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[fpb]

The most frequent mistake in writing Alternate Universe fics, one that I see again and again, is to start with one changed element or even setting, and then to bring in more and more arbitrarily. The proper use of AU, it seems to me, is to see what would change if one element or the setting were changed; and to make it work properly, everything

Comments

[super_pan]

Yes, introducing too many changes does end up making a mess, which also usually turns out to be a boring mess as well.

Sadly, I don't think I have read more than one fic this whole year. I used to enjoy it so much, and it was the reason I got on lj in the first place and made so many friends.

[norwyn]

Many of the AU stories are clumsy and fail to follow a distinct story line. They are, as you indicated, not generally bad ideas in and of themselves, but they reek of poor planning and desparation throughout. In my literacy classes (grades 9-12), I have tremendous difficulty in getting students to understand that good writing, with purpose, must have some thought to where one is going as the work progresses. These kids, whose generational woes are well-represented in the fanfiction universe, simply DO NOT PLAN. There is no outline, even sketched on the proverbial cocktail napkin, no thought, no analysis of the consequences of inserting plot twists (I mean, if it works in this scene, it must work everywhere, right?) on future scenes or chapters, etc. etc.

Please pick up a plot bunny, wash it, feed it, and enjoy.