Let's face it, whether they're Writer-based Characters (WCs) or
Non-Writer-based Characters (NWCs), someone created them. That means
there is a right way and a wrong way to write them. There are five ways
to help ensure that a character is done right: 1) read the roster, 2)
email the creator (if known), 3) read stories that feature the character
in question, 4) email the author and 5) don't portray a character in a way
that could be considered insulting.
Don't Do Anything too Suddenly
People tend to have long term plans. Sometimes their long term plans will
involve your character in some essential way. Give the net some advance
notice of what is going to happen to your character and be prepared to
compromise. Some of our veterans have dined on fried newbie after said
newbie has decided to remake the Looniverse in their image. Also, start
out with only one, two, or maybe three new characters at first; let the
readers get to know them, then slowly bring in more. Nothing turns off
many people quicker than dumping 15 berzillion new characters on them in
your first issue. Also, you'd be wise not to do more than an issue or two
a week; a faster pace will cause some people not to read.
Be Consistant with What Others Have Written
You have some leeway here: for one thing, it seems that the size of any
given room varies directly with the number of Legionnaires in it;
similarly, the conference table in the Central Command Centre appears to
adapt for the number of Legionnaires around it. Nevertheless, some effort
has been made by certain writers to visualize Legion Headquarters as
having a lobby, a cafeteria, laboratories, HoloDecStations, etc. Some
consistency in their description would surely be appreciated.
Follow Continuity
This is tricky: on one hand, you should place stories in continuity; on
the other hand, the story might not fit where you want it to. You have
four options: 1) make changes and repost, 2) have Doctor Stomper explain
the continuity error way :) 3) declare your story a dream / Elsewhirl or
4) negotiate a compromise with the conflicting writer to the effect that
at least one of you can make the necessary changes.
Don't Start a Storyline You Can't Finish
The exception here is a subplot: people can feel free to write subplots
for no other reason than to inspire others. For example, a couple of
recent McLaughlin Man subplots in Deja Dude and Master Blaster set
the stage for the use of McLaughlin Man in Ultimate Ninja #10 and
LNH: Open House.
For Legion Stories, Use Existing Legionnaires
Feel free to create your own characters for your solo stories but for
stories that take place inside Legion Headquarters, chances are the
character you have in mind is already in the roster. This, of course,
will make writing more challenging but, then again, you'd be more likely
to receive feedback this way.
Make Use of the Characters that Appear in your Stories
The exception being Useless-Background-Character Lad. Don't just have
Canadian Smelling Guy, your great new creation, appear in one issue never
to be seen again. No need to overpopulate the Looniverse. =)
Use Your Character Wisely
Your stories will give people an idea of how your character should be
used. Assuming you want your character to be used, it's a good idea to
appear useful.
Read LNH Stories
Obviously the roster won't tell you everything. One thing to look for is
how the characters interact. The best way to see this is to read previous
stories. It's also a good idea to write the character's owner and make
sure you're portraying the character well.
Have Fun
No one is forcing you to write. Hopefully, if it's good for you, it'll be
good for us.
