First Rule of Fic Club: Let's Talk About Fic Club

Posted: Monday, April 12, 2010 by Twi Fic Club in Labels:
2

HOW IT WORKS:

  • We'll meet on Skype at the agreed upon date and time every month
  • Each month's topic will be chosen democratically by the participants via the poll on the blog
  • The months where the choices are mostly angsty, there will be a second WussPerv approved option available for those delicate flowers among us.
  • Depending on number of participants, there may need to be more than one discussion group. Each group will discuss the same fic and will (barring any unforeseen complications) be held on the same date and time for consistency's sake.
  • We will discuss the fic for one hour, unless you guys are chatty h00rs and want to go over. Plan to lose one hour from your life, though.
  • Before each meeting, I will speak with the author and see if they are willing to be interviewed after our discussion. If so, at the end of the meeting the mod will open it up for suggested questions.

RULES:
  • BE NICE. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. You are not, however, entitled to be a cunt. At least not here. Those who cannot play nice will be removed from the discussion.
  • Please show up to the discussions on time.
  • Read the fic in its entirety. It will make for a more well-rounded and cohesive discussion.
  • In the event that you read the month's topic and completely dislike it, please ask yourself if you see any value in it that would inspire intellectual debate before coming to the discussion. We're all for honest critique and debate, but outright bashing will not be tolerated.
  • Have fun, yous guise. While we do want to keep this somewhat serious and on topic, let's remember we're talking about fic - Twilight fanfic, even. There is no srs bsns here. Just keep in mind that this is all for fun and don't get too riled up.
PRE-DISCUSSION:
  • Download Skype if you don't already have it and make sure your mic is working properly. (If you don't have a mic you can still participate by listening and typing your comments in the chat box, but it will be a more fulfilling experience if you're able to actually talk with everyone.)
  • Add Twi.Fic.Club to your contacts list.
  • Once the topic, date and time is announced, confirm your participation by filling out the sign up sheet that will be included in the announcement post
  • Take notes as you read. What stands out for you regarding the writing style, characterization and plot?
  • Keep a list of specific quotes that resonate with you.
  • Have some idea of what aspects you would like to address before coming to the discussion.

DISCUSSION AGENDA:

Note: This is not meant to be a rigid time line of each discussion, just a guideline. I think (and hope!) that we will be able to dive right into a general discussion and hit all these points without having to check them off one by one. Just be prepared to discuss the following aspects.
  • Greetings/intros
  • Depending on size of chat, each person list their favorite quote/moment/aspect of the fic
  • Writing style:
  • What stands out to you about it?
  • Does it remind you of any other authors (whether published or from the fandom?)
  • Characters:
  • Strong characterizations? Weak?
  • What sticks with you about the characters?
  • How would you describe them?
  • What are their motivations?
  • Plot:
  • Where do you see it heading?
  • Anything that surprised you?
  • Anything you didn't like about it? Any plot holes?
  • Anything that was absolutely perfectly executed or that you'd like to have seen done differently?
  • Questions for the author interview
  • General Fic Club comments/questions/suggestions for next month's topic
  • Sparkle Out

These rules are subject to change. I've never organized something like this before, so I'm sure there will be more than one kink (heeeey oh!) that will need to be ironed out. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

2 comments:

  1. me. says:

    This is really exciting, I think. I'm going to do some double checking to be certain that my mic/web cam aren't made of fail.

    Eeeep!