Hello! Although I joined Fanfic long time ago, I actually didn't publish anything until now!

As a avid reader of fanfic myself, I know how it can be painful to wait for updates. (That is, if I can get enough people to care about my story) I will try to have a very consistent update schedule but isn't decided yet as I am a college student and need to devote my time to other things that just this story. However, as I really enjoy writing this, I will always keep this in mind as something to do whenever I have free time!

My thoughts on what a good Fanfic is...

Now, I know that my own stories are not perfect and will probably not follow many, if any of these at all. (LOL)

Cough Cough* ANYWAYS, let's go ahead with the list.

(Disclaimer - I am not in anyway trying to say that I am the perfect editor or perfect writer. These are just my personal thoughts and my own personal tastes on what a good Fanfic is hence the title, 'MY thoughts on what a good Fanfic is.)

1. Grammar and Format

Before you even start to have an idea or anything, know at LEAST the basic grammar structure in what ever language you are writing in, and how you will format. I have come to the conclusion, that splitting large paragraphs into smaller ones helps the readers a shit ton. Unless the reader is an avid reader, the reader will skim over larger paragraphs. But more importantly, make sure you do not misuse or confuse words such as your, you're, their, there, they're. It might not seem that bad of a mistake, but trust me, it sticks out to the readers. Any form of mistake is identified. Small mistakes are acceptable, but if you proofread and see the small mistake, just fix it. Having many mistakes ruins the flow when someone reads, and divides the attention.

2. Quality Over Quantity

I understand that people want to upload chapter quickly as that is one of the contributors of gaining followers. It's because of how the search engine works. It automatically gears towards update date, and people will have a hard time finding your story if you only have a couple of chapters, and rarely update. However, know that if your story has good substance, followers will come regardless. Also, many people (I think) would prefer to read a story that updates once every month or two, and has consistent quality, instead of a story that updates once a week and varies. So DON'T RUSH.

3. OC's and OOC's (Other or Own Character, and Out Of Character)

I have rarely seen a Fanfic that does OC well at all. I think OC's are kind of like the next step of writing, as you are trying to break out of fanfiction. It might just be me, but fanfiction to me means something along the lines of, us, the fans, get to play around with the characters and settings given to us.

I'm sorry as I know this is my personal definition and I'm trying to impose it, but it's what I truly feel.

Also, I find OC's a very difficult topic to write about. Not only do people have no connection to the character, but I feel it has to be appropriate too. I find that I can find OC's tolerable in two different scenarios.

First being when it is something game related, and in the game, you go through something like character creation. Prime examples of this include Fallout, Skyrim, and games such as those. Because the readers at least know the feeling of having an OC themselves.

Second case is when they are not the main character. Make a test run, find if people enjoy the OC's. Then start to focus on them more. Given them a reason to awknowledge the OC. Don't just start slamming down information about your character from the start and force them to read it.

I find OOC much more easier to write about, and much more tolerable to read. Because even if the characters are different, we still relate to them.

4. What do Reviews Mean?

Reviews are wonderful. Although some reviews may contain just blatant salt and hate, bear through and read others. You will find the golden reviewers once in a while. It's very hard to find faults in your own story. Until reviewers point something out and you realize you fucked up. But it's these kinds of rare reviews that help a writer evolve and become better. So even if you find reviews that shower you with only praises, or only ones that condemn you, keep finding reviews that give constructive criticisms.

Use the reviews that are positive as motivation to write more. Use the insulting reviews as motivation to become better.

That's it for now for my tips on becoming (Do I dare say it?) a 0.000001% better writer. If I think of any more, I'll be sure to write.