Now that I'm finally free of December's End, I will do my victory dance! (per
Susano Orbatos, "Orion")

I've never started a thread before, so here's one that's puzzled me since I
started writing (adapted for fanfics):

What qualities make a good fanfic?  What qualities make a bad fanfic?  Is
there any sort of quantifiable that beginning writers can use or is it simply
"I liked that one."?  How much of it is mechanics vs. type of story vs. genre?

mechanics = continuity, writing style, etc.

The better the mechanics, the better polish the story will have.  While bad 
mechanics will undermine an otherwise good plot, good mechanics won't do much 
for a lousy one either.  I'd say, concentrate on the plot, but also pay 
attention to the mechanics as well.

type of story = crossover, continuation, lemon, etc.

Of the three, crossovers can be the toughest to write.  For one thing, the 
author would have to find a reason/plot element to bring about the crossover.  
It also has to be an entertaining idea for a crossover.  Of course, the 
definition of "entertaining" will vary from reader to reader.  

Continuations are easier to deal with.  All you're doing is putting your own 
(non-canon, of course) extensions on the existing storyline.  These can be 
rather entertaining because they provide the bulk of the "what if" scenarios, 
alongside alternate reality storylines.

Lemons, I can't really comment on since I've never written one nor intend to 
write one.  It's just not my style, really (no putdowns intended for the lemon 
writers out there).

genre = Ranma, AMG, BGC, etc.

Genre really shouldn't play into how good a particular fanfic is.  Again, 
tastes in storylines vary from reader to reader.


Above all this, however, should be the plot.  Is it a good plot or not?  It's 
as simple as that.

Its kind-of spammy because its not a fanfic or comments related to a specific
fanfic, but neither is it totally without relation to the mailing list.

I wouldn't consider it in the least bit spammy (and this is coming from someone 
who avoids both the e-mail/newsgroup and the mystery meat varieties).  It's a 
good discussion that any author should pay attention to.

Thanks

JK

Peter L. Ward          falcon@best.com          Kyusaku on IRC #Anime!
Caretaker of the Urd Shrine (http://www.best.com/~falcon/urdhome.htm)

"Okay, *here's* an idea...I've heard the best cure for memory loss
 is...SHOCK TREATMENT!!" - Urd