I may be fairly new to writing fanfiction pieces for CSI, but I’ve been around the block in other fandoms, and spent the better part of my academic career chained to my computer. In that time period I’ve made many mistakes, and would like pass on lessons learned. This column will be mainly geared toward new authors, but there will be something for everyone. Each week a new section will be posted covering a range of topics: Getting started, Characterization, Beta Readers (using them and being one), Challenges, Writing in Cannon, and OOC. If there are specific topics anyone would like covered click on the link below, and I will either cover the topic, or find another author with experience on your topic.
Getting Started: So you want to write a Fanfiction for CSI eh?
The biggest tip I can give any writer is: find out how your brain works depending upon the type of fic you’re are setting out to write. In my world there are basically two types of fics— a) one shot, lighter fics, and b) epic works. I approach each differently. If you’re taking on a large project, outline it for continuity reasons, and to ensure that you remember every detail you would like to include. Often times, it’s helpful to write small scenes within the outline to help refresh your memory when you get to actually writing that section. The shorter fics don’t necessarily need an outline if your brain doesn’t like to be confined. I often like to see where the story takes me, and am usually pleasantly surprised as the story writes itself. As I said at the beginning, you know you, outlines are suggested, but if they cramp your style try free writing. You’ll end up with a blob of thoughts, but you can come back to it in a day and shape it into a story.
Bad formatting and grammar are the two biggest areas that will turn off a reader to your story. Large blocks of text are hard on the eyes to read on a screen. Be nice to the reader and write shorter paragraphs (this paragraph is pushing it in my opinion), and please separate them by a space. Additionally, grammar may not be your strong suit, but that’s not an excuse for errors. There are the ‘no duh’ options like spell check and grammar check, but I’m still amazed at the blatant spelling mistakes that are rampant in some fics. Once you’ve done that, even if you are a grammar superstar, walk away. Impatience will kill your fic. Take at least an hour, I recommend a day, if you’re going to beta the story yourself. I am not that disciplined, and have several beta readers I rely on to find my mistakes.
Research! Do your best to research as much as you can; right down to street names in the city you are writing about. I’ve done hours of research on Bed and Breakfasts, parks, interstates, bugs, chemicals, drugs and their reactions in the body, etc. Whatever you are writing about there will inevitably be some reader that’s ‘been there done that’, and they will appreciate the effort realize. It shows you really care about your work!
Dialogue--, be descriptive. You should want to control what the reader visualizes in their mind. Here’s an example of how much description can help your work:
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Grissom walked over, “What did you find?” “Ants,” Sara explained. “Where?” “In the mouth, ears, pants pockets…Everywhere.” |
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Grissom spotted Sara from across the autopsy bay. She appeared to be squirming as she processed the body laid out on the metal table. Curious he walked over, “What did you find?” He asked as he looked over her shoulder. Shaking her gloved hand, a small black insect was flung back on the body. “Ants,” Sara explained in disgust as she swatted at an imaginary insect on her neck. Grissom tried to hide his amusement, “Where?” He inquired looking down again. His first concern was containing the insects, but it didn’t appear there was an infestation. Sara shivered involuntarily again, her face morphed into
a look of disgust, “In the mouth, ears, pants pockets…Everywhere.”
She ended with a tone of finality, brushing her ear against her shoulder. |
Try to include facial expressions, surrounding details, and actions; it’ll add much to your story, and it will also lead the reader in the direction you want them to go.
Look for flow within your paragraphs. Try not to start every sentence with ‘He/She’, vary the sentence lengths, and don’t repeat words over and over again in the same paragraph (use the thesaurus if you have to). Look for phrases, and sentence structures you use often, and then try to break outside of your mold.
The argument: American English v. British English. Don’t sweat the spelling differences, and ignore flames that say “realised is spelled realized”. Spell it how you spell it, but watch the colloquialisms. Sara would never say: “I rang him on my mobile.”
Ahh, the exceptions! I do encourage you break grammatical rules for effect (i.e. one word sentences), and bad spoken grammar within a dialogue is key to making the characters seem real.
So…hope that helps you get off on the right foot! Check back for more Tips for Fics!
Cheers!
Rouch