Classification of fiction is an imprecise art, and this field is only meant
as a general guideline for readers who wish to find or avoid certain types of
stories. Generally, authors may choose to classify their stories any way they
like, but these are some of the categories we suggest:
- Drama: a
character-driven story, where plot takes second
billing to what the characters are saying, doing and feeling;
- Action/Adventure: a
plot-driven story, with lots of
battles and swordfights;
- Romance: the main focus
of
the story is on two characters
getting together, whether forever or for a night or two;
- AU stands for "alternate
universe" and is used to
describe a story which intentionally steps beyond the limits defined by canon
to explore an alternate possibility. Eg., alternate endings to the movie;
survival of a character who dies in the film, etc.
- Xover: Crossovers mesh
the
events of the movie with those
of another media universe. For example, if Methos arrives at Fort Carolina
bringing a message from Sir Henry Clinton, the story would be described as
"Xover: Highlander".
- PWP stands for "Plot?
What
plot?" and is used for
vignettes where storyline takes a back seat to whatever is immediately
happening to the characters. Examples include sex vignettes or stories written
solely for the purpose of subjecting the hero to some hurt/comfort.
Needless to say, some stories fall into multiple categories.