zeegoeshere

I was super intimidated by my assignment, because Nation by Terry Pratchett was one of the best books I read this year, and I was pretty nervous at the prospect of a) writing fic in a historical fandom, and b) stepping into Pratchett's shoes. But I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

Give The World a Shape for loneraven
Fandom: Nation by Terry Pratchett
Summary: “It’s a diplomatic mission of sorts--not for the crown, but for the Royal Society, actually. It’s the Nation. They’re trying to revoke their membership in the society and deny us access to the island.” 6,800 words. Huge thanks to drunktuesdays and sapote3 for the hand-holding and help.

My recipient requested an expansion on the book's worldbuilding, and specifically brought up the question of whether or not the world wars happened in this universe. Somehow that got me thinking about scientific racism and eugenics, and the potential of that whole school of thought getting nipped in the bud because of the Nation. Sir Francis Galton was a real historical figure, a cousin of Charles Darwin who pioneered the term 'eugenics' and basically invented intelligence tests. Normally I'm terrified of doing research, but it actually ended up being a pretty fun part of writing this story.

I am so beyond pleased with my Yuletide story. I asked for Archer, Pam/Cheryl or Archer/Lana, and I got BOTH in one story that also includes fuck-or-die, golden showers and fisting. In any other fandom, I might be slightly taken aback to get a Yuletide present with golden showers and fisting, but for Archer? It's perfect. I am amazed at how they got the characterization as well as the tone of the show so perfect--it's like watching an episode of the show.

Goldenfist, for the TV show Archer, Pam/Cheryl and Archer/Lana. It is AWESOME.

Dear Yuletide Writer,

I am always a bit stumped as to what to say in these letters. Mostly I'm just happy that you're going to write me a story for any of the fandoms I requested! I tried to provide some details about what kind of fic I love reading and what I would love for the fandoms in question, but I don't want to intimidate you or make you feel like I won't love your story unless it fits my specifications. I want to read whatever story you're excited about writing.

( Rambling about the details )

I participated in Yuletide this year for the first time in a few years, and it was a really lovely experience. I ended up writing We Wear Each Other's Heads Like Hats for just_katarin. I was tempted by some of her other prompts, but in the end I wrote Community fic, because Troy and Abed are amazing and wonderful and I 'ship them harder than I've 'shipped any pairing since Merlin and Arthur a couple years ago.

I was quite lucky this year and received two different stories, both in the Losers fandom: Sweet Dreams Are Made Of These by Kittydesade, and Bad Cop by likeadeuce. "Sweet Dreams Are Made of These" is a sweet and funny look at the relationship between Jensen and Aisha. Jensen's dream sequence and inner monologue felt so spot on to me. "Bad Cop" is Clay/Roque, and it gave me the #1 thing I wanted post-movie, which was a deeper look at Roque's characterization, the choices he makes and his relationship with Clay. I love the way she's made sense of his character: you can still see him making the choices he does in the film, but it's also clear why he remained loyal to Clay for so long. I loved the way she wrote the two of them fighting with each other and supporting each other, too.

Now that yuletide and jbbs have been revealed, I can post the fic I wrote, yays. (I needed to wait until jbbs has been revealed to post this. I'm manic like that.) petronelle wrote my wonderful Yuletide story, So Truly Parallel, which I guessed while reading the story. I find it hilarious and wonderful that she got to write my request, although I hope this doesn't spoil me--you can't ask for your writer to be someone who knows your tastes *exactly* every year. *g*

Anyway--here's mine.

Title: Let's Hit It Hard, Let's Leave A Mark
By Zee
Fandom: Young Avengers, spoilery up to #12.
Summary: "I refuse to fuel your weird neuroses." 5,094 words, NC-17.
Disclaimer: Really not mine.

Notes: So many people audienced this and helped me nail out the kinks during the writing of it, and I'm hugely thankful to all of you guys. Betty saved me from a nervous breakdown while writing this plus JBBS, so I guess she's the beta. For cheshireempress.

( Tommy isn't really sure why he isn't back in juvie. )