I write the kind of stories I like to read, so most will be fantasy/alternate universe with Harry as the main character. I love the idea of having characters whose magical abilities are limited only by their imaginations. If there is any romance in my fiction, the pairings will most likely be canon: Harry/Ginny, Ron/Hermione, Remus/Tonks, etc. I love the Harry/Ginny pairing, so please know in advance that that's what my stories will contain, if there is any romance at all. Personally, I don't like stories in which the main plot is romance, and I doubt that I will ever write a strictly romantic story. Having said that, if Ginny is included in the story I am writing, Harry will be hers. Ginny Weasley is one of my favorite characters in the Harry Potter series, even though I don't use her or Hermione as much as I do the male characters.

My favorite fanfic stories are those involving a young, pre-Hogwarts Harry or an independent Harry. I love reading stories about multi-dimensional trunks and Wizarding tents. I prefer stories that take place outside of Hogwarts, either pre or post-Hogwarts or during the summer holidays because I get really bored with Harry doing the same old stuff each year that he did in the books. If it's different enough and not a lot of time is spent on telling me the same old story again, I can handle it, though. But I really prefer stories that are completly different from the books. I also like stories in which Sirius and/or Remus, Snape, MacGonagal, or even OCs are Harry's guardians, any story in which Harry was raised by someone other than the Dursleys, although I have to admit that I absolutely loved the story by Valandar "A Better Man" in which Vernon Dursley, in response to a wish, becomes a loving uncle to Harry. (Chubby Redburn's "The Misplaced Potter" and "The Janus Order" are two of my favorites with OCs as guardians.) As a former case manager in the Department of Childrens' Services, I have a deep need to see Harry Potter as a happy child, so anyone who is kind to him and loves him can raise him as far as I'm concerned. I also like stories in which Ron has matured into a likable, intelligent adult. (Solstice Muse's "Within These Walls" and "Eternal Sunshine of the Scourgified Mind" are two of the best I've ever read. And Scourgified Mind is a great mystery.) Her writing is some of the best I've ever read, and her plots are unique and absolutely brilliant. I don't like stories that include Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Remus, Sirius, Dumbledore, or Weasley bashing. Like all of us, Mrs. Rowling's characters have their faults and imperfections, but I believe that their innate goodness and strengths outweigh their weaknesses in every case. Remus Lupin and Luna Lovegood are two of my favorite characters. ("Luna's Hubby" by Meteoricshipyards was a wonderful read.)

I can't express the gratitude I have for those of you who take the time to review. Thank you so much.

MadScribbler