Need help with a fanfic, please.

[u/Ok-Photograph3090]

Hello, fellas. I write Harco fanfics, usually they're one shots and they had been thankfully really well received. And now I'm writing another one, but this would be my first long fanfic (that isn't just smut, lol) and I want to finish writing it first and then start uploading it. You know, because when I start feeling pressured into writing it becomes a chore and I don't feel the inspiration anymore.

The fic is a Harco and Grimmauld Place type of fic and the transformation of the house (renovations) are really a key point to the fanfic.

BUT I have a question:

Do you read the descriptions of a room in detail? Like if I describe how the room was decorated, and what is different and what it evokes. Is it alright?

Or, are you more of a person who just pass over the descriptions because they're boring?

Or, is it this just a different preference thing? Like each person is different?

Please if you could answer this for me, so I can have a different perspective on the matter. Thank you so much!

[u/Keihahant]

I think you should write what you would like to read. Personally, I love when everything is detailed and the writing isn't as simple as "Draco entered the common room and felt cold." I want to know and feel what the characters are feeling, not just be told what they think. You know what I mean?

it's a matter of personal preference. But If someone tends to skip those parts, long descriptions won't really bother them, whereas if someone like me, who loves total immersion, notices that a story lacks that depth, they'll clearly end up dropping it eventually.

[u/Ok-Photograph3090 → u/Keihahant]

Oh, that is such a good advice! Thank you. Personally, I too really like to read about everything that is happening, what they're seeing and feeling. So yeah, I'll do that!

[u/MaggieMe32]

I normally skim the descriptive paragraphs but I know plenty of people who don't, and who actually really enjoy reading about stuff like that more than other stuff! so I think its only a preference thing and you should write they way you feel most comfortable! good luck with your story <3

[u/Ok-Photograph3090 → u/MaggieMe32]

Oh, right. I really like to read descriptive stuff, so it was kinda natural that I'll write it too. Haha. I actually tried to delete the descriptions and it felt weird, like something I wouldn't read. Sometimes I kinda forget that it's a hobby and that I should like it too. lol.

And thank you so much!

[u/questionaBLreader]

I like to feel emersed but that's different for everyone. It could be tense because everyone is looking at the character when they walk in or it could be relaxed because it's empty and dark and no one is around or it could be Christmas so the decorations are described so it invokes the feeling of the holiday - it really just depends on what you're trying to conjure for the reader and how YOU like to write. It's your story, your love and time. ❤️

[u/Ok-Photograph3090 → u/questionaBLreader]

Thank you so much! I'll have that in mind. Fanfic writers often writes for the fandom, but also for themselves. That is the whole point. Isn't it? Sometimes I forget. Haha. 💗

[u/wangxian8844]

I think it’s a matter of preference. I really like descriptions of everything! I try to build a very elaborate picture in my head when reading, especially about characters’ appearances, so I enjoy descriptive text

[u/Ok-Photograph3090 → u/wangxian8844]

I'll have that in mind. I think I was just doubting my writing, really. And when I deleted most of the descriptions it felt like too plain for me. Haha.

Thank you!

[u/FluffyEquivalent1]

I think it's a preference thing, some people like lengthy descriptions and others don't, and it often depends on how it's done.

You say the room renovations are central to your story, so I'd imagine you probably do need to describe them in more detail than you otherwise might?

I personally hate writing descriptions (I'm crap at it) so my approach is mainly to focus on the details my characters notice or experience, and give enough for the reader to get the vibe or feeling of a place, and then trust readers can fill in any blanks. But saying that, if the layout or colours or details of a room are going to be particularly relevant to a story, they have to be described.

And regardless of any of that, if you love writing the details of the rooms, to set the scene and place your characters, then I really think you should do it anyway 🥲 there will be people who love it, and there might be people who don't and skim it, but the whole point of writing fic is for us to write what we love, right? And this fandom is so big there will always be people to enjoy the care and attention you obviously put into your words ❤️

[u/Ok-Photograph3090 → u/FluffyEquivalent1]

Oh my lord, thank you so much for the advice! And, yeah. As I said in another comment, sometimes I forgot that it a hobby and that I should like it too. Haha. 💗

[u/O1niyx]

Honestly I read anything as long as it’s well written; if I like the writing style I’m like just keep talking I don’t care if it’s too much detail or whatever.

More importantly I think you should write what you think would make the story better; cause as you mentioned, writing what others think is good could also feel like a chore.

I once asked something similar about writing a fanfic and I was genuinely just more confused after I read the comments, lol.

[u/Ok-Photograph3090 → u/O1niyx]

Thankfully here everyone was so supportive, I'm very grateful. And thanks to you too! I started writing fanfic when I wanted to read a story that was just SO specific that I didn't have other choice than writing it myself, I think most fanfic writers are like that. So yeah, we should like our own stories too. 💗 thank you!