In a message dated 1/10/99 11:49:30 PM Eastern Standard Time,
kleppe@execpc.com writes:

<< "Nicholas McCarthy" <trikster@hotmail.com> wrote:
 
 >more than twice, three times, but you only get it hinted at at the end 
 >of that story arch. Also the story was dry but it wasn't that bad for a 
 >shortfic and a first try. You should encorage new authers not depress 
 >them. The last thing we need is a cliche filled dark fic.... Then again 
 >^_-
 >
 I'd rather not see cliche-filled fics at all. And I DID encourage the
 author to keep writing. What I'm *not* gonna do is lie and tell her that
 I liked the fic when I didn't. That might be depressing, but it's the
 truth. >>
	::pops head up over barrier she's taken cover under::  'Scuse me, but who
said one couldn't make full use of cliches?  I can see at least two good ideas
that would require using cliches...
	1: Make fun of the cliches by making a formulaic fanfic...  (One example of
such I've seen is The JQ Instant Fanfic Maker (PINK!) found at
http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/blythe/91/instant.html )
	2.  Character goes through a cliche day with this feeling of deja vu.  Repeat
this several times, with the character trying harder each time to change the
day...you decide if the character does manage to change the day.  (Haven't
seen it yet, so can't give an example.  Sorry.)
	Variation on 2: One little additional touch: each time the 'day' is relived
it's relived a little darker.  (You'd have to make some changes each time
around, but keep them small at first, only changing small details that aren't
as likely to be noticed.  Then move up slowly to such stuff as people acting
out of character...)

	If you want to use either of these ideas, please oh please send me a copy of
the fic.


		--Ryo Hoshi