What's Up with Highlander Fanfic
I found Pat_t's recent discussion of highlander fanfic to be one of the most interesting discussions on Highlander fiction that I have read. Because I’m doing recs for the CrackVan, I’ve recently spent a great deal of time looking at the previous recs, re-reading stories that I remember fondly, and searching through new fiction. I also just finished listening to Stephen King’s book, On Writing. Based on those inputs, I wanted to make a few comments.
Someone mentioned that they thought the CrackVan recommendations were uneven. I reviewed the 178 stories on the list and read any stories that I was not already familiar with. I have to say that I agree with the recommendation for about 95% of the stories. These fictions share four general characteristics. First, there is an interesting premise. Second, the characters, whether canon or original, are people the reader cares about. Third, the action in the story is believable and reasonable based on the premise and the characters. Finally, the story comes to a satisfying conclusion (not necessarily a happy one). Wonderful use of language, themes, etc. are good but only as they support the above. Notice, I didn’t say that the story had to be long (although I admit to preferring it) but it should have the features mentioned.
Demonstrating with a couple of stories:
And Then Some by Loch Ness- Premise- What if Duncan and Methos met during WWII while Duncan was on a mission for British intelligence? Character development: Both Duncan and Methos are beautifully drawn and you quickly care about their survival. The action in the story follows logically from both the premise and the characters. Ending wraps everything together.
Absent Companions by Rhiannon- Premise- What if an old friend of Methos and Connor moved to Seacouver? Caring about the characters- During the discussion of the story on Highlander fanfiction, people who cared about Aidan loved the stories. People, who disliked her for some reason, did not like the stories. Action was logical and successful conclusion.
Many of the recent highlander stories that I have read miss one of these characteristics. I think it’s the reason that I end up re-reading older fiction and new fiction by a small number of writers. Playing with language, surprise endings, and mood are wonderful but only as they support the story-telling.
If you have some time, take a fiction that you’ve read recently:
-What is the premise?
-Do you care about the characters?
-Does the action follow from the premise and the characters?
-Did it reach a conclusion?
Someone mentioned that they thought the CrackVan recommendations were uneven. I reviewed the 178 stories on the list and read any stories that I was not already familiar with. I have to say that I agree with the recommendation for about 95% of the stories. These fictions share four general characteristics. First, there is an interesting premise. Second, the characters, whether canon or original, are people the reader cares about. Third, the action in the story is believable and reasonable based on the premise and the characters. Finally, the story comes to a satisfying conclusion (not necessarily a happy one). Wonderful use of language, themes, etc. are good but only as they support the above. Notice, I didn’t say that the story had to be long (although I admit to preferring it) but it should have the features mentioned.
Demonstrating with a couple of stories:
And Then Some by Loch Ness- Premise- What if Duncan and Methos met during WWII while Duncan was on a mission for British intelligence? Character development: Both Duncan and Methos are beautifully drawn and you quickly care about their survival. The action in the story follows logically from both the premise and the characters. Ending wraps everything together.
Absent Companions by Rhiannon- Premise- What if an old friend of Methos and Connor moved to Seacouver? Caring about the characters- During the discussion of the story on Highlander fanfiction, people who cared about Aidan loved the stories. People, who disliked her for some reason, did not like the stories. Action was logical and successful conclusion.
Many of the recent highlander stories that I have read miss one of these characteristics. I think it’s the reason that I end up re-reading older fiction and new fiction by a small number of writers. Playing with language, surprise endings, and mood are wonderful but only as they support the story-telling.
If you have some time, take a fiction that you’ve read recently:
-What is the premise?
-Do you care about the characters?
-Does the action follow from the premise and the characters?
-Did it reach a conclusion?