#and it should NOT be tagged with tags such as for example “jily” when that tag is clearly not relevant to the post in the slightest

[marauderingminnie]

WHO WAS GONNA TELL ME THERE WAS A TAG LIMITTTTTT

So much of the current marauders fandom controversy wouldn’t even exist if people just tagged their posts right 😭😭

[vulpes115]

Okay, so I have thoughts about a lot of the recent Jegulus vs. Jily discourse. Most of them aren’t bringing anything new so I’ll keep them to myself (Though I will add a Jegulus shipper, I believe that the Jily anons that have been sending death threats and other similar messages need to chill out, find some hobbies, maybe read some good Jily fics, and most importantly, stop sending death threats to people—mostly queer minors—who ship a fairly basic grumpy x sunshine pairing). However, the part I do want to weigh in on is the Marauders fandom and misogyny.

I will admit that this fandom has a problem with how we treat our female characters. We give our male characters a lot of depth and nuance, allowing them to be flawed and focusing heavily on their trauma. In contrast, many modern MLM-dominated fandoms, in an effort not to be deemed sexist, place all their female characters in the same "flawless, sarcastic, badass lesbian queen who rolls her eyes at all the boys' relationship drama while having her own much less dramatic sapphic storyline" role. The Marauders fandom is 100% guilty of this, and we need to address it.

Let the girls be messy. Let them make mistakes. Let them have their own ridiculous, adorable, and even scandalous relationship drama. Let them have heartbreaking, tragic storylines just like the boys do. Most importantly, let the girls have their own spotlight. They are all interesting characters with a lot of potential if given the chance.

However, I feel some of the arguments about misogyny in the Marauders fandom have lost the plot. For example, claims that Jegulus fics are reducing Lily to a surrogate are not entirely accurate. Only two Jegulus fics are specifically tagged with "surrogate Lily Evans," and only 114 (7% of the total Jegulus fics) involve them raising Harry—most Jegulus fics do not include him. Moreover, quite a few of those fics involve split custody with Lily and either Pandora or Mary. Jegulus fans are not bashing Lily; only 29 Jegulus fics are tagged with Lily Evans bashing, compared to 165 Jily fics with similar tags. Most Jegulus fans actually love Lily. Strawman arguments like these won't help; they only prompt Jegulus fans to think, "Well, I don’t do THAT," without critically examining how they treat their female characters or addressing other areas of concern.

Jegulus is not inherently misogynistic. It can be if you sideline Lily, but as long as you give Lily attention and make her a nuanced character—which many Jegulus fics do, like Crimson Rivers—there’s no real problem. Similarly, Jily is not inherently feminist. Sure it does help to give Lily the spotlight as one half of the main ship, especially since James is such a devoted malewife. However insisting that Lily needs to be in a relationship with James or be Harry’s mother can be misogynistic because it implies that female characters are only valuable in relation to the men in their lives. Given that canon, influenced by JKR’s misogyny, struggled to develop Lily beyond a flawless woman loved by both James and Snape who sacrificed her life for her son, as all good women should. Also Lily doesn’t need James to be happy and in love, ships like PandaLily and MaryLily are really good underrated and cute ships that come with new ways to flesh out Lily’s character and spotlight female characters more.

Also, since I mentioned Pandora and Mary, it's worth noting that when Jily shippers bring up misogyny in the fandom, they often use it more as a gotcha against Jegulus shippers, seeking moral high ground. They don't genuinely care about misogyny in the fandom; they’re more concerned that Lily no longer receives the same attention she once did. Lily seems to be the only girl many of them care about, often only in relation to Jily. Many don’t show the same interest in Mary, Marlene, Pandora, Dorcas, or the Black sisters. Lily is the only girl who truly matters to them, and even then, it's mostly in the context of Jily.

[jilychallenge]

March Jilychallenge 2024

We really hope that February’s sweet fluff did not cause you to have cavities because, again, we have a sweet, cute theme of…

FAIRYTALES

It may be a rendition of a classic fairy tale, like Cinderella, Snow White or the Sleeping Beauty or any other lesser know fairy tales like The Juniper Tree, Bluebeard etc! Or it may even be a fairy tale of your own making set in a fantasy world! All we want is for our James and Lily to live their Happily Ever After!

To sign up:

• please reblog this post by the 1st of March tagging with what you'd like to make (for example #one-shot, #writing, #art, #drawing, #mood board, #playlist etc. You can be as vague as or specific as you like)

• At the beginning of the month, we will assign you a partner and you will receive your prompt (here or on JilyChallenge Discord). Keep an eye on this blog or Discord and please check your messages on Tumblr.

• Each creator makes their own creation, collabs are encouraged but not the aim of this challenge.

• (optional) please follow the jilychallenge Tumblrblog and @jilychallenge2023 for updates.

• (optional) join the Jily Challenge on Discord (send an ask for an invite) for beta help, chatting and mental support.

when posting:

creators should try to post their entries by the end of the month (What to do when you miss the deadline?)

please tag your partner and the jilychallenge in your post (including the theme and your prompt, if possible)

we will reblog all entries tagged #jilychallenge

if you post your art or story on ao3, please add it to the collection of Jily Challenges 2024

[hssrarepairs]

🎄 HSS Rare Pairs 2024: FAQ 🎄

Find more info in our Rules!

🎁 What is HSS Rare Pairs? 🎁

HSS Rare Pairs, or HSS, stands for HP Secret Santa Rare Pairs. We are an anon, multi-ship, multimedia gift exchange focused on HP rare pairs run as a collaboration between the HP Rare Pairs (@hp-rarepairs) and HP Saffics (@hpsaffics) Discord servers. This fest is not self-posting. The mods will post your gifts all through December.

🎁 What is the 2024 Schedule? 🎁

Sign-ups: Aug 13-Sep 3 Gift Submissions Due: Nov 15 Gift Giving: Dec 1-Dec 25 Creator Reveals: Dec 30

🎁 What counts as a HP rare pair? 🎁

Any ships besides these common ships (LITERALLY ANY OTHER SHIP IS OKAY):

Dramione - Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy

Drarry - Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Harmony - Hermione Granger/Harry Potter

Harrymort/Tomarry - Harry Potter/Voldemort (Tom Riddle)

Hinny - Harry Potter/Ginny Weasley

Jegulus - Regulus Black/James Potter

Jily - James Potter/Lily Evans Potter

Romione - Hermione Granger/Ron Weasley

Snamione - Hermione Granger/Severus Snape

Snarry - Severus Snape/Harry Potter

Wolfstar - Sirius Black/Remus Lupin

🎁 How is the list of common ships determined? 🎁

Any ship with less than 10K results in an unfiltered AO3 Relationship tag search AND less than 3K results in an “otp: true” filtered Relationship tag AO3 search is considered a rare pair!

🎁 What about polyamorous ships? 🎁

Polyamorous ships (triads, vees, quads, polycules, etc.) are always considered rare and are VERY welcome (ex: Hermione/Harry/Ron is allowed even if Hermione/Harry and Hermione/Ron are on the list of common ships)!

🎁 What about a common ship in the background of a work? 🎁

Yes, background common ships are totally allowed as long as the main focus is a rare pair (ex: A Pansy/Ginny story with background Draco/Harry).

🎁 What about OCs? 🎁

OCs may appear in the background of a work, but the main ship should involve only established characters from the HP universe.

🎁 Who can participate? 🎁

Anyone aged 18+ can participate with an AO3 account. We also encourage you to be part of the HP Rare Pairs Discord Server, although it is not required.

🎁 Do I need a Discord/Tumblr to participate? 🎁

No, we will be sharing gifts on our Discord and Tumblr, but you do not need to be on either platform to participate. What you do need: an active email address and an AO3 account.

🎁 Is there a limit to the number of participants? 🎁

The 2022 round had 66 sign-ups which was quite impressive. We are tentatively setting a limit of 75 sign-ups for the 2024 round.

🎁 What is on the sign-up form? 🎁

The Sign-up Form is long and thorough. Please make sure to fill out all required sections in order for the mods to make the best possible matches and for you to receive the best possible gifts. This year the sign-up form has 5 sections:

Participant Information (required - for mod use only)

Character and Ship Preferences (required - shared with gifters)

Receiving Preferences (required - shared with gifters)

Giving Preferences (required - for mod use only)

Bonus Questions (optional - for mod use only)

🎁 I don’t like the username I signed up with. Can I change my AO3/Discord/Tumblr username in the middle of the exchange? 🎁

Please don’t. This is confusing for your gifters and makes more work for the mods.

🎁 I messed up on my sign-up form. Can I go back and make changes? 🎁

Yes, you will be able to edit your sign-up form until Sep 3 when sign-ups close. A link to edit should be sent to your email. If you do not see it, please check your spam folder.

🎁 When will I find out my matches? 🎁

We aim to have all participants matched within a week of sign-ups closing. However, it will depend on the mods’ schedules and number of sign-ups.

🎁 What kind of gifts can I create? 🎁

Any type of HP rare pair fanwork that can be uploaded to AO3 are accepted! Here are some examples:

Creative writing (fic, drabble, poetry, epistolary, screenplay, etc.)

Other writing (meta analysis, ship manifesto, recipe, tutorial, stats, etc.)

Art (traditional mediums, digital art, comic, photography, calligraphy, etc.)

Remix art (moodboard, story banner, podfic coverart, gif set, meme fic, etc.)

Craft (origami, bookbinding, embroidery, knitting, papercutting, ice sculpture, etc.)

Audio (podfic, podcast, filk, playlist, etc.)

Multimedia (fanvid, videogame, animation, stop motion, music video, etc.)

Translation

🎁 Is there a word limit for written gifts or gifts based on written works? 🎁

Yes, the minimum is 200 words. There is no maximum. What this means is:

All written works (drabbles, fics, meta analysis, ship manifesto, etc.) must be at least 200 words. If the gift is less than 200 words (a poem, recipe, etc.), the remaining words may be filled by commentary (character analysis, explanation of imagery/themes/word choice, extra description, etc.).

All podfics must be based on a fic that is at least 200 words.

All translations must be at least 200 words when complete.

🎁 What kind of content can my gifts include? 🎁

We accept all content! This includes graphic violence, MCD, rape/noncon, underage, incest, abuse, and dark or triggering themes as long as they are tagged appropriately. The mods will be tag-checking all works. The only restriction is we will not accept NSFW art containing underage characters (which is illegal by US law). If you need help with tagging, you may reference this Comprehensive List of Triggers, Tags & Squicks or ask a mod. 

🎁 Can I recycle fannish works as gifts? 🎁

No, gifts must be new and created exclusively for the exchange and specifically for your giftee.

🎁 Can I submit an AI-generated work? 🎁

No, AI-generated works are not allowed. If we find you have submitted an AI-generated work, you will be kicked from the exchange.

🎁 Does my gift need to be X-mas/winter themed? 🎁

No, it can be any theme as long as it includes a rare pair.

🎁 How many gifts will I get? 🎁

Every participant will receive at least 2 gifts. They may be small gifts and they may not be exactly what you wished for but they will be made with love and enthusiasm <3

🎁 How many gifts do I need to create to be able to participate? 🎁

You must submit at least 1 gift in order for Santa (aka the mods) to deliver your gifts. Participants are implored encouraged to submit more than one gift. If we have enough gifts, we may be able to give everyone 3 gifts instead of 2!

🎁 Can I submit my gifts anonymously? 🎁

Yes, you may choose to submit your gifts anonymously. In this case you will not be named as a giftmaker in the Creator Reveals on Dec 30. Please tell the mods your preference when submitting your gift. We will contact you about any additional steps.

🎁 How do I submit/deliver my gifts? 🎁

Gifts should be uploaded to the AO3 Collection. Then, please complete the Submission Form, one for each gift submitted. The mods will deliver gifts on AO3, Discord, and Tumblr Dec 1-25.

🎁 Can I make treats? 🎁

No, we are not accepting treats (extra gifts made outside of your matched assignment) for this exchange.

🎁 What if I need an extension or need to drop? 🎁

We get it. Life happens. If you need an extension or need to drop, please email us ASAP. It’s okay, we understand. Just, please don’t ghost us!

🎁 How will I get my gifts? 🎁

If you are on Discord or Tumblr, we will tag you when your gifts are delivered. Otherwise, your gifts will be delivered directly through AO3. Please make sure you have "Allow anyone to gift me works" checked in your Preferences. When you receive your gifts, don't forget to leave a comment to thank your gifters. We want to make sure they feel appreciated!

🎁 Can I send/receive physical gifts in the mail? 🎁

We are not doing physical gifts as part of the exchange, but you are welcome to coordinate with your gifter/recipient after the fest ends and send physical gifts granted you are both comfortable sharing your IRL addresses.

🎁 Who are the mods? 🎁

@lumosatnight, @nanneramma, @schmem14, @mischiefmandied, @venom0usbarbie and other wonderful helpers from Discord and Tumblr!

🎁 I still have questions/want to find out more. What should I do? 🎁

Message us through email, Tumblr, or Discord! We are always open to chat, answer questions, or flail about rare pairs 🍐

Email: hssrarepairs@gmail.com

Tumblr: @hssrarepairs

Discord: HP Rare Pairs

[annabtg]

I thought your answer on jily and whether or not they were in love or if it was abusive super interesting!

Personally I’m not the biggest jily fan but that has more to do with the main tropes being used that I tend to find tiring and outdated. But Ive been trying to get more into it recently and it’s been hard finding fics I enjoy because they are either too snape bash-y or feel anachronistic in how they portray the relationship. When im reading jily I actually prefer the writer to lean into the outdated tropes instead of trying to make it fit the modern readers ideas of appropriate courtship behavior, because otherwise it doesn’t feel authentic to me. Specifically it bugs me when they make James a super feminist that would never ask Lily out more than once (I don’t think he’d recognize that as sexual harassment as a teenager boy in the 70s). I get that this is popular fanon right now but it’s been hard to find a fic that doesn’t have this.

So my question is do you have any jily fic recommendations that fit this description (minimal Snape bashing and time period accurate)?

Hi there!

By your wording, I'm not sure if by "time period accurate" you mean fics where he actually asks her out a lot. The beginning of your post seemed to imply that, even though I would argue that it's not the only time period accurate headcanon. Indeed, there are plenty of reasons someone in the 70s may not have repeatedly asked a girl out - from his ego being bruised by her first rejection, to he actually took no for an answer and that doesn't necessarily mean he's a super feminist icon. Not everyone who takes no for an answer is. :p

You may have more luck with old-time fic, tbh - the "ask her out a million times" trope was much more prevalent then, and people were not as feministically aware :p though Snape bashing was much more common. I actually feel that in most newer Jily canon fics Snape is portrayed as a well-rounded antagonist, rather than bashed.

So I'm going to start with some oldies:

I recently read Commentarius by @bcdaily and, while I wouldn't say I got the perfect 70s vibe from it (more like the 90s - it felt very accurate to the way I grew up), I enjoyed seeing in it a portrayal of James that I think most people wouldn't dare write today for fear, exactly, of him not being feminist/respectful enough to Lily. I won't get into details to avoid spoilers. (Very long and incomplete, but considered a classic.)

I also hear The Life And Times by Jewels5 features an immature James who grows up throughout the fic, but I haven't read it so I couldn't tell you myself. (Also very long and incomplete and considered a classic.)

If you enjoy the idea of James being an outrageous little shit for comedic effect, you might enjoy Procrastinator-starting2moro's fics. I haven't read Obsessive Lily Disorder since 2006 so I can't say I remember it very well but the title should give you an idea of how insistently he asks her out in it :p though there may be some Snape bashing in it.

For more recent works, I will gladly recommend everything by @nought-shall-go-ill, who creates the most atmospheric depictions of 70s/80s UK, and also likes Snape and enjoys nuanced portrayals of Jily.

Other writers whose portrayals of James I thoroughly enjoy and who do a great job of presenting James as the little shit that he is include @annasghosts and @ohmygodshesinsane.

And to finish with some self-recs, anything in my James Potter Is A Little Shit tag should be a good bet. I would give a shout-out to my older fics Birthday and Fascination, and my newer ones Written In History and Drunk With Power as the ones you may enjoy the most. And I'll gladly tout readers' favourites The Great James Potter and Mistletoe Mishaps as examples where James is respectful to Lily in ways that I feel are natural and reasonable for the era, all while he's still a little cocky shit.

Hope this helps! Happy reading!!

[ginnyw-potter]

Word finding tag game

I was tagged by @livelaughlovetoread, @annabtg and @tedwardremus (yes I am doing these all together)

My words are against, serious, okay, learn, sweet, alcohol, sorrow, fever, chance, warmth, dark, full

I'll see whatever WIP I can find... some of you have chosen fancy words like 'sorrow' that I'm not sure I've ever used?

against (from a secret Jily WIP)

She laughed at him. “Should I be concerned? Are just my feet in the museum or am I still attached to them?” He tapped his finger against his chin. “You do need them to dance, of course.” “Indeed, I do. It is kind of important.”

serious (Not Your Captain)

“Dean has real talent, you know,” he continued. Ginny raised her eyebrows with a knowing look. “Oh, I’m sure he does.” “I am being serious,” Seamus insisted. “He has drawn the ship too.” “Oh, I may be interested in seeing that.” She eyed him. “As long as it doesn’t have you nude on the deck. I’ve known you for too long to see that.”

Okay (Marriage by Capture)

Ginny moved beside him with the first light of dawn and he realised he had drifted into quite a deep sleep. She sat up, groaning a little. The clouds were clearing but there remained a steady falling of drops from the trees onto the forest floor and leaves below as they dried. Harry stood up too, brushing a few leaves off his cloak. “Okay?” “Yeah, you?” She turned to look at him. She smiled and reached out. “You have a little leaf…” She plucked it off his cheek. “There you go.”

learn (Marriage by Capture)

“My mum was magical but her parents weren’t. They had to find someone who could help her guide her magic so she wouldn’t do the accidental kind in front of muggles. She found it important that I knew how to.” He took up a piece of walnut. He fiddled with it absent-mindedly. “My dad comes from a long line of magic. He took it for granted a little, but he learned by example, and they were so excited when they first met to exchange skills.”

sweet (from a secret Hinny WIP)

He stopped at the red light and looked at her. “That’s very sweet of you.” “See, I do have a heart,” she quipped while leaning her elbows on the console between the two front seats.

alcohol (Marriage by Capture)

He took a sip and tried his best to keep his face in check but he ultimately lost that battle. It was sour and the alcohol did nothing to hide the other strange flavour. “That’s awful.”

sorrow (This is from an already posted chapter of Peverell's Progeny, because I do not use this word I guess)

“Well,” Ginny started. “I am feeling pretty tired, but I need to cut down on caffeine. Can’t drown my sorrows because I can’t have alcohol. And I can’t eat my feelings because I can’t eat half the things I want to eat. So splendid really.”

fever (also already posted PsP)

“You need to stop being so handsome and sexy and perfectly cute with our daughter.” She crossed her arms. “You’re giving me baby fever.” “There is no need for that,” Harry told her. He squeezed June’s cheeks. “Baby, right here. Ours.”

chance (Not Your Captain)

Harry grabbed the bottle, inspected it for a moment and then took a swig from it. It looked like she had to fight for her rum tonight. He turned around to her. “You didn’t give me a chance to speak.”

warmth (Marriage by Capture)

The mattress would be a thousand times more comfortable though he would not have minded sleeping on the wood, with a cushioning charm it might’ve been enough not to hurt his back. Ginny’s warmth had been welcome in the cave, but it was much warmer now and the hut was a much more pleasant temperature so he did not need it, but he would not mind it either. In a world where everything was rough and glum, her soft skin and warmness was a welcome change for a night or two.

dark (Not Your Captain)

She stood at the prow of the ship, keeping a keen eye on the water. She saw more and more pieces, the dark blue of the hull of Harry’s boat. It meant that Harry’s boat was wrecked, but it also meant they were on the right path, and they were no longer looking for a needle in the world’s largest haystack.

full (Marriage By Capture)

“What’s your problem?” she hissed, sitting up. Her silhouette was barely visible against the minimal moonlight that streamed into the cave, but it was enough to make out her demeanor. “I’m sorry, I’m too cold to sleep!” he admitted. She crossed her arms. “And you think I’ll keep you warm?” she scoffed. “You’re really full of yourself, you know that?” he shot back. “I just thought that the person with not one but two wands could perhaps cast a heating charm.”

If you've already done this, feel free to ignore or enjoy the new words!

@sophie-hatter-jenkins, @harryissuchalittleshit, @brightlybound,@ginisbetterthanfirewhiskey and @startanewdream

Words: card, shift, round, tremble

[jilychallenge2023]

🤩Sign up for this month's Jilychallenge: SOULMATES Each pair of creators will receive a prompt from us that you will hopefully transform into a Jily Soulmate story.

You are always free to use and interpret your prompt as loosely as you want.

how to enter:

please reblog this post by February 28th tagging with what you'd like to make (for example #one-shot, #writing, #art, #drawing, #mood board, #playlist etc. you can be as vague or specific as you like)

At the beginning of the month, we will assign you a partner and you will receive your prompt (here or on JilyChallenge Discord). Keep an eye on this blog or Discord and please check your messages on Tumblr.

(optional) please follow the jilychallenge and @jilychallenge2023 for updates.

(optional) join the Jily Challenge on Discord (send an ask for an invite)

when posting: 

creators should try to post their entries by the end of the month

please tag your partner and the jilychallenge in your post (including the theme and your prompt, if possible)

we will reblog all entries tagged #jilychallenge

if you post your art or story on ao3, please add it to the collection of Jily Challenges 2023

If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to send us a message or an ask! If you have an idea for a theme for an upcoming month we'd love to hear it!

NB: THE ORIGINAL JILY BLOG IS STILL SHADOWBANNED.

Follow this blog so you don’t miss a thing;) send this blog an ask or message if you’d like to join the challenge discord.

[frnkmush]

this is deeply ironic, considering the poor literacy skills you have shown here. but i digress. i have already commented on one of your posts, so i am reblogging this for the rest of the marauders fandom:

tl;dr - do not hate on people's opinions, so long as they are not harmful. also, a small anti-jkr mention at the end. please read this.

you are allowed to ship jegulus. you are allowed to ship jily. you are allowed to ship anyone, so long as they are not minors engaging in explicit sexual relationships (as even though minors can do this, it is considered a crime in many places) and are not minors engaging in any kind of non-platonic relationship with an adult.

do not gatekeepers hold your fandom hostage. you are allowed to create media and exist in places that others try to hide you from. so long as you do not cause any harm to real people, you are fine.

HOWEVER, please can we, as a fandom, learn to tag posts? this should not be a pro-jegulus tagged post. people posting jegulus should not tag jily. incorrectly tagging posts is the reason for posts like this making the rounds and gaining traction. do not even think, "oh, i am doing it ironically!". no. if your post does not contain, for example, lily and james in a romantic relationship, do not use the "jily" tag, because this will clog it with unnecessary posts and people looking for that content will be unable to find it. the same goes for those tagging jily posts with jegulus, or literally any other ship out there.

please be mindful when tagging and posting. and please be mindful when thinking of becoming a hateful person holding grudges against those online because they want to put FICTIONAL CHARACTERS into a room together when they would not interact in canon.

considering the woman who wrote the original material has proven herself not as "anti-transwoman" or "anti-men", but rather as "pro-people who do not conform to the sexist, stereotypical societal expectation of what a woman is should be publicly disgraced, humiliated, shamed, and disrespected", i would have hoped we as a community could band together and put our differences aside to show that we support people's differences and preferences. but sadly, we still have a long way to go.

coming out as an og marauders girly: i HATE jegulus.it makes no sense.james would NEVER.regulus wasn’t the rebel you make him to be.he didn’t do it out of a feeling of justice.it was ego.you all make out regulus what sirius actually was.this ship legit ruined this fandom.jily forever.james and lily are soulmates.its okay to have a straight ship relax.lily being a wife and a mother doesn’t make her less of a strong woman.enough of this bullshit.i get that this fandom is based on imagination and headcannons but they need to make a little bit of sense tho. james would never date a death eater.or someone from his brother’s abusive horrible family.jily my beloved you will live.

[jilytoberfest]

Author - @clare-with-no-i

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this, Clare! You can find her on ao3!

1. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I’d say that writing out the endings/later chapters before the earlier ones of my multi-chapters, probably. Except for New Age Romancing, I have the endings and a bit of the last few chapters written for my WIPs. I also have a 24-page document that is just pieces of future Bond and Free chapters that, if it were to somehow ever ~leak to the public~ (she says, thinking she’s a celebrity) would ruin SO many important moments for the characters and the plot LOL.

2. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your stories?

I think learning that I have really concrete ideas about how my characters act was really surprising to me - it was also the part I was the most scared about when endeavoring to write a canon fic. I worried a lot that my James would be flimsy or that my Lily would have inconsistencies in her outlook, but the more I thought about it and the more I put down on paper, the more solidified their personalities became. I think that’s partially because I spent so much time writing one-shots before ever doing a longform story; I was able to flesh out different parts of the characters in different settings, and really focus on pieces of their personality almost one-by-one. I think it really helped me grow as a writer, because when I finally put (figurative) pen down to paper for Bond and Free, I knew how I wanted these characters to come across, and I felt extremely acquainted with them.

3. Do you have any suggestions to help others become a better writer? If so, what are they?

I think my main one--which has been pretty consistent since I started writing--is to read a lot. I felt really insecure about my fics when I started, because I would look at all of this wall-of-text I had laid out and compare it to, for example, The Life and Times, which 1) is a masterpiece that I should not have been comparing myself to and 2) is really centered around quick, snappy dialogue and not a crazy amount of description. Then I spent a good amount of time reading and trying to understand how different books worked in their descriptions: are there big blocks of text? Do actions happen in between dialogue? That kind of thing. There has been nothing so helpful for me to figure out my own style as reading, reading, reading.

Otherwise, I’d say: just put something down on paper. Speak aloud to yourself and write down what you say as dialogue. Try to imagine how an emotion feels (grief, joy, love, etc) and really focus on how it sits in your body: where do you feel it? What does it feel like? And put that down in whatever words you can muster! It is ALL about practice. My early stories look nothing like my current WIPs - and that’s ok! It’s all about growth!

4. What do you think makes a good story?

I think being invested in the characters is the main thing for me. Without it, you have no desire to watch them grow, or to even tag along for their journeys. Even if they’re the antagonist, they have to be interesting at least. And especially for protagonists or romantic leads, you have to really, really want them together - or else there won’t be any payoff! And I know that we all already want Jily together, but writing fic is the best way to ask the question: why? What makes them so appealing as romantic leads?

5. What is the first book that made you cry?

Oh, man. I don’t know if I remember the first, but I do know that Deathly Hallows did, because it meant the whole series was over. I also remember crying at Esmerelda Santiago’s When I was Puerto Rican when it was assigned reading for me in eighth grade. I’m a sporadic book-crier, to be fair; I can never predict what’s going to set me off. Since then it’s been a slew of books, I’m sure.

6. Does writing energize or exhaust you?

A bit of both! When I’m inspired, it’s absolutely electrifying. I can do pretty much nothing but think about my next chance to write. Other times, when I’m stressed about a plotline or feel like I’ve put myself on a deadline, it can be really exhausting. Bond and Free is definitely a mix of both - I go through waxing and waning periods with it. But for the most part it’s exciting, because I feel so privileged to get to write my own canon for these characters, no matter how convoluted it may be.

7. Have you ever gotten reader’s block? If so, what are your tips to overcome it?

Oh, a thousand percent. With both fic and books, honestly. When I got really into writing early this year, I had a lot of trouble reading other peoples’ fics because I would just constantly compare my stuff, or I worried I was accidentally going to steal a plot point or piece of character work. With books, it’s been hard for me to really focus on reading since I got to college - but I find that rereading a favorite book is really helpful to get me back into the headspace.

In terms of fic, I always go for something short and trope-y that will make me feel whatever emotion I’m craving at the time, and move from there!

8. Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?

I think the fact that we all feel emotions differently is a benefit, not a detriment! It contributes to your unique narrative voice. I absolutely think you can be a writer without feeling emotions ‘strongly’ - whatever that may mean. Take me for example: I’ve never been in a long-term relationship. I’ve only been in love once, fleetingly, and it did not go well HA. But I still write a ton of established relationship fluff, and I’ve devoted a lot of my time to, essentially, writing a long love story. I can’t relate to the feeling; but I can imagine how it might feel to me.

Or, if you’re someone who really feels disconnected from the emotions you want to write, read passages from books or other fics that describe that emotion! To put it bluntly: steal! (but not, like, actual sentences. Just vibes.) Figuring out how other writers do things and emulating them is nothing to be ashamed of.

9. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Maybe cool it on the em dashes and the long, run-on sentences.

Also, keep writing. Don’t disparage the process or yourself. Be kind about your writing, and for the love of god, stop comparing yourself to everyone.

10. What was your hardest scene to write?

I’m caught between a few.

Foreigner’s God is overall the most complex piece I’ve written, because it deals with so many moving parts: the modern love story, the flashback love story, the enemies-to-lovers element, the incorporation of canon, the sheer physicality of giving the main character audiovisual hallucinations triggered by touch. There were so many times when I just thought: alright, Clare, you’ve bitten off more than you can chew. Bow out now and write something less complicated. But the biggest one would have been the Halloween sequence, when they both realize everything. That was an absolute monster. It was nerve-wracking to try and write the payoff to nearly 15k of buildup.

The Great Hall sequence in Bond and Free chapter 3 was also really difficult. It was a huge undertaking for such an early chapter (fully aware of this, trust me) and I really needed to get into James’s head and try and see the world from his POV to write it in a way that felt emotionally honest for his character.

New Age Romancing never ceases to provide me with trip-ups and obstacles, but I think the entirety of chapter 5 was the most difficult. It was just…so convoluted. And it was the first time I wrote something that I knew readers wouldn’t like - plot-wise, at least - so I had an actual panic attack that night because I was worried no one would stick with the story. I was used to writing fluff pieces and one-shots where everything resolves immediately! And then all subsequent chapters have been tough because the story turned into a bit of a stressor for me in April. So it has multiple “hard scenes,” so to speak lol

11. What is your favorite childhood book?

Probably Percy Jackson and the Olympians, or The Mysterious Benedict Society. They’re both SO good.

12. How long on average does it take you to write a one shot or a chapter of a fic?

Oh, god. It really depends. I used to crank out multiple 3-5k one-shots almost daily when I first started writing, but I’ve since slowed way down. I tend to take my time a lot more with WIP chapters than I used to; so I’d say it could take anywhere from a few days to multiple weeks.

13. A fic that inspires you?

You want me to pick just one?!?! IMPOSSIBLE.

Well. I’d have to say “Bindings, Bindings” by quietlemonhush is such an inspirational fic for me. It’s an AU in which Jily (and Regulus Black) come back to life a few months after Halloween 1981. It’s Jily and Wolfstar and my god, it is just so well-written and so moving. I also adore the prose style SO much. I know people have said before that I write ‘poetically’ (and thank you to everyone who does), but that story...God. It just sings.

Also, and I think we all knew I was going to mention this, but “Come Together” by TheQuibblah. Suze is just such a technically skilled and beautiful writer. It’s one thing to have really great prose work (which she does), but it’s another entirely to understand so intrinsically the mechanics of storytelling that you build up a romance like she has for 50 chapters and still have your audience ridiculously invested. And I KNOW you’re all like “ok clare stop talking about suze you’re a broken record” but SORRY the fic is just too good

14. How do you edit your work?

By panicking, mostly

15. Where does inspiration come from?

Left, right, and center! It comes from everywhere. I get a lot of it from reading, but also just walking around and talking to people! Seeing clips on youtube or watching tv! It comes from everywhere. It bore repeating, so I said it twice.

16. Who has been helpful for you as you write for the fandom?

So many people!! SO many people. I must, of course, shout-out to Suze and Senem ( @thequibblah and @keepingupwithpotters ) because they are just…my babes. Suze and I bounce writing off of each other and it is just the biggest help and inspiration. But generally just readers and the discord! @emerqldv ‘s reviews of Bond and Free and dedication to it is just...what keeps that story going for me. @figg-anon ’s kindness is overwhelming. @sunshine-marauders ’s enthusiasm and bright energy is something I admire so much. And then I wouldn’t be nearly so involved in the fandom without @mppmaraudergirl , @maraudersftw ...the list goes on!

Any time someone comments or talks to me about writing is something that helps. I just love engaging with everyone - even if I’ve been limited in my ability to do it lately because of grad school.

17. What is your fav POV to write from?

Probably any one of my big 4: James, Lily, Sirius, Remus. But I also love Mary’s POV in Bond and Free?? God I just love them all so much for different reasons. But I think I relate the most to Lily, so I’d say her as a go-to. But this was a DIFFICULT and UNFAIR QUESTION hahahaha

18. What is a fic you would love to write but are worried you won’t be able to accomplish it/nervous it wouldn’t work out?

Hm. I’d say I just really want to make sure I finish Bond and Free and my other WIPs, but I don’t have anything on the table right now that I don’t think I could accomplish.

19. Do you ever self insert in fics?

HA! So, I don’t think anyone would be shocked to hear that Magdalena and Evangeline Abbott from Bond and Free started off that way, because my sister and I thought it would be fun to play around with the ever-elusive mythos that surrounds twins in the HP universe, but the more I got into their characters and wanted to engage them with the plot of the story, the less appealing it was as to project myself and my sister onto them. They’re their own people now, with their own craziness and flaws and attributes, and I love them dearly. My disaster twins <3

20. What is the story you are proudest of?

Probably either Bond and Free or foreigner’s god. BaF is a massive undertaking and I know it will take me a while to get through, but I’m so committed to fleshing out the canon in a way that feels authentic to me. And foreigner’s god made a bunch of people cry, which I weirdly wasn’t expecting? So that was an accomplishment, I suppose. LOL.

21. Do you prefer writing canon jily or muggle au?

I don’t really have a preference! When I first started, it was all canon, all the time - because that’s what I had been so sorely missing when I read HP again. But now it’s a hodge-podge of both! I think canon still has a special place in my heart, because I just really wish that we all got more time with these characters, but I do love a good AU because then I can see them live happily ever after and not, like...die.

Thank you so much for these questions!

Thank you for doing this!

[daydreams-magic01]

Requesting

Requests are now open! I previously wrote on Wattpad where I got over 200K views but I have since deleted my work due to the data breach and the fact I wrote it years ago and I believe my writing has improved vastly. (Well I hope so, lol).

Unfortunately, I am a bit rusty, which means I will only write the minimum of one thousand words per request. I also enjoy writing in detail, sorry if you do not like that.

I decided to keep my Secondary Blog as a Middle-Earth/Tolkien one!

I previously took a break, for personal reasons, but I have mustered the confidence to return. I apologise if I did not write your requests before, I feel awful, and please FEEL FREE to send them in again - there appears to be an error with my ask box and most of my requests have disappeared.

What do I write?

I write ‘x readers’.

I will also write for ships - for example, Harry Potter (as I know the most about the couples in it).  I will also write ‘Jily’, (for Harry Potter) because that is superior.

What fandoms do I write for on my main blog?

Harry Potter (all Eras)

Narnia

Netflix Bridgerton

What fandoms to I write for on this blog?

The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings

Please request here if you have any requests for these fandoms, same rules apply, or simply click on my blog on the ask button @daydreams-magic01-mrsdurin​.

(You can ask me if there are any other fandoms I write for, but these are my main ones)

Rules:

I do have rules and limits, as there are things that make my uncomfortable.

:)

I write for all genders and sexualities, as well as body types, etc. Discrimination is not welcomed here.

No hate! If you don’t like my work, please don’t be rude about it. I have tried my hardest and whilst I appreciate constructive feedback, bullying and hate is just rude. I have never and will never attend to offend anyone or make them uncomfortable, I always try to put in the right tags also. If there are any issues, please put them in my ask box (however, it may be a few days until I reply as I don’t look in there until I have completed my current request) I apologise in advance and it is most likely due to an error or accident. Thank you :)

If I make an error, please message me privately - I once had an autocorrect issue where a tag went to ‘teddy lupin x male reader’ on my blog when it was for  a female reader as I was in a rush and did not realise I had already done the female tag. I am sorry again and an issue like this will never happen again, and I shall always double check from now on.

I will never write anything underage so please request someone who is of age. I won’t mention anything triggering in too much detail as I don’t want to upset anyone. I will not write (describe) rape, it will always be consensual.

If there is anything triggering, I will mention at the top. Remember, I love you guys.

I am trying to improve my smut skills, but writing it does make me uncomfortable. I won’t write anything messed up, too graphic, dark, or kinky or to do with rape.

Please do not copy or share my work in your own books or on another website! This is my hard work, and my writing. It should only be found on this blog. So please don’t. I find it very annoying and rude. (This includes futures and previous works)

You will only find my work here. (I realise I emphasise this and I’m sorry)

Please include the gender, and which person you would prefer it in as I don’t want to annoy you if I make an error (I usually write in third person but if you do not prefer this, please say so). It can also be very difficult to write without this.  Please include anything else which you find necessary to apply.

When you request I will make it time appropriate to the movie or show unless stated otherwise. However, can you please clarify when you want it, for example, if the show spans over a number of years. If it isn’t necessary then I will just set it after. :)

I will always try to use the spelling and slang from where it is set.

Unless if I say other wise, your request should be posted within the week.

Have a wonderful day. I can’t remember any other rules right now but it’s like 3am.

Thank you!

Author is always me on this blog: @daydreams-magic01 and @daydreams-magic01-mrsdurin as I have decided to keep as a Tolkien blog for requests, and in that case only future Tolkien work should only be found on there, and all previous Tolkien work as well as all my other requests should only be found on my main blog. No where else.

Please say if you wanted to be added to a tag list.

Please feel free to request on my main blog unless you have any Hobbit and Lord of the Rings requests and wish to see me having a Tolkien blog, then do it on this one, haha. (That link is to my previous Lotr and Hobbit Masterlist).

Please say if you wanted to be added to a tag list.

Main Masterlist

[daydreams-magic01-mrsdurin]

Requests

I have decided to keep this as a Middle-Earth requests blog!

This @daydreams-magic01, and this is a Secondary Blog I created to test my tags when they were not working, and I was feeling tempted to make this a pure Middle-Earth blog, (thus the name ;), and I have decide to do so). What I mean is I write only Tolkien stuff on this blog but write everything else on my main blog. 

Requests are now open! I previously wrote on Wattpad where I got over 200K views but I have since deleted my work due to the data breach and the fact I wrote it years ago and I believe my writing has improved vastly. (Well I hope so, lol).

Unfortunately, I am a bit rusty, which means I will only write the minimum of one thousand words per request. I also enjoy writing in detail, sorry if you do not like that.

I previously took a break, for personal reasons, but I have mustered the confidence to return. I apologise if I did not write your requests before, I feel awful, and please FEEL FREE to send them in again - there appears to be an error with my ask box and most of my requests have disappeared.

What do I write?

I write ‘x readers’.

I will also write for ships - for example, Harry Potter (as I know the most about the couples in it).  I will also write ‘Jily’, (for Harry Potter) because that is superior.

What fandoms do I write for on my main blog?

Harry Potter (all Eras)

Narnia

Netflix Bridgerton

Please request here if you have any requests for those fandoms, same rules apply, or simply click on my blog on the ask button @daydreams-magic01.

What fandoms to I write for on this blog?

The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings

(You can ask me if there are any other fandoms I write for, but these are my main ones)

Rules:

I do have rules and limits, as there are things that make my uncomfortable.

:)

I write for all genders and sexualities, as well as body types, etc. Discrimination is not welcomed here.

No hate! If you don’t like my work, please don’t be rude about it. I have tried my hardest and whilst I appreciate constructive feedback, bullying and hate is just rude. I have never and will never attend to offend anyone or make them uncomfortable, I always try to put in the right tags also. If there are any issues, please put them in my ask box (however, it may be a few days until I reply as I don’t look in there until I have completed my current request) I apologise in advance and it is most likely due to an error or accident. Thank you :)

If I make an error, please message me privately - I once had an autocorrect issue where a tag went to ‘teddy lupin x male reader’ on my blog when it was for  a female reader as I was in a rush and did not realise I had already done the female tag. I am sorry again and an issue like this will never happen again, and I shall always double check from now on.

I will never write anything underage so please request someone who is of age. I won’t mention anything triggering in too much detail as I don’t want to upset anyone. I will not write (describe) rape, it will always be consensual.

If there is anything triggering, I will mention at the top. Remember, I love you guys.

I am trying to improve my smut skills, but writing it does make me uncomfortable. I won’t write anything messed up, too graphic, dark, or kinky or to do with rape.

Please do not copy or share my work in your own books or on another website! This is my hard work, and my writing. It should only be found on this blog. So please don’t. I find it very annoying and rude. (This includes futures and previous works)

You will only find my work here. (I realise I emphasise this and I’m sorry)

Please include the gender, and which person you would prefer it in as I don’t want to annoy you if I make an error (I usually write in third person but if you do not prefer this, please say so). It can also be very difficult to write without this.  Please include anything else which you find necessary to apply.

When you request I will make it time appropriate to the movie or show unless stated otherwise. However, can you please clarify when you want it, for example, if the show spans over a number of years. If it isn’t necessary then I will just set it after. :)

I will always try to use the spelling and slang from where it is set.

Unless if I say other wise, your request should be posted within the week.

Have a wonderful day. I can’t remember any other rules right now but it’s like 3am.

Thank you!

Author is always me on this blog: @daydreams-magic01 and @daydreams-magic01-mrsdurin as I have decided to keep as a Tolkien blog for requests, and in that case only future Tolkien work should only be found on here, and all previous Tolkien work as well as all my other requests should only be found on my main blog. No where else.

Please say if you wanted to be added to a tag list.

Please feel free to request on my main blog unless you have any Hobbit and Lord of the Rings requests and wish to see me having a Tolkien blog, then do it on this one, haha. (That link is to my previous Lotr and Hobbit Masterlist).

Have a fantastic day!

Please let my tags work.

Main Masterlist

[thequibblah]

do you have any tips for new jily writers?

oh do i ever!

don't chase trends and don't sweat the numbers. i know, i know, it seems so much easier said than done, but it's true! writing things you think other people might want to read will never be as fruitful and fun as writing things you want to write. and yeah, it can feel really rough if something you write from the heart feels like it isn't getting the appreciation it deserves, but when i look back on things i've written, even the ones i don't like as much anymore or the ones that didn't take off, i feel incredibly proud of the thought i put into the pieces i cared most about. writing what you love is within your control. plus, there are plenty of examples i can think of where an idea has seemed highly specific and niche but readers got super into it — for me personally, and things i've read.

participating in prompt events/challenges is a pretty easy way to see your work shared and to find new readers. it can be scary for sure !!! so if you're worried about a more intense challenge, there are a bunch of people who post regular prompts and are really lovely and encouraging about them — @petalstofish and @efkgirldetective immediately come to mind! similarly, there are times of the year when people post and read a lot more, like jilytober (and if you're new here, there are no ~rules~ or anything with that, it's just a question of slapping #jilytober on whatever you write haha — although some people are planning to host formal events h/t @joyseuphoria). also make sure you use tags like #jilyarchive!

the community is genuinely really welcoming! if you're comfortable, make friends — whether that's through the discord, or just commenting on other people's fics/reblogging them, etc etc. having friends in ANY writing space is so, so helpful; you feel a lot more supported and a lot less alone when you don't feel like you're throwing ur stories out into the void (even though you are and everyone is).

be nice. this is a rule anywhere and everywhere LOL but for the love of god be supportive and encouraging of others and you will receive that positivity in return. that's not to say you should hide your opinions — there are certainly things/approaches to fic that i disagree on with my friends! there are things i like that they don't! but point being, don't be a dick on the internet. it costs you nothing.

so, there is no soft way to put this. sometimes it will be hard! because putting your art out into the world is always hard, even when the stakes are ostensibly not as high as, oh, a gallery show, or a published book. it's hard when you can see hits and kudos and comments and obsess over them. but those numbers cannot measure the degree of enthusiasm people will have for your writing, first off. second, everyone experiences professional jealousy. EVERYONE. i cannot count the number of times i've been like ugh i wish i thought of that!!! so prepare yourself for that — it will make it easier to focus on the positives when you feel that feeling :))))

i feel like i had more to say but head empty now so uhhh feel free to come back if you have any more specific questions!

[jilychallenge]

Don't forget to submit your @jilymicrofics for May's Mystery Microfics (click the link for more info & the promptlist.) It is a lot of fun, so hope to see you all there (commenting, guessing etc) And then spend the month May guessing while you write, draw, moodboard, paint, sing, collect songs or whatever takes your fancy for this year's May Jily Challenge ;-) All without your shirt on if the weather permits, and definitely styled Modern Muggle (but love is it's own kind of Magic, so let's not forget to sprinkle some in).

Each pair of creators will receive a prompt from us to spark your ideas. You are always free to use and interpret your prompt as loosely as you want.

how to enter:

please reblog this post by the 3Oth of April tagging with what you'd like to make (for example #one-shot, #writing, #art, #drawing, #mood board, #playlist etc. You can be as vague as or specific as you like)

At the beginning of the month, we will assign you a partner and you will receive your prompt (here or on the JilyChallenge Discord- dm for an invite). Keep an eye on this blog or Discord and please check your messages on Tumblr.

Each creator makes their own creation, collabs are encouraged but not the aim of this challenge. 

(optional) please follow the jilychallenge Tumblrblog for updates.

(optional) join the Jily Challenge on Discord (send an ask for an invite) for beta help, chatting and mental support.

when posting: 

creators should try to post their entries by the end of the month (What to do when you miss the deadline?)

please tag your partner and the jilychallenge in your post (including the theme and your prompt, if possible)

we will reblog all entries tagged #jilychallenge

if you post your art or story on ao3, please add it to the collection of Jily Challenges 2024

If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to send us a message or ask! If you have an idea for a theme for an upcoming month we'd love to hear it!

[hssrarepairs]

🎄 HSS Rare Pairs 2024: Rules 🎄

Find more info in our FAQ!

🎁 Schedule 🎁

Sign-ups: Aug 13-Sep 3 Gift Submissions Due: Nov 15 Gift Giving: Dec 1-Dec 25 Creator Reveals: Dec 30

🎁 General 🎁

This exchange is open to anyone aged 18+ (by the time sign-ups open) with an AO3 account! 

We recommend following us on Tumblr (@hssrarepairs) or joining our Discord, although it is not required.

As this is a gift exchange, you will make a gift for someone and receive at least 2 gifts in return (possibly more!).

This exchange is focused on HP rare pairs. That means any HP ship that is not a common ship. The excluded common ships: Dramione, Drarry, Harmony, Harrymort/Tomarry, Hinny, Jegulus, Jily, Romione, Snamione, Snarry, and Wolfstar. 

Polyships of any kind are welcome! Trans, non-binary, and GNC characters are welcome! As are non-human characters and other character variations. 

The main ship should be a HP rare pair involving established characters from canon. Common ships or OCs may appear in the background of works as long as they are not the main focus.

We highly encourage being open to trying new ships for this exchange. It will make matching easier, and you never know what amazing ships you may discover!

This exchange is anonymous! Please do not share details about your works outside a limited number of alpha/beta/cheer/sensitivity readers until after Creator Reveals on Dec 30.

We follow the Three Laws of Fandom: SALS, DLDR, and YKINMKATO. No ship-bashing, hate speech, or kink shaming will be tolerated. We are open to all types of ships, genres, and content (including dark and/or triggering content) as long as it is tagged accordingly.

🎁 Sign-Ups & Matching 🎁

Sign-ups are open Aug 13-Sep 3 through our Sign-up Form.

This form is long and thorough. Please make sure you fill out the entire form according to the instructions. There will be sections for Participant Information, Character and Ship Preferences, Receiving Preferences, Gifting Preferences, and Bonus Questions (optional).

The mods will match you with other participants based on your sign-up form. The more details you include in your form, the better your matches will be!

You will be able to edit your form until the end of sign-ups. Check your email for the editing link.

Matches will be sent out via email within 1 week of sign-ups closing. You will need to confirm your matches within 1 week of receiving our email. Please check your emails regularly!

If you have any questions/concerns about your match(es), please contact the mods ASAP.

🎁 Gift Submissions 🎁

Gifts are due Nov 15! Upload gifts to the AO3 Collection then complete the Submission Form, one for each gift submitted.

You will have approximately 2 months to work on gifts starting when matches are sent out.

Gifts must be new, complete, standalone creations made for the sole purpose of gifting to your recipient as part of HSS Rare Pairs. It cannot be part of a series or a sequel/prequel to an existing work.

AI-generated works are not allowed.

All creations must be in English, include an English translation, or link to an English translation.

All HP rare pair-themed gifts are accepted! That includes: fics, ficlets, drabbles, craft gifts, art works, gif sets, story banners, moodboards, fanvids, podfics, podfic cover art, meta, poems, recipes, playlists, translations, etc. — basically, any type of fanwork that can be uploaded to AO3! See the FAQ for more gift examples.

Although only one gift is required, if at all possible, please create more than one gift (please we are begging you 🙏).

When creating your gift(s), please make sure to follow your recipient’s squicks/DNWs. If the mods find that your gift does not follow your recipient’s DNWs, you will be asked to edit/resubmit your gift.

All gifts will be proofread and tag-checked by the mods before being accepted into the AO3 collection. We will contact you via email about any revisions or additional requirements. Please check your emails regularly!

🎁 Gift Guidelines by Type 🎁

For written gifts or gifts based on written works, the minimum is 200 words. There is no maximum. See the FAQ for more info.

For artwork and crafts, you may include a watermark/signature, although gifts will still be “Anonymous” when revealed.

For podfics and audioworks, you may state your name in the recording, although gifts will still be marked “Anonymous” when revealed.

For derivative works (podfic, translation, remix, etc.), you must have permission from the original creator to make a transformative work, either a blanket statement, personalized note, or permission from the sign-up form. Please link back to the original work via the “Inspired By” function on AO3.

🎁 Anon, Extensions, & Dropping 🎁

If you wish to keep your gift anonymous after the end of the exchange, please let us know on the submission form. The mods will be in touch with further details.

If you need an extension, shoot us an email and we will give you a 2 week extension, no questions asked.

If you need to drop from the exchange, email us ASAP so we can contact a pinch-hitter.

🎁 Gift Delivery & Creator Reveals 🎁

Gifts will be delivered Dec 1-Dec 25 by Santa and his helpers (aka the very excited mods 🎅)! We will deliver gifts on AO3, Tumblr, and Discord.

Creator Reveals will be on Dec 30. Until then, please refrain from discussing giftees, sharing snippets, or giving away details about your creation. We want gifts to remain a secret, hence the Secret Santa part.

After reveals, you are free to share, post, and squeal about your creation as much as you want.

Please remember to comment on your gifts! They may be small and they may not be exactly what you want, but they were made with love and made especially for YOU. We want all gifters to feel appreciated for their hard work!

🎁 Contact 🎁

If you have any questions, concerns, or just want to chat, don’t be afraid to reach out to us! We can’t wait to see all your wonderful rare pair creations 🍐!!

Email: hssrarepairs@gmail.com

Tumblr: @hssrarepairs

Discord: HP Rare Pairs

[hp-fanfic-archive]

an introductory rec list (that no one asked for) to some of my favorite ships: wolfstar [1/10]

First fic I read for the pairing: Where Rain And Smoke Mingle by smallestbird [1k,T] It doesn't matter if they've disowned you, they're still your family. It doesn't matter how often you walk away, it still hurts. [it’s a bit dreary, but the writing style is so nice and i’m a big sucker for hurt/comfort]

Fic that really sold me on the pairing: Of Brothers and Boyfriends by Amuly [38k,E] There’s no summary on the fic, but, essentially, Remus and Sirius’s secret relationship gets found out and things get… complicated. (warning for homophobia) [My note on my ao3 bookmark pretty much sums up how I feel about this fic: Honestly one of my favorites (and one of the stories that really got me hooked on Wolfstar tbh) and I've read it at least eight times. However, I’m not entirely sure how I feel about the homophobic James Potter (even though he does come around).]

Absolute favorite fic(s) for the pairing: Text Talk by merlywhirls [141k,Not Rated] Sirius is in boarding school, Remus is in hospital, and they don't know each other until Sirius texts the wrong number. (warnings for homophobia, mentions of abuse, and homophobic language) [One of the earlier fics I read and it’s always just been one of my favorites, even though it’s been 3 years since I read it for the first time.] Harry Potter and the Live Laugh Love Sign in the Basement by loudestfandomsoftheworld [24k,T] Harry spends his summer with his fugitive godfather and his former professor who is a jobless werewolf. It's probably the best summer he's ever had. [The humor, the characterizations, their relationships, it’s all so fucking perfect!!] Go East [+Podfic] by xinasvoice [84k,E] Remus has been running for a long time. Eventually, he runs into a strange castle built by a wizard and his young apprentice. The longer he stays, the more secrets he uncovers...and the less he wants to leave. This is a novel-length adventure story that loosely follows the plot of Howl's Moving Castle. It does not require knowledge of the HMC book or movie to enjoy it. [it made me laugh, it made me cry, and it’s plot is based on one of my all time favorite movies? 11/10] Of Queries and Quarantines by MoonCat457 [51k,E] LUPIN.RJ: James, WHY? POTTER.JF: Because you’re the one currently doing the job, so it makes sense that you’d be the one to train the person hired to take your place. LUPIN.RJ: No, I mean why is Monty hiring a new editor in the middle of a fucking pandemic? POTTER.JF: An old friend of mine is in a tough spot and needs a job, so of course, dad is helping him out. - - - - OR A story set in the middle of the pandemic in which Sirius is hired at the Potter’s publishing company and Remus is responsible for training him. Lots of texting, lots of video calls, lots of mutual pining, and a lot of really bad literature quotes. [i’ve largely avoided quarantine au fics, but sometimes they’re so well-written and hilarious and also a texting fic and i accidentally fall in love with them, so here we are.]

Most recent fic I’ve read for the pairing: There Is No Man, However Wise by enigmaticblue [87k,T] It’s 1988, Sirius has Harry, and possession is nine-tenths of the law. [i adore a good raising harry au and i also adore the premise of the series this is in and i also adore the writing story and characterizations. 10/10]

Favorite AU(s) I’ve read for the pairing: High School AU: Likewise Variable by ssstrychnine [28k,T] James has plans, Peter is the nurse, Sirius keeps fake blood up his sleeves, and Remus just tries to stay alive. [i first read this fic in 2017 and it still lives rent free in my mind. it’s hilarious, a perfect characterization of the marauders (even tho it’s a muggle modern high school au) and adding shakespeare? just icing on the fucking cake. it’s excellent.] University AU: Wannabe Your Lover by Maraudererasmut & shadow_prince [15k,M] Somewhere in America, Fall of 1997 - Returning to University, James refused to room with Sirius in the wake of The Great Cheez-it Battle of '96. They must adjust to living with someone new, Mr. Potter worried they'd both get scurvy, James unsuccessfully continued trying to court one Lily Evans, Snape got what was coming to him, and Sirius was the most confused of them all. [this is the university experience we all wish we had, lowkey. aside from the hilarity that comes from having the marauders in a fic, it’s just cute and well-written and i love it (and southern remus??? it’s everything i never knew i needed.] Alternate Sorting AU (Slytherin Remus): Half Agony, Half Hope by Barry_Manilows_Wardrobe [21k,E] A tale wherein Sirius Black loses 750 House Points for Gryffindor. But it’s totally worth it. [listen, if, before i read this fic, you asked me if remus could’ve been a slytherin, my answer would have been “perhaps but probably not.” now, however, yeah. 100%. it’s hilarious, it’s novel (which i love to see), but it’s still the same remus and sirius and it’s excellent.] Haunted House AU: Another Day in the Sun by REwrites [19k,T] Is it haunted? I suppose that depends on who is telling the story. [really really excellent and a little haunting (pun entirely intended). it’s romantic and sweet and a little bittersweet but i adore it.]

WIP(s) I really love for the pairing: We Were Infinite by WolfstarPups90 [336k,E] “The Marauders aren’t something that will just go away once we graduate.” James continued, taking a more serious tone and addressing not only Remus, but the fear that they all had found recently in the back of their minds about what may become of them outside the walls of Hogwarts. “We’re a family. We’ve proven that again and again, haven’t we? We’re forever. Unstoppable. We’re infinite.” The full story of The Marauders from September 1st 1971 - October 31st 1981. (Heavily centered around Wolfstar and Jily in later chapter) [the first WIP i ever read (usually i stick to completed works, but this was being pretty regularly updated when i started reading it and also it’s fucking iconic so what can i say?)] Of Leaves and Stars by irrationalmoony & LadyAmina [273k,T] Almost a year out of Hogwarts, Lily finally manages to convince Sirius and James to get more acquainted with muggle technology and buy phones. Sirius, of course, texts the wrong number. [everyone is queer! (as they well should be). also: is it complete? no. has that stopped me from reading it twice? also no.]

Favorite Series for the pairing: TransVerse by picascribit [30k,E,2 works] Canon-divergent AU in which Remus is a transgender boy instead of being a werewolf. (warnings for underage, transphobia, internalized transphobia, bullying, self-harm) [i am a trans remus stan and this series is iconic, but also heed the tags kids.]

Longest fic I’ve read for the pairing: Once in a Blue Moon by FullMoonDreams [408k,M] In a world where Remus never received his Hogwarts invitation and Sirius wasn't accepted by the Gryffindors the two lonely boys become friends. A story beginning in their first year, and continuing right through Hogwarts and beyond. RLSB. [this fic emotionally ruined me,,, but like,,, in a good way, you know? i will probably never reread it because i cried for hours the first time, but the plot does live rent free in my mind (and i do have a playlist of songs that remind me of it).]

Fic(s) with some of my favorite tropes: Matchmaking: Pining, Parchment, Plotting, and Pranks by KayBee1762 [12k,T] “Idea parchment,” James said. He unfolded it and smoothed it out. “You want to get them together, right? That’s why you came to me?” “Yeah,” Lily huffed, which was ridiculous because he was right, that’s why she came to him. But it was supposed to be her idea, because she wanted to help her dear friend Remus, not James or Sirius. But it was so nice to be able to talk about this with someone, and James looked so pleased and excited. “Good,” James said. “Good, because they need to get together, they would be so happy and so good together, and Sirius will stop sighing like a lovesick puppy and just snog him instead.” In which Lily considers changing Houses, James blushes a lot, Sirius is his usual dramatic self, Remus mopes, and Peter knew everything all along. [the marauders (especially james and lily) trying to play matchmaker is one of my favorite instances of the classic matchmaking trope.] Road Trips + Bed Sharing: Of Comets and Counter-Examples by Woldy [5k,T] If the past is a foreign country, can travel help to resolve a troubled history? Dumbledore assigns Remus and Sirius a mission to explore three European cities, or perhaps to find each other. [a lovely tale of travel, reunions, comfort, friendship, and self-rediscovery. plus, travel, bed sharing, and friends to lovers??? yeah] Matchmaking (again): In The Middle by Blossomwitch [3k,Not Rated] James is the natural confidant of both Remus and Sirius. When they both swear him to secrecy on the same topic, James is stuck watching his friends pine for each other without being able to say a word to bring them together. A lesser man might shrink from the challenge of finding a way to break his promise without breaking his promise, but not James Potter! [i already did a matchmaking trope fic i know but what can i say other than the trope fucking slaps and so does this fic.]

[theresthesnitch]

Fic writer interview

I'm finally getting around to this! Thanks @theroomofreq for the tag. Although honestly I just want to steal about half of your answers. I think we kind of write the same?

Name: theresthesnitch (which is there's the snitch) or however you want to shorten that is fine. I'm here to be anonymous.

Fandoms I write for: Harry Potter. Currently Hinny, Jily or Wolfstar, but I wouldn't rule out branching out in the future.

Favorite two-shot: I… don't think I have one? Is a two-shot a thing that people write? I guess two of my answers in the Ginuary Bingo drabble ended up being a part 1 and part 2, but I don't know if that counts. For favorite one shots, I'd say…. All the little pieces (Hinny) or Love like a fairytale (Jily). I have literally one Wolfstar fic posted, and it's just PWP, but you can find it here.

Most popular multi-chapter fic: I've literally posted one chapter of one multichap fic, so lots of choices here. But I'm loving the reception that Three strikes 'til you're out is getting.

Actual worst part of writing: the first hour after hitting submit on something new, especially if it's something a little different or that I'm nervous about. Also getting stuck on a scene that just won't come out.

How you choose titles: ugh, painfully. Sometimes it's a reference or words in the fic. Sometimes it is a song title. Sometimes it's a random set of words that are seemingly unrelated. Someday it might be a keyboard smash because I'm so frustrated with trying to come up with one.

Do you outline: extensively in my head. Rarely on paper. It's something I'm working on.

Ideas I probably won’t get to but would be nice: so I had this idea of going and finishing TLAT by basically making TLAT2. I spent some time reviewing what's out there on it, including making character review sheets and outlining some of the chapters to find what might have been foreshadowing that was unanswered. I had a lot of fun doing it but, uh… it's a lot of work. So that's probably not actually ever going to happen.

Callouts @ me: so this is sort of something I've been working on/already have adjusted for, but it's what comes to mind. I cannot write a fic linearly. I get stuck on a scene that won't come out, or have another scene that I can't stop thinking about, and I'm trying to force myself to get through stuck scene eventually get to the one I want to write. I can't tell you how many times (particularly when I was a kid and convinced I was going to be an author) that I've lost an entire story because I tried to write from the beginning. So I stopped doing it. For example, the last scene in chapter 3 of Three Strikes was actually the first thing I wrote. And I have part of the resolution drafted, but chapter 4 is mostly unwritten. It takes a bit more editing to make sure it fits, but it's really helped me stick to a story. So the callout is to forgive myself for writing the way I want even if it requires me to have way more of a fic drafted before I'm willing to post it.

Best writing habits: uhhhh….. I don't know that I have any? Maybe writing non-linearly, so see above.

Spicy tangential opinion: Enemies to lovers fics should not be between two characters who have to ignore problematic canon character traits/beliefs in order to fall in love. That's not love; it's lust at best.

If I was nice, I'd see who had done this already before tagging people, but I'm just going to tag at random. No obligation to anyone.

@emeralddoeadeer @velvethopewrites @sunshine-marauders @mollymarymarie @missgryffin @blitheringmcgonagall @crimson-snitch

And anyone else who wants to do it, but tag me so I can see it too!!!