At 12:35 AM 25/2/96 LOCAL, Jon K. Hayashi wrote:

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.
type of story = crossover, continuation, lemon, etc.
genre = Ranma, AMG, BGC, etc.

When I started writing a fanfic, I did not even think about what I was
attempting. I had read a few things, but really had no reference and just
jumped right in. I initially tried to apply a detailed prosaic  approach to settings and character descriptions that resulted in some huge paragraphs.
While this might work for a novel, from the comments I got the detail was
"nice but getting in the way of the story." So I backed off on the detail a little
(not completely-  I had to satisfy my own desire for detailed settings<g>)
and found a compromise. Then it seemed that I was becoming "too close"
to the story. In other words, I knew what was going on in the plot
that I had weaved together, but perhaps I had not provided enough clues
for the reader who did not know the outcome of the story. So I added a few
things (and am still doing so) to alleviate the confusion. While this seems
a tedious task, in the end I will have the satisfaction when the story is finished that I've done the best I could with the tale. Outside of these experiences, I'd say that it's important to pay attention to pacing, action vs. drama, quality dialogues, story structure (the buildup of conflicts towards
the final resolution), at least some attention to spelling and grammar,
and despite the fact that many people may disagree; entertainment value.

I am writing my fanfic for myself-  first. But writing a fanfic is even more rewarding when someone else tells you that they liked what you wrote.
All the techniques in the world cannot make up for a boring story. If your story is exciting to you, then chances are it will be for someone else. But it
only *adds* to that exciting story when you apply writing techniques that can improve the quality. Writing a good fanfic, IMHO, is a balance between
discipline and fun. Can't speak for anyone else but that's my take ;)

Panda

""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"Bubblegum Cross" &  "The Dark Traveler"
askuse@execulink.com
Co-Maintainer of the Fanfic ML FAQ
Raven's Garage Web Site:
http://www.netzone.com/~ozymand/raven/ravengar.html
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""