Dear Yuletide Writer,
Oct. 11th, 2018 10:15 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
reflectedeveI can’t thank you enough for the story you’re going to write! This challenge has been one of my favorite thing for so many years now; I love participating in it, and I hope you have a great time. Please know that whatever you create, I will be delighted! I happen to like prompts when I’m creating, so I always try and provide a fair amount of material, but please follow your bliss. What I’ll like best will be a story you are invested in/enjoy writing. Seriously. What follows is intended as a resource, not a requirement.
General likes include heavy focus on female characters (and their relationships with each other), pairings getting together(/first times), found families, group/team dynamics, expanded worldbuilding, wacky adventures and happy endings (to the appropriate degree for the material, naturally). Snarky dialogue and banter. Good communication, and bad communication that gets re-evaluated and resolved. Non-traditional languages/demonstrations of love/friendship. Some tropes (fake relationships!), smart trope subversions, and pastiches/playing with genre conventions/experimentation with form. Also, smut!
I'll note that while I enjoy a certain amount of angst and tension for spice, my Yuletide fic preferences tend strongly towards the upbeat, silly or quietly comforting/hopeful. This varies somewhat by fandom, naturally.
General DNWs include: non-consensual sex (etc), non-canon character death, unrelenting grimness, character bashing, excessive (ie non-canon-typical) violence, A/B/O, soulmarks/mates. I also tend to be kind of picky about non-canon AUs and crossovers, so they’re usually best avoided unless specifically otherwise mentioned. (Canon divergence is one thing, but I’m rarely interested in human/coffee shop/random historical era/Hogwarts/etc AUs.)
Specific preferences/prompts/etc by fandom, in alphabetical order (absolutely not order of preference, I wouldn’t even know where to start):
Professor Marston and the Wonder Women
Elizabeth Marston, Olive Byrne
This movie! It was such a quandary for me. Along with all my queer, polyamorous, kinky friends, I was thrilled to see such a nuanced and unapologetic love story up there on the big screen … and I enjoyed the portrayal of all three characters, especially Elizabeth, so very much. On the other hand, I am very much a comics person, and pretty well versed in the actual history/biographical material behind the film, and was conflicted about some of the filmmaker’s choices from that perspective. (Some, definitely not all - the film toned down Marston’s bombastic egotism and self-promotion a bit, for which I was thankful, honestly.)
The comics history timeline was a little all over the place, and while I couldn’t help marking it (Marston died well before the anti-comics sentiment intensified to the degree portrayed - nevermind the senate hearings Gaines was involved in, which were a full seven years after his passing) … that’s less important to me for storytelling purposes. Mostly, I was surprised and disappointed that the film actually downplayed the role of the two women in inventing Wonder Woman (rather than just ~inspiring her, muse-like). It glossed over that creative process in general, and I’d love a story that puts it back in. Tell me about the wrangling and redesigning behind the scenes, the discussion and maybe roleplaying, the arguments and post-argument sex and post-sex breakthroughs, the generation of story ideas! (Have fun with it! Alongside being kinky and matriarchal, Golden Age Wonder Woman stories were often goofy as hell. Giant, space-traveling kangaroos, anyone?)
If that’s not your cup of tea, I’d enjoy some fun, hot, kinky sexytimes! (Exploring new ideas, or just spontaneous fun … reading some of the contemporary smut referred to and getting ~inspired …) Or a happy story about polyamorous domesticity and negotiation (a little tension is obviously fine, but I’d prefer things to be worked out in a satisfying way). It would be fun to read such a thing set either during the later half of the film, or after (navigating Olive’s return, perhaps). A story about Elizabeth & Olive’s partnership after Bill’s death incorporating some of these themes would also be great.
In all cases, I’d prefer a story that leans more towards focusing on Elizabeth & Olive, although obviously Bill can (and maybe should, depending on the story) come too.
That Inevitable Victorian Thing - E.K. Johnson
August Callahan, Helena Marcus, Victoria-Margaret
I read this book because I was looking for something escapist and soothing, and it hit the spot beautifully with its balance of comedy of manners, historical-romance inflections, progressive alternate history and adolescent self-discovery. I was delighted and intrigued by the ending, as well; secret polyamorous conspiracy!
What I’d like best is a post-book story that explores the way both the relationship and the conspiracy work, at any number of stages. Tell me about the summer, and how they negotiate and flesh out their plan - both for their public presentation, and for navigating their private interactions! Or tell me a story about them keeping their secret (or perhaps letting it slip to someone - the Archbishop of Canterbury seems like an interesting candidate, or Elizabeth) once they go back to England together and they settle in! Maybe a further-future story set during Margaret’s reign, and the challenges of being Queen, Consort and handmaid respectively (or of co-parenting children, and how Helena might or might not be involved in that). There are so many possibilities.
A certain amount of angst is fine, but I’d prefer something that is (or ends up) predominantly happy and lighthearted. Wacky hijinks, near-misses and absurd social entanglements are all encouraged. As the polyamorous dynamics go, I’d prefer that things stay vee-shaped in a romantic/sexual context, with Margaret and August as(/becoming) good friends and partners. And admittedly I’m a bit more interested in the romantic connection between Margaret and Helena (I’m predictable), but I do see Helena and August’s bond as important too.
Wayfarers - Becky Chambers
Owl, Pepper, Sidra, Taklen Bre Salae
I desperately want to read more about these characters building relationships and lives together in their own ways. I totally ship Sidra/Pepper (in a vee-shaped polyamorous sort of situation with Blue, because Pepper/Blue is important), and also Sidra/Tak, and exploring the complexities and differences of a relationship like Sidra’s and Owl’s would be fascinating as well! More than anything, though, the whole chosen family theme is the most important bit for me.
I honestly hardly know where to start with the things I loved about A Closed and Common Orbit, and these characters and their relationships with each other. The meaning of identity and personhood is a favorite theme, as is people from vastly different backgrounds (and with different personalities and priorities) learning to coexist and loving each other. The importance of a piece of media (a fannish experience!) to Pepper’s survival and identity! Sidra creating a space for herself, her way; making something really new rather than either falling back on her past or conforming to other peoples’ ideas of how she should live! Tak’s gender and the related social norms (and the way those interacted with their choice to live in such a multicultural, less traditional setting), and also their past with academia and the different choices they made there. Playing with any of that would be delightful.
Also, I loved the whole core cast, and I loved loved loved the entire concept of Sidra’s bar. So inclusion of these things is heavily encouraged where appropriate. ;)
One specific gen idea that could be interesting, if probably painful, would be a reconnection between these characters and the crew of the Wayfarer, post-ACACO. Sidra isn't Lovelace isn't Lovey. How would everyone come to terms with that? And as for specific character dynamics ...
Sidra/Pepper
I loved how contentious these two were, and how much they loved each other even as they dealt with some pretty difficult disagreements and misunderstandings. Both of them had to learn how to be, for some value of the term, human … but their experiences, and the conclusions they drew from them, were often so different! I’d especially like something post-book, I think … now that Sidra has her own place, her own direction, I’d really enjoy seeing them continue that trajectory. Whether in a romantic direction or not, honestly.
Sidra/Tak
These two had a lot of coming to terms to do ,but I especially loved the bit where Tak would take Sidra out and be understanding of her different needs and interests. That willingness to learn and adapt, especially after the initial shock, was lovely. It might be nice to have a mid-book story where they do other kinds of exploring together. Maybe Tak takes Sidra on a date, and she gets to learn about that and decide whether she’s into the concept? (Maybe in her own way?) I also had a random plotbunny awhile back: what if Pei is visiting Home on a supply stop (with or without the Wayfarer crew) and notices something between Tak and Sidra, and perhaps gives the (somewhat nervous and/or oblivious) Tak a nudge? Or gives Sidra advice on wooing an Aeluon?
(Bonus for continuing to explore Sidra’s sensation-analogue memory library … ;))
Sidra/Owl
Two unusual AIs with very different life experiences sharing memory banks! How does that work for/feel to them both? What do they learn from each other?
Wayward Children - Seanan McGuire
Jack Wolcott, Kade Bronson
There are SO MANY stories I'd love to read in this universe, set at any point in, before or after the series. I would prefer gen, in this case, but apart from that! Kade and Jack are my favorites, and a story about shenanigans either or both of them get up to would be fun, but it’s fine if you’d rather not focus on them …
In fact, if you feel like running with it, I have one idea for which you could ditch or downplay all canon characters, Kade and Jack included. I am totally dying for stories that put characters from other stories (like Sarah Williams from Labyrinth, Alice Liddell, Dorothy Gale, Susan Pevensie ... even Gillian Marks from the October Daye series) into this universe! How would this framing alter their familiar stories? How would they interact with the Home, the other kids, etc? Under what circumstances would their door open again (if that’s what they want)?
But long-shot crossovers aside … what would the Home be like under Kade’s management, after Eleanor finally goes back through her Door? Or, might he find another Door, one that suits him better now and accepts him for who he is? What other shenanigans does/did he get into in the Home, especially involving Jack as well? (Snarky misfit queer kids, be still my heart.) Going into his backstory would be interesting too, but I think I’d prefer a story that wasn’t set entirely before his arrival at the Home.
And, much as I loved Down Among the Sticks and Bones, there’s quite a lot to potentially fill in about Jack and Jill’s first tenure in the Moors, and how they became who they did. I’d love it all! And of course, I’m desperately curious about what happens after they go back. What state do they find things in? Is Jack welcomed back by the people of the village, or does it become the siblings against the world? I have a very soft spot for sibling relationships and would certainly be interested in a story where the twins build a new relationship, post-Jill’s-resurrection, if you feel like taking on that amount of damage. (Also, I know I said gen, but Jack/OFC is great, although I’d prefer not to have a totally romance-centric story.)
And if they stay in the Moors and finish growing up there ... what happens the next time a child or children come stumbling through that Door?
In addition to/combination with the crossover idea I mentioned already, which I’m definitely excited about (and the list of characters from other stories that I provided are my favorite candidates), I’m also deeply curious about the Home’s sibling institution in Maine; the one for children who didn’t enjoy their journey/don’t want to go back through their Door. What’s it like there? Who are those kids, and what are their reasons? (Especially bearing in mind the fact that Doors are supposed to open for children who resonate with their particular worlds?) And what happens if the inhabitants, or some inhabitants, of the two Homes meet? (Is it possible that someone changes their mind and gets transferred, or gets sent to the wrong place somehow?)
The Witch Family - Eleanor Estes
Amy, Clarissa, Lurie, The Little Witch Girl/Hannah
I loved this book when I was a kid. Friendship, metafiction, playing with notions of right and wrong, brave little girls, found family … I mean, damn. (As an adult I find it a bit preachy and saccharine at times, but for the most part, it holds up beautifully.) It had never occurred to me to think about fic, so thank goodness for Yuletide! I got so excited when I saw it on the list.
I saw myself in Amy a lot when I was little, which isn’t surprising; I too was firmly opinionated, creative, a bit self-righteous, given to strong one-on-one friendships, and fairly introverted and awkward when in company/out of my own element.
For this beloved childhood favorite, the thing I find myself considering most is future-fic. How do Amy and Clarissa’s friendship and storytelling evolve as they get older? (And how might Lurie and Hannah’s mirror and/or prefigure those changes? I know that Hannah was supposed to never age, but I’d prefer to ignore that bit of canon.) How does Amy’s perspective on creativity, morality and magic evolve? What do the girls grow up to do and be? Playing with metafiction would be fabulous, and/or identity (the … similarities between the “real” girls and their magical counterparts) ... and I’d happily ship both/either pair. (How might trying to figure out liking girls and dating a mermaid have interesting parallels that could be explored? Ahem.)
While I’d prefer things to ultimately be upbeat, please feel free to reduce the schmaltz level a little. I’d also be thrilled if you kept to the historical setting (the book came out in 1960, so assuming the girls were 7 that year …)
...and I'm stopping. I get excited, but hopefully it's not overwhelming? Optional details are optional! Have a blast, dear author. <3
General likes include heavy focus on female characters (and their relationships with each other), pairings getting together(/first times), found families, group/team dynamics, expanded worldbuilding, wacky adventures and happy endings (to the appropriate degree for the material, naturally). Snarky dialogue and banter. Good communication, and bad communication that gets re-evaluated and resolved. Non-traditional languages/demonstrations of love/friendship. Some tropes (fake relationships!), smart trope subversions, and pastiches/playing with genre conventions/experimentation with form. Also, smut!
I'll note that while I enjoy a certain amount of angst and tension for spice, my Yuletide fic preferences tend strongly towards the upbeat, silly or quietly comforting/hopeful. This varies somewhat by fandom, naturally.
General DNWs include: non-consensual sex (etc), non-canon character death, unrelenting grimness, character bashing, excessive (ie non-canon-typical) violence, A/B/O, soulmarks/mates. I also tend to be kind of picky about non-canon AUs and crossovers, so they’re usually best avoided unless specifically otherwise mentioned. (Canon divergence is one thing, but I’m rarely interested in human/coffee shop/random historical era/Hogwarts/etc AUs.)
Specific preferences/prompts/etc by fandom, in alphabetical order (absolutely not order of preference, I wouldn’t even know where to start):
Professor Marston and the Wonder Women
Elizabeth Marston, Olive Byrne
This movie! It was such a quandary for me. Along with all my queer, polyamorous, kinky friends, I was thrilled to see such a nuanced and unapologetic love story up there on the big screen … and I enjoyed the portrayal of all three characters, especially Elizabeth, so very much. On the other hand, I am very much a comics person, and pretty well versed in the actual history/biographical material behind the film, and was conflicted about some of the filmmaker’s choices from that perspective. (Some, definitely not all - the film toned down Marston’s bombastic egotism and self-promotion a bit, for which I was thankful, honestly.)
The comics history timeline was a little all over the place, and while I couldn’t help marking it (Marston died well before the anti-comics sentiment intensified to the degree portrayed - nevermind the senate hearings Gaines was involved in, which were a full seven years after his passing) … that’s less important to me for storytelling purposes. Mostly, I was surprised and disappointed that the film actually downplayed the role of the two women in inventing Wonder Woman (rather than just ~inspiring her, muse-like). It glossed over that creative process in general, and I’d love a story that puts it back in. Tell me about the wrangling and redesigning behind the scenes, the discussion and maybe roleplaying, the arguments and post-argument sex and post-sex breakthroughs, the generation of story ideas! (Have fun with it! Alongside being kinky and matriarchal, Golden Age Wonder Woman stories were often goofy as hell. Giant, space-traveling kangaroos, anyone?)
If that’s not your cup of tea, I’d enjoy some fun, hot, kinky sexytimes! (Exploring new ideas, or just spontaneous fun … reading some of the contemporary smut referred to and getting ~inspired …) Or a happy story about polyamorous domesticity and negotiation (a little tension is obviously fine, but I’d prefer things to be worked out in a satisfying way). It would be fun to read such a thing set either during the later half of the film, or after (navigating Olive’s return, perhaps). A story about Elizabeth & Olive’s partnership after Bill’s death incorporating some of these themes would also be great.
In all cases, I’d prefer a story that leans more towards focusing on Elizabeth & Olive, although obviously Bill can (and maybe should, depending on the story) come too.
That Inevitable Victorian Thing - E.K. Johnson
August Callahan, Helena Marcus, Victoria-Margaret
I read this book because I was looking for something escapist and soothing, and it hit the spot beautifully with its balance of comedy of manners, historical-romance inflections, progressive alternate history and adolescent self-discovery. I was delighted and intrigued by the ending, as well; secret polyamorous conspiracy!
What I’d like best is a post-book story that explores the way both the relationship and the conspiracy work, at any number of stages. Tell me about the summer, and how they negotiate and flesh out their plan - both for their public presentation, and for navigating their private interactions! Or tell me a story about them keeping their secret (or perhaps letting it slip to someone - the Archbishop of Canterbury seems like an interesting candidate, or Elizabeth) once they go back to England together and they settle in! Maybe a further-future story set during Margaret’s reign, and the challenges of being Queen, Consort and handmaid respectively (or of co-parenting children, and how Helena might or might not be involved in that). There are so many possibilities.
A certain amount of angst is fine, but I’d prefer something that is (or ends up) predominantly happy and lighthearted. Wacky hijinks, near-misses and absurd social entanglements are all encouraged. As the polyamorous dynamics go, I’d prefer that things stay vee-shaped in a romantic/sexual context, with Margaret and August as(/becoming) good friends and partners. And admittedly I’m a bit more interested in the romantic connection between Margaret and Helena (I’m predictable), but I do see Helena and August’s bond as important too.
Wayfarers - Becky Chambers
Owl, Pepper, Sidra, Taklen Bre Salae
I desperately want to read more about these characters building relationships and lives together in their own ways. I totally ship Sidra/Pepper (in a vee-shaped polyamorous sort of situation with Blue, because Pepper/Blue is important), and also Sidra/Tak, and exploring the complexities and differences of a relationship like Sidra’s and Owl’s would be fascinating as well! More than anything, though, the whole chosen family theme is the most important bit for me.
I honestly hardly know where to start with the things I loved about A Closed and Common Orbit, and these characters and their relationships with each other. The meaning of identity and personhood is a favorite theme, as is people from vastly different backgrounds (and with different personalities and priorities) learning to coexist and loving each other. The importance of a piece of media (a fannish experience!) to Pepper’s survival and identity! Sidra creating a space for herself, her way; making something really new rather than either falling back on her past or conforming to other peoples’ ideas of how she should live! Tak’s gender and the related social norms (and the way those interacted with their choice to live in such a multicultural, less traditional setting), and also their past with academia and the different choices they made there. Playing with any of that would be delightful.
Also, I loved the whole core cast, and I loved loved loved the entire concept of Sidra’s bar. So inclusion of these things is heavily encouraged where appropriate. ;)
One specific gen idea that could be interesting, if probably painful, would be a reconnection between these characters and the crew of the Wayfarer, post-ACACO. Sidra isn't Lovelace isn't Lovey. How would everyone come to terms with that? And as for specific character dynamics ...
Sidra/Pepper
I loved how contentious these two were, and how much they loved each other even as they dealt with some pretty difficult disagreements and misunderstandings. Both of them had to learn how to be, for some value of the term, human … but their experiences, and the conclusions they drew from them, were often so different! I’d especially like something post-book, I think … now that Sidra has her own place, her own direction, I’d really enjoy seeing them continue that trajectory. Whether in a romantic direction or not, honestly.
Sidra/Tak
These two had a lot of coming to terms to do ,but I especially loved the bit where Tak would take Sidra out and be understanding of her different needs and interests. That willingness to learn and adapt, especially after the initial shock, was lovely. It might be nice to have a mid-book story where they do other kinds of exploring together. Maybe Tak takes Sidra on a date, and she gets to learn about that and decide whether she’s into the concept? (Maybe in her own way?) I also had a random plotbunny awhile back: what if Pei is visiting Home on a supply stop (with or without the Wayfarer crew) and notices something between Tak and Sidra, and perhaps gives the (somewhat nervous and/or oblivious) Tak a nudge? Or gives Sidra advice on wooing an Aeluon?
(Bonus for continuing to explore Sidra’s sensation-analogue memory library … ;))
Sidra/Owl
Two unusual AIs with very different life experiences sharing memory banks! How does that work for/feel to them both? What do they learn from each other?
Wayward Children - Seanan McGuire
Jack Wolcott, Kade Bronson
There are SO MANY stories I'd love to read in this universe, set at any point in, before or after the series. I would prefer gen, in this case, but apart from that! Kade and Jack are my favorites, and a story about shenanigans either or both of them get up to would be fun, but it’s fine if you’d rather not focus on them …
In fact, if you feel like running with it, I have one idea for which you could ditch or downplay all canon characters, Kade and Jack included. I am totally dying for stories that put characters from other stories (like Sarah Williams from Labyrinth, Alice Liddell, Dorothy Gale, Susan Pevensie ... even Gillian Marks from the October Daye series) into this universe! How would this framing alter their familiar stories? How would they interact with the Home, the other kids, etc? Under what circumstances would their door open again (if that’s what they want)?
But long-shot crossovers aside … what would the Home be like under Kade’s management, after Eleanor finally goes back through her Door? Or, might he find another Door, one that suits him better now and accepts him for who he is? What other shenanigans does/did he get into in the Home, especially involving Jack as well? (Snarky misfit queer kids, be still my heart.) Going into his backstory would be interesting too, but I think I’d prefer a story that wasn’t set entirely before his arrival at the Home.
And, much as I loved Down Among the Sticks and Bones, there’s quite a lot to potentially fill in about Jack and Jill’s first tenure in the Moors, and how they became who they did. I’d love it all! And of course, I’m desperately curious about what happens after they go back. What state do they find things in? Is Jack welcomed back by the people of the village, or does it become the siblings against the world? I have a very soft spot for sibling relationships and would certainly be interested in a story where the twins build a new relationship, post-Jill’s-resurrection, if you feel like taking on that amount of damage. (Also, I know I said gen, but Jack/OFC is great, although I’d prefer not to have a totally romance-centric story.)
And if they stay in the Moors and finish growing up there ... what happens the next time a child or children come stumbling through that Door?
In addition to/combination with the crossover idea I mentioned already, which I’m definitely excited about (and the list of characters from other stories that I provided are my favorite candidates), I’m also deeply curious about the Home’s sibling institution in Maine; the one for children who didn’t enjoy their journey/don’t want to go back through their Door. What’s it like there? Who are those kids, and what are their reasons? (Especially bearing in mind the fact that Doors are supposed to open for children who resonate with their particular worlds?) And what happens if the inhabitants, or some inhabitants, of the two Homes meet? (Is it possible that someone changes their mind and gets transferred, or gets sent to the wrong place somehow?)
The Witch Family - Eleanor Estes
Amy, Clarissa, Lurie, The Little Witch Girl/Hannah
I loved this book when I was a kid. Friendship, metafiction, playing with notions of right and wrong, brave little girls, found family … I mean, damn. (As an adult I find it a bit preachy and saccharine at times, but for the most part, it holds up beautifully.) It had never occurred to me to think about fic, so thank goodness for Yuletide! I got so excited when I saw it on the list.
I saw myself in Amy a lot when I was little, which isn’t surprising; I too was firmly opinionated, creative, a bit self-righteous, given to strong one-on-one friendships, and fairly introverted and awkward when in company/out of my own element.
For this beloved childhood favorite, the thing I find myself considering most is future-fic. How do Amy and Clarissa’s friendship and storytelling evolve as they get older? (And how might Lurie and Hannah’s mirror and/or prefigure those changes? I know that Hannah was supposed to never age, but I’d prefer to ignore that bit of canon.) How does Amy’s perspective on creativity, morality and magic evolve? What do the girls grow up to do and be? Playing with metafiction would be fabulous, and/or identity (the … similarities between the “real” girls and their magical counterparts) ... and I’d happily ship both/either pair. (How might trying to figure out liking girls and dating a mermaid have interesting parallels that could be explored? Ahem.)
While I’d prefer things to ultimately be upbeat, please feel free to reduce the schmaltz level a little. I’d also be thrilled if you kept to the historical setting (the book came out in 1960, so assuming the girls were 7 that year …)
...and I'm stopping. I get excited, but hopefully it's not overwhelming? Optional details are optional! Have a blast, dear author. <3
(no subject)
Date: 2018-10-21 05:38 pm (UTC)