Round 3: FAQ
Round 3: Frequently Asked Questions
This post contains all the information about this challenge. Please read the answers carefully before asking an additional question in the comments. If you need to contact me privately you can email me at tvdbigbangmods@gmail.com.
The Basics
What is a big bang?
A big bang is a fic challenge based around the collaboration of authors and artists on one long complete story. Authors write a completed story (minimum word count is 10,000) that artists then take a make customized art off of to go with it. Authors and artists then post their works together in one large project.
How do I sign up?
Individual sign up posts will be posted for authors and artists on May 11th. A form will be given in each sign up post that you fill out and comment with.
Can I sign up for more than one thing?
Absolutely, as long as you feel you can handle it you can sign up as both an author and artist (although you will not be allowed to do the art for your own story).
What is the schedule?
May 11th: All sign-ups begin
June 8th: Checkpoint #1 (non-mandatory)
July 6th: Checkpoint #2 (non-mandatory)
July 9th: Authors sign-ups close
August 3rd: Checkpoint #3 (mandatory)
August 20th: Authors drafts due
August 23rd: Artists sign-ups close
August 25th: Artists claims day
September 14th-21st: Artist Checkpoint (mandatory)
September 30th: Final Fic and Artist drafts due
October 3rd: Posting schedule is up
October 8th: Posting begins
Are there any character or pairing restrictions?
Absolutely not! As long as the character you want to write about as appeared in The Vampire Diaries world you are free to write about them, all and any pairings are allowed, not matter if they are controversial or not a popular pairing.
Do I have to write based on the tv show?
Nope, in the past we’ve allowed book based stories and will continue to do so.
What is a checkpoint?
A checkpoint is a post where author’s (and later on artists) can check in about their current status. The author checkpoints are used for encouragement and motivation only, and aren’t mandatory. We do use the information to keep track of where author’s are at in a spreadsheet.
Why is the artist checkpoint mandatory?
The artist checkpoint is mandatory because we are going to use it to make sure author and artist have been in contact with each other. It’s open for a full week, so any artist that doesn’t check in and doesn’t contact us will be defaulted from their assignment and a pinch hitter will be arranged for them.
We want to make sure pinch hitters have enough time to collaborate with an author before posting.
For Authors
Can I write gen or a crossover?
Absolutely! This challenge is open to gen, slash, femmslash, het, threesomes, moresomes etc. Crossovers are allowed as well, as long as the focus of them is on the TVD characters and not the crossed over fandom.
What is the required length?
Stories must be a minimum of 10,000 words and there is no maximum.
Can I signup twice or co-write a fic?
You can definitely sign up for writing two stories as long as you are sure you can complete both. You may also cowrite a fic. For cowriting please have one person sign up for the both of you. (You can also sign up to write your own story AND co-write a story with someone)
Can I use a fic I've already started?
Yes, as long as the story is not fully complete and has not been appeared anywhere online (either in part or in full) you may use it in this challenge. If you have a specific example or question regarding this you can ask in the comments or by sending us an email describing your issue and we'll be able to give you an answer.
Does my story have to be beta read?
We would prefer if it was before posting, there are communities to look for betas if you are unable to find one on your own. We will also have a beta sign up post to help out authors. If, you are not able to find a beta we ask you proofread your story carefully before posting.
I’ve changed my plot/pairing since I signed up, do I have to tell you?
Not at all! You can change your plot/characters/pairings as much as you want before you submit your rough draft, we do not need to know when you do. All we will be keeping track of is what you have written when your rough draft is turned in.
What if I am not able to turn in a rough draft/need to drop out?
Just let us know! There are no consequences and we would love to see you again next year. If you do not meet the minimum but want to keep trying instead of dropping out you can join the Unofficial Track.
What is the Unofficial Track?
It's our way of giving authors a way to stay in the challenge if they are struggling. To join it you send in your rough draft according to the instructions given but put unofficial in the subject line of the email. Your summary WILL NOT go into claims, and you will have until the funal due date to complete your story. If you end up completing it we will arrange an artist for you, if you don't complete it there are no consequences.
What should my rough draft look like?
Your rough draft should be at least 8,000 words or 80% done. It should have a clear beginning, middle and end. This way your artist and mixer can have a full story to work with in order to create art. It does not however need to be the completed fic or be beta read.
How should I submit my rough draft?
Email your rough draft in a .doc format to tvdbigbangmods@gmail.com. It may take a little while for us to email you back, but we will email you with a confirmation once we've processed your information and have added it to our spreadsheet.
What should I include in my header when I submit my rough draft?
Your header must include the following, in this format:
LJ Username:
Current Word Count:
Percent Complete:
Title:
Type: (gen, slash, het, crossover - put all that apply)
Rating:
Characters/Pairings:
Warnings (sexual context, non-con, violence, strong language, characters death, etc - if there is anything in your fic potential artists should be warned about include it)
Summary: (try to write 1-3 paragraphs, please no more then 3)
AN EXAMPLE:
LJ Username: chosenfire28
Current Word Count: 11,111
Percent Complete: %100
Title: Transition
Type: Femslash
Rating: NC-17
Characters/Pairings: Caroline/Elena
Warnings temporary character death
Summary: Elena helps Caroline adjust to being a vampire.
Information about how to turn in your rough draft, final draft, and how to post your story will be given closer to the deadlines for each.
What should I warn for?
Other warnings are up to you, but please note that warning for rape, dub-con, incest, graphic self-harm/suicide, underage sexual activity, and character death is absolutely mandatory. If you are unsure of what to warn for or have a question regarding a specific part of your fic please feel free to ask the mods via email or by comment. Please err on the side of caution when warning.
If you feel warning may spoil part of your fic you can place the warnings behind blacked out or whited out text using the following code:
YOUR WARNINGS
How do I post my fic?
You may post your fic on either your own personal journal, your writing journal or a personal website. The journal MUST be unlocked but can be at Archive Of Our Own, InsaneJournal, Dreamwidth, Livejournal, or JournalFen and your website must be publicly accessible. Then it should be posted to the community using our master post format as posted below. Please note that you must also post your art and mixes and link to those as well as indicated in the master post format.
Below is the master post format that you can use to post your fic. This will be posted again closer to the posting date as well.
Title:
Author:
Artist:
Word Count:
Rating:
Characters/Pairings:
Warnings:
Summary:
Art Post by
Mix Post by
Your subject line should be formatted like the following Title (author username & artist username)
Example: Transition (chosenfire28 & chosenfire28)
For Artists
How do I claim a story for art?
On August 25th 2012 a members locked post will contain the summaries and story information submitted by the authors, at a pre announced time comments will open and artists will be allowed to claim a story. We will try to preview the claims post at least 24 hours in advance to give artists some time to order their choices, and allow for them to arrange for a proxy to claim for them if they won’t be around (since claims are first come, first serve).
Can I claim more than one story?
You will be able to claim only one story in the initial round of claims. After 48 hours if any stories still remain artists will be able to make a second claim out of them.
A fic has already been claimed, can I still claim it?
We want to make sure every fic gets an artist attached to it so if a fic is already claimed you will not be allowed to claim it. If all the stories get claimed fast and we still have artists signed up wanting to claim we will allow stories to be claimed by a second artist.
What are the requirements for art?
Art can be a drawing, a cover, a manipulation, a wallpaper, a vid, a fanmix, a combination of all these and anything in between. It can be based on a particular scene in the story or representative of the overall story.
Artist’s are only required to make one customized piece of art for the story, although additional art is definitely allowed.
What are the requirements for a mix?
A mix should be a minimum of 10 songs, there is no maximum. Your zip file also MUST include a .txt tracklisting. Fanmixes must have a cover image to go with it, a back image is optional.
What is a pinch hitter?
If an artist who has already claimed a story drops out we will need another artist to do art for that story. A pinch hitter is an artist that agrees to pinch hit art if this happens.
I'm available for pinch hitting, how do I let the mods know?
In the event that we need a pinch hitters a post will go up requesting pinch hitters. Comments will be screened and summaries/fics will be sent out via email to those that match character/pairing/story type preferences with the story.
If you have any questions, feel free to either comment here or email the mods at tvdbigbangmods@gmail.com
This post contains all the information about this challenge. Please read the answers carefully before asking an additional question in the comments. If you need to contact me privately you can email me at tvdbigbangmods@gmail.com.
The Basics
What is a big bang?
A big bang is a fic challenge based around the collaboration of authors and artists on one long complete story. Authors write a completed story (minimum word count is 10,000) that artists then take a make customized art off of to go with it. Authors and artists then post their works together in one large project.
How do I sign up?
Individual sign up posts will be posted for authors and artists on May 11th. A form will be given in each sign up post that you fill out and comment with.
Can I sign up for more than one thing?
Absolutely, as long as you feel you can handle it you can sign up as both an author and artist (although you will not be allowed to do the art for your own story).
What is the schedule?
May 11th: All sign-ups begin
June 8th: Checkpoint #1 (non-mandatory)
July 6th: Checkpoint #2 (non-mandatory)
July 9th: Authors sign-ups close
August 3rd: Checkpoint #3 (mandatory)
August 20th: Authors drafts due
August 23rd: Artists sign-ups close
August 25th: Artists claims day
September 14th-21st: Artist Checkpoint (mandatory)
September 30th: Final Fic and Artist drafts due
October 3rd: Posting schedule is up
October 8th: Posting begins
Are there any character or pairing restrictions?
Absolutely not! As long as the character you want to write about as appeared in The Vampire Diaries world you are free to write about them, all and any pairings are allowed, not matter if they are controversial or not a popular pairing.
Do I have to write based on the tv show?
Nope, in the past we’ve allowed book based stories and will continue to do so.
What is a checkpoint?
A checkpoint is a post where author’s (and later on artists) can check in about their current status. The author checkpoints are used for encouragement and motivation only, and aren’t mandatory. We do use the information to keep track of where author’s are at in a spreadsheet.
Why is the artist checkpoint mandatory?
The artist checkpoint is mandatory because we are going to use it to make sure author and artist have been in contact with each other. It’s open for a full week, so any artist that doesn’t check in and doesn’t contact us will be defaulted from their assignment and a pinch hitter will be arranged for them.
We want to make sure pinch hitters have enough time to collaborate with an author before posting.
For Authors
Can I write gen or a crossover?
Absolutely! This challenge is open to gen, slash, femmslash, het, threesomes, moresomes etc. Crossovers are allowed as well, as long as the focus of them is on the TVD characters and not the crossed over fandom.
What is the required length?
Stories must be a minimum of 10,000 words and there is no maximum.
Can I signup twice or co-write a fic?
You can definitely sign up for writing two stories as long as you are sure you can complete both. You may also cowrite a fic. For cowriting please have one person sign up for the both of you. (You can also sign up to write your own story AND co-write a story with someone)
Can I use a fic I've already started?
Yes, as long as the story is not fully complete and has not been appeared anywhere online (either in part or in full) you may use it in this challenge. If you have a specific example or question regarding this you can ask in the comments or by sending us an email describing your issue and we'll be able to give you an answer.
Does my story have to be beta read?
We would prefer if it was before posting, there are communities to look for betas if you are unable to find one on your own. We will also have a beta sign up post to help out authors. If, you are not able to find a beta we ask you proofread your story carefully before posting.
I’ve changed my plot/pairing since I signed up, do I have to tell you?
Not at all! You can change your plot/characters/pairings as much as you want before you submit your rough draft, we do not need to know when you do. All we will be keeping track of is what you have written when your rough draft is turned in.
What if I am not able to turn in a rough draft/need to drop out?
Just let us know! There are no consequences and we would love to see you again next year. If you do not meet the minimum but want to keep trying instead of dropping out you can join the Unofficial Track.
What is the Unofficial Track?
It's our way of giving authors a way to stay in the challenge if they are struggling. To join it you send in your rough draft according to the instructions given but put unofficial in the subject line of the email. Your summary WILL NOT go into claims, and you will have until the funal due date to complete your story. If you end up completing it we will arrange an artist for you, if you don't complete it there are no consequences.
What should my rough draft look like?
Your rough draft should be at least 8,000 words or 80% done. It should have a clear beginning, middle and end. This way your artist and mixer can have a full story to work with in order to create art. It does not however need to be the completed fic or be beta read.
How should I submit my rough draft?
Email your rough draft in a .doc format to tvdbigbangmods@gmail.com. It may take a little while for us to email you back, but we will email you with a confirmation once we've processed your information and have added it to our spreadsheet.
What should I include in my header when I submit my rough draft?
Your header must include the following, in this format:
LJ Username:
Current Word Count:
Percent Complete:
Title:
Type: (gen, slash, het, crossover - put all that apply)
Rating:
Characters/Pairings:
Warnings (sexual context, non-con, violence, strong language, characters death, etc - if there is anything in your fic potential artists should be warned about include it)
Summary: (try to write 1-3 paragraphs, please no more then 3)
AN EXAMPLE:
LJ Username: chosenfire28
Current Word Count: 11,111
Percent Complete: %100
Title: Transition
Type: Femslash
Rating: NC-17
Characters/Pairings: Caroline/Elena
Warnings temporary character death
Summary: Elena helps Caroline adjust to being a vampire.
Information about how to turn in your rough draft, final draft, and how to post your story will be given closer to the deadlines for each.
What should I warn for?
Other warnings are up to you, but please note that warning for rape, dub-con, incest, graphic self-harm/suicide, underage sexual activity, and character death is absolutely mandatory. If you are unsure of what to warn for or have a question regarding a specific part of your fic please feel free to ask the mods via email or by comment. Please err on the side of caution when warning.
If you feel warning may spoil part of your fic you can place the warnings behind blacked out or whited out text using the following code:
YOUR WARNINGS
How do I post my fic?
You may post your fic on either your own personal journal, your writing journal or a personal website. The journal MUST be unlocked but can be at Archive Of Our Own, InsaneJournal, Dreamwidth, Livejournal, or JournalFen and your website must be publicly accessible. Then it should be posted to the community using our master post format as posted below. Please note that you must also post your art and mixes and link to those as well as indicated in the master post format.
Below is the master post format that you can use to post your fic. This will be posted again closer to the posting date as well.
Title:
Author:
Artist:
Word Count:
Rating:
Characters/Pairings:
Warnings:
Summary:
Art Post by
Mix Post by
Your subject line should be formatted like the following Title (author username & artist username)
Example: Transition (chosenfire28 & chosenfire28)
For Artists
How do I claim a story for art?
On August 25th 2012 a members locked post will contain the summaries and story information submitted by the authors, at a pre announced time comments will open and artists will be allowed to claim a story. We will try to preview the claims post at least 24 hours in advance to give artists some time to order their choices, and allow for them to arrange for a proxy to claim for them if they won’t be around (since claims are first come, first serve).
Can I claim more than one story?
You will be able to claim only one story in the initial round of claims. After 48 hours if any stories still remain artists will be able to make a second claim out of them.
A fic has already been claimed, can I still claim it?
We want to make sure every fic gets an artist attached to it so if a fic is already claimed you will not be allowed to claim it. If all the stories get claimed fast and we still have artists signed up wanting to claim we will allow stories to be claimed by a second artist.
What are the requirements for art?
Art can be a drawing, a cover, a manipulation, a wallpaper, a vid, a fanmix, a combination of all these and anything in between. It can be based on a particular scene in the story or representative of the overall story.
Artist’s are only required to make one customized piece of art for the story, although additional art is definitely allowed.
What are the requirements for a mix?
A mix should be a minimum of 10 songs, there is no maximum. Your zip file also MUST include a .txt tracklisting. Fanmixes must have a cover image to go with it, a back image is optional.
What is a pinch hitter?
If an artist who has already claimed a story drops out we will need another artist to do art for that story. A pinch hitter is an artist that agrees to pinch hit art if this happens.
I'm available for pinch hitting, how do I let the mods know?
In the event that we need a pinch hitters a post will go up requesting pinch hitters. Comments will be screened and summaries/fics will be sent out via email to those that match character/pairing/story type preferences with the story.
If you have any questions, feel free to either comment here or email the mods at tvdbigbangmods@gmail.com