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Dear Yuletide Author...
Dear Yuletide author,
Thank you so much for offering to write in Yuletide. This is my third year to participate, and I am very excited for this year to be as amazing as the first two!
If you're reading this, you're looking for an idea of what kind of fic I'd like. :3
I love a fic with strong emotions and character development, and I consider a gripping plot to be icing on the cake. I really like to see inside a character's mind and understand why they do what they do. I tend to like plotty fics, particularly suspense or mystery, but a strong narrative story of any kind or length pleases me. I'm not very interested in fluff, slice-of-life, or holiday fic--unless it has some character nuance or intriguing plot that makes it fresh.
I like both dark and happy fic. It comes down to the power of the story being told, no matter how it ends. If a fic makes me cry in agony or joy, that means it's good. XD
Romance or gen: Both! For romance, I enjoy lots of UST. I'm a fan of slash/BL, het, femmeslash/yuri, and threesomes and more. It's all about the characters involved! I can take or leave graphic sex, it's the foreplay and interaction I enjoy. In gen, I love watching characters learn to trust each other and seeing that trust in action. Knowing they can depend on someone--even if they can't stand the other outside of life-or-death situations--makes me smile. With either romance or gen, I enjoy watching a character realize they are welcomed, be it welcomed by close friends, lover(s!), or new family. Found family always gets me. Always.
Kinks: If you want to try hitting one of my kinks, great! They are simple, if a bit odd. Sleeping together (as in actual sleep), seductive eyeglasses removal by a lover or friend, and hair brushing by same. I know, they're rather tame. And they're all actions of trust, too, which kind of matches the whole belonging thing I mentioned above. Whatever the reasons behind them, seeing those things in fic with my favorite characters makes me very happy. I have been known to squee!
Squicks and triggers: I am almost impossible to squick or trigger; no need to worry about it. I don't like or enjoy the horrible things people can do to each other, but they can be part of a good story.
Original characters are fine by me, as long as they contribute to the story. Any POV works, even second person or reader insert! Present and past tense are both just dandy! To sum up this paragraph: you can write however is best for you and your story, and I will have no complaints. It's all good!
Crossovers and AUs: I love a good crossover or AU! I admire an author who can change the setting or make a timeline tweak and still keep everyone in-character. I'm not sure how you could manage a crossover within my requested Yuletide fandoms, but any fandom for which I have fic on my recs page (linked right below here) is game. If you have any doubts, feel free to use the official Yuletide go-betweens to ask me first.
You are more than welcome to read my small fic library at AO3. If you'd like some examples of fics I've loved and why I loved them, you can also check out my fanfiction recs page.
These are all suggestions, of course. If none of them spark a bunny for you, write whatever bunny you can catch for my requested characters. C: I'm eager to have fic in any of the following fandoms! I want them all equally!! *flails*
Basara: (Ageha, Asagi, Sarasa), I have read the entire manga series. Asagi and Ageha are my two favorite characters. In canon, I couldn't help finding Asagi fascinating, creepy selfish manipulation of others and all. I like him because he's so creepy and interesting. I also ship him with Sarasa or Ageha, or even both together, if that can be managed! Ageha is also very interesting in how selfless and well-connected he is. It would be amazing to see an AU if he had decided to work under Shido, or had taken child!Sarasa from the village after saving her and raising her himself. What if he had done the same with Asagi? (Spoiler for the end of the series in my next possible scenario, highlight to read:) Or perhaps what he would have gone on to do if he hadn't died in the huge fire at the end.
Claymore: (Isley), I have read the manga through volume 24/chapter 137. Isley is one of my favorite characters in this series. He's an Awakened Being, yet he has self-control, and a sense of honor. He's a great military commander, and his Awakened form is a CENTAUR!!! XD The new background info we learned in the first chapt of vol 24, #132, just made him even better. But if backstory isn't your thing, then perhaps he survives the feeders that ate him alive (that was not a happy day for me...), or you could expand upon his relationship with Raki and Priscilla. I'd love to see them in your fic! But if they don't fit with your Isley bunny, that's just fine with me, and why I didn't specifically request them. Oh, and as of this letter's writing, there is NO English Isley fic yet on AO3. You could be the first! I mean, canon has said so little about him, I want moarrrr!
Finding Nemo: (Nemo, Marlin, Gill) This is my favorite Pixar film to date. I like the visual beauty and the adventure. Also I really like the message of both Marlin and Nemo finding their courage and braving the outside world to get stuff done. I have lots of fics I'd love to see! A missing scene from canon during Marlin's journey, or in the dentist's fish tank. You could go prequel with a fic about how Gill was captured and/or injured his fin. Or perhaps write about Gill and Marlin meeting for the first time. (What would they think of each other? How would Nemo react?) Nemo could also go on a journey of his own, perhaps to find Gill again. Romance is fine, but no sex in this fandom, please! Please don't focus on Dory. She's welcome to tag along and make me laugh, but do please make one of the requested characters the hero. Also this character list can be read as "or". I don't mind if one or two characters don't make it into your fic.
Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003) (Griet, Johannes Vermeer) I love two things about this film: first, the relationship between Griet and Johannes. Griet's instinctive understand of art leading to Johannes seeing her as a companion, rather than just a maid. And of course, the UST. OMG, the UST! I've never seen so much conveyed through stares and silence as in this film! *swoon* I also loved the art aspect. It's fascinating to see how they did things back before you could pick up some paint and canvas at the art store. (We are so lucky nowadays!) I truly loved the relationship between Griet and Johannes, thus why I requested them. Some suggestions for fic... You could do a missing scene between them. Perhaps Griet tries her hand at composing a painting? Future fic where she is his disciple? (Would she have to paint under a male identity? Hello, cross-dressing! But oh wow, the religious problems she'd face...) Or you could go AU, for example, if that trouble-making bratty oldest daughter hadn't ratted the earring usage out, or what if Johannes' wife had died in childbirth. In the end, all I ask is lots of Griet-Johannes interaction! XD
Sarai-ya Goyou | House of 5 Leaves (Masa, Yaichi, Yagi), I have read the entire manga and watched the anime. The characters and Masa's slow acceptance into the close-knit group of friends is what made me fall in love with this manga. I especially like Masa's changing relationship with Ichi. Any fic you can write exploring any stage of that relationship would be amazing. Or perhaps you could do a comedy and embarrass Masa in a compromising situation with Otake, or one of the Katsuraya prostitutes while he was working there. Or Ichi! (Masa's shyness is so very adorable!) Something set later in manga canon, when Ichi was avoiding Masa, could be very powerful. Or you could even do a modern AU. The thought of Ichi running his crew with all the technological advances available today makes me kind of scared, actually. Would he just stick to kidnapping? Oh my! (I love the image of Masa and Ichi in suits. Rowr!) I'd also like to see a story with Masa holding his own, taking a good step towards increased self-confidence. Perhaps you could write about what happens to the group after canon, their meeting again in or on the way to the West. Yagi grew on me the more I read. His intelligence and good nature, even as he teases Masa just a bit. ^^ Also his verbal sparring with Yaichi! Oh my! I do love verbal chess. :3 Yagi is an "or" character. If he won't fit with your bunny, it's all good.
Undead is Very Hot Right Now series - Sarah Rees Brennan (Bradley, Christian, Faye Fanshaw, Josh) I have read both short stories. Not even gonna lie, I followed Sarah into her original writings after adoring her Drarry. XD This two short story series is my fave original thing by her, and both times I've seen her IRL at signings, I've begged for more! And you, dear author, just might be able to give me some. *giggles*
I enjoy this little series because of the characters. Poor emo Christian, who never wanted to be a vampire, was thrown out of his house, and followed his music dreams only to end up a gimmick! Sweet Bradley, who genuinely likes Christian and enjoys being a boy band sensation! Nerdy little Josh, who is so terrified of Christian, but still let the vampire feed from him at the end! And of course snarky Faye the manager, who always makes me laugh--or cackle. The ending of both short stories filled me with squee. The first one because Bradley implied he'd be open to a threesome with Faye and Christian (OMG!) and the second because Christian reacted so strongly when he thought his "nest" was threatened. Ohhh, found family! In that vein (LOL), I love how the high of performing with his band makes Christian really feel like he belongs there.
Some bunny ideas for you: Why is Josh so afraid of Christian--something in his past, maybe? Or you could write about Christian dealing with more ridiculous vampire stereotypes, much to his irritation. Is Bradley really as air-headed as he seems? They could end up in a battle of the bands with one of the all-vamp copycat groups spawned after their success. Or deal with another not-band vampire. And just what was Bradley's Whipped Cream Adventure? And if you're in the mood for smut, there's always that hinted threesome...*eyebrow waggle* Let's not forget the hot and psychologically tragic feeding at the end of the 2nd story! If worldbuilding is more your thing, then you could explore where vampirism come from, and why is it accepted-but-not in this world. I know I wrote a lot in this section, but there's so much room to explore with fic! And I just finished reading the series (again), and the bunnies are going crazy in my head. C:
These two stories aren't listed on Sarah's site, and can be tricky to find. The first one, "Undead is Very Hot Right Now", is found in the collection Eternal Kiss, edited by Trisha Telep, 2009. ISBN 9780762437177 for regular print. The second one, "Let's get This Undead Show on the Road", is in the collection Enthralled, edited by Melisa Marr and Kelley Armstrong, 2011. ISBN 9780062015792 for regular print.)
Thank you so much for offering to write in Yuletide. I hope you can find a promising bunny and have the words pour forth with ease! And may the fic you receive this year fill you with joy. GOOD LUCK TO US BOTH!
Thank you so much for offering to write in Yuletide. This is my third year to participate, and I am very excited for this year to be as amazing as the first two!
If you're reading this, you're looking for an idea of what kind of fic I'd like. :3
Overall
I love a fic with strong emotions and character development, and I consider a gripping plot to be icing on the cake. I really like to see inside a character's mind and understand why they do what they do. I tend to like plotty fics, particularly suspense or mystery, but a strong narrative story of any kind or length pleases me. I'm not very interested in fluff, slice-of-life, or holiday fic--unless it has some character nuance or intriguing plot that makes it fresh.
I like both dark and happy fic. It comes down to the power of the story being told, no matter how it ends. If a fic makes me cry in agony or joy, that means it's good. XD
Romance or gen: Both! For romance, I enjoy lots of UST. I'm a fan of slash/BL, het, femmeslash/yuri, and threesomes and more. It's all about the characters involved! I can take or leave graphic sex, it's the foreplay and interaction I enjoy. In gen, I love watching characters learn to trust each other and seeing that trust in action. Knowing they can depend on someone--even if they can't stand the other outside of life-or-death situations--makes me smile. With either romance or gen, I enjoy watching a character realize they are welcomed, be it welcomed by close friends, lover(s!), or new family. Found family always gets me. Always.
Kinks: If you want to try hitting one of my kinks, great! They are simple, if a bit odd. Sleeping together (as in actual sleep), seductive eyeglasses removal by a lover or friend, and hair brushing by same. I know, they're rather tame. And they're all actions of trust, too, which kind of matches the whole belonging thing I mentioned above. Whatever the reasons behind them, seeing those things in fic with my favorite characters makes me very happy. I have been known to squee!
Squicks and triggers: I am almost impossible to squick or trigger; no need to worry about it. I don't like or enjoy the horrible things people can do to each other, but they can be part of a good story.
Original characters are fine by me, as long as they contribute to the story. Any POV works, even second person or reader insert! Present and past tense are both just dandy! To sum up this paragraph: you can write however is best for you and your story, and I will have no complaints. It's all good!
Crossovers and AUs: I love a good crossover or AU! I admire an author who can change the setting or make a timeline tweak and still keep everyone in-character. I'm not sure how you could manage a crossover within my requested Yuletide fandoms, but any fandom for which I have fic on my recs page (linked right below here) is game. If you have any doubts, feel free to use the official Yuletide go-betweens to ask me first.
You are more than welcome to read my small fic library at AO3. If you'd like some examples of fics I've loved and why I loved them, you can also check out my fanfiction recs page.
Fandom specifics, in alphabetical order!
These are all suggestions, of course. If none of them spark a bunny for you, write whatever bunny you can catch for my requested characters. C: I'm eager to have fic in any of the following fandoms! I want them all equally!! *flails*
Basara: (Ageha, Asagi, Sarasa), I have read the entire manga series. Asagi and Ageha are my two favorite characters. In canon, I couldn't help finding Asagi fascinating, creepy selfish manipulation of others and all. I like him because he's so creepy and interesting. I also ship him with Sarasa or Ageha, or even both together, if that can be managed! Ageha is also very interesting in how selfless and well-connected he is. It would be amazing to see an AU if he had decided to work under Shido, or had taken child!Sarasa from the village after saving her and raising her himself. What if he had done the same with Asagi? (Spoiler for the end of the series in my next possible scenario, highlight to read:) Or perhaps what he would have gone on to do if he hadn't died in the huge fire at the end.
Claymore: (Isley), I have read the manga through volume 24/chapter 137. Isley is one of my favorite characters in this series. He's an Awakened Being, yet he has self-control, and a sense of honor. He's a great military commander, and his Awakened form is a CENTAUR!!! XD The new background info we learned in the first chapt of vol 24, #132, just made him even better. But if backstory isn't your thing, then perhaps he survives the feeders that ate him alive (that was not a happy day for me...), or you could expand upon his relationship with Raki and Priscilla. I'd love to see them in your fic! But if they don't fit with your Isley bunny, that's just fine with me, and why I didn't specifically request them. Oh, and as of this letter's writing, there is NO English Isley fic yet on AO3. You could be the first! I mean, canon has said so little about him, I want moarrrr!
Finding Nemo: (Nemo, Marlin, Gill) This is my favorite Pixar film to date. I like the visual beauty and the adventure. Also I really like the message of both Marlin and Nemo finding their courage and braving the outside world to get stuff done. I have lots of fics I'd love to see! A missing scene from canon during Marlin's journey, or in the dentist's fish tank. You could go prequel with a fic about how Gill was captured and/or injured his fin. Or perhaps write about Gill and Marlin meeting for the first time. (What would they think of each other? How would Nemo react?) Nemo could also go on a journey of his own, perhaps to find Gill again. Romance is fine, but no sex in this fandom, please! Please don't focus on Dory. She's welcome to tag along and make me laugh, but do please make one of the requested characters the hero. Also this character list can be read as "or". I don't mind if one or two characters don't make it into your fic.
Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003) (Griet, Johannes Vermeer) I love two things about this film: first, the relationship between Griet and Johannes. Griet's instinctive understand of art leading to Johannes seeing her as a companion, rather than just a maid. And of course, the UST. OMG, the UST! I've never seen so much conveyed through stares and silence as in this film! *swoon* I also loved the art aspect. It's fascinating to see how they did things back before you could pick up some paint and canvas at the art store. (We are so lucky nowadays!) I truly loved the relationship between Griet and Johannes, thus why I requested them. Some suggestions for fic... You could do a missing scene between them. Perhaps Griet tries her hand at composing a painting? Future fic where she is his disciple? (Would she have to paint under a male identity? Hello, cross-dressing! But oh wow, the religious problems she'd face...) Or you could go AU, for example, if that trouble-making bratty oldest daughter hadn't ratted the earring usage out, or what if Johannes' wife had died in childbirth. In the end, all I ask is lots of Griet-Johannes interaction! XD
Sarai-ya Goyou | House of 5 Leaves (Masa, Yaichi, Yagi), I have read the entire manga and watched the anime. The characters and Masa's slow acceptance into the close-knit group of friends is what made me fall in love with this manga. I especially like Masa's changing relationship with Ichi. Any fic you can write exploring any stage of that relationship would be amazing. Or perhaps you could do a comedy and embarrass Masa in a compromising situation with Otake, or one of the Katsuraya prostitutes while he was working there. Or Ichi! (Masa's shyness is so very adorable!) Something set later in manga canon, when Ichi was avoiding Masa, could be very powerful. Or you could even do a modern AU. The thought of Ichi running his crew with all the technological advances available today makes me kind of scared, actually. Would he just stick to kidnapping? Oh my! (I love the image of Masa and Ichi in suits. Rowr!) I'd also like to see a story with Masa holding his own, taking a good step towards increased self-confidence. Perhaps you could write about what happens to the group after canon, their meeting again in or on the way to the West. Yagi grew on me the more I read. His intelligence and good nature, even as he teases Masa just a bit. ^^ Also his verbal sparring with Yaichi! Oh my! I do love verbal chess. :3 Yagi is an "or" character. If he won't fit with your bunny, it's all good.
Undead is Very Hot Right Now series - Sarah Rees Brennan (Bradley, Christian, Faye Fanshaw, Josh) I have read both short stories. Not even gonna lie, I followed Sarah into her original writings after adoring her Drarry. XD This two short story series is my fave original thing by her, and both times I've seen her IRL at signings, I've begged for more! And you, dear author, just might be able to give me some. *giggles*
I enjoy this little series because of the characters. Poor emo Christian, who never wanted to be a vampire, was thrown out of his house, and followed his music dreams only to end up a gimmick! Sweet Bradley, who genuinely likes Christian and enjoys being a boy band sensation! Nerdy little Josh, who is so terrified of Christian, but still let the vampire feed from him at the end! And of course snarky Faye the manager, who always makes me laugh--or cackle. The ending of both short stories filled me with squee. The first one because Bradley implied he'd be open to a threesome with Faye and Christian (OMG!) and the second because Christian reacted so strongly when he thought his "nest" was threatened. Ohhh, found family! In that vein (LOL), I love how the high of performing with his band makes Christian really feel like he belongs there.
Some bunny ideas for you: Why is Josh so afraid of Christian--something in his past, maybe? Or you could write about Christian dealing with more ridiculous vampire stereotypes, much to his irritation. Is Bradley really as air-headed as he seems? They could end up in a battle of the bands with one of the all-vamp copycat groups spawned after their success. Or deal with another not-band vampire. And just what was Bradley's Whipped Cream Adventure? And if you're in the mood for smut, there's always that hinted threesome...*eyebrow waggle* Let's not forget the hot and psychologically tragic feeding at the end of the 2nd story! If worldbuilding is more your thing, then you could explore where vampirism come from, and why is it accepted-but-not in this world. I know I wrote a lot in this section, but there's so much room to explore with fic! And I just finished reading the series (again), and the bunnies are going crazy in my head. C:
These two stories aren't listed on Sarah's site, and can be tricky to find. The first one, "Undead is Very Hot Right Now", is found in the collection Eternal Kiss, edited by Trisha Telep, 2009. ISBN 9780762437177 for regular print. The second one, "Let's get This Undead Show on the Road", is in the collection Enthralled, edited by Melisa Marr and Kelley Armstrong, 2011. ISBN 9780062015792 for regular print.)
Thank you so much for offering to write in Yuletide. I hope you can find a promising bunny and have the words pour forth with ease! And may the fic you receive this year fill you with joy. GOOD LUCK TO US BOTH!