I've decided to step away from this fanfiction.
Not for a lack of ideas or inspiration-this rewrite was thoroughly planned through the first few arcs-but after studying writing books and seminars, I've realized I'm fundamentally misaligned with what most readers expect from Ben 10 fanfiction.
When fans seek out Ben 10 stories, they're typically looking for:
- Lighthearted adventures where the Omnitrix solves most problems
- Power fantasy narratives where the Omnitrix holder becomes increasingly unstoppable
- Crossovers focused primarily on character interactions
My approach-exploring psychological depth, moral ambiguity, and the darker implications of wielding such power-simply doesn't match these expectations.
I recognize my irregular posting schedule hasn't helped matters. Neither have the structural issues in my earlier drafts (weak inciting incident, unclear object of desire, ineffective hook). But ultimately, the silence has been deafening.
I write primarily to be read and to receive feedback. The absence of comments makes it difficult to gauge what's working and what isn't, leaving me adrift in my own creative echo chamber. Writing feels empty without the dialogue of reader engagement.
I've concluded that my time and creative energy might be better invested in original fiction. This way, I can build a world and mythology from scratch, without the constraints of established canon or expectations. And yes, perhaps eventually see some financial return for the countless hours invested (through means like advanced chapters or donations, nothing more elaborate).
While I wouldn't describe this project as a waste-I've learned valuable lessons about storytelling, pacing, and audience expectations-I need to acknowledge when it's time to change direction.
Edit: May 17, 2025
I've significantly improved my methods and productivity. Using the lessons learned here and from various writing resources, I'm developing a new original story focused on characters and mysteries. I've already drafted dozens of chapters with the plot and power system nearly complete. Sometimes you need to close one door to open another.
To anyone who silently enjoyed this story-thank you for your time. I still hold hope that actual humans read my work (and that the reader numbers weren't just bots), especially after investing dozens of days into this effort.