28/04/09 - Thank you to everyone who wrote a review for my previous stories, you may want to check out my new one 'Can't see Jack'. It's a work in progress that I'm updating as soon as possible after Beta reading. If you've already read some, thanks for dropping by, and double thanks for the reviewers. There will be more soon, promise!

Hello!

After a number of years hiding in the back of a dark sci-fi closet I have finally discovered a place where there are other people like me with an inner geek...yay!

My favourite stories are well thought and make you really care about what is happening to the character(s). It's a real skill and one I hope to acheive one day! I love twists in plots that refer back to events at the start of the story, and cliff hangers that keep me guessing. Fan fiction is great for getting that extra fix of your favourites when it's writen well. Especially when your favourite TV show gets cancelled. What I can't is stand poor spelling, making fully grown adult characters behave like children, thin plots veiling cliche behaviour (yes, yes, I know I've writen one - who hasn't?), anything that wildly steps outside of cannon, and forgive me but no new central characters that save the day. What is that known as? Mary Tyler Moore story telling, or something?

After reading a lot of fan fiction, some of it absolutely amazing, I decided to flex some long underused writing muscles of my own. I used to write short bits and bobs to continue stories, fill a gap or answer questions. Now after a break to build drabbles into ideas for longer projects, I'm back working on some stories. A little less shippy and a bit more team, because as much as I like a bit of shipping it can get done to death. I really miss the classic explore, find trouble, get out, get home. Of course you can't beat a juicey episode tag either. I'm not sure why I write, but the creative process is fun. What can I say? It keeps me out of trouble.

At the minute it's just SG-1, but in the future who knows. All my other stuff got burned years ago before anyone found it...

I'm English, so if you think my spelling is wonky, that I use and s instead of z here and there - that's why, but that's where it ends. I try to keep the dialogue American and stay true to the characters of the show. I'd love to hear from anyone if they enjoyed my stories, or not and why. As always constructive feedback is welcomed.

SJC

A quick guide to reviewing:

We all read a totally amazing fic now and again and writing a review is easy, but what about the rest? The ones you didn't add to your favourites. Some of us have even written them (eeek!)

All writers love feedback, so how do you write constructively?

First of all, what did you like about the fic? There had to be something even if it was just the tag line. Start with this, a complement should always begin your review.

'I really liked the way you ...'

Second, what didn't you like and why? Was it poor use of English? Spelling, grammar and punctuation are basics but can turn a reader away from a story very quickly if not done well. Perhaps the characterisations seemed off, or cannon incorrect. You must be articulate with the parts you didn't like or you can't move on to part three. However, if you just didn't like the story idea you should consider why you read it. Who knows, it may stir a plot bunny for you!

'I noticed that you ...'

The third part of a good review is a suggestion to help the author next time they write. Maybe your encyclopaedic knowledge of the genre, character discussion or web references could help the author on the next story. Pointing out the benefits of a beta reader could help prevent small mistakes - you might even want to offer your services!

'...I suggest that you ...' or '...have you considered ...'

Lastly, you should remember that someone took the time to write a story, if they got you to read it that is an accomplishment. Be polite in your reviews because if you can't write a good one, then you can't in fairness critique a story by someone else.

Happy writing, reading and reviewing!