Yuletide Letter 2014
Looks like assignments have gone out, so it's past time to actually write this!
Yuletide Writer, let me start with this :
THANK YOU! I always enjoy Yuletide, and a large part of that is knowing that you're out there, writing a story for something I love. So thank you SO MUCH for that, and know that I'll love whatever you write.
I have broad and varied taste, so don't worry too much about writing a particular kind of story. Write something you can enjoy, and I'll appreciate it.
That said, I would prefer not to get a story containing non canon pregnancy, and while domestic fluff can be soothing, I'm usually looking for something a little more exciting.
For any of these requests, please know that while I requested certain characters, if you find yourself drawn to another -- go for it. I have my favorites, obviously, but if you feel you can write a better story with somebody else, I really won't mind. These fandoms have such wide and interesting casts!
The Tower at Stony Wood by Patricia A McKillip
I adore this book. I love McKillip, in general, but I've reread this book in particular often enough that I fear for the binding. There's something about the weight of history in it, heavy with magic and wrapped in such ephemeral beauty . . . Really, anything you write that can explore some of that, even a taste of it, will be treasured.
I have requested this book before, though I've never gotten a fic for it. I keep finding myself drawn to this particular passage:
He could not move. More than an absence of light held him still. There were voices just beyond his hearing, words of immense and complex power and meaning. There were visions beyond the black: colors that had never existed before, places reached by endless, intricate paths, so beautiful he could search for them in one lifetime, then linger in them for another. There were promises of unimaginable rewards for impossible dangers overcome, for precious things found, for those in dire distress and mortal need rescued and made safe. They pulled at him with a hundred whispering voices, a hundred gentle touches. Come, Cyan Dag. Go there. Do this. Learn that. Take this path, find, fight, save, kill, kneel, swear, love. If he could only free himself and turn, he would serve the perfect king, do the impossible deed, achieve his heart's desire, transform his world.
"Come back."
The voices sounded very far away. He heard his breath suddenly, quick and sharp, as if he had been running. He had pushed his free hand hard against a post stone, using all his strength as leverage against the hand pulling him back into the light of day. He wrenched at it; it tugged as fiercely at him. Somehow, despite his formidable strength and longing, he was jerked across the threshold into light. He stumbled, caught his balance and his breath, his face slick with sweat or tears. He stared bewilderedly at the woman who had forced him back into the world. Behind him, his sword dropped to the earth with a clang.
What would happen if Cyan Dag wasn't drawn back into the world? What would happen if he was, but then, after the adventure, he came back to this tower? Would anyone keep him grounded this time? Would someone go after him? What would he find? There are so many possibilities!
I am hoping, most, for some Cyan Dag/ Thayne Ysse interaction -- i loved their chemistry. But like I said, all of the characters in this book are interesting so find someone whose voice you like! I know I didn't request Cria Greenwood this time, but I'd hate to see her fridged -- perhaps they were together, but Cyan Dag couldn't readjust to life in the courts? Perhaps Cria's father managed to marry her off while he was gone. Perhaps, to avoid a loveless marriage, she went on a journey of her own and made her way to the Bard's in McKillip's other book, the Song For the Basilisk? Or maybe she's right there with him, and Thayne Ysse goes to rescue them both?
Genfic is okay with me (I often prefer it!), but like I said, chemistry . . . and while all the characters are great, I can really only see Cyan Dag paired up with either Thayne Ysse or Cria Greenwood (or both. Threesomes are fine!)
Melanthos and Sel have such a powerful presence in this story, as well -- the same scenario (or one entirely different!) from their viewpoint would be fascinating too.
But the adventure is the most important thing! Adventure, and magic. <3
The Adventures of Pete & Pete
I once received a great post-apocalyptic brothers story for this show, and it was brilliant. But I think this year I'd want a different sort of story, something more grounded in the existing world of Wellsville and the Wrigley's home. This town is weird and wonderful, and the way Pete and Pete interact with it and with each other is a large part of the appeal of this show.
I'm really fond of both brothers -- Little Pete's headlong zest for adventure and the huge chip on his shoulder, Big Pete's awkward sensitivity and dorky sincerity. They're great brothers, and this weird town is a great backdrop for an adventure.
The show is so good at capturing childhood without being childish. A story that can hit that note would be simply fabulous.
The Invisible Man (TV 2000)
I'm a sucker for partners. Scifi flavored detective/spy partners with snarky banter and plenty of angst? It's like catnip. This show has some of the best snarky banter around, and the partnership between Darien Fawkes and Bobby Hobbes is truly inspiring.
Friendship, loyalty -- a story that keeps those in mind can go pretty much anywhere and I'd follow it happily.
The Books of the Raksura by Martha Wells
I'm currently rereading these, again. (I haven't read the new story collection, but I will have before I get your story) There's just something about Moon's prickly, defensive shell slowly softening around his family and friends that I really enjoy. The very good reasons for that shell still lurking around in the back of his mind make this even braver, and more interesting.
I like to see Moon thrown into situations where he just has to react, situations he's unfamiliar with and that make him nervous. He learns, through the books, to rely somewhat on those he's come to know and trust, but he's got good reason to be nervous and years of reflex and instinct to relearn. So it would be really cool to see his reactions from other points of view, as those with more traditional Raksuran experiences have to adjust their expectations, or deal with the fact that Moon just isn't following their script. Jade and Malachite, with their own atypical experiences, may have a better idea of what to expect, but what about someone like Tempest?
A story exploring those other viewpoints would be pretty great, is what I'm saying.
But again, for any of these requests, write the story you want to write. Have fun with it. I'll love the results!
This entry was originally posted at http://theladysnarkydame.dreamwidth.org/32540.html. You can comment there if you prefer.
Yuletide Writer, let me start with this :
THANK YOU! I always enjoy Yuletide, and a large part of that is knowing that you're out there, writing a story for something I love. So thank you SO MUCH for that, and know that I'll love whatever you write.
I have broad and varied taste, so don't worry too much about writing a particular kind of story. Write something you can enjoy, and I'll appreciate it.
That said, I would prefer not to get a story containing non canon pregnancy, and while domestic fluff can be soothing, I'm usually looking for something a little more exciting.
For any of these requests, please know that while I requested certain characters, if you find yourself drawn to another -- go for it. I have my favorites, obviously, but if you feel you can write a better story with somebody else, I really won't mind. These fandoms have such wide and interesting casts!
The Tower at Stony Wood by Patricia A McKillip
I adore this book. I love McKillip, in general, but I've reread this book in particular often enough that I fear for the binding. There's something about the weight of history in it, heavy with magic and wrapped in such ephemeral beauty . . . Really, anything you write that can explore some of that, even a taste of it, will be treasured.
I have requested this book before, though I've never gotten a fic for it. I keep finding myself drawn to this particular passage:
He could not move. More than an absence of light held him still. There were voices just beyond his hearing, words of immense and complex power and meaning. There were visions beyond the black: colors that had never existed before, places reached by endless, intricate paths, so beautiful he could search for them in one lifetime, then linger in them for another. There were promises of unimaginable rewards for impossible dangers overcome, for precious things found, for those in dire distress and mortal need rescued and made safe. They pulled at him with a hundred whispering voices, a hundred gentle touches. Come, Cyan Dag. Go there. Do this. Learn that. Take this path, find, fight, save, kill, kneel, swear, love. If he could only free himself and turn, he would serve the perfect king, do the impossible deed, achieve his heart's desire, transform his world.
"Come back."
The voices sounded very far away. He heard his breath suddenly, quick and sharp, as if he had been running. He had pushed his free hand hard against a post stone, using all his strength as leverage against the hand pulling him back into the light of day. He wrenched at it; it tugged as fiercely at him. Somehow, despite his formidable strength and longing, he was jerked across the threshold into light. He stumbled, caught his balance and his breath, his face slick with sweat or tears. He stared bewilderedly at the woman who had forced him back into the world. Behind him, his sword dropped to the earth with a clang.
What would happen if Cyan Dag wasn't drawn back into the world? What would happen if he was, but then, after the adventure, he came back to this tower? Would anyone keep him grounded this time? Would someone go after him? What would he find? There are so many possibilities!
I am hoping, most, for some Cyan Dag/ Thayne Ysse interaction -- i loved their chemistry. But like I said, all of the characters in this book are interesting so find someone whose voice you like! I know I didn't request Cria Greenwood this time, but I'd hate to see her fridged -- perhaps they were together, but Cyan Dag couldn't readjust to life in the courts? Perhaps Cria's father managed to marry her off while he was gone. Perhaps, to avoid a loveless marriage, she went on a journey of her own and made her way to the Bard's in McKillip's other book, the Song For the Basilisk? Or maybe she's right there with him, and Thayne Ysse goes to rescue them both?
Genfic is okay with me (I often prefer it!), but like I said, chemistry . . . and while all the characters are great, I can really only see Cyan Dag paired up with either Thayne Ysse or Cria Greenwood (or both. Threesomes are fine!)
Melanthos and Sel have such a powerful presence in this story, as well -- the same scenario (or one entirely different!) from their viewpoint would be fascinating too.
But the adventure is the most important thing! Adventure, and magic. <3
The Adventures of Pete & Pete
I once received a great post-apocalyptic brothers story for this show, and it was brilliant. But I think this year I'd want a different sort of story, something more grounded in the existing world of Wellsville and the Wrigley's home. This town is weird and wonderful, and the way Pete and Pete interact with it and with each other is a large part of the appeal of this show.
I'm really fond of both brothers -- Little Pete's headlong zest for adventure and the huge chip on his shoulder, Big Pete's awkward sensitivity and dorky sincerity. They're great brothers, and this weird town is a great backdrop for an adventure.
The show is so good at capturing childhood without being childish. A story that can hit that note would be simply fabulous.
The Invisible Man (TV 2000)
I'm a sucker for partners. Scifi flavored detective/spy partners with snarky banter and plenty of angst? It's like catnip. This show has some of the best snarky banter around, and the partnership between Darien Fawkes and Bobby Hobbes is truly inspiring.
Friendship, loyalty -- a story that keeps those in mind can go pretty much anywhere and I'd follow it happily.
The Books of the Raksura by Martha Wells
I'm currently rereading these, again. (I haven't read the new story collection, but I will have before I get your story) There's just something about Moon's prickly, defensive shell slowly softening around his family and friends that I really enjoy. The very good reasons for that shell still lurking around in the back of his mind make this even braver, and more interesting.
I like to see Moon thrown into situations where he just has to react, situations he's unfamiliar with and that make him nervous. He learns, through the books, to rely somewhat on those he's come to know and trust, but he's got good reason to be nervous and years of reflex and instinct to relearn. So it would be really cool to see his reactions from other points of view, as those with more traditional Raksuran experiences have to adjust their expectations, or deal with the fact that Moon just isn't following their script. Jade and Malachite, with their own atypical experiences, may have a better idea of what to expect, but what about someone like Tempest?
A story exploring those other viewpoints would be pretty great, is what I'm saying.
But again, for any of these requests, write the story you want to write. Have fun with it. I'll love the results!
This entry was originally posted at http://theladysnarkydame.dreamwidth.org/32540.html. You can comment there if you prefer.