#feedback fest 2024

[pipermca]

Feedback Fest 2024

In honour of International Fanworks Day (today! February 15) I am posting some fic recommendations that I've made in the past. (I am super swamped at work and can't write up any new recs, but I previously rec'd these over on my main blog over the past few years. I'm collecting them together again here on my writing blog!)

These ten rec's are in no particular order, and all are in the Transformers fandom (with some crossovers). Ratings and pairings (if relevant) are noted.

(I also had to split this list into two parts because I waxed too poetic about these fics. See my reblog for the next part. 🙂)

Frivolities by @neveralarch (G, Megatron & Starscream). Summary: “My correct form of address is in my ID tag,” snapped Starscream. “Use it or lose your tongue.” My comments: I love this story. I love it so much I’ve recommended it to people who would ordinarily never read Transformers fanfic, simply because I think they’d appreciate what the author is doing. They took canon and fanon, and from it alchemized a story of dysphoria and wanting to be seen and acknowledged in a way the character wants, and wrapped it up in a tidy package that hits like a truck, and have I mentioned I love this story! (makes fists) Read it!

Working Through It by @trinarysuns (M, Skywarp/Thundercracker/Marissa Faireborn). Summary: “TC,” Skywarp says, “I’m, like, ninety percent sure that humans don’t have interface cables.” Thundercracker squawks and almost knocks him over trying to get the script out of his hands. My comments: I can’t say enough about this story. I love it and it pushed so many buttons for me. Not even smutty buttons, just interaction buttons: humans interacting with giant alien robots, old loves reuniting, logitical issues of interspecies getting it on… Tumblr deleted my review of this story, (SIGH) so I reposted my review on DW here. It says a lot more about this fic!

The Soft Rush of Black Static by Monstrosibee (NR, Bluestreak/Prowl). Summary: Prowl doesn’t know a lot of bots on this newly salvaged Cybertron, and he definitely doesn’t know the bot intruding on his construction site. My comments: While this fic is essentially a fix-it fic for a story from the Aligned continuity, it just destroyed me. You can read the basics of what happened between Bluestreak and Prowl on TFWiki (at the end of Chapter 7 of The Covenant of Primus) but it was devastating to actually read how upset Prowl was by what happened. This short little fix-it brought all those emotions back and then healed them. I loved this.

Someone You Might Have Been by @astolat (T, Megatron/Optimus Prime.) Summary: I didn’t love him because he wasn’t you. My comments: I'm rec'ing this because it's just pure "this is exactly what I want to read!" for me. This is a delightful mashup of the Shattered Glass universe and G1, in which the Optimus Primes from each universe get (temporarily) swapped. It’s an amazingly heartwrenching MegOP story.

Crash Site by Slyboots (G, Breakdown/Knock Out). Summary: June Darby does not believe in aliens, or in haunted highways, or in government conspiracies, or in any other small-town folklore. The new mechanics in town are uncanny, all the same. My comments: I am a sucker for Transformers: Prime fics, and one of the (it's canon! suck it Hasbro) ships from the show that I love is Knock Out/Breakdown. But besides that, I just love the vibe of this story. You can feel Knock Out and Breakdown in it, even if June doesn’t really see them, except out of the corner of her eye. And I am SO HERE for the idea that the two of them got some lovely downtime together before the events in TFP.

[evilwriter37]

Feedback Fest 2024

Ao3 is hosting a Feedback Fest for International Fanworks Day! The goal here is to recommend 10 fanworks. I never make rec lists, but let's try this out.

These are not in any particular order, and hardly an exhaustive list of fics that I have read and enjoyed. If we went back through my history there would be too many.

List is under the cut.

Just a Kid by AHeartforStories (@howtowhumpyourhiccup)

Fandom: How to Train Your Dragon

Rated: mature

Warnings: graphic depictions of violence

Relationships: 

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III & Toothless

Astrid & Fishlegs & Hiccup & Ruffnut & Snotlout & Tuffnut

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III & Stoick the Vast

Gobber the Belch & Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III

Dagur the Deranged & Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III

Alvin the Treacherous & Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III

Word Count: 248,402

Summary: A Httyd Zombie AU set in the modern world. There are dragons.

At 15, Hiccup believes his biggest struggles are teachers who won't stop hounding him for his grades, a father who doesn't quite listen to him, or how unpopular he is at school. Every regular teenager's worst nightmare, right?

But then a new and mysterious illness that's been rapidly spreading amongst the populace takes a surprising turn and the day comes Hiccup wishes his former daily struggles had been the only struggles he would have to deal with.

He is, after all, just a kid.

My Thoughts: This story has everything! It’s got full and fleshed out relationships between the characters. The character dynamics are just so good. It’s got dragons! A modern zombie AU with dragons is such a cool concept, and it was executed so well. I have yet to finish reading it, but I’ve enjoyed each and every chapter of this. (I think I left off on chapter 25.) The emotions are so real and so in character, and the events of the story are bold and exciting! I really love this fic. 

The Storm Passes by AHeartforStories (@howtowhumpyourhiccup)

Fandom: How to Train Your Dragon

Rated: general audiences

Warnings: none

Relationships: Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III/Astrid Hofferson

Word Count: 521

Summary: Set after THW, the dragons never left. Hiccup’s pain has been mostly minimal, but the odd day does come when the pain comes and can only leave on its own. On those days, it’s nice to just have someone be there for him.

My Thoughts: A fic that understands chronic pain to an intimate degree? Hell yes! I love fics that deal with Hiccup most likely having chronic pain from his amputation. It just makes sense, you know? So well written, and such a depth of understanding. I have it downloaded on multiple devices because it’s a favorite.

Switching Like a Lever by Lillith Loves Viggo (@lilliths-httyd-blog

Fandom: How to Train Your Dragon

Rated: mature

Warnings: graphic depictions of violence

Relationships: Viggo Grimborn & Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III

Word Count: 818

Summary: Viggo can't decide whether to kill Hiccup or nurture him.

My Thoughts: Oh my god, this one is so excellent. It really shows how cognitive dissonance and conflicting emotions work! It shows the inner conflict in Viggo and the outer conflict between Viggo and Hiccup so well. They have quite the dynamic in canon, and this fic really just delves into it. Love it. 

Seeds of Doubt by mushroomwizzard157 (@thedragon-and-hisboy)

Fandom: How to Train Your Dragon

Rated: teen

Warnings: graphic depictions of violence

Relationships: gen

Word Count: 8,320

Summary: Alvin's latest attempt at kidnapping Hiccup to train his dragons has succeeded due to temporarily incapacitating Stoick. Now, the guilt and shame of allowing his son to be taken from him is growing inside Stoick like a sickly plant. He must overcome his emotions to save Hiccup before it is too late.

My Thoughts: Okay, I really love this fic. Hiccup whump with Stoick angst? Always a treat! Love it when those two get to suffer. The symbolism is utterly fantastic, and I love the ending. This whole thing is genius. 

Choosing to Forget by mandolindoodler (@mdoodlerfandomart)

Fandom: How to Train Your Dragon

Rated: teen

Warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings

Relationships: Viggo Grimborn/Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III

Word Count: 27,390

Summary: Viggo thinks Hiccup has amnesia and Hiccup isn’t about to correct him anytime soon.

My Thoughts: An unfinished masterpiece. The concept is so different and interesting from other Vigcup stories I’ve read, and the dynamic between Hiccup and Viggo is just so good. I also really like how fleshed out the Dragon Hunters are in this. Hell, this story even has me liking Ryker! Great story. So, so good.

Terms of Agreement by @violet-moonstone

Fandom: How to Train Your Dragon

Rated: explicit

Warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings

Relationships: 

Dagur the Deranged/Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III & Heather

Word Count: 15,919

Summary: When Heather learns that her brother is attracted to Hiccup, she convinces her friend to flirt with Dagur to distract him during fights. But as Hiccup gets closer to the Berserker, he finds himself in a situation that is much more than he bargained for...

My Thoughts: Oh my gosh, I adored this fic! I remember taking screenshots of some of the dialogue and internal monologues and posting them because I enjoyed them so much. Everything was so perfectly in character. It was funny and sweet and hot. Excellent fic. 

and the universe is forgetting you by exhaustedwerewolf

Fandom: Teen Wolf

Rated: teen

Warnings: creator chose not to use archive warnings

Relationships: Claudia Stilinski & Stiles Stilinski

Word Count: 1,706

Summary: So, Stiles thinks, as distantly as he can, examining the thought like it’s something cold and unalive that he can turn over in his hands. His… or more accurately, "this," body.

(Whoever’s it is.)

This body will be new again in seven years.

-

Stiles' old body, and his new one. Things that are permanent, things that aren't, and his lack of a say in any of it.

My Thoughts: Pure poetry. That’s what I have to say about this fic. It was so beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes. I read it years ago, and years later I am still thinking about it. It touched me so deeply. I just adore it. 

No Such Liberty by Xparrot

Fandom: The Avengers, Thor

Rated: teen

Warnings: none

Relationships: Loki & Thor

Word Count: 147,316

Summary: The first thing Loki said, after he had swiped his tongue over his lips to wet them, was, "You shouldn't trust me."

~

Following the attack on New York, Thor takes Loki back to Asgard in chains; but this does not mean that the god of mischief's schemes are ended, or that Thor has or ever will give up on his brother. But when Thanos threatens the realm to claim his lost prizes, on which side will Loki fall?

My Thoughts: I read this right after the first Avengers movie, and oh my god, it was such a gem to find! It has absolutely stellar interactions between the characters and a war with Thanos that actually makes sense. Like, this was an incredible story. I was so glad when I found the ao3 version so that I could download it and keep it. (Fanfiction.net, where I first read it, is fleeting.) 

Deathless by Lif61 (@lifblogs)

Fandom: Supernatural

Rated: mature

Warnings: graphic depictions of violence

Relationships: gen

Word Count: 194,248

Summary: While sorting through the artifacts kept by the Men of Letters, Sam happens across a mysterious and powerful amulet. As he is pushed into using its dark powers he is forced to face his traumatizing past and forge the way into a possibly more terrifying future.

My Thoughts: I was reading this fic when season 11 was coming out, and I kept confusing the events in the fic with the events in the show. I would be like: “Wait, wait… I thought that happened in canon.” That’s how good this fic is. It intertwines with canon so well while being its own, fully-fleshed out story. The buildup was interesting and the battles were fantastic. I love the chapter about Ivan. I just… *clenches fist* loved it. Really excellent fic!

The Sins of Heaven by Lif61 (@lifblogs)

Fandom: Supernatural

Rated: explicit

Warnings: graphic depictions of violence, rape/non-con, underage

Relationships: 

Castiel/Dean Winchester

Jack Kline/Anael

Jack Kline/Original Female Character(s)

Jack Kline/Original Male Character(s)

Word Count: 164,627

Summary: After running away from home, Jack is kidnapped by angels who want to use him to repopulate Heaven's dying forces.

My Thoughts: This fic was started for me as a really fucked up birthday present, and oh boy, did it deliver. I got like, multiple presents out of this one! It was so messed up, but in the most satisfying way possible. I loved it. I loved it so much. Thank you so much, sis!

[lifblogs]

Feedback Fest 2024!

1. Intersections by Caedus501

Fandom: Star Wars: Rogue One Rating: Teen and Up Audiences Pairing: Cassian Andor/Jyn Erso Word Count: 138,967 Works: 6 WARNINGS: Graphic Depictions of Violence Dawn of Fate Summary: Jyn is a slicer making a living in the fringes of space. Cassian is a Rebel spy doing what he can to give the Rebellion an edge in the ongoing war. The two unknowingly meet each other a couple years before the events of Rogue One and are forced to rely on one another to evade the Empire. Running With the Rebel Summary: Jyn Erso is now making her living smuggling contraband throughout the galaxy. Cassian Andor is undercover in the Imperial Navy. When Jyn is asked to help an Imperial Lieutenant who may be more than he appears to steal coveted resources from the Empire, she is given no choice but to agree to lend her skills to the heist. A pre-Rogue One story. Against the Odds Summary: Jyn Erso is trying to stay one step ahead of everyone trying to find her by moving from planet to planet. Cassian Andor trying to track down not only Jyn and Galen Erso, but a weapon with terrifying potential. Based on a tip, the two meet just once more before the events of Rogue One shape both their destinies and the future of the Rebellion. Choices and Consequences Summary: A moment during the action of Rogue One that explores how events might have unfolded if Jyn and Cassian had indeed known each other prior to being forced together for a mission to Jedha. The Effects of Trust Summary: Jyn has a sudden realization that changes everything. Cassian decides to trust the woman fighting beside him and together, backed by a small band of Rebel soldiers, they take on the Citadel Tower on Scarif. Everything in its Place Summary: Jyn and Cassian must rely on one another to escape the Empire and other dangers in the wake of the Battle of Scarif. WHY I LOVE IT: I love this for the graphic depictions of violence. This takes characters I love and gets into the nitty gritty of their lives before their movie in a way that feels so canon. It’s like further experiencing the side of Star Wars we saw in Rogue One, and even what we saw in Andor before Andor was ever thought of. And on top of that I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that this turned into a fix-it fic where Jyn and Cassian live. If I remember correctly the author was surprised too. This is such a thrilling story with so many stakes. There aren’t any chapters with each part, and yes, some are almost novel length, but this writer makes it easy to keep scrolling and reading. It’s like a gritty spy/action movie where the romantic leads keep dancing around each other.

2. Infernal Fascination by evilwriter37 @evilwriter37

Fandom: How to Train Your Dragon/Race to the Edge Rating: Explicit Pairings: Hiccup Haddock/Astrid Hofferson, Dagur the Deranged/Hiccup Haddock, Heather/Astrid Hofferson, Hiccup Haddock/OC, Hiccup Haddock/Heather/Astrid Hofferson, Hiccup Haddock/Fishlegs Ingerman, Hiccup Haddock/Fishlegs Ingerman/Astrid Hofferson, Past Dagur the Deranged/Heather, Hiccup Haddock/Viggo Grimborn Rating: Explicit Word Count: 470,811 Chapters: 120 WARNINGS: Graphic Depictions of Violence, Rape/Non-con, Incest Summary: Takes place after the events of "Maces and Talons." Hiccup is captured by Dagur the Deranged, who wants nothing more than to call the Dragon Rider his own. This reignites the war between Berk and the Berserkers, while the war with Viggo Grimborn and his Dragon Hunters is only just starting. Iconic beginning author's note: "My hand slipped." WHY I LOVE IT: What’s not to love? Okay, I mean if you don’t like the warnings, don’t read. So now we’re past that, and I repeat: what’s not to love? I am here for the Game of Thrones version of How to Train Your Dragon (but better), okay? I need that Dagur that’s basically canon and would win in a staring contest against Ramsay fucking Bolton. Give me the violence, give me the gore, give me the angst. This fic can be described in a few words: epic, and messed up. So basically, I’m in love. Everyone is written so well, nothing’s out of character! (Unless you skip to, I don’t know, chapter 80, and check in on how Hiccup’s doing then because, well… That’s barely Hiccup anymore!) That’s right! This man gets broken. And not just instantly. This fic is in it for the long haul. This is a breaking that takes time, and it actually breaks the readers too. (Please never ask me about the OC Bryn. She’s wonderful. It’ll always be too soon.) Well-written, well-plotted, put together by a mad freakin’ genius. This fic will change your life, and guess what? The ending is happy. *mic drop*

3. Red Hot Chili Professors by whelvenwings

Fandom: Supernatural Rating: General Audiences Pairing: Castiel/Dean Winchester Word Count: 25,297 Chapters: 10 WARNINGS: No Archive Warnings Apply Summary: Dean's doing fine. He's always late for work, he's not taking care of himself, and he isn't planning on changing that - but seriously, he's fine. Except for one thing: someone's brought back the chili pepper rating system for all of the professors on campus, and Dean isn't rated the hottest. It's Castiel Novak, the guy who's always walking around in terrible sweater vests, who's got the full ten chilis - and that's something Dean does plan to change. WHY I LOVE IT: I haven't read this in a bit, but I remember the absolute joy this brought to me. Dean's POV is so silly in the beginning that I was laughing out loud at 5 in the morning. I love seeing how he and Cas get together in this, and the rating system is such an amusing sort of backdrop for all of this, and it and Cas being a bit of the antagonist is fantastic. Also, Cas in sweater vests. Need I say more? An absolutely enjoyable read. I read it all in one go, and I'll do it again!

4. Whitechapel by BeesAreAwesome

Fandom: Supernatural Rating: Mature Pairing: Castiel/Dean Winchester, Amelia Richardson/Sam Winchester Word Count: 46,051 Chapters: 8 WARNINGS: Graphic Depictions of Violence, Major Character Death Summary: Chaos reigns in the streets DI Winchester has sworn to protect. A series of murders have arisen out of the poverty and desperation of the East End slums, and it is his task to hunt the man responsible. His brother Samuel, a notable psychiatrist at Bedlam Hospital, and Castiel, the precinct's surgeon, are always at his side to lend a hand. Between Dean's altruism, Castiel's cleverness, and Sam's attention to detail, they're certain they can catch the killer at large. But each man has his own twisting darkness within him. Tension rises quickly as they spiral out of control and the body count continues to rise. No one can be truly certain that each man is innocent, nor whom they can trust. WHY I LOVE IT: This story really flings you into the setting of 1800s London. There's no doubt you're there. From the description, to the colloquialisms, the clothing, the mindsets and culture—you're there, no questions asked. I didn't realize I'd love a Supernatural AU like this, but I couldn't stop reading! I love how dark and gritty it is, I love the twists, I love just how dramatic it all gets. This is a fic worth reading, and then re-reaading.

5. In Me by paintitb1ack

Fandom: Supernatural Rating: Explicit Pairing: Lucifer/Sam Winchester, Non-consensual Pairings (the fic isn't tagged like this, but I want to be accurate) Word Count: 38,810 Works: 3 WARNINGS: Rape/Non-con, Graphic Depictions of Violence Things Unseen Summary: So, Sam is being plagued by Lucifer. Again. And why write a fix-it fic when we could write something far more devastating? (Setting: Post "Into the Mystic") Living Large Summary: Lucifer!Cas has transported himself and Sam Winchester topside. The archangel is furious with Sam's physical attacks and refusal to say "yes" so, with his boy's greatest fears in mind, he prepares to give him absolute hell. Meanwhile, Dean switches gears from locating Amara to finding Sam. Drafted Summary: Broken, Sam Winchester allows Lucifer to possess him. The archangel is absolutely delighted, and decides to spend as much time as possible wreaking havoc among humans. Back at the bunker and expecting the search to be difficult, Dean reluctantly teams up with Cas and Crowley to hunt Sam Down. Fortunately (and unfortunately), he is wrong. Sam is very easy to spot, what with his face being plastered all over the news after a few violent escapades. Lucifer and Sam end up on the run with not only Dean, Cas, and Crowley on their tails, but the police as well. If only the archangel hadn't been so keen on getting himself on the FBI's Most Wanted List. WHY I LOVE IT: So this series has been abandoned, and I don't think this writer writes at all anymore (I just hope they're okay!), but I think this is still worth getting into. Every chapter is such a rush. They fly by. They're so messed up. Every chapter is shocking, and devilishly (haha) fun. This was one of the first Sam and Lucifer fics I read, and I am so glad I found it in the first place.

6. Lionheart by paintitb1ack

Fandom: Supernatural Rating: Explicit Pairing: Lucifer/Sam Winchester, Non-consensual Pairings (again, not how it's tagged, but this is true to the story) Word Count: 65,072 Works: 2 WARNINGS: Rape/Non-con, Graphic Depictions of Violence, Major Character Death Consequences Summary: So Crowley decided to imprison an archangel in his basement. I think you know what happens next. The Arsonist Summary: Sam and Lucifer are dead, and Dean bringing the former back could mean bringing the latter back as well. Unfortunately for the rest of the world, Dean decides that he doesn't care. But when Sam is resurrected, it's clear that something is wrong with him. Something happened while he was dead, something that changed him into someone who is nearly as difficult to deal with as Lucifer. Now with two big problems on their hands, Dean, Cas, and a few of their friends (and enemies) must try to find a way to set it all right. WHY I LOVE IT: This right here is on my list of favorite Sam/Lucifer fics. I adore it. It is so sick, and twisted, and in the best way. The plot progression is fantastic. I love how everyone's flaws are being used against them, or is driving different parts of the narrative. Again, unfortunately, this one is also unfinished, but I remember having the absolute time of my life reading this. Wherever the author is, I hope they're okay, and I hope they know that their fics are still loved. This was a bit like a welcome into the fandom for me, along with the series above this one. I think I'll cherish them in all their dark glory, always.

7. Not So Stoic by evilwriter37 @evilwriter37

Fandom: How to Train Your Dragon/Race to the Edge Rating: Explicit Pairing: Viggo Grimborn/Hiccup Haddock, Viggo Grimborn/Astrid Hofferson, Hiccup Haddock/Astrid Hofferson Word Count: 181,184 Chapters: 54 WARNINGS: Graphic Depictions of Violence, Rape/Non-con Summary: Hiccup is on Berk recovering from drowning, and Viggo uses the sleep-deprivation caused from the Midnight Sun to attack. Without help from the Dragon Riders and with Hiccup still weak, Berk is taken. Upon their attempted rescue, some of the Dragon Riders are captured, giving Viggo more pieces to his game of thrones, heirs, and suffering. WHY I LOVE IT: Another masterpiece from my brother! More grimdark How to Train Your Dragon/Race to the Edge for all those who want it! The often-implied darkness in the show is fully used in this story, turning it into something even more dark, graphic, adult, and incredibly emotional. I cried so many times reading this, I believe. There is one chapter that still haunts me to this day. I probably think about it once a week. After I read it my first thought was, "GRRM wishes!" If you want broken characters, love persevering, angst, and feeling what it'd be like to be in this fantasy setting under a conqueror, then this is the fic for you! Often, it is not just the great writing of the villain that brings this piece together, but the great writing of our heroes as well. You will not be stoic reading this.

8. A Thousand Lives by pretchatta

Fandom: Star Wars: Rebels Rating: Mature Pairing: Kanan Jarrus/Hera Syndulla Word Count: 64,725 Chapters: 18 WARNINGS: Graphic Depictions of Violence Summary: A thousand lives; a thousand loves; two souls. They always find each other, lifetime after lifetime, until they start to remember their past lives in dreams that fade as soon as they wake. They are soulmates in every sense. Kanan is an Inquisitor, working with the ISB to capture a Force-sensitive boy who is being kept out of his reach by a troublesome rebel cell. They're infuriating; every time he gets near the boy there's something about the cell's leader that always knocks him off-balance. It's almost like she's... familiar, somehow. Hera is a fighter, working with the mysterious Fulcrum to protect the newest member of her crew from the dark servant of the Empire who hunts them. He's relentless, but every time he finds them there's something she can't quite place about him. It's almost like he's... wrong, somehow. The hunt is on, but it can only last so long. The Ghost crew will need to find help from across the galaxy to stay ahead of the Inquisitor but Kanan has a few tricks of his own. WHY I LOVE IT: I will be honest that for some reason I procrastinated reading this fic, but once I truly started I stayed up all night reading it. It occupied so much of my time until I was done. It had a grip on me that just wouldn't let up. If you're looking to lose sleep, this is the fic for you! In all seriousness, I love the implication that in every universe, no matter what, Kanan and Hera will be together. I adore that each chapter has an epigraph, mostly of other fics. So not only is there a look into a different universe, a tone to set each chapter, but it is a celebration of fandom by connecting it to other writing. I love that. I love that this is a story that loves stories. It's exciting, and the enemies-to-lovers "will they, won't they" is great. Like, we know they're going to be together. The other universes say so, but that doesn't mean finding out how isn't an interesting read! Also, haven't we all fantasized about evil Kanan? I mean, come on. I think Star Wars thrives when it comes to evil AUs, and this one's no different.

9. Undercover by Loth-Cat (Starbird)

Fandom: Star Wars: Rebels Rating: Mature Pairing: Ezra Bridger/Sabine Wren Word Count: 24,996 Chapters: 12 WARNINGS: No Archive Warnings Apply Summary: To preserve their cover on an Imperial planet, Sabine and Ezra have to put themselves in a very awkward situation. Dealing with it afterward, though, is much, much worse. WHY I LOVE IT: Do you like spies and secret missions and rebellions? Do you like fake dating? Do you like undercover missions where they can hardly break character for fear of being discovered? Throw in some romance, and then this is for you. I will admit I'm not caught up, but when I discovered this fic I ate it up. I loved it so much it inspired me to even write a one-shot (but that's another story [pun not intended]). I adore Ezra and Sabine, and I adore Sabezra. Seeing them put into this situation is fantastic. I also love that they are being treated as adults who can hold their own against the Empire. This one is a bit of a slow-burn, and it's really perfect because it just fits Sabezra so well here. After all, it took a bit for Ezra’s crush in canon to fade, and then turn into something deeper. I think this author really understands these characters, and they are so kind too! (Yes, we've spoken, and I love them, ngl.) Perfect fic. No notes.

10. Post-Vacuum Calamity written by sp8ce @rockstarsatan

Fandom: Supernatural Rating: Mature Pairing: Lucifer/Sam Winchester, Non-consensual Pairing Word Count: 34,458 Works: 7 WARNINGS: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings It'll Last Longer Summary: While vessel hopping after Vince Vincente, Lucifer calls Sam up as he realizes that, on top of being a way to torment Sam, threatening violence against others is more leverage against Sam now that they're both out of the Cage. Sam receives a call from Lucifer. He's not doing so well. On Your Marks Summary: Lucifer continues to threaten violence against others as a means of controlling Sam. Sam's still not doing so well. Second Skin Summary: Lucifer frames manipulating Sam through threats of violence as a win and continues to use that leverage as a way to control Sam. Sam is trapped with no power and little autonomy trying to make sure he can successfully keep Lucifer placated. Down a Stream: Gravity Summary: Scared of what Lucifer will do if he declines, Sam meets up with Lucifer as instructed. Utilitarian (If It...) Summary: Sam feels culpable regarding the abuse Lucifer is putting him through. Into The Fossilised Liquid Sunset Summary: Sam comes to a realization and shatters the existing dynamic that Lucifer has cultivated. Hanging From A Telephone Wire Summary: What Lucifer makes Sam do to himself gets increasingly violent. WHY I LOVE IT: I remember reading this series right as it started, and then I unfortunately didn't keep up with it. When I tried coming up with 10 fics to share with you today and came up short I thought of this one, remembering how good it was, and how much fun I had with it (evil fun, mind you), so I found the series, and binged it in less than 24 hours. I was dying to have this on this list, to have this writer on this list. One of my favorite Sam and Lucifer fics to date! It is messed up in a way that I personally couldn't have come up with, and if you have read any of my works, then you know that's saying something. What this writer also adds to the Sam and Lucifer relationship is a poetic way of describing things. I know this writer (heck, my friend, they're my friend) wants to be a song writer, and it's evident in the descriptions of how Sam feels. Somehow that just makes things so visceral. Not going to lie, it is hard to get me to feel disgust while reading Sam and Lucifer because usually I'm over there laughing maniacally or something, but this series does it! And of course, I love it. I love how Sam is the only POV character as well. It really makes you feel stuck in his head, stuck with Lucifer, just like he is. It makes you wonder what the other characters are thinking and doing, but in such a way that you recognize that world has fallen away for Sam and is no longer important. Lucifer is. I also love how in this modern fic writing age that there isn't any therapy kind of talk or anything. Sam twists and twists his own identity in so many ways that the reader will know are wrong and harmful, but Sam doesn't. Sam believes all of it, and you have to sit there, and read this pain. It is enjoyable in a way that's hard to describe. I do think one of my comments mentioned I was over there frothing at the mouth. This is such a quick read too despite being a novella, so far. What a great series!

Honorable Mention

Beneath by ninepen

Fandom: MCU, Thor Rating: Teen Pairing: Some Thor/Jane Foster, and some Loki/Jane Foster Word Count: 1,807,000 Chapters: 230 Summary: Loki sits in a prison cell and waits to hear his fate. If luck turns his way, that fate could provide him with another opportunity to finally earn the respect, admiration, and power he covets. He doesn't dare dream he could return to Midgard. There he's met a number of people of interest... but there is only one he's vowed to visit. If Loki fails again, does another abyss await him? WHY I LOVE IT: To start off, this is an honorable mention because it's not on AO3. Unfortunately it's on ff.net. Yeah, yeah, I know, but this is one of the greatest fanfics I have ever read, and probably one of the greatest writing undertakings in the MCU, or fanfic community at large. It's detailed and expansive, reminiscent of the writing styles of the massive 14-book fantasy series The Wheel of Time. I have been reading this since 2012, though I haven't read it and caught up lately (yes, as far as I know, this is still going). The attention to detail is in everything, from characters, and clothing, and setting, to science and research. As a physics nerd, I'm incredibly impressed. Loki and Jane have an enemies-to...something slow burn in this, and it lets us see Loki in such an intricate light; the intricate light that he deserves. Every second in this story it is easy to picture Tom Hiddleston doing these actions and saying these lines. I also love Thor in this. This writer understands Thor. He's smart, just not Loki-smart, but really, who is? Thor leads Asgard in a war against most of the 9 realms. That's right, there is a massive war in this. This is like reading a 5-star published sci-fi/fantasy series. Nothing is left off, nothing is veered away from. This fic is surely one of the greatest of all time.

[curioussubjects]

Feedback Fest 2024

Since everything I've read for the past 1.5 years has been pilots, all 10 of the fics here are Kara/Lee from Battlestar Galactica. I'm only listing one fic per author, so be sure to check individual author pages if you liked their style.

(go here over on @transformativeworks for more info!)

1. In the Whole World by pennyante (M, ~80K, WIP)

Summary:

The Cylons aren't quite human, and the humans haven't quite forgiven them. Political stability is less certain than ever now that the war is over: Lee Adama finds himself up for re-election, where being defeated will mean a Gemenese theocracy puppeteered by Leoben Conoy. Meanwhile, Kara Thrace has nothing but questions about her death and destiny. The only answers available come in the form of the vision of a temple, and from her hybrid/comatose husband's cryptic ramblings about a sister artifact to the Arrow of Apollo.

There's violence in the air. Civil war looms. Can Lee and Kara save each other, and keep the fledgling colony whole?

Thoughts: The best season 4 fix-it, lives in my head rent free, rewired my brain, etc. Also I've read it, like, 3 times (and I cried).

2. We're Not Friends by ninety6tears (M, ~25K)

Summary:

When two soldiers in the middle of a war can't seem to like each other, baptism by fire is apparently the natural solution. (AU in which Kara never knew Zak and first meets Lee after the fall of the colonies.)

Thoughts: I love a different first meeting AU, and this one takes pilots on a fun rivals to lovers spin that works surprisingly well. They're still very unwell about each other, though, make no mistake.

3. Artemis Rising by clairza (M, ~11K)

Summary:

The next morning Lee makes a few phone calls, and when everything has been organized and his credit card has been used for the first time in three months, and he’s had the pleasure of telling his mother that no, he has plans this week, he tracks Kara down in the quad. 

She's lying on her stomach poking sticks upright in the grass. He sits down beside her, and he can see the tension in her shoulders.

“So,” he says casually, and he’s very proud of the way his voice doesn’t shake at all. “I hear the Aegean Peninsula is nice this time of year.”

“It probably is.”

“I’ve booked a unit.”

“Where are you going with this, Lee?” Thoughts: I have a huge soft spot for fluffy academy pilots and this fic absolutely delivers. Happy baby pilots go to the beach five stars no notes.

4. An Arranged Meeting by lark_ral (E, ~11K)

Summary: Even outside of wartime, you might be surprised by the pressures our service men and women are under. The most effective among them either have, or need a release valve. Thoughts: Lee and Kara are scene partners for years, then the Cylons come. Somehow less messy than the show, but still delicious.

5. Rota by leda13 (E, ~2K)

Summary: The days are arbitrary, in space. Bereft of the guide of a planet's rotation around the sun, they live in slices of time, stealing as many as they can. Thoughts: Emotional support curtain fic of pilots sneaking around.

6. Sufficient to the Day by rachelindeed (T, ~1.5K)

Summary: At the sound of Lee’s voice, she feels her stomach twist and drop. Reluctantly, she opens her eyes and sees him come to a stop an arm’s length away, settling one elbow onto the corner of the bleacher behind her. His jacket is unbuttoned, his hair mussed, jaw ghosted with stubble, and the frakking sun is rising behind him. The look on his face is casual and fond, but he breathes as if he’s been running. Thoughts: Mandatory UB morning after fix-it...sort of. I really like this one because all I wanted was for Lee to get to Kara first. Or for him to call her bluff. This fic is both. It's not a showdown on main street like I enjoy joking about, but it's quiet and it's them (so it's better!).

7. Contrecoup by Fahye (T, ~2.2K)

Summary:

Contrecoup (n): A concussion or shock produced by a blow or other injury, in a part or region opposite to that at which the blow is received, often causing rupture or disorganisation of the parts affected. (One story told right-way-up, the other told upside-down, but both in the same narrative.)

We begin at a single point in time. The present goes forwards. The past goes backwards.

The story is AU-within-canon and set after episode 1x11, "Colonial Day."

Thoughts: I can't say too much because I don't want to spoil the fic. So: a bit angsty, a lot sweet, with a side of Kara's amazing problem-solving skills.

8. Lee's Emo Coffeehouse by haycorn (M, ~2.9K)

Summary: Lee has a bar, and sometimes Kara makes his life more interesting. Thoughts: I love cute modern AUs in general, and I love them even more when there's pining involved. There's not nearly enough of this type of fic for pilots, either! Many thanks to the author for their service. Would read 100K of this 'verse.

9. Breathing Room by callmeonetrack (M, ~12K)

Summary: Kara and Lee adjust to their new, very separate lives on the Pegasus. Badly.

Thoughts: My favorite Pegasus fic! Being on the Pegasus sucks, but then Lee and Kara find each other and things get better. Chef's kiss, peak pilots.

10. And I Feel Fine by hazellazer (M, ~2.4K)

Summary:

“That was… that… why?”

Her hands stay firmly on his face, thumb brushing over his cheek. “I was just thinking—”

Cutting her off, he smirks. “You think?”

She swats at his arm, hard enough that it might actually bruise. “I thought you were dead, Lee.” Her gaze is harsh on his, voice rasping, before something softens. “And I should’ve done this the second I knew you weren’t.” Thoughts: Season 1, but Lee and Kara are together. It's nice, refreshing, and plain good.

[desolationlovrs]

2ourdust was something kinda magical, wasn't it? 🖤

Only a few short months to go until Las Vegas, until I'm back in the desert heat, until I'm back at the barricade, until I'm back in a sea of friends and strangers 50k deep screaming til my lungs give out.

And I can't fucking wait

📸 by me, Fall Out Boy, Seattle 2024

[cowandcalf]

Feeback Fest 2024: H50 Fic Recs

For International Fanworks Day, February 15 (for more information see this post by @transformativeworks)

Thank you, babe @stephmcx because of your great fic rec list I noticed this amazing Fic Rec Day! I'm not often on Tumblr anymore scrolling and discovering interesting things and I miss the interaction with other fandom folks. And here you are, posting a great fic rec list of the most epic OTP ever: Steve and Danny.

I have my McDanno 'go-to' fics I love dearly but for this list I put together a different number of McDanno stories from my bookmarks. I hope some of you haven't read them already. Maybe there's a chance you find an unknown great McDanno story. All of my recommanded stories always act like a large safety net of love I let myself fall into when I need those special, unique, and most magic McDanno vibes.

1.Blue Shorts and Gloves by WeirdoOfTheCentury - Summary: Danny... well Danny is Danny. Stella is a protective Sister and both Steve and herself wanna commit a crime when it comes to Danno. @shadowhunterdownworlderhybrid

2.Touch My World With Your Fingertips by kristen999 - Summary: Danny has plans for Steve when he returns home from his reserve drill.

3.More Than Words, Part One by Candy_A - Summary: The first chapter in a series based on the events that follow Danny's rescue from Colombia (Episode 5.17). In this installment, Danny returns to Hawaii and he and Steve begin to cope with the reality of Danny's ordeal there. (Nine parts belong to this outstanding series)

4.See You Tomorrow by bgharison - Summary: "When we were leaving the office, I said, ‘see you tomorrow’ to Chin and Kono, and they said, ‘yeah, see you tomorrow'. I said, ‘see you tomorrow’ to you, and you said, ‘goodnight’, And 'goodnight' sounded like 'goodbye', okay?""I wasn't saying goodbye," he said, finally. But he kept his eyes fixed on the water.

5.Why don't you try me? by azziria - Summary: Steve and Danny both want the same thing, they just don't know it yet.

6.Back To Back (They Faced Each Other) by harrycrewe - Summary: Danny didn’t even realize that Steve was a sentinel when they first met. That probably said a lot right there about what kind of a guide Danny was.

7.Like Death and Taxes by ariadnes_string - Summary: "One of these days," Steve growled, voice low and rough and filthy, "I'm gonna rip this thing off you and gag you with it." (That's my very first McDanno fanfic I read.)

8.Moments In The Skript by joannereads - Summary: Hello all! So, over the last few years I have dreamed of a few scenarios before, during and after the events of The Script. I wanted to add to it, but never found the time, so now I'm making a point of doing it. I'll add to this as and when I have time or the muse is singing. Some of the stories will be teen and up, some explicit. Hope you enjoy! (RPF)

9.Close To Me by joannereads - Summary: Danny Williams is 17. Steve McGarrett is 26. They all live in Hawaii. And their lives are about to get really, really messy. Because Steve? Steve's his brother's best friend.

10.Sock Monkey by Cattraine - Summary: He’s late; he’s running late when the call comes in. One minute he’s sitting at a traffic light on a perfect day on his way to work, bemoaning his lack of coffee and the next he’s screeching the Camaro’s tires towards the accident, heart pounding, keeping perfect time with the chant in his head. No, no, no. It can’t be.

[outerwilds-events]

Speaking of events that aren't Campfire Fest specifically-

[comment-exchange]

International Fanworks Day 2024

Today (February 15th) is the International Fanworks Day and we're celebrating by allowing everyone to submit their fanworks without having to prove that they have commented on something else first. Since this is about celebrating all fanworks, you can also submit works with any number of comments, no restrictions.

I would like to remind everyone, that you can submit any fanwork. We might mostly have fanfiction on our masterlist, but we allow any type of fanwork. Fan art? Of course! Fan edits? Always! Podfic? Definitely! A video of you cosplaying your favorite character? Yes, please! A picture of the fannish craft you have done? More than welcome! As long as it's related to fandom and people can comment it, feel free to submit it. Our submission form might be slightly geared towards fics, but if you have any questions, you can always send me a message or an ask.

You can also submit fanworks that haven't been made by you, just please get permission from the original creator first.

The point of international fanworks day is celebrating fanworks and one of the best ways to do that is probably leaving feedback on fanworks. So please consider scrolling through the over 300 fanworks that have already been submitted to Comment Exchange and giving some of them some love.

Happy Commenting and happy IFD2024!

[if-whats-new]

What's New In IF? Halloween edition! Issue 26 (2024)

By Brij, Dion, Bex and Jen

Now Available!

Itch.io - Keep Reading below

If you read the zine, consider liking the post: it helps us see how many people see it! And sharing is caring! <3

~ EDITORIAL ~

Boo! Did you get scared?

Well we hope we didn’t scare you away! Our favourite time of the year is here and with it a Halloween themed Issue! Next to the regular WNIF stuff we included a recommendation section full of the best games to play in this time of the year, so be sure to check it out!

We want some feedback!

As we’re starting to get a hand of things, we would love some feedback from you guys! What you enjoy, want more or less off, how we could improve... Anything goes! We even have a nifty form!

Still looking for members!

Due to the severe changes in the Zine team, we are once again looking for free hands with a couple of hours to kill, and minds, looking to make a little difference in the community!

If you too would like to help us out in a more official capacity, please shoot us a message! You can check out the available positions here, but if you’d like to help in any other way, feel free to contact us as well!

No Small Talk for some time!

We hope you have a terror-ific time reading this issue!

BRIJ, DION, BEX AND JEN

~ BE A PART OF THE ZINE ~

THIS ZINE ONLY HAPPENS WITH YOU!

Want to write 1-2 pages about a neat topic, or deep-dive into a game and review it in details? Share personal experiences or get all academic?

WRITE FOR THE COLUMN!

Prefer to be more low-key but still have something to share? Send us a Zine Letter or share a game title for Highlight on…!

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Came across something interesting? Know a release or an update announced? Saw an event happening? Whether it's a game, an article, a podcast… Add any IF-related content to our mini-database!

EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS!

Contact us through Tumblr asks, Forum DMs, or even by email! And thank you for your help!!

~ EVENT SPOTLIGHT : ECTOCOMP 2024 ~

La Petite Mort or Le Grand Guignol? Either way, it’s going to get spooky!

Ever since October 2007 spooky-game enthusiasts all over the world have a chance to participate in ECTOCOMP, an annual competition for interactive fiction celebrating the SPOOKY MONTH OF HALLOWEENTOBER. Whether you celebrate Halloween, Day of the Dead, All Saint's Eve, or just love ghost stories and creeping people out, this is your time to shine!

Previously organized by Jason Guest for ADRIFT games, the jam is now open to all development platforms. Since the beginning of this initiative, there has been a motivation to unite and strengthen ties between international communities in the IF world. Creators can submit games either in one of the four main languages - English, Spanish, French and German or any other!

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Ghostbusters. Named after the Ghostbusters’ car license plate number ECTO 1, this year the jam pays tribute to the film that inspired the title! Some other subthemes and inspiration prompts are: Spooky adventure, Sweet supernatural, Halloween fest, Día de Los Muertos, All Saints', All Souls' Eve and any other festivity or mythology around the world.

As per tradition, Ectocomp has two categories:

La Petite Mort, for those who want to speed-write their game in 4 hours or less.

Le Grand Guignol, for games that, for whatever reason, took longer than 4 hours to write.

When the jam is over, all of the submitted games will be uploaded to the IF Archive.

~ ENDED ~

The voting for IFComp ended and the winners have been announced! Congratulations to the first-place winner, The Bat by Chandler Groover! Check out the complete results for this year's competition.

Another edition of the Bad Art Visual Novel Jam is upon us! Check out the two entries!

~ ONGOING (VOTING) ~

Entries have been submitted for the 6th Spooktober Annual Visual Novel Jam! You can vote for your favourites until October 27th! Every October Friday you can also watch Chizu's sponsored Spooktober Stream where she plays through all submissions!

Find inspiration in dusty old decrepit corners, revivify the forgotten - the Revival Jam 2024 is here! You can now vote for your favourite entries!

~ ONGOING (SUBMITTING) ~

Strip IF to it’s bare bones and all it become beautiful text. That’s what The Bare-Bones Jam is about.

It’s spooky month and with it comes the annual ECTOCOMP 2024. If it’s spooky or supernatural why not submit it?

Running until Halloween, the Phantasia Jam is a three months game jam to create a fantasy narrative game, with the theme of “Hidden Magic”. It accepts both VN and IF.

On the CoG Forum, Halloween is already there! Until Oct 31st, you can submit your projects to the Halloween Jam - but don't forget the theme! VAMPIRE, Murder, 70’s Disco!

Disabled Rep VN Jam has a very simple premise but a very important message.

Once upon a time, a game jam was held to create stories around the theme of fairy tales… and that game jam is the Once Upon A Time VN Jam. It’s running from October 1st to January 31st.

Concours de Fiction Interactive Francophone 2025 is for all French-speaking enthusiasts. Submissions are accepted until March 3rd 2025.

Are you perhaps a fan of more somber, melancholic themes? Then check out the Dying Year - Visual Novel Jam! You have until the end of the year to participate.

The Black Visual Novel Jam is all about working with creative professional developers who work in visual novels to bring more Black stories to life. The goal is to create a space where Black creators can show their unique storytelling through visual novels.

Bare your teeth and sharpen your claws because the Monstrous Desires 2024 Visual Novel Jam is here! Dedicated to the love of entities, horrors, and monstrosities, this jam will be full of romantic Visual Novels (VN) that heavily focus on a monster may it be original or from classics, folklore, modern media, etc.

~ OTHER ~

Jams are a great way to find new games! Don’t be afraid to check out submissions from previous years as well. There might be some gems hiding between them!

~ NEW RELEASE ~

Heavens’ Revolution: A Lion Among the Cypress (CScript) is a flintlock space fantasy inspired by eighteenth-century Iran.

Love and Death in the Shadow of the Demiurge (Twine) is an interactive tale of self-love and self-hate, beauty and the lack of it. @infimace-blog

As the Eye Can See (Twine) is a short story about the day before Halloween. @skyshard13

Larut (Ren’Py) is a fictional work retelling of the Indonesian folklore and mythological figure, Nyi Roro Kidul.

As always, don't forget to check out the submitted entries to the events mentioned in the previous pages. They deserve some love too!

~ NEW RELEASE (WIP) ~

You're only 20 when suddenly your life goes bam! Throwing you into a whole new city, a different country even. Can you find your place in the world and restart or lose yourself in temptation? Time to find out in Paved in Ashes (CScript)! @pavedinashes-if

Spotlight (CScript), navigate the red carpet, bloodthirsty paparazzi, cut-throat tabloids and complicated relationship dynamics with A-list celebrities (who may or may not be completely unhinged.)

Exit Through The Gift Shop (CScript) is about the arc of your life, from beginning to end, as experienced through the lens of trips to the museum, with each chapter moving forward one decade.

Blood of the Living (CScript), the first public demo for Blood of the Living, sequel to Fields of Asphodel is here! @chrysanthemumgames

Bridge Ices Before Road (CScript) Finding your place again in your old hometown might sound tough, but nothing is tougher than being an Olympic athlete. You have to juggle training along with all that, but you try not to let it get you down. After all, skating is your passion! @bridgeicesbeforeroadif

Fortuna Favours the Bold (CScript) is a low fantasy, high stakes, romance forward tale about self-discovery and hidden secrets. @fortunafavours

Being the only homicide detective around for miles, it’s up to you now to find out what exactly happened to your brother, why it happened, and who did it in A Bouquet of Chrysantemums (Twine). @abouquetofchrysanthemums

it's been a long, long time (CScript), a group of three find themselves reunited through their shared past, grappling with the haunting memories of a tragedy that shattered their bond. @haynahkho

In Spices of the Heart (CScript) you step into the shoes of an ambitious chef who has landed a job at a prestigious restaurant known for its innovation and artistry. @when-life-gives-you-lemons-if

Love to be Forgotten (RPG Maker MV) is a visual novel inspired by historical figures like Lucrezia Borgia and eerie vampire folklore, such as the tale of Jure Grando.

~ UPDATES ~

Keyframes (Ren’Py) released a patch update. @blankhouse

Shepherds of Haven (CScript) alpha preview has been updated. @shepherds-of-haven

One Knight Stand (CScript) released Chapter 2 Part 3. @oneknightstand-if

Weeping Gods (CScript) added new content to Chapter 2. @jcollinswrites

The In-Between (CScript) released Chapter 10. @dalekowrites

Space Captain (CScript) released updated their demo.

Hunter's Requiem (CScript) added new content to their demo. @huntersrequiem-if

The Inn Between (Ren’Py) released an extended demo. @catslilypad

When Stars Collide (Ren’Py) released Episode 1. @steamberrystudio

Made Marion released Will’s route. @velvet-cupcake-games

Wasteland Pony Express updated their Patreon demo. @katieaki

~ OTHER ~

The Halloween Sale 2024 on Itch.io is here!

Are you a Girls! Girls! Girls!? fan? You can now pre-order an artbook!

The Retro Adventurers podcast released Episode 9, where they have a conversation with Robin Raymond about the project Kingdom of the Seven Stones, a sprawling text/graphic adventure.

Studio Mansoon Games is hiring! Are you a Programmer or a Game artist? This is your chance! @allieebobo

~

As always, we apologize in advance for missing any update or release from the past week. We are only volunteers using their limited free time to find as much as we can - but sometimes things pass through the cracks.

If you think something should have been included in this week's zine but did not appear, please shoot us a message! We'll do our best to add it next week! And if you know oncoming news, add it here!

~ MAYBE YOU NEXT? ~

We did not get a submission this week. But if you have an idea for a short essay, or would like a special space to share your thoughts about IF and the community...

Shoot us an email!

~ HIGHLIGHT ON ~

A couple of games that we thought were cool.

Viatica by @fir-fireweed (Twine)

Wonderful prose, interesting worldbuilding, lovable characters! Chapter 10 was recently updated and it tore my heart out 10/10.

//submitted by Silly//

Do you have SALT? by BRXKEVN (Steam)

I wanted to tell you about the salt.

//submitted by Oreolek//

Your favourite game here?

Do you have a favourite game that deserves some highlighting?

An old or recent game that wowed you so much you spam it to everyone?

Tell us about it! And it might appear here!

H/T = Horror/Thriller H = Halloween themes S = Supernatural C = Creepy

~ RECOMMENDATIONS (COMPLETE) ~

It gets so lonely here (H/T) by ebi-hime (Ren’Py)

Yuri yandere visual novel, what else needs to be said? //submitted by Remm//

Deepest Grievances (H/T) by 17 confused villains (Ren’Py)

Equal parts murder mystery, eldritch horror, and office satire. This is a great adventure-style VN with a puzzle that made me gasp when I figured out the solution. //submitted by Natasha//

Hanna, We're Going to School (S) by Kastel (Twine)

You and your ghost friend go to school and everything goes sideways. My favorite piece on queerness and rage. //submitted by Emerson//

Last seen online (H/T + S) by qwook/sochinstudio (Three.js)

It is a very great and short game. It includes puzzles that are both satisfying and sad to solve. //submitted by anon//

Escape from Hell (S) by Nils Fagerburg (???)

Switch between monsters and use their abilities to help you escape! Elegant design with fun puzzles. //submitted by Sera//

Neighbourhood Necromancer (H/T) by Gavin Inglis (CScript)

Command the undead to take revenge on the suburbs! Perhaps you’ll start by taking over a convenience store.

Yûrei Station (H/T) by Atelier Sentô (Unity)

A girl takes a night train heading to an unknown destination…

Everyday Horrors (H) by Jacob Aberdevine (Bitsy)

A short Halloween game about fear and uncertainty.

Ghosterington Night (H/T) by Wade Clarke (Inform 7)

Danger-filled Ghosterington Manor appears atop the same cliff each year on Samhain night. It’s hidding four poems that are worth a fortune, and you, famous adventurer Jubilee Grief, are determined to find them.

Forever and Ever (H/T + H) by @PetricakeGames-IF (Ink)

Halloween night comes to a close and you're just settling in to get a good night's sleep when your son Lucas lets you know there are monsters in his room.

First Bite (S) by firstbitegames (???)

One night. Three (very hot) vampires. Make a deal with Death or die trying… (Alejandro Saab is in it so you know it’s good. Also very 18+.) //recommended by Dion [team]//

Well Tended (C) by danielle taphanel (Bitsy)

A short storybook simulator about wandering through death's shade-filled garden, following the spiraling path of poisonous plants to the center.

Witches x Warlocks (H + S) by Nifty Visuals (Unreal Engine)

Seven days until Halloween! Seven days until Fay Nightshade gets booted out of school for being the only witch unable to cast a single spell.

Eat me (C) by Chandler Grooverr (Inform 7)

In this castle, you'll eat or be eaten. May contain dairy, carnage, puzzles, nuts.

~ RECOMMENDATIONS (WIP) ~

We Wretched Creatures (H/T) by @darkfictionjude (Twine)

Who can you trust? What’s the truth behind your family? What are things that you see in the dark?

Sentience (H/T + S) by @sentience-if (Twine)

After a near-death experience at the hands of a crazed angel, you're suddenly thrust into a conspiracy surrounding a corpse-worshiping cult, divinely mad saints, and something buried far, far beneath the earth.

Fervency (H/T) by @fervency-if (CScript)

After getting cured from a vicious plague, you begin to feel some strange and unfamiliar cravings - namely a fervent desire for flesh or blood.

The Story of Sin (H/T + S) by @devilishmango (Twine)

You are the spawn of Satan and The Devil. You decide to defy them once again, and just like always… they aren’t exactly too happy about that. This leads them to decide to punish you one last time- only, this time, the punishment is deadly.

Reanimated Heart (H/T + S) by @doubledeadstudio (???)

Figure out how to build a life from scratch in a strange dimension where the sun never rises and supernatural creatures live freely.

Van Helsing (S) by @vanhelsing-if (Twine)

You are the last of a family of elite slayers. When you get tasked with slaying an ancient Entity in four months, will you remain the indomitable Van Helsing of legends or will this finally be your breaking point?

SLAUGHTER☆SQUAD (H/T) by @harlequinoccult (Twine)

For the most part, you’re a pretty normal mid-20-something year old who lives in a shitty apartment in the city. Well, except for one thing. Your ”Associate” Carter “Dollface” Abernathy. Who is a murderer.

Did we miss your favourite game? Don’t worry, there’s still a chance! Fill out this form and we will include it in our next Halloween issue.

WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU ALL! WHETHER IT'S GOOD OR BAD, OR EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN...

Have something to say? Send us a message titled: Zine Letter!

As we end this issue, we would like to thank: Silly, Oreolek, Remm, Natasha, Emerson, Sera and the awesome anon!

For sending us their game recommendations and highlights!

And as always, huge thanks to all you readers who liked, shared, and commented on last week's issue! What might be tiny actions are huge support and motivators to us!

Thank you for cheering us on this journey!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

We now have a Linktree! Accessing all of our links has never been easier.

And see you again next week, even more spooky!

BRIJ, DION, BEX, JEN

WHAT'S NEW IN IF? 2024-ISSUE 26

[transformativeworks]

Welcome to Feedback Fest 2024

February 15th's International Fanworks Day is almost here, and OTW is launching another event today. Come leave 10 fandom recs at Feedback Fest or post here and tag your posts with #IFD2024. Read more at https://otw.news/nya

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[percico-nicercy-events]

The ao3 collection for this event is [Percico and Nicercy Fest Week 2024]. There are 2 ways to add your works to this event. The first is the standard way of adding it to the collection using the name/tag: Percico_Nicercy_Fest_Week_2024. The second way is by claiming the prompt for that day on the link shared above, and then selecting that prompt when you go to post your work. This method is less known, so I'll be making another post with a screenshots and directions on how to do it.

This event is open for anyone to participate by making fics, fanart, moodboards and any type of fanwork you can think of!

When you post your work don't forget to tag us so we can share your work on our blog!

I think that's all the info needed for the event? But just in case I forget something, feel free to comment or send an ask with any questions or concerns. I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with!

Plain text below for accessibility:

Percico/Nicercy Fest Week 2024, August 18th - 24th, 2024.

Prompts:

Day 1: Percy Pining After Nico Day 2: Powerful Percy and/or Powerful Nico Day 3: Co-parenting Mrs. O’Leary Day 4: In Tartarus Together Day 5: Undersea Prince Percy and/or Underworld Prince Nico Day 6: Getting Together Years After HoO Day 7: Free Day

Alternate Prompts:

Alternate 1: AU – Canon Divergence Alternate 2: Hurt/Comfort Alternate 3: Angst with a Happy Ending Bonus: A short post about: 1. Why do you ship Percico/Nicercy today? 2. Why did you initially start shipping Percico/Nicercy? 3. Any other Percico/Nicercy headcanons or ideas you want to share!

Timeline:

January 20th, 2023: Prompts are posted on Tumblr and AO3. The AO3 collection opens. January 20th, 2023 – August 17th, 2024: Creation Period. August 18th, 2024: AO3 Collection works are revealed. August 18th – 24th, 2024: Posting Period. August 24th – 31st, 2024: Submit Event Feedback & Join the Hall of Fame. August 31st, 2024: AO3 Collection Closes. September 1st, 2024: Hall of Fame is posted.

Tag list, as requested in the survey:

@starphanton @wild-flowerhoney @awanderingmuse @avaetin @haiseiscute333 @ogjacksonsimp @doevademe @iridisentry @blueskyportrait @niquitonerdola @incompleteth0ts @percicosoftcore @x-bloodrain-x @memenems @rosabell14 @moa-broke-me @yippee-e @hermesmyplatonicbeloved

[entropy-game-dev]

Demo date announcement!

The most important information up front: The demo's release date will be the 27th of September, 2024!!

I don't think Steam notifies you even if you have followed/wishlisted the page, but still, every single follow and wishlist helps immensely. You can check the game out here, and this is also where you can grab the demo from once it's out.

The lore of the demo

A few months back, in late June, I had just come back from housesitting. One of my friends, Lucinius, mentioned that Steam was holding a space exploration festival on the 2nd of September, and suggested I get the demo ready for then. I thought this was a great idea and feverishly started working to finalize everything.

It took 6 days total to get my steam developer account up and running, including paying for the ability to put a game on Steam, getting the OK regarding tax details, etc. It takes 30 days from initial payment to when you are able to actually make the store page live. The process was quite overwhelming but this amazing guide here helped me through basically all of the process, and it was super accurate!!

About a week before the festival, I had everything ready and went to do the store pages and upload the game build. I thought uploading the build using the provided command line tool would be the hard part, and the store page would be the easy part. However, there are so many assets and variations thereof that Steam asks for that I had not prepared (about 20 in total with very specific size and design requirements), and so it took several days to complete this in a manner I was happy with.

It then also took about 5 days for the content to undergo review and for it to be approved (or not). The game page and demo build got approved, but the demo page did not as I didn't have "demo" on my assets that I had submitted for it, so it took another 5 days after correcting the page for it to be approved. This ended up being approved a few days after the space exploration fest had started, and so I thought I'd push the demo back for the next relevant festival - luckily a turn based rpg one - on the 1st of October.

However, a few days ago, I was sadly informed that my game (turn-based RPG, by the way) was not suitable for Steam's turn-based RPG festival after applying to enter it. I wasn't given a reason, even after reaching out to support, except a generic one that stated my game may not have been a good fit for it.

I honestly thought it would be a given I could take part, but that is obviously not the case! It was a bit disappointing hearing the news and the lack of feedback from Steam regarding the decision, but I'm not too fussed overall. That's because now I actually get to announce to you guys, and much earlier than I otherwise would have been able to, that the demo will be available the weekend before the festival starts!!

The date was strategically chosen, of course, to ensure I have enough time to finish polishing it, and that it wouldn't be lost among the sea of other RPG demos potentially (or not, I'm not sure) releasing during the festival!

In any case, the whole experience was seriously eye-opening. Probably not too interesting reading about it, but that's where my life has gone the past few months, and I'm actually super excited I'm finally finally allowed to mention the context surrounding my recent posts! Thanks for reading!

[merlintarotfest]

Merlin Tarot Fest - Round 3 Masterlist

Thank you to everyone who participated in Round 3!! Please see the masterlist for the third round of the Merlin Tarot Fest below! All creations were posted July–September 2024.

ART:

“A Breath of Hope” by wistfulVulpine

Merlin/Arthur, General Audiences

“Queen, King, Knight” by kairennart

Gwen/Lancelot/Arthur, General Audiences

FIC:

“Treat Me Warmly” by tansyuduri

Merlin/Arthur, Explicit, 10162 words

“The Sun and The Moon” by Vivirki

Merlin/Arthur, Mature, 1045 words

“The Value of a King” by HadrianPeverellBlack

Gwen & Morgana & Arthur, Teen +, 1361 words

“Through Paths Unknown” by PierrotPatroclus

Elyan & Gwen, General Audiences, 1383 words

Also big thanks to everyone who filled out the feedback form, it was great to hear you’re all having fun with the fest! Stay tuned to see a few minor updates to the process for our next round, based on your feedback.

[danilovefest]

DANI LOVE FEST 2024

WHAT IS DANI LOVE FEST

just a few days ago I was once again desperately looking for Dani content on here but it was woefully difficult....and since (hopefully) a Dani wildcard in Jerez at the end of april is very likely, I thought it would be fun to organise a little event to dig up as much Dani content as possible so that everybody looking for Dani content in the future can find loads of it here :) and maybe it'll even inspire some new fans!

HOW CAN YOU TAKE PART

MAKING POSTS: your post can be anything - videos, pictures, text posts, fics, articles - translated interviews or articles, web weaves - whatever your heart desires! just tag your post with #danilovefest or #danilovefest2024 to be featured on this blog OR you can send it directly as a submission to this blog (re: sources - please if possible include your sources/credits!)

SHARING POSTS: not all posts have to be new!! this event is all about sharing dani content, gathering it all in this neat little pile for us all to play in!! a lot of you definitely have a LOT more insight and archives of all the posts on motogpblr through the years. so please, dig up your favourite posts and let us enjoy them once again!! you can send posts via ask or send me a dm on my main @whoregaylorenzo so I can reblog it here!

ASKS: if you have any suggestions or spontaneous prompts - or you just wanna submit a fun pic without making a post - you can hop into our asks and talk to Dani! try it :)

TAGGING SYSTEM

I will try my best to make this blog SUPER organised so it can exist as a sort of dani archive for years to come <3 this list will be edited/added on to as I add new tags

media type: pictures, gifs, video, text post, links, web weave, art, mixed

theme:

year:

place:

others featured: marc, jorge, vale, ....

#rpf content

We will use tw injury/tw crash (re injury day) and #nsfw for explicit posts (re danifucker day)

THEMES (click on the links to access the tag):

this following list includes themes/prompts for all the days BUT of course we only want to give you ideas, you are not limited to these/nor are they limited to these days, you can post anything any day as long as it's Dani!

10.04. baby Dani

11.04. 125cc days

12.04. 250cc days

13.04. random Dani facts day

14.04. team tiny day

15.04. Dani's smile

16.04. injury day (you all made me!! ._.)

17.04. his gray hair streak

18.04. Dani ventures outside of motogp (windsurfing, cycling, his childrens book, car racing etc)

19.04. danifucker day (18+)

20.04. Pedrenzo day

21.04. Danis special riding style/ability to give feedback (gifs/videos/pics of riding, ppl describing his riding style etc)

22.04. Dani's relationship with other riders

23.04. after motogp/ktm days (various wildcards, reception and emotions coming back etc)

24.04. favorite helmet

25.04. favorite podium/win(s)

26.04. Dani at jerez through the years

27-28. give me all you got (ANY fav dani content at all) - also open for the hopefully new content that weekend

I hope you all have SOOO much fun, we certainly had fun planning and scheming and are SO excited to share the dani love with you!! - fran (@racewinnerbatmav) and dante (@marquezian)

"It's easy to base success on results, but I think that concept is mistaken. Above all, what is most satisfying is how I will remember all of those fans, all of the people who encouraged me, who supported me during my moments, good and bad, and who often kept me from throwing in the towel." - Dani Pedrosa

[drarrydisabilityfest]

It's That Time of Year Again...

Drarry Disability Fest 2024

Welcome Back to the 2ND YEAR of Drarry Disability Fest (2024)!

For those who don't know, Drarry Disability Fest is a fest dedicated to the accurate representation of disabilities, d/Deafness, medical conditions, and mental illness; Drarry Disability Fest is the first of it's kind. In this fest there will be no romanticism of disability (though romance will definitely be present elsewhere), instead we want our artists and writers to focus on accurate depiction - whether it be of the sad, mad, or glad times of disability and mental illness.

Our goal is to add diversity to the Drarry fic and fanart community, and we firmly believe that while disability and mental illness can be very difficult to handle, they do not mean that we're destined to a life of inaction and solitude; we are an empowered community.

All the mods for this fest are disabled/mentally ill to some extent, and have experience with a variety of additional disabilities to ensure that we have maximum ability to give feedback and filter prompts to the best of our ability.

We would also like to say that everyone's experience with mental illness and disability is different, so if you end up reading a depiction of your illness or disability that differs from your own, please accept that we do our best to filter the media in this fest so that it is safe for disabled readers, and remember that every different experience with a condition is valid.

This fest will not be anonymous, and we're posting to the fest AO3 Collection in July as that is Disability Pride Month. This year we are starting everything slightly earlier so that all you beautiful creators have more time to create, so follow our tumblr and join our discord sever to be sure you don't miss anything.

Anyone may prompt to this fest, even if you don't plan to create anything, however we will be filtering your prompt submissions on the AirTable to ensure they are sensitive to the disability/mental illness you are wishing to see depicted.

You don't need to be disabled to write about disabilities, but please do your research, ask questions from disabled sensitivity readers, and if you're ever unsure our wonderful mods Ceylon, Rowan, and Kel are happy to help. We have a wordcount minimum of ~1000 or equivalent. This means if you're not doing a written piece then put in the effort equivalent in your digital fanart, podfic, or other media. We do not accept videos at this time.

Beta readers/viewers are required for each submission. You can self prompt when claiming, and you can claim multiple prompts as long as you submit each work before claiming a new prompt.

The Dates are as follows in MST/MDT:

February 29 (Leap Year): Prompting Begins

March 20: Prompting Closes (Self-Prompting still allowed)

April 1: Claiming Opens

June 15: Claiming Closes

June 16 : Submissions Deadline

July 1: Posting Begins

July 31: Posting Ends & Fest Wrap-up

Further in depth fest rules can be found at the pinned post on our tumblr, please give them a read as they have been updated!

Your mods: Rowan @basicallyahedgehog (tumblr), Ceylon @quackquackcey (tumblr), Kel @slytherinthelibrary (tumblr)

A PSA: We acknowledge that J.K. Rowling is the author of the series this fandom is based in, however all mods involved strongly disagree with and refute any and all racist, antisemitic, transphobic, homophobic, and other prejudiced ideas the author holds. This is a safe space for trans people and two of our mods are trans themselves. If you are transphobic or homophobic or otherwise prejudiced against any marginalized group; you are not welcome here.

[zyrafowe-sny]

10 Fic Recs for Feedback Fest 2024/International Fanworks Day

There are so many amazing fics out there, but here are a few recs in honor of @transformativeworks's Feedback Fest.

But We Don't Have to Talk About It (The Owl House, by @halcyonhue): This is a brand new fic and so, so good. Excellent post-finale Luz & Hunter messiness.

A Potter's Field (The Owl House, by @sercezgazety): I can't make a fic rec list without this fic (I also had the pleasure of beta reading it). Fairly Hunter-centric. Written before WAD, but deals with post-finale politics, lustration, trials, grimwalkers, personhood.

phantom pains (The Owl House, by @crimeronan): RATED E AND MIND THE TAGS — SA! Not an easy topic, so gorgeously, hauntingly written.

get through it (The Owl House, by @polyhexian): Alador-centric. Excellent use of second person.

things we lost in the fire (Nimona graphic novel, by @prodigaldaughteralice): Wonderfully-written Comic!Ambrosius and Meredith Blitzmeyer.

Lunch and Other Obscenities (Star Trek 2009): Uhura & Gaila cross-cultural misunderstandings.

An Ever-Fixed Mark (Jane Austen, by @amarguerite): Augh, this series. Some of the best fic on AO3. Fantastic writing, Soulmate deconstruction, war, grief, politics, AU spin offs.

i'll write you a harmony in C (Jane Austen): Modern Jane Austen AU featuring Mary Bennett and Henry Crawford. I don't even remember when I first stumbled across this fic but I've revisited it multiple times over the years.

Beside me singing in the Wilderness (80 Days): Amazing work that really takes advantage of (and builds upon) the worldbuilding of the game.

have you heard (Star Wars sequel trilogy): Written between movies and no longer canon compliant, but a great fic about the power of stories.