Post by DreamDangerously on Jul 8, 2005 17:27:19 GMT
As we've had a few of these now, I thought maybe it would be usefull if we put together a little guide to help newbies with ideas for the fics. If anyone can think of anything to add then chip in. Some of these are pretty standard I think.
1) Read the previous post carefully.
This may seem obvious, but the key to a good "continue the story fic." is keeping the central and sub plots as consistant as possible, so that the threads of the plot link up throughout the fic. Also it means that you don't get characters that were in the bath in one post miraculously out playing golf simultaniously in the next thread and that the continuity and events make sense.
2) Be consistant in character behaviour.
We're all writing for a cast of characters that have had certain character traits, ways of acting and speaking and skills and suchlike established by the show. The behaviour of the characters in the fic should be consistant with this. Obviously they respond to the situations we put them in but those responses should be realistic.
3) Introduce realistic non show characters.
If you're introducing a new character, great, but make sure they are suitable to the Hex-iverse i.e that they fit in to the style of the show and it's settings. It's also good to make them well rounded rather than token characters unless they're just the postman who says "morning" then hands over the letters!
4) Check spelling and grammar.
Try to check spelling as carefully as possible as it can be confusing to read a badly spelled post especially if its a word that means two different things if spelled wrongly. I'm not the worlds greatest speller so I tend to re-read my post and then check any words I'm not sure of, usually by copying my post in to word to check. It takes about 5 seconds.
5) Write speech creatively.
Reading a page of people just talking to each other can be really boring. eg.
"get lost."
"no you get lost."
"no you."
Also it can be confusing to read as it's not always obvious who's speaking. Think about discribing reactions, tone of voice, expressions.
some examples:
"How could you?" Cassie choked the words out between sobs that shook her.
"We could teach her a lesson!" Thelma said grinning mischeviously.
"Because you're weak!" Azazeal spat back.
There are also loads of alternatives to said...
6) Never use text/chat/leet speak in a fic post...
Just don't...in fact it's against the rules on this board anyway.
7) Be clear on the time setting....
This is more relevant to starting a new fic, people need to know where in events it comes compared to the series, even if it's an "alternative version of events" kind of story that re-interprets the events of the series people need some idea of where it comes.
umm...thats all I can think of for now....anyone got any others?
1) Read the previous post carefully.
This may seem obvious, but the key to a good "continue the story fic." is keeping the central and sub plots as consistant as possible, so that the threads of the plot link up throughout the fic. Also it means that you don't get characters that were in the bath in one post miraculously out playing golf simultaniously in the next thread and that the continuity and events make sense.
2) Be consistant in character behaviour.
We're all writing for a cast of characters that have had certain character traits, ways of acting and speaking and skills and suchlike established by the show. The behaviour of the characters in the fic should be consistant with this. Obviously they respond to the situations we put them in but those responses should be realistic.
3) Introduce realistic non show characters.
If you're introducing a new character, great, but make sure they are suitable to the Hex-iverse i.e that they fit in to the style of the show and it's settings. It's also good to make them well rounded rather than token characters unless they're just the postman who says "morning" then hands over the letters!
4) Check spelling and grammar.
Try to check spelling as carefully as possible as it can be confusing to read a badly spelled post especially if its a word that means two different things if spelled wrongly. I'm not the worlds greatest speller so I tend to re-read my post and then check any words I'm not sure of, usually by copying my post in to word to check. It takes about 5 seconds.
5) Write speech creatively.
Reading a page of people just talking to each other can be really boring. eg.
"get lost."
"no you get lost."
"no you."
Also it can be confusing to read as it's not always obvious who's speaking. Think about discribing reactions, tone of voice, expressions.
some examples:
"How could you?" Cassie choked the words out between sobs that shook her.
"We could teach her a lesson!" Thelma said grinning mischeviously.
"Because you're weak!" Azazeal spat back.
There are also loads of alternatives to said...
6) Never use text/chat/leet speak in a fic post...
Just don't...in fact it's against the rules on this board anyway.
7) Be clear on the time setting....
This is more relevant to starting a new fic, people need to know where in events it comes compared to the series, even if it's an "alternative version of events" kind of story that re-interprets the events of the series people need some idea of where it comes.
umm...thats all I can think of for now....anyone got any others?
