Hi.

Female, UK

I read fics in a fairly large number of fandoms, several of which are really quite small.

I have a few fics in the works, which may or may not see the light of day in the future. I'm also really failing with the whole multi-chapter fic thing, because I just can't find the motivation. It doesn't help that I write by hand, initially.

I read more than I write, although I don't review about half of the stories I read - I shoud probably fix this situation, but I usually review when I actually have something to say, rather than just reviewing for the sake of it.

If I review with some stuff you'd rather not hear (like the preposterous idea that your story might not be the best in the world), then I probably have my own reasons, and they're usually pretty damn good ones, too. Important points from here on are in bold.

Technically, I do not flame. I do, on the other hand, give CC - although, it's often in a potentially insulting way (it does depend on how you react to it, really). I am not usually a cruel person. I just support the people who try to make the fandoms better. Therefore, if your story sucks, I will tell you, and I won't be afraid to burst your bubble. I'll write worse reviews if I have had a bad day, but I won't be nice just for the sake of it if I'm in a good mood.
The difference between a flame and CC is this - CC tells you what's wrong with the story alone, whereas flames will also insult you, the author, personally. I do not insult the author.

There are a whole bunch of reasons why I review harshly, which can be condensed into a fairly short list, including short explanations on why they are important:

I. Grammar, spelling and punctuation. They exist for a reason, and you even have help, in the form of spell check, the grammar equivalent, and a beta reader. The shift key won't kill you, capitalisation and punctuation are your friends, and you should be able to use most basic rules of grammar. So why can't you be bothered with it when writing fanfiction? They're important for more things than schoolwork, you know.

II. Plot and originality. This is actually important for a story, and if your plot is a cliche and unoriginal (and I'm not saying that there aren't new ways to play with these plots), then it'll get mentioned.

III. Characters (inc. Canons and OCs). Canon-rape and general OOCness abound, and I'd rather not drown in it - so I'll pick up on the characterization of canon characters. If your OC is a Mary-Sue, then I'll be sure to pick up on that, too. With no mercy. Wish-fulfillment is no excuse, and don't try to say "But she (or he) isn't a Sue/Stu because..." and then detail a few pseudo-faults. That's not going to be met with sympathy either.

Other, more minor quibbles that I will bring up if they apply:

I. Trying to be funny with the disclaimers. Pretending to talk to the characters is not funny, it doesn't amuse us. We'd rather just have a one-line, simple disclaimer like: "I don't own series x", and read the story. An insight into your supposed personality disorder isn't really welcome, either. A reader wants the story, not your "mind" on a plate.

II. The Title and Summary. Yes, I will go there. I will tell you what I think of your title, if I feel it's noteworthy (this is fairly rare). Your summary will probably get picked apart - and how badly does it reflect on you if you spell a character's name wrong in the summary? This will cover all aspects, including the spelling, punctuation, grammar, capitalisation, and anything else I feel needs mentioning.

III. "It's my first fanfic, don't be mean!". I don't care. I'll still judge you the same as I judge myself, and everyone else.

A few, final things that will annoy me:

I. Getting your friend to reply to a review on your story. It's between the author and myself, and friends just complicate it. Make it more messy. And it reflects badly on you, because you can't fight your own battles. This applies even if they do it without your whining about me.

II. Yes, I do have a life. I breathe, eat, and sleep, and probably do all the stuff you do. Just because I tell you your fic is rubbish, don't assume I don't have a life.

Angry, defensive replies to my reviews amuse me (and sometimes, make me laugh).
I'm a perfectionist. This is why, despite the huge number of fics I have actually read, my favourites list is actually rather small.

~TheAngel'sWings