When I first conceived of this page back in 2000, it was as a listing of resources for fanfic writers and webmasters. This was done in light of my belief that I had something to offer both groups, and in all fairness, at the time I'd like to think I did. Since then, however, as far as webmasters go, I've gone from cutting edge to hidebound dinosaur. My HTML editor of choice was last updated in the heyday of Windows 3.0, and the manifold wonders of cascading style sheets, Javascript used for everything under the sun (*cough*Fanfiction.net*cough*) and so forth have left me far behind. (So, for older visitors who are wondering what happened to the Rants section, now you know--3/4 of them are effectively obsolete.)
The most I can do for webmasters now is point them to anybrowser.org and beg them to use a modicum of common sense. For writers, though, I can still offer some useful links and information...
Dr. Merlin's Guide to Fan Fiction by Melissa Wilson
--The classic primer, and still one of the better ones around. A good starting point for anyone considering writing fanfic.
The Mary Sue Litmus Test by Melissa Wilson
--"Dr. Merlin's" other major contribution to fanfic writers everywhere.
Self-Insertion and Mary-Sue-Ism by Sebastian Weinberg
--The two are often reviled as one and the same, but this is not necessarily the case.
Writerisms and Other Sins by C.J. Cherryh
--A troubleshooting list by a professional author.
Tips for writing better fan fiction by Tara LJC O'Shea
--Self-explanatory, with a Star Trek: Voyager base.
The Blue Quill
--Another writers' reference with a Xena base. The grammar section is quite valuable.
Mark Twain's Rules of Writing
--One of America's greatest writers goes postal on James Fenimore Cooper. As someone who had to read Last of the Mohicans in school (as opposed to just seeing the movie) I wholeheartedly approve.
I Are Wants To Wright Good: Basics for Beginners by Average Joe
Paint a Pretty Picture: Basics for Beginners Vol. 2 by Average Joe
--Self-explanatory, but something the vast majority of fanfic authors could stand to brush up on.
Copyright 101: A Brief Introduction to Copyright for Fan Fiction Writers by AT Lee
--A basic grounding in copyright law, as it applies to fan fiction. Not official, but informative.
The Grand List of Fanfiction Clichés
--A takeoff on the more famous RPG cliché list. Good and bad, the common are all here--and in either case, you're better off if you can recognize them when they pop up in your own work.
This is far from an exhaustive list; I am always looking for other resources, and any suggestions you might have are welcome. All links were last checked 7/23/06.
I don't know that I would be considered the best source for advice, as far as stories go. I beta-read for one writer, and spend most of my time telling him his writing isn't as bad as he thinks. My publishing credits themselves are even less impressive; apart from a stint as a reporter for RPGamer, they consist mainly of letters printed in my local paper and one printed long, long ago in EGM. Nonetheless, in my old Rants section I did touch on the subject of writing from time to time, and while it might just be my ego talking, I still think what I had to say could be of some value.
Here then, are the ravings of someone who's read a lot. Take them for what they're worth.
SHACK ON BAD CROSSOVERS (9/29/98)
SHACK ON BAD LOVE STORIES (2/14/99)
Further rants may or may not be added as the mood strikes me.