r/HardcoreFiction

80 archived posts · May 2013 – May 2025

Welcome to the workshop!

r/HardcoreFiction

Introducing writers to the workshop process has never been so much fun.

Created May 7, 2013

398Members (last snapshot)

80Archived posts

######Welcome to the Ficiverse

#####Submit a thesis

####Request a weekly prompt

#Overview

Welcome to literature bootcamp, ladies and gentlemen.

Here at r/HardcoreFiction, we are devoted 100 percent to the age-old process of the literary workshop. This is not a place to develop your story, characters, or worlds; it is a place to refine what has already been written. This is not a place of compliments either. We are here, as your peers, to pick and tear apart every aspect of your story to make it better. The first rule of a fiction is that there's no such thing as a good first draft, so get ready to bite the bullet, son.

#The Workshop Process

-Present thesis. This is the overview of the work, introducing the readers to the concept

-Workshop presents initial reactions.

-Reading of selected works

-Overview of positive elements. (From here, Writer is not permitted to speak, until final rebuttal)

-Overview of negative elements via constructive criticism.

-Concluding thoughts

-Writer makes final rebuttal (not really a rebuttal, more of just a reaction to the workshop.)

#Rules

You should not be here with the expectation of being told: "This is perfect!" or the intention of telling people: "You're perfect!" We're all here to improve, and the only way to do that is through pure, stratified constructive criticism.
Do not take any criticism personally. We're all here to help you, even if our words are harsh. I call this literary bootcamp for a reason, get ready for what that entails.
Do not defend your work, or argue the readers. If a critic is wrong, the other workshoppers will let him/her know. You are in no position to tell us You just don't understand or You're totally wrong. We are your readers, and if you ever say that to a publisher, you'll never work in this business.
Do not preface your work with "This is bad". In the real world, if you do so, you'll never eat.
Take notes.
Be civil in comments. Be harsh if necessary, but don't hold any biases against the author.
Always remember that we are your readers, and respect that fact. Don't burn any bridges. This is a place to refine work, not make enemies.
No Rage Quitting! Getting through workshop can be tough, but we're here for you, so shut up and stick it out, brother.
You're nothing. All you are here is as good as the work and notes you present, remember this fact and stay humble.

#Closing Notes

Writing is one of the most ancient and sacred of arts to ever grace this earth, rivaled in age only by Visuals and Music. Often, the written word is cited as humanity's greatest achievement. By making it this far, you have chosen to become a part of this great tradition, and to carry the torch of literature into the future.

On that note, please understand that I and my fellow writers are not here to be mean or to come at you with clenched fists. We're here because we care about your work, and we want to see it get better.

This process is not for the faint of heart, but if you can't do this, you're not cut out to be a writer.

Now then. Let's begin.

#Sister Subs

r/IAmAFiction (the original Fic subreddit)

###IAmAFiction | FictionBrawl | ExploreFiction | Ficiverse | AskFictizens

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