#Author: Kalendraashtar

[thelallybrochlibrary]

Are there any story where Claire and Jamie are friends but realize they actually love each other during quarantine? I just saw Sophia Bush is with her longtime friend of 9 years because of quarantine. If not, someone pleeeeesee write it. I'll buy you pizza

Hello there,

So with this particular ask, we don’t have a one-size-fits-all that fulfills the entire prompt: 

Love in a Time of Quarantine by @holdhertightandsayhername 

Jamie and Claire both live in Edinburgh. Unfortunately, they only went out once before the Covid-19 lockdown was enforced. This is a sneak-peek of their text messages...

This is the closest story to what you’re asking, especially since it’s during quarantine. 

If you’re looking for friends-to-lovers trope we suggest: (Though, these do not have any quarantining in them)

Beauchamp Riots by @kalendraashtar and I’ll be there for you I by @abreathofsnowandwaffles.

HapWpy reading,

PS- If anyone does want to write this story, we are throwing it out there to the world! 

[veryfaintveryhuman]

Kal, I love these two, this story, with all of my heart and soul. That anon from earlier can rightly fuck right off into oblivion. The magic infused in every inch of this “Dark Shines” keeps me returning over and over to see what happens next, and that’s the mark of a true storyteller.

The tension in this particular chapter is stretched thin and at the breaking point. I’m so impressed at the image of a quivering thread in my head we’re all waiting to snap, while Jamie and Claire’s entire world is balanced on it. I didn’t even see it at first; I was so focused on the bubble these two loves put themselves in. Their chemistry is seriously enchanting, Kal, and I love their teasing, their easy intimacy, and how they’ve fallen into it. You’ve woven so much beautiful imagery into those paragraphs: glistening auburn and cinnamon, Claire’s whispered spell, the belly-deep laugh likes waves... My heart ached right there for Jamie and the trust he’s giving Claire and the trust she’s giving him in return. And isn’t that the heart of who Jamie and Claire are in canon? That trust?

And then Malva... I’m simultaneously dreading her appearance but also excited because it means we’re going to learn more about Claire. The bits and pieces we got here makes me crave so much more. Like I said before, your mastery of pacing is phenomenal, Kal. You know exactly how to keep us enthralled! But also how to break our hearts because damn, Jamie’s lie about using Claire for information? A damn knife through the gut. I clapped my hand over my mouth, shook my head, and then shook it some more. Because I have a feeling Claire’s going to know... 🥺

Fanfiction - Dark Shines

Just two chapters to go in Murder 1 after this one! Thank you for reading and supporting. Lots of love X

Part I, Part II , Part III , Part IV , Part V , Part VI , Part VII

Dark Shines

Part VIII – Witness

She was a witch and he was in her thrall.

Once, he had no recollection of her face as soon as she was away; now he was bewitched by the memory of her. Claire’s face was never far away from his thoughts, and for the next three days as soon as he left the station he went straight to her house.

They made love with abandon, sometimes against the front door or on the hallway’s floor, as if intimate touch was something that could escape them at any moment. Claire would relieve him of the burden of his holster and past sorrows with a knowing, fearless, hand; he committed to the job of loving her right with his whole body.

Jamie found laughter in her bed again, a wave that broke into him belly-deep, and he was forever chasing the sensation of lightness of her skin against his. She told him stories about her unusual customers, both tea-seekers and craft-believers, and he relished in experiencing something of her through those tales. They seldom talked about the past and never about the future, happy to exist only in that precipice before and after their joining.

“Do you want to see some actual magic?” She asked late one night, as Jamie watched her intently, sprawled on her unmade bed as she moved across the room. A rumpled sheet covered him modestly around the waist, auburn and cinnamon glistening on the sparse hairs of his naked thighs and legs.

“I thought I just did.” He offered her a lopsided grin, filled with cockiness.

“I have more to offer than a good seeing to, Mister Fraser.” She answered coquettishly, bouncing her stormy curls. “I mean, do you want to see what I can do with my craft?”

“I thought ye didna want to show me.” Jamie noted haltingly, leaning forward so that he was half-sitting on the bed. “Couldn’t ye have used it before, to convince me to believe ye?”

“You believe me now.” The witch replied simply, as if that settled the matter entirely. “And that’s why.”

Not waiting for another rebuttal, Claire sat in front of him with crossed legs and covered her face with the palms of her hands, whispering softly.

“Servant of time under my palms,

Skin of oak, blood of sap,

Future me for him to see.”

Keep reading

[wafflesetc]

What’s some of your fav fanfics?? I need some good reads!

This is a tough thing, because there *REALLY* is such good caliber fanfic out there.

Here are my four OG fanfics that got me hooked:

Our Story by @westerhos for @imagineclaireandjamie

Broken Crown by @kalendraashtar

The Last All Clear by @bonnie-wee-swordsman

CLAIR(E)VOYANCE by @notevenjokingfic [Arcs: (2) (3) (4) (ficlets)]

Newer Fanfics: 

Loss by @missclairebelle

I don’t even know your name by @kkruml

Scalpel & Needle by @kalendraashtar

The Midwife I/ II by @magnoliasinbloom

Favorite Feel Good Fics:

Flood My Mornings by @bonnie-wee-swordsman

Modern Glasgow by @gotham-ruaidh 

Really Cool AUs:

Scalamandre by @futurelounging

ON DEADLINE by @convivialcamera 

Just Desserts by @thescarlettpeacock

Uitilander by @gotham-ruaidh

STAY by @kkruml

The Sands of Time by @holdhertightandsayhername​

The Beauchamp Chronicles by @notevenjokingfic​​

Escape by @notevenjokingfic​

Taghadh by @thefraserwitch

I’d also suggest checking out @thelallybrochlibrary and the “Weekly Fic Picks” each Librarian choses. We all read different things from week to week and when we’re making content over there, make weekly recommendations. There will be some more variation there as I said, each of us have a little bit different taste. 

This list is also not complete by any means- there is SO much good fanfic out there! These are definitely some staples though on my fanfic bookshelf. If you want help locating a specific fic/author/genre please don’t hesitate to ask! 

XO, Waffles

[kkruml]

7, 8, 10, 16, 18, 20!

WAFFS. I fully blame/credit/blame ye for my foray into fanfiction.

7. Top 3 OL fan fiction authors of all time?

OKAY. I’m biased here because I am BLESSED to be able to see the inner workings of a few select writers. So I am naturally very connected to these stories and the authors who steward them. I am VERY rusty with the larger fandom of writers out there BUT... if I HAD to choose...

@missclairebelle @abreathofsnowandwaffles @kalendraashtar

8. Favorite OL fan fiction genre?

I am decent with canon through the first three books/seasons but not much beyond that SO stories that are canon-compliant are tough for me to follow so I’m gonna say definitely modern AU... if I had to go more than that, I love a wee bit o’ angst so gimme some misunderstanding that causes some confusion or hurt feelings that then leads to an epic make-up.

10. Favorite OL fan fiction ship?

Jamie and Claire. I mean... right?

16. Do you have an OL fan fiction ‘guilty pleasure’?

I don’t know if it’s a “guilty pleasure” but I am SOLD on Jamie when he’s totally in sync with Claire and her needs. I’ve seen the early stages of a *new* fic that’s in the works that totally focuses on this very thing and it just... I NEED IT.

18. Preferred situations, environments, snacks while reading/writing fan fiction?

I mean...

I JOKE BUT.. WHERE IS THE LIE.

20. All-time favorite thing about OL fan fiction?

Getting to see the many many MANY versions of our Jamie and Claire when thrown into different realities.

[imagineclaireandjamie]

Rabbit Hole Anon here. I also binged the fan fic relay from 2018. It ended abruptly (I think) at chapter 24... will we ever get a resolution? (Apologies if this isn’t yours. I’m a little googly eyed from binging and MIGHT have a few plots & authors confused 😐)

Hey there, Rabbit Hole Anon!

@outlanderfanficrelay is a project that’s separate from Imagine and is supposed to be kind of a self-sufficient breathing beasty that runs itself without a supervisor (according to the fab @kalendraashtar who was the first writer to kick things off, I think). It looks like Chapter 24 of the relay was the last to post. It seems that the baton was passed off by the next person in line and whoever followed that person hasn’t posted. Maybe you should send an ask to the OL FF Relay to see if you could try your and at writing Chapter 25, Rabbit Hole Anon, and get it started up again?!

Love,

MCB

[gotham-ruaidh]

I was wondering if you can name five of your favourite fanfics and what you think you have learned about the author through them. Thanks!

1. Faith Restored by @lenny9987 - I admire how patient and methodical she is in her approach to writing, and in the execution of how she writes this story. She is incredibly disciplined and teases out small details that are just stunning. And of course the entire premise of this AU just breaks my heart and makes it soar all at the same time.

2. Clair(e)voyance by @notevenjokingfic - I admire her approach to writing, as it’s completely different from my own. She allows stories to ruminate in her head before she starts writing them down - this is a bit similar to my own process, while at the same time completely different as I’ll just sit down and start writing to see what happens. She is so incredibly detailed and creative in her writing, and she sets a standard that I aspire to.

3. Constellations Series by @kalendraashtar - I admire how Kal so skillfully creates these fully-formed miniature worlds in each vignette. I’ve learned from her how to dive in and out of a story and to just leave it alone, no matter how much you may want to return to that world. And through the way she interacts with her readers, I’ve learned to always say thank you to kind words, to always acknowledge and celebrate every reader and every bit of feedback.

4. Dawning in Dust by @diversemediums - I admire how she so skillfully placed Jamie and Claire in a post-apocalyptic world that was one the one hand fantastical and on the other hand completely believable. I learned that we share a deep love for The Walking Dead and all the fascinating plot points that such a world creates. This is the story that introduced us to each other, and I’ve gained a very valued friend as a result.

5. So Long As I’m With You by @claryclark - I am honored that she allowed me to be part of her process in brainstorming for plot ideas and then polishing the story to make a shining gem of a story even brighter. Having such an up close view of her process helped me think about how I plan out my own stories, and it was really fun to share ideas and tips with her.

===> I tag @calliopemoonbeam @just-a-kid-at-heart @mybeautifuldecay @alt-megan @abbydebeaupreposts - what say you?

[rochibolettieri]

Let’s talk about writers and fanfiction

Over the past weeks I saw a lot of writers in my dash receiving tons of nasty anons criticizing their style of writing, writers I really  appreciate even if they don’t know me. Then came the plagiarism thing, so i decided to write a few things about the matter (forget my English, is not my first language 🙃)

I have to be honest, a year and a half ago, I thought of fanfiction as a silly thing until I decided to give it a try and read and definitely changed my mind. I have no idea how to write fiction is, the only approach I have about the subject is the journalistic writing I have to do for school and even if it’s different, I get that the feeling of posting something you’ve done can be scary, nerve-racking, gives you a lot of anxiety. Will people like it? Is it a silly thing to post? What if I said something wrong, if I’m misunderstood?

What I intend to say with this, is that it takes a lot of courage to publish something so intimate, something to which you dedicated a lot of time, effort and what you did with love, and also, for free. And I say intimate because I firmly believe that when writing fiction, a part of each writer appears there, a piece of how they are, what they think, their believes. As for example in the last chapter of BTY. I don’t know @balfeheughlywed , we never talked but I read a post recently about how that chapter meant for her to be a love letter to motherhood and it perfectly reflects her intention while mixing it with the story (beautiful chapter btw, I end up crying when Jamie started to talk to their bairn)

When it comes to feelings, many times the way to channel them is through writing. Other times it is through music, painting, dancing, etc. there are a lot of ways to express them, but since we are talking about written stories, let's keep it that way. I think what Lauren did was something beautiful, I’m not a mother but I thought of my mom and what she has been through, and it must have been a terrible yet beautiful experience. Other author I can think of right now is @whiskynottea with Death dreams. Her writing there is so beautiful yet so painful because she talks about things that happens in the real life. I sort of know how it is to live with someone suffering depression and let me tell you, it breaks your heart. Her portrayal of Claire as the partner of the one suffering, and Jamie as the depressed one seems so real, like you can feel what they feel in every chapter, and is a clever decision to add topics maybe not everyone is brave enough to talk about, be it depression, abortion, PTSD, miscarriages, some terminal disease…

Also, I want to comment on the subject of plagiarism. Since the beginning of last year I read OL fanfiction, and I can *shamefully* say that I read a lot, much more than all the books I have on my shelf that I didn’t read yet. And in many cases things are repeated, such as the meeting of the main characters, how they fall in love, the use of quotes from the original books, even the personalities of the characters involved. That doesn’t mean to plagiarize anyone’s work, in my opinion, it’s because within this community, many people think about the characters in a way (i.e. Frank being an abusive sexist who cheats on his partner and doesn’t care), many topics are repeated (Jamie being librarian, Claire being a doctor), what really changes is how each one writes a story based on it, and among everything I read, it's always different, because as everyone is different, so is their writing.

But also, we are in 2019 guys, I doubt there’s something that hasn’t been invented yet, everything gets recycled, so what’s the point in blaming people for writing similar things? Also, what a waste of time to be searching some specific quote of a fic and compare it with another one, i’m tired with only think about it.

For me, writing it’s a very difficult thing to achieve since I suck at words and have no idea how to express my feelings/what I want to say properly (you are seeing that now, haha). But these people out there who week after week transmit magic with each chapter, who write them in such a poetic way, research enough to give a quality content, deserve nothing but praise. If you don’t like what they write, there is only one thing to do, don’t read it. And if you have nothing good to say, it is better to say nothing. There is no reason to be filling their inbox with horrible comments, insults, pointing their mistakes if there’s no a constructive reason behind. Im always saying this but we don´t know what’s in each other lives, so maybe by leaving those things, you’re ruining their day.

There is a huge variety of styles to choose from, so it's a matter of looking for what you like and keep going. There are stories that are simpler to read, others more complicated, with metaphors, more description, maybe more elaborated (I don’t say that the simple ones are bad, but they are easier to read, at least for me, and I like it), some have shorter chapters, others longer. There are about J/C, about secondary characters, one shoots, multichapters, fluffy, angsty, canon divergence, AU... And luckily, the number of people who dare to write their own stories grows day by day, and the ones we already know improves every week, with every new story so, why don’t we go for kindness, good comments, and constructive criticism instead of sending hateful inboxes?

For writers: I can’t express how much happiness you give me every day, how I improved my English since I started reading. Reading every story makes me understand how you write the characters we love (and hate), how you understand them, how can you put them in different scenarios, different eras, in which they are presidents, florists, doctors, professors, businessmen, swimmers, make them go through difficult times, beautiful ones, and that so and all you make them shine. The possibilities you have are immense and I can’t wait to read everything they have to offer, because I’m sure is going to be a masterpiece. I know is easier said than done but it’s better to focus in the ones who really cares for the time you put into this, who waits impatiently for a sneak peak, an entire chapter, background information about your story, pics, whatever. Haters gonna hate and I personally believe it had nothing to do with you, they are just mean people, maybe bored ones who thinks is funny to send those kind of messages and don’t really care if they are hurting you in the process. Keep doing your thing, you are free to do it and there are a lot of people willing to read whatever you do.

Thank you for being brave enough to share a piece of you, of your creativity and sorry for being lazy and sometimes forget to leave a comment, or read the chapters 657946 years later, believe me when I say I do love everything you write and I end up laughing, crying, jumping in my bed when some characters kiss for the first time after a long slow burn, and sometimes completely shooked at the end of every chapter and wanting for more ❤️❤️❤️

@imagineclaireandjamie @missclairebelle @notevenjokingfic @abbydebeaupreposts @kalendraashtar  @jmoonrise  @sassenachwaffles @lenny9987 @curlsgetdemgurls @bonniebird17 @wunderlichkind @julesbeauchamp @sassenachwriter @ladyviolethummingbird @jack-andthestalk @balfeheughlywed @claryclark @thatsoccercoach @kkruml @whiskynottea @laythornmuse @magnoliasinbloom @written-rebellion @phaedrecameron @takemeawaytocamelot @thefraserwitch @gotham-ruaidh @mybeautifuldecay @mo-nighean-rouge @monigheandonn1743 @suhailauniverse @anoutlandishfanfic @owlish-peacock36 @devaigh @holdhertightandsayhername @dancinginadaydream @crossinginstyle (i’m sorry if i forgot someone 🙏🏼) 

I hope this makes sense since I’m writing this with the help of google translator bc I’m tired, sleepy and my English sucks lately 😊

[anoutlandishidea]

Can I step up to the mic for a moment?

First off, y’all need Jesus.

Second, THIS. ISSUE. IS. NOT. ABOUT. ANONS.

There are rude, bullying anons out there that love the spotlight and love trolling writers even more and I will let those of you who are battling them speak on that when they are ready. (I love each and every one of you and you have my full support. @kalendraashtar, especially you)

This is about people setting up camp in the gray area surrounding plagiarism and using other writers ideas as their own. Obviously, we’re ALL having fun in that broad area as we write FAN FICTION and there will be overlapping themes and tropes and cliches and scenes that we all play with in the world of Outlander and no one “owns” these things, but I’m talking about when it’s too close to home... I’m talking about authors who are repeat offenders, who, when approached, only play the victim and make no effort to 1. stop their harmful behavior, 2. admit there are similarities that go beyond afforementioned scenarios, and 3. go the extra mile to make their stories different.

It’s getting out of hand. It’s now more than one author stealing from another. It’s gotten to the point where a group of authors have crossed the line and systematically knocked the feet out from under @thefraserwitch, @kkruml, @sassenachwaffles, and @missclairebelle collectively.

They’ve approached you respectfully and you’ve refused to be civil. Others have approached you on and off anon and you act like you have no idea what they’re talking about. When given examples of your plagiarism, you act like you’re under attack, that these authors are only wanting to pick a fight, and that their evidence has been conjured up out of the blue.

Cease and desist, please, or you’ll have drastically less fanfic to steal from.

[whiskynottea]

What’s your favourite...

I was tagged by the sweet @phoenixflames12 ! Thank you dear, and thank you for the Wine and Whisky mention! ❤️

Outlander book: Written in My Own Heart’s Blood (aka MOBY) (ABOSAA is a close second)

Outlander character: Claire Elizabeth Beauchamp Fraser

Jamie and Claire moment: “Then they’ll shoot me where I stand, sir, for I will not leave her side!” (MOBY)

Secondary character moment: Ugh they are so many. Ian killing the wolves in the woods, Rachel saying to him “Thee is my wolf.” and Bree playing “warmer, colder” with Mandy to find Jem.

Plot twist: Everything apart from “And then he/she woke up. It was all a dream.”

For Fanfic readers/writers

Canon compliant fic: Out of Time by @futurelounging

Canon divergent: The Last all Clear by @bonnie-wee-swordsman   

Modern AU: This is Us by @abbydebeaupreposts , Stealing Tomorrow by @kalendraashtar, Our Story by @westerhos , Clair(e)voyance by @notevenjokingfic  

Rare Pair Fic:  True North by @ianmuyrray, Death of the Author by @futurelounging , Popcorn And Haydust by @wunderlichkind

Missing Moments: Everything @theministerskat writes and Other Ocean by @ianmuyrray.

Series/Multi-chapter fic: Scalamandre by @futurelounging, Flood my mornings by @bonnie-wee-swordsman, Vergangenheit by @phoenixflames12 and Where You Lead by @mo-nighean-rouge

Trope: Not a fan of tropes here.

OC: Hannah from The Gardener by @futurelounging

Quote: “When she reads what she has written, just as the train is pulling in to the station, she finds the meandering hopes and dreams and worries all converge on one truth. That love is not soaring or proud, but an invisible current carrying two souls downstream. She lifts her feet from the stream bed and lets it carry her away.”

and “This man who has fought and lost and died, rises in the moonlight to soothe his child, to sing with a broken voice and embrace with a battered body and finds he is whole.”

Both from  Death of the Author.

And I’m inviting everyone who feels like it to play!

[theministerskat]

Roger and Brianna Outlander Fanfiction

A list of Outlander fanfiction stories that focus primarily on the relationship between Roger and Brianna.

I compiled this list by initially searching the Roger and Bree relationship tag on AO3. If you know of any that have been posted exclusively to Tumblr that are missing, please make me aware of them.

A Deserving Suitor by @kalendraashtar

Roger is dating Brianna and now has to face the hardest test of all - meeting Jamie Fraser.

Auld Fashioned by @thefraserwitch

Brianna and Roger plan their nuptials in modern times.

Autumn Leaves by @mydeerfriend

A Roger x Bree college AU in which Brianna Randall is spending a semester abroad in Oxford and literally runs into Roger Wakefield, the most gorgeous professor in history.

Bree by @theministerskat

Roger tries to escape the pain and heartache he feels when he thinks he has lost Brianna for good.

Chills by @futurelounging

Brianna's inner thoughts as she gets to know Roger and how she experiences a supernatural moment at Fort William.

En Même Temps by @theministerskat

Roger finds Jamie and Claire’s death notice and decides to tell Brianna instead of keeping it from her. They choose to make the journey through the stones together.

Finally Whole by @imgilmoregirl

In the middle of the night, after Roger decides to stay with Bree, he makes a few considerations.

Fifteen Degrees by @breefraser

In the 21st century, Brianna and Roger bond over old ghosts and the strangeness of fate.

Death Of The Author by @futurelounging

A playwright and a director work to produce his play and explore their relationship in the meantime.

Goodbye Yesterday by @monisse

Nothing had prepared Brianna for the heart wrenching feeling of taking Mandy and saying goodbye to her parents, losing them for what would likely be forever.

Hope by @whiskynottea​

Roger’s thoughts when he learns that Brianna never wanted Jamie to beat him up.

I Am The Egg Man by @ianmuyrray

Brianna meets Roger on an acid trip when he’s playing sitar for a terrible Beatles cover band.

I Feel A Sin Comin’ On by @wunderlichkind

Brianna is a college student. Roger is a rodeo rider. When they meet, neither of their lives go on as planned.

In Silence by lielabell

Bree laughs as he takes her down, arms and legs wrapping around him as they land on ground softened by fallen leaves.

Let Me Love Her Rightly by virgiliacoriolanus

Her story begins at the stones in Inverness, Scotland--a single touch at the right moment and Brianna fell down the rabbit hole.

Like Dreamers Do by @monisse

A missing moment after Jem’s paternity is revealed in ABOSAA. 

Lost and Found by @theministerskat

The MacKenzies visit North Carolina after coming back through the stones to the early 1980s.

Lucky Lad by @abbydebeaupreposts

Bree witnessed a moment of bonding between Roger and Jemmy.

Making Up by @redstarfiction

Roger and Bree make up after an argument.

Ne’er To Be Parted by @redstarfiction

A wee bit of Roger and Bree fluff.

Of Lice and Love by @wunderlichkind

Brianna writes to Lord John Grey to inform him of the discovery of Jem's paternity.

Roger Restored by @ladywynneoutlander

After Roger is rescued from the Mohawk and parts from Jamie and Claire, he contemplates his past, present, and future. He has a decision to make.

Singin’ In The Rain by @writtenthroughtime

Roger has a surprise for Brianna one night after returning to the Ridge.

There Will Still Be by @breefraser

The MacKenzies find their footing after his return from New York.

These Raging Minds by @monisse

Roger learned, not long after he returned, that he shared a bed not only with Brianna, but with her nightmares as well.  

Thrush by @ianmuyrray

Roger goes sailing to meet mermaid Bree.

Martha’s Sons by @yarnings

Philosophy from Bree and Roger with Kipling's help.

[thelallybrochlibrary]

Any stories where Jamie and claire are friends but he's secretly in love with her?

Hi there,

We have a whole romcom list for your reading pleasure. We also suggest these two stories of the friends-to-lovers trope!

I’ll be there for you I & II by @abreathofsnowandwaffles

Beauchamp Riots by @kalendraashtar

[wafflesetc]

I am v lazy today and don’t really have time to find the proper master lists. But here are some wonderful authors and stories including new and already well loved fics that I have been on the process of re-reading. And just because authors deserve some love.

Waffle’s Fan Fic Recommendations Week 1

@claryclark- AO3 (Redeem Me)

@holdhertightandsayhername- AO3 (The Sands of Time)

@kalendraashtar- AO3 (Beauchamp Riots & Broken Crown)

@missclairebelle- AO3 (Absence, lol girl I need more of that asap)

@kkruml- AO3 (STAY)

[clairebeauchampfan]

The Biter Bit: Sympathy mixed with  Schadenfreude

Some bitch (since definitely no lady, and most unlikely to be a man, let alone one with pretensions to be a gentleman) has been sending the nastiest anonymous  e-mails to writers of Outlander  fanfic, telling them that their work is tendentious tripe and that they should stick to the day job, yada yada. Unsurprisingly this has caused great hurt to her victims, causing at least one excellent writer to withdraw her story altogether

Now, I happen to adore Outlander fanfic, in the main. I have cried over the best of it, laughed, smiled, sighed, giggled, and swooned with admiration over the quality of writers whose skills I can never hope to emulate. I have groaned with silent fury when I realise that I have to wait to the next chapter of a story that has gripped me from the get go. I have howled with grief when a fine story has suddenly stopped, with no apparent reason leaving me crying “what happened next, for God’s sake?”

To be sure, there is  some dreadful stuff there too; cloying sentimentality; yuk-making, cringe-worthy sex scenes; pretentious purple passages, unlikely scenarios; endlessly repeated plot lines (can we give the Jamie as a whisky-maker, Claire as the newly arrived Doctor a break. Please?).

 But even the worst-written effort deserves support, if not fulsome  praise to the author, especially when he or she is a debutante writer  who, knowing just how good her rivals are in a crowded field,  has the courage to write down and publish, on Tumblr or AO3, the fruits of her labours, showing off her imagination, her writing skills, her very soul so  that others can enjoy -  or not, as the case may be. 

That’s the thing about writing, isn’t it? The need within you to express your thoughts on paper and to share with others the fruits of your labour, whether they be good or bad. 

One such fanfic writer, newly minted compared to some of the other victims of this hateful anon, is Soka, a feminist  academic who has sallied forth with a new and original style quite her own. Not my thing, perhaps, but I salute her courage in writing it at all. This was her reward; I think Kalendraashtar and other fanfic writers have received equally toxic anonymous comments, probably from the same source

No doubt the last sentence there was supposed to make this anonymous critic’s critique sound more ‘constructive’ ; a dollop of sugar under the bile.

 Soka’s many fans and readers have of course rallied round to offer her support. I give just some examples:

 WTF is with people to post such mean, nasty stuff. I enjoy your writing!!!Why don’t they just scroll in by?

Anon is a loser..Seems to get her kicks putting others down,just ignore them and keep on doing what you do..XOXOXOXO

I cant believe people would take the time to just write mean stuff like that …. what is the point ??? You dont like the story ? Then just dont read it !!!..omg… keep doing what you love and dont pay attention to some ugly people needing to put down others to feel better about themselves. 

 Someone is spending their time sending hate to the best writers around here and it’s sickening. Your story is different and so unique, anon doesn’t appreciate it and can go fuck off 

 These morons seemed to be going after the best writers. So it’s an unintentional compliment. I love your story. It’s different. And that’s a good thing.

This whole anon crap leaves me speechless.

 I am sorry..and I have said it before, these idiots who hide behind anonymous, and leave empty hurtful words…are despised more than you realize from the rest of us who LOVE our writers

I agree with all these sentiments, especially the last ones about the wickedness of anons, sheltering behind the skirts of their anonymity without anyone else being able to take them to task on DM or directly. I absolutely hate the anon function, and make a point of neither sending or receiving anons myself

Here’s Soka herself on the subject

When I decided to write OBT, I didn’t expect everyone (anyone) to find the story appealing but I didn’t anticipate this much meanness. I’ve received so many of these anons after I posted Chapter 5 today and I just had to share three of them (these are the ‘nicest’). And no, I am not looking for affirmation of my writing or your outrage on these anons. I”m just tired. So, damn tired of this crap. Peace, people.

She has my utmost sympathy, as one would be writer (who has had a first novel shot down in flames by a succession of agents) to another.

And yet...and yet...

I could not help myself from feeling a certain schadenfreude in all of this. The biter bit, hoist with her own petard, for here she is, herself the mistress of meanness, who all this 4th season of Outlander has ruthlessly done down, mocked, belittled, sneered at, jeered at, laughed at the efforts of a team of actors, actresses, writers, producers, CGI people, wigmakers, etcetera, in the name of ‘constructive’ criticism. People who have done their level best to compress into 13 short episodes a vast novel. A young actress, comparatively new to her craft,whose every effort has been dismissed with contempt by this self same Soka. Every frown, every arm fold of Caitriona Balfe giffed and reproduced by her to conform to her critique of Caitriona’s acting this season. Every deviation from  the book magnified out of all proportion so that the writers and producers can be damned from here to eternity. No quarter given, no word of praise for honest effort by Richard Rankin, Sophie Skelton, Caitriona Balfe, the writers, directors, producers, costumiers, set designers.... no seeking out what was good to balance what was bad. Just a relentless negativity towards everything and everybody connected with the show. 

Schadenfreude - the experience of pleasure, joy, or self-satisfaction that comes from learning of or witnessing the troubles, failures, or humiliation of another. 

I know, I know,  I am being unkind. Probably unfair. Mean, even. But at least I strive for self-knowledge.

#anonymous critics #fanfic #constructive vs.destructive criticism

[tinyfrenchowl]

What’s your favourite...

I was tagged by the lovely @phoenixflames12, thank you friend!

Outlander book: The Fiery Cross has a special place in my heart because of ALL THE FLUFF!!! but I think so far Written in My Own Blood holds the place... I just love to have William and John be so much part of the main storyline.

Outlander character: Jooooooohn!! And Rachel

Jamie and Claire moment: Sperm under the microscope. It’s everything from cute domestic stuff to Doctor!Claire and curious Jamie and just hilarious.

Secondary character moment: Jem, Germain and (crap I’ve forgot the name of the third kid... starts with an A?) hiding because Fergus and Marsali are leaving the Ridge and Germain doesn’t want to leave his friends.

Plot twist: From a reader’s standpoint I don’t think Outlander has much of them... but my favourite will always be John turning up at unexpected moments, like on that ship with Claire before we know it’s him. And how Claire is William’s step-mom twice over :)

For Fanfic readers/writers

Canon compliant fic: I... don’t actually read many of those... sorry. OH WAIT. SECOND WIFE!! someone please tell me who the author is so I can @ them!! Also that Christmas fic at the Ridge that I always forget isn’t canon, where Jamie and John are looking at Claire and Bree decorating the house and remeniscing about a conversation they had on the subject at Ardsmuir??

Canon divergent: Flood my Mornings and The Last All Clear, by @bonnie-wee-swordsman

Modern AU: Vergangenheit by @phoenixflames12, Scalpel and Needle by @kalendraashtar, Just Dessert (please tell me who the author is so I can @ them!!), Triquetra by @faeriesfanficblog

Rare Pair Fic: @ianmuyrray‘s Hummingbird and @futurelounging‘s In Orbit <33333

Missing Moments: probably a couple of @lenny9987 and @gotham-ruaidh’s

Series/Multi-chapter fic: All those mentionned above. and HOW COULD I FORGET SCALAMANDER by @futurelounging ?!!!!

Trope: Technical inability to communicate (due to broken tech, lack of signal...) which leads to worry and them reaaaally tight hugs.

OC: Tom from FFM (@bonnie-wee-swordsman)

Quote: ‘Minnafash, sapnack’ in FMM by @bonnie-wee-swordsman

I’m not sure who’s already done this or been tagged in this... @brandeewine @art-by-khuggs @ianmuyrray and anyone else who wants to!

[staciejcc]

So we’ve had a super shit time lately. It’s been a nightmare that I’m unable to wake from. I know it may sound crazy, but as I’ve told @bonniebird17 the fanfic stories are my saving grace right now. I read and reread them all. I’ve always been a fan of all you @written-rebellion @writtenthroughtime @imagineclaireandjamie @gotham-ruaidh @balfeheughlywed @whiskynottea @kalendraashtar @takemeawaytocamelot and a ton more i can’t put names to. Your words are an escape. I look for updates and if there aren’t any, i reread EVERYTHING! I don’t know if you fanfic authors are thanked often enough, but i love your guts and I’m beyond grateful to read Jamie and Claire in all the ways i never imagined. Thank you all for past, present and future imaginary escapes💛💛💛

[themusicsweetly]

Do you have any Outlander AU fanfic suggestions?

Oh, Anon, you don’t even know how much I love this question. Thanks for sending it!

First, a GIANT thank you to each and every single fanfiction writer out there. You all are wonderful human beings for sharing your talents with us 💜

Now, where to begin… *crackles knuckles* You can click the titles to find a fic’s chapters chronologically for most and the first chapter for the rest. (In no particular order at all)

Just Desserts by @thescarlettpeacock – Modern AU

We’ll Rise Up by @whiskynottea – French Revolution AU

Clair(e)voyance by @notevenjokingrightnowfic – Modern Mystery AU

Escape by @notevenjokingrightnowfic – Modern AU

Broken Crown by @kalendraashtar – Modern Mystery AU

Bean Sídhe by @kalendraashtar – Claire born in the 18th Century AU

For A Lost Daughter by @bonnie-wee-swordsman – Faith Lives AU (modern to 18th Century time frame)

Flood My Mornings by @bonnie-wee-swordsman – Jamie x Claire in the 1950s AU

The Last All-Clear by @bonnie-wee-swordsman – World War II AU

Infodere by @awesomeeyeroll – Modern Archeological AU

Dawning in Dust by @diversemediums – Post-Modern AU

Modern Glasgow AU by @gotham-ruaidh – Modern AU

We Live for Love by @gotham-ruaidh – Modern AU

Brian and Ellen by @gotham-ruaidh – 18th Century (Brian and Ellen live AU)

Third Time’s the Charm by @lenny9987 – Jamie x Claire in the 1950s AU

Red Jamie and the White Lady by @takemeawaytocamelot – Modern Mystery AU

An Outlander Affair to Remember by @abbydebeaupreposts – Modern AU

Someone to Stay by @magnoliasinbloom – Modern AU

Awake by @magnoliasinbloom – Modern AU

Where We Begin by LayThornMuse (AO3) – Modern AU

Our Story by @westerhos – Modern AU

A Lightened Soul by @sapphiresassenach – Modern AU

Neighboring Love by @writtenthroughtime – Teenaged 18th Century Jamie x Claire AU

The Rebel and the Rose by @mybeautifuldecay – Claire born in the 18th Century AU

Outlander Fanfiction Relay by several (@outlanderfanficrelay) – Modern? Mystery? AU (it could turn into anything at this point! xD)

and not that this is really an AU, or a fanfic really, but check out @bonnie-wee-swordsman‘s SMS Frasers series – because Jamie x Claire et al. with CELLPHONES + EMOJIS! 😂

Most of these are multi-chapter, but there are quite literally hundreds of one-shots out there as well waiting to be discovered! I just have harder time remembering the title + authors for those.

There are probably several I’ve missed, so if anyone has any suggestions please feel free to name them!