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Snowflake Challenge 3
Jan. 7th, 2015 06:00 pm
Day Three
In your own space, talk about your creative process - from what inspires you to what motivates you to how you manage to break through blocks. Does your process change depending on the type of creating you're doing? Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.
Deadlines? I'm really poor about writing fics outside of swaps, I have a hard time self motivating. Knowing I absolutely have to come through makes me put words on a page. Creatively? Pictures can help - I have several sitting there for my swap fic. I know I absorb a lot through pictures and music and other stories, it just sits in the back of in my mind and eventually comes out further down the line. Though usually the original ideas and the actual finished fic can vary quite a lot.
I have a lot of ideas and inspiration usually - I've thought up way more fics than I've ever written. My problem is the follow through - it's actually writing the idea down, making it a story. Also I've found it helps if it's only a half formed idea, not a full one. Sometimes I hear entire fics in my head, like an audiobook or something, but if I listen to them it means there's no more curiosity, I've already figured out/seen the story, I don't have an urge to write it anymore. If it showed up fully formed in Word, I'd be pleased, but there's no desire to struggle through the process. I've lost more than a few fics that way.
How do I get rid of writing blocks? Write Or Die used to be my thing, though it's moving to a paid version and isn't quite as straightforward as it used to be.
My icon work and cover art seem even more random than that. But good pictures and/or inspiring fic make it easy.
Snowflake Challenge 2
Jan. 5th, 2015 11:52 pm
Day Two
In your own space, create a list of at least three fannish things you'd love to receive, something you've wanted but were afraid to ask for - a fannish wish-list of sorts. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your wish-list if you feel comfortable doing so. Maybe someone will grant a wish. Check out other people's posts. Maybe you will grant a wish. If any wishes are granted, we'd love it if you link them to this post.
Remember that you can ask for whatever you want - icons, ficlets with specific relationships, a beta, art, haiku, interpretive dance, whatever. And note that it's at least three things...have fun with it.
1) Fanmixes for any of my fics - I love music, and I've seen some fantastic fanmixes for both fics and also general themes/tropes.
2) Fanart for my fics - I can't draw to save my life, it seems like. So I admire people who can draw or use Photoshop better than I can.
3) More Erestor/Glorfindel fics? I know that it's a pairing that has a lot of fics for it already, but man if it isn't my happy place when I find the world distressing.
4) A really good tutorial for photoshopping tattoos on people. Anybody know one? I have a cover art idea, but need more reference materials. Also really good pictures of Erestor and Glorfindel in Tengwar script.
Snowflake Challenge - Day 1
Jan. 1st, 2015 05:57 pm
Day 1
In your own space, post a rec for at least three fanworks that you have created. It can be your favorite fanworks that you've created, or fanworks you feel no one ever saw, or fanworks you say would define you as a creator.
~
Ghosts That We Knew - Erestor/Glorfindel, R
Elves in modern times verse, with a dash of reincarnation. (Or - What happens when you find your longtime ex-boyfriend working in a tattoo shop.)
Love this story, stupidly proud of it. Not seen anything like it elsewhere.
~
The Call, Haldir/Erestor, R
All Haldir's life, he had never heard the call.
Hal's one of my favorite elves, and I have a massive soft spot for Fourth Age Imladris. Feel like it kind of has it all? Romance, some drunken Grand Gestures, Glorfindel the Matchmaker, people getting to know each other, sharing loss, and my headcanon for why Haldir stayed on with Celeborn until Celeborn finally joined Galadriel in Valinor.
~
On the Road - Maglor, G
Maglor discovering the electric guitar. Double drabble, pretty simple, but I think it tells its own story. Though it feels a little like it could be a great summary for a 30k fic there.
Snowflake Challenge, Day 11, 12
Jan. 15th, 2014 11:50 amDay 11
Stretch yourself a little and try something new. Go play in a new fandom or with a new pairing or trope. Try creating a different kind of fanwork. Or check out some types of fanworks that are new to you. (The recs from Day 1, Day 3, and Day 9 might be a good place to start!) Leave a comment in this post saying you did it.
I'm going a rec list for this prompt - I've complied what I've done so far and put it in a private, stickied entry right now. I've got a lot more stories to add, but not a lot of time/energy at the moment. So it's definitely a WIP. When I have more stories up, I'll make it public.
Day 12
In your own space, talk about what you think the future holds for fandom. What are your hopes and dreams for fandom? Do you have any predictions about what the next five years holds for fandom? Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.
( thoughts on fandom's future )
Stretch yourself a little and try something new. Go play in a new fandom or with a new pairing or trope. Try creating a different kind of fanwork. Or check out some types of fanworks that are new to you. (The recs from Day 1, Day 3, and Day 9 might be a good place to start!) Leave a comment in this post saying you did it.
I'm going a rec list for this prompt - I've complied what I've done so far and put it in a private, stickied entry right now. I've got a lot more stories to add, but not a lot of time/energy at the moment. So it's definitely a WIP. When I have more stories up, I'll make it public.
Day 12
In your own space, talk about what you think the future holds for fandom. What are your hopes and dreams for fandom? Do you have any predictions about what the next five years holds for fandom? Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.
( thoughts on fandom's future )
Snowflake Challenge, Day 9, 10
Jan. 14th, 2014 03:43 pmDay 9
In your own space, rec at least 3 fanworks you thought you wouldn't like (because they weren't your fandom or they pushed against your boundaries or you thought you just wouldn't be interested) but you ended up loving. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.
( 6 fic recommendations )
Day 10
In your own space, create a list of at least three fannish things you'd love to receive, something you've wanted but were afraid to ask for - a fannish wish-list of sorts. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your wish-list if you feel comfortable doing so. Maybe someone will grant a wish. Check out other people's posts. Maybe you will grant a wish. If any wishes are granted, we'd love it if you link them to this post.
I don't know if this is exactly what they intended, but these were what came to mind.
In your own space, rec at least 3 fanworks you thought you wouldn't like (because they weren't your fandom or they pushed against your boundaries or you thought you just wouldn't be interested) but you ended up loving. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.
( 6 fic recommendations )
Day 10
In your own space, create a list of at least three fannish things you'd love to receive, something you've wanted but were afraid to ask for - a fannish wish-list of sorts. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your wish-list if you feel comfortable doing so. Maybe someone will grant a wish. Check out other people's posts. Maybe you will grant a wish. If any wishes are granted, we'd love it if you link them to this post.
I don't know if this is exactly what they intended, but these were what came to mind.
- Feedback - tell me what you think of my work if you read it, even just a 'this was nice' is wonderful to me. I've had incidences of people telling other people they liked my stories and then it trickles back to me. I always wonder why they didn't tell me personally. If you like something I did, please tell me. It's a valued gift.
- Fanmixes - I've seen more of these around fandom these days, and I think they are awesome, so if someone would want to make a fanmix of any of my work or for a specific pairing I write, that'd be pretty cool.
- Slashy Swap promotion - if you like participating in the Slashy Swaps and enjoy spreading the word, please consider promoting the summer or winter swap next time it comes through. Word of mouth recommendations are invaluable.
- I would also never turn down fanart, lol.
Snowflake Challenge, Day 7 and 8
Jan. 13th, 2014 08:17 pmDay 7
In your own space, create a fanwork. A drabble, a ficlet, a podfic, or an icon, art or meta or a rec list. A picspam. Something. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.
Was really running short on inspiration for this one, hence another delay. I'll catch up on the days eventually, I guess. I made an E/G icon - it's pretty simple, but I'm proud of it, particularly because the guy on the left had a very large forehead and receding hairline (poor guy) and I managed to fix it. (I'd be very dangerous with better Photoshop skills, I think.) Playing with the not strictly 100x100 format too.
Day 8
In your own space, create a love meme for yourself. Let people tell you how amazing and awesome and loveable you really are. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so. Surf the comments and find people to give love to.
Because of Dawn's post on this subject, I will not make any 'this is uncomfortable' comments. I do appreciate whatever you care to share, though.
In your own space, create a fanwork. A drabble, a ficlet, a podfic, or an icon, art or meta or a rec list. A picspam. Something. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.
Was really running short on inspiration for this one, hence another delay. I'll catch up on the days eventually, I guess. I made an E/G icon - it's pretty simple, but I'm proud of it, particularly because the guy on the left had a very large forehead and receding hairline (poor guy) and I managed to fix it. (I'd be very dangerous with better Photoshop skills, I think.) Playing with the not strictly 100x100 format too.
Day 8
In your own space, create a love meme for yourself. Let people tell you how amazing and awesome and loveable you really are. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so. Surf the comments and find people to give love to.
Because of Dawn's post on this subject, I will not make any 'this is uncomfortable' comments. I do appreciate whatever you care to share, though.
Snowflake Challenge, Day 6
Jan. 10th, 2014 09:43 amDay Six:
In your own space, share a book/song/movie/tv show/fanwork/etc that changed your life. Something that impacted on your consciousness in a way that left its mark on your soul. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.
As far as fandom goes, definitely Tolkien and Lord of the Rings as far as changing the trajectory of my life. But the book that stuck out in my mind for this was The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. She drew an analogy with one of the main characters trying to plant a garden in the Congolese soil, using the exact same method he used in America, ignoring the input of the people who had successfully farmed the ground for years and the garden failing. It is something that has stuck with me, both on a large scale but also personally - I hope will help me not to have a 'my way is the only way that is right' type of attitude, ignoring other people and their different experiences around me.
In your own space, share a book/song/movie/tv show/fanwork/etc that changed your life. Something that impacted on your consciousness in a way that left its mark on your soul. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.
As far as fandom goes, definitely Tolkien and Lord of the Rings as far as changing the trajectory of my life. But the book that stuck out in my mind for this was The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. She drew an analogy with one of the main characters trying to plant a garden in the Congolese soil, using the exact same method he used in America, ignoring the input of the people who had successfully farmed the ground for years and the garden failing. It is something that has stuck with me, both on a large scale but also personally - I hope will help me not to have a 'my way is the only way that is right' type of attitude, ignoring other people and their different experiences around me.
Snowflake Challenge, Day 4, 5
Jan. 9th, 2014 04:36 pmDay Four:
In your own space, post a rec for at least three fanworks that you did not create. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so. See if you can rec fanworks that are less likely to be praised: tiny fandoms, rare pairings, fanworks other than stories, lesser-known kinks or tropes. Find fanworks that have few to no comments, or creators new to a particular fandom who maybe aren't well known or appreciated. Appreciate them.
I realized while I was finding stuff to recommend for day 3 that I had not commented on those stories, just bookmarked them, so I went back and gave them some love. I don't know them at all and they're part of fandoms I only read in generally, so I think this counts.
Day Five:
In your own space, talk about a creator. Show us why you think they are amazing. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.
I went back and forth on who to pick for this day (hence part of the reason I'm running behind, lol) but I'm going to go with my instinct and talk a little about![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
keiliss. I try to keep my fangirl in check most of the time but I think this is permission to let her out, right?
( Long, so behind a cut )
In your own space, post a rec for at least three fanworks that you did not create. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so. See if you can rec fanworks that are less likely to be praised: tiny fandoms, rare pairings, fanworks other than stories, lesser-known kinks or tropes. Find fanworks that have few to no comments, or creators new to a particular fandom who maybe aren't well known or appreciated. Appreciate them.
I realized while I was finding stuff to recommend for day 3 that I had not commented on those stories, just bookmarked them, so I went back and gave them some love. I don't know them at all and they're part of fandoms I only read in generally, so I think this counts.
Day Five:
In your own space, talk about a creator. Show us why you think they are amazing. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.
I went back and forth on who to pick for this day (hence part of the reason I'm running behind, lol) but I'm going to go with my instinct and talk a little about
keiliss. I try to keep my fangirl in check most of the time but I think this is permission to let her out, right? ( Long, so behind a cut )
Snowflake Challenge, Day 3
Jan. 8th, 2014 10:09 amDay Three:
In your own space, post a rec for at least three fanworks that you did not create. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so. See if you can rec fanworks that are less likely to be praised: tiny fandoms, rare pairings, fanworks other than stories, lesser-known kinks or tropes. Find fanworks that have few to no comments, or creators new to a particular fandom who maybe aren't well known or appreciated. Appreciate them.
I Do Not Grant Wishes by myownremedy (American Gods - Salim/Ifrit, PG, I guess?)
I love American Gods, it is one of my favorite books, and the side thread of Salim, the salesman from Oman, isolated and alone in New York and finding momentary respite with an Ifrit (a class of Jinn) touched me. I happened upon this story by accident, and it's a true gem. This part about what happened to the Ifrit after they parted ways. There's also a link to the second part, about what happened with Salim. Warning: sadness.
while you are pretty through the night by paperclipbitch (Thor - Fandral/Sif, explicit)
Anything by paperclipbitch is pretty much brilliant, but I was taken aback by this story. It's not a pairing I read, but for this story and universe (normal AU, did I mention I have a weakness for AUs?), I absolutely ship it. Fandral and Sif jump right off the page and I couldn't look away. This isn't a dynamic I usually read, but she completely sold me on it.
He stuns you by degrees- by angelheadedhipster (Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy - Bill Haydon/Jim Prideaux, explicit)
I haven't read the book yet (I want to!) but I saw the miniseries and the movie and each rendition made me wonder about Bill and Jim and how the relationship started and the huge backstory that was there. This is a story that starts at the very end, and then goes back to the beginning. Very cleverly done and so good.
In your own space, post a rec for at least three fanworks that you did not create. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so. See if you can rec fanworks that are less likely to be praised: tiny fandoms, rare pairings, fanworks other than stories, lesser-known kinks or tropes. Find fanworks that have few to no comments, or creators new to a particular fandom who maybe aren't well known or appreciated. Appreciate them.
I Do Not Grant Wishes by myownremedy (American Gods - Salim/Ifrit, PG, I guess?)
I love American Gods, it is one of my favorite books, and the side thread of Salim, the salesman from Oman, isolated and alone in New York and finding momentary respite with an Ifrit (a class of Jinn) touched me. I happened upon this story by accident, and it's a true gem. This part about what happened to the Ifrit after they parted ways. There's also a link to the second part, about what happened with Salim. Warning: sadness.
while you are pretty through the night by paperclipbitch (Thor - Fandral/Sif, explicit)
Anything by paperclipbitch is pretty much brilliant, but I was taken aback by this story. It's not a pairing I read, but for this story and universe (normal AU, did I mention I have a weakness for AUs?), I absolutely ship it. Fandral and Sif jump right off the page and I couldn't look away. This isn't a dynamic I usually read, but she completely sold me on it.
He stuns you by degrees- by angelheadedhipster (Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy - Bill Haydon/Jim Prideaux, explicit)
I haven't read the book yet (I want to!) but I saw the miniseries and the movie and each rendition made me wonder about Bill and Jim and how the relationship started and the huge backstory that was there. This is a story that starts at the very end, and then goes back to the beginning. Very cleverly done and so good.
Snowflake Challenge, Day 2
Jan. 2nd, 2014 06:51 pmDay Two:
In your own space, promote three communities, challenges, blogs, pages, Twitters, Tumblrs or platforms and explain why you love them. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.
Because I cannot stick to the rules, I have four.
Library of Moria
I don't read here much anymore now, but this site was transformative to me. I'd dabbled in forums, and spent some time on FF.net, but when I found LoM in 2004, I fell into LoTR fanfiction lock, stock and barrel. This was back when I had dial-up, and I was loading stories to save them to my computer to read at very late hours of the night. There was a time when I'd read almost everything on it. Also, I found links to the Yahoo groups through this website, and the community I found on the Yahoo groups was amazing and something I remember fondly. Then I ended up on Livejournal...so really, my fandom journey started here, and I will always love it for that.
The Slashy Santa Swaps (LoTR slash and femslash fanfiction exchange, all ratings)
The Slashy Santa swaps started in 2004, and I started reading LoTR fanfiction in early 2004. The swaps have been a part of my fandom experience for almost ten years now. There have been 15 swaps, and I've participated in 10 of them (I think my math's right!). In 2011, I was able to join the Slashy Swap team and co-run the swaps with Kenaz. It's an honor to participate and give back to my fandom that way, and always amazing to see the outpouring of creativity and camaraderie at this time.
Archive Of Our Own
I didn't like this archive much when it started, the feel was too foreign, but it's an archive I love now. By the fans, for the fans, one huge community where we can all play with our favorite fandoms. It's also my favorite place to go to check out different fandoms. The subscriptions and the bookmarking system are wonderful. The tag system is just evil, because I've stayed up waaaaaay too late at night clicking different ones and seeing what's there.
Honourable Mention:
Of Elves and Men
Of Elves and Men has been around for as long as I can remember as an archive for LoTR fanfiction of all types, and I've always admired Alex and Buttercup's dedication and commitment to keeping this archive up.
In your own space, promote three communities, challenges, blogs, pages, Twitters, Tumblrs or platforms and explain why you love them. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.
Because I cannot stick to the rules, I have four.
Library of Moria
I don't read here much anymore now, but this site was transformative to me. I'd dabbled in forums, and spent some time on FF.net, but when I found LoM in 2004, I fell into LoTR fanfiction lock, stock and barrel. This was back when I had dial-up, and I was loading stories to save them to my computer to read at very late hours of the night. There was a time when I'd read almost everything on it. Also, I found links to the Yahoo groups through this website, and the community I found on the Yahoo groups was amazing and something I remember fondly. Then I ended up on Livejournal...so really, my fandom journey started here, and I will always love it for that.
The Slashy Santa Swaps (LoTR slash and femslash fanfiction exchange, all ratings)
The Slashy Santa swaps started in 2004, and I started reading LoTR fanfiction in early 2004. The swaps have been a part of my fandom experience for almost ten years now. There have been 15 swaps, and I've participated in 10 of them (I think my math's right!). In 2011, I was able to join the Slashy Swap team and co-run the swaps with Kenaz. It's an honor to participate and give back to my fandom that way, and always amazing to see the outpouring of creativity and camaraderie at this time.
Archive Of Our Own
I didn't like this archive much when it started, the feel was too foreign, but it's an archive I love now. By the fans, for the fans, one huge community where we can all play with our favorite fandoms. It's also my favorite place to go to check out different fandoms. The subscriptions and the bookmarking system are wonderful. The tag system is just evil, because I've stayed up waaaaaay too late at night clicking different ones and seeing what's there.
Honourable Mention:
Of Elves and Men
Of Elves and Men has been around for as long as I can remember as an archive for LoTR fanfiction of all types, and I've always admired Alex and Buttercup's dedication and commitment to keeping this archive up.
Snowflake Challenge, Day 1
Jan. 1st, 2014 07:22 pmFor more info or to join us in the Snowflake Challenge, go here.
Day One:
In your own space, post a rec for at least three fanworks that you have created. It can be your favorite fanworks that you've created, or fanworks you feel no one ever saw, or fanworks you say would define you as a creator.
It feels like playing favorites with my kids, but, here are five highlights from my fanfic journey.
Blue - Glorfindel, G
Glorfindel was the character who drew me into writing fanfiction. This fic is about Glorfindel in Gondolin, and how he gained the lordship of the House of the Golden Flower. There was a whole arc planned, but I never quite made it there.
( click to read the rest )
Day One:
In your own space, post a rec for at least three fanworks that you have created. It can be your favorite fanworks that you've created, or fanworks you feel no one ever saw, or fanworks you say would define you as a creator.
It feels like playing favorites with my kids, but, here are five highlights from my fanfic journey.
Blue - Glorfindel, G
Glorfindel was the character who drew me into writing fanfiction. This fic is about Glorfindel in Gondolin, and how he gained the lordship of the House of the Golden Flower. There was a whole arc planned, but I never quite made it there.
( click to read the rest )
