OCs

Jun. 8th, 2025 06:09 pm
esteefee: Sun burst with caption Fair Trade san francisco, CA (fair_trade)
[personal profile] esteefee
I just had an interesting question from a reader, who asked what actor or famous male I was thinking of when I was visualizing my OC. I don't! I mean, I do visualize people, but they are people of my own invention (I believe). I don't think they are real people, just features I come up with.

How about any writers out there? Do you choose actors or people you know? Or do you make up your OCs in your mind palace?
brightknightie: Nick looking up. (Nick)
[personal profile] brightknightie
[community profile] fkficfest '25 has concluded! We had lovely, diverse stories, and lovely, kind interactions, all around. Forever Knight fandom has always been such a jumble of approaches, with its mishmash of genres and themes attracting wildly dissimilar approaches and interpretations. It's touching and heartening that we can play together at all, much less this successfully. Thank you.

Some years, I feel that being the game's moderator should block me from making story recommendations, and I hold my peace. This year, I feel that it's okay to go ahead and point out a few stories that happened to offer particularly distinct elements to me, personally, subjectively, as a reader and not moderator.

  • "A Duty to Serve" by [archiveofourown.org profile] Calliope24 (G, gen, ~2K words): Set during the tumult of "A More Permanent Hell," a uniformed Tracy tries to serve while her father orders her off the streets, and Stonetree steps in. I found the efforts of all the characters to endure and serve the common good during this civilizational collapse powerful, and Stonetree's measured optimism -- not just about the ultimate end, but faith in people -- invigorating. I also admire the imagination and depiction of this canon bubble; of course the third-season characters lived second-season, and of course Stonetree knew Commissioner Vetter.

  • "Unpacking" by [archiveofourown.org profile] SwitchbladeEyes (T, gen, ~11K words): Set immediately after "Sons of Belial," Nick's reaction to the demon incident brings all of Natalie's undealt-with feelings about Richard's death in "I Will Repay" roaring to the surface. I found this story's cadence, tone, and voice so resonantly third-season that it felt -- for better and for worse, for familiarity and for discomfort -- like it could indeed have been the next canonical episode after "Sons of Belial," if such continuity had been a thing in those days, and also that it could then have broken third-season's fall and climbed back up onto a more promising path by dealing with pain and not only piling it up.

  • "Daylight" by [archiveofourown.org profile] Nicholas_Lucien (T, gen, ~2K words): This songfic goes around and around, like the verses of a song with a refrain, in a way that made my brain react to it more like poetry than prose. It makes an interesting choice, to call Nick/Nicolas/Nicholas by those different names as it shifts through Nick's, Janette's, and Lacroix's perspectives regardless of the historical era, creating prism-like views on each situation. The reader may interpret the cyclical structure to indicate that Nick will never win. I choose to interpret it, for myself, instead to indicate that Nick will never stop striving.


Separately, the story that I contributed myself is "Reconcilable Differences" (T, gen, ~5K words). Thank you, [personal profile] batdina, for beta-reading! Set early in the long hiatus between the first and second seasons, it pokes at the trope of Natalie treating a badly injured Nick by dosing him with the blood that she otherwise insists is the barrier to all his hopes. Both Nick and Natalie, of course, want Nick to both live and become human, but when something happens to make Nick believe that he can have only one or the other, he and Natalie are not necessarily in harmony on which and why and how. The story addresses the game prompt "I’m going to tell you something you don’t want to hear;" I think that it goes both ways between them. I definitely found it easier to put Nick and Natalie into this mess than to get them out again, but I like to think that I did so in the end.

fic: not even dreaming

Jun. 7th, 2025 01:28 pm
devinwolfi: RoyKeeley holding hands (ted lasso)
[personal profile] devinwolfi
Title: not even dreaming
Fandom: Ted Lasso (TV)
Relationship(s): Roy Kent/Keeley Jones/Jamie Tartt
Length: 258w
Summary: Roy and Keeley get a delivery.

Written for [community profile] beagoldfish

Read on AO3 and Be a Goldfish.

Read not even dreaming... )

The Friday Five

Jun. 7th, 2025 10:05 am
melagan: Coffee cup with Atlantis in the rising steam (Default)
[personal profile] melagan
The Friday Five

1. Have you ever been to summer camp?

No. Not the traditional idea of a summer camp. However, my family would spend the whole summer at our camp on the lake.

2. Have you ever made a s'more?

Yes, and still do. Not quite the same made in the microwave though.

3. Have you ever slept under the stars (no tent/tarp)?

Yes, as a kid. My cousin and I decided it would be a great idea. We made homemade hammocks-the kind only a kid could love- under the apple trees. In the morning, I woke up face-to-face with a cow. Goodness, I haven't thought about that in years.

4. Have you ever had a member of the opposite sex sleep over at your house?

Yes. My husband was the opposite sex. (that sounds so weird to type it out like that)

5. What type of bed do you have (queen, twin, bunk, etc.)?

Queen with a brand new mattress. I just replaced the old one a week ago.

current fandom events

Jun. 6th, 2025 11:51 pm
svgurl: (gilmore girls: rory & lorelai happy)
[personal profile] svgurl
[tumblr.com profile] julybreakbingoevent is a multifandom bingo challenge with customizable cards (link goes to the [community profile] fandomcalendar post). Sign-ups close on July 7th.

[community profile] sunshine_revival is a community set to revive the Sunshine Challenge, a companion to the [community profile] snowflake_challenge, that will run through the month of July.

[community profile] allbingo is running a Pride Fest through the month of June. There are premade cards or you can create your own based on the available prompts.

[community profile] justmarriedexchange, a marriage-themed multifandom exchange for marriage tropes of all kinds: convenient, accidental, undercover, arranged, forced, etc, is open for nominations until June 10th, 11:59PM UTC.

[community profile] land_of_art is a landcomm challenge for graphic lovers. There are two teams and the first round is in progress and will continue until January 18th, 2026. Sign up for a team HERE.

[community profile] fourormore, a community to promote and celebrate ships with four or more people, is running a Bingo Event. Cards will given until December 31st.

[community profile] smallfandomfest is open for prompt claiming for its Small Fandom Fest. Submissions may be posted until July 31st.

[community profile] fancake's theme of the month is: female relationships. Click on the banner below to learn more! :)

Photograph with added text: Female Relationships, at Fancake. Four old Nepalese women sit together on a low brick wall, their feet dangling, most of them barefoot, their shoes kicked off below them. They're dressed in loose patterned fabrics in various shades of red and the mood is relaxed.

Nonconex 2025 Dear Creator Letter

Jun. 6th, 2025 09:13 pm
[personal profile] royalsiblings
 Will update this soon

bad scout

Jun. 5th, 2025 01:11 am
esteefee: John in black and white in a dark cloudy background. (bw_john)
[personal profile] esteefee
So, I sympathize with John Sheppard, because one time they took us to Joshua Tree National Park and tried to make me use a compass and a map and I got us so lost even the troop master couldn't get us found and we were 3 hours late getting back to the bus.

multifandom questionnaire pt 1

Jun. 4th, 2025 11:03 pm
svgurl: (smallville: clark s4 amused)
[personal profile] svgurl
I found this via [personal profile] vriddy: [personal profile] maevedarcy adapted a fandom questionnaire and made it more multifandom friendly - Questionnaire: 72 Multifandom questions to ask a fangirl.

I'm going to do it by parts, 12 at a time. :D

Current fandoms and personal connection:

1. How did you first discover your main fandoms?
My original main fandom was Smallville and I had always seen the ads on TV and I started watching a few seasons in because I love Superman and well, my sister was into it at the time, so I figured why not. I found Smallville fandom by chance when I was reading fic for other fandoms and then stumbled across Livejournal when I was googling Clark Kent/Oliver Queen, realized that there was very little fic, and decided I was going to write my own.

With the MCU, I watched The Avengers, started shipping Steve/Tony, and checked out what was out there. While I've read a lot of fic, I didn't start writing it until I began to participate in exchanges. It really helped me get out of my comfort zone.

I don't know if I have a "current" fandom but my main interest these days is 9-1-1, the procedural about first responders that is on ABC. It was one of those shows that had been on my "to watch" list and I'd seen some gifs on Tumblr and I finally watched it when it was seven seasons in.

#2-122. What was it about the fandom(s) that initially captured your interest?

With Smallville, it was definitely mostly about Superman and on a shallow note, I had a crush on Tom Welling. And as I said above, I got involved in fandom because barely anyone else was writing the ship I was newly into. It's funny - I got a comment on one of my Clark/Oliver fics a few days ago and that person was all "you're carrying this ship" and to be told that in 2025 is not what I would've had on my bingo card but it kinda delighted me anyway.

The MCU I got into because "The Avengers" was the big thing and once I found a ship I liked, I had to look for content. The timing was perfect too because Smallville had ended and while I was still into it, it was nice to have something fresh to grab my attention.

As far as 9-1-1, I'm hit or miss on procedurals but it always did look fun. When I found out that one of the main characters recently realized they were bisexual, it finally pushed me over to check it out.

3. Can you recall a moment when you realized you were more than just a casual fan?

Probably when I started writing all the fic? It wasn't surprising for me - I tend to get obsessive and am either all or nothing when it comes to ... anything really.

4. How has your interest in fandom evolved over time?

I still love it but I am more careful these days about how I participate. I got into all sorts of fandom drama during my first run and it's something that I try to avoid. I was young, but also old enough to know better and I definitely was more than a little naive. Nowadays, I prefer to stay on the edge and keep my circle close and tight.

5. Is there anyone in your life that shares your passion for fandom?

In my real life, no. That's what DW and Tumblr are for! I was really lucky that one of my mutuals on Tumblr, who I was friendly but not close to, does really love 9-1-1 too so I have had someone to talk with about my newest obsession. Otherwise, getting into a new fandom/ship, especially one as big, would've been more awkward.

6. How does your fandom inspire you in your everyday life?

Weirdly, I can't think of anything off the top of my head. I'm sure it has, especially since there are some things I have learned about via people I've met online but nothing stands out right now.

7.Does the fandom influence your personal style, hobbies, or interests?

No, it's probably the other way around. I've definitely been introduced books and media through fandom that I wouldn't have thought of otherwise, if that counts.

8. Can you share a personal story related to your fandom that you cherish?

I don't know how personal it is, but I used to have this one song that I specifically associated with Clark/Oliver - "Everything" by Michael Buble" - and then for my birthday, one of my Livejournal friends made me a fanvid to that song, when she didn't even ship them, and it literally meant everything to me.

9. What valuable lessons have you learned from being part of fandom?

Oh, plenty. I think it taught me the importance of not trying to force yourself to be something or someone you're not, because it will backfire. Being edgy for the sake of it is also not cool. Seems obvious, but it really isn't. Also, there are also tools to curate your experience and it is up to you to use them, more so now than ever.

10. Have you met any of your closest friends through a fandom?

No. My real life and fandom life are very separated (I'm private and paranoid), but I do have some people here and Tumblr that I've known for a long time and I have extra fondness for them in the same way I do about the people I see in real life.

11. Are there any rituals or traditions you enjoy before new releases related to fandom?

I don't think so. Sometimes, I like to refresh my memory of what happened before, with my favorite clips or reading some summaries, but I wouldn't say that's a tradition or ritual because I'm not very consistent.

12. If you could introduce someone new to fandom, how would you describe it to them

I'd probably say it's passionate fans who have come together over a shared love of a particular type of media and they enjoy spending time discussing, creating, and engaging in works about it. Depending on how that goes, I would try to explain fanworks and shipping and the like.
duskpeterson: The lowercased letters D and P, joined together (Default)
[personal profile] duskpeterson

The royal sactuary is arguably the most important chamber in the palace. It is here that, in former times, a sanctuarian priest held daily rituals designed to uplift the spirits of worshippers and – I am sorry to say – crush the spirits of slaves. The Emorians, rightly appalled by the Koretians' treatment of their slaves, built part of their new palace over the burning ground just outside the courtyard, which lay within easy sight of the sanctuary.

Despite its despicable misdeeds of the past, Koretia's priesthood has survived to the present day. The Jackal, who is also High Priest of Koretia, holds annual services to honor the slaves who served and died in Koretia; these services are often attended by the few slaves who survived their treatment. Some of these slaves remain dead in mind but come willingly to this service, drawn here by the Jackal, who is the god of death and who therefore watches over their spirits in the Land Beyond. To witness these dead-in-mind men and women gather around the Jackal is a deeply moving experience - a living monument to the Koretian belief that the gods can transform evil into good.

The royal sanctuary was desecrated at the time of the Emorian invasion of 961; the sanctuary was used to stable horses in the years that followed. After the Emorians withdrew from Koretia in 976, the chamber remained empty for many years. In 987, on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the liberation of Koretia's slaves by the Emorians, the chamber was rededicated under the name of the Royal Sanctuary of the Living Dead. It is now a memorial to the suffering of Koretia's former slaves.

Conveniently for visitors, the royal sanctuary can be visited separately from the rest of the palace. The sanctuary now has its own entrance, unconnected to the royal residence or any other portion of the Koretian palace.


[Translator's note: The Royal Sanctuary plays a dramatic role in Death Mask.]

lil_1337: (Default)
[personal profile] lil_1337
Review )

am I english?

Jun. 3rd, 2025 12:24 pm
esteefee: john sheppard with his tongue sticking out (blep)
[personal profile] esteefee
people, I have heard many things about growing old: that it sucks, that it's not for the weak, that it sneaks up on you, but never have I heard it turns you English.

and yet, here am I: a lifelong coffee drinker and lover of the brew, yet recently I've started to crave...tea?

I know! yet slowly but surely, I more often reach for a tea bag than my trusty beans. it's a pure mystery!

so, having long since found my favorite coffee, I'm now on the hunt for the perfect decaf tea.

hit me with it, my fine tea friends!

John Sheppard lifts a cup to his lips and then makes a face and wiggles his tongue in disgust. The slight smile on Teyla's face behind him might indicate she monkeyed with his beverage.
GIF by [tumblr.com profile] happycabbage

When a scene isn't working

Jun. 2nd, 2025 09:19 am
melagan: Coffee cup with Atlantis in the rising steam (Default)
[personal profile] melagan
smaller plot bunny banner

*

John and Rodney reading

When a scene just isn't working for you.


You've got a great idea only something isn't coming together quite right. A lot of plot bunnies end up gathering dust because of this very thing.

So, what do you do? That's a hell of a good question. What? It's not like I have the answer to it.

Although I do recall a little bit of advice I've found helpful. Backtrack through your work and find the place where it went off the rails. That's the point where it needs to be fixed.

Not that I have ever made my beloved characters have sex and forgotten to get their pants off first. *coff*
brightknightie: Girl running into the wind with a kite in summer (Enthusiasms)
[personal profile] brightknightie

Here are some recent fannish things I've happened to see and would like to share!

Spotlight: With strict scrutiny and nervous caution, wary that perhaps it was only nostalgia and rose-tinted goggles after all, Overly Sarcastic Productions brilliantly examined "The Lost Art of Marvel's Phase 1." Spoiler: Phase 1 really is as good as we thought it was! Yes, even that one! )

Ficathons, fests & communities

  • Create & engage
    • [community profile] fkficfest, the Forever Knight challenge, is in progress revealing its stories (one per day).
    • [community profile] justmarriedexchange is an exchange for marriage tropes. Nominations through June 10; sign-ups through June 22; due August 17.
    • [community profile] epidemfic is an exchange for illness themes and depictions. Sign-ups through June 8; due July 6.
    • [tumblr.com profile] beauty-beast-week is a week-long open celebration of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Posting is August 18-24.
    • [community profile] trope_of_the_month's June theme is "time loops."
    • [community profile] pinchhits is a forum for pinch-hits in exchanges. For example, [community profile] whumpex is seeking pinch hitters.
    • [community profile] whenisitdue tracks many more events than I note here!
  • Enjoy & share

Sidelight: This spring, I posted one recommendation in [community profile] recthething (for "the gears of time turn on" by LadyHoneydee (TLOZ:BOTW)). I used to have a recommendation-of-the-month project for FK fanfiction, long, long ago. I've been thinking of getting back into recommendations, via such communities, perhaps with mirroring in my AO3 account, definitely no longer limited by fandom. I'm wondering whether and how people really use recs these days. Would it be a good use of my time for others?


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