Topic 3:  Seven Years I Wandered... (story length)
There are three types of stories; the one-shot, the limited series, and the 
ongoing series.  All three have their advantages and disadvantages, both for 
the writer as well as the reader.  The one-shot is a complete short story that 
is usually posted and read in one sitting.  The limited series is a story that 
usually develops over several months (or unfortunately, years, depending on 
the author) that has a number of sub-plots in addition to the main storyline, 
but has a planned and well defined finish.  The ongoing series is an 
open-ended storyline, typically with distinct episodes (or episode arcs) tied 
together under a unifying theme.

Similarly, the amount of background work needed is affected by the story 
length, with increasing work needed from one-shot, to on-going series, to 
limited series.  Limited series need the most work because it is a complete 
story; it must have an end.  On-going series, on the other hand, need a 
general "working theme" that unites the stories, but each individual episode 
can be considered on its own to be a one-shot or part of a limited series.  
The majority of fanfics fall into either one-shot or limited series.

The main advantage of the one-shot is its length; its main disadvantage is 
also its length.  Because of its form and the necessity for readers to 
immediately understand what is going on, it is almost always set in the 
continuity of the original, without any changes.  Because of its length, the 
one-shot is in general a one-plot, where the whole story is geared toward 
reaching the last scene, no matter what that scene is.  Characters tend not to 
change within it, though a changed relationship may be the plot.  Number of 
Character involvements are also limited, as well as the length of time that 
the stories encompass.  The better one-shots use the form to evoke a mood, or 
to tell the story from an individual character's perspective.

The limited series tends to be the most controlled of the three types.  
Because the story is finite, the plot (and ending) that ties it together 
controls how the characters and their relationships will change over the 
course of the story.  However, because of its increased length (over the 
one-shot), there is also time to develop sub-plots, to further explore 
character psychology, introduce new characters or moves.  There is also time 
to see the results of the changes made, though this is not usually done as the 
changes, once again, are the main plot line.  "Adventure" stories usually fit 
into this category.  Because there is typically more time and action that is 
included, there is also a tendency for more (or nearly all) characters to be 
involved at one point.  Logically, this is because there would be time for 
other characters to find out about the events and react to them, especially if 
they interact on a regular basis.

The on-going series typically has an unifying theme that shapes how the 
individual episodes are written and approached.  However, because of its 
open-ended nature, it does not require as much planning on the large scale.  A 
general idea for story arcs may exist, but as long as internal continuity is 
maintained, there tends to be little limit on it (except for the author's 
ability to finish individual episodes).

The above analysis is all general, of course.  On-going series may have 
side-stories of either length.  One-shots and limited series may have sequels 
that may or may not be united under a story arc.  The type of story you want 
to write will typically determine its length.

One point you will want to ask yourself is whether or not you can make a 
commitment to complete your story, especially if you have decided to post it 
in installments.  Readers tend to be a surly bunch, especially in the middle 
of a story with no next installment in sight.

For limited series, I would suggest that beginning writers finish at least 
half the story before posting the first chapter to r.a.a.c. or the remailer.  
This will allow you the slack to go back and rewrite elements that don't work. 
 It will also allow you a wider view of the series as a whole; the initial 
divisions may not be to the story's advantage.

When posting anything for archive purposes, remember that archivers tend to 
get cross over posting revisions unless there is a significant revision.  
There is no rush for getting to a final version of your story; remember that 
it is quality that counts, not quantity (but if you've got both, great!).

[Since it will allow me the most flexibility, the developing fanfic will be an 
on-going series.]


Future Topics
Topic 4:  Brainstorming, Barnstorming, One Of Those Stormings....
Topic 5:  Plot vs. Character (the eternal debate)
Topic 6:  The Consumption of Lemons (sex scenes not included)
Topic 7:  The Power of the Dark Side (tone)
Topic 8:  I Slept Through High School English (form, basic english)
Topic 9:  Pass The Ketchup (the extras you include)
Topic 10:  Where There Was No Path (storyboarding)
Topic 11:  The Little Engine That Could (writing the thing)
Topic 12:  Self-Editing For Fun And Profit 
Topic 13:  What do YOU know?  (outside commentary or lack of same)

The next topic will be a hands-on development of the idea, even though I will 
never write it.

JK