FAQ
GENERAL
What is a big bang challenge?
A big bang challenge is a collaborative project between authors and artists. Authors sign up to write long fanfiction within a predetermined time frame, and artists sign up to create art based on these stories
The concept originated from the Harry/Draco Big Bang, Baby challenge, and has since become a cross fandom phenomenon.
How do I sign up?
When sign-ups commence, there will be one post for authors, one for artists, and another for betas, at which you can leave your name until the sign-up period ends.
What pairings/genres do you accept at inception_bang
All of them. As long as your story prominently features characters from Inception, it's welcome. All pairings and moresomes are allowed. Likewise, gen fic, AUs and fusions may be submitted.
Are crossovers allowed?
Yes, as long as Inception is the primary fandom in the story.
Is RPS/RPF allowed?
Yes.
AUTHORS
Do I have to choose a prompt from the prompt post?
No. The prompt post is just meant to be a resource for authors who are looking to be inspired or don't have an idea yet.
What’s the minimum word count?
15,000.
Is there a maximum word limit?
No.
Does my story have to be beta read?
Yes.
What if I don't have a beta?
A beta sign-up post will be created shortly after author sign-ups begin.
May I use my own beta?
You may. We're putting together a pool of betas who are interested in working with authors on this challenge, in case someone doesn't have a beta for their fic, but it isn't required to use one of them.
May I write with a co-author?
Yes.
How many fics am I allowed to write?
You may write up to two (2) stories.
ROUGH DRAFTS
How complete does my story need to be for the rough draft due date?
It needs to be at least 12,000 words, or 80% of your fic. You do not need to have your fic finished by this time. You may still work on it and get it beta-read until your final fic is due. We just need to be able to reasonably verify that you are going to be able to post on your assigned date.
How do I submit my rough draft?
Save it as a .doc or .rtf file, and email the file to inceptionbigbang at gmail dot com.
How will I know if the mods received my rough draft?
You will receive a confirmation email within forty eight hours.
ARTISTS
inception_bang seeks to foster a collaborative spirit between the authors and artists of our fandom. The ultimate goal of this challenge is to produce multimedia projects through the shared efforts of our participants. With this in mind, we have decided to introduce a dual-track scheme for author-artist collaborations.
TRACK ONE
TRACK TWO
Tradtitional format where collaborative effort begins once author has submitted fic summaryAlternative format where authors and artists are friends who share a common idea for the final project and sign up togetherAuthor posts fic summary (with warnings) anonymouslyFic summaries are NOT posted for claiming because the team has been formed at the very beginningArtist claims summary that interests them Artist creates graphics/fanmixes/videos to accompany ficArtist creates graphics/fanmixes/videos to accompany fic
PLEASE NOTE:
- In order to ensure a friendly and non-competitive environment, in no situation are ANY participants allowed to comment on sign-up posts in order to form partnerships.
- Nor should participants contact certain authors or artists they want to work with (based on quality of work or prompts) unless they are already friends, or have a pre-existing idea for the project.
What kind of art may be submitted?
Art may be in any format or medium, including, but not limited to photoshop, drawing/paintings, manips, fanmixes, videos, posters.
How will fics be matched to artists?
TRACK ONE: Artists get to choose which fics they want to create for. When authors submit their rough draft, they are also required to provide a brief summary of their story, along with details of pairing(s), rating, kinks/squicks. The summaries are posted so that artists may claim the fics they would like to provide art for. Claims are done on a first come, first serve basis.
TRACK TWO: Authors and artists are friends who share a pre-existing idea for the project. The author's summary will not be posted for claiming.
How do I submit a claim?
By listing the top three stories you would like to create art for. You will be assigned the first story available from your top three.
I posted a claim, and was assigned a story. Now what?
Within twenty four hours of having been assigned a story, you will receive an email from the mods containing your author's name and contact information.
I have existing art that perfectly fits the story I claimed. May I submit it?
No. Art must be done specifically for the fic claimed. Additionally, the art must be an original work that has not been posted anywhere else
What happens if the number of fics available for claiming exceeds the number of artists who sign up?
Artists will be allowed to claim more than one fic. We will conduct several rounds of claiming to ensure that each fic is matched to an artist.
May I submit more than one fanart?
Absolutely! It is highly encouraged that you do.
MIXERS
I want to sign up as a mixer, but there's no mixer sign-ups in the list of important dates. Where do I sign up?
You may do so at the artist sign-ups.
What are the requirements for a fanmix?
A fanmix must have at least eight (8) songs. Feel free to go beyond the minimum.
I signed up as a mixer. Do I have to design cover art for my submission?
Yes, you do. You don’t have to design back art, but you may do so if you want.
May I collaborate with another person for the creation of the mix/graphics?
Absolutely! For collaborations, please sign up together and not separately.
POSTING
I finished my fic/art early. May I post it on my LJ/Dreamwidth/blog before the scheduled posting date?
No. You may not post your submission anywhere before the posting date.
Where can I upload my mix/graphics?
There are several free resources such as Megaupload, Sendspace, or Mediafire that can be used for large files. Tinypic is recommended for images or .gif files.
How do I submit my completed fic/art?
Details on the submission process are forthcoming, and will be posted in the next few months.
TIMELINE
August 11-31: Prompt/request post
August 14-November 19: Author sign-ups
August 14-November 30: Beta sign-ups
August 14-November 30: Artist sign-ups
September 17: Author check-in #1 (optional)
October 15: Author check-in #2 (optional)
November 19: Author check-in #3 (mandatory)
December 3: Rough drafts and summaries due
December 6: Story summaries with warnings are posted for artists to select from
December 27: Artist check-in (mandatory)
January 14: Submission of final drafts and art
January 24: Posting of art and fic begins
If you have a question that has not been addressed in this post, leave a comment, or email us at inceptionbigbang at gmail dot com, and we will do our best to answer your query.