Subject: [FFML] Re: [SM][xover][ST] Fighting Evil by Moonlight Chapter 2
From: David Johnston
Date: 11/29/1999, 5:15 PM
To: Stephen Ratliff
CC: ffml@fanfic.com

Having read a bit of your fanfiction, now, I have to say that I think I've
pinned down your characteristic flaw.  You make things much too easy. 
The characters get stuff just handed to them whether it is power or
just implausible acceptance of their peculiarities.
Your characters don't seem to feel pain, fear, or even confusion.  They
never seem overmatched by any situation or opponent even temporarily.  
As a result they seem devoid of humanity, just going through the motions.

If I had one bit of plotting advice for fanfic authors in general it would
be this:  "Enjoy the power and beauty of your--"  Whoops wrong speech.  Make it:
"Don't make life easy for your heros.  Make it as hard as you possibly can, and 
still have them come out on top in the end.  Let them lose occasionally.  
Let them screw-up.  Hurt them.  Let them feel at least a little of the 
uncertainty that comes from living a life that isn't entirely under their 
control."



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