Mary Sues

[clodia_risa]

Apparently there's a discussion about Mary Sues going on in fandom? People are having arguments and disagreements about whether they are good or bad or whatever.

I don't see how this is a discussion. It's a phase of writing that everyone goes through. It's a fun thing to do for oneself. It doesn't make for a particularly good story outside of your head.

What's the issue?

Comments

[gweniveeve.livejournal.com]

I agree entirely. I mean, is there anyone who enjoys reading Mary Sues?

I can't say that all OCs are bad or necessarily = Mary Sues, because I have read some good ones, but I sort of am prejudiced against them since they normally are Mary Sues.

[clodia-risa.livejournal.com]

I would definitely agree that not all OCs are Mary Sues. But if a story tells me that it is going to pair a character with an OC, I stay away.

I'm not even saying that people shouldn't write Mary Sues. They just should, you know, keep them private. Or not be upset when people criticize.

[gweniveeve.livejournal.com]

Oh, definitely. I think it's best to go ahead and write that Mary Sue to "get it out" rather than have it come out later in writing... but keep it private, YES.