I’ve never been good at intros so here goes. I’ve been a fan of “Emergency!” from the day NBC announced it. Especially since it was a) about the Fire Department b) cast Robert Fuller whom I followed from his years on “Wagon Train” and c) cast Randy Mantooth whom I fell for when he guest starred on Rod Serling’s “Night Gallery, Class of ‘99”. Yep, I’m a dyed in the wool Johnny Gage fan but I love all the characters!

While I have written vignettes based on Live Action Roll Playing games, I’ve yet to write anything based on television shows I love. That’s not to say I don’t have any ideas but they’re all in my head or “mind stories” as I call them. It wasn’t until I found fanfiction.net that I even considered writing any of the stories down. My main problem is that I think in vignettes or snap shots not full chapters. My other problem is coming up with the day to day stuff to fill in between the snap shots. After reading so many incredible stories by some fantastic writers here, I’m beginning to feel the tug to do some of my own. Just have to make the time and put forth the effort. And stop being afraid! LOL

Comments: “Constructive criticism is the process of offering valid and well-reasoned opinions about the work of others, usually involving both positive and negative comments, in a friendly manner rather than an oppositional one.” Attacking, berating or browbeating the author is not creative criticism!

I’ve noticed of late some commenters are acting more like flamers or “Cannon Dictators” than giving actual constructive criticism of the story itself. This saddens me and hurts those they deem unworthy to write in this fandom. So here’s my take on comments. If you don’t have something nice or constructive to say about the story, then don’t say anything at all. It takes a lot of courage to post a story that a writer has put her/his heart & soul into not knowing if others will embrace or tear it apart so be respectful and respond as you would have others respond to you. Not all stories are going to be cannon because they are from the author’s universe inspired by the series. Accept that and move on.

I believe life is too short to take it too seriously, that we all need outlets of one kind or another. “Emergency!” is one of mine and I enjoy these stories and thank the authors for allowing me to play in their sandbox.

Thank you,

Var

03/15/15 Update: Well, I did it. I posted not one but two fanfic drabbles, one Emergency! and one Stargate SG-1. Both came about as part of a Drabble contest and Drabble writing class for a Science Fiction convention I'm a part of. (ConDorCon). I found the Drabble to be a bit less daunting then trying for a full on story and found them to be an excellent writing exercise. I hope you like them.

Var