After reading a recent posting on this ML bemoaning the lack of
C&C for a particular story, I submitted a short response.  While what
I said in that response addressed the surface issue of his complaint
adequately, I didn't feel it really answered the core question about
writing in general - how it is that so many people seem to be able to
produce such outstanding works of fiction on this ML in an environment
of such sporadic C&C.
     Over a long weekend of Fosters and pipe smoke, I started thinking
about what actually goes in to producing an enjoyable story or series. 
My conclusion was so obvious I felt embarrassed at not noticing it
right away.  While talent and experience certainly play a major role
in any successful story, those factors can only be drawn into their
sharpest relief with the subtle collaborative efforts of several
people - his (or her) support staff.  There is a name we use for this
in the real world - Team Building.
     Interesting how things I do in everyday life bleed over into this
writing environment.  For the last 15 years, my main function in every
environment I've worked in has been building dependable, responsive
teams of personnel to address specific tasks.  As I thought about it,
I began to realize how, in my own case, such team building has
contributed to my writing.
     Somehow, and I'm not really ready to claim sole responsibility
for this as I'm certain much is owed to luck, I've found myself with a
very talented and reliable team of writers, editors, and just plain
idea people who have come together to help me produce a better product
than I would have found possible without them.
     I try to thank them each and every time they contribute but don't
always finish my response to them with the appropriate 'thank you'
that they deserve.  I just thought everyone needs to know who these
people are and how they've contributed.  Perhaps, some of you newer
writers will get a better idea of just what all goes on before
anything gets posted here and better understand what you have to go
through to help your own writing.

     Sebastian Weinberg has been my 'detail man'.  There is no
misspelling, misused word, or odd phrase that escapes his eye.  With
Teutonic thoroughness, he scours each line for the little things that
spell the difference between a good read and a 'say what?'.  He adds
little asides to things that catch his attention and makes sure I
understand what areas need work.
     Sean Gaffney is my brother in mirth.  He has a comedian's timing
and a flair for 'punching up' a punch-line so that my lame attempts at
humor can actually elicit chuckles.  When you read something funny in
my stories, you can be sure it has Sean's seal of approval.
     Zen (aka James Bateman) is one of the 'deepest' persons I know
when it comes to stories with heart.  He has helped me on many
occasions fine tune the serious sides of my stories.  Whether it be a
sensitive moment between characters or a deeply dramatic crisis point,
Jim has the feel to help make my 'outline quality' scenes into
something that can elicit just the right amount of emotion from a
reader.
     Ralph See is my consummate fan.  He reads stories and grades them
by their enjoyment factor.  If the whole thing drags or rambles, he is
the first person I expect to hear from.  He knows my stories are (for
the most part) message free and purely for the reader's enjoyment.  He
makes sure the finished product is something the readers will enjoy
and find easy to read.  He shares Sean's joy of good humor and Zen's
appreciation for a fine dramatic point, but adds his own sense of what
'grabs' a reader and keeps their attention.
     Jeanne Hedge is my conscience.  She keeps me from going 'too far
out' with my situations or characters.  When I start to stray from the
original writer's creations, I can be sure Jeanne will be there, bap
stick in hand, tapping her foot and reminding me of the penalties for
forgetting what's canon and taking my characters too far.  I don't
thank her enough for being tough on my plots or dialog.  She knows the
characters well and is never shy about properly noting any OOC
condition I happen to let slip.
     And finally, my 'idea man'; Tony Johnston.  Tony's not a member
of the FFML but, I swear, if the guy ever tried his own hand at
writing could give even Richard or Joe a run for their money.  Tony
looks at the overall, long term direction of my story lines, reminding
me whenever I forget something from an earlier chapter or don't give
proper motivation for a character's actions.  Tony always seems to be
two or three chapters ahead of me, pumping out ideas for story
directions I hadn't even considered yet.  With him sitting on my
shoulder, I figure the chapters and ideas for new projects will never
end.

     What all this means is that rarely, I believe, is a good work of
fiction the result of a single person working in isolation throughout
the entire development cycle.  (Maybe Joe Palmer could be excluded.  I
figure the guy locks himself in a room.  A magic fairy comes down and
whaps him over the head with a bap-stick sized wand and out pops
another 'color' or 'season'.  In any case, a work of art.  Genius
works in odd ways, I guess.)  Anyway, I couldn't string two words
together properly without the help of these folks.  I felt they
deserved some recognition.
     Now this doesn't mean for everyone to start drowning these guys
with their stories in hopes they will fix whatever's wrong.  I happen
to know they are all VERY busy between helping me, reviewing the
general FFML postings, doing real yeoman work with a lot of other
authors, and trying to find enough time to write stories themselves.
     What I'm trying to say here is that everyone can build themselves
a little team of their own - enthusiastic folks - who will help them
over the rough spots and keep them from making major mistakes with
their stories.  People that will challenge assumptions, warn about
detail mistakes, and generally help keep a story on track.  While
nothing will replace the writer's own skills in the 'bottom line'
equation of a story, a writing team can take a moderately interesting
tale (full of holes and grammatical mistakes) and make it one to be
remembered.  In any case, it is foolish to rely solely on the C&C
feedback from the ML to help your writing.  It's a good place to test
your product before RAAC release but will never replace the
consistent, one-on-one scrutiny you get from reliable team members.

     So build your team - join a team - help each other.  This ML has
produced some truly memorable stories and series in the short time
it's been around.  I've watched writers start slowly, hesitantly,
posting a few short efforts at first, but gain increasing confidence
with every posting.  The Biles, Lawsons, Zens, and even Palmers of
this world didn't start at the levels we see them now.  They got there
through long hours, hard work, and help from like minded members of
the fanfic community.  Everyone has a story inside them.  The key is
how you present it to others.  A good team can help.