1. Know who's going to be reading your stuff! This is VERY important. If you want to make a story people can enjoy, you should try and find out what it is they want to see. What character does the majority like? Do you like that character enough to write about them? Can you come up with a unique scenario for that character? It goes on, and on.....

2. Originality! Sound impossible? Well, with some sections having tens of thousands of pieces, it can be really tough. In my case, I sit down and let whatever happens, happen. I don't think I've ever let myself down, as long as I let it come naturally. I think the readers can see it in the work when everything flows together, making a solid and cohesive piece that's enjoyable to read, regardless of your genre.

3. Picking a genre! It can be hard to stick with one, or even two, but what you choose to label your story as is big. A romance/humor story is probably going to do better than an action/adventure story, though it's not for certain. Also, while it's good to have a healthy dose of everything, you have to try and stick with one or two main genres for your story, so you can really settle into a rhythm and get the job done. You'll get steady readers, too, if they can figure out what to expect from the story, rather than having you jump around from chapter to chapter.

4. Reader participation! It doesn't have to be anything big. Give a couple of examples of what could happen next, and have a little vote. Some people don't like to have the element of surprise taken away, but others like the feeling that they're involved (I am one of those people). Plus, you could even get some fun suggestions, yourself, if you are lucky.

5. Your synopsis! You know, that short description of your story under the story's name? I can't stress how important this is to bringing people into the story. I don't know how many times I've not even opened a story because the synopsis was terrible. Here are two examples, one good, one bad:

Good: Fate grips all in her icy hold, but what happens when one boy challenges time itself to defy fate? Those who are meant to die, can never truly be saved.....

Bad: This is myfirst fic, so be nice! Naruto finaly realises how much he cairs about Hinata, but does she still love him!? R&R!!!

Now, look at the those two, and tell me which one looks better. To be fair, the first one is my own, and the second one is one I just made up, but all the same I think it's clear the first one is better. Notice the spelling and grammar differences. The first is free of mistakes, while the second has several. I don't want to read something that is so full of mistakes it hurts my head. Then notice how the second one practically begs for reviews, and asks that people be understanding it's their first time (I just caught that pun, I'm sorry). It's good to be humble, no one likes a big head, but you shouldn't try and give excuses for poor work, because honestly, if you take a little time to make sure everything looks good, you should have a decent piece. For some people who don't want to do this, they can search out a beta reader (someone who cleans up your writing for you).

There's probably a lot more I could say, but I found this by accident and it's distracting me from what I actually came to do. Well, see you around.....

When you're describing people, for god's sake don't take two paragraphs to do it in one shot at the start of the story! You have the entire story to get to know this character - and if it's a minor character, do we really need to know what he/she looks like? Does the way they look advance the plot? If not, then maybe you should let your reader form an image in their head!

Also, stay away from unusual features unless it's a major plot point - so many Mary-Sues have these that it's just not unusual anymore. I read one story where I was informed sixteen times over fourteen chapters that the main character had purple eyes - have you ever actually met anyone with purple eyes? STOP with the purple eyes! Try eyes like violets if you must, or maybe stormy eyes or eyes like a summer sky or something ORIGINAL!

Ahem. Sorry. Last thing - if someone's fur is brown it's just brown, NOT brown-coloured. I mean, what is brown if not a colour? Tawny would be a better word anyway...

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