Let's go over something really quick... I'm noticing a trend in some of the nominations that are coming through.
Alternate Universe = type or form of fan fiction in which canonical (or "real") facts of setting or characterizati
on in the universe being explored or written about are deliberately changed. (That means it's not "real")
Canon = the material accepted as "official", in a fictional universe's fan base. (Just like real life)
For example, if Howie is the main character in the story and Howie is or was ever a Backstreet Boy, and you are using bits of real life to describe the setting that is considered canon.
If Howie is the main character in the story and he is a Quaker (google it) who sells magic apples (that's a fruit) on the side of the road in the year 1874 (the year before 1875), that is considered alternate universe.
Don't nominate stories for Best AU that are written as canon. Even if the plot is kind of zany, or different, so long as the Backstreet Boys are Backstreet Boys... it's canon.
You may now return to what you were doing!