OctPoWriMo 16 - Find a Way

Today's prompt suggests that we try the paradelle, which is, quite honestly, the most difficult form of poetry I have ever attempted. Since I love trying new forms, I gave it a shot. Though I almost gave up several times, I pushed on and finished it. I have never felt such a sense of accomplishment as when I sat back and said, "I did it!"

This is a fanpoem. For those who have not watched Doctor Who, the story told here will not be familiar, but I think that you can follow it anyway. It's the story of a man and woman who fall in love and are separated by time and space and try to find their way back to one another.

Find a Way

He burned a star to say goodbye;
He burned a star to say goodbye.
Her heart will die at Bad Wolf Bay;
Her heart will die at Bad Wolf Bay.
At Bad Wolf Bay, a star will die—
He burned her heart to say goodbye.

Though universes crash and burn,
Though universes crash and burn,
She will return; she’ll find a way.
She will return; she’ll find a way.
She’ll find a way, though she will burn,
Crash universes, and return.

Alone, now wanders, broken, lost,
Alone, now wanders, broken, lost,
He saved the world, the cost his soul.
He saved the world, the cost his soul.
The soul alone now, wanders lost,
The broken world he saved his cost.

At Bad Wolf Bay, a star he burned;
The world he saved now will return;
His lost and broken soul will die.
Alone wanders her heart… Goodbye.
Universes she’ll crash to say—
Though she burn the cost—“Find a way.”

"I'm burning up a star just to say 'Goodbye'"

OctPoWriMo 7: Death and Cold

Today's prompt.

Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame. ~Benjamin Franklin

“I killed them. I killed them all. They're dead; every single one of them. Not just the men, but the women and children too…" ~Anakin Skywalker

Fear leads to anger
Fear leads to death
Death came for his mother
Death gave him power
Power for revenge
Power to kill
Kill them
Kill them all
All of them are dead
All of them—even the children
Children who had barely lived
Children who were innocent
Innocent he used to be
Innocent he is no more
More pain
More darkness
Darkness closes in
Darkness whispers promises
Promises of power
Promises of comfort
Comfort from his dreams
Comfort for his fears
Fears that he can’t save her
Fears that he is helpless
Helpless to protect her
Helpless like before
Before, just like his mother
Before, he was too late
Late at night, he dreams
Late again
Again his fear overcomes him
Again he looks to anger
Anger gives him focus
Anger gives him strength
Strength to do what needs done
Strength to see the truth
Truth that she betrayed him
Truth that he’s alone
Alone against his friend
Alone and broken
Broken in and out
Broken, wounded, burning
Burning alive
Burning forever
Forever alone
Forever cold
Cold as ice
Cold and dark
Dark...

Ice...

The Philosophy of John Locke: Sherlock Fanfics

There is a thing in Sherlock fanfiction called "Johnlock." It means that the writer has created some kind of romantic plot/subplot pairing the two main characters. It's like when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie get called "Brangelina." Now, I don't think Johnlock makes a lot of sense. It is very difficult to write Sherlock being romantic without him being wildly out of character, and I really, really hate when one my favourite characters is written wrong.

However, the (non)word "Johnlock" was bugging me with its familiarity. Something told me that I had heard it before, years ago. Then, I remembered: in university, I studied an English philosopher named John Locke. The pronunciation is the same, or at least so similar as to make no difference.

Now, my brain doesn't work the way other people's brains work. Most people who don't like Johnlock fanfics would never consider doing what I decided to do. I decided to write some Sherlock "John Locke" fanfiction. Yes, I know I'm weird. Normal is boring.

I went on brainyquote.com and looked up John Locke quotes. I was delighted to find seven that fit perfectly. I proceeded to write a 150 word "one-shot" for each of them. I posted these on Archive of Our Own (AO3) as a series, and on FanFiction.net as seven separate stories as that site has few options. If you're interested, links are below.

The pictures link to AO3, and I couldn't seem to get them to open in a new tab/window. Sorry about that. The text links below should open in a new tab/window though.

"I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts."
~John Locke

"An excellent man, like precious metal, is in every way invariable; A villain, like the beams of a balance, is always varying, upwards and downwards."
~John Locke

"All men are liable to error; and most men are, in many points, by passion or interest, under temptation to it."
~John Locke

"One unerring mark of the love of truth is not entertaining any proposition with greater assurance than the proofs it is built upon will warrant."
~John Locke

"Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours."
~John Locke

"The dread of evil is a much more forcible principle of human actions than the prospect of good."
~John Locke

"I have spent more than half a lifetime trying to express the tragic moment."
~John Locke

The Philosophy of John Locke on AO3
Part 1: Details

Part 2: Variable
Part 3: Errors
Part 4: Proof
Part 5: Thinking
Part 6: Breathing
Part 7: Missing

The Philosophy of John Locke on FFnet
Part 1: Details
Part 2: Variable
Part 3: Errors
Part 4: Proof
Part 5: Thinking
Part 6: Breathing
Part 7: Missing

Why Do I Write Fanfiction?

If you know me well—or if you've followed my blog for any length of time—you know that I am a geek. I love Doctor Who, Sherlock, Lord of the Rings, Big Bang Theory, Harry Potter, and several other fandoms. I don't only watch/read these, however; I also create fanart and write fanfiction based on many of them. I do this because I am creative and artistic, and because I don't want to merely enjoy someone else's work—I want to be involved in the creative process.

I also do this because I love the "what ifs"—what if Anakin Skywalker survived at the end of Return of the Jedi? What if Sherlock and John attended Hogwarts? What if Beru Lars struggled with infertility? What if John Watson found a strange watch in Sherlock's possession? When questions like these strike me, I cannot stop thinking about them until I write what I think would result.

Some people think that fanfiction is at the best silliness, and at the worst a waste of time that could be spent on "real" writing. After all, you can't publish it and sell it for profit. Well, unless you change the names or something. But that's not why I write fanfiction, and I'm not going to get into the ethical questions of taking someone else's world and characters, changing a few things, and then passing it off as your own work.

Some people think that fanfiction is all smut with really awful grammar and spelling. And, definitely, a lot of it is like that. I don't read or write that kind of garbage, though. Even if the grammar and spelling is correct, if the character is acting OOC (out of character), I hate it. The challenge in writing good fanfiction is to keep the characters in character. This usually cannot be done if writing smut—which I define from dictionary.com as "indecent language or publications; obscenity" (not simply writing that includes sex).

I am in the minority among fanfiction writers in that I write a lot of fanpoetry. Unfortunately, poetry is not a very popular genre among fanfiction writers and readers. This is probably because most of it is really awful, and who wants to read a terrible poem? At the risk of sounding conceited, I'll venture to say that I write pretty good poems. I often write within a form as I like the challenge, and because some forms really seem to fit certain topics. For example, the speed and urgency of a blitz poem suits the Doctor; the musical beauty of the villanelle evokes the atmosphere of Middle Earth; and a modified ballad form conjures the innocence lost in Revenge of the Sith.

Some people think that those who write fanfiction aren't taking writing seriously. Maybe not, but so what? I love writing; it's a fun activity for me. I plan on publishing a novel, but I never want to write because I have to, or because I need to make some deadline (I'm going with self-publishing). I write because I want to, and because I enjoy it. Maybe it's not a career for me; maybe it is a hobby. I do love my day job too, and don't want to quit; and why would I want two full-time jobs?

A lot of fanfiction writers keep it secret from even close friends and family. They feel like it's something to be ashamed of, or that no one would understand. If you are a fanfiction writer, I understand. But I'm not ashamed. I write fanfiction. And I am proud of all my writing.

Visit me on:
FanFiction.net
Archive of Our Own (AO3)

The Pocket Watch: A Wholock Fanfic

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a big geek. I love fantasy stories. That's why I write fantasy. That's also why I write fanfiction. Sometimes I like to create my own world and characters, but other times, I like to play around in someone else's sandbox.
I challenged myself to write the following drabble/flash fiction in exactly 100 words.

§•§•§

"Sherlock, what's this?" John turned the pocket watch over, his fingers caressing the circular patterns on the silvery surface.

"Hmm? What's what?" Sherlock didn't look up from his book, his eyes skimming the page at an amazing rate.

John frowned. "Souvenir from a case, is it?" He tossed it into Sherlock's lap, rudely interrupting his reading.

His face a study in affront, Sherlock fastidiously set aside his book and picked up the ornate timepiece. After a moment of study, he tossed it away with an annoyed huff. "Honestly, John. It's just a watch. Boring." He pointedly returned to his reading.

Let's Not Blink - A Dr Who Fan Poem

This is a blitz poem. It is meant to be read aloud, quickly, hardly stopping for breath.

Let's go
Let's travel
Travel through space
Travel through time
Time Lord
Time War
Warring nations
Warring worlds
Worlds destroyed
Worlds saved
Saved from burning
Saved by the doctor
Doctor what?
Doctor who?
Who is he?
Who cares?
Cares for friends
Cares for enemies
Enemies who destroy
Enemies who try
Try to kill him
Try his patience
Patience like Job
Patience not endless, though
Though he is ancient
Though he is endless
Endless through changing time
Endless through changing face
Face of Bo
Face of woe
Woe to those who attack the Earth
Woe to those who threaten death
Death must come to all who live
Death is coming: Run!
Run from daleks
Run from drumbeats
Drumbeats sounding in the brain
Drumbeats knocking on the door
Door is locked—he knocks four times
Door that he must choose
Choose to let another die
Choose to give his life
Life is precious
Life is brief
Brief like a blink of an eye
Brief—don't blink!
Blink and you're gone
Blink and you're dead
Dead...
Gone...

Best Friends

Here's a silly little thing I wrote yesterday. I was playing with first person POV and present tense–which I never use. For some reason, I also used alternating POVs–I really don't know why, unless it was just to be confusing. Anyway, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Best Friends


“You’re my Betty, baby. Strong and steady, baby. You get me ready to face about anything.” - Chris Cummings (“Betty”)

She calls me first. I’m her best friend, so of course she calls me first. She never stops to think how much it will hurt me, because she never stops to think. I pretend to be happy for her. I agree to be her maid of honour. What else can I do? I’m her best friend.

~*~

He tells me first. I’m his best friend, so of course he tells me first. I say he’s crazy to throw his life away on her, that she isn’t worth it, but he doesn’t listen to me. He never listens to me. I agree to be his best man. What else can I do? I’m his best friend.

~*~

When I hang up the phone, after listening to Ron go on and on about wedding plans, I sit on the edge of my bed and stare into space. It is as if I’m in a dream–a really bad dream. It can’t be real. I had always known, somewhere in the back of my mind, that this might happen one day, but I never allowed myself to believe it. How could he do this to me?

~*~

When Arch leaves, after going on and on about wedding plans, I sit on the edge of my bed and stare into space. All I can think about is Betty. I had always known that he might hurt her like this someday, but I can hardly believe that he hadn’t even mentioned her tonight. It is as if she doesn’t exist, or doesn’t matter to him at all. How could he do this to her?

~*~

I always imagined I would someday walk down the aisle to meet Archie at the altar. I had the whole thing planned out in my head: the flowers I would carry, the dress I would wear, the look in his eyes as he watched me approach. Soon I will walk down the aisle toward him, but the love in his eyes won’t be for me.

~*~

I always rather thought that Arch would eventually realize that Betty was the better choice. Veronica is exciting, but you never know where you stand with her. She epitomizes everything I can’t stand in women. Veronica is the kind of girl you take to expensive restaurants, buy expensive jewelry for, and hope she doesn’t drop you for someone more exciting. Betty is the kind of girl you marry.

~*~

Ever since I was little, I’ve dreamed of love, marriage, and children. I guess I’m a little old-fashioned, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t want a career. I could be a successful businesswoman while also being a wife and mother. When I met Archie, I just knew I had found the man I would spend the rest of my life with. There’s never been anyone else for me. Well, there is... No. He wouldn’t be interested.

~*~

Ever since I’ve known Arch, he’s been chasing after some girl or another. I guess I’m a little odd, but I don’t see the appeal. Girls only cause trouble and drama. I’ve known only one who is different–I actually consider her a friend–and she’s always been in love with my best friend. Although, now that he’s done this... No. She wouldn’t be interested.

~*~

Anyone else would turn to a best friend in a situation like this. I want to pour out my heart and maybe cry a little. But my best friend is the problem, so my diary will have to do. It’s always been there for me before. Tonight’s entry will be a little more tear-stained than usual, but dear diary won’t complain.

~*~

Anyone else would be looking forward to his best friend’s wedding, seeing it as a chance to meet girls. I’d rather stay home. Although the Lodges will most definitely have amazing food at the reception, I’ll have to endure the ceremony first. They’ll make me wear a tuxedo, of course, and Veronica won’t let me wear my hat with it, but for Arch’s sake, I won’t complain.

~*~

Dresses, dresses, and more dresses. I love clothes, but this is ridiculous. Ethel, Midge, and Nancy look as spent as I feel. We lost count of how many dresses we’ve tried on somewhere around lunchtime. Ron seems to be running on adrenaline or something: she barely slowed down to eat. I have never seen her so enthusiastic about shopping, and that’s saying a lot. I won’t go so far as to call her a bridezilla, but it’s clear that nothing is going to stop her from having the perfect wedding.

~*~

Stag, bull, bachelor. By any name, it’s a party, and the best man is expected to plan and organize it. Traditionally, the groom and his male friends get together to drink alcohol, and there are usually strippers involved. Often, a stripper jumps out of a giant cake. I don’t know what Arch expects, but I’m not hiring any strippers. If anyone is disappointed, tough. I think we’ll just go to Pop’s and have burgers and shakes.

~*~

Today is the day. It seemed it would never come, and yet, here we are. As I follow Ethel, Midge, and Nancy on the longest walk of my life, I keep my eyes on the back of Nancy’s head. I refuse to look at him; I refuse even to think about him. I am here for Ron.

~*~

Today is the day. It seemed it would never come, and yet, here we are. As I stand with Arch, Moose, Chuck, and Dilton at the altar, I struggle to refrain from pulling at my collar. It’s choking me, but I will endure. I am here for Arch.

~*~

The ceremony is a blur. I focus on my bouquet, tuning out everything around me. It’s the only way I can get through it.

~*~

The ceremony is a blur. I hear nothing of the vows. I cannot take my eyes off of Betty. When did she become so beautiful?

~*~

The first dance at the reception. Archie and Ron take the floor, her long white dress swirling around her. I can no longer hold back the tears. I’m grateful for the dim lighting that helps to hide my face.
“May I have this dance?”
I look up into a pair of familiar brown eyes and I smile, grateful for the distraction. “Thank you, Juggie.” I take his hand.

~*~

The first dance at the reception. Archie and Veronica are the center of attention, but still my gaze is drawn to Betty. I think she’s crying. I find myself walking towards her.
“May I have this dance?”
She raises her head, and her blue eyes are full of tears. Yet, she smiles, and it’s as if the room is a little brighter. “Thank you, Juggie.” She places her hand in mine.

~*~

I’ve never seen Juggie in a tux before. I’ve heard that any man looks good in a suit, but I didn’t expect him to look so good. He’s really very handsome. How have I never noticed before?

~*~

I’ve never really seen Betty before. I’ve heard that no one should outshine the bride at a wedding, but she can’t help it. She’s the most beautiful girl in the room. How have I never noticed before?

How to Write a Bestseller (and make gobs of money)

1. Do some market research. Find out what is selling now. Look for a book--or better, a series--that has a large, dedicated--preferably a little fanatical--fanbase.

2. Write an Alternate Universe (AU) fanfiction for the world you chose. (If you've never written fanfiction, that's okay. There are lots of examples on the interwebz. Just Google it. Besides, fanfiction doesn't have to be good, as long as it's set in a world with a large, obsessed fanbase.)

3. Change the names of the main characters. See, the problem with fanfiction is you can't sell it because the world you're working with is copyrighted; it belongs to the original author. However, if you change the names of your characters, and you're writing an AU, that makes it okay. (Also, make sure if one of the original characters was a vampire, make him into a regular human but a misogynistic, self-centered jerk who likes to hurt women and control people.)

4. Include lots of sex. The more the better. It doesn't have to be well-written, though, so don't worry about that.

5. While marketing your magnum opus, let it slip that it started out as a fanfic and mention the book/series you copied from; this will ensure that all or most of the fans of that series will read your work.

6. Sit back and watch the royalties come in.

I am a Banned Author!

I write sometimes write fanfiction, and post it on a well-known fanfiction site. I have been doing this off and on for several years now. Just today, I received an email informing me that some of my stuff has been deleted because I "violated the content guidelines." Here is the banned poetry. You have been warned. This stuff is bad, even by fanfiction standards.

Beginning to Believe
I gave it a try.
And I fell.
Can I dodge bullets?
I'm not fast enough.

Betrayal
It was his mentor,
Teacher,
Friend
Who came to make an end of him.
He left him lying,
Broken,
Wounded,
Dying,
All alone.