#this chapter of my fic is 5k words but 10k words as a whole; never written that much in my entire life

[starchaserdreams]

My fics on AO3

Alright, so I deleted my AO3 account a few months ago (thinking I was done with this) and orphaned all of my works. Well, now I deeply regret that. But I have collected as many of them as I could find here for anyone who's interested.

Jegulus/Starchaser

Temptation Eyes (Now Complete!) - My Jegulus Regency AU. Completed, being posted one chapter twice a week. James enters the London season hoping to find a wife. What he finds instead is Regulus Black, and he never looks back. But as implied by the era, it won't be easy for them. Background wolfstar, shown as a different approach to a queer relationship in the regency era.

Get Regulus Out - 82k, Rated M, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Working Through Trauma, No War/Riddle AU, background Wolfstar, background Marylily. James tries to convince Regulus to leave Grimmauld Place as Sirius once did, and save himself from his parents.

How to Spot Signs of Jealousy - 4k, fake/pretend relationship, mutual pining, miscommunication. After Regulus gets fed up with people asking him out because of his family name, he and Barty agree to fake date. For some reason, James Potter seems livid...and Regulus can only guess that it's because he's homophobic. That's got to be it, right?

But Where's Regulus - 1k. James on laughing gas after getting his wisdom teeth taken out and talking about how much he likes Regulus

Waking Up Slowly - 2k. James wakes up in bed with Regulus in the Gryffindor dorm, something Sirius might not take kindly to.

I've Read Your Book - 1k. Two one shots based on the same premise: Writer!James didn't even know Regulus knew about his book, let alone had read it, but Regulus comes up to him and says "I've read your book" aka the most exciting words of all time to start a conversation for a writer.

Little Ball of Fire - 1k. Regulus gets into an argument with Snape. Regulus begins threatening him, so James picks Regulus up and carries/drags him out of the room before anyone gets hurt.

Prongsfoot/Bambibelle

What's in a Name - 5k, Soulmates AU, secret crush. In a world where soulmates exist and can identify each other by the feeling they get when they say each other's names, it's pretty easy to identify who your soulmate is. But for Sirius and James who only call each other by their nicknames, it takes a while to finally know.

The Bachelorette - 15k, mutual pining, Bachelorette AU. Sirius and James are both cast as contestants on the Bachelorette. Although their stated goal was to woo Lily and capture her heart, they don’t quite manage it. They fall for each other instead.

A Real Marriage Under Wizarding Law - 6k, mutual pining, fake/pretend relationship, drunken shenanigans. Sirius and James get a quickie drunken marriage in Knockturn Alley. When they wake up in the morning, they decide not to get it annulled so that they can save Sirius from an arranged marriage.

The Only Transfer Students to Ever Come to Hogwarts - 9k, arranged marriage, hijinx, angst with a happy ending. Sirius is upset to learn that not only does he have to transfer to a new school, but his parents have set up an arranged marriage for him. James assures him that's impossible, but Sirius knows his parents don't make empty threats. (Written for Prongsfoot Bingo)

The Smell of Water - 4k, Amortentia, idiots in love. Sirius and James argue about what they're smelling without realizing that there's Amortentia in the room. When Sirius realizes, he becomes a whole mess about it. (Written for Prongsfoot Bingo)

Wolfstar

Wolfstar Microfics Theme: Love - 8k, a collection of 22 microfics themed around love

6x James Found Out, and 1x Harry Did - 10k. Six ways James could have learned about Sirius and Remus' secret relationship, and one way Harry could have learned about it. *This is specifically ATYD fanfiction, and it's set in that universe.

[steddieunderdogfics]

This week’s writer spotlight feature is:  @stevestark ! With fourteen Stranger Things fics and twelve in the Steve/Eddie tag, their charming works make waves in the fandom!

Our anonymous nominator recommends the following works by @stevestark:

they told me all of my cages were mental (so I got wasted like all my potential)

i think your house is haunted (your dad is always mad)

i was hitting my marks ('cause i can do it with a broken heart)

Eddie and Robin's Very Real Heterosexual Adventure

it’s hard to be at a party when I feel like an open wound (it’s hard to be anywhere these days when all I want is you)

Whether their fics are under 5k or over 10k, their world-building is so good! they have a way of making our boys feel so natural and the progression of the relationship always feels realistic. they were one of my favorites back in 2022 when s4 dropped, and they've made a sudden return to the fandom this year with new stories that are just as good if not better than what they had written back then! I'm always so excited to see they've posted something new, no matter if it's a new chapter or a whole new story. -- anonymous

Below the cut,  @stevestark answered some questions about their writing process and some of their recommended work!

Why do you write Steddie?

After watching ST4 Vol. 1 I was obsessed. Steve Harrington was one of literally two characters I loved from the very first time I “met” them (the other being Jim Hopper, which is why he tends to feature heavily in my works as the resident Dad) but I had never really been into any ships for him up to that point. The immediate chemistry he had with Eddie Munson though? Woof. I knew I had to write them, and it honestly was like I blinked and had suddenly churned out multiple fics. I stopped writing in general around the end of 2022, but when I got fired from my job in April, I got bored and reread my own works, which drew me right back in, especially because I had already written about 10,000 words of they told me all of my cages were mental (so I got wasted like all my potential) but had yet to finish it. I wanted to read the ending so badly myself that I simply picked it back up, and then next thing I knew I was writing more and more.

What’s your favorite trope to READ?

There’s so many. I’m always a sucker for some good old fashioned Hurt/Comfort or Angst With a Happy Ending, but I think my all time favorite has to be Enemies to Friends to Lovers.

What’s your favorite trope to WRITE?

Definitely Angst With a Happy Ending. I don’t think I really know how to write anything that’s just straight fluff or even straight smut. There has to be some angst in there, and I’m not really one for an unhappy ending. I’ll maybe do ambiguous, but I was raised on Nora Ephron and Nancy Meyers ⸺ we’re happy ending girlies.

What’s your favorite Steddie fic?

The One In Which A Time Loop Is Fucking Exhasuting. by badpancake on AO3. I think about that shit daily. Every part of it is absolute perfection, and I'm in love with it.

Is there a trope you’re excited to explore in a future work but haven’t yet?

Fittingly with the last question, time travel! I have a title for a time travel fix-it already, I just need to let it ferment a little in my mind so I can figure out how to do it in a way that feels at least somewhat unique.

What is your writing process like?

Step 1: Put Taylor Swift’s folklore on repeat. Step 2: Open GDoc. Step 3: Stare at GDoc. Step 4: Start writing the first thing that pops into my head and hope it comes out coherent in the end. Step 5: Publish and then immediately reread my work after it’s already live, and pray I only find minor mistakes that I can quickly fix before anyone else reads the fic and spots them.

Do you have any writing quirks?

I always have the title before I even know what the fic will be! 99% of my fic titles are Taylor Swift lyrics, and it’s usually a process of me hearing a specific phrase and thinking “This is so Steddie coded.” After that, I begin the above process, and hope I do the lyrics justice, because I tend to choose the ones that are the most poetic to me personally.

Do you prefer posting when you’ve finished writing or on a schedule?

Definitely when I finish writing. I’ve tried holding myself to a schedule before with multichaptered fic in other fandoms, and it just never works out the way I want it to. I actually have an ongoing Steddie WIP that I haven’t touched since April, because I’m waiting for the next chapter to come to me fully before I start writing it, and I do kind of regret posting it as a WIP in the first place. I feel much more accomplished when I can just push the whole work out at once, i.e. my season 2 rewrite where Eleven is found and taken in by Eddie and Wayne, which I had debated posting as a multichaptered fic as I wrote chunks of it at a time. I talked myself out of it though, and despite the fact that it took me weeks to finish, once I got there it was so satisfying to hit that publish button.

Which fic are you most proud of?

Definitely i was hitting my marks ('cause i can do it with a broken heart). There’s a whole entire 58 track playlist to go along with it that I carefully researched and curated before writing even a single word of the story, broken down into specifically themed mixtapes in a GDoc; it's linked at the end of the fic, with a breakdown of which mixtape each set of songs belongs to, and it is my absolute pride and joy.

How did you get the idea for they told me all of my cages were mental (so I got wasted like all my potential)?

I had a passing thought one day about the fact that Steve seemed to just tangentially know who Eddie was by the time we met him in canon, and wondered what it would be like if he had actually sort of known him, and what that would look like. Then I thought about the legend of King Steve, and the fact that he probably did know Eddie, if only as a dealer, and the whole thing sort of wrote itself after that.

When writing they told me all of my cages were mental (so I got wasted like all my potential), what was something you didn’t expect?

Definitely how long it ended up being! The plot was truly just a passing thought, and I honestly believed I would write little vignettes of the two of them getting to know each other at parties over the years, but what actually transpired was some deep character work and a true slow-build to anything substantial between Steve and Eddie.

What inspired i think your house is haunted (your dad is always mad)?

Honestly the title itself! Sometimes, when I pick a Taylor Swift lyric and decide it would be a pretty fic title, that’s where the inspiration ends. With this one, I thought about the fanon (and somewhat canon) belief that Steve’s parents are assholes who don’t really love their son, and even though I’ve known the lyrics to folklore backwards and forwards since the album dropped in 2020, for some reason that line hit extra hard in April of this year, and all I could think about was how badly Steve Harrington wants to be loved and wanted, and I just started writing and didn’t stop until I was satisfied.

What was your favorite part to write from Eddie and Robin's Very Real Heterosexual Adventure?

The entire thing. I’m not just saying that, either. Sometimes, such a good idea falls into my lap that I actually do a proper outline, and with this one, I fully had little sketches going on and everything. I meticulously planned every date they would go on, and I knew exactly how it would end. Though, if I had to isolate any single part that was the most fun to write, it would be the last few lines. Just pure chaos. It makes me laugh every time.

How do/did you feel writing i was hitting my marks ('cause i can do it with a broken heart)?

That was one of my favorites to write, and it flowed out so easily; I had just finished rewatching all of ST, start to finish, for the first time since right before ST4 Vol. 1 dropped. And the only thing I could think about after finishing was that even though it made sense for Max to be cursed, it would have made infinitely more sense for it to be Steve. All we ever see in canon of Steve Harrington is his insecurity and feeling that he’s never enough for anyone; season 1, he thinks Nancy is cheating on him with Jonathan, and they try to keep him out of the Upside Down stuff. Season 2, Nancy actually leaves him for Jonathan, and tells him that he ⸺ and his love, and loving him ⸺ is bullshit. Season 3 is literally the story of how King Steve became a nobody who never wins a fight and falls in love with people who will never love him back. Even season 4 ⸺ when Dustin comes rushing into Family Video to try to track down Eddie somehow? Steve’s immediate reaction is “Oh, your new best friend Eddie who you think is cooler than me because he plays your nerdy game.” He’s never not a mess of insecurity and self-loathing, and nobody around him ever really does anything to rectify that feeling for him, so he’d be perfect Vecna bait. And the whole thing started with the playlist, really, because I had this idea that Steve is a vibes guy for music, rather than a style or genre guy, and then it was just a matter of writing around the mixtapes I’d mapped out. Which, naturally, led to breaking my own goddamn heart writing what I think it feels like inside his head, because I was  ⸺ and still very much am ⸺ that person in the friend group. Never the first pick, always an afterthought, the one people always think is fine but never bother to actually check if they are. So, I guess, it felt cathartic to get it all out somehow, but it was also just so deeply sad, because that feeling never really goes away completely, and I hated doing that to Steve.

What was the most difficult part of writing it’s hard to be at a party when I feel like an open wound (it’s hard to be anywhere these days when all I want is you)?

Probably just the physical aspect of shotgunning, honestly, and also trying to accurately describe the high. Weed doesn’t do anything for me mentally, and I don’t like what it does for me physically ⸺ to the point that I actually wonder if I have a mild allergy to it ⸺ so it’s not really something I can pull from personal experience in regards to describing it, which made it more difficult than I was prepared for.

Do you have a favorite scene and/or line from any of your fics?

Definitely the opening bit of there’s something about you in the moonlight (but your eyes go so well with the day). Both the Eddie intro and the Steve intro. It was just so fun to tap into that feeling of being a kid and getting hit with the lightning bolt of why people have crushes, but I especially have a lot of love and fondness for the way I described Steve’s desire to find his perfect match, and how it’s not rooted in sex like people thought of King Steve, but in his desire to find someone he’d have fun with forever.

Do you have any upcoming projects or fics you’d like to share/promote?

I’m currently working on a multichaptered fic where Eddie lives, but leaves Hawkins the very night he’s released from the hospital without telling anyone; he does stay in contact though, and he and Steve end up falling in love through letters and phone calls, until, eventually, Eddie realizes that he ran away from the one thing that made him feel the most alive. At last edit, which was yesterday, it’s at 15 chapters and 18,000 words, and I’ve only just gotten to the point where Eddie and Steve are playing phone-tag. Also, if anyone is interested in a non-Steddie but still relatively Eddie-centric fic, I rewrote the entire season 2 canon in are we out of the woods? (are we in the clear yet?) and I am currently working on a season 3 rewrite, which will be followed by a season 4 rewrite, wherein Steddie will become canon. It’s definitely for the long-haulers, but I think it’ll be worth it. Actually, despite being non-shippy so far, it’s probably my favorite thing I’ve ever written. There’s just something about Wayne Munson as the world’s best dad that does it for me, and, as we’ve seen in canon, Eddie is surprisingly really good with kids. I like to think that he’d have been an excellent brother, and I got to explore that with him and Wayne deciding Eleven was theirs.

Thank you to our author, @stevestark, and our nominator! See more of @stevestark works featured on our page throughout the day!

Writer’s Spotlight is every Wednesday! Want to nominate an author? You can nominate them here!

[gotham-daydreams]

Hun you have probably heard this before but take all the time you need and more! Lol. It's your fic, your idea and there is no need to stress on getting it out so fast. You lose nothing if some people ever get bored of waiting, but honestly i know many (including myself) who have waited double digit months for someone to update their fics. Anyway this is just my short way of saying that It's alright to just relax and have fun. Hope this didn't come off too rude or like im making assumptions about you, if you feel no stress, good. 🖤 And even if tumblr ends up lagging due to the lenght of the fic, you could always split it into two like you talked about before. Take it one step at a time, can't wait to find out what happens next!

Nono you didn't come off as rude or anything at all! Thank you so much for your kind words and everything, they mean a lot 💛💛💛

Though I do feel bad for taking so long since I have been working on it for a while, and even if I will prioritize the quality of Part 3 over getting it out as soon as I can, I am still trying to get to a point where I can get it out in a reasonable amount of time for you guys! And also hopefully produce a Part 3 that will make the wait worth it- even if the length doesn't exactly say anything about the quality of the chapter itself.

Which, trust me, I never intended for Part 3 to be as long as it's becoming now 😅, as I said a bit earlier on another ask, some of the moments that were supposed to be "small/short" are, in fact, not what most would consider short at all :']

I'll be honest and admit that back when I started writing Pt. 3 in September, I honestly thought that the length would be somewhere in between Pt. 1 and Pt. 2 (so about maybe 3/5k - 10k words), only for us to be here. Where Pt. 3 might end up being, (funnily enough) almost 3 times the length of Pt. 2- which I suspect to be around 10k words since by the time I reached 10k on Pt. 3, it was just about as long as Pt. 2.

Pt. 2 alone made tumblr lag on my end, so that's why the length of Pt. 3 is making me so nervous, and though I will split it into two parts if I have to- I will try to keep it as one whole part since, again, I do believe that it's better read that way.

Which, I also keep commenting on the length and everything since, well- Pt. 3 isn't done yet. And I can only look on in slight horror as I keep writing, and knowing I'm not even at the ending yet :']

Regardless of all of that, however, I do deeply appreciate all of you who are waiting, and thank you for your patience and time! I know I haven't been the most active or anything, but I do appreciate everyone and all of the support I've been receiving!! Recently I've reached 1k followers- and have been also trying to think of what to do for that, since that's a huge milestone! And I want to properly thank everyone for the support and everything, but still don't have many ideas for that at the moment :']

Still, thank you so much for everything!

[alwaysyourqueen]

Hey so. The Penumbra Podcast huh. I've written over 70k words for it in the past month and show no sign of stopping, so I decided to make a masterpost here. My AO3 is alwaysyourqueen and you can find all of my work there. There will be blurbs/summaries under the cut here to avoid spam. Always mind the content warnings!

Canon and/or Self-Contained

not very good company at the moment rated T | 1/1 chapters | 6.5k archive warnings: none Always use protection, kids. Peter Nureyev is freaked out by his body's rebellion, and what that could mean for a future for him. Vespa Ilkay has to look out for her least favorite patient. Juno Steel solves a mystery he really didn't want to have to solve.

Juno Steel and the Ransoms rated T | 1/? chapters | 5k archive warnings: none Juno Steel is not prepared for two mysteries wrapped in sharp teeth and intrigue to show up in his life. Then again, he's never been prepared for anything, so why should this be any different? The Carte Blanche crew has seven members — Juno Steel, Buddy Aurinko, Vespa Ilkay, Rita!, Jet Sikuliaq, Peter Ransom, and Liana Ransom.

Ponder the Manner of Things rated G | 2/2 chapters | 9.5k archive warnings: none Juno is rather suddenly ripped from his day-to-day when a piece of his past quite literally walks up to him. It turns out that he's not quite done with Diamond Hijikata — or her daughter.

Take Me Away (From This Shitty Planet) rated T | 1/1 chapters | 2.6k archive warnings: none In the age of Jedi and the Republic, one former Jedi is trying to leave Coruscant. He employs a smuggler to do so.

Detective Nureyev and Con Artist Juno (AKA Role Reverse AU)

never got over that dame rated E | 4/? chapters | 49k+ archive warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence Peter Nureyev, private eye, had a chance encounter with a brilliant, beautiful lady who left his head spinning. Nothing prepared him to face the lady down again, nor the catastrophe that could follow. He had to admit, though: he wouldn't trade it for all of Mars. author's note: Sex scene is optional, fic would be rated T if not for explicit content.

Spider-Juno and Black Cat Nureyev (AKA Spider-Man AU)

You Can Be Their Super Steel rated T | 1/1 chapters | 3.4k archive warnings: Major Character Death Juno's life changed when he became Spider-Man. He didn't realize just how much it could change after that.

Juno Steel and the Black Cat rated T | 2/? chapters | 10k+ archive warnings: Major Character Death The people of Hyperion City refer to the thief as the Black Cat. It’s a cute enough moniker, though he doesn’t wear cat ears or even claim to have a name. Spider-Man calls him many things, when they’re next to one another. Lips next to ears, masks pulled partially away, other things pulled more away. A name, a spider, a cat. A whole lot of messy, messy feelings.

Acrobatics rated E | 1/1 chapters | 1.3k archive warnings: none No one goes into the superhero or other costumed personality business because they don't love an edge of danger. Spider-Man and the Black Cat decide to add a little something special to one of their acrobatics practices.

Dahlia Rose and his Duke (AKA Dahlia and Duke Rose are cover names for organized crime)

Heavy is the Head rated T | 1/1 chapters | 2.6k archive warnings: none Dahlia Rose protects his investment. His Duke, his newest right hand. To the rest of the world, his love.

Deny It To A King? rated E | 1/1 chapters | 3k archive warnings: none Duke takes Dahlia in his office.

[horizon-events]

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve never participated in an event like this before. What is a Big Bang?

A Big Bang is a collaborative creative effort between authors and artists. Authors will write a minimum of a 7000 word story and artists will create at least one art piece.

Does my fic have to be about a ship? Can it be general?

The event is not intended to be specifically geared toward shipping. You may write about a ship, or you may write about something else. It is ultimately up to you.

Does my fic have to be about Aloy? Can it be about other NPCs?

Absolutely! This is a fandom-wide event geared toward the series as a whole. You may write about any characters you’d like!

Are AU (alternate universe) stories allowed?

Yes!

Can we do a mini-bang?

The word count minimum will be a hard 7,000 words, something we felt struck a good balance between 5k and 10k. You may see a mini-bang occur later this year, but for now, the word count will remain a minimum of 7k. 

I’ve published one chapter of a fic, but nothing else. Can I use this as my entry for the Big Bang?

You may not. You must use an idea that has not been published or discussed (in great detail) previously. Similarly for art, the piece must be new, and cannot be a WIP that has been repurposed to suit a written work. 

What kind of art can be created for fics?

Art is not limited to drawings. You may create fanvids, graphics, fanmixes, or handmade items as well. There will be certain requirements for non-drawing creations, which you can find on our Rules page. 

As an artist, can I claim more than one story?

You may, though this will occur after all artists have claimed their first fic. Big Bangs often have more authors than artists, and so your artist sign up will ask if you are willing to take on more than one story, so we know who to ask. 

As a writer, can I write more than one story?

Due to the word count and time constraints, we do not recommend taking on more than one story. However, you can write a second, but we will not be able to guarantee that a second fic will receive art. 

May I post my fic in installments?

No. Your story should be posted all at once, on the posting day you claim. 

Do I need a Tumblr/AO3 account?

You do not need a tumblr, but an AO3 account will be required for posting stories. It is the easiest way to ensure all fics can be collected into one place to make sure everyone’s work is read by the fandom. Posting the fic can be done by an artist or mods on tumblr if you do not have a tumblr. If you are an artist without a tumblr, please just let us know which social media account you primarily use

Is a beta required for my story?

All works must be beta read and edited prior to posting at least once. Your last check-in will ask the question. You may have your own beta reader, or ask for one in the discord. The mods can also help you find one. 

What if I don’t finish?

You can drop from the bang by contacting the mods directly through email or discord. Please be aware that dropping after you’ve received the artist claim can be frustrating for your artist. If you leave the bang without contacting a moderator, you will not be allowed to participate in the next event, should we host one. 

Tell me the dates!

Please see our schedule post! If anything changes, you will be informed immediately. 

I have more questions…

The askbox is open, please feel free to send a message here, or follow us on twitter @horizonbigbang. 

[fanficwritersinterviewed]

ITWW, Bunnywest & DiscontentedWinter

<<This post is a part of a longer conversation about fanfic writers, how they view fanfic, and their writing process. All views are the fanfic writers’ own, and whatever fanfic they choose to write is entirely their own decision. No judgement value will be placed on fic content. These conversations are meant to provide insight for other fanfic writers in whatever stage they are at in their writing life>>

In the Weeds Wednesday

(with Bunnywest & DiscontentedWinter, @bunnywest​ & @thisdiscontentedwinter​​)

Walk me through your process. When you write a fanfic how does it progress? Are there notes? Outlines? Vibes? Wine? How does it go for you? B: HAHAHAHAHAHHA notes. I think I can reliably say that we are both pantsers. For me, it can start with a single image or scene, and I sort of build off that. I'm always convinced I will never have another idea and then my brain goes "warlord peter virgin bride stiles arranged marriage with werewolves,” and bam, I’m off. We had one memorable collab where the suggestion was made at lunchtime, and by the time I finished work at 5pm, two-thirds of it was written and they were saying "Hurry up you’re writing Peter!" and Winter was copy/pasting while I was still typing. It's a quick and dirty process!

DW: Yeah, with me it tends to be one scene, and suddenly I've built a 60k fic around it. One single plot bunny, and I'm off! I tend to write and post a chapter a day, no slowing down. With a collab, which tend to be shorter, we write the whole thing before posting. We have a Discord conversation, and pick which scenes we're doing, and then read through at the end to make sure we haven't contradicted each other, basically. But we have pretty similar tastes, and pretty similar ways we view the characters, so I don't think there's ever been any clashes or anything. And yes, we are both very much pantsers.

Okay. So. For those (ahem ME) that tend to write short and can't conceive of writing long let alone long AND fast, how does that happen? B: Honestly, there are days where five hundred words is a win because every one of them is like drawing teeth, and other days 5k is no problem. There's no rhyme or reason to it. I mean, I have the opposite problem. Write short? I don't know her.

DW: Same. I started what I thought was going to be a 10k hurt/comfort fic once. It wound up at about 60k, because it turns out that when you put that much hurt into a fic, you really, really can't shortchange the characters, or the readers, on the comfort part. It just wouldn't have felt right to finish it up any earlier. When I'm writing and posting a chapter a day, my house is even more of a mess than usual. It's 6pm and I'm still in my pyjamas from that morning. I have zero work/life balance in the middle of a fic, which is why I don't do them that often! Because I tend to do nothing else. It's like doing Nanowrimo every time. Except, ironically, I've never finished Nanowrimo.

B: I am a morning writer - if I can start in the morning I can go all day. If I have to adult and do other stuff first? It's much harder.

DW: I'm an afternoon and evening writer. Which works great when we're cowriting! You come back to the doc, and it's grown! Basically we have a Discord chat each day, and figure out where we want the story to go.We have a vague idea of a starting point, and a few things that will happen in the middle, and an ending point. Whether we stick to it or not is another story! We'll just dive in and see what happens.

B: When we collaborate we have a twelve-14 hour window of productivity. And we both think the other one has written more and nobody wants to be the slacker on the group project. So, we chat in Discord and side comments as we write, and sometimes we tweak and play, but a lot of the time we just jump in when the cursor blinks in the same spot for too long which either means they're stuck, or the dog has escaped. Could be either.

Do you use an outline? DW: I don't think I've ever plotted a fanfic in my life!

B: [With Original Content] We normally have a plot point doc.

(image: spare, stream of concious notes for original content novel)

DW: You can see how sparse it actually is! Because usually, despite our best intentions, we end up doing most of it in Discord conversations. I should point out that I normally forget we have a plot point doc, and disregard it entirely. Then Bunny reminds me we have a plot point doc. And I realise that every fantastic idea I just came up with, she already had several weeks ago.

B: Or I go "Have you read the doc? You just come up with the same ideas twice.”

Where do you get inspiration when the creativity tank is low? Is it ever low? You two seem like runaway trains when it comes to generating words. B: Oh it definitely runs low, which is when we leech off each other and sometimes the characters do what the hell they want, and do the work for you.

DW: Yeah, I used to think that you needed a Big Idea to write a book, but I've decided that no, that's not true at all. What you need is characters that readers will connect with, or just a fun way of telling your story, and readers will enjoy it. So I think as long as you know your characters, and you make them the heart of your story (which is especially easy in romance) then the rest of the story will build around that.

Is that true in both OC and fanfic do you find? The characters lead and the stories follow? B: Absolutely true. If your characters don't evoke some sort of reaction in readers, nobody will care what happens to them.

DW: I like to let the characters drive the plot. I think you get a stronger story that way. You can have the most intricately plotted story in the world, but if the characters are cardboard cutouts, nobody will care. Character is way more important to build on.

B: This! I've read fanfic that is technically and grammatically perfect and about as interesting as watching paint dry, because there's no engagement. The characters are being moved around but they haven't come to life. Give me a fic where the author's note reads: "Well Chris Argent wasn't even meant to be IN this chapter, but he insisted.” Then I know this story is gonna have some life to it. And god, give me flawed characters!  I don't want ‘perfect'. I want someone who talks out their ass when they're upset, or doesn't check with their significant other when they do a thing.

Usually I ask people to say something nice about their own writing, but how about this time, since there’s two of you, say something nice about your own and each others’ writing. B: Oh, Winter is the goddess of hurt/comfort. She can squeeze your heart in her fist with half a dozen words and you'll thank her for it and ask for more. But then she'll make it right again and it's gorgeous. I'll never recover from “Sanctuary” or “Painted Wooden Letters.” I remember you commenting on the “Gentleman” verse and almost passing out from hero worship.

DW: I love the way that Bunny can take a trope and make me utterly invested in finding out what happens next, like it's the first time I've ever read an arranged marriage fic, or fated mates! I think the first fanfic I read of hers was the “Home” verse, and I got excited every time there was an update. She reeled me in, hook, line, and sinker! And bonus points for the way she writes snarky Peter Hale. All the snark, all the time!

Okay, so that was easy, but you still need to say something nice about yourself. DW: Oh, crap.

Yuuuup. That’s everyone's reaction. B: Um....Okay. I also think I do pretty well at snark and dialogue. And I like to add a twist to the usual tropes, and I think I do pretty well at that, too

DW: I love the reactions I get from readers, and knowing that I made their day a little brighter by sharing my stories with them! I don't have any other superpowers, but that feels a lot like one!

B: "People like my stuff' doesn't count, lol!

Hahaha! Okay, yes. THANK you I was gonna let it slide but… DW: Ha! Alright, how about I think that I'm pretty good at pulling a bunch of plot threads together in the end and getting the landing right!

B: Oh you absolutely are - it's almost like you've planned it!

DW: If only! I think I do at least 90% of my work in my subconscious. For me, it's a little like putting a jigsaw puzzle together when you don't have the picture on the box. It gets clearer as you go along! But I do think that even though I say I'm not a plotter, it's just that most of the plotting happens in the back of my mind, and it's there when I need it. And when you're finished, you look at it, and say, "Oh, now I see it!"

B: That is actually a thing by the way. What you think is a random detail turns out to be essential three chapters later and you're like "Good job, past me!"

What advice can you offer to the newbie writers out there, or the ones that are struggling with it? B: I'd say write because you enjoy it, write what you want to write, and tag, tag, tag! Nobody wants to cause someone to have a dissociative episode because they stumbled across unlabelled non-con. Also, don't underestimate the enjoyment your fic gives to other people. Oh! And a tip for young players: change your doc colour to a soft blue and save your eyes

DW: The best thing about wanting to write is that the more you do it, the better you get at it. But also, try not to judge the value of your writing on kudos or hits alone. It can be hard, especially in a bigger fandom, to feel like anyone is reading your stuff at all. Just remember your first and most important audience is yourself. You're writing for you first.

B: Ooh yes. don't compare yourself to anyone else, because sometimes those numbers are a big fat lie. I've read fics that are the most popular out there and gone...eh? I don't love it. And I've read things with far less kudos and been 😍

DW: Exactly this!

[evak-fic-rec-turtleanon]

Evak Fics - Rich/Wealthy

For this anon.  Fics where Isak or Even are really rich. 

List posted on 4 May 2022.  Here is the Royalty List. Should have rich Isak or Even on there too. 

****ISAK**** 

Driving Me Wild by Skamtrash (7.5k words) - Isak is not gay and he doesn't have a thing for that guy Even at Bakka. That's not him. He has money and he has standards. He would never. Except he does. 

your hand in mine by ourheartsintertwined (14k words, WIP since Nov 2018) - Isak's nothing but a rich kid with one too many maids, a bitchy attitude, and a spoiled way of living. Even is a drug dealer who's been raised in the hood his whole life, has one too many tattoos and owns a motorcycle. One day, they cross paths. And the rest, well, that's something. 

Is This What You Wanted? by cuteandtwisted (10k words) - Isak is filthy rich and Even is a hardworking male model who just got signed to his father's agency. Even gets an awful offer from Isak: one night with him in exchange for money, and begins to despise him. Little does he know that everything he thinks he knows about Isak is wrong. Aka: Isak has a crush but misunderstandings get in the way. Even tries to stay away but Isak keeps tugging at his heartstrings. 

Money, Sex, Love (and other bad coping mechanisms) by Laika_the_husband (161k words) - Even is an escort, and a rentboy every now and then. One day Isak Valtersen, the wealthiest man in Oslo, purchases his services. What will happen, when a billionaire who doesn't believe in money meets a broke mess of a man, who doesn't believe in love? Quite a lot, it appears. 

Can't Get My Head Around You by parallelcurtains (121 chapters, Social Media AU) - Isak is a rich, rebellious guy who would do just about anything to piss his dad off. Even & his family on the other hand are barely scraping by, but he's a literal sunshine. Their paths collide when Isak tries to piss his dad off at his wedding.  Sequel: Love You Like That 

****EVEN**** 

give me gold (5k words) - Isak doesn’t realize how much Even actually does for him until he meets his friends from Bakka. It doesn't go as well as he'd hoped. 

Your heart is all I own by remusmoonyblack-lupin (moonlightgalleon) (1.7k words, WIP since Mar 2017) - Isak really needs money when he sees the ad looking for pretend date. And that is how he meets the gorgeous barrister Even, he should absolutely not be attracted to. 

Old Money by twentyonetwentyone (100k words) - After a series of hardships and childhood trauma, Isak Valtersen is forced into the gruelling world of street prostitution, a nightmare in which he feels completely alone. Even Bech Næsheim is the bored adolescent heir to a billion dollar empire, living in a penthouse and listlessly spending his parents money in attempts to ease the existential despair.  Pretty Woman au. 

power & control by lasveras (orphan_account) (21k words, WIP since June 2018) - Isak's a slave who's been working all his life. Having constantly been thin and unmuscular, he's never been wanted for sex - or worse, never been wanted for anything. So when the wealthy Even Bech Næsheim, and his rich beloved girlfriend Sonja, decides to get a slave - Isak finds himself constantly working to satisfy them. Even can't help but fall in love with the innocent boy, and Sonja wants nothing more than to see him burn in hell. 

Only you by xoxoxo333 (28k words, WIP since Dec 2017) - Isak is a good person. He has a heart for all the beings of this earth. Except when it comes to Even. He thinks he is rich, arrogant and spoiled. Isak doesn't want to have much to do with him, except .. 

When I Look At You by Skamtrash (4.5k words) - The Last Song Au where Isak is sent to stay with his mom in California for the summer and falls in love with Even 

Crystal Dust by Liolny (47k words, WIP since Feb 2019) - According to the mark on Isak's wrist, he has to find his soulmate within the next few months. Chances are high that he will belong to the vast part of the population that won’t seal their match in their assigned year. When he meets a blue-eyed boy, his mind starts playing tricks on him, and his world is turned upside down. But things are not always what they seem. And with a government secret on the verge of getting into the wrong hands, finding his soulmate may become Isak’s smallest concern sooner rather than later. Or: Even Bech Næsheim is a pretentious acting mystery (in Isak's eyes only). And yet, there is something about him that just won’t give Isak's brain any rest and catches his full attention. 

Didn't See This Coming by givemesumaurgravy (26k words) - Isak is behind on his rent again and Eskild has the bright idea to sign him up for a Sugar Daddy dating website. 

The Prince And The Pauper (feat. Queen Siv) by Jamz24 (6.3k words) - FLUFF, FUN, A BIT OF SMUT AND NO MORAL PARABLE AT ALL  In which Even is a rich bitch, Isak is a little snitch, Prince Harry wants to get hitched, and feat. Queen Siv Inspired by @skambition about #GoodbyeToSkam Sept 21st & @revuenerd on twitter about THOSE Henrik pictures in Vogue 

I Don't Need Saving by Skamtrash (47k words) - Isak has a traumatic past. He's a stripper to pay for med school. When he meets Even after he pays for a private session for a night, they continue to see each other and Isak learns to fall in love. A story about accepting and falling in love 

The Curves of Your Lips Rewrite History by BluebeardsWifeFandoms: (22k words) - Hard-boiled detective Isak Valtersen is drunk, broke, and down on his luck when rich pretty-boy Even Bech Næsheim walks into his office. Will the search for his missing wife help Isak get back on his feet? Or is Even an "homme fatale" who is trying to frame Isak for her murder? 

Do You Hear the People Sing? by evak1isak (22k words) - “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” Or, in Even Bech Næsheim’s case, for a male lover. Set in Norway’s industrial revolution, Isak Valtersen and his friends start working in a manor for a rich family. What he didn’t expect, though, was to fall in love with the family’s heir. 

Club Avfall (44k words) - Isak seems like your normal average teenage boy. Straight A's in all of his classes are what keeps him going in his school life with his three friends Jonas, Magnus and Mahdi. Joking around about how guys can act like girls sometimes.... That's just his school life. His life outside of school? It's far from innocent. Illegal drugs and strip clubs are Isak's life. Money from his boyfriend, the owner of Club Avfall who is also his sugar daddy can definitely complicate things. Good thing no-one knows from his school. Right? 

life support by Skamtrash (12k words) - Isak is behind on rent, Eskild jokingly suggests a sugar daddy. He knows its a crazy idea but he's desperate and seeks one out but fate has other plans 

Beautiful Creatures by Jamz24 (54k words, WIP since Mar 2019) - Victorian Evak Genderqueer Romance. In 19th century Christiania, rich artist!Even struggles to find love while prostitute!Isak tries to earn enough money to leave the slums and find a new life in America. Fate conspires to bring them together - but did the same fate once tear them apart? 

i want the world, nothing less by Skamtrash (2.5k words) - several times Isak is being a spoiled brat 

[commence-screaming]

It would be sad…If Dallas were dreaming about the gang hanging out at the beach…forgetting what had happened…

Until the end.

I don’t even really ship Dallas and Bain that much but,

As the World Caves In - Matt Maltese is a BainDallas song.

It just has those vibes

[lansyuan]

do you love fics where wei wuxian and lan wangji parent the crap out of lan sizhui? do you want to read accidental baby acquisition fics until your eyes bleed? would you die as your heart slowly turns to mush from the softness of this family? bitch the fuck, me too. here are some of my personal favourite fics of wangxian ft their turnip son a-yuan. its a range of canon divergence, post canon, thirteen years of inquiry, raising a-yuan at the burial mounds au etc - there’ll be something for literally everyone. enjoy!

the kite string and the anchor rope by fleurdeliser (38k+)

When A-Yuan gets sick and Wen Qing doesn't have the supplies she needs to properly treat him, Wei Wuxian can only think of one place to go for help. 

a crying shame by thunderwear (16k+)

Lan Wangji gets emotionally blackmailed by a toddler. It somehow fixes everything.

to recollect and long for by wonderlands (22k+) *2/3 works posted at time of posting this rec list.

a 3-part series about best boy lan sizhui and his wonderful dads who love him and each other very much.

forgetting envies, remembering your loving hold by cosmicfuss (3k+)

The first time Zewu-jun plays for him he is five and the man is trying to comfort him, playing soft songs good for soothing children. It works to a degree but he wants his gege, he wants his gege to play his lullaby. Zewu-jun apologizes and tells him that his gege is hurting right now, and needs to be alone to get better.

When he plays the xiao, A-Yuan says, "you're holding it wrong!" When he turns fourteen, he learns to play guqin, and is many years ahead of his classmates in that regard. A large factor in that is how much he has practiced Inquiry. He has grown up hearing snippets from the jingshi, of Wangji attempting to reach a spirit that never answers.

When he's sixteen, he hears a familiar tune played in the forest, he and his fellow juniors battling a stone god. It's been years since he's heard it, and he wonders why this man, Mo Xuanyu, knows it so well.

Or, Lan Sizhui grows up and learns, and remembers.

five times wei wuxian tried to embarrass lan sizhui by blackelement7 (6k+)

(and one time he realized just how badly he'd played himself)

or: In which Wei Wuxian starts a fight but Lan Sizhui (with some meddling from Lan Jingyi) ends it.

inquiry by incendir (10k+)

Sizhui cannot fall asleep for a long, long time that night. He hears the ever-familiar melody again. He thinks perhaps he has memorized it by now.

storge by respira (9k+)

Lan Sizhui is a lake.

as the warren grows in number by kore_fics (3k+)

Before Sizhui could take another step he was surrounded by black and red, loud laughter in his ears and warm fingers running through his hair, messing it up. Palms squished both his cheeks together and Lan Sizhui let out a laugh.

Lan Sizhui was home.

tell some storm* by qurbat (31k+) *the moments with Sizhui are in chapter 2, however I highly recommend reading the whole fic, it’s adorable.

"We were raised as a generation of war, A-Yuan," Xian-gege said to him. "If your generation choses to be one of love - well, I don't think any of us would be opposed to that."

In the aftermath of the events at the Guanyin temple, the cultivation world scrambles to understand their current reality. A man roams the countryside with a string of white in his hair. Another sits on the highest seat of power with a ribbon of red around his forehead. The younger generation turns out to be full of romantics. Nie Huaisang is to blame for everything, always. Jiang Cheng realizes that happiness has been more that 16 years overdue.

Wei Wuxian declares that it's time that bitch pays up.

After a generation of war - much to the consternation of the elders, much to the delight of the young, much to the pleased shock of the subjects of the tale - the world welcomes a love story with open arms.

guess we're not eating leaves today by missingnarwhal (2k+)

Baby A-Yuan has cooked up a feast, but only one lucky gege will actually get to taste it!

Set in an alternate timeline where everything is okay after Wei Ying + Wens started living in the Burial Mounds.

response by aki_no_hikari (12k+)

What if Wei Wuxian hadn't been silent to Lan Wangji's Inquiry?

love, in all its small pieces by ynvel (4k+)

Ah Yuan is brought to the Cloud Recesses and exchanges the sun and its ashes for the clouds. Lan Wangji brings a boy home, calls him his son, and renews the promises he made.

Or: Lan Sizhui is adopted by Lan Wangji and learns about his new life. Lan Wangji in turn learns about hope and living again.

child surprise by ariaste (4k+)

He huffs a sigh. “Fine. Just - let’s just make it the law of surprise, shall we? That’s nice and simple, eh? Leave it up to destiny what will bring us back in balance. Let it drop something of yours into my lap, something small, and we’ll call the debt paid.”

Three debts, three repayments.

there's a lunatic in mo village by bastetcg (11k+)

There's a lunatic in Mo Village! And to Lan Sizhui's surprise, Hanguang-Jun has decided to bring the madman back to the Cloud Recesses! How embarrassing!

A mostly canon-compliant look into Lan Sizhui's thoughts and childhood.

on being a big boy by emberloey (1k+)

“My little A-Yuan,” Dad had said the next morning, kneeling down to A-Yuan’s height with a smile, “all grown up now. Soon you’ll be hunting without your poor old dads.”

“Never!” A-Yuan shook his head and latched onto Father’s leg. He smiled up at Father, who smiled back and nodded his head. “A-Yuan always needs Dad and Father!”

in all these shades of blue (i think we found you) by fleetling (5k+)

5 times Sizhui thought about his father's white robes, and 1 time Lan Wangji wore blue.

(Or: Lan Sizhui had never seen his father in anything other than white robes.)

this is when the feeling sinks in, i don't want to miss you like this (come back, be here) by mischievousmurmurs (6k+)

Just now… the butterflies’ conversation. Where did you learn that from, Ah-Yuan?

Ah-Yuan pats his chest. In here, shushu. I feel it in here. And in here, too, he adds, pointing to his head.

Sizhui has never quite been able to remember nor forget the memory of seeing people who he knows loved each other, loved him, and whom he loved in return.

or - a wangxian story, as told by their adopted son.

yours, mine, and ours by casecous (2k+)

When they have both mostly recovered, and A-Yuan is back to his smiling, playful self, Lan Wangji presents him with a forehead ribbon. A-Yuan’s little fingers bump into Lan Wangji’s thumbs as he traces the cloud motif along it.

“You are Lan now. This is very important,” Lan Wangji tells him and A-Yuan looks away from the ribbon to meet his eyes. “You must not take it off as you please. Only family may touch it.”

A series of wangxian family moments.

innocence by snowberryrose (8k+)

In which Wei WuXian gets to raise A-Yuan.

Canon divergence from episode 31.

to recollect and long for by mme_anxious (4k+)

Lan Xichen is there when his brother becomes a father. Lan Sizhui is there when his father's heart breaks, again. Wei Wuxian is there when his son gets drunk for the first time.

Or, the GusuLan forehead ribbon, in three parts.

our little one by writedeku (6k+)

A-Yuan is here. A-Yuan, who Wei Ying loved so much. A-Yuan, who was taught to laugh just like him. Wangji hugs him to his chest and curls over him, ignoring the way the wounds on his back pull and tear. “I have to take care of you,” he says. “I will not leave you.”

(Or: Lan Wangji comes back from Yiling with a child he does not know how to care for and a black hole in his chest. Somehow, he makes it work.)

gathered herbs & sweet grasses by hansbekhart (19k+)

Later, when he’s older, it’s this that A-Yuan will remember most: the stretch of silence, the two of them both dirty and shaking with fever, as he looked at Brother Rich, and Brother Rich looked back at him.

the sacred homeland by particulate (8k+)

He has many names, and some are mouthfuls of blood.

[Or; a chronology of Sizhui, in which he does not forget.]

to the act of making noise by words-writ-in-starlight (19k+)

His father in white plays the song late into the night, and when A-Yuan wakes up confused and afraid, the guqin lulls him back to sleep.

Lan Sizhui hears his father play the same song every night for his whole life, and never, ever get an answer.

when he comes home to you by kika988 (2k+)

Home is Cloud Recesses now, and that's a thing Wei Wuxian is still getting used to. He still feels like a guest here, most days, though Lan Wangji has done everything to make him feel at home. He stands out like a sore thumb amongst the serene disciples and flowing white fabric.

Cloud Recesses has been home to Lan Wangji and Sizhui for years. It is their home, where they've built their family.

The thought warms Wei Wuxian even as it sits a little ill with him. He's an intruder here, in their homes, in their lives, the same way he had been in Lotus Pier.

five times people didn’t know sizhui is lan zhan’s son and one time they did by trilliastra (3k+)

“A-Yuan.” He repeats, reaching out for the boy, growing restless when he can’t touch him. “A-Yuan.”

Oh. Lan Xichen closes his eyes as the tears start to fall. Oh, Wangji.

Carefully, Lan Xichen takes the boy and lays him next to his brother on the bed, Wangji holds him protectively against his chest and A-Yuan stops his little cries immediately.

“Wangji,” Lan Xichen tries again, running a hand through his brother’s hair softly, “who is he?”

“He’s my son.”

5 times the lan head disciple broke the rules by liji (6k+)

“I am not aware of any rule forbidding falling in love,” Hanguang-Jun said at last. There was a quiet sadness in his eye, like he was watching a scene from far away. The novelty of it gave Sizhui the courage to ask his next question.

“Have you ever been in love, Father?” he asked.

(or, five times that Sizhui broke the Lan sect's rules growing up)

the seasons change (but i love you the same) by kdkdkd (7k+)

"Hanguang-jun!"

When did you stop calling me Bàba, A-Yuan?

Lan Wangji had always promised himself that he would never become a poor father like his own had been.

Unfortunately, it feels like he has failed to keep that promise.

✨ bonus round ✨ uncle jiang cheng and nephew lan sizhui

tintinnabulum by respira (8k+)

A small bell chimes, the sound soft and pleasant like the water crashing against a pier, like low whistles in an empty cave, like a guqin playing a lullaby.

[idanit]

possibly underappreciated Good Omens fics I enjoyed once upon a time

Indirectly inspired by a video series about fanfiction I watched, I decided to pull together a list of Good Omens fics I have bookmarked as stories I enjoyed, but which have less than 250-300 kudos at the time I’m writing this. No particular order. They’re accompanied by short excerpts from my private fic reading notes (not originally intended to be read by anyone but me, mind), sometimes slightly edited for clarity—and, sometimes, the comments I left on the fics.

This list sat in my drafts for a long time and the recent S2 announcement reminded me of it. I’d love it if it inspired you to do something similar! Spread the love.

And mind the tags, please.

△ = general and teen ▲ = mature and explicit 

thermodynamic equilibrium ▲ 7K the author has such an ear for dialogue and is unapologetic about what they want to write the characters like. They think of the characters as a mix of TV and book canon, but they feel like a homemade blend to me. (...) It’s very funny.

such dear follies ▲ 6K I can really picture this Aziraphale—Crowley as well, but her especially. She’s rather distinct. (...) Nice writing.

The Words Were With - △ 1.2K post-Blitz vignette, Aziraphale realizes what he feels and wonders if they're human enough for this. I liked it, and I liked the tag "transhumanism, but in reverse?", too—what an interesting idea. I'd say it's a vignette in a dire need of a follow-up, but, well, there's the show. The show is the follow-up. It fits very nicely within the canon and I totally believe it could have happened, like a deleted scene.

Gossip and Good Counsel △ 19K/? I love their companionship and how they're set up to be opposites by the management even though they get on pretty well. It feels very in keeping with the canon, but I feel like the fact that it's an F/F set in this particular time period adds a meaningful layer to the situation. It's women supporting each other in the world of men, working with the personas that are created for them, but, privately, being normal, well-rounded people. (...) and of course your writing is always a pleasure to read. (...) SDHDGDHDHDG Maisie is truly an Aziraphale.

Crowley Went Down to Georgia (he was looking for a soul to steal) △ 6K This was nice. Based on a song I didn’t know. Crowley goes to a funeral in the USA, one of a fiddler he knew and lost a bet to once. (...) The fic has not one but two songs composed for it and embedded inside it and that makes it even better. I really enjoyed the experience.

The Thing With Feathers △ 18K WARLOCK you'rE HORRIBLE AND I LOVE IT I would read an entire novel-length fic just of Crowley fighting his battles with Warlock. Written like this? It would be a blast. (...) The OCs are believably characterized and well-loved by the story. (...) Everyone seems to need a friend in this house. (...) This was so fun, and at the same time, their mission has weight here (...) We wonder about what the future holds even though we know it.

Here Quiet Find △ 11K This fic aimed for my head and the aim was sure precise. It was a story of Crowley sensing Aziraphale's distress and finding him in a self-quarantined English village in the seventeenth century, tired and anxious. It's hurt/comfort, so there was washing and bedsharing and I had to love it, so I did.

outside of time △ 2K Post-Almostgeddon, (...) nicely-written, short, but strung with a soft kind of tension and unspoken words. There's no drama, just "can we really", and "do you really" of sudden freedom. They fall into being inseparable. Book canon, which I like for this story (sitting on a tarmac). I liked the footnotes. There's a mention of Eliot. All in all, very much yes.

She'asani Yisrael △ 2K It’s Crowley going through a two-hour service and drinking blessed wine. He also keeps an eye on a boy he was asked to. It’s 1946. It was pretty good, so far the best Jewish GO fic, I think, from the ones I’ve read.

To Guard The Eastern Gate △ 11K  I loved it. You really made Sodom feel lived-in; the description of Keret, Hurriya and Yassib's house and relationship were great. I got attached to both them and the city (...) Aziraphale and Crawley’s interactions were generally very entertaining. I laughed (...) Your rendering of their voices just lands so well (...) But then oh, the entire ending (...) hurt, hurt a lot, and your descriptions are so vivid.

If you’ve been waiting (for falling in love) △ 14K AAAAA a good ending line. The whole paragraph, in fact. I love a good smattering of philosophy in my fics, and this was really nice. I can get behind Thomas Aequinus's and Crowley's view on eternity. It's (...) a pretty simple fic (...) - the courage to express yourself and take a risk is awarded with winning what was at stake by the virtue of reciprocity - but the way it was intertwined with a study of how they would experience a forever was done well. 

Holy unnecessary ▲ 2.2K It's well-written. (...) this is my type of sexual humour if I have any. So subtle. Blink and you'll miss it. Lovely.

The Parting Glass △ 17K Through the ages, they're dancing around their relationship until after the Armageddoff. (...) Wow, this was really, really nice. Very simple in its concept and nothing I haven't read before, but very well-executed. (...) AAAAH I LOVED the first chapter. I always like abbeys as settings, that's a given, but the banter, the good writing, the moral ambiguity!

Name The Sky △ 33K This Crowley is different, but very intriguing. Without his sarcastic talk, and much more animalistic. (...) I love how expressive Crowley is. (...) This fic has a very nice balance of drama and levity. I don't love Crowley-before-the-Fall stories very much, but with this execution I can read about it. (...) Okay I've read Crowley offering fruits, and even Aziraphale biting fruits, but the two of them sharing the apple? Outstanding. Ingenious. What a take.

A Flame in Your Heart △ 5K post-Blitz (why are so many dance fics post-Blitz?), they go to the bookshop and have an actually believable conversation. Then they dance the gavotte. It was really nice! Believable writing, emotions, the dancing! (...) Of course it's too early for them, (...) but the author's note? yeah.

Put down the apple, Adam, and come away with me ▲ 32K At this point it's just reading original stories with characters with names and some personality traits that I recognize. (...) I really enjoy this, the careful dance, the opposition between their views. (...) This is well-written, wow. (...) it's not an easy read (...) this story feels very believably 50s, but also reaches out to the present time. 

Liebestraum ▲ 10K/? It really is like music. I'm enjoying the writing a lot. (...) oh my actual god. This, this? Wow, uh. This came for my throat. (...) THE MUSICAL COMPOSITION, THE MOTIF RETURNING, THE AUTHOR KNOWS WHERE IT'S AT (...) Excellent. This hits the right beats so precisely, (...) and with feeling, too.

Down Comforter △ 2.4K and they lay down in angeldown, a soft rug ‘neath their heads– alright. Well, Crowley lies under Aziraphale's wing on a Persian rug after the Apocalypse, and they talk (...). It was sweet.

The Corsair of Carcosa △ 5K Crowley wakes up from a nap, visits Aziraphale for some drinking, and they read The King in Yellow that he happens to own. Good writing, so I'm bought. Aziraphale mentions Beardsley, so I'm bought twice over. My god, a discussion of etheral/occult madness? Caused by some wrong/true reading? Yes.

Very Good, Omens! △ 6K It's rather well-written, well-pastiched. People don't do that too often, nowadays - try to write in the style of a particular writer. (...) I love wordplay like this.

Reviving Robin Hood: The Complicated Process of Crème Brûlée △ 30K it's well-written (...), has a rhythm to it, and quiet humour. (...) Finally some nice, good, light writing. The attention to detail! (...) I'm still reading most of it aloud, the rhythm of it compels me to. (...) okay this does sound like Pratchett&Gaiman, the Good Omens itself (...) The fic is meandering, hilarious, sensitive in all the right places, and overall lovely.

my dear acquaintance △ 1K Oh. Oh. Yes, yes! Aziraphale in Russia, Russia I've never been in, but I can feel the snow and the evening of. Very real, and the bar, too. Attention to detail - vodka flavoured with dill, what on earth? Yes. He would totally have a distinct taste in operas and he would totally complain about a subpar one. I'm glad Tchaikovsky's there.

there is a crack in everything △ 1.8K This was good! Ah. Inspired by a comment (...), I went looking for Mr. Harrison and Mr. Cortese fics—really, what a big brain moment someone had and why have I never thought to look for them? This is Crowley getting suddenly anxious and Aziraphale going out of his way, through all his layers of not-thinking and denial, to console him. I also really liked how the Arrangement is a carefully unacknowledged partnership-marriage.

Scales And Gold And Wings And Scars △ 6K  No conflict, no plot, one tiny arc like a ripple on the surface of water on a calm sunny day - of Aziraphale discovering Crowley’s scars. It's the South Downs and it's early summer. They bask and swim in a spring. Non-sexual nudity, love in the air like a scent. Nice.

Nineteen Footnotes In Search Of A Story △ 0.4K This is a Good Omens story told only through footnotes. Your mind can fill in the gaps. Fascinating (...). Also, it’s an experiment so apt for this particular fandom.

Hell on Earth △ 6.5K Oh, I loved it! How could I not love it: it's Beelzebub-centric, it's historical, it has classical painting, and even a hilarious scene with a cuneiform phrase, as if I didn't enjoy this story enough already. There are so few Beelzebub fics out there and I find searching for them very difficult (I accept recs if anyone has any), and it's such a shame, so this was really like a gift to the fandom. I absolutely adore the way you portrayed them, small, frightening, powerful, and confident. Also, it was super fun to see how different Crowley seems when we're not in his POV or in a story about him and Aziraphale. (...)

Go Up to Ramoth-Gilead and Triumph △ 24K Daegaer is... pure class. (...) hdhdhdh what pfttt why you so funny (...) I love this Crowley. (...) This got unexpectedly intense. (...) I love the little nods to the fact that Israelites, especially the poorer ones, still believe in other gods. I also really like that they sleep on roofs. It's just the kind of detail that grounds the story and shows that the author is, in fact, a historian. 

[fockingnice]

@franboos @to-enter-polaris @gucciboner and myself worked on a massive fic recommendation list with all our favourite sobbe fics classed by word count.. enjoy!

one-shots:

< 10k

- hold me close @sincerelysobbe (2,5k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23969836

Robbe is stressed because of a test and Sander comforts him.

- You make me feel like I am whole again @nbrook (2,7k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/26937070

Robbe is having an awful day. But it ends in the best way possible.

- A Beautiful Night @Lwritings (3,6k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23428594

Sander has been friends with the Broerrrs for half a year and Robbe has been desperately crushing on him. A game of Never Have I Ever changes everything.

- Love potion no.9 @thekardemomme (3,8k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28923867

they’re best friends. and potions partners. or: it’s amortentia day.

- Croissants @bruisingknees (3,8k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22186195

Robbe thinks that maybe the guy working at the bakery has been flirting with him.

- Paper rings @thekardemomme (4k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27953645

When Sander’s nose twitches, causing him to make this soft little whimpering sound, Robbe can’t help himself. He leans forward enough to kiss Sander’s forehead again, and then he dots one on each cheek, and then finally on his nose. “I can’t wait to marry you,” he whispers.

- You’re an angel in disguise (you’re an angel in my eyes) @thekardemomme (4,1k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27570142

Robbe is Sander’s guardian angel.

- The sun came up and I was looking at you @allforyoumylove (4,2k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24647095

Robbe and Sander waking up on a quiet Sunday morning in June. Sander is a tease, Robbe is awestruck, and both are hopelessly in love.

- I’ve always wanted a (boy)friend @thekardemomme (4,2k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28496322

before sander, robbe never liked christmas. christmas is sander’s favorite holiday.

- Purple lips (underwater) @dottori (5,3k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22371688

it’s a sunny, warm friday at the beginning of march, and sander wants them to go for a swim.

- Day Fifty @beejohnlocked (5,7k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27987252

Robbe makes a plan to confess his feelings to Sander on Christmas.

- The blind date bomb @thekardemomme (5,8k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/29073711

”He thinks of the gorgeous man in the picture, and he thinks of how Sander said his YouTube is cute, and how Britt—who hardly even knows Robbe—thinks that he and Sander would be a good match.And he decides… Fuck it. One date can’t hurt, right?” or: robbe and sander go on a blind date

- Let's dance @msleviss (6,2k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22092550 

Robbe and his friends go to a club to check out Amber’s DJ cousin.

- 12 things I love about you @nbrook (6,3k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27636032

Sander can't spend the whole day with Robbe on their anniversary, but he still figures out a way to make him fall in love with him all over again.

- Love me while your wrists are bound @alsjeblieft (6,4k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27031636

the cabin trip but with a twist.

- Sun shining from pure desire @skamtrash (6,6k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27105727

Sander has been flirting with his student teacher, Robbe for months now who keeps reminding Sander that he's wasting his time but eventually the flirting and chasing wears Robbe down to where he cant deny his attraction to Sander. University TA/Student AU

-  At ease with you @Skamtrash ( 7,7,k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/26423596

robbe tells his mom he and his best friend, sander are dating to get her off his back.

He doesn't expect his mom to congratulate them by getting them tickets to join her on a cruise vacation.

Cue a week of pretending to be a couple.

fake relationship to lovers au

- Besotted with your love @Skamtrash (7,7k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25288000

sander has a photography project and decides to shoot at the skatepark where robbe is his subject. when he approaches robbe and needs him to fill out the release form, he's absolutely smitten from the start.

sander falling in love with robbe who's deaf.

- Taking pictures of you as the light came through @allforyoumylove (7,9k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27533866

Robbe photographs Sander in bed. Things take a steamy turn.

- My midsummer darling @robbesdriesen (8,2k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23702017

Robbe goes on a summer week-long retreat to his aunt's quaint, little villa in Genoa. He doesn't know he has a neighbor close by, one that would capture his entire soul.

OR

Robbe and Sander fall in love in a whirlwind summer romance. One that would change their lives forever.

- Afterglow @Skamtrash (9k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28032300

On vacation in a small winter village during the holidays, Robbe meets one of the hotel's employees, Sander.

All it takes is two weeks. 14 days for them to fall for each other.

- Christmas Dreams @sonderthroughthestreets (9,6k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28272282

Robbe is stuck with his typical 9-5 job as an HR analyst until a conversation with Sander from IT on their company rooftop makes him reconsider his dreams. In the midst of it all, Adam from Accounting has a massive crush on Robbe and wants to ask him to the Christmas Party, so Sander offers to be his "date" to help him. Christmas fluff and flirting ensues.

> 10k 

- Sander Driesen versus a mistletoe @dottori (10,1k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27976461

it’s not a fair match.

(or, sobbe go on a christmas date, and sander really wants a kiss under the mistletoe.)

- This isn't our first time around @noobishere (10,7k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25472953

One moment they are in the kitchen of their shared apartment, the next, they're in this strange but familiar room.

(a.k.a the au in which they accidentally go hopping through multiple universes)

- Our love story is my favorite @robbesdriesen (13k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25459867

a wedding fic for robbe and sander

- It’s an unrequited love @eggsntoast (14,1k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22854661

Sander works part-time at a museum every Sunday. Robbe is a frequent visitor.

- Agents Sliding Down The Chimney @berrevy (14,2k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28428840

The smile that twitches at the corner of Sander's mouth is like the tiniest opening, and Robbe takes that as a challenge. He’s always been good at slipping through small spaces.

“You wanna see a trick?”

Sander sizes him up for a moment, then swivels on his heel to face him fully. “Ok then, magic boy. C’mon.”

(aka a late Christmas fic)

- Come lie with me @allforyoumylove (14,6k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/29089530 

“When Robbe lifts the blanket and gently tugs on the leg of Sander’s sweatpants, silently inviting him in, Sander doesn’t ask questions, doesn’t hesitate, he just drowsily slips into Robbe’s embrace.”

(or the one where they both have a terrible relationship with sleep but find out that it gets a little better when nestled up against each other)

- Man on a mission @littleliefe (17k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27820564

The agency is under attack but Sander is just thirsty for Robbe. On the other hand, the rest of the agency is more concerned about helping Sander ask Robbe out for dinner.

- life was a willow and it bent right to your wind @nbrook (18k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28349892

Sander and Robbe became best friends before Sander made a move and then Robbe went and got himself another boyfriend, leaving him pining. And it’s fine, really, it is. Sander promised himself that he wouldn’t do anything about it for as long as Robbe was happy. But when Robbe’s boyfriend ridicules his love for everything Christmas, he decides to step in to give him the Christmas traditions he deserves himself.

- You're my stars...and everything in between @aurorawinds (19,7k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27862950

A Star-Crossed Lovers, Romeo & Juliet inspired, AU where Robbe and Sander are the sons of Antwerp’s two most rivaling families of tech companies, head over heels in love with one another as they find it more and more difficult each day to hide their relationship from their families. To hide their love.

- Lovers never lose @dottori (24k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27532636

twelve-ish kisses robbe and sander share at the trip to ardennes (and afterwards).

multi-chaptered:

5k - 20k

- In the middle of the night @Lwritings (complete | 9,3k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24133477/chapters/58105945

The Broerrrs go on holiday for a week to London. Robbe is very excited for it until there is something wrong in the hotel and he has to share a room with Sander. And not just Sander, no the guy he has been crushing on for 3 months ever since he joined their group. And not just a room, no there is only one bed as well. When it's just the two of them in the night, anything can happen..

- If a June night could talk it would probably boast it invented romance @allforyoumylove (complete | 14,7k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25264918/chapters/61250002?view_adult=true

Robbe and Sander are childhood best friends. They’re also secretly in love with each other. Confessions are made under a beech tree on a warm summer evening at the end of June.

- Drie @skamtrash (complete | 15,4k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22547221/chapters/53878474

Robbe stands up and finds the voice calling the name and fucking hell, the guy's well fit. He's only dressed in a black t shirt, black jeans and boots but the tattoos that layer his arms immediately entice him. And that platinum hair,  his actual face,  who looks that good. He gets himself together quickly, "I think Bowie's here."

The au in which Robbe finds a toddler hiding in a clothing rack at a store and ends up falling for his dad

- The way we feel @toskyandbeyond (in the works | currently 17,8k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/26364451/chapters/64213597

It’s always been like that. Robbe and Sander, through thick and thin. There was not a thing they didn’t go through together. Moreover, they couldn’t even imagine living without each other’s presence.

The day they met it was almost like two old souls encountered once again. Like they were meant to find each other.

- The finest of the meadow @allforyoumylove (complete | 18,8k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/26009740/chapters/63239776

The universe brings two lonely boys together in a flowering meadow. They fall for each other fast and hard among delicate daisies, warm summer breezes, and shooting stars.

20k - 40k

- Come closer I’ll give you all my love @sonderthroughthestreets (in the works | 22,6k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27249196/chapters/66568180

Robbe’s ex is a pain and Sander helps get rid of him. The problem? They’ve been friends for as long as they can remember and some point between the blurred lines, they fall in love.

-  Put your head on my shoulder @Aniloracat (in the works | currently 24,9k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24079126/chapters/5795296

Because of some past mistakes and communication issues, Robbe and Sander can't stand each other anymore, until they are "forced" to stay in quarantine alone and face their feelings.

📌 Or the enemies to lovers, roommates, quarantine fanfic nobody asked for 😅

📌 Title based on Paul Anka's song 'Put your head in my shoulder'

- Waiting down at the station @ivy_seas (in the works | currently 25,5k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28995576/chapters/71160429

The world is winter, it’s the inconvenient snowfall on the walk to the six-thirty train, it’s falling for the stranger who happens to take the same train. When to take a risk becomes the same question of when to let go of something you’re not really sure you had in the first place. But maybe the world isn’t so cruel.

—strangers to lovers au

- Wings to Earn @to-enter-polaris (complete | 26,6k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28432749/chapters/69672963

After playing volleyball abroad for two years, Sander comes back home to fix his mistake of leaving in the first place, but Robbe isn't ready to forgive him.

- time may change me, but i can't trace time @abittersweetsong (in the works | currently 30,8k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27785878/chapters/68021533

“You’re my best friend and I love you.”

It’s a simple admission and it settles gently in Robbe’s soul.

Or Robbe and Sander find each other in every universe, but in this one they're best friends first.

- If You say Run, I'll Run with You @Aniloracat (complete | 32,8k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25970479/chapters/63133504

Robbe is having a terrible day and a hot, but annoying white-haired photographer that won't stop appearing everywhere is not making it any better. That's it, until sparks fly, and Robbe decides he's found the perfect distraction from his terrible day.

 One-night stand AU that's not meant to be a one-night stand.

- Vrijdag 21:37 @wasteourdaysdreaming (complete | 34,8k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22002403/chapters/52504453

The same party one Friday night in February, told from different perspectives.

- You know i'm always at your shoulder (take your heart out of its holster) @wafflesofdoom (in the works (but can be read separate from each other) | currently 35,2k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/21979630/chapters/52448740

“I must have been really good, in another universe, to deserve you,” Sander whispered, thumb brushing the line of Robbe’s cheekbone, the pad of his thumb soft against Robbe’s skin.

Robbe simply kissed the inside of Sander’s wrist, shaking his head. “You are good in this universe, too,” he said. “You found me, when I needed you the most.”

learning how to be in a real, actual relationship isn't the easiest thing in the world, and robbe is very new to it all, and he's got a lot to figure out when it comes to being in actual, everyday love with sander. the first six months of a relationship are the best - and they're some of the hardest, too. these are the first six months of robbe and sander's relationship.

- this rough magic @aholynight (complete | 36,4k) 

https://archiveofourown.org/works/21760975/chapters/51919642

Though he’s a sixth-prefect and the newest member of the Hufflepuff Quidditch team, Muggleborn Robbe can still hardly believe that he’s made of magic.

Sander is the seventh-year Gryffindor beater whose wild behavior and delinquent reputation precedes him.

Though Robbe desperately wants to believe in the angel-faced boy he sees in front of him—and ignore the rumors of Sander’s devilish behavior—he’s not sure his heart can afford the risk.

But when Sander and Robbe are left in a nearly-empty Hogwarts over the Christmas holiday, avoiding Sander might no longer be an option.

40k - 60k

- The night we met @themoongirl (complete | 42,8k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22189216/chapters/52975012

Robbe Ijzermans has a brain that won't let him sleep, a chest that feels far too heavy and thoughts that never stop.

During his first year of college he meets Sander Driesen. Robbe finds what he never went looking for.

AKA, a college AU.

- Visitations @lucidpantone (complete | 46,1k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22537474/chapters/53855452

Does Robbe and Sander's relationship survive into adulthood.

This fic takes place in two simultaneously timelines: the past and the present.

The present occurs in one entire day. Both timelines are completely out of chronological order. Everything is in clips.You can be dropped in at anytime of the day in any timeline. So clip by clip you will need to piece together what happen to Sander & Robbe and why the present looks the way it does and what happened in the past that got them there.

This love story is a journey. So be prepared.

In the words of one of our Even's. It’s a complicated love story between complicated people.

- look into my eyes, ignore the rest @robbesdriesen (complete | 47,4k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/26230513/chapters/63842047

a story of how robbe and sander fall in love in front of the camera and behind it (which in their case, the camera isn't needed at all)

- rotten work @aholynight (complete | 50,5k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22239544/chapters/53102809

Robbe is a college freshman whose reckless habits and excessive drinking are starting to look an awful lot like calculated self-destruction—though his loneliness might be the thing that kills him first.

Sander is a visual arts major a few years above Robbe, with a face nobody can forget and a fuck boy reputation he can't seem to shake.

Everybody warns Robbe to stay away from the Sander, unless he wants to get burned. But Robbe's the kind of boy who likes playing with fire.

- just friends @sincerelysobbe (complete | 51k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27861626/chapters/68215882

Months ago, after a one-night stand that couldn't stay that way, Robbe and Sander made an agreement—the two of them, no strings attached. But, Sander's feelings for Robbe were strong, to begin with, and they're growing stronger with each passing day—and he knows that he is more in love with Robbe than he should be.

- run and score @robbesdriesen (complete | 59,8k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23372407/chapters/56000917

Robbe Ijzermans is the star goalie of Antwerp U’s football team, naturally blocking shots as if it were his sixth sense. Sander Driesen is their star striker, having an eagle eye for the goal at all times.

Robbe always had a distaste for his bleached-blonde teammate and the annoying way he carried himself, but Robbe can never mask how much he admires him from a distance.

When they finally begin to learn more about each other, there is no going back for either.

With the looming playoffs in jeopardy for their entire team, will Robbe & Sander be able to manage it together? All while falling in love with each other at the same time?

> 60k

- Eastwood liberty @fockinglevendcliche (in the works | currently 69,7k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24250837/chapters/58438588

Eastwood Liberty students had only one mission: to always be on top, at everything, no matter the cost.

It took Robbe just a day to realize that people there only cared about two things: money and power. But that was no surprise to him. What he didn't expect was to be confronted by this group of rich and spoiled boys, who used to always get what they wanted, especially their leader, Sander Driesen.

Sander made the rules, but unfortunately for him, Robbe had never been really good at sticking to them.

- Do i know you? @SrtaPepa (in the works | currently 88k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23340514/chapters/55913782

Robbe has lost his memory from the last three years. He doesn’t remember finishing school and start college with Yasmina; he doesn’t remember going to live to the flatshare, or move out to a new place, or being friends with Milan, neither coming out as gay. And the worst of all of this is that Robbe doesn’t remember meeting Sander or that he is, in fact, truly, madly, deeply in love with him.

Hopefully, sometimes feelings are stronger than memories.

- jij verliest @sincerelysobbe (complete | 104,1k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24445087/chapters/58986433

For the past three months, Robbe’s life—and what it once was—had been stripped away and rearranged. Now, if anything, his life had become a bit repetitive: homework, stream, ignore Thomas’s Instagram, repeat. But one Friday evening, Robbe meets a hurricane in the form of a platinum-haired tattoo artist who just might show him everything that he’s been missing.

- Remember my name @ijzermans (complete | 106,3k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24215371/chapters/58335259

The past few weeks, Robbe has noticed a new guy has attended his high school.

Nobody really seems to care about the strange bleached kid, yet Robbe on the other hand, can't help but feel intrigued by him.

The new guy happens to be Sander, and he's not that easy to connect with. He's quiet, distant, and has a past he'd rather not share.

Or will Robbe make a difference?

- Paint me in trust @themoongirl (complete | 116,2k)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24235861/chapters/58395625

“What are you looking for, Robbe?” Sander tilted his head, moving closer.

“A rush.” Robbe whispered, his lips brushing Sander’s.

Robbe Ijzermans has spent the better part of two years chasing the need to feel real again. Though being an adrenaline junkie is hardly a healthy coping mechanism, it’s one of the only things he has left.

Sander Driesen is a vampire with an unspeakable, dreadful past that won't seem to leave him.

When Robbe gets roped into Sander’s life he finds the feeling he has been chasing all along. But Sander's world has a different kind of risk, and it forces them to come face to face with the greatest danger of all. Fear of a life without the other.

[intrepidacious]

70, 49, 33, 12 💕💕 I hope you're evening gets better Nikachu🥺

thank you ren 🥺 my evening's always better when i get a message from you <3

70. Are you subscribed to any writers on AO3?

i am!! i'm subscribed to all of my closest moots so i never miss any of you updating <3

49. What fic of yours would you say is the best introduction to you as a writer?

oooh damn great question. this was hard because all of my fics feel very different to me, just because i (obviously) was in a different headspace each time. you know what, i think baby, it's bad out there is a good introduction actually. it's not a personal favourite, but it hits several plot beats that i like to write (coffeeshop conversations, protective bucky, alpine) and the plot and humour feel very authentic to a lot of my writing!!

33. Is there a specific word count that you hold yourself to/enjoy writing the most?

i usually always write more than i set out to write. for oneshots i tend to aim somewhere within the 3-5k range, but if it's more or less than that, i don't mind too much. the story is done when it's done. this is kind of different for time after time because i do have a structure that i want to adhere to, and so i have to set the word count a lot higher for each chapter just to fit everything in hahah. i usually assume it'll be around 10k and then we see what happens

12. Do you outline your fics?  If yes, how detailed are your outlines?  How far do you stray from them?

i think you asked me something simliar to this before so i will elaborate. tl;dr: i don't outline my oneshots, but if i do outline, i'm extra. spoilers for time after time chapters 1-3 below the cut

for my outline, i use this program called notion that nestles what i affectionately refer to as my plot boxes. each of my chapters has its own column, and important story beats get their little box. this is what it looks like:

so the boxes are in chronological order top to bottom as they appear in the chapter. the little number next to the title tells me how many boxes there are. generally i assume there'll be 1k per box in total, but that varies greatly (obviously, the part about the loop starting wasn't 1k). chapter titles are green once they're done, red when i still have to (re)write them, and yellow when i'm currently working on them, and i have the same colour coding in my actual document.

there's little notes for the important things of each part or just stuff i want to remember while writing future chapters (and yes, i only just realised i slightly changed the writing on the arm and never went back to change that, anyway). the little colourful tags tell me what subplot each little box follows, and i can filter the whole thing to show me how each subplot develops over the course of the whole story. once a box is completely (re)written, i tick the little box and move on to the next one. sometimes, i will still move events between chapters and this method really helps me to visualise how that changes things!!

now you're probably able to tell that i don't include everything in my outline; it all depends on how prominent the scene is in my mind. also, stuff still gets cut and i forget to delete it from the outline. like the whole 44 thing from chapter two was gonna be bigger, but then i dropped it. (or did i)

is all of that excessive? yes, immensely. but it helps my brain. i also keep additional notes on the actual timeline of the whole day, on random things i want to keep in mind or incorporate, and i keep all the discarded plot points in a little graveyard down below just in case i want to reuse them in the future.

i think that's it. that's my mad outlining process. thanks for coming to my ted talk

fanfiction writing asks

[sugaurora]

დ content tag game დ

Tagged by @yoonia @kithtaehyung and @yeoldontknow, thank you my sweetest bubs 💜

1. what fandoms have you written for (but do not currently)?

Sailor Moon, Dragonball Z, Harry Potter, Ranma 1/2, Fushigi Yuugi, Weiss Kreuz, Tekken, King of Fighters, WWE...maybe other obscure, old anime or manga that I don’t remember?

2. what fandoms are you currently writing for?

BTS, like 1 story and a couple of wips for A.C.E, and a couple EXO wips

3. how long have you been writing? on this blog?

I’ve been writing since I was 7, though I started in a wide-ruled notebook with plays. As for this blog, I posted my first story, Conflicts of Interest, on June 17, 2017.

4. on which platforms do you post your stories?

Only on AO3. I also just found out that my old Sailor Moon fics are still posted out there online, so...that’s embarrassing lmaoooooo

5. what is your favourite genre to write?

Fantasy and anything romance.

6. are you a pantser or a planner?

A mixture of both. I definitely outline because I like to have a general plan and know where I’m headed, but I’m comfortable if there are bits I haven’t quite worked out yet. To me, there’ll always be things that can only come out during the writing process.

7. one shot or multi-chapter?

It just depends on what the story needs. I think I’d rather write a really long one-shot. But some things just need multiple chapters.

8. what is the perfect chapter length in your opinion?

me, sweating, staring at my 16k chapters....heh. Anywhere between 5k-10k is probably best for fanfiction. In printed fiction, maybe 2-4k, depending on the type of book.

However, those chapters are going to be as long as my heart feels like they need to be and I’m not gonna change a damn thing.

9. what is your longest published story? is it complete?

Éffleurer, currently clocking in at around 150,000 words with so many more to go.

10. which story did you enjoy working on the most?

Éffleurer has been the most fun for me to write. Though, since my fic writing is mostly self-indulgent, I enjoy working on everything. Otherwise, what’s the point?

11. favourite request you’ve have written and why (if any?)

Without a doubt, The Six Deceptions. I love that world so much and even though the drabble doesn’t get a chance to go into it, trust me when I say I built up a fucking lot behind it. If I ever get a moment to breathe, I would love to come back and actually complete the series I’d planned.

12. are there reoccurring themes in your stories?

I don’t know? I don’t really write around themes on purpose, so if there are any they just happen.

13. current number of wips?

I ugly laughed. A lot. A fucking lot, my friend. But, we’ll say my WIP List is a reflection of what I reasonably would like to complete one day.

14. three things you have noticed about your own writing?

I’m overly dramatic and I’ll never apologize for it

I focus too much on people’s eyes

I have no fucking idea what I’m doing

15. a quote you like from a published story.

This hard for me, because I’m not the type of cling onto quotes of my own work. Whether that’s because I’m usually proud of things as a whole or because none of my lines particularly stand out to me, I don’t know.

Anyway, I’ll go with one from my recent work, Moonflower

You shifted shyly, your fur-lined ivory gown moving with you effortlessly, a ring of delicate, white winter jasmine woven intricately into your hair. Amidst the whites of your attire, against the background of sparkling snow lying along the balcony banister beside you, Namjoon branded your natural beauty into his mind. Your lovely brown skin, like warm, silken chocolate. Beautiful, bright eyes with specks of sunlight and all things good inside them. And the elegance you held in something as simple as standing, a noble, a goddess agleam among the lusterless background of man.

It took him an eternal moment of soaking you in to realize he had taken a socially unacceptable amount of time to respond. He blinked slowly and, at an encouraging head nod from Hoseok, moved to speak before realizing he’d gone breathless. He took in a deep one.

“I’m Y/N, by the way,” you prompted, offering him a friendly, encouraging smile. A new cluster of stars expanded in his periphery.

16. a quote from an unpublished story.

!Spoilers for Chapter 23 of  Éffleurer!

“Lovely to see you again, dear.”

The old judge had caught him once more, this time entering your building with that absurd gift basket in his hands. He groaned internally. Did this woman ever actually stay inside?

“You’re never going to let me live this down, are you?”

She smirked. “I worked for a long time before retirement. Only certain situations that I see a manager stop by their employee's home so often.”

Seokjin could think of no way to salvage this. “You really…you have this all wrong.”

“The burden of proof is on you, dear. And so far, you’re proving me right.” She motioned to basket now burning holes into his hands. “Glad to see you taking care of her.”

17. space for you to say something to your readers.

You are the reason I do this. Please know that I adore you and I’m grateful that you took a chance on my creative outlet. You’re my light. If my writing ever brings you comfort, happiness, and invokes you to feel something, then I’ve done my part in our exchange.

Tagging anyone who wants to play along, pls consider this your tag!

[astriiformes]

I wrote 24,775 words of published fic last year (easy to calculate, since it’s just the current word count of I Breathed a Song Into the Air) and something like 34,693 words total (with the extra words mostly made up by the BttF oneshot I haven’t been able to get to come together, plus a few words of another LotR story and some D&D backstory stuff that wouldn’t have seen the light of day anyways even if I’d finished it), which for someone who’d been in a slump of only publishing one or two fics a year, most of them short-ish oneshots, since 2017 is actually an utterly ridiculous rebound -- and seeing as my last completed longfic is from early 2016 and maxed out at only about 5k words more, the fact that all my published work this year was six lengthy chapters of one continuous story is almost even wilder, tbh

(Also yes, there isn’t a single year I haven’t published a story since I started writing, and yes, some people would definitely not call 10k words worth of writing in a year like I’ve had for a few a “slump,” especially since I’ve been doing some unpublished D&D writing in that time as well, but you have to understand: in 2016 I wrote and published well over 81,307 words of fanfic -- which is just the Ao3 count, there was more on tumblr -- with either a new story or a chapter update almost every month, and I honestly really miss that)

Anyways all that to say, I want to see if I can at least keep up some of that momentum, especially seeing as the story I’ve gotten all that mileage from is far from done and I’m still just as excited about it, which never happens. (Truly, I am a special kind of baffled whenever I think too long about what the ultimate word count for I Breathed a Song could end up being. Am I a longfic writer now? Have I unlocked the ability to really, truly commit to writing longfic?)

I think aiming to try to match those numbers, at the very least, is plausible but still being kind to myself, and not likely to result in a weird quantity vs quality mindset -- which is particularly important seeing as I have just been tearing my own writing to pieces these last couple months, and need to work on being kind to myself as a writer in general. It’d be really great to beat last year’s word count, if I can, especially since I have a whole backlog of other ideas I actually actively want to write (which hasn’t been true for a while! I was really burned out on fandom in general!), not just a vague hunger for big numbers -- I think breaking 25k officially on the published end might be a good goal, and as for the total words written, I’m just going to let that one happen.

But also! Man! Actually looking at the stats has me kind of emotional all over again over the fact that last year I Actually Wrote something I cared about and that a surprising number of other people have also cared about. That’s for sure one of my things to be proud of from 2020. Absolutely wild

[kangaracha]

wip roundup?????????

i would say that i am currently actively working on five of these things. i’m losing track of what i’m doing. it’s not good. send planners. send help.

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ZOMBIES STUFF?

my hand in yours (8-9k done) wyliza oneshot, estimated finished wordcount 20k????? mostly canon compliant because i’m a genius

in a week (i’m gonna guess 4k done) zeddison/wyaddion, post-apocalypse au, just another keeps request that got out of hand what’s new. estimated wordcount ummmmm......25k? 30k? 15k? somethin like that.

and you will run and run and run (3k done) zeddison, au, dystopia/uprising sort of thing, multichap, probably 40k? the plot doesn’t make sense so don’t expect this one anytime soon unless you’re willing to send me five asks a day telling me to finish it lmao

+ 19 prompts

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THINGS THAT SPECIFICALLY EXIST BECAUSE KEEPS WANTS THEM?

part 2/3 of prompts: - pstd au - hozier au/feral wolf addison au - that one forest fire oneshot i wrote 200 words for - l m a o that hunters trappers killers series HEY KEEPS REMEMBER THAT

all the things left unsaid (46k done) The Torture Fic. i’m gonna go post chapter 2 right now. i had to go to the google doc to check the word count. estimated wordcount 65k.

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THINGS THAT KEEPS DOESN’T WANT BUT I KEEP GIVING HER ANYWAY?

goldmine, goldmine (landmine) (4k done) atla fic, lotta original characters, a deep dive into fire nation culture, why am i doing this to myself. estimated wordcount 25k.

(stay low, stay low, stay low) (5k done) snowpiercer fic, first month in the tail, watch the show read my fic losers. estimated wordcount 10k.

the slaughter of the lambs (75k done) assassin’s creed fic. it’s basically an original novel if you have a basic understanding of the games you’ll get it please read this shit. estimated wordcount 150k. i’m currently editing part 1.

untitled (13k done) original short fiction. vampires but cooler, underworld, theatre kids, shenanigans. estimated wordcount 30k. never had so much trouble titling something in my life.

heart (100k done) original fiction. religious apocalypse, angels and demons and a whole lotta bullshit, supernatural vibes but Better. estimated wordcount 200k.

+ 4 original novels currently on the backburner

+ a pokemon fic (est. 75k)

+ a mcu fic (est. 60k)

[greetjk]

Ironfam Whump/Angst Fic Recs

Here is a masterlist of some of my all-time favorite whump/angst Spider-Man fics! If anyone is looking for some good reads while in quarantine, here you go! Be sure to read the tags and warnings associated with each story, because many of them have potentially triggering or sensitive subject matter. Read safe!!

CHAPTERED FICS

A Parent Apparent by happyaspie (446k+, ongoing)  

Where Tony and Peter’s relationship grows into more of a father/son relationship after an accident involving Aunt May (who lives).

Identity Theft by KitCat992 (244k+)

It's been months since the events of Civil War, and the Avengers are doing their best to remain a team, having promised to forgive and forget. Unfortunately for them, Tony Stark's latest invention has been stolen and recovering it causes tension to reappear.

Meanwhile, in Queens, Peter Parker has two main priorities on his plate — complete his midterm finals, and track down a fishbowl wearing criminal that may or may not lead him right into the hands of the Avengers.

Somehow between all of this, Spider-man's identity is revealed to the Avengers, Steve and Tony's friendship may permanently be damaged due to continued hidden secrets, and Happy struggles to buy a youth-sized casket for Peter's funeral.

Things were a lot easier when they were fighting over Bucky Barnes.

The Third Option by Uncertainty_Principle (200k+) 

Ben and May divorced before Peter’s parents died, so when Ben is murdered Peter goes into foster care. It takes just a tiny taste of superpowers for Peter to decide he doesn’t want to put up with his horrible foster father anymore—the streets are infinitely more appealing. All he wants is to be Spider-Man anyway.

So he leaves.

Simple.

Simple, that is, until Iron Man needs Spider-Man’s help. Peter isn’t about to turn down an opportunity to fight alongside Tony Freaking Stark, but he also isn’t going to let his hero know that his recruit is a fifteen-year-old homeless dropout. So they strike a deal. Peter will help Tony. In return, the mask stays on.

And that’s when things get complicated.

ever in your favor by iron_spider (153k+)

Peter startles awake when someone shakes him.

“Sorry, honey,” May says. Peter blinks a couple times and she comes into focus, her hair pulled back from her face. She’s trying not to look a certain way, but he can see it in her eyes anyway. She clears her throat, keeps talking. “But it’s…” She glances away, wets her lips. “You gotta get ready.”

He remembers what day it is, and his heart beats like a drum at someone’s execution. But he tries to put on a mask, make it all seem normal. It’s everything but, despite the fact that he’s been dealing with reaping day since he was born, between himself, Ben and May. That fear that one of them could be taken away. Sent to surefire slaughter. But now Ben is gone, taken despite never having his name drawn from a bowl, and May’s finally safe. Now Peter’s name is in there alone. The last Parker sitting on the chopping block. He doesn’t know how to be. He doesn’t know what normal is, when the Hunger Games are looming on the horizon.

I Never Knew I was Broken by GotMyInkPen (111k+, ongoing) 

Peter Parker has been living in HYDRA ever since his parents died at age four. All he can remember are the lesson's HYDRA taught him and a series of words that strike fear into his heart. The only thing driving him forward are the memories of meeting his hero The Winter Soldier when he was seven and the goal to one day be as great an assassin as him.

At age sixteen Peter finds himself tangled in the lives of the Avengers and can't help but wonder if there's more to life than what he's been told.

Tony wants to help him, no matter what.

In the Home by aloneintherain (68k+)

The Avengers have been infected, turned violent and aggressive against their will. And Peter, the only one unaffected, is trapped inside the Tower with six feral teammates.

“Natasha,” Peter says cautiously, “what happened here? Steve attacked me, and if there was ever a sign that something was wrong, it’s having the embodiment of Truth, Justice, and the American Way throw you across the room—”

Natasha comes closer, her stride controlled. Nothing necessarily out of the ordinary, but there’s something in her face, in her eyes—

Natasha lunges across the space, and slams into Peter, hard.

Promotions Aren't Always A Good Thing by Svn_f1ower (67k+) 

"When Peter was almost thirteen, May met Carter."

"Not too many months after Carter moved in, May got a promotion at work."

When May gets a new boyfriend, Peter's okay. When Carter moves in, he can deal. When May gets a promotion so she works days and Carter works nights, Peter finds it harder to deal. When Carter starts abusing him, he begins to feel crushed by the weight of it all.

Archetype by Bean_reads_fanfic (57k+)

Tony knows something is up when the research of ex-Hydra agents gets recycled in an underground Oscorp lab… what he doesn’t expect is the boy in a hospital gown sticking to the ceiling; or, how said boy proceeds to imprint on him like a baby duckling (a poor decision on his part, really). Did he mention he wasn’t intending on bringing home a kid that day?

Filling the Gaps by ironfamjam (53k+)

Tony looked at him, bold and true and utterly sincere, “Kid, I’m on your side, no matter what.”

Like most good things, it started with an accident.

Well, kinda.

This is a story about how a snarky, emotionally stunted genius became more than a mentor and how a just-trying-to-figure-it-out, doing his best superkid became the son he never had. No matter how empty our hearts are, love can always fill the gaps.

There’s a hole in my head and my words are falling out by wolfpuppypiles (30k+)

Tony’s stomach clenched into a knot at the sudden cut off of Peters' voice because he hadn’t trailed off, no his word had been strangled before a groan and crash sounded from the other side of the door.

Steve jumped in fright at the crash and Tony’s stomach curled tighter at the heavy thump of something hitting the carpet. Something like Peter.

let’s kick it by CivilBores (28k+)

Tony and Peter’s relationship becomes strained after the events of Infinity War. When a mysterious alien gas infects Peter with a strange disease, they realize they need to pull themselves together or risk losing everything.

For Pete’s Sake! by KitCat992 (26k+)

Maybe he’d feel better if he closed his eyes, just for a second. It was too dark to see anything clearly anyway, and he’d be able to concentrate better without seeing how fast the ground was coming up to meet him.

A rush of wind sent goosebumps across his skin before two strong hands gripped his shoulders tightly, keeping him upright and from nose-diving straight into the alleyway cement.

Peter snapped his eyes open, blinking a couple times to clear his vision. Everything was blurry. Was that…?

“...ice cream man!?”

how can the body die? (you tell me, everything) by madasthesea (8k+)

Tony felt panic creep up his spine. Something was occurring to him, slowly percolating in the back of his mind.

“You said the stinger got you. Is Scorpion’s stinger venomous?”

“I don’t—” Peter cut off as he groaned, the muscles in his jaw tight. “I don’t know. He upgraded—he was faster. Bigger. I—I thought I could beat him.”

beam me up, mr. chewbacca by iron_spider (6k)

“It’s 4:58 in the morning,” Karen says. “Your morning alarm is set to ring at seven. By the time you make it home, you will not have much time to sleep. Less than an hour, and that’s only if you fall asleep immediately.” Peter hums to himself, blinking blearily. “I’ll go to sleep, it’s fine.” “And you have the Macbeth report due tomorrow,” Karen says. “Two thousand words, of which you have written...six.” “Oh shit,” Peter gasps, his heart jumping in his chest. “Okay, I’m not gonna sleep.” “This is the type of event that Mr. Stark has told me to inform him about,” Karen says. “Because he is aware you wouldn’t share this type of thing with him on your own.” “Do not do that,” Peter says, shooting another web and cascading through an alleyway. “For real. For real for real. It’s fine, I got it, he doesn’t need to know, okay? He’s busy, this is—Spidey business, I got this, I’ll tell him when it’s all over. All the details. Cross my heart.”

Poison Apple by whumphoarder (5k)

“I-I think something’s wrong with me.”

Ned gives a short laugh. “Pretty sure we established that when you puked in a corn maze. You’ve got like, food poisoning or something.”

Peter shakes his head. “No, not that.” He takes a few short breaths. “Chest feels weird. Kinda hard to breathe.”

ONE-SHOTS

On sleepless roads the sleepless go by frostysunflowers (10k+)

Peter and sleep have been avoiding each other lately. Enter Tony Stark, the man with many plans.

you heal my like the light of day by searchingforstars (9k)

Peter tries to hide a stab wound and an infection-fuelled fever is never any fun. Also, it turns out that Beck is still lurking in Peter's mind much more than anyone realised.

a numb road forward by WhimsicalEthonographies (5k)

The light is bright, painfully so, but Peter can’t jerk away, he can’t do anything because his body is being crushed by something heavy but not entirely unpleasant.

“Hey, there he is,” Mr. Stark’s face appears in front of him, blocking the white light, thank God, then May’s face is next to his, blurry and hazy but it’s them and that’s nice.

“Hi, baby,” May smiles but she looks sad. So does Mr. Stark.

Cyanide? In My Shawarma? by losingmymindtonight (4k+)

Pepper convinces Tony to bring Peter along on his first dinner with the Rogue Avengers since their pardoning.

Poor Tony had thought the whole thing was a recipe for disaster before someone decided to shove some cyanide in his food.

stop, don’t start by iron_spider (3k)

“Shit shit shit.” Tony severely underestimated this guy, if this is on him, because Tony has a backup plan for every backup plan in his suit, has protocols for every misstep, every frayed wire, every glitch, and yet here he is, someone else’s weapon.

The true horror of it doesn’t set in until Tony sees Spider-Man swing by—Tony raises his own hand, aims and locks on.

“No, no!” Tony yells, panicking. “No!”

He shoots a repulsor blast, and knocks Peter out of the air.

Something the Soul Needs by blondsak (3k)

As he races closer, Tony winces at the knowledge that Peter had to have already hit the pavement-- that he was too late. But when Tony finally gets around the last corner, he sees that no-- Peter didn’t hit the pavement. Instead, the scene that greets him is somehow inconceivably worse.

Rather than landing on the cement - which would have been bad enough - Peter had landed on a fence. An old, rusting, wrought iron spiked fence.