My father sent me a forward yesterday which included the following line:
When ships had sails, they used to use the trade winds to cross the ocean. Sometimes when the wind didn't blow the sailors would whistle to make the wind come.
My brother said they would have been better off eating beans. (William, age 7)
I dare someone to write this fic.
Writer's Block 1, Sarah 0
Sep. 12th, 2007 04:18 pm As all attempts to write recently have come to a screeching halt, I'm appeasing my guilt by re-posting some of my favorite LJ challenge drabbles & shorts at ff.net. That at least makes it look like I'm producing something.
Another new floater in the office today, and I had better luck explaining everything than I've had in quite a while. I have no clue why this happens, that I can do something wonderfully 8 times, then suck at it 4 times, then I'm good again once, maybe twice...It happens with lots of things. Even writing goes like that sometimes, where I write 4 or 5 pages and end up deleting the whole thing due to suck-dom.
In other news, hanging out w/![[profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
mymagritte tonight; should be a lot of fun, as I haven't seen anyone local other than happynonoplace in more than a week now, and I miss everyone. Missed out on the tentative trip to visit Boston this weekend, but that's okay, now I can use that cash to replace the phone that went MIA on vacation. My poor, free, pink phone. Not that I was desperately in love with having a pink phone, but it made a cute contrast with my green iPod, once I got over the shame of owning a pink elecronic.
Anyway...I know I meant to say something else...Oh, yeah, so there are long drabbles/very short stories of mine in memories here, which will be migrating over to FF.net if you follow my stuff there. And I'm getting a social life again.
And I still have writer's block. Although, I did have a 'Scoobies on a Cruise' idea that was mildly amusing. We'll see if anything ever gets going on that. I've also had some thoughts on a new "What If" Book, about the way things would have gone if the Initiative had never come to Sunnydale, and another which I have written in my head but not on the computer yet, that I'm putting off because it's going to be so intense and emotionally painful to write. So, we'll see. I'd like to get back and finish FAA and start posting the sequel, but it's just not coming right now. It will, though. I will finish the fudger eventually. Pinky swear.
Another new floater in the office today, and I had better luck explaining everything than I've had in quite a while. I have no clue why this happens, that I can do something wonderfully 8 times, then suck at it 4 times, then I'm good again once, maybe twice...It happens with lots of things. Even writing goes like that sometimes, where I write 4 or 5 pages and end up deleting the whole thing due to suck-dom.
In other news, hanging out w/
mymagritte tonight; should be a lot of fun, as I haven't seen anyone local other than happynonoplace in more than a week now, and I miss everyone. Missed out on the tentative trip to visit Boston this weekend, but that's okay, now I can use that cash to replace the phone that went MIA on vacation. My poor, free, pink phone. Not that I was desperately in love with having a pink phone, but it made a cute contrast with my green iPod, once I got over the shame of owning a pink elecronic.Anyway...I know I meant to say something else...Oh, yeah, so there are long drabbles/very short stories of mine in memories here, which will be migrating over to FF.net if you follow my stuff there. And I'm getting a social life again.
And I still have writer's block. Although, I did have a 'Scoobies on a Cruise' idea that was mildly amusing. We'll see if anything ever gets going on that. I've also had some thoughts on a new "What If" Book, about the way things would have gone if the Initiative had never come to Sunnydale, and another which I have written in my head but not on the computer yet, that I'm putting off because it's going to be so intense and emotionally painful to write. So, we'll see. I'd like to get back and finish FAA and start posting the sequel, but it's just not coming right now. It will, though. I will finish the fudger eventually. Pinky swear.
BtVS Characters & their Pets
Jun. 1st, 2007 08:41 amOkay, I posted once before about this, a few months ago, but it was buried in a much longer post. So, I'm gonna try again; because other than Kate (thanks!), I've heard no other thoughts.
Now, with the notable exception of Amy in rat form, no one on Buffy had a pet. But, after Chosen, when they are spread to far corners of the world without their friends and family, I picture them getting animals. I am not taking into account the comics, FYI. Here are my thoughts in that direction; let me know what you think.
Buffy & Dawn: They never had pets, but I picture Joyce as one of those moms who fed stray cats, and let you go up to random dogs at the park. I'd say they're ambivalent. They'd be happy to play with or take care of an animal if a boyfriend or roommate brought one around, but would not actively acquire their own pet. Although, Dawn seems more cat person, and Buffy more into dogs.
Xander: I think without his friends, and after the loss of Anya, Xander wants something to take care of, that needs him. It might not be a traditionally affectionate pet, like a dog or cat, but I do see him seeking an animal companion. My thought right now is a snake, or a bird of some kind. He'd probably get a parrot, because he'd think that was funny.
Willow: Without her parents and roommates there to say no, Willow would likely have animals. She liked having Amy around, and Miss Kitty Fantastico. They might be strays, or her own, but I think Willow will find some type of furry creatures to care for. And, possibly a lizard.
Giles: Faced with being the new head of the Watcher's Council, or even a high-ranking member of the surviving Watchers, I don't think Giles would seek out a pet. Of course, if the 'Council House', or wherever they are now that the old place blew up, had a cat wandering around, I think he would pet it. And possibly give it milk.
Spike: You just know he's a closet animal lover. Spike's personality seems so feline to me, that I can't picture him with a cat. That might not makes sense to anyone but me; but it would almost be like having another him hanging about. Spike, to me, is a dog guy. And not a 'toy dog' guy, or a guy who would get a really cute dog like a golden retriever to attract women. I picture him with a bulldog or mastiff mutt mix.
Angel: Now, here's a cat guy. Short hair, though. He wants a pet, so he'll feel needed, but nothing too pressuring; dogs need to be walked, after all. A cat would do it's own thing, then curl up in his lap while he read Kierkegaard, or Niche, or whatever. And he'd never have to admit it was his; he could say he got it for the group. The cat wouldn't cling. And, if it caught a mouse, you know he'd be proud.
Faith: Yeah, I can't picture Faith with a pet. Maybe a dog? But, not right now. She needs to mature more. I'd put her in the Buffy and Dawn ambivalent category. If Robin got a dog (you know he's a Labrador guy), she'd probably ignore it.
So, thoughts?
Now, with the notable exception of Amy in rat form, no one on Buffy had a pet. But, after Chosen, when they are spread to far corners of the world without their friends and family, I picture them getting animals. I am not taking into account the comics, FYI. Here are my thoughts in that direction; let me know what you think.
Buffy & Dawn: They never had pets, but I picture Joyce as one of those moms who fed stray cats, and let you go up to random dogs at the park. I'd say they're ambivalent. They'd be happy to play with or take care of an animal if a boyfriend or roommate brought one around, but would not actively acquire their own pet. Although, Dawn seems more cat person, and Buffy more into dogs.
Xander: I think without his friends, and after the loss of Anya, Xander wants something to take care of, that needs him. It might not be a traditionally affectionate pet, like a dog or cat, but I do see him seeking an animal companion. My thought right now is a snake, or a bird of some kind. He'd probably get a parrot, because he'd think that was funny.
Willow: Without her parents and roommates there to say no, Willow would likely have animals. She liked having Amy around, and Miss Kitty Fantastico. They might be strays, or her own, but I think Willow will find some type of furry creatures to care for. And, possibly a lizard.
Giles: Faced with being the new head of the Watcher's Council, or even a high-ranking member of the surviving Watchers, I don't think Giles would seek out a pet. Of course, if the 'Council House', or wherever they are now that the old place blew up, had a cat wandering around, I think he would pet it. And possibly give it milk.
Spike: You just know he's a closet animal lover. Spike's personality seems so feline to me, that I can't picture him with a cat. That might not makes sense to anyone but me; but it would almost be like having another him hanging about. Spike, to me, is a dog guy. And not a 'toy dog' guy, or a guy who would get a really cute dog like a golden retriever to attract women. I picture him with a bulldog or mastiff mutt mix.
Angel: Now, here's a cat guy. Short hair, though. He wants a pet, so he'll feel needed, but nothing too pressuring; dogs need to be walked, after all. A cat would do it's own thing, then curl up in his lap while he read Kierkegaard, or Niche, or whatever. And he'd never have to admit it was his; he could say he got it for the group. The cat wouldn't cling. And, if it caught a mouse, you know he'd be proud.
Faith: Yeah, I can't picture Faith with a pet. Maybe a dog? But, not right now. She needs to mature more. I'd put her in the Buffy and Dawn ambivalent category. If Robin got a dog (you know he's a Labrador guy), she'd probably ignore it.
So, thoughts?
It's that time of week...
Apr. 20th, 2007 11:11 amWhen the world seems to say,
Happy Friday!
To you and me.
Okay, so not my best work in re-writing song lyrics, but it fits. I forget the author's name at the moment, but there's a wonderful fic out there called "Better to Give Than to Receive", a christmas Spuffy, featuring love poems re-written. I'm always incredibly impressed with the work on the poems when I read it. You should check it out; I believe it's at Spuffy Realm, and possibly BSV. Those are the two I frequent most, so it must be one of them. For some reason Vampire's Kiss hasn't been loading correctly on my home computer, so I only read there now-a-days if it's a story/author who doesn't post anywhere else.
I'm temped to try my hand at this; either with poems or songs, but I'm gonna pass for now. Maybe after I finish a few things.
Oh, and my beta kinda freaked when I told her I was writing a Sparla fic, so if anyone is available/interested, let me know. I don't have much done, but I think it could use another set of eyes. Some things I'm prepared to post un-beta-ed, some not so much. That one is falling under not so much, at the moment. I think it's because the sex is a bit more graphic than I usually write, and I get worried about making it seem sensual and accurate to both biology and the characters.
I have a huge problem writing NC-17 stories (although, certainly not reading them, LOL). I've read so many, with really beautiful writing, that I don't want to be derivative. And it seems like everything's been done. With Spuffy, I've ended up skimming over the action, much the way I used to with my X-Files stories. I think with two vampires, though, where the sex is more about...Well, sex...Than love or romance, a bit more detail is needed.
My muse seems to be on her way back from vacation; I'm busting out all over with ideas right now. One is based on a Bloodshedverse challenge, the other just popped up like a little bunny, and isn't showing any signs of running away. I'm not sure if it'll ever get written, as it involved Giles and voyeurism, but I never thought I'd get all into writing Spike/Darla either, so who knows.
Enough ranting, off to work now. Latah!
Happy Friday!
To you and me.
Okay, so not my best work in re-writing song lyrics, but it fits. I forget the author's name at the moment, but there's a wonderful fic out there called "Better to Give Than to Receive", a christmas Spuffy, featuring love poems re-written. I'm always incredibly impressed with the work on the poems when I read it. You should check it out; I believe it's at Spuffy Realm, and possibly BSV. Those are the two I frequent most, so it must be one of them. For some reason Vampire's Kiss hasn't been loading correctly on my home computer, so I only read there now-a-days if it's a story/author who doesn't post anywhere else.
I'm temped to try my hand at this; either with poems or songs, but I'm gonna pass for now. Maybe after I finish a few things.
Oh, and my beta kinda freaked when I told her I was writing a Sparla fic, so if anyone is available/interested, let me know. I don't have much done, but I think it could use another set of eyes. Some things I'm prepared to post un-beta-ed, some not so much. That one is falling under not so much, at the moment. I think it's because the sex is a bit more graphic than I usually write, and I get worried about making it seem sensual and accurate to both biology and the characters.
I have a huge problem writing NC-17 stories (although, certainly not reading them, LOL). I've read so many, with really beautiful writing, that I don't want to be derivative. And it seems like everything's been done. With Spuffy, I've ended up skimming over the action, much the way I used to with my X-Files stories. I think with two vampires, though, where the sex is more about...Well, sex...Than love or romance, a bit more detail is needed.
My muse seems to be on her way back from vacation; I'm busting out all over with ideas right now. One is based on a Bloodshedverse challenge, the other just popped up like a little bunny, and isn't showing any signs of running away. I'm not sure if it'll ever get written, as it involved Giles and voyeurism, but I never thought I'd get all into writing Spike/Darla either, so who knows.
Enough ranting, off to work now. Latah!
Gigantic Ick Factor
Mar. 9th, 2007 12:29 pmNow, as a writer (of both fanfic and original works) occasionally I get an idea that blots out all other ideas; a project I MUST WORK ON NOW. Then, there are these random thoughts that pop up, and I say 'Ewwww; you're sick and wrong, and I'm not going to write you, no matter how long you hang out in my brain, so you may as well forget about me and go bother some other writer'. Unfortunately, I just had an idea that fits both categories.
Explanation: When I started FAA, and the planning made me realize just what a large undertaking it would be, I started a paralell universe, to accommodate shorter ideas that didn't fit into the FAA-verse. It's called the "What If" Books; and the prologue, explaining how the books came to be, is already up at fanfiction.net. Basically, I've committed myself to 50 stories outside of my main work on FAA and the sequels. And trust me, committed is probably the right word. So, occasionally, when I get the episode-rewrite type of ideas, I jot down a few paragraphs or a plot outline, and set it aside for when I get around to working on these 'What If' books again. Also, the early years of any character would fit into this series, the 'what was so-and-so like before they were a vampire', etc..
So, say, a Spike/Dark Willow story, like the idea I just had, would be a good fit. Except, I'm not a big fan of these stories. I've seen a couple of really well done Spillow stories, but I don't think I have it in me to write one. It would be interesting, though, especially if I could figure out a way to link their various authority and control issues to the development of the relationship...I really need to stop thinking about this.
Explanation: When I started FAA, and the planning made me realize just what a large undertaking it would be, I started a paralell universe, to accommodate shorter ideas that didn't fit into the FAA-verse. It's called the "What If" Books; and the prologue, explaining how the books came to be, is already up at fanfiction.net. Basically, I've committed myself to 50 stories outside of my main work on FAA and the sequels. And trust me, committed is probably the right word. So, occasionally, when I get the episode-rewrite type of ideas, I jot down a few paragraphs or a plot outline, and set it aside for when I get around to working on these 'What If' books again. Also, the early years of any character would fit into this series, the 'what was so-and-so like before they were a vampire', etc..
So, say, a Spike/Dark Willow story, like the idea I just had, would be a good fit. Except, I'm not a big fan of these stories. I've seen a couple of really well done Spillow stories, but I don't think I have it in me to write one. It would be interesting, though, especially if I could figure out a way to link their various authority and control issues to the development of the relationship...I really need to stop thinking about this.
Starting at the Beginning
Mar. 5th, 2007 10:32 pmThe hardest thing about writing FAA, and the reason it's taken me nearly two years to get through 11 chapters (with an interlude after chapter 7, so 12 sections) is that my brain likes to say "Hey, I finished" after each. So really, it's been like writing 12 stories mentally. They all interconnect, the way a chaptered fic should, but they were each written seperately in many ways.
I'm including a spoiler alert at this point, because I like to use my LJ to ramble about stuff. If you're reading FAA avidly, and don't like spoilers, just leave now. The rest of this entry is all about my writing. For those of you not reading FAA and not inclined to, you may not find this especially interesting, but then, you might. I use way too many commas.
Chapter 12 is either going to be much easier, or much harder, because I'm coming to the end of what's covered in the episode, and I have a good deal of action that needs completing before I can get on to the sequel. And the sequel is planned out already, in that I have plot points, and a vague timeline which places it before the third story, which is Penny's wedding on Fourth of July weekend, 2004. So, It's Thursday evening, April 28th in Chapter 11. The story ends sometime Monday. And the sequel covers May and June. Third story, July 4 weekend. Fourth story, probably Christmas. I haven't decided whether Christmas will be in LA, Lake Tahoe (don't ask), London, or New York. I suppose it depends on where people end up after the summer. And, for those of you who read "Saying it in Song", obviously the third story is also when Buffy moves to LA, although Buffy and William's date in Madrid I mentioned will be covered in the second story, as will Wes' move to Rome, and the recruiting of more renegade former Watchers.
Obviously, I need to hire those monkeys who write Hamlet, or I'm never gonna finish this thing.
I'm including a spoiler alert at this point, because I like to use my LJ to ramble about stuff. If you're reading FAA avidly, and don't like spoilers, just leave now. The rest of this entry is all about my writing. For those of you not reading FAA and not inclined to, you may not find this especially interesting, but then, you might. I use way too many commas.
Chapter 12 is either going to be much easier, or much harder, because I'm coming to the end of what's covered in the episode, and I have a good deal of action that needs completing before I can get on to the sequel. And the sequel is planned out already, in that I have plot points, and a vague timeline which places it before the third story, which is Penny's wedding on Fourth of July weekend, 2004. So, It's Thursday evening, April 28th in Chapter 11. The story ends sometime Monday. And the sequel covers May and June. Third story, July 4 weekend. Fourth story, probably Christmas. I haven't decided whether Christmas will be in LA, Lake Tahoe (don't ask), London, or New York. I suppose it depends on where people end up after the summer. And, for those of you who read "Saying it in Song", obviously the third story is also when Buffy moves to LA, although Buffy and William's date in Madrid I mentioned will be covered in the second story, as will Wes' move to Rome, and the recruiting of more renegade former Watchers.
Obviously, I need to hire those monkeys who write Hamlet, or I'm never gonna finish this thing.
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