QAF Article Update & New Conference

[gaedhal]

Sorry for being a bit MIA, but the beginning of the
semester has been hectic, as usual.

Also, I've been working on revisions of my article on
same-sex marriage in QAF. The book is moving forward
and has a publisher, so I want the article to be as
good as I can get it (Brian would expect no less!).
I'm hoping the book will be out sometime next year,
perhaps in the fall. I'll let you all know.

That said, it's also conference time again! I'll be
giving a presentation on the fan fiction panel on
one of my favorite subjects: original characters
in fan fiction! It's a controversial topic and
since at least one of my original characters is
"infamous" in QAF fandom, I thought I'd tackle it.

I will be soliciting your thoughts, feelings, pet
peers, whatever, on the subject of original characters
in fan fiction. You don't have to limit it to QAF
fics, although I'd love to hear what you have to say
about "Ron"! Yes, I already know what some of you
think about him, but I'd like you guys to articulate
it. Also, if your feelings about original characters
has changed at all through the years. When I first
introduced Ron back in 2002 and when it was clear he
was going to be a major and continuing character, I
got a LOT of grief about it, believe me, mainly because
Ron seemed to take focus off Justin and/or Brian/Justin
as a couple. He was an interloper and so became an easy
villain for many readers. But Ron also had his fans.

So think about it. You can respond in this thread or
if you'd prefer, you can e-mail me privately.

Don't hold back!

Thanks,

Gael