You, too, can write an Incredibly Short Fic!!!
Yes, it's true! Anyone can write an Incredibly Short Fic! All you have to do is follow these simple instructions:
1) Make sure your DISCLAIMER notice clears you of any legal responsibility. If it doesn't, the lawyers representing FOX, Chris Carter, and some guy named Ralph, will all hunt you down like a duck.
1a) Also make sure your DISCLAIMER is longer than the story itself.
2) Use Agents Mulder and Scully as characters.
3) Have them do something.
4) The "something" that they do must be obviously vague and should fail to refer to any particular X-File they have worked/are working/will work in either TV, movie, CD-ROM, book, graphic narrative, or fanfic format.
5) Mulder should say at least one line. Scully also should say at least one line. It doesn't matter which one speaks first.
6) When the story ends, write THE END
6a) The ending should feel appropriate to the story, and should be presented to leave most readers confused, puzzled, angry, and sea-sick (in short, like they've just seen The Blair Witch Project again).
7) Post the story on the ATXC (alt.tv.x-files.creative).
8) Reap the glory and the rewards.
ADDENDUM There are some limitations to what can be used in an Incredibly Short Fic. For example:
"Yes!" groaned Mulder.
"Oh God!" cried Scully.
THE END
THIS DOES NOT WORK! Why? Because it violates rule 4) on the need for "vagueness." Everyone who reads that will know immediately that Mulder and Scully have just successfully bungee-jumped.
Also, adding additional characters may create external conflict which can be fun to read, it could add to the overall size of the fanfic. Remember, it has to be SHORT: bringing in Frohike or the priest from "All Souls" could require background detail to be added.
I hope this helps. Good day, and for GOD'S SAKE DON'T SUE ME!
Main | Authors | Rules | Fanfiction | X-Files | Shipper Surveys