Fic: Corpses Don't Bleed (Holmes/Watson, PG-13)

[sara_merry99]

I was digging through my "Abandoned Stories" file and found this. Generally reading my abandoned stories is a mistake, because they make me despair about my pretense of having any ability to write. I was surprised to find that this one doesn't totally suck...

If anyone ::koff watergal:: has any suggestions for posting or archiving this, I'd really

Comments

[farad]

I am so gonna smack you. You know, *you know*, that all beginning writers have to learn the art and craft of writing, so early works cannot be counted toward or against one's developed ability. you are an awesome writer. I just got an e-mail that effect - yes, about *you* - from someone this morning, and I have every intention of getting her to say it to *you*. *Geez*, Nathan, you've got a blessing of a talent here - don't make me shoot you in the foot to make you understand!!

[sara_merry99]

No smacking, no smacking! Seriously!! This isn't all that old a story--I wrote it in December of 2005, and I do kind of know what's wrong with it (lots of "blahblahblah" and nothing happening). It was just okay enough to post without fixing it and I knew I was never going to fix it, so I might as well let it get some air.

I have written *good* Holmes/Watson, in fact one of the five best stories I've ever written was H/W (at least in my own mind), so I know I can do it. This just *isn't* it. (That would be Duty, Honour and Loyalty, if you're interested.) And I wrote Duty in 2002 or something.

The problems with this story aren't beginning writer problems, it just ... well, it doesn't quite suck but it's not very good either.

I'm blithering but that's because I'm trying to dodge being slapped.

[farad]

You're right - it isn't that old. which means squat. It's a different kind of story for you - yes, exposition. We all have to do those - and we will continue to do those, if for not other reason than to nail down in our heads what we *are* doing and where we do want to go. The C/V/E story I'm currently writing? I've started it - 4 times? Finally got it the way I wanted it. Everyone of the other 4 times started in a different place, different way, and eventually they will all end up - somewhere, maybe in this story, maybe not. (Actually, one of them already has, but not where it was originally conceived.) part of the process.

And lots of 'blah blah blah/nothing happening' has name - vignette. Or 'mood piece'. Not all stories have to go places - sometimes, just writing character analysis is - good. (In the publishing world, I think they call it 'contemporary fiction' . . )

So keep ducking - smackage still awaits.

[sara_merry99]

And lots of 'blah blah blah/nothing happening' has name - vignette. Or 'mood piece'. Not all stories have to go places - sometimes, just writing character analysis is - good.Oh, I suppose, if you put it that way. :D

[watergal]

::koff::
I may know of some options

Slash Cotillion is still popular with Holmsians, tho it doesn't get much other traffic. However Improbable is Holmes slash specific. I don't know how muc traffic it gets. cox_and_co postings often get feedback.

Glad you hauled this out for the publice. post-EMPT fics always seem to be popular. I'm trying to get brave enough to look at my old stuff, but I keep losing my nerve!

[sara_merry99]

I was pretty sure you might know of some other options. :D

I sent it off to the archivist at Highly Improbable and archived it at the Cotillion.

I'm not a member of cox_and_co and I feel guilty joining just to post a story and then bail. Maybe I'll screw up my courage about that over the weekend.

It's definitely scary looking at the old stuff. But I've managed to get some pretty decent stories out of the Abandoned file, even some downright good ones, so it's worth sifting through the crap every so often.

Thanks for reading!

[watergal]

Let me know about cox. If you decied not to join, I'd be happy to post a link to this post for you.

[sara_merry99]

Looking at cox_anc_co, I'm now thinking I'll join but not post my story. So much recently posted there has been *wonderful*! That person doing art is just amazing!

[daylyn]

Oh, please post your story and cox_and_co. I just found this from Lyra's links page, and I loved it. Watson's pain and grief was so palpable, as was Holmes' sadness. This was great and should defnitely be shared.

[sara_merry99]

Thanks so much!! I really appreciate the encouragement.

I just asked to join cox_and_co so hopefully I'll post it there in the next few days.

Thanks!! I'm glad you enjoyed it!