#vmsteenbeans

[livinginsunnyhell]

Hey friend! We tend to ship the same ships, so tell me about Buddie.

Omg! I am thrilled to get this question! First hey friend! We do like the same ships and I am a fan of your work, so it’s lovely to hear from you. So not to over do this but I have broken my answer (essay) up into three parts. The first is things to know before entering the buddie fandom, the second is who they are, and the third is why I like them. I tried to be as succinct as possible but I do suffer from too much love for them so bear with me. Also this is spoiler free.

What to know about buddie

Okay so the very first thing to know about buddie is that they are not canon. Yet. (A deal with the devil is scheduled for Wednesday night before the next episode airs on Thursday which is speculated to be THE episode. Jkjk) This is important to note because when I entered the fandom I had absolutely no clue. I thought they were a gay firefighting couple who were raising a special needs child together. I thought it was cute. I was confused and disappointed when I found out they were not in fact together. The second thing to know is buddie is unhinged about each other. Like watching this show I feel gaslit especially in the earlier seasons. Something would happen between them and I’d be wondering like is this normal behavior? I probably didn’t start shipping them until season 3 but did notice some crush type behavior early on. I also went into the show expecting to like them so. The third thing to know is there’s a shit ton of amazing fanfic and it’s constantly growing. Like I think when I started reading buddie fanfic again last March it was 8k lower than it is now. It’s insane how fast it’s growing. And lastly, shipping them is like entering a land of delusion because they’ve been a will they go canon since like season 4 and we’re on season 8. I initially got into them right before season 5 and I was so sure they’d go canon in season 5 and then they didn’t. So like there’s just a lot of delusion about whether or not it’s happening, which is fine but it’s good to know going in. That being said you don’t have to worry about a Veronica mars situation with them.

Who is buddie?

Okay so buddie or Evan “Buck” Buckley and Eddie Diaz are two firefighters on a show called 911 which also stars Angela Bassett, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Peter Krause. All major reasons I came for the show. Buck is in the show from episode 1 and Eddie comes in season 2. The show is all about first responders and while it can be a tearjerker there’s also some really strange plot points and funny ones. Buck is basically introduced as a fuck boy a la Logan Echolls but without the rich and famous parents. Buck’s story can be summed up as a someone who is desperate to be loved. His parents, while not as bad as Logan’s, were not great parents and Buck has a lot of self esteem issues. In my opinion, Buck has been on a journey since season 1 to figure out how to love himself and be in a loving relationship where he’s not being used (mostly for sex.). And then there’s Eddie Diaz who comes in as a work partner for Buck thanks to their fire captain Bobby (Peter Krause). Eddie is an army medic with a son who is adorable and has cerebral palsy. He got married super young because he got his girlfriend pregnant. Now, his wife is estranged and not in the picture so Eddie is learning what it is to be a single parent. His son, Chris is the most important person in Eddie’s life and later on becomes the most important in Buck’s. Eddie’s journey can really be summed up as he’s always taking care of other people and his identity is tied up in his titles such as father, husband, soldier, firefighter without taking the time to actually know who he is. He’s always pushing his own needs aside and then they generally manifest in anger or mental health issues. He’s spent a lot of time addressing these issues and growing to better understand balancing his needs and accepting that it’s okay to be open. Eddie and Buck lean on each other constantly and the audience watches as their friendship grows and they become a family.

Why I like Buddie

So the top reason I like buddie is because I love how soft they are with each other. Both Buck and Eddie are pretty traditionally masculine men which is why it’s so refreshing to see them so open with each other. First and foremost they are best friends and they show up for each other again and again. There are so many scenes in which you can see the love they have for each other. And they are evenly matched too. Like they are partners in every sense of the word. And they have their own storylines outside of each other so the character isn’t a plot device to drive the other’s story. It’s a really refreshing take to see men have meaningful conversations and be vulnerable with each other without sacrificing who they are as characters or being labeled a certain way. I love Buck because he is so emotional and isn’t afraid to be that way while Eddie has been told for most of his life to suck it up and push it down. By watching Buck be so open, he’s able to feel like he has a safe place to be vulnerable. So I guess my favorite part of them is watching them be safe with each other.

I also love found family stories and this is like peak found family. They trust and rely on each other and again it’s amazing to see. I mean overall I’d say they don’t have any toxic traits in their relationship except probably codependency and Buck can be unhinged when he’s jealous, but unlike other ships I’ve enjoyed, they’re extremely healthy for one another. They bring out their best qualities. I also like that they are best friends and work partners. They do so many things together which the audience sees again and again. They match each others freak and it’s just really beautiful. And lastly, it’s a slow burn. Like incredibly slow like caramelizing onions slow so while you get a bunch of content you also have to wait it out.

I think I covered all of it. Highly recommend. The first season does feel like a completely different show but it’s all fun to watch. I’m not a procedural person but I enjoy 9-1-1. The writing isn’t like mind blowing but it’s definitely enjoyable. I tend to watch while crafting.

lol my essay is complete. Let me know if I didn’t cover anything or anyone else please add to this incredibly over the top answer to a simple question.

[allthevmff]

In celebration of Veronica Mars’ 20th Anniversary, @vmficclub is bringing back the popular WIP It Good event

The goal is to celebrate and encourage participation in the VM Platinum Anniversary Fic Challenge, whether that is in starting a brand new story or searching through dusty folders to find a unpublished works in progress.

Wednesday August 28th through Wednesday September 11th @vmficclub is encouraging anyone who writes a story, or updates one of their WIPs to post in the The Veronica Mars 20th Anniversary Celebration collection on AO3 by September 15th. After the release of the stories on September 22nd, post a link to your story on @vmficclub's Discord and a new piece of artwork will be created for your story.

Readers can participate by playing VM Comment bingo or just leaving kudos/comments on existing WIPS to let writers know that you enjoyed their work.

Check out the @vmficclub discord for more info OR feel free to reply or send a D/M if you have questions/need additional information.

Here are links to the Fanfic Friday Favorites (#FFFF) WIPY roundups:

Active WIPS (originally posted 04.15.19)

WIP You Were Here (originally posted 09.19.19)

WIP IT GOOD Fics from 2023 Challenge

Please respond to this post, by sharing a favorite Veronica Mars Fanfic WIP and/or join @allthevmff on Friday, August 30th (on Tumblr, Discord, Twitter or Instagram) to share one, some, or all of your favorite #VMFanFic WIPs.

Tagging:

@5mallestviolin @absolutelyiris @alilamba @amypc1 @argyledpenguin @asexual-juliet @astreetcarnamedwynn @ayy-ohh @bels2214 @best-laid-plaids @bewitchingredhead36 @biffbang @bisexualsatan @bondopoulos @brittany4824 @bryrosea @captaine-carter @carla545 @caro-shea shea @cattyk8fic @chandramas @chaosandrecover @cheshirecatstrut @chichuri @chikabiddy @crimsonclad @crossingoutthegoodyrs @cubbiegirl @darlininmyway @dbsavmlvr @elliebear75 @emtifahp @everlarkeologist @flying-carpet @francesderwent @ghostcat3000 @gyzym @hanitjemars @hannasus @happilyeveraftereveryday @happilyshanghaied @heavenli24 @his-beautiful-girl @igrockspock @iimdestinyfreereally @invidiosa @jagwriter78 @jeanie205 @joyfulnerd @kayte76 @kerstae @kimikochan9 @kmd0107 @lavellenchanted @lisawolfe80 @literalital @livinginsunnyhell @locitarose @lodessa @loveandprose @lovedyouless @LoVeObsessed2 @machawicket @maipigen @maladyofthequotidian @mariasharp @marshmallowatheart @marshmallowmore @marshmallowtasha @marshmellowbobcat @marsinvestigaytions @meghanoharamurray @mindylahiris @missjaybirdstree @mrsmess @ms-maj @mysilverylining @nicemom93 @oakave @oliveksmoked @passiveaggressiveturkeys @petpluto @pressdbtwnpages @proofinyou @purpleproselady @queen-haq @querulousgawks @robotmango @ghostmaggie @rozf @saoirsekonstantin @scabopolis @scandalpantsstuff @scribblilenore @sophiabee @starlightafterastorm @stillbeatingheart @stillhidden @sunflowers-and-iced-tea @susanmichelin @tacosandflowers @the-girl-in-the-band-tshirt @the-og-mkt @theawkwardterrier @thelillykane @therealcactusbetty @theshortywrites @tjs-whatnot @toolonghere @troublescout @truemyth @tvfanatic @veronicaloganmars @violetobsession @vixleonard @vmarstrek @vmsteenbeans @wily-one24 @witheyecontact @yellowcrayonwillowsstuff @youmustbestrongernow

[scabopolis]

fic recs: l/v non-linear timeline fics

In anticipation of the upcoming 2023 Logan x Veronica "New Year, New Fic" fest, I bring you a small selection of fics inspired by Logan and Veronica getting busy and getting in fights in a non-linear timeline fashion (think flashbacks, think time loops, think in media res).

Day 1 of the challenge is February 1, 2023 so be sure to check out the #2023 LV New Year here on tumblr or the AO3 collection for more fic and art.

As a reminder, there are so many fics that fill these tropes. These are just a smattering, so make sure to make note of the ones you love the most and next week, when the challenge starts, maybe go drop those you love a kudos, a comment, or both to share the joy.

Fic: Slipstream by @cheshirecatstrut Rating: M, for smut, and it making me feel mature love feelings for both Logan and Veronica Tropes and Themes: It's Groundhog's Day but in a sexy way, team detecting, and this really being the true definition of "in every reality I choose you" Read if: You like nice things

Fic: How the powder burns by @scabopolis (it's a me! Mario!) Rating: T, for some swears, and some unfair jumping to conclusions that ultimately are resolved Tropes and Themes: There's only one bed (but they're mad about it), the author has never met a story she couldn't tell in media res Read if: You like unnecessary and copious amounts of flirting over margaritas Fic: Five Lives Never Led (or, everything in Time should be either titillating or epic) by lovesrogue36 Rating: E for "bow chicka wow wow" Tropes and Themes: A classic five times fic you will want to devour in one single setting, angsty as as all getout but so delicious (really, heed those tags) Read if: A recommendation by the fair @thelillykane who is never wrong - so read it if you like to never be wrong Fic: A Fine and Endless Cycle by kartography Rating: E for sexiness, and two college students who really need to get their ish together Tropes and Themes: non-linear as it jumps back and forth in time, two people finding their way, sexy makeout times Read if: You like reading fics that feel like catharsis and that give you a heavy reward at the end (if that makes ANY sense). Another rec by @thelillykane who reports that this fic makes her "scream, claw, etc." Fic: Knowing the Difference by @vmsteenbeans Rating: T for Terrific, and sometimes Terribly frustrating (because of EMOTIONS) but that is ultimately Tremendous Tropes and Themes: Expert use of flashbacks, classic post-s3 AU, these two work at it and holy hell is that great Read if: You want a true classic VM fic; the world of VM fic for years and years was built on post-s3 future fics and Steen's is a gold standard

Fic: I'm the hero of the story by monroeslittle Rating: PG technically, but emotionally it's a gut punch in the best way so idk, man Tropes and Themes: It's amnesia fic baby!, domestic delightfulness, and adorable child, Piz getting dumped AGAIN Read if: You want to see character growth in such a beautifully succinct way; probably in my top-10 most read fics Fic: Choices: How to Make a Life by TXQuill Rating: T, as in "TXQuill only wrote this one fic for VM and that is a TRAGEDY" Tropes and Themes: Growing up and growing smarter, is it a dream or is it real?, man they EARN that happy ending Read if: You never have before because I think it's a gem. I still remember all the feelings from when I first read it.

[vmficclub]

Jan Fic of the Month

Title: Knowing the Difference

Author: steenbeans @vmsteenbeans

Summary: Told from multiple perspectives, but the heart of the story is the relationship between Logan and Veronica. More character driven than plot driven, but I threw in a few mysteries for fun. Enjoy!

Join the conversation on discord!

[allthevmff]

In celebration of VM 20th Anniversary Celebration (yup 20)– let’s share (or reshare) favorite, posts, fics, art, vids, etc. on any platform before 09/22/24.

Please use #vmplatinumanniversary when posting.

For additional reverie and more information on the celebration's corresponding fanfic challenge (including using the spinning wheels of ficspiration), join us on the VMHQ and/or the VMFicClub Discords.

Here is a list of Veronica Mars XO Fanfic. Which ones did I omit? Let me know in the comments….

A Charmed Life by @marshmellowbobcat

A Damsel in Distrust by @invidiosa

A Left-Handed Form of Human Endeavor by @best-laid-plaids

At the Overlook by @nicemom93

Beware of Blondes by Nerdyesque

Big Damn Heroes by @querulousgawks

Bitter pill by @jaqofspades

Dance to Forget by betweenthebliss

Empire State of Mind by @tjs-whatnot

Fish Out of Water by dark_roast

How to Fall in LoVe in 10 Days by @kmd0107

How very Emma of you by @francesderwent

It's All for a Saturday Night by @machawicket

It's All Here In Your Head by @cheshirecatstrut

Killer Crossover by disdainfullady

Last American Exit by @elliebear75

LoVe in Doppelgangland by DarkVoid116

many attend, few understand by @darlininmyway

Mr Darcy Comes to Neptune by @vmsteenbeans

Once Bitten, Twice Shy by HappilyShanghaied

Pineapples & Promises by @cubbiegirl

Three Hours To Sunrise by hjcallipygian

We Provide... Leverage by @happilyeveraftereveryday

[ayy-ohh]

Survivor’s Guilt - @iimdestinyfreereally

Beyond a Shadow of a Doubt - @ayy-ohh

Playing with Fire - MariaSharp

Woman Seeks Tequila - @nevertothethird

Better When He’s Here - Winterfool @lavellenchanted

The Hidden Distance - @ayy-ohh

Shake It - @the-girl-in-the-band-tshirt

Hide with Me Bean - @vmarstrek

Precipitation - VanessaGalore

Of Blizzards and Whiskey - @vmsteenbeans

[marshmellowbobcat]

Rules: Post the names of all the files in your WIP folder (any fandom), regardless of how nondescriptive or ridiculous. Send me an ask with the title that most intrigues you and I’ll post a little snippet of it or tell you something about it. And then tag as many people as you have WIPs.

I was tagged by @elliebear75l ! Thanks for the fun! Here’s my list:

Legally Blonde AU

Unspeakable Love Chapter 4

LoVeLi

10 Things AU/I Want You To Want Me

Multiverse (co-write with @cubbiegirl)

The Maiden

Hey Jealousy

I’m going to tag: @tvfanatic, @mysilverylining, @vmsteenbeans, and @darling-in-my-fashion (bc I know you have thiiiiiings)

[veronicamarsfanart]

steenbeans @vmsteenbeans

comeonbabyplaymesomething

AliLamba @alilamba

HoneyBee123 @hanitje

disdainfullady

maipigen

[jjmazzy]

Co-sign

cc: @vmsteenbeans 💓

[vmheadquarters]

We’re still playing our game of written hot potato! Dozens of your favorite authors are taking turns to tell a Veronica Mars mystery story. Each writer crafts their chapter and then “tosses” the story to the next person to continue the tale.  No one knows what will happen, so expect the unexpected! Follow the “vmhq presents” and “murder we wrote” tags for all the installments, or read the story as it develops on AO3. — Chapter Nine of MURDER, WE WROTE is written by @vmsteenbeans​​. And stayed tuned next week for Ch.10 from @loveobsessed2​  -tag, you’re it!

———————————————————————————————————–CHAPTER NINE by @vmsteenbeans​ 

Logan, Duncan and Veronica rushed out into the great room to investigate the crash, stopping short when they discovered the massive chandelier lying before them. The weight of the light fixture had cracked all of the tiles in the center of the room, and fine particles of marble still hung in the air.

Veronica covered her nose and mouth with the crook of her arm, squinting at the scene in front of her.  As the dust began to settle, she saw hundreds of tiny crystals scattered across the floor, sparkling in the firelight.  Those still attached to the chandelier swung gently back and forth, creating a cheerful tinkling sound at odds with the destruction before her.

She glanced over at Logan, whose eyes were already upon her.  They shared a look, and Logan nodded – he knew what came next.  They needed to make sure that there were no bodies crushed beneath the chandelier.

Just as they’d both begun to move forward, two things happened at once.  The other party guests came rushing downstairs, pausing at the bottom of the stairway, and Veronica heard a cough.  The weird thing was, it had come from above her.

She tilted her head back.  Wallace stared down at her through the brand new hole in the ceiling, looking just as shell-shocked as she felt.

“Veronica!  Is everyone okay?”

“Wallace?” she called back.  “What the…?”

“The floor gave way,” he explained.  “And you and I have a lot to talk about.  We’re coming down now.”

He disappeared, and her gaze returned to the chandelier.  Logan was crouched down beside it, inspecting the floor around it carefully.  He stood up and walked back over to Veronica, taking her hand in his.  “All clear,” he assured her.  “No one was hurt.”

Veronica exhaled, some of the tension leaving her body. “Well that’s one thing that’s gone right today.”  He squeezed her hand, and she smiled.  “Actually, that’s two things.”

Logan opened his mouth to reply.  Before he got the chance, Wallace and Casey came jogging down the stairs.  They pushed the others aside, making their way over to Veronica.

“Dude,” Casey said, looking rather exhilarated. “There’s a secret passageway in your room.”

“Are you kidding me?” Veronica replied.  She glanced over at Wallace, who didn’t appear nearly as excited about this new piece of information.

“It’s true,” he confirmed.  “And there’s more.”

***

“So what does this mean?” Gia asked.  “Are people, like, voyeuring us?”

They were all gathered in the living room again. Everyone had naturally gravitated towards the light and warmth of the fire, with the exception of Dick, who was back to playing bartender.

Veronica watched him from her spot on the loveseat, as he poured Godiva liqueur into a metal shaker.  She wondered, once again, where he’d disappeared to earlier.  Although in the scheme of things, we have much bigger problems to deal with.

She turned her attention back to Gia.  “I think we have to assume that, yeah,” she confirmed.  “More importantly, this means that none of us is actually safe in our rooms.  Even when the doors are locked.”

Veronica watched as the other guests digested that news. Everyone looked suitably uncomfortable at the thought, especially Logan.  He was seated beside her, brow furrowed and jaw tight, as he swept his gaze across the room.

Despite the seven months, nine days and- she glanced at her watch- twelve hours since she’d seen him last, Veronica knew Logan well enough to understand where his head was at.  It wasn’t his own safety he was worried about.  It was hers.

And although his protectiveness had once enraged her, she now found it… endearing.  She nestled herself closer, entwining her fingers in his.  Logan snaked his arm around her waist and dropped a kiss on her forehead, sighing into her hair.

“So what do we do?” Carrie asked.

“Block the passageways?” Luke suggested.

“Have someone stand guard in the secret tunnel?” Alexis spoke up.

Wallace stared at them in disbelief.  “Um, does no one else here remember the chandelier that just came crashing to the ground?  That tunnel doesn’t exactly meet OSHA safety standards.”

“Who’s Osha?” Kimmy asked.

Everyone ignored her, and Dick made his way from out behind the bar.  “Or there’s the obvious solution,” he replied, holding up his chocolate martini. “All nighter!”

“Yeah, Dick,” Susan replied dryly.  “That makes total sense.  We’ll all just get wasted while someone sneaks around, picking us off one by one.”

There was silence, and then all eyes landed on Veronica.

“Oh, now you want my help?” she asked.

Gia shrugged.  “Murder and stuff is like, your hobby.  Right?”

Veronica sighed heavily.  “Sure.”  She thought for a minute, considering her mantra from earlier in the day.  Contact authorities.  Stick together.  Preserve the evidence…  Well, one out of three ain’t bad.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Dick has the right idea,” Veronica began.

“Rager!” he called out.

Veronica rolled her eyes.  “No.  But I think we should all stay in this room, together.  We’ve got plenty of wood to keep that fire going all night. Whoever’s tired can sleep on the couches and chairs, or we can even bring some mattresses and blankets down here. And at least two people need to stay awake at all times, to stand guard.”

After some dissention, everyone finally agreed to the plan.  Casey, Norris, Duncan and Luke went upstairs to start bringing down the mattresses, while the others began moving furniture around to make more room.

Veronica and Logan got up from the love seat.  He started to move forward, to help out, but she grabbed hold of his arm.  She tugged gently, pulling him towards the deserted great room.  Once they’d crossed the threshold, she turned to face him.

“What’s up?” he asked.

“I know sticking together is the right call,” she said softly, “but it feels like we’re being herded.”

Logan nodded.  “I’ve been thinking the same thing.  Like someone is… toying with us.”

“Exactly.”  Veronica chewed at her lower lip while she tried to figure out her next step. “Something’s been bothering me.”

Logan raised his brow.  “Just the one thing?”

“When Wallace and I got here, the storm was starting to get worse.  The captain told us he was going to stay in the caretaker’s cottage.  But when we were over there earlier, there was no sign of him.  Where is he?”

“That’s… a really good question.  Are there any other buildings on the island?  Maybe a guest house?”

“Maybe.  And another thing,” she went on.  “When we found out that Duncan and Norris’s deaths were faked, Norris said something to Jen.  Something like, ‘I thought we were the only ones today.’”

Logan nodded slowly.  “Meaning there were other fake murders planned for tomorrow and Sunday. So who else was supposed to fake-die?”

“Right.  And where are they?”  Veronica gestured around them.  “I mean, the jig is officially up.  The murder mystery is supposed to be over.  So, why weren’t those people told?  Why aren’t they here, with the rest of us?”

“Looks like Jen the party guide is still holding out on us.”

“Yeah.  It looks exactly like that.”  She paused. “And there’s something else.”

Logan smiled at her fondly.  “It’s never just one thing, with you.”

“Once I get going, it’s hard to stop.”

“Mmm,” he replied, bending down and kissing her on the lips.  “I recall.”

Veronica closed her eyes and leaned into the kiss, allowing herself to escape their present reality for just a moment.  This wasn’t the first time Logan had been her port in a storm, but it was the first time it had been quite this literal.

It was Logan who pulled away first, although the satisfied smile on his lips assured her he’d be more than happy to continue.  “You were saying?” he prompted.

Veronica blinked, trying to focus.  The one time she really and truly wanted to put her relationship with Logan first, she was stuck on a remote island during a blizzard, trapped in a mansion with some murdering psycho who was trying to kill her and everyone else with her.  So typical.

She cleared her throat.  “Right,” she began.  “My next question: why this specific group of people?”

“Haven’t we gone over this already?” he asked. “Or are you saying that you have a theory?”

“Well… I did think of one thing,” she admitted. “Meg.”

“Meg what?

“I don’t know.  Cole and Duncan used to date her.  Kimmy used to want to be her. She and Alexis were on the cheerleading squad together, she used to tutor Norris, and the rest of us were friends with her.  Even Leo knew her.”

“True,” he said slowly.  “But what about Wallace?”

“We’ve already established that he doesn’t seem to fit the pattern.  Except as a way to lure me here.”

“Okay, so what are you thinking?  She’s back from the dead, trying to kill us all zombie-style?”

Veronica gave him a withering look.  “No.  I’m just trying to find a common denominator, and that’s something I landed on.”

Logan didn’t look convinced.  “Yeah, but name any 09er and…”  He trailed off, his expression changing as his eyes skimmed the walls.  “Hey, do you still have that flashlight handy?”

Veronica nodded, producing the mini-Maglite from her back pocket and handing it to him.  “What’s up?”

“Well,” he replied.  “I used to have this girlfriend who made me watch a lot of period dramas.”  He cast a teasing smile in her direction, before turning the flashlight on and taking her hand.  “Jane Eyre, Gosford Park, Dangerous Liaisons…”

“I believe that last one was your pick.”

“I do have a weakness for Michelle Pfeiffer,” he said.  “Although she’s not my favorite blonde.”  Logan cast a cheeky look at Veronica, before leading her towards the kitchen.  “Anyway, if I remember correctly, the servant’s quarters were kept hidden in those grand houses of old.”

Finally catching on to what he had in mind, Veronica felt anticipation coursing through her.  “And we already know there’s one secret passageway in this house…”

“Exactly.”

Logan kept walking, flashlight pointed at the walls. He moved it down and across slowly, looking for any obvious cracks or crevices in the molding.  Spotting something, Veronica let go of his hand and stepped forward.  It was tiny, but there was a small bump in the molding.  She pressed it.

The entire panel swung forward, revealing the entrance to the servant’s quarters.  And seated at the small wooden table in front of them, munching on potato chips and staring at her laptop, was Mac.

[allthevmff]

Of Blizzards and Whiskey by steenbeans // @vmsteenbeans

Veronica enlists Logan's help to catch a cheating spouse. A road trip up to Big Bear during a blizzard ensues. Canon up to Plan B, then goes AU. Oneshot.

This story is now on AO3: X

Art by @veronicamarsfanart

[wehangout]

Last Line

Tagged by @grumblesandmumbles and just found hiding away in my likes

Rule: Post the last line you’ve written and tag as many people as there are words in that line.

He’s still gasping for breath when you leave the alleyway.

I like this meme so I’m gonna tag everyone @the-rat-wins @loftec @jackieq @vmsteenbeans @beckyharvey29 @meganwwrites @whaticameherefor @juguitos and @grumblesandmumbles again because I know she’s written more.

[allthevmff]

By @vmsteenbeans

Art by @lilamadison11

Author Interview -- steenbeans

This week’s fanfic author interview is with vmsteenbeans (steenbeans on FF). She currently has three WIPs for the fandom (although Knowing the Difference, the sixth most reviewed story on Fanfiction.net is only one half an epilogue away from completion), an AU based on Pride and Prejudice, a pre-series fic, and a futurefic. Ambitious, right?!? She’s also funny, as we believe these answers will demonstrate: 1. What’s the story behind your handle?

I’ve been steen for a long time, since junior high I think.  My sister gave me the nickname (short for Christine) and it stuck.  Even my stepson calls me steen.

The “beans” got added in high school.  After school we used to hang out at my friend’s house, and his parents let us write on his bedroom walls.  I wrote steen, and my friend added beans.  (And then someone else wrote “with rice and butter”, which is where the blog title “steenbeans and rice” comes from.)

My friend passed away, so it’s my way of honoring his memory. 

2. When you’re not writing fic, what do you do?

Fight crime and watch TV.  Mostly watch TV. 

I also love hanging out with my dogs, who deserve their own tumblr page for their overwhelming adorability and awesomeness.  And I go see a lot of live music.

3. How long have you been in the VMars fandom? What do you like about writing for it?

Back when the show aired I used to hang around the TWoP forums.  Mostly I was just a big lurking lurker, but I de-lurked every once in a while to post my thoughts about an episode (under my old Buffy handle, scoobysnacker).

I’ve been doing the fanfic thing for about 3 years.  I love the Veronica Mars fandom.  It’s a relatively small group, but we’re all really ferocious about our dedication to this show.  Also, it’s one of the most intelligent fandoms I’ve been a part of.

I like that people don’t let me get away with phoning in a chapter.  I rushed the ending of a chapter once and man, did you guys give me shit about that.  My readers make me try harder, which is always a good thing.

On a more personal note, I’ve met a ton of amazing people in this fandom who have become good friends of mine.  And what’s better than fangirling and fanboying with a whole gaggle of VM fans?  Not a whole hell of a lot! 

I love that there are Veronica Mars fans from so many different backgrounds and ethnicities.  I get to talk to people in New Zealand and Mexico and Germany, all over the world, who I have a ton in common with but never would have met in a million years if it weren’t for this show.

4. What was your first VMars story and what was the inspiration behind it?

Knowing the Difference was my first fanfic, for any fandom.  In general it came from a desire to get a satisfying ending.  The show’s cancellation was so disappointing, and I’d never stopped dwelling on it. 

I’d go out for drinks with one of my best friends, and without fail she and I would wind up obsessing over VM by the end of the night.  We drove everyone else nuts.  (I’m sure you guys are familiar with that glazed over “oh-my-god-will-you-stop-talking-about-THAT-SHOW” look?)

Once I’d decided to write the story, I re-watched the entire series with this little notebook and pen in my hand.  I wrote down everything I wanted resolution on, and paid a lot of attention to the mannerisms and vernacular of the characters.  My friend referred to it as my serial killer notebook, because my notes looked like the ramblings of a lunatic.

I got this image in my head of them in class together, the teacher reading the poem “Silent Noon” aloud and Veronica flashing back to her and Logan together.  I think that was the first scene I wrote down.  I don’t write linearly, so I’d just write down the scenes as they came to me.  The last Crescent Beach scene was also one of the first ones I wrote, so I always knew how it ended.

5. According to your tumblr, you’re working on your next chapter of Mr. Darcy Comes to Neptune. What are some of the difficulties involved with merging Veronica Mars with the Pride and Prejudice world?

I think the biggest difficulty has been trying to find a healthy balance between these two very different worlds.  I wanted to stay as true as I could to the Veronica Mars characters, while also keeping to the tone and spirit of Pride and Prejudice.

It took me a few chapters to find my way, but I think I was in pretty good shape by the time they got on the yacht.  That’s when the story hit its groove, for me. 

This is very AU, so I’ve been able to hybridize the characters with their P&P counterparts, to an extent.  Veronica here, for example, has grown up with four sisters and both parents, in relative wealth and comfort.  She hasn’t had to go through the horrors of being raped, abandoned and ostracized.  So she is far less jaded and mistrustful than canon Veronica. 

But she retains her inquisitiveness, tenacity, morality and sense of justice.  Like both canon Veronica and Lizzie Bennet, she’s got a lively mind and a quick wit.  She’s beginning to feel the frustrations of being stuck in a small town where she can’t grow to her full potential.  So she’s sort of transformed into Veronica Bennet, which works out much better for this story.

Another difficulty is that Austen is so revered.  There’s a definite pressure to get it right.  I always hope I’m doing it justice, but I know I’ve made mistakes. (Cough, Parker as Mary Bennet, cough.)

6. You’re obviously a Veronica x Logan shipper. Were there any other characters that you shipped Veronica and Logan with?

To quote Alfredo Linguini from Ratatouille, “Nopeity nopeity noooo.”

Seriously, just… no.  Never.

7. Biggest fanfiction pet peeve?

A non-snarky Logan.  It’s like a Dorito without the artificial cheese.  And that’s just a tortilla chip.  What’s the point?

8. You announced that once your three WIPs are done, you’re not going to be writing for the VMars fandom for a while. What led you to that decision?

At the time, I really felt like I didn’t have any more stories to tell about these characters.  Like, I’d done the happy ending fic, the pre-series fic, the crazy AU fic, etc. and there were no more stories left in my brain.  I didn’t want to force it if it just wasn’t there.  I’d rather sit back and get to read the brilliant ideas other people are coming up with, you know?

But with the movie coming out, there’s this re-opening of canon.  Which is really insane, after seven years.  Unprecedented, even.  Soooo… there’s a very good possibility I’ll get inspired to tell a little bit more about these characters.

Recently, I’ve been talking to a few different authors about collaborating.  I have a nutty idea for a story that could potentially involve ten or more different authors, and it would really get the readers involved too.  I thought of it a couple of years ago, and now seems like a great time to get it going.  I’m thinking in the spring, right after the movie comes out.  I’ll be posting about it on Tumblr pretty soon, to see who wants to get involved. 

So, realistically…looks like I’m not going anywhere for a while.

9. What are your favorite kind of fanfiction stories to read? Is there one that you continually return to?

To be honest, I’ve largely stopped reading other fanfic since I started writing my own.  Not because I’m a snob, I swear!  I have a list of like forty stories I can’t wait to read when I’m done.  It’s because my own head canon gets muddled, especially when I read really good fic.  I live in fear of accidentally incorporating someone else’s ideas into my own stories.  I know it sounds really bizarre, but my mind is such a sponge.

Some of my other personal favorites are “Broken Toys” by theohara, “Airconditioned Innocence” by FallAway, and “Sexual Jealousy Issues” by annieoakley1.  Really anything by annieoakley, she’s fabulous.

Ultimately, the number one thing I look for is a believable Logan.  He’s a challenge to write, and if someone can get him right I’m sold.  (Veronica can be really tricky too.)  I like a good mix of humor and drama.  And if there’s a mystery in there somewhere?  Perfection.

10. Any spoilers you can give for Mr. Darcy?

There will be longing looks.  I know, right?  You guys never saw that one coming.

[susanmichelin]

RULES: List the first lines of the last ten stories you published. Look to see if there are any patterns that you notice yourself, and see if anyone else notices any! Then tag some friends.

I was tagged by @nevertothethird so here they are from the most recent to the earliest:

1.  Veronica pulled open the front door to reveal a tall, leggy redhead.

2.  “Kitty!” Wyatt banged her heels against the shopping cart and reached for the black cat costume.

3.  Logan loved the glamour and pizzazz, but this was the world she understood - the dark place beneath the shine, where spouses cheated and people like Big Dick were murdered.

4.  Don't go.  Refusing her was impossible; it would've been easier for him to permanently give up oxygen.

5.  It wasn’t the bridge, but it was a bridge.

6.  "Hey lazy."

7.  Written in playful script across a cotton candy pink awning, the name of the adult store --Frisky Business— fluttered and winked at her, coaxing her inside.

8.  "Why are we having a party?"

9.  "Duncan?" Almost thirteen years and he still looked the same.

10.  It wasn't a big deal.

I’m not sure there are any discernible patterns? Maybe that I like to set the tone and/or setting of the story with the very first words? Overall they’re not too bad. There’s no “it was a dark and stormy night” but they’re not exactly “it was a bright, cold day in April and the clocks were striking thirteen” either... so there’s definitely room for improvement. 

Anyone notice patterns I’m missing?

I’ll tag @cheshirecatstrut @mysilverylining @theshortywrites @nicemom93 @vmsteenbeans @absolutelyiris and anyone else who wants to play.

[hanitje]

Tagged by @happilyshanghaied (sorry I haven't been on Tumblr for a while)

Logan took off his bloody shirt, showing a ripped and leaned body with full of scars; his voice croaked when he muttered to the man. "Thanks... Tell Weevil that I.. Tell Weevil..." 

I'm tagging @troublescout @vmsteenbeans @jaqofspades @persephunee @joyfulnerd @bmarsecholls @risssaar @fponthedl @e1schaaf @nightlocktime

[theawkwardterrier]

Tagged by @beautifulwhensarcastic. Thanks!

Post the last sentence you wrote and tag as many people as there are words in the sentence.

As Peggy pieces together something more suitable for combat, Steve grabs Natasha’s arm.

Tagging: @lavellenchanted, @bitememarvelcanon, @indiefic, @roboticonography, @mysilverylining, @scandalpantsstuff, @nevertothethird, @mrswalkerwrites, @vmsteenbeans, @machawicket, @ghostcat3000, @petpluto, @wisegirl82