People were sick of listening to me overanalyze fictional worlds. So I do it here. Multifandom. RIP OUAT. Sometimes write stories & go to places. Hot Diggity Dog!
I know some of you, I don’t know a lot of you, and I am one of you. I’ve been writing fanfiction since I was a kid and have been posting them for about ten years.
In the beginning and even now, I have highs and lows as a writer. It can be a stressful hobby. And I have seen so many posts from fellow writers, people who I know are fantastic at their craft, struggling through rough patches or feeling inadequate, whether because of a particular story or just in their skills in general.
Sometimes people will love a thing you wrote and you will wonder why. You’ll think it’s terrible no matter how much people gush over it. Sometimes you will be proud as hell of a story and barely get recognition for it, making you yourself wonder if it was worth all the time and effort you put into it. You will reblog yourself over and over to try and promote your work and it still might not see solid readership. Sometimes you will write fics that someone doesn’t like, for whatever reason. It happens. Not everything you write will necessarily be received well by everyone who reads it. And, just so you know, a couple people disliking your story doesn’t make it a bad story.
But I want to be absolutely clear here: it doesn’t make you a bad writer to have a story with few notes. It doesn’t make your story awful if few people like/reblog it. I know, god do I know, that it can be disheartening and leave you feeling like you’ve somehow failed.
Which is why I have decided to create this blog: CS Fic Promotions.
I want to read your stories, the ones that you feel no one is reading. I want to read the stories you’ve put your heart and tears into, only to feel disappointed when it gets 5 notes and no reblogs, or one comment on FF.net, or a handful of kudos but no bookmarks or comments on AO3. I WANT TO READ THE STORIES THAT YOU ARE PROUD OF. And I want to share them with others so they can read them, too!
So here’s the deal: starting January 17th, I will try to post at least one lesser known fic a day with my personal review of it. I will choose these fics based off of my own personal observations, from asks/messages that I receive from writers to please promote their work, and from readers who wish to see a fic they love get more attention.
DO NOT BE SHY ABOUT ASKING FOR PROMOTION. If you do not want others to know that you asked me to promote your fic, tell me so and I will keep that information to myself. I am serious about confidentiality. Anon asks are on and they will remain that way.
Rules and info for CS Fic Promotions can be found HERE
On this rewatch of SG-1 I keep thinking about the families of those assigned to Cheyenne Mountain. Like eventually that place has got to get a reputation amongst the Air Force civilians. All the best and brightest being stationed there and never getting rotated out. All the people dying in random "training accidents". People wouldn't know but they would know something was up.
The only Stargate SG-1 reboot I will accept is one set at the same time as the original series but following a random conspiracy nut and their skeptical federal agent partner. Each episode they are on the fringes of events from the show. They dig into it only to come up empty but each time they get closer and closer to the truth. This would build all the way to the Stargate program being revealed to the world.
Why yes I did binge Sanditon and have *opinions* Everything under a cut so nobody gets spoiled. Since I'm going to mostly be talking about the last episode... you have been warned.
I should say first off that I really enjoyed the majority of the season. The tension. The hand touches. The declarations. The theme of women taking control of their lives. It was all fantastic. All the feels.
That's why the last episode was such a massive disappointment. The miscommunication trope is a staple of the romance genre but it's a staple that is losing favor. For good reason! Too often it is thinly supported and makes little sense. Unfortunately, Sanditon's last episode is a textbook example of this.
Charlotte merely hearing that Alexander might be engaged was not enough motivation for her to just throw her hands up and be all "I guess I'm going to Ireland!" In fact, I think such a choice is contrary to the entire theme of the season. Charlotte is meant to be independent and strong but she can't go and investigate the rumor? She can't ask a single person if it is true?? She can't tell the guy how she feels? She was so mad at him for not speaking sooner and then she does the same? It makes no sense. It's anti-character growth.
Putting aside her not investigating. Let's assume it is true. Alexander Coulborne is engaged. Does that mean they can't be together? Nope! Even taking into account the whole stigma of ending an engagement in the Regency it makes no sense.
First, the engagement is a secret. The woman would suffer no ill effects from a broken engagement. (Not that the show seemed to be even taking that into account but still).
Second, the show spent a lot of time pushing home the point that Coulbourne disagrees with the idea of marriage without love. He wanted her to discard Ralph. Why would she think he would choose differently with the roles reversed?
Third, not giving Alexander the choice is disrespectful. Charlotte knows he loves her. NOT telling him that she is available robs Alexander of the chance to make his own decision about his future.
Fourth, the choice to have Charlotte just give up is the opposite of the theme of the season. The entire season was about women taking control of their lives and not letting the men dictate what they should do. Charlotte being active in pursuing Alexander would have fit better than her giving up.
The miscommunication route was lazy and unnecessary. It was a sad way to end an otherwise very enjoyable season.
I mean imagine that they hadn't fallen onto that tired old trope.
Instead, we could have had an awesome conversation that mirrored Alexander's and their first meeting. Just imagine...
Charlotte goes to the house, enters the study, and he looks up from his writing. She is just as awkward as the first time.
She confesses that she has come with no expectations but rather she must tell him that her circumstances have changed. He swallows, and sits up straighter.
She tells him that she could not marry Ralph when she loved another. When she loved him. He rises, eager to embrace her but she puts up a hand. Continues to tell him that she respects that he moved on, that he could not wait for her, and that she would never want to ruin another woman's happiness. She flees from the room. He follows.
Catching her in front of the house, he tells her there is nothing to ruin. He is free to marry where he wishes. KISS!
And then instead of a quick flash of scenes, we get to actually enjoy a bit of wedding planning. Maybe a small argument. Maybe they talk about the school plans. WHATEVER.
The point is that I did not need the manufactured drama.
I did need Charlotte to actually articulate her feelings for Alexander. I did need to see them announcing their marriage to Leo. I did need hints that this relationship was going to go the distance because it was based on open communication.
I do agree that miscommunication is overused as a troupe and yes, perhaps it would have been nice to see Charlotte actually go to him and admit her feelings. However, I don’t agree that is entirely out of character for her.
Mr. Colbourne being engaged isn’t merely a rumor to her. Georgiana told Charlotte Lady Lydia was engaged and it was Lady Lydia herself who told Georgiana, so Charlotte has no reason to doubt the veracity of the news.
And it is important to remember that it was not public knowledge that Lady Lydia was secretly courting another man behind her mother’s back. Only Lady Lydia and her suitor knew. I doubt even Harry knew.
But Charlotte did know that Lady Monterose wanted her daughter to marry Mr. Colbourne. In fact it was Lady Lydia who first told Charlotte that Lady Monterose thought the two of them would make a good match and Charlotte did give Lady Lydia some advice on how to get Mr. Colbourne to open up. So of course both Charlotte and Georgiana are going to assume that Lady Lydia’s fiance is Mr. Colbourne.
So as far as Charlotte knows Lady Lydia as good as admitted that she and Mr. Colbourne are engaged. She has no reason to doubt it, to “investigate.”
Sure she could have confronted him about it, but I think you’ve overlooking the fact that is not the first time this has happened to Charlotte. Sidney chose Eliza over her. And while Charlotte has as good as called it a “distant memory” and I think it’s safe to say that she’s afraid of being pained again. I don’t blame her for not going to him. I think she’s afraid of being rejected and hurt. Again. So of course she doesn’t say anything to him. Of course she just gives up and decides to leave because it’s easier than facing more pain.
I think that’s what the writers were going for this going for this episode. A parallel to the end of season 1. Only instead of Sidney going after her and asking her to tell him she understood, it’s Mr. Colbourne stopping her to tell her he’s a free man. This time it’s a happy ending. You may not like how it was executed and that’s fine. I do think it was a little rushed, myself. But I do understand what the writers were trying to accomplish here and it appreciate that.
You make some interesting points. @afirewiel I guess I can better see what the writers were going for but I still think it wasn't the best choice.
You are right that they show set it up that Charlotte would reasonably assume Alexander was Lady Lydia's intended. Though given his declarations I think she could equally assume that it wasn't a love match.
When I said she needed to investigate I meant that in the Regency a proper betrothal included announcing it. People didn't get engaged and not tell anyone (unless they are being shady). So while Lady Lydia might be considered a good source, the lack of announcement asks for an investigation.
And while I understand why you feel Charlotte was being reasonable in not approaching him given her past, it is her past that made me long for a different ending.
I wanted Charlotte to have more of an arc, to make a different choice because she was different now and Alexander isn't Sidney. The ending of all three seasons gives us a Charlotte who acts out of fear. I wanted her to say "I ran from pain before but I know if I left for Ireland without speaking, I would always regret it. I would always wonder what might have been." Again this would fit better with the theme of woman taking charge of their romantic lives.
But yeah, your explanation makes me dislike it marginally less. But I still don't love it.
I just feel the need to point out, with all his faults and motives, Henry Crawford getting William Price promoted is probably the best thing that happens to the Price family in the entire book.
There were thirty-year-old midshipmen in that era. William was watching people get promoted ahead of him over and over. Despite his captains seeming to like him, he isn't moving up. Sir Thomas is likely trying to help (even if it's just to relieve himself of expense), but his interest has done nothing for William. And the whole system runs of nepotism or "interest" which Mr. Price clearly does not have and Sir Thomas doesn't have the right kind.
Henry Crawford goes to London and gets him promoted in a week.
Now William has a real officer position in the navy that pays well. He has broken into the ranks and it's far more possible for him to move higher. Instead of being a financial drain, he has a chance to make something of himself. It's a big deal! William also will have the ability to marry, as he points out himself no one would look at a midshipman.
It's interesting that the two greatest acts of charity in Mansfield Park, bringing Fanny to Mansfield and promoting William, are done by Mrs. Norris and Henry Crawford. No wonder the novel feels like it doesn't have a hero!
Also once William has some more rank he can help his younger brothers along in the profession.
I think Crawford helping William is another thing that makes it extraordinary that Fanny turns him down. Getting William promoted is designed to endear Crawford to Fanny. He knows the way to her heart! It also creates a debt, an obligation, and it's clear Crawford hopes he is repaid with her hand.
I love that Fanny is able to say "Thanks for helping my brother, but no thanks." It shows the strength of her character and her excellent judgment.
Why yes I did binge Sanditon and have *opinions* Everything under a cut so nobody gets spoiled. Since I'm going to mostly be talking about the last episode... you have been warned.
I should say first off that I really enjoyed the majority of the season. The tension. The hand touches. The declarations. The theme of women taking control of their lives. It was all fantastic. All the feels.
That's why the last episode was such a massive disappointment. The miscommunication trope is a staple of the romance genre but it's a staple that is losing favor. For good reason! Too often it is thinly supported and makes little sense. Unfortunately, Sanditon's last episode is a textbook example of this.
Charlotte merely hearing that Alexander might be engaged was not enough motivation for her to just throw her hands up and be all "I guess I'm going to Ireland!" In fact, I think such a choice is contrary to the entire theme of the season. Charlotte is meant to be independent and strong but she can't go and investigate the rumor? She can't ask a single person if it is true?? She can't tell the guy how she feels? She was so mad at him for not speaking sooner and then she does the same? It makes no sense. It's anti-character growth.
Putting aside her not investigating. Let's assume it is true. Alexander Coulborne is engaged. Does that mean they can't be together? Nope! Even taking into account the whole stigma of ending an engagement in the Regency it makes no sense.
First, the engagement is a secret. The woman would suffer no ill effects from a broken engagement. (Not that the show seemed to be even taking that into account but still).
Second, the show spent a lot of time pushing home the point that Coulbourne disagrees with the idea of marriage without love. He wanted her to discard Ralph. Why would she think he would choose differently with the roles reversed?
Third, not giving Alexander the choice is disrespectful. Charlotte knows he loves her. NOT telling him that she is available robs Alexander of the chance to make his own decision about his future.
Fourth, the choice to have Charlotte just give up is the opposite of the theme of the season. The entire season was about women taking control of their lives and not letting the men dictate what they should do. Charlotte being active in pursuing Alexander would have fit better than her giving up.
The miscommunication route was lazy and unnecessary. It was a sad way to end an otherwise very enjoyable season.
I mean imagine that they hadn't fallen onto that tired old trope.
Instead, we could have had an awesome conversation that mirrored Alexander's and their first meeting. Just imagine...
Charlotte goes to the house, enters the study, and he looks up from his writing. She is just as awkward as the first time.
She confesses that she has come with no expectations but rather she must tell him that her circumstances have changed. He swallows, and sits up straighter.
She tells him that she could not marry Ralph when she loved another. When she loved him. He rises, eager to embrace her but she puts up a hand. Continues to tell him that she respects that he moved on, that he could not wait for her, and that she would never want to ruin another woman's happiness. She flees from the room. He follows.
Catching her in front of the house, he tells her there is nothing to ruin. He is free to marry where he wishes. KISS!
And then instead of a quick flash of scenes, we get to actually enjoy a bit of wedding planning. Maybe a small argument. Maybe they talk about the school plans. WHATEVER.
The point is that I did not need the manufactured drama.
I did need Charlotte to actually articulate her feelings for Alexander. I did need to see them announcing their marriage to Leo. I did need hints that this relationship was going to go the distance because it was based on open communication.
I was up for a writing award and I didn't make into the final round. So I came on here to read through my "fear is the mind killer" tag. And boy I have a lot of great stuff in there. And also I miss my tumblr heyday of CS and fangirling.
okay tumblr’s exclusion from the twitter social media ban list is hilarious but genuinely we do not belong on there. if a real human person asks “where can i find you on social media” and your choice is a swift death or revealing your tumblr, most of us would simply expire. half of y’all change urls every week like you’re in witness protection. just imagine for one second attaching your wholeass government name to your latest two am clownposting and tell me that didn’t send a cold chill down your spine. the only place i ever want to see the words “connect with me on tumblr!” is on the ao3 profile of an author i’m actively stalking. anyone in the world can follow me except anyone i personally know. antisocial media.
I can't believe that The Librarians has four seasons. Four whole glorious seasons!
Like I knew about the show, I was obsessed with the TV movies. I remember watching the first season and enjoying it (though I missed Flynn for much of it). But somehow in the craziness of the mid-2010's I missed the other three seasons. And that's sad and annoying because I bet the fandom was fun.
But also I'm really glad that I am discovering these episodes right now. Because listen, it's been a year. And this show makes me so happy. Stupid grinning and giggling every episode. It's silly but fun and interesting and well-written. It makes me want to create more and that's exactly what I need right now.
(Also it has unlocked my long-forgotten love of Noah Wyle. I baby duck imprinted on him back when ER was required Thursday night watching in our house.)
I have this book and it's beautiful. Purchased in Scotland on a trip (and kind of to prove to a critique partner that selkie stories are not only in Ireland).
I can watch no longer in silence. I must complain about you by such means as are within my reach. You’ve ripped out my soul. I am half agony, half hopeless. Tell me not that this is it, that such precious Jane Austen adaptations are gone forever.
I offer you my screenwriting advice with a heart even more desperate than when you almost broke it with the release of the Persuasion trailer one month ago.
Dare not say that this movie is accurate, that this Anne is a stronger protagonist than her book counterpart. I have loved none but her. Pretentious I may have been, annoying and demanding I have been, but always with the film’s best interests at heart.
The book alone has brought me to you. For it alone I sat and watched. Have you not realized this? Can you fail to have understood my wishes? I would not have waited even ten minutes after turning off the TV to write this, could I have mastered my own feelings, as I think you must have guessed mine.
I can hardly type. I am in every instant recalling something which makes me want to punch a wall. You rewrote Anne as a snarky girlboss, but I can appreciate the nuance of her book counterpart when it would be lost on the Netflix execs. Too horrible, too disgusting adaptation! You do us insult, indeed. You do believe that there is not a single brain cell in your audience. Believe mine to have shriveled up and died while watching this movie, most painfully, in the brain of
-Everyone Watching
I must go, and cleanse my remaining sanity with the 1995 adaptation; but I shall return hither, to laugh at this adaptation with my friends, as soon as I can stomach it. But another sentence of clunky narration, another infuriating wink from this horrible version of Anne to the camera, will be enough to make me cancel my Netflix subscription forever.
Alexander standing at the window in S2 is done often enough for BLH to make jokes about it in interviews. But can we talk about the last time we see him at the window? Every single time. He is standing straight as he looks out but the last time.
The last time he is slumped against the frame, exhausted and defeated. He just "did the right thing" he just broke his own heart because "it's better this way" and it's a subtle thing but it just shows the character's emotional state so perfectly.
Did you notice how Alexander apologizing for the garden party was mirrored in the last episode. His first attempt goes rather poorly and leaves them both more upset than before. His second attempt he is more plain but still cryptic. In the first instance, Charlotte easily forgives him, though she still doesn't understand. In the second, she cuts him off and pushes him away. In S3 I hope we see Colbourne develop the ability to speak more plainly and apologize simply.
Mr. Colbourne bet Mrs. Wheatley that Charlotte wouldn't last the week. Is that just because he didn't have faith in Charlotte or does that speak to his own insecurities?
Nobody stays. Nobody thinks the Colbourne family worth putting up with. The pretty, forthright Miss Heywood will be gone just like the rest...
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