GUIDELINES

Here are a few guidelines to help you on your way.

First of all, these guidelines are just that...GUIDELINES. They are not law. But they are a few of the things the judges will be looking for in a story.

    Grammar! Please remember to spellcheck your work! It is a real shame when a really good story is hampered by poor spelling and grammar.

We do realize that not everybody has access to a beta-reader so grammar will not be a main focus for judging. (A beta-reader is someone who will go over your work and check for technical and continuity errors etc.) Having said that though, we do suggest you find one. They can make a good piece of work excellent and so much easier to read!

Ask on Forkni-L, or any other lists you may be on, for volunteers. There are usually a couple of wonderful  people out there who would be happy to at least do a grammar check for you.

As you can probably tell from reading this, that I use a beta-reader all the time! (no she hasn't checked this!) Sorry H-A! I know the comma probably doesn't go there!!<g>

Here's what the judges will be looking for in your story!

This is literally what the judges instructions are so take heed!

1. How true to the TV characters are the players in the story? Have they been developed well to make you believe that they can be saying and performing as the writer has them doing?

2. Is the story original? Is it interesting? Gripping?

3. Does the story have structure? A beginning middle and an end? (A thrilling cliffhanger can constitute a good ending...if it works!)

4. How does it effect me personally? Does it make me get involved emotionally? (if you cry, laugh, become aroused, feel like covering your eyes in terror....then it has)

5. Spelling & grammar. Don't be too tough, but if it is obvious they did not spell check, or their grammar really impedes the story, then give this a not so high score.

6. Does the story flow well? Does it read nicely? Grammar aside, have sentences, etc been artistically created generating a wonderful picture, or do you have to re-read lines several times to get the message, or get no real picture at all?
Is it too artistic...Yes there really is such a thing...Did we really need to know the flower pattern on the wallpaper? Was the story in bad need of an editor? Or did it leave you hanging for more?

7. And possibly most importantly...Would you read this story again?

I hope this has helped a little, and if you have any questions just ask Kylie!