#author showcase

[elldotsee]

Sherlock Author Showcase 2020

It’s back, folks! :D 

Sherlock Author Showcase 2020 Fic Collection

In the midst of all of the “best of” fic rec lists (that always, inevitably, leave someone feeling left out) I have decided to take a different approach and let you tell the fandom what you think your best fic of the year is!  Writers, it’s time to show off. 

Here’s the rules: 

1. Only one (1) fic added per author

2. Fic must be complete and published in full by 31 December, 2020 (It does not have to have been fully published within 2020, just finished by the end of the year)

3. All pairings and ratings are welcome but please make sure you have correctly rated, tagged and used archive warnings, if applicable.

That’s it! Happy showcasing! Spread the word so we can have a lovely collection of fics to kick off our new year! 

Here’s the last Author Showcase from 2018, if you’d like some more to read while you’re waiting.   

[officialmaleclibrary]

This month we’re showcasing an author in the fandom who has written popular works such as be my light in the dark  and never again left unsaid . Francy is on ao3 as hufflebee and tumblr also as @hufflebee, and we’d like to thank her once again for taking part in the OML author showcase!

1. When did you start writing fics? Tell us a little of your journey as a fic writer.

I wrote a bit years ago, but I fully got into it after joining the Shadowhunters fandom and I posted my first fic towards the end of 2016. For a while I only wrote short, fluffy Malec oneshots, sometimes relating to the episodes and sometimes not, but my style and type of fic I wrote hasn’t changed much over my time as a writer. I think my writing has improved the more I wrote and as I got a better understanding of the characters, either from talking about them with other fans or just seeing more of them on the show. I recently got into writing longer fics which has been a completely new, but wonderful experience and something I’m hoping to do more of.

2. What fic of yours are you most proud of and why?

The solitary fic that I’m very proud of is be my light in the dark  which is a demigod AU I wrote for the Sh Big Bang this year. As I said, I usually wrote just shorter, canon or easy AU stuff, and this was the first time I wrote a fic this length in a more complex AU setting and it took a while, but I am very happy with the result. Another fic I am really proud of is actually a series, and that is my queerizzy!verse. It’s been a very wonderful thing for me for personal reasons, but also the response on those fics have been some of the most heartwarming I’ve received.

3. Who is your favorite character to write and why? Which character do you find the most challenging to write?

My favourite is Magnus, and he’s also the most challenging in a way because he has such a rich and long history which makes him very complex character. But I’ve been writing him and Alec for the longest and the most, so I feel I’m more familiar with them by now, which makes writing easier. Same with Maia and Izzy, but all the other characters are still fairly new to me, writing vise, and it’s always challenging getting their voices right, along with their dynamic with all the other characters in the story.

4. What is the hardest part about being a fic author? The easiest?

The hardest part is finding inspiration for more original works, because writing a lot of fluff is what most people do so it’s sometimes hard to find something unique. The easiest is actually writing, because I am the kind of writer who, once I have an idea and inspiration, can write a lot in one sitting.

5. What inspires you? Where do you find your muse?

Songs tend to be inspiration a lot of the times, as well as just brainstorming headcanons with other people in the fandom. Sometimes it’s other books or shows, even little moments in real life that grow into an idea. And of course, there are countless lists of short prompts which can be a great basis for fics.

6. How do you power through writer’s block?

I don’t really, I usually just wait it out or turn to sentence prompts for easy, quick ideas that will get me back in the writing mood. I tried forcing it at times but it really doesn’t work that way, at least not for me, so I just wait it out until an idea strikes me. 

7. Do you have a favorite fic from another author?

I don’t read a lot of longer fics, at least I I hadn’t until recently, but then I got into Days Of Dark and absolutely fell in love with it. Also two fics I am eagerly awaiting continuations to are Flint To Flame and With Galaxies Inside Us. I have many more I still need to read that I’m sure I’ll love, but for now those are my top two.

8. What’s something you’re looking forward to in the upcoming season of Shadowhunters?

I am looking forward to seeing more of Maia since she is now a main character, as well as more exploration of the politics of the world. Of course, I am extremely excited for all the Malec content because I feel this season is very much them against the world which is something I love seeing and think is going to be very interesting to watch.

9. Can you give us a sneak peek to what you’re writing next? Or at least any hints to what’s to come?

Apart from whatever fluffy oneshots sneak in there, I was encouraged by the first longer AU I wrote, and immediately wanted to write another one. It’s very much in the beginning stages so I can’t give you a sneak peek, but it is a Malec AU inspired by one of my favourite books that recently was also made into a movie involving two boys falling in love over email.

10. Do you have advice for anyone who might be interested in writing fan fiction?

 Just do it, just write. It’s very easy, especially in a fandom with so many creators, especially so many writers, to get caught up in comparing yourself with people in one way or another and that can be really discouraging. But every writer is unique in their own way and each story is different because of it. If you love to do it, if it makes you happy, go for it, and you’ll get better and find your style the more you write, so don’t worry about that, just start.

11. Which queer literature books would you recommend?

I have so many queer books I love, and while some of them are fairly popular, like Simon Vs The Homosapiens Agenda, We Are The Ants and Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe, there are some that I think deserve more love, such as How To Make A Wish, All Out, Queens Of Geek, They Both Die At The End, Dress Codes For Small Towns. Of course, I also have to mention my favourite series, the Six Of Crows duology, that also features multiple queer characters.

[officialmaleclibrary]

This month we’re showcasing an author in the fandom who has written popular works such as Your touch is contagious and forces on the heart. Mel is on ao3 as melbopo and tumblr as @mel-iorn, and we’d like to thank her once again for taking part in the OML author showcase! 

1. When did you start writing fics? Tell us a little of your journey as a fic writer.

Ho Boy! I started writing fics in middle school but I didn’t know I was writing fanfics to be honest. I am pretty sure I started with writing Jonas Brothers fanfics (that were self insert sometimes?) when I was like 12 or 13 years old. Then I sort of left the world of writing fics after about a year and entered the world of online role playing (wizarding world of Harry Potter and some original mythical worlds) for a couple of years because it had that creative writing that I love. Then I stopped writing characters or rping for many years (a combination of poor self esteem, mental health issues, and not feeling connected anymore to fandom spaces). Then in college I was finally in a safe environment that let me examine myself, my interests, and I embraced this nerdy side of myself. So I re-discovered fanfiction. And as I was reexamining all these aspects of me, including my sexuality, I began to notice a big gap in femslash fanfiction and that is ultimately what brought me back to writing. I wanted to write stories for people like me, passionate about characters they already related to and with a desire to see these characters in relatable (if maybe unrealistic) scenarios. In a world where there are so few out LGBT+ characters in books and media, creating content that depicts us as we are: beautiful, important, valid, and worth writing about is really, truly healing. I started writing fanfiction again at the same time I was finally learning to accept my sexual orientation and the process has been really helpful for me to fully embrace being queer.

2. What fic of yours are you most proud of and why?

I think the fics that I am most proud of are my two opening fics for my Handful of Days of Magnus Bane because I’m really proud of my characterization of Magnus (which still isn’t perfect), who is one of my favorite characters but someone I struggle to write in a way I think he deserves. I also love my two universes of forces on the heart (Malec and Mizzy) and never say never (Jimon) because I love alternate universes and exploring how the characters would react in them.

3. Who is your favorite character to write and why? Which character do you find the most challenging to write?

My favorite character to write is Simon to be honest because it feels the most genuine for me. I’ve always felt really connected to Simon so I feel like I write him in character the best. He also has this nervous ramble habit that I love to use to touch upon important topics. 

I think Canon Magnus specifically is difficult for me to write because there are so many nuances to him that I tend to feel like I’m always just a little bit off which really annoys me because he is also one of my favorite characters for that very reason. I do reference a lot of meta posts on tumblr for writing Magnus which definitely helps but I think I just need to practice with more introspection fics.

4. What is the hardest part about being a fic author? The easiest?

For me, the hardest part about being a fic author is not just actually writing the words on the page but asking for feedback. I know I’m not an amazing writer but I struggle to ask people to beta/edit my fics in a way that gives me constructive criticism back so that I can improve and be a better writer. On one hand I really crave that sort of helpful editing/soundboarding but on the other hand, I’m hesitant to ask people to take time out of their day to read something they might not like as well as be truly honest with me (aka not just be nice and fluffy even though I do appreciate support!). 

The easiest part of being a fic author for me has to be coming up with alternate universe fic - if you look in my collection, it’s 90% of what I write. I am always getting ideas of different scenarios or words to place characters. I also find making graphics for my fics relatively easy and something I like to do (even though if I do a graphic before I finish the fic, I’ll never finish the fic…).

5. What inspires you? Where do you find your muse?

Honestly, this is a little corny but I’m inspired by my life and my friends (in real life and online) most often. Writing is an important outlet for me because creativity is really important to me and my mental well being. I write to share stories I have inside of me and share lessons that I have learned (or I am still in the process of learning). Knowing that I have friends that support me and encourage me to write (regardless of if they read what I write or not), really pushes me as well. Also knowing that other people are connecting with and enjoying my stories with their ao3 comments or tumblr tags can also re-energize my muse.

6. Do you write original content as well as fic?

I actually just had my first inspiration for an original story (a folklore piece) this year which is really exciting for me! I’m probably going to adapt it to a Shadowhunters Maia x Izzy fic instead but it was exciting to have that bit of original character inspiration! For original content, I do write poetry occasionally actually!

7. Do you have a favorite fic from another author?

I have to be honest, I am so so behind in fics that I want to read (it’s embarrassing and sad!) but some of my favorite writers I have queued up to read include works from these tumblrs: francy @hufflebee’s mine and charl @lightwoodlesbians and elle’s @magnusragnor Days of Dark !

8. What’s something you’re looking forward to in the upcoming season of Shadowhunters?

LORENZO!!! I love Javi already and can’t wait to see what kind of difficulty he is going to make for Magnus as well as seeing more Luke and Maia interactions now that Alisha is a main character! I’m scared for my love Simon and hope he’s okay.

9. Can you give us a sneak peek to what you’re writing next? Or at least any hints to what’s to come?

Currently I’m working on my first chaptered Shadowhunters fic! I’m honestly really excited about it because it touches upon coming out stories, found families, sexuality exploration, and the Lightwood siblings’ bond. I mostly wrote it for myself and to push myself to attempt Nano but it’s be a really rewarding process. It’s called a rainbow colored corner of the world so keep a look out for that (if it sounds interesting to you!) - I’m using the tag rainbow colored corner on tumblr if anyone wants to stay up to date! Down the line I already have some more fics planned/outlined that include: Shadowhunters 99, farm folklore, and high school reunions!

10. Do you have advice for anyone who might be interested in writing fan fiction?

I’d say if you have a story you want to share that isn’t harmful, then absolutely go for it! You only get better at writing by actually writing. And if you want to share a story that makes you question if it is harmful or offensive in anyway, maybe ask yourself why you want to share this specific story and really examine that answer.

11. Does writing energize or exhaust you? Why?

Honestly, writing does a bit of both. When I’m writing a scene I’m really excited about or I think touches about some really important topics, I feel so energized and that feels carries over when I finish it. But if I’m writing a scene that I don’t really have planned out but I know some important plot points should be included, then I feel drained as I try to drag it out and just force something out. I am really bad at just writing to write because I am bad at going back to edit my work. So part of why writing can be exhausting for me is that I obsess too much over making sure I am saying exactly what I want to say instead of writing down the bare minimum and knowing I will go back and make it better. I think it ties in with my issue with asking for feedback/a beta because I feel like I have to catch these errors or wordings while I’m writing since I don’t like rereading my own work.

[officialmaleclibrary]

This month we’re showcasing an author in the fandom who has written popular works such as melt me down. Lori is on ao3 and tumblr as @maialec (ao3), and we’d like to thank her once again for taking part in the OML author showcase! 

1. When did you start writing fics? Tell us a little of your journey as a fic writer.

I’ve always been passionate about writing ever since middle school, but I would only write original works or assignments for class. I guess my inclination to writing fics began once I actually started reading fics and I kind of learned the “tricks of the trade”. The first fic I’ve ever written was a coda for the season 2 finale of In The Flesh that you can still read on my AO3 page and I wrote it simply because there was a situation that hadn’t been addressed on the show and it really bugged me. So, I took matters into my own hands, something that a lot of fan fiction authors do. It’s basically the most common motivation for it.

After that, I took a really long hiatus from writing fics because I didn’t find a source material I loved enough to feel inspired by it. Until Shadowhunters. That is when I went back to it and I was reminded of why I love writing so much.

2. What fic of yours are you most proud of and why?

The answer to that would obviously be my most recent fic and my first ever multi-chapter, “melt me down”, that I worked on for almost two months. It wasn’t just the amount of work I put into it, but the fact that I actually stuck to it and finished it that makes me so proud of it, since I usually only write one-shots because they require less commitment. The idea for it came when I’d spent an entire week reading fake dating AUs with unhealthy tropes that simply did not fit Alec and Magnus (mainly miscommunication which lead to unnecessary angst), and I took it upon myself to make it as realistic as possible. Also really gay.

3. Who is your favorite character to write and why? Which character do you find the most challenging to write?

I haven’t written from the POV of enough characters to really think about it, but, if I have to look back on what I’ve written so far, I have a pattern of mainly writing from Alec Lightwood’s POV, since I identify a lot with him and I find it easier to keep him in character. As for the most challenging, I would say, the other side of the same coin, Magnus Bane, because, even though there’s parts of his character I see myself in as well, his experiences are so complex and I know so little of what it’s like to be in his shoes, that I have to put a lot more effort into making sure that my understanding of him and the way I represent him in my fics is as accurate as possible and doesn’t fall into harmful stereotypes that stem from laziness and ignorance.

4. What is the hardest part about being a fic author? The easiest?

The hardest part as a writer in general is definitely finding the motivation to keep writing. Even when I have a good idea of what I want to write, inspiration only strikes in the most inopportune of times. For fan fiction, it’s doing the characters justice. Even when you write them in an AU, where their goals and motivations may not be at all similar to the ones in the canon material, I think you have to stay true to their personality, and their essence. For me, there is only one thing that is easy about writing and that is having an epiphany about what I want to write next. Everything after that − bringing it to life, correcting it, doubting everything and still posting it in the end, waiting for feedback and getting discouraged when I don’t receive it − is extremely difficult.

5. What inspires you? Where do you find your muse?

As it is with any type of art, I don’t think you can force inspiration or look for it. In my case at least, inspiration comes to me at the most random moments from the most random sources. What is important to me is that I latch to it and put it on paper as soon as possible, before the magic is gone.

6. Do you write original content as well as fic?

Yes, absolutely. I find it’s important to step away from a universe that has already, more or less, been created for you and try your hand at writing something that is completely detached from it or its characters. Luckily, the creative writing class I’m taking at college gives me an outlet to do just that.

7. Do you have a favorite fic from another author?

Do I? There are so many it would take me an entire day to list them all. However, there is one particular fic that has marked me for life, better than a lot of published novels I’ve read, and that is “Teenagers Scare The Living Shit Out Of Me” by @Mellow_Yellow on AO3. Surprisingly enough, it’s a Ian x Mickey Shameless AU that, as much as I’ve grown to despise what that show has become, I would gladly reread any time, because it is a literal work of art.

8. What’s something you’re looking forward to in the upcoming season of Shadowhunters?

Magnus’ intriguing storyline that we’ve been teased with a lot, more development for his character individually as well as regarding his relationship with Alec, more Downworlder politics hopefully, Maia being a season regular because I love her to death and whatever new VFX they have in store because they tend to step up their game every single time.

9. Can you give us a sneak peek to what you’re writing next? Or at least any hints to what’s to come?

I’m not working on any fan fiction at the moment and, since we’re on hiatus, it’s pretty hard for me to be inspired by anything, not to mention college is taking up most of my time and energy. I am working on something for my creative writing class though. It’s a very Poe-esque short story inspired by a really obnoxious bird that keeps knocking on my window every single day without fail. I took this real life event and put a dark and supernatural spin on it, something that I’ve noticed I tend to do with any original content that I write.

10. Do you have advice for anyone who might be interested in writing fan fiction?

Just write. Don’t be afraid that it’s not good, most of us start with really crappy works, but, as is the case with everything else, practice makes perfect. Another thing would be to actually read a lot of fan fiction, especially if you’re scared about characterisation, but remember that fanon is not canon, and fan fiction tends to distort our perception of certain characters and turn them into something they are not. And once you get used to it you start to believe that is who they are, when the reality is different. Most importantly, just have fun with it, because no one is paying you or making you do it for a grade. You’re writing because you want to and because you want to share it with other people who are just as passionate about it. And try not to get discouraged if you don’t get a lot of feedback right away. I assure you there are a lot of people out there who appreciate your work more than you think. Oh, and also don’t be problematic.

11. Do you have a writing playlist/do you listen to any music while writing? Why or why not?

I actually cannot write (or read) unless there is complete silence around me. However, when that is not the case and I still need to write, I like to drown out the background noise with classical music. I find it can be either soothing or extremely stimulating. I just look for 5 hour classical music compilations on YouTube and get to work.

[officialmaleclibrary]

This month we’re showcasing an author in the fandom who has written popular works such as Fall Without Wings and Celebrity!Magnus AU. Lu is on ao3 as vulturemonem and on tumblr as @notcrypticbutcoy, and we’d like to thank her once again for taking part in the OML author showcase! 

1) When did you start writing fics? Tell us a little of your journey as a fic writer.

WELL. The first fandom I was ever a part of was the HP fandom, a solid 7+ years ago now, and I found my feet in this tiny little niche part of it in the most obscure place. That was where I began, where I learnt about what fanfiction was, and it was honestly a journey from there. I’ve been part of some very questionable fandoms and writing communities (if you want the details you’ll have to hit me up lol). I found the TMI fandom in maybe 2012? It was right before the CoB film came out, and I’d been totally obsessed with the books, because there were actual LGBT+ characters??? Like what?? (Alec and Magnus were the first gay/bi characters I’d ever seen in a YA book. I was enamoured immediately. Forgive me.) And then the show came out, and was everything I’d hoped for and so much more, and the rest is history, as they say! 

2) What fic of yours are you most proud of and why?

The obvious answer here is to say Fall Without Wings, which has been more successful than I could ever have hoped for. I’ve put my heart and soul into that fic, and seeing other people loving it honestly means the world to me. The other fic I’d say I’m really proud of is the fic I wrote for Malec Week 2016, Day 3: AU Settings Day. You know when you sit down and write, and everything just spurts out and you read over it and you’re like, damn, did I actually write this?  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ That fic in a nutshell. I don’t know where it came from.

3) Who is your favorite character to write and why? Which character do you find the most challenging to write? 

Magnus and Alec are definitely my favourite characters to write, but for entirely conflicting reasons. Alec, because I relate to Alec on pretty much every level, and so I find him very easy to write, and it comes naturally, most of the time. And Magnus because he’s also, to answer the second part of the question, such a challenging character to get right. He’s centuries old, there are a million facets to his character, and there are so many things to consider when writing him. He’s experienced more than I could possibly imagine. He’s also in my top 5 favourite characters in anything, ever, so I’m especially driven to do him justice! 

Having said that, though, I think the hardest characters to write are those we’ve got less source material for, because I’m never totally sure whether I’ve got their characterisation right. Also, Clary, because she frequently frustrates me in canon, so I often find myself writing her a little differently in my fics. (Admittedly, she’s annoyed me less as the show has gone on. I have high hopes for season 3!)

4) What is the hardest part about being a fic author? The easiest?

Honestly, I think there are lots of hard things about being a fic author. One of the hardest things imo isn’t unique to fic writing, but is probably true of writing in general. When you put everything into writing something that you care about, it can be really hard to see it get torn down by hate comments - even just a couple. Consciously, you know that people who come into your inbox on anon spouting bullshit are just cowards, and that you shouldn’t take their words to heart, but sometimes people manage to hit you where it hurts. Some hate comments are just plain hilarious, but some of them can run around in your mind for a while.

The other hard thing is staring at your WIP wondering why the hell you can’t just write this damn thing already.

The easiest thing is definitely generating ideas! I get far too many to ever write! It’s hard to finish a fic, and it’s hard to stick to an update schedule, but it’s much too easy to come up with the ideas! 

5) What inspires you? Where do you find your muse?

Literally everything and anything. Songs are often a big inspiration to me, or random little things I see on TV, or chatting to other people in fandoms about headcanons or such. And even just life anecdotes. 

I’m a bit of a biology nerd, so I always think it’s really interesting to read about where creativity actually comes from. There’s science behind why I always get my best ideas in the shower or walking to the tube station on my morning commute – Google “brain idling” and have a read, if you’re interested! 

6) Do you write original content as well as fic? 

Absolutely! I haven’t shared any of it online, but I do, yes. Recently, I’ve had my free time slashed in half, so I’ve had to prioritise a little, but I do still write original things when I get the opportunity. At some point, when the time feels right and I’m satisfied with what I’ve written, I’d love to get something published, but I’m not in a hurry at the moment. My life needs to settle down a little bit first, but watch this space ;)

7) Do you have a favorite fic from another author?

Several!

- and my heart is set on you by ohprongs is definitely a tick-all-the-boxes fic for me, and is impossibly sweet with just the right amount of light angst dotted in - Traveler by bumblebeeskness is absolutely heartbreaking and hilarious in places and overall so beautiful it’ll make you cry - Set Me In Motion by lemonoclefox is another great one, with a perfect mix of angst and fluff, as well as some great tension, pining, and some brilliant cooking anecdotes - Also anything by Lecrit – yes please!!

8) What’s something you’re looking forward to in the upcoming season of Shadowhunters?

We’ve had hints that we might get to see some domestic malec, so that, of course! I’m also totally here for the Garrobane development we got last season, so more of that would be wonderful. And Sizzy?? If this Simon/Izzy slow burn is going to continue, sign me up. I think Em and Alberto are doing a great job with their relationship! (Although I am surprisingly conflicted, because I’ve enjoyed Simon/Maia more than I expected to, considering I was fairly apathetic to their relationship pre-show…)

9) Can you give us a sneak peek to what you’re writing next? Or at least any hints to what’s to come?

I’m currently continuing Fall Without Wings as my main project, and I go back to dabble in my celeb!Magnus&cop!Alec AU now and then. Once I’ve finished FWW, I’ve got a super-secret (I’m kidding) multi-chap WIP that I started and have abandoned, so I’m hoping to finish that. I’ve also got two multi-chap AUs planned as full-time projects to start after FWW is done. (See, ideas?? Too many!!)

10) Do you have advice for anyone who might be interested in writing fan fiction?

Honestly, just go for it. If you want to start writing in the hope of someday getting published, fanfic is a great place to start. If you want to write fanfic just because, then there’s nothing stopping you! There are two things I always recommend to people who want to write, in any way, and that’s 1) read as much and as widely as you possibly can, and 2) practise until your fingers fall off! (Not literally, but you know what I mean!)

11) Do you prefer to write in AU verse or canon verse? Why?

I’ve got to be honest, I prefer AU verses, both writing and reading. There’s much more freedom in an AU. You don’t get people in the comments picking apart little details you’ve changed, and you don’t have stupid plot lines/silly world rules you didn’t like in canon that you’re supposed to take note of. I find there’s more fun to be had in a good AU. Even if you’re just tweaking things a little bit here and there to change the backstory, I prefer it to writing in strict canon.

[officialmaleclibrary]

This month we’re showcasing an author in the fandom who has written popular works such as Quite magical and A promise of forever. Pat is on ao3 as WendigoBaby and on tumblr as @maghnvsbane, and we’d like to thank her once again for taking part in the OML author showcase! 

1. When did you start writing fics? Tell us a little of your journey as a fic writer.

I believe I was 13 when I wrote my first ever piece of fiction (a really bad story about a lady assassin able to turn into a panther, don’t even ask) and it snowballed from there. For two or three years I used to do fics for this French cartoon called Code Lyoko, before moving to original stuff - it was a great exercise for keeping personalities and plot consistent, while also dabbling in character design. Then forth came Shadowhunters and I fell so hard for this show, that I’ve been stuck writing for it almost exclusively since the end of season one, with a small phase dedicated to The Raven Cycle.

2. What fic of yours are you most proud of and why?

My Simple blessings piece holds a special place in my heart, as I’ve poured a lot of emotion into it; the relief related to being able to love and be loved in return, the joy of domesticity and the intrinsic beauty of the world (or maybe I just love waxing poetic). The other one I’m proud of from a more practical standpoint is fire & gasoline; describing fighting is always a bit of a challenge, because you have to imagine all of the movements and stitch them all together into something that flows and reads comfortably, allowing the reader to imagine it all in their head. With that fic I feel like managed that quite decently and I'm proud of it.

3. Who is your favorite character to write and why? Which character do you find the most challenging to write?

My favourite is definitely Alec, since I relate to him in many aspects, both life and personality-wise: we’re both perfectionists, a little closed off and wary of newcomers, but tender and with a lot of love to give beneath a hard shell. Also we both love Magnus Bane, so there’s that. On the other hand, I feel like Simon is the most challenging one and it may be a strange answer, but his kindness and his specific kind of rambling, pop culture-related humour is hard to capture for someone more quiet like me.

4. What is the hardest part about being a fic author? The easiest?

Starting the fic and then bringing it to the finish line, definitely - the longer I work on a piece, the more doubts I get whether the idea is even worth the effort. Probably because the more I read over the same sentences, the more predictable they get and start to feel like boring writing, even when it’s only in my own head. I also get distracted fairly frequently by new concepts, which ends with me surrounded by half-finished fics that gather dust on my desktop. The easiest? Getting an idea - inspiration comes from anywhere and with time I start to hoard these little thoughts that one day may be born into full blown pieces - sometimes all it takes is half a sentence heard in a grocery store two aisles over.

5. What inspires you? Where do you find your muse?

Anywhere and everywhere, but most often from songs and aesthetic pictures I come across on tumblr. Other than that, it's movies, tv shows, video games, real-life conversations or even random things I dreamed about (although those tend to get a little strange and I don’t think should be turned into fanfiction).

6. How do you power through writer’s block?

I cry. No, to be honest, I just try to keep going. I write the most awful, kitschy sentences imagined and yell (complain and whine, more like) about them to my friends until it gets easier and my creativity flows again. If that doesn’t work, then I let myself take a day off, go outside, do something with my family or friends, or just start something new because pushing too hard for will just make everything  worse. Consuming new media also helps - going to the cinema, reading poetry or books, listening to music you'd never think you'd enjoy, anything to widen the horizon of your imagination and get yourself out of your comfort zone.

7. Do you have a favorite fic from another author?

Oh gosh, so many! Some Kind of Wonderful by magnusragnor/@magnusragnor (the best lifeguard au i’ve read ever, well-paced and characterized, I fell in love immediately and it’s one of the first fics that comes to my mind when someone asks for recommendations), and my heart is set on you, plus all of the single parent aus by @lightwoodlesbians /ohprongs (Charley has one of the most incredible styles with great natural humour and in-character writing; she is also one of the only people who can make me like children in fics), hold on to me (cause i’m a little unsteady) by ceciwrites/@daddariossmile (this just stuck with me, the soft way they interact, the whole concept of skating the way it’s used here, 10/10) and Appassionato by Chonideno (this moved me on a deeper level, the love of music included in this, passion written into every word, the original take on the concept of a first meeting, I love it all).

8. What’s something you’re looking forward to in season three of Shadowhunters?

As for Magnus and Alec, I’d love to see them have more conversations about the differences between them without death in the form of Valentine looming over their heads, as well as more casual intimacy and domesticity (hand holding, hello kisses, more hugs, a training scene, I’ll take anything). We’ve got a taste of Battle Couple, which I hope is just an introduction to more great scenes with them as a team. In general, I’m looking forward to Luke’s conflict with nosy Ollie (plus his hot date with Maryse) and more backstory on our favorite Downworlders - Simon and how he’ll get out of the Seelie Queen’s grasp, Maia’s and Bat’s growing connection. I miss this show already, I want to know everything!

9. Can you give us a sneak peek to what you’re writing next? Or at least any hints to what’s to come?

I tend to jump between ideas quite a lot and I like keeping them under wraps, so no sneak peeks from me! But as I’m looking at my to-write list, I can tell you to expect more domesticity, more canon fics with a sprinkle of aus and/or meet-cutes. The one I’m working on right now involves immortal husbands, pretty countrysides and a title inspired by one specific French song, maybe you can even guess which one it is?

10. Do you have advice for anyone who might be interested in writing fan fiction?

First - don't be afraid to start and second - keep going even if you don't feel like it. Writing good fan fiction takes a lot of trial and error as well as practice. My first fics were all around awkwardly written and as I continued with different ideas, I did get better. When it comes to finding the right balance for characters, it's good to read well-characterized fic from other writers plus meta posts as those tend to give an explained look into the character's personality. And if you're not sure about something, don't hesitate to ask others, just don't give up.

11. Does having English as a second language challenge you as a writer?

In some ways, yes. Although since I’ve been using English for about sixteen years of my life, it’s become almost like an extension of my thoughts. That doesn’t mean I don’t get things wrong, because I do, mostly in the department of grammar (all those pesky rules). Some words or expressions don’t translate well (or even don’t exist) in both languages, so as someone bilingual I have to maneuver my way around those obstacles either by looking through a thesaurus or a dictionary (I always have those two open when I write). Yet, beside grammatical nuances, strange expressions that make no sense when translated from Polish, and confusing words, the worst thing about being bilingual is forgetting the word I want to use in both languages at once. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy!

[officialmaleclibrary]

This month we’re showcasing an author in the fandom who has written popular works such as Written in the Stars and hold on to me (cause i’m a little unsteady). Ceci is on ao3 as ceciwrites and on tumblr as @daddariossmile, and we’d like to thank her once again for taking part in the OML author showcase! 

1. When did you start writing fics? Tell us a little of your journey as a fic writer. 

I dabbled a little in fic writing when I was about 14 (in 2009), I think? But it never came to more than a few pages and I never finished or shared any of it. So I’ve always had a lot of ideas for the various fandoms I’ve been in, but it wasn’t until I started interacting with other fans in the Shadowhunters fandom last autumn that I really started writing.

2. What fic of yours are you most proud of and why?

I’d say it’s a tie between keeping you with me and Merry Christmas, Doctor Lightwood. The first because it felt like something important and real, something I had to get out there after episode 2x12, and the latter because it’s my first longer fic and I’m still very happy with how it turned out.

3. Who is your favorite character to write and why? Which character do you find the most challenging to write? 

I’d say that Alec is probably my favourite to write. I see a lot of myself in him, and I love working out the different details about him and the reasons behind his actions in different scenarios and in different parts of his life. I think Magnus is the most challenging. He’s a very complex character, and no matter how well you think you know him, how can you ever 100% put yourself in the place of someone who’s lived for such a long time? Even in AUs, I feel like it’s hard to capture, and it’s something I spend a lot of time thinking about when I write.

4. What is the hardest part about being a fic author? The easiest?

The easiest part is definitely getting the ideas, sometimes a little too easy, especially when you get 10 new ideas in the time it takes to write a fic. The hardest part, I think, is to not be too discouraged by lack of comments or notes on your fic, or the occasional ‘more please’, when you have put a lot of thought and time into making it just right.

5. What inspires you? Where do you find your muse?

Anything and everything. Movies, books, other fics, tumblr posts, songs, especially songs. I draw a lot of inspiration from real life as well. Literally any situation I find myself in (often boring family events, or other kinds of gatherings) makes me go ‘how could I turn this situation into some cute fic?’

6. How do you power through writer’s block?

Either I try to write some headcanons instead, something a bit messier and often incoherent, or I’ll talk about fic ideas with other people. If none of that gets me going then I try and release my creativity elsewhere, often by making moodboards.

7. Do you have a favorite fic from another author?

I have a lot of favourites; one shots, multi-chaps, series. Some of them I come back to again and again, mostly the happier ones, some of them I’ve only read once, but they have all left an impression. One fic series in particular is and and my heart is set on you by ohprongs, which left me speechless and very melancholic, and is fic that I still think about frequently, even though it’s been almost 3 months since I read it. And just because I can, I’m going to add a second one, which is Some Kind Of Wonderful by magnusragnor - a happy, fun, summerly, and exciting fic that leaves you in a wonderful mood.

8. What’s something you’re looking forward to in the upcoming season of Shadowhunters?

Well, since it doesn’t seem like we’re gonna get a lot of happiness and fluff in the last two episodes, I’m really looking forward to the action. I can’t wait to see everyone kicking ass! Oh, and we’re finally going to meet Catarina, which I’m super excited about!!!

9. Can you give us a sneak peek to what you’re writing next? Or at least any hints to what’s to come?

I’m currently working on a few secret things, including my gift for the SH Summer Gift Exchange. Then in a few weeks, when the hiatus starts and SHAUMondays are back, I’m definitely gonna write something for that as well. More specifically, there’s should be some cooking, some bookshop, and a little sequel for my HP AU on the way.

10. Do you have advice for anyone who might be interested in writing fan fiction?

Do it. If you have ideas, if you think it’ll be fun, do it. It might be a bit daunting at first, especially if you haven’t written before, and you see all these people who have been writing for half of their lives, but for me it has really been worth it. Try not to compare your writing to other people’s too much, but use it as a way of finding your own style and what works for you. I find that talking to other people about ideas or fics you are in the middle of writing, it can both be motivation and a good way to collect your thought about what you want to do into something coherent that you can put down on paper. And don’t be afraid to ask questions! I’m sure most fic writers are more than happy to answer any question you might have, if you ask nicely.

11. What are your top three favorite quotes? 

“It may very well be that tomorrow will bring nothing new. But someday soon, tomorrow will change your life.” - Unknown “Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it.” - Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows “What are men to rocks and mountains?” - Elizabeth Bennett, Pride & Prejudice

[officialmaleclibrary]

This month we’re showcasing an author in the fandom who has written popular works such as Asunder and The Lightwood-Bane Saga. Edin is on ao3 as SalazarTipton and on tumblr as achilleanragnor, and we’d like to thank him once again for taking part in the OML author showcase! 

When did you start writing fics? Tell us a little of your journey as a fic writer.

I’m not even sure when I started writing fics anymore; it’s been so long. I distinctly remember watching an episode of Roswell air - in the year 2000, mind you - and afterward going to my room to rewrite a scene I thought should have gone another way. So, I’ve been writing for quite some time now - even before I knew what fan fiction was. I think I started seriously writing fics regularly when I was in high school, so about eight years ago.

What fic of yours are you most proud of and why?

Asunder, most definitely. I started getting ideas for that fic even before I started watching Shadowhunters. I kept seeing snippets of the show and the books on my dash and the ideas started pouring in. Within a few days, the first Malec kiss happened and I started watching the show. Not long after I already had the first chapter up and started getting the best response I’ve ever received on a piece of mine. I adore Asunder because of the challenge with writing time travel and keeping the time lines straight and easy to understand. It’s also my biggest undertaking in a fic up to this point. When it’s all finished, I’m scared to know what the word count will be, but it keeps me motivated. I think Asunder just reminds me of how far I’ve come as a writer and part of fandom, and continues to show me how much more I'm capable of.

Who is your favorite character to write and why? Which character do you find the most challenging to write?

For me, Simon is the easiest because he and I have a lot of things in common. The nerdiness, the pop culture references, the snark, the awkwardness--it all basically writes itself for me. He’s so interesting as a character with so many layers to explore. Clary is actually the hardest character that I’ve found so far for me to write. She’s the main character, yet I have such a difficult time grasping her essence. I could just be overthinking what she should be, though. I want to be able to do every character I write justice, so I tend to avoid her.

What is the hardest part about being a fic author? The easiest?

The hardest part has to be the lack of support and constructive feedback from readers. Here on Tumblr, I rarely post because I know there won’t be much response. On ao3, I’ll get hits, but no where near as many kudos. There are so few comments, most of which are a word or two such as ‘more please.’ As a writer, it’s so hard to keep going and putting so much time and energy into these stories when I can’t really tell if people enjoy them or not. It’s so difficult to keep up the motivation. Coming up with ideas is the easiest part for me, hands down. I actually have a major problem where I come up with more ideas than I can keep up with. My WIP list is over twenty deep right now, and my to-write list is unfathomable.

What inspires you? Where do you find your muse?

Lately, a lot of inspiration has come from my friends and fellow writers. Getting to discuss characters, plot, AUs, and so on every single day with people I consider to be major parts of my life inspires me to write and come up with new ideas. I know that these people will appreciate what I’m able to create and give me the type of feedback I crave. I want to surprise them with what I can do and help provide some of what they wish fandom would have more of. They are the heart and soul of my writing.

How do you power through writer’s block?

I go through phases of what works for me to get myself writing when it seems impossible. I use apps such as Cold Turkey where it locks my computer so all I can do is write, and my work won’t be saved until I reach my time or word goal. Talking my hurdles out with my friends also helps me overcome the reason I’m having trouble writing. If nothing else works, I move onto another fandom and come back when I’m in the right mindset for what I was trying to write in the first place.

Do you have a favorite fic from another author?

Oh gosh. This fandom has some incredibly talented writers in it. When I first joined the fandom, I read every single fic there was in the TV show tag on ao3, so picking a favorite is difficult and would probably change each time I’m asked. This time around, I’ll say Angel’s Treasure by msalexiscriss.

What’s something you’re looking forward to in the upcoming season of Shadowhunters?

I’m excited to see the different cultures within the Shadow World be developed further. We’ve seen small pieces of how the Shadowhunters go about their lives, but I can’t wait to see more about different Downworlder ways.

Can you give us a sneak peek to what you’re writing next? Or at least any hints to what’s to come?

Of course, I always hope to finish up the WIPs I have on my ao3 right now. One thing I know will be coming is an Alec-centric college au where he works in the library and becomes friends with Cat, who works in the cafe. The idea started from a prompt that I answered here, but it’s currently being fledged into its own, full-sized fic.

Do you have advice for anyone who might be interested in writing fan fiction?

Just go for it. No matter what you write, we all started somewhere and I’m pretty sure that place involved at least writing down a word or two. If you’re unsure, tell yourself that this can be just for you. You don’t have to publish it anywhere, or let a single other soul know that you’ve written it. You could even post it anonymously on ao3 (or somewhere else) and ask for feedback. If you don’t get started now, when will you?

If you could go back and change/rewrite/rework one of your fics, which would it be and why?

Wing Man. When I was first writing it, I had ideas to turn it into a multichapter piece with so many ideas, but in the end I just put up the first portion and let all those other ideas trickle down to the bottom of my docs list. It has so much potential that I could tap into, but I’m spread out enough as it is. Maybe someday when I finally finish Asunder or something I’ll make it happen.