I decided to switch Topics 4 and 5 because Plot and Character issues will come 
up when evaluating brainstorming ideas.

Topic 4:  Plot vs. Character
There will always be a debate on whether the plot or characterizations are 
more important to the enjoyment of the story.  While both are important, I'm 
one of those that come down on the side of characterization.  Because the 
basis of the story is someone else's, characters should react in a way 
expected of them (though the exceptions in Topic 3 would apply here, they 
should still act consistently within the fanfic).

An inconsistent characterization causes me to question whether or not the 
author understands the characters and their situations; which is something 
that will always be at the forefront of my mind.  Plots and sub-plots are 
important, but think of it as walking through a forest.  The first thing you 
have to do is recognize a path as the one you want to travel; the plot is the 
forest path, which will take you to the end, but the characterization is the 
initial starting point which tells you that the path is the one you want to 
travel.

Dealing with the plot will be dealt with in later sections.  But 
characterization is something that you can (and should) work on before you 
start writing.  My suggestion would be the creation of a FAQ.  This is not the 
normal FAQ where its just questions and answers; it is a detailed description 
of story elements.  List the characters, and describe their personalities, 
relationships, and strengths (and weaknesses).  Do not get this from someone 
else; do this job yourself so that you can gain a basic understanding.  While 
some would argue that this is too much work (for one-shots), my argument is 
that it is a one-time investment, but you can use the basic FAQ for future 
stories, just tailor the specifics.  But the basics, or what has already come 
out in the anime/manga, should remain the same.

As an example, here is a FAQ entry from Magical Interludes:
Keiko Saotome
Keiko comes from a universe where Akane and her grandmother died in her 
childbirth.  Her mother, Nabiki, was thus engaged to Ranma, but they weren't 
close until after Nabiki returned from her first year of college with an 
appreciation of his qualities (as opposed to the typical college student).  
The primary differences between Nabikis is that Keiko's mother was interested 
in martial arts (being proficient in fighting with (razor sharp) metal fans) 
and that Nabiki was more likely to act on her own accord than Akane would be 
in a situation;  Keiko had one younger brother and four cousins.  Nabiki and 
Ranma took over the Tendo Dojo, though Nabiki also worked for the Ministry of 
International Trade and Industry.  Two years before the Chaos Keiko's parents 
left on a second honeymoon; they were killed when the ship they are on suffers 
a terrorist attack (poisoning) perpetrated by Kodachi Kuno.  Since then Keiko 
had been staying with her Aunt Kasumi.  She carries one of her mother's fans 
in remembrance of her (she has given the other to Nabiki), though she doesn't 
know how to fight witthem effectively.  When she was growing up she was good 
friends with ShaoMousse's children, Lin-Lin and Ran-Ran.
Keiko is more like Nabiki than Ranma in terms of facial features and build.  
She wears a set of gold-frameglasses and her red hair falls to waist length.  
She tends to moderately pensive fashionable clothes, though for combat she 
likes to wear black tights th a skirt sl all the way up as well as a gi.
Keiko is probably the sharpest and most world-wise of the three 'daughters'; 
she can be just as quick as Nabiki when it comes to monetary opportunities, 
having learned the basics from her mother.  In terms of martial arts, she has 
the equivalent of Ranma's abilities at the time of the Chaos (she hadn't yet 
learned the majority of Ranma's Cologne-based techniques). While growing up, 
Keiko and her mother were very close; this has translated to a closeness 
between her and Nabiki.  Keiko is ready to take on the Tokyo stock market with 
her share of the profits from the calendar sales.
[Exp. note - she does not know the Kunos because Kuno was infatuated with his 
own sister (thumaking for some monumental soliloquies) and was killed when the 
Kuno mansion ploded.  Kodachi spent several years in prison and eventually 
became an ssin.]

Some of the elements in the profile have not been written about, and may never 
be written about.  It is important to remember that it is a guide; story 
elements that are not referred directly in the stories can be changed as long 
as it does not contradict existing information.  Its is important to note that 
the FAQ entries for Takahashi's characters are not as long as the one above; 
since I introduced the character I had to know her history and how she would 
initially react to her situation.  Also, since I have the manga on hand, I 
could always refer to them for specific information on the existing characters.


Topic 5:  Brainstorming, Barnstorming, One Of Those Stormings....
So you've got an idea.  But now you've got to develop it.  Go wild.  Dare to 
dream.  You can always cut things back.  Since this is one of those hands-on 
topics, I'll spend the most of this topic developing the idea and going over 
the thought processes involved.

Future Topics:
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)