I couldn't agree more, Meg. To me, reference to past well-known story elements improves a fic. What's even more fun is character reaction or thoughts about the element that were overlooked in the original show. I love it when an author does that for me. It gives an intimate look into the character. Sometimes doing that even lends a bit of closure to an event that was left unaddressed by the show. A perfect example is Springie's Puttin' on the Ritz. In the beginning, she takes us back to Joe's death and leads us along to how the team might have dealt--or not dealt--with it. The personalities are accurate even through the trauma of losing a member. I found all the reactions very believable. Kudos, Springie. (Love the *commercial*!)

quote:

Originally posted by meg Yes, well said Fairlight. Even if a writer makes up his/her own story, the personalities are very important for me. Another thing is the reference to the events/things we've seen in the film/episodes. It gives the plot and the characters more depth. Ebony, your fic "When lightening strikes" - which is jaw-dropping by the way - fx. you mention the Cressent Coral base that was destroyed. Ken "lecturing" Jun and Joe about bringing him to the new base even though they were suspicious of him being an impostor, etc.

__________________
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up- Pablo Picasso.

Just thought I'd put my two cents in. Hope you don't mind. As a fanfic writer, when I use the term "canon", it means that I have put the fic_within_the setting of a particular series. So whenever I write a canon fic, I pay meticulous attention towards episodes that have a direct connection with the story I'm writing. A lot of canon fans are very anal about meticulousness towards adhering to the series storyline. It is for this reason that I strongly prefer to read fics wherein the writer is allowed to let his or her imagination go free.

Now, when it comes to characterization...let's put it this way. Every individual perceives a character in his or her own way. For example, to some people, they may find Joe too arrogant, brash and aggressive, and they would tend to focus on these personality traits more in their fics, instead of exploring the possibility that he may have another side to him. Personally, I would like to read more fics that would explore possible nuances in their character.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is I don't want to see a writer having his/her imagination inhibited by what canon afficionadoes say. If all fics were to strictly adhere to canon plots and characterization, creativity, imagination and variety would be lost.

Its interesting to see how some interprets a story... I find when I'm writing I have one picture in my mind of whats happening. But then I have read feedback and the interpretation is different.

They see something, that I thought was minor stand out and make an impact, or something about a characters personality that they see as new- I didn't realize I put in there. And I wrote the story...

I find that fascinating. It shows how different we can see a story when you turn loose your imagination.

__________________
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up- Pablo Picasso.

Well from I see when I read a book, its the story that draws me in. If the reader only saw the grammar and sentence structure then it makes me wonder if they actually read the story itself.

In professional writing I don't see comments on sentence structure in a book review. I do see from critiques things like if the plot worked, were the characters dimensional and well developed. Did the story draw them in...

The rest can be fixed!!! And honestly sentence structure is the last thing I comment on, to me thats up to a beta reader or editor...

__________________
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up- Pablo Picasso.

You posted fics?????

REALLY?

I don't think I've seen those, Fairlight! You should post again! I promise I'll comment, and no matter WHAT I think, I won't say anything bad. That's just NMS.

But I'm really curious, now!

(Just so you know, there are a number of people on that site who have feather shuriken up their collective a$$. It doesn't pay to do anything but ignore them. )

__________________

You probably do, CD. TJ, they were very short and nondescript. Forgettable in other words. I can't repost them (sorry). They were casualties when my computer died!