleading like that.
I understand that self-inserts tend to be looked down upon but you have to be brave. Own up to the fact that you wrote a self-insert. It’s not something you have to be ashamed of or try to hide. As long as you did an excellent job on writing it than there’s nothing for you to fear. If you’re worry that you’re making a horrible self-insert than look up helpful guides. Treat your story like you’re writing a professional book that you hope to win a noble prize. It doesn’t have to be perfect but you do your very best.
The only reason why self-insert have a terrible reputation is because they always lack flaws and realism. They lack realistic reactions from the canon characters and lack logical reasoning behind their actions, behavior and thoughts. The self-inserts stories that I’ve read were excellently done because they kept those things in mind. The writers didn’t forget that just because it’s fiction, that doesn’t mean that their self-insert characters don’t have to follow the rules — not just the canonically rules of the fandom but the rules of real life as well.
After all, in real life not every single person will love and adore you. That also applies to fanfiction as well, the characters aren’t all going to love and adore you either.
 DamnBlackHeart · Thu Jun 27, 2013 @ 01:31am · 0 Comments |
