[melindawarren]

Love this thread.

Recently wrote a story. Here are my thoughts:

1. Make your theme interesting! I read so many stories with similar themes, but the ones I really remember had unique themes. I'd love to see something new and fresh, rather than another flower recruitment.

2. Also, stick to your theme wholeheartedly! Make it a fun story, too.

3. Don't disrespect anyone in your story. Never, EVER suggest that you're better than a chapter/person/whatever. It doesn't help people who are reading your story.

4. Remember that the readers want to be entertained. Try to keep hysterics to a minimum, and try to avoid too much stream-of-consciousness. I highly recommend waiting at least a day after each round before you post to sort through your emotions.

5. Have fun with it. Really, this is just for entertainment. The best way to remember even a terrible recruitment as something not so bad is to have an enjoyable story that you wrote to commemorate the experience.

I look forward to this fall's stories and I'm sorry I don't have anyone going through anywhere to write about!