| Meta: Beta-Writer Ladder Theory |
[Nov. 19th, 2009|05:02 pm] |
This has been something that I've probably been thinking about for over a year or so, but really toyed with writing out my ideas for the last couple of months. Not sure how much interest people will have, but I had fun making up the little ladder charts (iz dork).
Because this is rather pictorial and trying to make a bunch of jpgs and write the html code is ten times more work than clicking 'save as pdf', this meta is in pdf format on my slashcity acct. Click on the intro text below to be taken to the pdf. View in your browser or right click save. Whatever. Please link people to the Dreamwidth post (it's unlocked and will remain so).
*loves f-list*
*loves betas*
Thanks to melusinahp for the beta ;P
A little intro, please…
Over the past few years, I've developed a sort of statistical view of looking at fanfic and that has recently transformed into this wee little Beta-Writer Ladder Theory. It's a look at the match up of skill, ability and talent between Beta and Writer that will provide the best benefit to the Writer and least stress and beta enjoyment to the Beta. If anyone has checked out my Holiday Fest Season reccing posts the past two years, you already know that I'm a math geek and believe in the Gaussian Curve (Normal Distribution) like a religion. That view feeds into the Beta-Writer Ladder Theory.
Please comment, discuss, or post pornagraphic responses on my Dreamwidth post. If you don't have a Dreamwidth acct, you can anon comment and just sign your LJ/IJ name at the end or login using open ID. I wanted an unlocked place for any comments, discussion, and apple throwing to take place all together. :) |
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| Response Ficlet |
[Oct. 23rd, 2009|09:18 am] |
Response ficlet that's rather like response poetry.
I should be working on my bestmatesxmas, but this was far too enticing not to write Harry & Draco silliness. ~1000 words. Unbeta'd LOL.
Title:Unsolicited Criticism
Pairing: Harry/Draco
Rating: PG slash (still it's for grown ups)
Summary: Draco is the SPAG master!!! Harry's his bitch!
( Unsolicited Criticism ) |
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| Writers for Awareness |
[Jan. 10th, 2009|08:46 pm] |
My dear f-list, please indulge me to talk about something very near and dear to my heart. This is something that makes me smile. I'm going to be participating in the HP 10k Showcase. It's a very very small showcase of HP friends who want the challenge of an under 10k story and to raise awareness of a cause or issue important to us. I was rather inspired by Live Long n Marry by the way fandom can work as a community. I think this has the same potential. Also, if you've read any of my recent posts you know that I'm just not that into the big fest format anymore. Nothing personal, that's me. I like the idea of something smaller and more focused. I don't know if that will draw people or not, but we have a great line up of writers (and even a couple of artists) who all came together on this endeavor. Please check out the ![[info]](http://www.insanejournal.com/img/community.gif) hp10k_showcase.
It's probably no surprise that my cause is Autism Awareness. There will be awareness posts on the comm to watch for in the weeks leading up to the fest in March. I realize that money might be tight for many people right now, so please know that this is not a fundraiser. For all of the causes, information will be presented as well as links on where to go for more information or places to make charitable contributions if you are so inclined. I will be making a contribution to Autism Speaks based on the number of watchers to the comm (although the final details still need to be worked out and I'll post more about that soon). In the meantime, please watch the comm and spread the word. I think this is going to be an exciting and different type of fandom project. It's going to have some great fic, art, and provide some personal perspectives on some very important issues.
oh and ps - there's also a comm on Insane Journal that will have links posted so that people who are mostly on Insane can follow along as well:) http://asylums.insanejournal.com/hp10k_showcase/ |
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| Final Fest Rec List and Reveals!!! |
[Jan. 8th, 2009|09:15 am] |
Much like last year's 2007 Fest Report Card, I've made a composite list of the recs I've made this holiday season.
(caveats, limitations, and disclaimers c/p from last year;)
Most of my f-list knows that I went to school known for its academics. That said - it always graded on a "C curve". Yep absolutely NO Grade Inflation. So I've come to look at much in life as on the Gaussian curve (normal distribution) and see much of life on a C curve. The funny thing that most people forget when describing such a curve is that half of the curve is Below Average and the vast majority can be considered mediocre. So what's my point? I'm just putting A & B fics up for the sake of differentiating them but I think them all excellent reads and above average and rec them heartily. Please take no insult from a B grade. I mean it as a huge compliment as it is far better than the majority of C+ to B- fics out there. I'll also put the caveat out there that all this is simply IMHO. There were plenty of other fics that I read and thought meh...okay...and then saw other folks reccing them profusely. That's what makes chocolate and vanilla. These are to my taste.
One last thing… I (and I know I'm not alone) feel my interest in fests diminishing- both in reading and writing. I'm starting to see that I have a different vision of how I think I'd like to see group type presentation of fan fiction go in the future. I have thoughts on both quality and format. I figure that this is my fandom, my hobby, and it can be whatever I make it. I want to enjoy myself, and so it is up to me to create my own playground. As with anything in life, I am responsible for my own happiness. To that, I've also noticed that some of my favorite fics that I read & rec'd this holiday season were not from any fest. I'm going to add those to the list too, because IMHO they are not to be missed.
( List of 2008 Holiday Season Recs by Grade Under the Cut ) |
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| exhausted but a rec... |
[Dec. 11th, 2008|04:36 pm] |
so spent the day at the Children's Discovery Museum with a bunch of kindergardeners. Exhausted. Took 2 advil. Have my "moms" group annual mommy xmas ornament exchange party tonight. Which is always funny cause I don't celebrate xmas so I always give whatever I win to my pal "J".
So I've been keeping up w/the fest reading. Just to clear something up- as with any of my previous "rec binges" - I tend to rec things that stand out to me and that I think other people should make the time to read, so yeah, I read plenty of fics that I say "that was lovely or entertaining" but I don't rec em'. Please, no hard feelings. My rec list from this season will indeed be very short. I'd be surprised if I hit 20 stories. Capiche? Also I will not be sneaky and rec my own fics to throw people off the scent. I'm reccing so few fics that I don't think it would matter. But I will put up an offer of a PWP smutlet of your choice to anyone who picks out my yuleballs or hd-holidays fic out of the line up.
All that said... I've got a rec for you from hd_holidays. Misuse of Muggle Artifacts is my kind of story. It's a sharply written romantic comedy. The author knows how to work the UST, mis-steps, and misunderstanding to perfection. The plot is delectable, and yes, different from things I've read before. I loved all the details, both Harry and Draco, and the way the whole thing is woven together and then cinched tight at the end. Read and enjoy! |
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| fest reccing post #3 :) |
[Dec. 8th, 2008|10:00 am] |
Once again I'm starting my fest reccing post w/a non-fest rec. I've been posting quite a bit a ![[info]](http://www.insanejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) pushdragon taking her wonderful talent and even more wonderful self away from fandom. As a last goodbye she gave us one more installment to the OH SO Amazingly HOT Tale of Horns series. Go read Dragon Riding for Beginners – How the cover boy finally got it It's fantastic and yes, wraps up the series in a very masculine romantic way. I'm going to miss her. Go read all her fics if you haven't (they're recc'd on my favorites list: http://rickey.slashcity.net/favorites.html)
I've read a lot since last week and I've got a few more fest recs.
From bestmates_xmas we have: Parchment which is a short pre-slash Harry/Ron the quality of which I have never seen. It is beautifully crafted. The writing hits the emotional bullseye in this simple tale of what is said and left unsaid. I think I know who wrote this, but will be pleasantly surprised if it's someone else. (and then start stalking them;) This is my Don't Miss fic of the bunch and even if H/R isn't your thing you could read this w/sort of a Gen frame of mind and really enjoy it.
From hd_holidays we have:
My gift fic: The Piano Man and I can honestly say that I'd be reccing this even if it wasn't my "gift". But it was, and the author took a whole bunch of my random prompts (like musician!Draco and meeting in a far off land etc.) and crafted a lovely tight focussed fic (mmmm my favorite kind). My comment: Oh... sigh. This had such a gentle flow and pace to it - very simple and very natural. It had a genuine feel of two people who love each other dealing with disappointment and trying to move forward. Well done. Seriously, go love this wonderfully written fic for grownups.
Angel Wing is truly a sweet feel good fic. There's some delicious humor as well. It's an impeccably written somewhat disenchanted with life Harry caring for his pet goose (wink wink). I like the concept that feelings can develop out of anywhere.
This last H/D rec comes w/warnings. One: It's an infidelity fic and Two: It has the "kink" of sounding. So you need to be able to deal w/those issues. If you can, The Sound and the Fury is a well penned and OMFG Hawt story. I think it's a brilliant smut and kink fic, and it has that extra layer emotion that will make the H/D shipper quite happy.
And as always... If you liked something, leave the author some love. Even "I enjoyed this - thanks" makes us all warm and gushy inside. |
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| moar recs |
[Dec. 4th, 2008|12:25 pm] |
So I've been reading... a lot the past few days. I'm going to be brutally honest and say that the recs I've got from the fests the past few days are coming w/some caveats. Nothing has blown me away like the two fics I'm going to rec w/out any restraint are one's that aren't from fests at all.
1st up is a fic that I meant to read when it was first posted in October, but it got lost in the shuffle of my big "to read" list and my fest writing. brummell is a fav writer of mine. If you've read Stain of Silence or Arc of the Pendulum, you know why. Her latest Six Ways In Which Harry Potter Was Like Bambi's Dad (And A Few Ways In Which He Wasn't. At All.) is so good and lives up to the light shown by its predecessors. Here's the bottom line. If you read H/D at all, even if it's every once in a blue moon - read this fic (under 7k words). Her writing is always emotionally gripping and well crafted, but more than that... when I read her work I never feel that "I have read so many stories just like this before". It's fresh! and in fanfic that's a special. Yes, there's Mpreg, and the premise sounds cracky (at least the origins of the inspiration for the story) - but this story is real and grounded in a very possible post DH world. Seriously, this was head and shoulders above all the fest stuff I've read the past few days. Top Marks!
After you've read "Bambi's Dad", I give you permission to check the rest of these recs ;P
( more recs under the cut ) |
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| Fest Recs Dec 2 |
[Dec. 2nd, 2008|07:23 pm] |
So I've read quite a bit from bestmates_xmas,hp_yule_balls, and hd_holidaysthese opening couple of days of the fanfic holiday fest season. I'll probably post recs every couple days and then a recap post at the end of the month. We're headed to FL Dec 29 for a week, so I'll miss the last few days of posting, but c'est la vie.
I've got two recs today.
First from hp_yule_balls is a very short (1,232 words) Remus/Sirius- Before Rebuilding. This "winner" was a surprise to me because I'm not typically into Marauder stuff, but I really loved loved loved this R/S dynamic. Very powerful! It's an AU: This story is set in late 1981, in an AU world where Sirius does not go to Azkaban, but instead gets custody of Harry and goes into hiding, with Remus as their Secret Keeper. But don't let that scare you, because that intro line is really all you'll get regarding the set up. This is a raw intimate look at Remus and Sirius, who they are, and how they relate to each other. It's short just go read it (and leave some love if you liked it as much as I did).
The second is from bestmates_xmas and weighs in at about 17,500 words, but believe me this is a fast fast read. The writing is sharp, clever, and witty. Five Is An Odd Number is one of those Strange Wizarding Traditions that poor Harry never knew about fics. It should be crack, but it reads as earnest as needing to take an Apparition test to get a license. Go read. If you read H/R, you'll recognize the writing. It's charming, funny, and hot as hell. Even if H/R isn't your thing, give this a whirl. A feel good read for sure. |
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| The Draco Grand Slam (Rec Fest) |
[Jun. 18th, 2008|09:56 am] |
So this whole thing started when pushdragon made a comment regarding Draco being slammed against a wall in a fic: I want to make slamming-Draco-against-the-wall an Olympic sport
and then I had to heartily agree that a rec fest was required (b/c she loves fests) with simply your favorite Draco-slammage moment(s). Cause, hey, we've all written one (or ten) and/or we love to read them. It doesn't need to be H/D. It can be anyone slamming Draco into a wall for any reason (or no good reason at all)! Although I won't lie, that I love when smut ensues:D
Come and play on my Live Journal
The Draco Grand Slam (Rec Fest)
Post your own Draco slammage and/or rec your favorite:D |
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| HDWC recs & roundup w/pre-reveal thoughts |
[May. 11th, 2008|04:12 pm] |
So all of the fics for hd_worldcup have been posted. I gave some individual "don't miss" recs as the fest was in progress, but here's a full list of my Pre-Reveal recs. I think there's still a few days left to read, comment, and vote (if you aren't a participant;). Also, if you're interested, some of my general thoughts. I'll do a quick post about my own entries after the reveal. If you feel you've spotted me, drop me a line. I'm horribly vain and am curious. One final caveat on the recs is that I did not read everything, but I did read a lot and skimmed/read openings of most. If you are curious what I thought about a certain fic, feel free to drop me a line after the reveal. There were a ton of good reads, so just because I didn't think they were absolute standouts didn't mean that I didn't enjoy them.
( Some recs and notes about and the whole HD World Cup experience under the cut: ) |
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| Fest Final Rec List / Report Card |
[Jan. 3rd, 2008|04:52 pm] |
The fic-fests done. Here's the updated Report Card of fics that I want to rec. bestmates_xmas had their reveal already and I've updated with the authors. I plan to update to this post and put in the authors after the smutmas and hd_hols reveal, but this will be my last "post". Any fics that fest fics that I missed and I read in the future, I'll rec em separately. So feel free to link to this post.
Most of my f-list knows that I went to school known for its academics. That said, it always graded on a "C curve". Yep absolutely NO Grade Inflation. So I've come to look at much in life on the a Gaussian curve (normal distribution) and see much of life on a C curve. The funny thing that most people forget when describing such a curve is that half of the curve is Below Average and the vast majority can be considered mediocre. So what's my point? I'm just putting A & B fics up for the sake of differentiating them but I think them all excellent reads and above average and rec them heartily. Please take no insult from a B grade. I mean it as a huge compliment as it is far better than the majority of C+ to B- fics out there. I'll also put the caveat out there that all this is simply IMHO. There were plently of other fics that I read and thought meh...okay...and then saw other folks reccing them profusely. That's what makes chocolate and vanilla (as reported in earlier post;)
ETA 1/4/08: updated w/merry_smutmas authors
ETA 1/6/08: updated w/hd_holidays authors
( List of 2007 Holiday Fes Recs by Grade Under the Cut ) |
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| REC grown up H/R |
[Dec. 27th, 2007|03:16 pm] |
I had already written this review to add to my big long fest rec list by grade before the reveal went up last night. I wasn't surprised at all when I found out that it was by an author that I know and love. Anyway... It's long for bestmates_xmas at ~20,500 so I really want to encourage folks to go and read Bittersweet Symphony by wolfiekins Harry/Ron NC-17
It was the last fic of the fest and long and Christmas came but this is an absolute jewel and it is sinful how few comments it has. So now that the holiday is over...Go Read!
This story reminded me just how much I love grown up slash-fic. This was a heartfelt portrayal of H/R as grown men in a long lasting stable relationship. I loved this quiet slice of life look at H/R. We often make choices in life but then things change, we change so it becomes time to revise our decisions. Nothing is etched and stone and it's always a good thing to remember that. It was great to see that relationships are work and Ron really working at it. It was great to see that parenting (part time for teen Teddy) is work and H & R working at it. It was great to see that extended families are Work! You see how special H & R's relationship is and how much they love and care for each other. The writing was subtle yet evocative, filled with humor and sometimes a heavy heart, and the smex was scrumptious. Also just the right length for the story at ~20k words. |
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| REC!!!!!!!! |
[Dec. 24th, 2007|02:04 pm] |
I have a few minutes to spare as I'm not at home. I printed out several stories to take with me to read and must must must Rec one of them right away (will add full review to my Fest Rec List).
Now The Shining Sun Is Up
http://community.livejournal.com/hd_holidays/93652.html
This is a grown up Harry/Draco. Smart, insightful and extremely polished writing. Harry is drifting through life and Draco has found himself a cause. This fic deals with some pretty important life and philosophy issues without being pretentious. It's tight writing without wasted words and scenes and is perfect at ~23,000 words. I adored the characterizations, intriguing descriptions and wonderful dialogue. GO READ. NOW. Then tell the author how wonderful it is :D |
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| Some more fest Recs |
[Dec. 12th, 2007|10:48 am] |
ok, some more fest recs...
I often opine about the nature of fanfic being derivative. Also HP slash has been around a while and a lot of things have been done over & over. Oh, I still think you can enjoy a fic even if it has a lot of cliches but I really get excited over something different. I'm reccing one of each today.
Last night I read a Harry/Draco/Snape piece that really struck a cord with me. The magic and the sentiment are really unique and it's woven in after DH incl. epilogue. It's quite beautiful and I need to go back and read it again myself because it really stirs up a lot of thoughts. I love fics that get me thinking. I heartily rec it: Kiss you where it's sore by Anon NC-17, 4,600 words, H/D/S but I'm gonna say it's also a look at an HP/DM relationship in a very different way
this morning I read
Weasleys' Wizard Weekend and had some great laughs and enjoyable smut. It's well written and a great read even if it's Harry & Ron locked in together and finally admitting that they want each other. Yes, a standard H/R premise, but written with great flare and original humor. NC-17 not very long either.
If you likee, leave some love for the author. I've been really trying to keep up with the fests and have been trying to leave feedback as much as possible. |
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| various and sundry |
[Dec. 10th, 2007|03:39 pm] |
So I've been doing quite a bit of reading and trying to keep a tally of the stuff I've enjoyed for my fest recap and scorecard. Occasionally, I've been floating recs out there in the interim here or to pals on YIM. You know what I've discovered? One of my mom's favorite sayings "that's what makes chocolate and vanilla" is so true. Many of us "like" and "need" different flavors. And not just pairings either. There have been fics that I've read and was unimpressed (or bored or whatever) enough that I couldn't think of what to say in a comment that I didn't even bother commenting and then seen that same fic rec'd heartily by others. o.O There were fics that I thought were really good that other folks had issues with. So yes, we like different things. It's all good. I have made a concerted effort to try out different pairings (or 3somes etc) that aren't my typical fav's as well as read topics or styles of fics that I usually pass over as well. It's been fun, interesting and enlightening to try out some new things. It makes the world go round. And like I said, I'll keep giving my flist my thoughts on fics that shouldn't be missed and will make a consolidated list of everything at the end.
For sheer fun today I'm reccing:
Same Time, Next Year on Merry Smutmas which is a Trio PWP that really isn't a PWP in the sense of how it looks at the Trio dynamic and relationship. It's also hawt smex.
I also got this handy new banner today:
also
Blood and Memories link on Insane Journal
I'm proud of this and everything I write, whether anyone reads it or not (repeats several thousand times over to self) |
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| thanks and rec |
[Dec. 7th, 2007|10:57 am] |
I got a Holiday Card from maple_mahogany yesterday, very sweet, thanks.
and I come baring a rec this morning
Reflected on bestmates_xmas Ron sees his life from a different angle.
Warnings: None, except that Alfred, Lord Tennyson is probably rolling over in his grave, as I have shamelessly borrowed everything save the tragic ending from The Lady of Shalott.
I really really enjoyed this story. It was a wonderful blend of humor, love and romance with a bit of a mystery and great Harry and Ron characterization. This is a "feel good" story, yes a typical H/R friends become more, but well written and with a wonderful twist and homage. I have no doubt that when mrsquizzical (the giftee) wakes up and sees this she's going to be so pleased.
My plan is to put up a report card at the end of the fests (just b4 the reveal) of all the fics I liked (A, A-, B+, & B's) :D but I've been posting a few standouts that people shouldn't miss. |
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| everyone's reccing it |
[Dec. 4th, 2007|10:24 am] |
as seen rec'd on H/D reader's Journals across LJ
A Fest Don't Miss
The Price We Pay for Wings Harry/Draco rated R 13,600 words
It's gorgeously written, emotionally moving, and incredibly well crafted. Heed the angst warning if you're feeling vulnerable and need to save it for later. Some folks said they cried, I'm not a crier but I was certainly Fuklempt. This is the type of thing that makes you realize how much fan-fiction can really add to your enjoyment of a fictional universe.
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| H/D fest rec |
[Dec. 3rd, 2007|07:02 pm] |
(posted on LJ and forgot I meant to post here too;) I really need to make a decision soon...
So I promised mrsquizzical to post any standout H/D that I read from the fests. I've read a whole bunch the last few days but late last night came the first stand out over at merry_smutmas.
Draco, the Magic Dragon (don't you just want to read from the title alone?)
It's impeccably well written. It's got a down-on-his-luck-but-surviving!Draco that I'm an absolute sucker for. Harry is his usual Hamlet-ish self. Luna makes a wonderful cameo appearance. The humor runs in counterpoint to the delicious sexual tension. Lovely and creative. Hot smut. Go Read! |
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| Ficcage FYI |
[Nov. 30th, 2007|08:23 pm] |
Posting starts tomorrow for most major holiday fests. I'm soooo looking forward to it. A ton of my fav fics have come from fests. People really work hard to put out their best stuff.
I will have fics in
bestmates_xmas on LJ
and
hd_holidays
Yes, it is possible to like both Harry/Ron and Harry/Draco. Read and give everyone some lovin'. I also think that anyone who has read even a few of my stories will probably be able to pick me out so cookies to those who do :D |
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| I'm probably going to become more active here. |
[Nov. 30th, 2007|09:46 am] |
Well I did what I said I'd never do. I made my LJ friends only. For right now I'm going to wait and see what happens and will continue to do my personal, fandom and fic posts there but I have a feeling I'll be moving here to IJ like a lot of other folks. All my fic is here and will remain unlocked for the forseeable future, but feel free to friend me here. To be added to my LJ list comment on the Friends Only Post .
All my fic and where to find me is also available at http://rickey.slashcity.net/ |
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