I guess that's where edit:IP82 with liath and I disagree. I prefer the writing style over almost everything, and I guess you prefer the plot. Feanor's fic was good, but it just wasn't written as well as Tarken's was (at least that's my opinion), and that's why I'd prefer his.

 

But what use is writing style when applied to a boring plot?

I'd rather be entertained by a super-cool plot with less than average writing style (such as Rorschach's Blot's "Make a Wish") than something with superb writing and horrible plot. It just doesn't add up.

Plot is what gives a story life, and no matter how pretty it might look with the excellent writing skills from the author, the fic just won't be alive. It won't be interesting.

I tried repeatedly to read S'Tarken's NotFP, but it just got boring. The lack of real original plot killed it for me.

Of course, I'm not saying I'd read drivel, either. There has to be some grammatical and punctual skills involved--but I place it as a third priority, the second of which is plot, of course. (What's the first, you ask? It's believability and logic. I hate fics that are inconsistent, and just don't plain work.)

However, in most cases, plot and writing style go hand in hand. Usually a fic with good plot has acceptable grammar and punctuation, and vice versa.

Just--not in NotFP.

~liath

PS: Thanks, IP, for naming my fic as an exception to the usual! ^^

 

When I read this the image of a 5 year old Harry running round like Chucky from childsplay killing death eaters popped into my head (Maybe I just went too far back eh?)

 

Or, instead of the little scene you just did, how about he goes back in time to just before the 3rd task, tells his past self exactly what to do and what's going to happen in an attempt to make the war easier. But past Harry, rolally screws up and gets killed so future!Harry has to take his place, with Voldemort knowing a future version of his enemy exists. If that made any sense.

 

I honestly think that a post-OotP or post-GoF (possibly an AU of OotP) setting would work best for this genre, instead of the usual pre-Hogwarts. Years one through three were stereotypical "happy endings," year four is essential for making Voldemort a serious antagonist and establishing the Death Eaters as an actual reconvened organization instead of loose group of people who used to be in the same club. Ruskbyte's Backwards Compatible is a good story, if you can stomach the Harry/Hermione bit.

The main problem I have with Nightmares of Futures Past is that it's creepy. Harry gives off and old man vibe, but there's like this extreme sexual tension between him (in an eleven year old body) and Ginny (who is TEN!!). That's creepy and disgusting. The characterizations are alright, but its far too angsty for my taste. The same with Backwards Compatible.

The only other story I've read of this genre is Dr. T's Harry's Second Chance, of which I only read the first few chapters because his writing style bugs me and he uses a number of cliches that jump out at you and sing insulting limericks. So I'm still waiting for a good, original "second chance" story that doesn't involve an 11-year-old super!Harry or a cliched and uninspired 'ship or complete retelling of canon with a few small differences.

 

I tend to enjoy them with no pairings at all. It's interesting to see the different interpretations of what Harry would do with knowledge of the future, would he end up making things better or worse? A good author can really make it into something enjoyable.

 

I'd like to see a Harry(Post OOTP)Goes-Back to Post-POA/Pre-GOF. It should rock!

 

I can't tell you how often I've thought of writing precisely that. Especially if he merged with his younger self. How awesome would it be to have this eleven year-old kid stalking and murdering Voldemort's support structure before he can even come back? Then on the first day of school...

Harry: "Why, hello. You must be my new DADA professor. Quirrell, wasn't it? I'd like to shake your hand."
*Shakes Hand*
Quirrellmort: "Ahh! It Burns! It Burns! Let go! I said let gAGHwegljfn!"
*Dies*
Dumbledore: "Well... shit. You don't see that everyday."
Harry: "No, sir. No you don't."

I enjoy this genre of HP Fic, somewhat, but it does tend to stick pretty close to formula most of the time and can get mighty repetitive. Backwards Compatible needs to update.

Edit: Well... damn. See below.

 

Agreed 100%, for it got bad enough that I had to leave the fic. Even if you suspend feeling ill by it just the pace of relationship development gets more and more unrealistic.

I'm a big fan of this genre, but it is full of clichés by now. Very few times has Harry actually taken the reins of the second chance and gotten an up on everything.

I would love to see the scene Warlocke wrote.