WINNER: Amanda_Ruth

TQ ~ How do you go about reading and reviewing fan fiction from a fandom you aren't familiar with?

Well, when I first joined the FCG, I wound up critiquing a CSI: Miami story (heh, by Zelda, nonetheless). I remember going, "Huh?!" for about fifty percent of the story, mainly because I had no freaking clue if the characters would actually do any of the stuff that they did. At the time, I was only good with characterization for the original CSI, and was completely lost on Ryan and Calleigh. At that point, I had no idea that Calleigh was such an emotional wreck or that Ryan was such a dork. Unfortunately, that didn't stop me from commenting on their personalities. *headdesk* I mean, it doesn't take much to get Horatio Caine's personality. All you need is a dramatic pause, sunglasses, and hands-on-hips pose to get it right. I guess I had a bit of knowledge at the time, but I was so rusty with the characters of Miami that my abilities were a bit... dead. My only right to criticize laid with grammar and spelling, which wasn't that much of a problem in that story.

After that, I decided to get back into Miami and New York, because I knew I would be seeing more of it. When it comes to a fandom that I am unfamiliar with, I'll be sure to pay special attention to the grammar and spelling, since that's all I'll be able to help with. Plot holes aren't usually a problem in one shots, but they do happen. I'd be able to handle that, but without knowledge of characterization, I wouldn't risk commenting on it, then sound like an idiot.

Also, when faced with an unfamiliar fandom, I comment on the parts of the story I liked, or the lines that I thought were cute and clever. I love when an author can make me laugh, and I want them to know that I appreciate it. I can also criticize on things that I didn't like or didn't believe fit. But they don't have to take it to heart, because really, what do I know. I'm only nineteen!

WINNER: Racefh853629


TQ: We've talked about looking back at our older work and whether we feel the need to edit or correct things... but how about asking ourselves what our favourite story that we've written is, and why? And to balance it, maybe what our worst is too? (TQ Submitted by Kazalene)


Ooo... this is a tough question. Damn.

Favorite story... I would have to say that Mia's trilogy is probably my favorite. Mia's a very tough, bitter character and it's been fun to see her transition from the cold hearted bitch she started out as in "The Savior of the Broken" to the sweeter side seen in "Will You Defeat Them?".

Her character has been extremely fun to develop. She starts off as the most hated character by all the CSIs (yes, even Greg hated her at one point). They're so quick to say she's nothing like Sara, but they all compare her to Sara.

By the end of the first story, Catherine and Warrick still aren't big fans of her, but the ordeal she goes through at the end (and I won't spoil it for those who haven't read it and would like to) makes them at least respect her more (which they didn't do in the beginning).

Then, the rest of the stories, she softens a bit. With Greg by her side, she can't help it, because he makes her be nice and less suicidal. And she changes him a bit, too, but it's not a bad thing.

This may be cheating, since it's not one story, but regardless, I think they're my favorite.

Actually, there was one other one I really liked that I wrote, and it's from a long time ago (about 2 years, to be exact). It's back in my baseball fanfic days, and it was called "Nothing Else to Lose." I had been bothered by the Bronson Arroyo trade, and so I wrote one about it being reversed and Bronson came back to Boston, but a bunch of stuff had happened in Cincinatti that caused him to be really screwed up.

The basic premise was that the one person who helped him get through his issues the most was the biggest jerk around, and they were the most unlikely friends possible. But, it was fun to write and is a story I read over and still love (I was excited when I found it on the site I mention below).

As for my worst... That's even more tough lol. (And, allow me to point out that this TQ really made me reach back and go to an old story board I had way back in the day...)

One of them had to be this story I wrote called "Courage". It was so horrible because I started it with absolutely no direction. It was 6 chapters, most of which were flashbacks, and I remember posting at least one chapter without finishing it. I can't even believe how bad it was... thankfully, I've improved somewhat since then...

I also remember this one story I wrote, "Follow Your Heart" (which also turned into the first series I ever wrote). It was probably the first story I wrote (before Courage, even), and I totally hated the way it came out. I started the first few chapters in February, but then decided this was going to be July, so midway through, it switched to July and it always had been July. I hated it so much that about a year later, I went back and rewrote every chapter. Never got around to finishing the rewrite of the sequel, or finished the third of the series... lol.

As for CSI, I have 2 I didn't like. One was "My Worst Fear," which I never actually posted. It was Speed/OC, but was confusing because it was Speed in college and the girl, Amy, was a complete mess. Speed was always picking up the pieces, and everyone around Amy generally didn't like her. But each chapter started out with a future conversation with no set timeline, so even I was having trouble following it. I lost the flashdrive it was on (because it died... which I never knew could happen, but anyway), but I don't think I would've gotten around to posting it anyway.

The other story I didn't like was "Nostalgic for Disaster," my first chapter fic on ff.net. It's still up, but I was never a fan of it. I think my writing was kind of bad, the characterizations were off, and that was when I realized I really suck at writing forensics. It just wasn't something I was a fan of, and I'm still not.

I could probably go on forever on the stories I didn't like more than the ones that I did like... lol.

WINNER: lostladyknight

TQ: Since today is Father's day lets talk about character parenting. Discuss a parent from your fandom of choice and how their child's role in their life effects who they are in that particular "story" or fandom. (Can be applicable to non-parent characters you've given an OC child.) How does this effect the way you write for that character or fandom?


Lorelai Gilmore (Gilmore Girls): Lorelai was the kind of parent who put her relationship with her child above everything else in the world. Keeping her daughter, Rory, happy meant more than her own personal wants and desires. Through the course of the show viewers can watch her make sacrifice after sacrifice for Rory. Lorelai's entire life, even (in early episodes) her dating life, revolves around her child. Anyone writing a Gilmore Girls fanfiction would have to consider the effects that Lorelai's actions would have on Rory's life. It would be OOC for anyone to write something like Lorelai sleeping with a man and not going home one night (if it was set while Rory was still in high school) without at least calling her daughter. While Lorelai gives Rory a lot of freedom, she is also adamantly involved in everything her daughter does. She has worked hard Rory's whole life to raise the type of daughter she doesn't have to worry about but still can't help it. Lorelai is absolutely not the perfect parent and makes mistakes throughout the series, she does try though.

Eric & Annie Camden (7th Heaven): Though Eric has his dedication to the church both Camden parents are completely focused on their seven children. They are passionate parents and focus 100% of their energy into helping their kids through whatever life struggle they're facing at the moment. Consistently throughout the show they are betrayed as the perfect parents. Granted they do make some mistakes along the way but end up raising seven (among a host of fosters) model-citizen children. Only one of which really ever had any problems; and another of which was the only one to experiment in pre-marital sex. A fanfiction writer ever considering writing anything less than the perfect family shouldn't play with this family.

Danny Tanner (Full House): Unlike Lorelai Gilmore Danny knew that he wouldn't make it as a single parent and enlisted the help of two other men: Joey Gladstone, his best friend since fifth grade; and Jessie Katsopolis, his late wife's younger brother. Though Danny is depicted as the “perfect” parent he's far from it. He frequently (especially in early seasons) chooses his work or personal life over his children, leaving Joey, Jesse, and occasionally DJ (his eldest), to do all of the major parenting. Consistently throughout the show if there was a true problem with a family member it was either one of the uncles (for lack of a better term) or one of the children that ended up solving the issue. In one episode it's DJ (thirteen or fourteen at the time) that has to ride her bicycle down to a police station to bail Danny out of prison. All of that negativity being said, it's important to remember that Danny's heart is always in the right place and that he was always there to love his girls. And (trust me) raising 3 girls isn't easy! A fanfiction writer would have to keep in mind that Danny is a very flawed (though very loving) parent and sometimes makes bad choices.

Catherine Willows (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation): Catherine isn't shown doing much parenting throughout the course of the show but when Lindsey (her daughter) does come up in the show it's automatically obvious that she cares for her passionately. They don't have the best relationship and Catherine's judgment could be questioned from time to time but in the end Lindsey's a lucky girl. Catherine is the type of parent who could be missing for a while night (S07 E01) and the fact that she was doesn't become an issue at all regarding her teenager when they see each other. That implies that the long hours of her job have effected Lindsey's view of how prominent her mother should be in her life. Though they are a mother-daughter pair like Lorelai and Rory a fanfiction writer wouldn't have to consider Lindsey much if he/she didn't want to (very much unlike writing Lorelai.)

Maxwell Sheffield(The Nanny): He's a single father with all the money in the world for his children but very little time to give them, so he hires a nanny. Fran (the Nanny) spends more time raising his children, Maggie, Brighton, and Grace, than he does but Max's always involved in his children's lives and problems. The Nanny's role is more to help him keep a handle on the issues that his kids are facing on a day to day basis. When it comes to work he can't be bothered to turn away and tend to his children but on the other side of the same coin when it comes to his children nothing is more important to him; sometimes he's just slow to figure out which (his job or kids) needs him more. A fanfiction writer would have to consider Max's role in the children's problems on a case by case basis to really be able to understand which problems he felt were fit “for the Nanny” and which he himself should contend with. (At least until later seasons when he marries the nanny!)

Frasier Crane (Frasier/Cheers): A single man with a child that lives hundreds of miles away with his mother. Being a good parent to Freddy (his son with ex-wife Lilith) isn't much of a concern on the show (except in a few episodes). Frasier's life is more centered around his relationship with his elderly father (Martin Crane), his rivalry with his younger brother (Niles Crane), his career, and his pretentious hobbies. Though a person has a lot to consider when writing a fanfiction involving Frasier it isn't likely that his child would come up at all in the story. Freddy simply doesn't matter, in the scheme of things, to Frasier's development.

Sophia Patrillo(Golden Girls): Sophia has long since payed her dues as loyal wife and mother and now that she's in the later part of her golden years all she's really interested in is having fun. Definitely the most spunky, exciting, sarcastic, and altogether entertaining of the characters on her show. Deep down, however, she's a sensitive woman and a very loving mother. Even though her daughter is fully grown and mother herself (grandmother even) she's always there to give advice and help her daughter out of a jam (even though shes in tight spots far more often than her daughter). Though a fanfiction writer doesn't have to have Sophia consider the effects her actions may have on her daughter (or other two children or for that matter Rose and Blanche, her roommates) she is always rich with hindsight and thinks carefully about how what she's done effects her family on an emotional level.

WINNER- Giorgia

TQ: Okay, there are two aspects to this weeks TQ, [s]simply because, well, I can.[/s] because the first bit is easy so I wanted to add another layer to it.

1)When writing for a new fandom for the first time, what steps do you take to ensure your work is to a good standard? Particular research or background information you like to have? Think back to your first fiction for each fandom you've investigated. What made it most difficult to start something new?

2)Have you ever implemented real life events in your work? Why did you chose those particular ones and how do you feel they added to your story/helped people remember?

1)Well, because I only write for one fandom (out of laziness, whatever) the only way I can talk about this part is referring to my literal first fic. Mostly, I wasn't really someone who'd done much writing outside of school, my blog, and the occasional diary, so writing a story for my own enjoyment was totally new. And I knew I wanted to write a Bones fiction.

Basically, the only precation I took was using as little speech as possible. Which has changed dramatically as my writing has progressed. What made it most difficult was never having written a fan fiction before, I think. And the idea of others reading and reviewing it was a little scary, as the only people who'd ever read my writing before had been my teachers.

2)I've never incorporated an event, as such, in any of my stories before. More than anything, it's out of respect for the events, because I don't quite feel that a) my writing could ever do any of them justice, and b) my style of writing is not, for the most part, particularly respectful. I've never felt it would be right for me to 'use' a real event in my writing.

I have, however, used personal events, or quotes that I found particularly funny, or amusing. My dad is always good for those. But only once have I actually used something to be a fic. It was mostly a way for me to vent a little, but it worked in that it was applicable to the character, and it was a pre-show fiction.

I don't think it added to the story, because it was the story in itself. But I think it did give it the piece more of an emotional style. But then, maybe this is my wishful thinking...

WINNER- Racefh853629

TQ: When reading a longer piece for critiquing or reviewing do you have a different method than reading a shorter one? What kinds of things do you look for in a chapter story that you don't in a oneshot? What are the benefits and downfalls to critiquing a longer piece?

Also, I thought I'd include a question from my co-author since it's her story too. She'd like to know what you thought about the ratio between description and dialogue. To put it simply are we too descriptive? Do we have too much talking? Or do we have a happy medium?

TQ:

With a longer piece, I find that I need to set aside more time to really read through it and get a feel for it. With a one shot, it is what it is, but with a chapter piece, there can be subtext indicative of what may come next in the story, so you need to read for that as well. However, with a chapter story, you get a better feel for a writer's style as opposed to the one shot that is what it is.

But I think with a one shot a writer can use whatever style they want, whereas with a chapter piece, it all goes back to how the person writes. Does that make sense? Haha. What I mean is, say I'm writing an angsty short piece. I can write it straight up with a style that gets to the heart of the matter without going overboard- effective to getting to the reader's hearts and getting them to feel for the characters. Or, I could write it with extreme detail, putting them in the center of the action and getting them into the characters' minds- letting the reader feel what it must like to be there. Also, as the writer, I can leave the story with the resolution that it is what it is, or I could have everything be fixed and be wonderful.

With an angsty chapter story, you have to follow more of the typical story format, with the rise, climax, fall, etc. There has to be a resolution (well, doesn't have to be, but it doesn't make sense if there isn't), as well as exposition. Also, once you pick a style (like the ones mentioned previously), you have to stick with it throughout the story, because readers (like myself) don't like when a story isn't stylistically consistent throughout.

I think that's the big thing I look for in a longer story versus a shorter story- consistency. With a shorter story, there's no reason to look for consistency, because there's not more than one chapter. With a longer story, the chapters need to meld together, either by the central theme of the story (i.e., if you're writing a story that's supposed to be entries from a diary) or by the action of the story.

The benefits to critiquing a longer piece is there's more to work with. You get to see the author's style more, and that's a nice thing. The downfalls to critiquing a longer piece is time restraints. It takes a while to thoroughly read through a longer piece.

Bauerfreak's Question:

I think you guys find that happy medium between description and dialogue. As I was saying in my critique, there's enough dialogue to keep the story going at a good pace, and there's enough description to make us understand where they are and what they're feeling. I think you guys are doing a great job.

LLK's Question

I think in a way, she was, but at the same time she wasn't. Her desire to gossip was a little out of character for her within the given story. Yet, at the same time, I could see her trying anything to worm her way back onto her mother's good graces. So while it's slightly not in the flow of what she's been doing during the story, I think that it works if she was trying to use it to manipulate Catherine.

WINNER-Kazalene

TQ: What makes a good casefile fic?

Uh, well I guess that first off, the case has to be interesting and immersive. Everything also needs to happen for a reason, whether or not the reader is aware of it at the time. And you have to be really thorough in making sure that your timelines make sense, you've tied up all of the evidence, and that you gave yourself enough evidence to use in the first place. Correct terminolgy should be used too, but not in a way that the reader can't understand it. And research or background knowledge is important, too. The audience over at ff.net is diverse - you can bet that there is someone who will read your fic and know a lot more about what you're trying to communicate. Therefore, you need to "remain in control of your prose" and not just insert things straight out of wikipedia/the like.

I think all that makes a good casefile fic. *nods*

Oooh! And, as always, chracterisation needs to be spot on, too - since for crime dramas like CSI, NCIS, Law and Order... we're used to seeing these characters do these things per episode and, therefore, know how they react to certain events/situations with regards to work. Also, own characters used such as murderers, suspects, witnesses and what-not need to be believable - and a strong motive should be established.

WINNER- Amanda_Ruth

TQ: When reading a first chapter, what is it that makes you want to read on? And, in that sense, how important is a first chapter to you? Do you stick around if you're not immediately hooked? Or do you give it a few chapters before you come to a decision?

Similarly, when writing a first chapter, is there something you do differently to later ones - a different technique, maybe?

OK. When I read a story, the main thing I look for is consistency: something that is very lacking in the fan fiction realm lately. When people lose track of what they've already written, and ignore important details that make a huge difference in their story, it makes what they write suck. I think the first chapter is kind of important, but at the same time, not really important at all. That probably doesn't make sense. Oh well. The first chapter has to set a scene, or introduce something (or someone) of importance to the future plot. The first chapter of this story was very important to me. It introduced my first developed original character.

But about continuing, I usually give a story a few chapters. If I see problems with continuity within the first few chapters, I'll immediately stop reading, and leave a kind review informing the author of why I lost interest in his or her story. I'll also stop reading if the grammar is so bad, it's unbearable. We go to school for a reason, and English class gives us important tips on how to write. Utilizing them in your work is much appreciated by those who read your work.

In many of my chapter stories (I'm only posting one at the moment), I write the first chapter as an episode of CSI or Bones would be written. Usually, the writers of those shows introduce the victim or have the victim be found. Then they go into the plot with the cast. So with this story, I did just that. Hopefully well. Also, it's usually a flashback to before the victim's death, if it's a Bones story. If it's a CSI story, it's the discovery of the body. Thought I might clarify that.


Well, there's my TQ answer, since I actually had some frickin' time to write it! I hope you guys enjoy my story, and I promise that if you're itching to read more, this story will more than likely be finished by October, considering school starts soon, and I won't have all that much time to write it if I have homework as well!

WINNER- Sarai

TQ: Think back to your first fanfic- what inspired you to write it? Where'd you get your idea? Is there anything you'd change now?

Umm, my first ever fanfic (which I’d actually forgotten about until I was clearing my hard drive) was Remembrance (CSI Miami). I wrote it about 3 years ago. What inspired me and where my idea came from are kinda related. My friend Jenni-Rose and I used to watch CSI Miami like crazy people, I mean we were really crazy. And she used to write fanfiction (she actually submitted a fanfic for her English language coursework). She was involved in a car accident about 3 and half years ago and she never woke up from the coma she was in. The thing is, I was meant to be in the car as well, cept for I’d skived off school that day. The guilt I felt after that accident was immeasurable and I guess 3 years ago, I wanted to push it of onto someone else, and I tried writing fanfic. So there was the idea. My inspiration; Jenni-Rose. In the story Calleigh has this friend Amanda, and they were in a car accident but Calleigh survived and it’s about Calleigh dealing with the guilt she feels even after 20 years. Looking back, I can see where my characterisation is totally off with Calleigh, and it doesn’t flow at all, but honestly, I don’t think I’d change it at all, I like to go back and see what I used to be like and how and if I've improved, and that fanfic wouldn't be the same if I changed it. At least I don't think so.

WINNER- Giorgia

TQ: Sometimes it amazes us how much a character (or person) can endure and still seem completely okay on the outside; it even seems a bit inhuman from time to time. How does this inspire or hinder you when writing that character?

I suppose it both inspires and hinders, really. I mean, the fact that a character has so much baggage, for lack of a better term, gives us some wonderful scenarios and options to play with. But at the same time, if we're not writing for a specifically baggage-based scenario, then it can be difficult to write other things for fear of being obliged to make the character react in an uncharacteristic way.

Writing for Bones, I've got a main character with that past, and hence that difference between inner and outer personas. That said, just about every show has at least one character with a screwed up past. The trick, I think, is knowing what they react to, in what way, and with whom.

What I mean is that you can have a character who will hate crying in front of other people (or at all) but they will, under exceptional circumstances, cry in front of one character but not another.

That said, it's a great inspiration in that it does give you the option to play with the charcters emotions relatively easily, which, really, if what fan fiction is pretty much about. It's pointless to write a story that doesn't connect with the audience on an emotional level.

LLK has asked me to take over this job, so here goes...


Week 40: September 14, 2008

Winner: Racefh

TQ: How do you pick the perfect title for your story? Which title have you been the most pleased with? The least? Why?

Ahh... titles. They're either really easy, or really hard. With some stories, I pick the title first, and write around it (kind of). Others, I write the entire story and then come up with a title.

Usually my titles are from songs- either titles or lyrics. With Mia's series, it was relatively easy (because they're all lines from "Welcome to the Black Parade" by My Chemical Romance)- "The Savior of the Broken" was the first. The second (the next line) was "The Beaten and the Damned". And the third (again, the next line) was "Will You Defeat Them?" With all three titles, they pretty much described Greg's role in the series- saving a broken Mia (who was also saving the team), kidnapped and beaten, and then trying to restore his life. The fourth is kind of different, but that's why it's still a work in progress.

A story that wrote itself around a title (well, one of them anyway) is "It's Not My Time" (an NCIS chapter story I'm working on), because the character goes through hell to survive because it's not his time to die. "With You In Your Dreams" is another story like that- I started with a title and kinda worked out a story with it.

One that went the other way was "Secrets of a Past Life", which is actually not a song lyric. That was the basic premise of the story, though- Greg had this past in New York that he didn't see the rammifications of, and Adam did, and Greg kinda found out.

And if I don't like the title or don't think it fits OR found something better that fits, I'll change it. For example, I'm working on a Greg story that revolves around dating violence. Originally, it was called "Hold on Tight," but I felt (after some consideration) that "Am I Good Enough?" would be a better title.

The title I like the best... that correlates to some of my favorite stories, because I like when my titles cleverly align with some good stories. So, I like "If You're Reading This," "Keeping It Together," "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room," "Sinking In," and "Summer Nights."

The two titles I like the least are "You Still Have All of Me," and "Long, Slow, Torturous Dance." The first, I feel like it doesn't necessarily correlate well to the story. It just kinda is what it is, and it doesn't really make sense. The second one, I'm not exactly the hugest fan of the story (but no one else was either... haha). It was a requested sequel to "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room," so I included slow and dance into the title to make it kinda correlate to the other, but it just wasn't a very good title.


Week 41: September 21, 2008.

Winner: Giorgia

TQ: How do you write the pefect kiss? Give us a scene with an example of what you think the perfect kiss is. You can either write it or qoute another amazing kiss. If you quote, cite the source.

Well, I think that 'the perfect kiss' depends, always, without fail, on the rest of the story. It's also a personal thing. I mean, if you don't feel comfortable wirting a particularly descriptive kiss, then for you, the perfect kiss is very diffrent to a lot of people's. And because it is such a personal thing, it can be good to allow the reader to decide exactly how the kiss transpires. I think, because of this, that some of the better ones are rather simple, or more about emotion, passionn, etc. than about literal (physical) description.

Descriptive kisses are seriously lacking in new adjectives (not to mention verbs and even nouns), I think. The, "His tongue probed her lower lip, begging entrance..." thing is so overused, and rarely ever all that fitting. My issue is that I've never actually kissed anyone (sad little me), so I'm at a sort of loss.

And I know it's not a 'scene' per se, but it's one of the best kisses I've read recently and was in a 'Bones' fic on FF.net. It was, literally:

"He kissed her." [Doing Alright by CSI-4077: Web Page Name]

And it worked perfectly for the story. There is a bit of description after that, but not too much. I think, especially if you're writing romance, that emotions can describe a kiss perfectly.


Week 42: September 28, 2008.

Winner: Adorelo

TQ: Can a piece still be considered good fanfiction if it includes a supernatural element? Even if it's not for a fandom that has any history in that area? Do you enjoy reading supernatural elements in stories?

Of course it can. Fiction becomes ‘good’ if it is well written, and engaging and sets out to achieve it’s aim. The genre and subject choice within the pece is immaterial if this aim is achieved.

In everyday life, people bring up elements of the supernatural (ghost stories, odd events and dreams) so it stands tor eason these could be implemented into Fanfiction.

I personally don’t seek out supernatural-esque stories, simply because I have limited interest in the area, but if if occurs in a story I’m ready by an author I like, I welcome it. But only if it’s well written and fitting.


Week 43: October 5, 2008

Winner: Amanda Ruth

TQ: What draws you to writing certain elements of a story? The length, the theme, plot, but especially the genre? Why do you write romance? Angst? Non-fiction? Suspense?

Alright, I'm setting this up like Giorgia did, because it seems simpler than my usual set up!

The Length

My stories have never had a set length. I've gone from 1000 word chapters for my Bones story to an 8000 word behemoth for my last (and I mean FINAL) CSI story. I feel that however long it takes to reach the desired ending, that's how long the story will be.

The Theme

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by theme, LLK, so I'ma wing it and go with The Ship. I have never, in my six stories posted, written for a pairing that I didn't like. I feel it's dishonest to write something that you don't have an interest in, and will more than likely come off poorly presented. I'm positive that if I ever tried to write *gag/choke* Eric/Natalia, I'd probably make them so out of character it would be embarrassing and ruin my reputation!

The Plot

Usually, I write whatever plot my silly little mind comes up with. It'll come as a shock to some of you who don't know me, but I have never, in my life, planned one of my stories beforehand. I make everything up on the spot, and the only thing that's for sure is that the two characters I want together WILL BE together by the end of the story.

The Genre

OK, if you know my writing at all, you know I'll write anything. I don't write it for a reason other than it suited me at the time the story was written. That's it.


Week 44: October 12, 2008

Winner: marymagdalen

TQ: Do you generally stick to a certain fandom? A certain 'ship? Or do you explore many fandoms or 'ships? Why? Do you prefer writing the familiar or uncharted territory?

I tend to stick to a certain fandom at the moment, usually CSI:Miami, because that's what I'm into right now. It's really the only TV show that I make time to watch every week. Others I just dip into now and then - except the news, which I try and watch every day, but I guess it's pretty hard to write a fanfic on that!!!

I also stick to Miami because it's what I know best. I hate to read fanfics where the author has just lifted the name of a character and written about him or her in a story, as opposed to lifting the character and writing him or her in the story. I think what I mean is, characterisation is important, and unless that's right, a story just doesn't work for me. I just love the Miami characters, and I take time to study them carefully before writing about them, which I hope means I get them right.

So yeah, I tend to stick to the one fandom; I'm not very good at stretching myself beyond my boundaries - something I definitely need to practice! Having said that, I have written one whole CSI:NY piece (woohoo!) for a challenge earlier this year. I did enjoy writing it, so maybe I'll try something else sometime after all.

I don't have any 'ships that I stick to. Just whatever comes to mind, whatever seems to work, whatever fits the story I'm writing.

So yes, I prefer writing the familiar rather than uncharted territory, but maybe one day, with enough encouragement and a bit of confidence... who knows?!

Leni


Week 45: October 19, 2008

Winner: peaceloverainbow

TQ: This one's going to be pretty easy and pretty hard at the same time. If you were writing original fiction, what would you write about? How has your experience with fanfiction effected the types of things you write?

I looooove writing original fiction. I write about anything except really graphic romance, really, but it's not always good so it rots on my hard drive for a rainy day.

My experience with fanfiction has effected almost everything I write. When I write fanfiction, it's really the only time I get really creative to create interaction with characters that's never been done before but still (maybe) plausible, whereas in original fiction anything you say goes and there doesn't really have to be a solid explanation for it; however, in fanfiction there as to be for the fans who are reading your work and going 'How exactly did that happen?'. A perfect example is Twilight: the only reason Edward is interested in Bella is because she's different but if somebody wrote a fanfiction where Hagrid & Minerva got together, the writer couldn't just say it was because Hagrid thought Minerva was different, there'd have to be more explanation.


Week 46: October 26, 2008

Winner: Girogia

TQ: I want you to focus on two distinct aspects of fanfiction. This week's aspect is the “what might have been” I want you to tell us about an episode, song, moment, conversation, something from a fandom you love that gave you the idea that something might have been. Then, tell us why it didn't happen? Then next week we're going to be focused on something a little different.

Phew. Well, I think I'll go with my Danny/Martin Without a Trace obsession, because I couldn't possibly pick a single moment from Bones. God, I'd be here all week. So, I'll go with a conversation.

Basically this is Danny and Martin having one of their weird flirting-but-not-flirting-could-totally-make-out moments.

Here is a link for you, if you like: it's only like 55 seconds long.

I actually watched this after I decided to write the piece (my first D/M) for the last challenge. I decided to do some backgroud research because I don't watch WAT all that much, and there it was. One of the only moments, but it's just so good, and so laced with double meanings.

Well, I'd say it didn't happen - interestingly enough - because as far as we know, both the characters are straight. Besides, there is some epic relationship-thing going on with one of them and a woman they work with, so... Maybe not. But wow, I just reread the TQ and I really am too relationship focused for my own good, aren't I? Oh well. I'm allowed my fallible moments of being a teenage girl once in a while.

Besides, it isn't often I get to rant about Danny/Martin goodness. I don't even know anyone who watches the show...

Oh, again, I highly recommend watching the clip; especially those of you with qualms as to the pairing.


Week 47: November 2 , 2008

Winner: Giorgia

TQ: I want you to focus on two distinct aspects of fanfiction. This week's aspect is the "what will never be" which is similar to what we did in the last week but not quite exactly the same. I want you to discuss something that never had a chance but may have been fun, in your mind. A relationship. A scientific experiment. A new catch phrase catching on. Anything.

I want you to focus on two distinct aspects of fanfiction. This week's aspect is the "what will never be" which is similar to what we did in the last week but not quite exactly the same. I want you to discuss something that never had a chance but may have been fun, in your mind. A relationship. A scientific experiment. A new catch phrase catching on. Anything.

Geez, this is harder than the last one. Okay, because I'm already on this tangeant of thought, and it drives me crazy every time I think about it, and because I'm taking teenage-girl libertiy, here: Tony and Carol, The Wire in the Blood. The TV show, not the books. Now. There really is not sexual tension like the stuff these two have.

Tony, for one, has the funniest issue when it comes to personal space. Or lack thereof. Hehe. Well, I mean, in truth, this probably had a chance, but only the tiniest one. They're in love with each other. Every one knows that, and we're pretty sure they're aware of it, too. Except things keep dragging them apart, not allowing themselves to love one another. Every time, something happens.

And then Carol leaves.

And then we're stuck with some other random woman who shouldn't be there. But there's very, very little chance of Carol coming back (the actor left the show) because she went to South Africa. Talk about running away from your problems...

Oh, as a little side-note, I'm sad that (as far as I know) Danny Messer's "Boom, baby!" hasn't caught on. I say it sometimes because every now and then it pops into my head, but then I just feel like a tool.

...sometimes I'm glad none of my friends watch any of the CSI's...


Week 48: November 23 , 2008

Winner: marymagdalen

TQ: On POV; how do you decide which character's point of view to use when writing a story?

I remember one or two people pulling me up on this very subject in my first couple of stories! POV is something that I find quite difficult to be consistent with at times. When you have a story, or even an individual scene, with more than one character in it, then every character's "part" in the story - their thoughts, feelings, actions - must inevitably feed into the process (otherwise they might as well not be there). The problem is that this can then lead to the temptation of wanting, and trying, to get everyone's thoughts and feelings out there all at once as you tell the story.

One way of getting around this, I suppose, is by using the next scene or chapter to express another person's POV as a memory of the previous scene or event, or have them thinking it through, mulling it over, or whatever.

Many novels will tell a story from several points of view, building up to one whole coherent story, so I suppose as long as it's clear who is "telling" which bit of the story, then it's OK to switch points of view throughout.

I'm not sure that answers the question though! I suppose the main POV in any story I write would be the POV of the main character around whom the essence of the story revolves. But it's difficult because, like I said, often there are so many characters involved in one story. I'm in danger of talking around in circles now, so final word: I suppose however the story is constructed, the important thing is to make it clear!

Week 49: November 30th, 2008

Winner: Marymagdalen

TQ: How do you review a flawed story tactfully? What do you say when someone needs a lot of work as a writer? How would you try to help them grow?

A couple of friends of mine used to lead teenage parenting seminars. One of the things they would tell participants is, “You can always find something good to say about your kids, even if it’s only, ‘Your bedroom ceiling’s looking very tidy today!’”.

I try to use that same principle when I’m reviewing. Even if a piece is badly written, I always try to find something good to say about it, however small. It’s easy to just read a piece through and write it off as rubbish, but I find if you have the stamina to re-read it, maybe even a couple of times or more, you can usually find something – a particular phrase that just fits (however badly it’s spelled!), a particular emotion that’s put across well, or a train of events that seems to work; there’s usually something, if you’re prepared to look for it. And I think it’s important not just to say that "this bit’s good", but to say why you think it’s good, why it works for you, so the writer can see what’s good about it, and build on that as they continue writing.

As far as the flaws are concerned, there are ways of telling the author where the problems lie, without either destroying their confidence totally, or making yourself seem like an arrogant know-it-all! And yes, this can take a lot of thought and work too. I’ve read the “flames” that some people write, and they are so unnecessary and unhelpful; it takes no effort or intelligence whatsoever to simply insult and offend someone like that. A badly written, rude, or snippy review can just make a writer think, “How dare they say that?” and get nothing from it. Constructive criticism – or even brutal honesty, when it’s done properly – might upset the writer or piss them off for a while, but I would hope that any rational writer who seriously wants to improve their writing would take on board the comments, advice and suggestions given, especially if they are offered with honesty, courtesy and, above all, integrity.

Rather than saying, “You can’t..”, “You don’t...”, “That’s not how you do it...” or “You need to...”, which are really negative in their tone, I try and use phrases like, “Perhaps you could...”, “You might think about...”, “The usual way to do this...”, or “How about trying...” I would hope that this gets off on a more positive note, gives the writer encouragement rather than just telling them they’re doing it all wrong, and helps them to think about doing things in a different way to improve their writing. It’s also a psychological thing – you suggest that they might do something, and when they do, they’ll believe it was their idea in the first place!!

However, having said that, there are some pieces that really are so ill-thought-out and badly written that it's really hard to find anything good to say, and it seems that the most helpful thing to do is just tell the writer straight out what the flaws are and hope they take something on board. I left this review for a story a while ago because there really was nothing else to say:
Quote:
I hesitated to even begin reading this when I saw how you mis-spelled "jeopardy" ["geperdy"] in the summary. But I thought it sounded interesting, so I took a look. I gave up after two paragraphs of spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. And then seeing that you were the only other person to write a review... For your own story? Sorry - how desperate are you? I still think it's an interesting idea, but I can't be bothered if you can't write properly.


I didn't really stick with my principles on that one, did I?! The only other review [apart from the one left by the author him/herself] said "Great story"! So maybe I was missing something there!

Sometimes I just think that if a writer doesn’t seem to care about their writing in the first place, no amount of tact or help or criticism (in the best sense of the word) is going to make any difference to what or how they write. And if someone asks for “brutal honesty”, that’s exactly what they’ll get from me. I realise that to some degree this goes against all I’ve said above, but I don’t see the point in massaging anyone’s ego or trying to make out that something is better than it is. Which leads me right on to the critique of this week’s piece.

Week 50: December 7, 2008

Winner: Racefh

TQ: When based directly after the end of an episode, what makes a story good, and why? And how much should be taken from the episode, and, on the opposite note, left up to the author's imagination?

What makes a story good is whether it makes sense. Some post-eps don't feel like they're naturally cohesive with the episode, and some feel like that added on scene. I mean, if you have a post-ep for "Internal Affairs" (the NCIS one) that's all about Tony getting it on with Ziva, it doesn't exactly fit what happened in the episode (especially where his ex, Jeanne, comes back). If you were to post-ep with Gibbs sitting around trying to figure out if Jenny really did it, it would work.

How much should be taken depends on where after the episode the author starts it. For example (and I know I always use my stories as examples, but that's okay), with my story "Going On, With You Gone," as it's post-ep for "You Kill Me," it's also picking up in the middle of the episode. It focuses on Greg, and the only real part Greg had that wasn't a part of Hodges' game was the brief interaction with Grissom. That inspired the story, so a lot of it is inferrence from that one line and the way it was delivered.

However, another post-ep such as "Talking it Out," there was more of the episode in it. Hodges seeing Greg in the psychiatrist's office, to him talking to Greg about what happened with Riley in the warehouse. More elements of the episode were used.

So I think deciding how much to use and how much to imagine depends not only on where your story starts, but also what your story conveys.


Week 51: December 14, 2008

Winner: LLK

TQ: Have you ever predicted something about a show, written it in fanfiction, and then seen it come to fruition on the show? As a writer does it frustrate you when the writers don't get it "right?" (According to your version--which came first?) As a fan does it make you happy to see your knowledge of the show pay off?

I have made a prediction before that came to light on a show and no... I didn't enjoy seeing it come to pass. I don't gloat about it. I don't take pleasure in knowing that I knew the show that well—that I could follow the evidence if you will. I wanted so badly for this particular happening not to come true that I wrote many many drafts of fanfiction trying to will the image and thought of it out of my head. So... no none of it made it to the site and no you're not allowed to read any. Don't bother asking!

If a television show doesn't get something “right” I guess it depends on what the matter is if it really bothers me or not. It frustrated me to no end that they changed Catherine's age around on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation... I guess that goes back to my theatre roots because I can not stand the idea of denying someone's reality. It's not like someone can just go in to my past and say that I did have a good relationship with my mother. Nor could they go in and say that I was really born in 1980. Catherine's history shouldn't have been changed so much just to fit that Mickey Dunn story in. Meanwhile... with Warrick's death I hated it and so to me it “wasn't right” but the truth is they really did develop it well. I hate that they took away so much of Warrick's integrity building up to it but the actual episode and aftermath really did live up to the reputation that CSI built for itself once upon a time.

I honestly couldn't give a care if they follow my own story lines or not. I know that what I'm writing is fanfiction and really won't ever be taken seriously. I'm not one to kid myself. As long as I follow the show's story line and “canon” I'm satisfied.

As far as my knowledge of a show “paying off” I'm not really sure that I see it that way at all. It's like when I'm at work and someone thanks me for taking pictures of someone. It's my job. I don't need to be praised for doing it. I don't need a coworker thanking me for it. I do it because it's my job to do it. I watch a show and pay attention because that's what you do with shows. It's a matter of black and white as far as I'm concerned. Why bother being a fan of something if you're going to do it half way? Paying attention and being able to read trends, patterns, and subtext in a show, book, movie, poem, play, song, etc. is what makes being a fan fun.

Week 52: December 21, 2008

Winner: Giorgia

TQ: How do you know if an idea you've thought of is worth going for? Do you even need to know, preferring just to write and see how it happens? Or is a clear structured plan absolutely necessary before you even attempt to write anything?

Mostly (either out of egotism or compulsion) I just write-and-publish. I think I've only ever written one thing that didn't get uploaded, and that was like, this week. Really, I don't need to know. I mean, wirting fanfiction, you pretty much know if the idea is plausible, weighed against how much people will like it, weighed against how much you like it.

I think it's kind of a combination of the three. At least, it is for me. Plausibility being the main factor. But because I write compulsively and impulsively, I usually only get ideas that are plausible becuase I see them first in my head as the characters, or as a scene. I think an idea isn't worth persuing if I have to force myself to write, because obviously it isn't going ot have very good flow or characterisation.

I think the closest I've ever come to a clear plan was my story Absentis Liberi. I wrote out everything (almost) before uploading, or even typing, it. It required a lot more Googling and encyclopediaing than anything I'd ever written before, too, but I didn't plan it, as such.

I still knew what was going to happen, or what I wanted to happen, but mostly, I just had the ending floating around in my head until I came up with a way to write it. Put it this way: nothing I pre-wrote was ever set in stone.

What I mean was that it was still all entirely impulsive, I just had impulses at such inopportune moments (like school assemblies and music class and such) that I had no choice but to pre-write it of forget it.

Which is now why I have a notebook permanently affixed to my hand when I'm not at a computer.


Week 53: December 28, 2008

Winner: Giorgia

TQ: How has being a member of the FCG helped your writing? Have critiques been of use you? Has critiquing others helped you also?


In every way it's supposed to! Because everyone here gives such good and honest feedback, it's really easy to get advice that will benefit your writing. With something like writing, that is so personal, and yet we're putting in public, it's helpful to get advice from people who quite often know better than you do.

I know that I've had times where I've written something and not even thought about what it means, or what its connotations are, then someone here has pointed it out. Then there's that sneaky habit of not-proof-reading that I have. I've been caught on that one enough times that now I at least give a cursory glance when I'm done.

There's also more of a community here. I mean, FF.net is great, but here, we all know each other's writing styles and personalities well enough not to pass judgement on or criticize each other's writing unnecessarily. To put it bluntly, it's constructive, and more personal, which really helps a lot.

E.g. The ages here range anywhere from thirteen upwards, so whilst taking that into consideration, no one gives leeway because of age. A thirteen-year-old and a sixteen-year-old, and a thirty-year-old are all held to the same standard, and are all expected to hold others at the same standard. As long as the effort is put in, people are respectful.

Basically, there's much more respect for not only the writing, but the writers at the FCG.

An example of that is that I write (and have twice - thrice? - featured) slash. Now, I know that not everone reads it, or likes it, or ships it, but people still read it with the same consideration they would give anything else, and critique it respectfully.

Critiquing others has actually helped me a lot. For one, I'm a way better reviewer, in general. I've aso gained the respect stated above (^) for other writers. I'm much better at giving constructive advice, rather than just not mentioning mistakes people make. Also, noticing mistakes other people make helps me notice mistakes I've made, too. When I do proof-read my own work, I'm much better at it becuase I look at it from a different perspective than I had before I joined the FCG. As opposed to looking for spelling and grammar mistakes only, I look at everything.

Also, people on FF.net are prone to leaving "Great story, update soon!" type reviews, which are ego-boosting, but not particularly helpful if you want to improve your writing.

Holy cow, I've written a lot. I'm going to shut up, now. I just love you all...


Week 54: January 4, 2009

Winner: happyharper13

TQ: How does knowing the age of an author change your view of the story as you read it? If a story is moderately good and written by a ten year old do you find it incredible? If it's rife with error and written by a thirty year old do you find it appalling? Or doesn't age matter? Also, how does the gender of the author effect your view on the piece?

I have to admit that age does impact my initial reaction to a story. If an older person is writing it, then I automatically think more positively of it, I think, because I assume that they have a greater depth of experience relating to the issues, particularly love (since that seems to be such a constant theme in FF). In what I read, more often than not, when a middle schooler is writing the fic, characters tend to come across more as cardboard.

Overall, I'd say that I judge more fics in general by plot than by grammar. If the plot is compelling and the characters are believable and developed, but the grammar sucks, I'd still consider it a fairly good story. In general, I recognize that Fanfiction authors come from a variety of backgrounds; as a beta, I've seen enough authors who either a) haven't written anything since they were in school and b) whose native language is not English; these authors still have an earnest desire to improve their writing and I think that's what stands out.

I guess, overall, what I mean to say is that the level of maturity is what stands out in a fic and, more than age, is what I tend to judge fics and their authors by.

To the example given, I'm not appalled by a thirty-year old putting out a story rife with errors, though I am impressed by a ten-year-old who writes extraordinarily well.

In general, I'd just say I'm surprised when I read a fic by a male author. There are so few male authors around and it feels like most of the ones that I know of have a female author standing behind them.

Week 55: January 11, 2009

Winner: Jacqui

TQ: Which story have you had the most fun writing? Why?

This is a tough one. I'm not sure I can really say specifically. I think I have the most fun when it all just spills out onto the page, you know - like when writing is utterly effortless and you feel like your mind and your fingers are all working together in harmony. Of Nightmares and Pinkie-Swears was one of those where that happened for a good portion of the story, particularly scenes with Nick and Cassie. I guess when the characters have chemistry and the scene feels natural it's easy to get warm fuzzies, but I also felt that way writing Nick arguing with his brother and father.

Another one I had a lot of fun writing was a fic based on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice called Georgiana's Voice. It's the first serious thing I ever wrote in the first person and it was a lot like writing stream of consciousness - it all just spilled right out onto the page. Although, that one needed a lot of editing!