Fanfic pet-peeve

[merkuria_lyn]

I haven't posted one of those for a while so I thought it might be time... ;-)

I proudly present... ::insert fanfare::

FOR SOME REASON

As in - for some reason she read his letter - to use a random example. Or even worse, 'for some reason I want to see you'. Seriously, does anyone ever say that other than in a self-conscious, joking manner that

Comments

[ephemera_pop]

No, it's not just you. I think you picked up all the reasons why it can / should be used, and 99.9% of the rest of the time it *does* read as lazy and arm-wavy and it bugs me, either right-off-the-bat if it's really gratuitous, or like a little hanging thread that keeps drawing me back to worry at it untill the whole story unravels because there was, in fact, no reason for *essential plot action*.

[merkuria_lyn]

Glad it's not just me! :)

It's just really sloppy, and who wants to read fic that is badly written? I find it impossible to ignore and once I've spotted the use of 'lazy phrases' like that I involuntarily watch out for the next one, wait for it, already wincing in preparation... Quite obsessive, but I can't help it. Obviously, once this happens it's really pointless for me to read on - I wouldn't be able to enjoy the fic no matter how good the story is.

[flyingcarpet]

*nods*

makes sense. A LOT of sense. Now I wonder if/when/where I've used that, without thinking about it. :P

Another similar thing is "suddenly." I do that all the time, although I'm trying to cut down.

[merkuria_lyn]

That's true, 'suddenly' is another one that is often used in this way...

I've never noticed you using words or phrases in random ways, though, which is one of the many things I enjoy about your writing! :)