[DandieeLyon]

Hi! I am a newbie here,and thus far,have confined myself to reading. However,after watching the movies again recently,there was a moment in ROTK that left me haunted. Pippin's poor broken heart as he sings to the Steward,the anguish on his face.

I'd like to write a one shot of that,of what's passing through his mind at the moment,but I admit I'm a little scared.

Do I write it out and then find a beta reader? What's the best process for all of this?

[mistressofbucklebury]

Hi DandieeLyon

The best thing I could suggest would be for you to write the story and then post a message in the Beta section of the forum asking for a beta who can then help you with any proofreading before you post. Also keep an eye on the section of the forum because people often volunteer to beta without a request going in.

Hope this helps and good luck... I look forward to reading your piece

[NancyBrooke]

The best process is the one that's most helpful to you - and that's between you and your beta!!

I'm like the Mistress - I usually have a pretty completed draft before I send it to my beta(s) - but other folks do it differently: run just general ideas or outlines past their beta for continuity, probablity, or canon issues at the outset; or just get a grammar/punctuation check when it's all pretty much done. It all depends on what *you* need, and what the beta you find is willing to do.

I don't think you said if you've written very much before and it's just fanfic that you're new at, or if it's writing in general. If you are really unsure about writing anything, maybe you should seek out a beta that can help you flesh out your ideas, help order your plot etc. It's always easier to ask your Beta for less than for more.

Otherwise, get out your PC, your legal pad or that coctail napkin and get scribblin', Girl!


PS: if it's just a grammar check you need, give me a jingle when you've got something.

[DandieeLyon]

Thank you all...great advice.
I have been writing for some time,just never anything like this,where the parameters of the story is basically set,and by an outside source.

ok...I'm off to scribble a bit...thanks again!

[KhazarKhum]

This was new for me, too---I came into this with no idea of how to do a fanfic .

Best advice: Just do it, a la Nike.