# A new "Finish the" story will start this Wednesday, use this thread for Q&A

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-finish-the-story-will-start-this-wednesday-use-this-thread-for-q-a/262090>\
**Category:** Cafe Society\
**Created:** [August 29, 2004, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-finish-the-story-will-start-this-wednesday-use-this-thread-for-q-a/262090 "2004-08-29T15:03:40Z")\
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**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\
**Post date:** [August 29, 2004, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-new-finish-the-story-will-start-this-wednesday-use-this-thread-for-q-a/262090/1 "2004-08-29T15:03:40Z")

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The third story in **Baker** ’s amazing _Finish the Sci-Fi Story_ series will be starting Wednesday evening when I post the first installment of the new story. (Please don’t jump the gun.)

Why the advance notice? To give people a chance to familiarise themsleves with the universe that we have created.

**Please join in the fun!**

This one will be a murder mystery, set in the universe of characters, places, politico-religious systems that has become as involved as real life. Here are the first two stories of our series:

[Finish the Science Fiction Story](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=181231)

[Finish the Science Fiction Story, Part II](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=252702&highlight=finish)

After the end of Part II, we had a bit of a Writer’s Guide started, some of it discussing what has become canon in the series, some of it merely speculation and/or impressions.

Also, Baker has a couple of recaps of major plot points and character developements that anyone is welcome to (via e-mail).  
There’s only one rule, more of a guideline, actually:

MAKE IT FIT

Part of the fun of having several (hopefully many) people writing a story is watching it grow and go to unexpected places. And watching an idea you inserted on a lark take on a life of its own. But, needless hijacks and detours can make the story tedious to read when done. Hasn’t happened yet, and I don’t think it’ll happen here, but I felt it was something that needed to be said.

Don’t feel pressured to add huge posts. If you have an idea/person/plot point to add, add it. Whether it’s two sentences or 9 paragraphs. ALL ARE WELCOME. Some people excell at characterisation, some at action, some at mood or scene setting. ALL ARE WELCOME.

**Once the story starts, use this thread for internal writer’s discussions**  
Actually, there is one more rule:

HAVE FUN!  
So, look for me to begin the _Finish the Science Fiction Story, Part III_ Wednesday evening. I’ll post the link here, so no one misses it.  
btw, you all can begin asking questions now, however, nothing of Part III will be posted until the story begins.  
Enjoy!

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