The Belly Of The Beast

We have a lot of first time fic writers participating in the challenges and I’ve seen a few people say they aren’t sure what to rate their stories. FFN and AO3 have slightly different rating systems, so that can cause some confusion. And if you don’t use one of those platforms to post your stories, it can be even more confusing. So, here I will attempt my best to explain how to rate your stories. As far as I have seen, most entries for Let’s Write use the AO3 system for rating (G, T, M and E), but I will include the FFN rating equivalent as best I can. Like with rating anything, there is a bit of interpretation. Consider these general guidelines and feel free to reblog and add in your two cents.

AO3 Rating: General Audiences (FFN K and K+– ages 9 and below): FFN considers this rating something suitable for young children. I would expand this to say that this rating is appropriate for stories that lack any sort of violence or sex. There may be a little cursing, but it is usually fairly mild. A lot of domestic fluff stories could probably easily fall under this category as well as many friendship stories. A personal preference of mine is to avoid rating angst (or other emotionally weighty stories) under this category because I feel that it usually, by the genre’s very nature, tends to deal with much harder topics, even when it avoids the discussion of sex or violence. This is, of course, ultimately up to the author to decide.

AO3 Rating: Teen and Up (FFN T: ages 13+): This rating is reserved for stories that deal with topics that may be seen as “edgier” than what the G/K rating would allow for; however, references to sex or violence are still mostly suggestive than blatant. For example, you may allude to the fact that two characters had sex, but you would not write out the sex scene. Or you may mention that someone was kidnapped, but you would not show that person being physically or psychologically tortured. Language is often harsher than what might be found in a G/K rating, as well. 

AO3 Rating: Mature (FFN M: ages 16+): This is where things get a bit complicated because the line between Mature and Explicit can get a little fuzzy sometimes and often becomes a matter of “I know it when I see it.” I am not entirely satisfied with that, so I will do my best to describe the difference. Mature rated fanfiction deals with adult topics. Now folks have a tendency to hear the word “adult” and think sex, which while partially true is not the entire shebang. These stories deal with more detailed discussions of sex and violence, but do not necessarily linger on those scenes.The stories under this rating also deal with more complex emotional issues. If, for example, I wanted to write a story about John dealing with PTSD now that he is back in England or Sherlock’s drug use pre-series, I would most likely rate them Mature because they are complex, powerful, and often upsetting topics. 

AO3 Rating: Explicit (FFN N/A): FFN does not allow for stories that fall under the Explicit rating, but AO3 does, so it is useful to know the difference between Mature and Explicit. There is a tendency to think of Explicit only in sexual terms, however, it can be used for more than that. Explicit lingers. Explicit describes, in detail, sexual as well as extremely violent acts. If Mature is the fade to black or the tastefully lit sex scene, than Explicit is the closeup in HD. Taking the example from the Mature rating, if I wanted to not only talk about John dealing with PTSD, but also wanted to describe in detail a spectacularly violent or traumatizing experience for him while in the military, I would be more inclined to give it a rating of Explicit. If someone is captured by a serial killer and we are given a blow by blow account of exactly what happens to them, then it should probably be rated explicit. Personally, I would consider things like the Saw movies explicit because the violence is intense and it lingers.

Some Tips: My suggestion to all new writers is to consider the topics you are presenting in your stories and the level of detail in which you describe them. I would encourage you to always fall on the side of caution. Better to rate something higher than rate it low and unpleasantly surprise people. I tend to think in terms of movie ratings, though this can be a slightly imperfect system.

Remember a higher rating doesn’t necessarily mean dark; you can have a very fluffy story that is still explicit. And always, always, rate based on the entire story, not just the first chapter. Have an idea of where you plan to take your story and rate it based on that. 

And finally: When in doubt, warn for it. Let your readers know why you are rating something the way you are, so that they can make informed decisions. If you are aware that there is a potential trigger in your story, warn for it in the author’s notes at the beginning of the story. 

Since the ai accusations are still being thrown around, here's how i personally like to use these GASP ai telltales. 🦄✨

Em Dashes (—)

To emphasize a shift / action / thought.

They're accusing us—actually accusing us—of using AI.

To add drama.

They dismissed our skills as AI—didn't even think twice, the dimwits—and believed they were onto something.

To insert a sudden thought. Surely they wouldn't do that to us—would they?

To interrupt someone's speech. "Hey, please don't say that. I honed my craft through years of blood and tears—" "Shut up, prompter."

To interrupt someone's thoughts / insert a sudden event.

We're going to get those kudos. We're going to get those reblogs—

A chronically online Steve commented, “it sounds like ai, idk.”

Semi Colons ( ; )

To join two closely related independent sentences / connect ideas.

Not only ChatGPT is capable of correct punctuation; who do you think it learned from in the first place?

Ultimate pro tip: use them whenever the fudge you want. You don't owe anyone your creative process. 🌈

These are some lowkey underrated tips I’ve seen floating around writing communities — the kind that don’t get flashy attention but seriously changed how I write.

1. Put “he/she/they” at the start of the sentence less often.

Try switching up your sentence rhythm. Instead of

“She walked to the window,”

try

“The window creaked open under her touch.”

Keeps it fresh and stops the paragraph from sounding like a checklist.

2. Don’t describe everything — describe what matters.

Instead of listing every detail in a room, pick 2–3 objects that say something.

“A half-drunk mug of tea and a knife on the table”

sets a way stronger tone than

“There was a wooden table, two chairs, and a shelf.”

3. Use beats instead of dialogue tags sometimes.

Instead of:

"I'm fine," she said.

Try:

"I'm fine." She wiped her hands on her skirt.

It helps shows emotion, and movement.

4. Write your first draft like no one will ever read it.

No pressure. No perfection. Just vibes. The point of draft one is to exist. Let it be messy and weird — future you will thank you for at least something to edit.

5. When stuck, ask: “What’s the most fun thing that could happen next?”

Not logical. Not realistic. FUN. It doesn’t have to stay — but chasing excitement can blast through writer’s block and give you ideas you actually want to write.

Ironhide questioning whether or not Sentinel can say that to them,

Wasp just regretting ever joining,

And Bulkhead and Bumblebee trying not move or make eye contact with Sentinel, hoping he won't even acknowledge them.

And since there's no pile of glasses nearby, that means he just took off one pair and boom! His eyes are there for the world to see.