We’re excited to introduce the authors and artists who will have signed up for this event! Stay tuned in September, and make sure to give them lots of love.
How long have you been involved in fandom? Five years! I can scarcely believe it!
What draws you to this event? I come from a family of history buffs, and historical romance is one of my favorite genres.
Do you have a favorite historical period to learn or read about? It sounds so cheesy to say I read a lot of regency era books and westerns, but I do. I also am really interested in the 40s and 50s. The fashions of that era are so fun! On a more serious note, reading of the lives of ordinary people who survived Europe in World War II are really inspiring though sad. I used to read a lot of Holocaust books, but I got to the point where it was too much. The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom is one of my all time favorite books, though. (I know that isn't fiction, but it's a great book!)
Why do you like historical fics? I think it's so fun to imagine Captain Swan in a different era. How would they fit into that different social setting, yet still retain their unique personalities? I think it's easier with Killian because he already is so old-fashioned, but with Emma it challenges me as a writer. How would her personality come across in a time where women weren't supposed to act like the Emma Swan we all know and love? When I read a fic that does it well, it's so fascinating, and I've read a lot of great ones!
What is the inspiration behind your story? My original inspiration was the "sexy ice man" picture that was making the rounds on Tumblr a few months ago. I put Killian (the sexy ice man, naturally) and Emma (the dissatisfied housewife) in the Dust Bowl of the Great Depression in Oklahoma.
Do you have a sneak preview or summary you’d like to share?
The sun rose hot and fast over the Oklahoma panhandle, baking the barren ground with its scorching heat. Despite the heavy curtains and the whirring of the electric fan by the bed, Emma woke up flushed and sticky. The Oklahoma sun accomplished what the man who shared her bed never could.
Neal groaned as he rolled out of bed. Every night, Emma inched farther and farther away from him. Instead of asking why, he simply took advantage, sprawling out in the empty space, loud snores quickly falling from his open mouth.
Emma’s leg slipped from beneath the covers, and she relished the air from the fan. It only lasted a moment, however, and then she was hot again. Neal ignored her as he went about his morning routine: washing his face, shaving, then slapping on some aftershave before getting dressed in the only suit he had left. She used to ask where he was going, now she no longer bothered.
“Love you,” he said as he adjusted his tie. He brushed a dry kiss across her lips, then grabbed his suit coat.
“Love you too,” she lied, just like every other day.
A sexy ice man sounds just the ticket in this summer heat. What a great prompt, @searchingwardrobes!
Her fic will be dropping on Thursday, September 23rd.
Today I saw my husband after he'd been out of town for three days, and the first thing I said to him was: "What are you wearing?" Followed by, "Oh, and I love you, and I missed you, just . . . What are you wearing?" And I don't know why, but I thought to myself, "Laura would totally write a scene like that and somehow make it romantic." So I just had to tell you that. 🥰
Oh gosh, I have meant to reply to this forever and I am sorry I kept dropping the metaphorical ball on that front. But! This is very sweet! You are very sweet! I enjoyed reading this very sweet message! Thank you for the very sweet message!
(and for thinking of me writing romance. i'd love to write romance again. when will the time return? or the motivation? who can say? certainly not me.)
I have mentioned before that reading Captain Swan fics has kept me going through this pandemic and has lightened my mood through the election. I thought I would take a moment to mention some of my favorite completed AU fics.
I have to really thank all the lovely fic writers on this list for continuing to write about this beautiful couple long after the show has left the air. As a former Glee Fanfiction writer, I know the struggle of getting in the chapters, waiting for comments, and hoping with that sick feeling in your gut that people will like it. These writers are very lovely and have created great stories that I have loved reading!
I will work on my WIP list later on but wanted to start with my favorites that are completed stories!
Completed Modern AU
These Nights Never Seem To Go To Plan
Author: stophookingatmeswan
Summary: When Emma Swan meets Killian Jones, he's a mix of sass, sex and hot mess. As their lives start to intertwine professionally, they're drawn together personally but their pasts keep getting in the way. A Captain Swan Police AU.
Completed: 2016-12-089
Chapters: 21
An Inconceivable Secret
Author: itssarahndipity
Summary: Ten years after giving away her illegitimate son, Emma Swan feels unexpectedly ready to be a mother. Little does she know she’ll soon meet her chosen sperm donor and quite possibly fall in love with him. Of course, why bother telling him she’s pregnant with his child? That would complicate things, surely…
Completed: 2018-10-03
Chapters: 21
your case or mine
Author: miamoretti
Summary: Detective Emma Swan is one of Boston Homicide's finest. Killian Jones is head of the FBI team who swoops in to take jurisdiction when multiple homicides sharing similarities with her current case pop up out of state. But they'll have to learn to work together to lure out their killer when they're required to go undercover. As a married couple. CS Cops/Undercover/Fake Marriage AU.
Completed: 2020-08-15
Chapters: 30
your wonder under summer skies
Author: LetItRaines
Summary: Summer in Storybrooke, Maine means one thing for its residents: tourist season. This year, for Emma Swan and Killian Jones, it means relationships ending and friendships changing all the while they attempt to figure out just what their relationship is. It’s somewhere straddling the line between friends and lovers, and there’s no guarantee of a soft landing if they fall into new territory.
Completed: 2020-06-04
Chapters: 18
The Naked Truth
Author: brooke2broch
Summary: Captain Swan AU. Emma Swan, investigative reporter for the Globe, has arrived in Storybrooke, Maine, in the middle of a heat wave to do an undercover exposé on small town political corruption. The temperature gets even hotter when she meets the dashing mayor — and subject of her story — Killian Jones. When his political rival Regina Mills sets Emma to the task of finding the truth, she unwittingly puts her in the path of something darker and more dangerous than anyone ever expected. Although Emma has been in sticky situations before, something about this town, her newfound friends, and the confounding mayor have her edgy. Because for once in her life, Emma may have found something worth staying for.
Completed: 2020-11-27
Chapters: 23
With You I Have Everything
Author: OnceuponaSwan
Summary: Emma Swan is looking to start over with her son Henry. Boston seemed as good of a place as any to escape her ex-boyfriend. After receiving an officer job at the Boston PD, she feels drawn to the police chief, Killian Jones. Both too stubborn and broken, they embark on a romance that can only get trickier as the secret gets out.
Completed: 2017-09-18
Chapters: 17
The Convenient Groom
Author: searchingwardrobes
Summary: Killian Jones just happens to be there when Emma Swan gets the phone call that changes everything: her fiance is leaving her at the altar. The thing is, it also could mean the end of her career. Convenient that Killian has nothing better to do that day. Convenient that he’s secretly in love with her. Not that Emma has to know that.
Completed: 2020-01-18
Chapters: 14
Dark Gray
Author: colormyheartred
Summary: Killian Jones operates a lighthouse in the middle of nowhere, preferring a life of isolation, until one day a woman and a baby wash up on his little island and change his life forever.
Completed: 2020-10-01
Chapters: 18
Devastation and Healing
Author: Jrob64
Summary: Sergeant Killian Jones has had more than his share of tragedy in his life. When he’s injured in an IED explosion, he’s assigned to a physical therapist named Emma Swan. While she tries to help him heal physically, can they help each other heal emotionally?
Completed: 2020-08-28
Chapters: 24
Catch Me If You Can
Author: LetItRaines
Summary: 298 days. That’s how long Killian Jones was away from a baseball field. It’s less than a year, only part of a season for him, but it might as well have lasted a decade as he alternated between physical therapy and spending an excessive amount of time sitting on his couch.
But then he came back and won the World Series.
It’s something no one saw coming, and it’s certainly not something anyone who knows about his arm would predict. Now it’s a new season with new possibilities, and anything could happen. On-field reporter Emma Swan will be there to cover it all even if she is not his biggest fan right now.
Asking her out live on-air will do that.
Completed: 2020-01-29
Chapters: 40
Completed AU
A change in the wind
Author:
nowforruin
Summary: As Emma’s twenty-eighth birthday approaches and Henry becomes more and more distant, Regina decides trusting in her wicked abilities will no longer do – Emma Swan must be stopped from ever reaching Storybrooke. Lucky for her, a certain pirate would do just about anything for revenge. AU, Captain Swan.
Completed: 2015-04-12
Chapters: 24
Strangeness and Charm
Author: bluestoplights
Summary: Killian Jones is a pirate captain down on his luck after a falling out with the Evil Queen. Emma Swan just found out she is the Savior. Their shared goals bring them on an epic quest to liberate the kingdom once and for all. It's a lot easier said than done.
Completed: 2016-07-28
Chapters: 24
The Princess and the Pirate
Author: riddler42
Summary: When the notorious Captain Hook returns to the seas of Misthaven, Emma Swan - personal bounty hunter of Queen Snow and Prince Charming - takes it upon herself to hunt him down. She soon discovers, however, that she's not the only one. They must work together to escape their mutual enemies, but can they learn to trust one another before it's too late?
Completed: 2015-06-28
Chapters: 22
Their Way By Moonlight
Author: profdanglais
Summary: A new curse has fallen on Storybrooke and this time Emma is trapped inside it, deliberately separated from Henry and anyone else who might help her break it. But what no one knows –including her own cursed self– is that she and Killian have the ability to share their dreams, and are working together in secret to find a way to break the curse and rescue the town from a new and dangerous foe.
Completed: 2019-02-05
Chapters: 20
Walk With Me (I Think We'll Find A Way)
Author: Elizabeethan
Summary: Killian Jones travels across realms to find Emma and Henry in New York after receiving an anonymous message about a new curse. When he finally tracks her down, he makes a bold move and greets her at her front door, but before he can even attempt to convince her to come back to Storybrooke with him, he’s met with a surprise that will change his life.
Hello all! This story was written for the lovely amazing @searchingwardrobes for her birthday.
Story beta-ed by @ultraluckycatnd
FFN
AO3
Killian finds his way back to Granny's. The encounter with the three men has left him even more curious about Emma. She must be a special lass to have the attention and affection of so many men. Either that, or she was a siren, or perhaps she has bewitched them.
Killian is a perceptive man and he has a feeling in his gut that something is off. He had considered asking the men about Emma, but they had their hands full with their own issues.
Emma and the girls had finished practicing at the Blanchards’. Mary Margaret had gotten a call from David and they were getting all lovey-dovey. Emma left so they could have privacy, because there were things she never wanted to know about her brother.
She sits down on an old swing just taking in the scenery. She is having so much fun being Leo. She feels free; she doesn't have to be herself. Sometimes, the pressure from her family gets to her. David is the golden son. He is perfect and once he marries MM, his approval rate will be even higher. David’s currently away completing his training to be a Deputy Sheriff. That was one of the reasons she had agreed to date Sheriff Humbert, but that had not worked out. She knows the good Sheriff still has hope that she will come to her senses and give him another chance, but that is very unlikely. She misses both of her brothers and she hates feeling jealous of her brother James. She is so much more like him than David. She hopes to someday flee the little town just as he had. Small town, big hell. Her brother had craved to go out and conquer the world, so he left them behind and occasionally checked in, mostly with David; it must be a twin thing.
Then her thoughts traveled to Jones. She still has no idea why she flaked the moment she met him and gave him a fake identity. Once she realized who he was and why he was in town, she should have come clean and confessed, but her embarrassment clouded her mind. That, and he has very pretty eyes and luscious lips. She had gotten distracted by his looks. She has met good-looking men before, but there is something different about him. Maybe it was the fact that he appears to be well-traveled and experienced. She looks down at her watch. Perhaps if she goes home and changes quickly, she can finally apologize to him for making him travel to Storybrooke because of her dumb luck.
Killian was about to get ready for bed. His time in Storybrooke was coming to an end soon. Part of him is saddened by the thought, and the other part is upset because it appears Emma Nolan will remain a mystery. That thought surprisingly makes his heart hurt. There’s a soft knock on his door, one he almost misses. He can't imagine who it could be. The only people that know of him in the small town are the Nolan siblings. He opens the door and the first thing he sees is the most vibrant green orbs he had ever laid his eyes on. Long blonde wavy hair, with a dimpled chin graced by a hesitant smile on red full lips. He has seen many beautiful women in his life, but this one renders him speechless.
"Hello, I'm Emma Nolan." She pauses for a second. "Leo, my brother, passed on your message. I'm sorry you had to travel so far because of my very idiotic lack of attention. I was supposed to send an invitation to your family, not to cause any trouble. I'm sorry about Miss Blue as well. She can be difficult, but she meant no harm."
Killian raises his hand to pause her ramblings. "Lass, I'm sure it was an accident. However, my brother lacks any sense of humor. He is very uptight and an overbearing arse. Would you like to come in?"
Emma looks behind him and blushes as she notices the bed is ready for him. "Oh, no thank you. I just wanted to apologize in person. Leo said you were very nice, and I’ve been busy with school, and I wanted to come by earlier. I did, but I kept missing you."
"It's no problem. I'm sorry we had missed each other." He scratches behind his ear. "I stopped by your home earlier to chat with your brother, but I was told he wasn't home."
"Oh, yeah, did you want me to let him know?" Emma asks.
"Well, I would love to see him before I leave."
"Are you leaving so soon?"
He smiles. "I will be departing the enchanting town of Storybrooke in a couple of days. I just wanted to thank him for being so helpful."
She nods. "I will let him know." She winces. "I hate to ask, but would you please reconsider not withdrawing the support your family offers the school in donations because of my fault? That would help me avoid Miss Blue's bad side," she says as she works her bottom lip nervously.
He laughs and shakes his head. "Emma, I didn't mean it. I was upset and my mum would roll in her grave. She loved the school and this town."
"Oh, thank you. I already get on Miss Blue's bad side enough. I didn't need another way for her to be on my case. Thanks again. I will let Leo know and I'll let you rest. Goodnight Mr. Jones," Emma says as she turns to leave.
"Love, you can call me Killian." His bright smile makes her heart flutter.
Killian's final days in the small town his mother had grown up and left behind are spent with Emma Nolan showing him around in her free time. He is mesmerized by the beautiful lass and her free spirit which reminds him of his long-lost mum.
The night before he is set to depart, they spend it talking in his room with some room service and a subtle wink from Ruby in Emma’s direction.
“May I ask you a question, lass?” Killian asks as he is taking a bite of his grilled cheese sandwich, one he got at her recommendation.
“Sure, and you can call me Emma. I mean, you had to travel so far because of my fault,” she answers with a smile as she takes a bite of her fish and chips.
“Why write the letter?” He looks at her with curiosity.
She sighs. “I was thinking of the ideal man for me and for a brief moment, I had found him, but he was away from me.” She looks at him and shrugs.
He scratches behind his ear. “You are a beautiful lass and are clearly not lacking suitors.”
Emma looked at him with a high brow and tilt of the head. “Suitors?”
“Oh yes, a few nights ago, I went to your home to find your brother but instead, met three men outside arguing over you.”
Emma blushes profusely. “Ohh! But to get back to your question, I have yet to find such a man. I want something that seems to be unrealistic. Look, I have a pretty good idea of who you met. Each of those men has a quality I want, but not one of them has them all.”
He nods. “Emma, what are you looking for?” he asks curiously.
“I want… a man that will put the extra effort for me; that he lets it show I’m worth fighting for. He will be my best friend. We would be kindred spirits, open books. He will be romantic and full of passion. He will be mature and knows what he wants, and he won’t play games. He will be an adventurer and fun.”
“There’s nothing wrong with knowing what you want,” he says.
“What about you?” She asks because she’s curious, and perhaps a part of her is hoping she has some of the qualities he is looking for.
He looks away from her for a second. “To be honest, I hadn’t thought about it in quite some time. In my younger days, I wanted a lot of the same qualities you do.” He cringes as he realizes that Milah is nothing like what he had pictured himself with in his youth.
Emma notices the change in him. “What’s wrong?”
“I just realized how much my fiance lacks those qualities. Don’t misunderstand me, she is not a completely horrid person, but she is not always the easiest person to deal with.”
Emma’s heart sinks at his mention of the fiance. “Oh, I’m sure she isn’t that bad if she managed to get you.”
“To be honest, we fell into the engagement because it seemed like the logical next step in our relationship.”
“But you must love her?” Emma asks.
Their food is long forgotten.
“I just figured that true love wasn’t in the cards for me but--” He pauses for a second. “Perhaps we should change the subject.” He can’t let his mind wander into that territory.
Emma agrees and their conversation returns to Killian hearing stories shared by Ruth about Alice. They laugh at their mothers’ antics. Soon the night comes and their time together ends as they part reluctantly, both upset at the fact that they will most likely never see each other again. As a last attempt to keep a connection with Killian, Emma reminds him that he and his brother are invited to the annual play production. He smiles and nods.
After leaving Killian’s door, Emma sits down at the diner. She asks Granny for a hot chocolate with whipped cream and cinnamon; she needs the little pick me up.
Ruby comes out of the kitchen with the cup for Emma and sits next to her. “Hey, stranger! So you have to tell me, how was he?”
Emma turns to Ruby confused. “Wait, what?”
“The hottie. You have been spending all your time with him for the last 48 hours or so and he is hot!” Ruby says as if it was the obvious conclusion.
“Nothing like that happened. Rubes, he is engaged.” Emma scoffs as she rolls her eyes.
“Oh, I’m sorry honey. I know you like him.” Ruby scoots closer and hugs her friend.
Emma sighs. “I didn’t even tell him the truth about Leo . I wanted to, but he had been so nice to me already. I don’t know, I just didn’t want him to not want to spend time with me. Oh my God, Ruby I’m horrible!”
“Ems, you are not horrible. I think you might have met your match, though.”
“Okay, let’s say you are right. What does that mean for me? He is getting married. He is going home to her .” Emma puts her cup down and gets up to leave the diner.
Once Killian finally arrives back home, he explains to Liam that the letter they received was all a simple misunderstanding. Liam asks if it was all a simple misunderstanding, then why did he take so long to come back. Killian simply answers that he wanted the connection to their mother to last longer, which is something that Liam can completely understand.
Milah was a different story. She was not happy with his absence, and made him aware of it. As she talks about wedding plans and how grandiose the wedding is going to be, he can’t help but feel his stomach drop at the thought of spending the rest of his life with her.
Liam has noticed a change in his brother since coming back from Storybrooke several weeks ago; the way Killian cringes when Milah touches him, or tries to show any form of affection. So he decides to confront him about the change in behavior on a night when they are enjoying a night out together.
“Brother, may I ask you something?” Liam asks as they sit down to have a drink.
Killian smiles. “Aye, what is it?”
“Since your return, you have been acting strangely. You seem distant all the time, but it’s much worse when you are with Milah. I don’t know how she can be so oblivious,” Liam says.
“I’m not acting any different. Liam, I honestly don’t know what you are getting at,” Killian says defiantly.
“Brother, you might be able to lie to that strumpet you are to marry, but not to me. I know you and I know for a fact there’s something wrong, and I have a strong feeling it has to do with that letter and the lass that wrote it.” Liam states and sighs. “Remember that a man unwilling to fight for what he wants, deserves what he gets .”
Killian stares incredibly at his brother. “What are you saying?”
“Isn't it obvious? End your relationship with Milah and go after your girl!” Liam says smiling.
Killian doesn’t think twice and goes to face Milah.
The conversation consists of Milah yelling and throwing things at him once he said the words: It’s over. I just don’t love you.
In Storybrooke, Emma has talked to her suitors to let them know that there is no chance in them ever working out. She has decided that after school ended, she will take a break and travel. She didn’t need a man to be happy, and needs to get out of the small town.
On the day of the play, her nerves start to get the best of her. Part of her hopes for a miracle that perhaps Killian will take her up on her invitation.
Miss Blue has been pleasantly surprised at the creativity of the girls and after Emma had informed her that the Jones donation was going to continue, she calmed down.
On his flight back, Killian can't contain his excitement, but he feels a moment of panic and uncertainty. What if she doesn't feel the same? He has replayed their interactions over and over again in his mind since the engagement with Milah was called off. He is certain that Emma feels the same way towards him. Their conversation about their ideal mate makes him think she does. It’s a risk, but she is worth it. He will win her over no matter how long it takes.
Once his plane descends into Logan Airport, his nerves pick up again. He feels like a bloody schoolboy. He has decided to stay in Boston and then drive to Storybrooke the night of the play to surprise her. He has a feeling that if he were to stay at Granny's, his presence will not remain a secret for long.
He had been doing some shopping when he spotted the perfect dress for her. It was a pale pink dress with a bodice that would hug her curves and the neckline would give a tasteful, yet modest, view of what was hidden underneath. He just knows he has to get it for her.
The day of the play, he arrives a tad late in hopes to stay hidden in the shadows to properly surprise her. The production is in full swing and his eyes find his friend Leo and smiles fondly. It had been obvious that the school went to great lengths to provide an exceptional performance. After the final curtain, Killian finds his way backstage where a stunned Ruby greeted him with a wide smile.
"Hello, lass. I'm looking for--" Killian is interrupted by the girl.
"Oh, you're here! I know why you are here, just head to the last room in the hall." She smiles and winks at him.
Killian follows her instructions. He knocks softly and opens the door once he hears the familiar voice telling him to enter. He looks around and notices the stalls used to change outfits. He approaches the closed stall.
Killian starts talking, "I couldn't possibly miss this production."
Emma stops dressing on the other side of the stall, her heart beating so fast. Without thinking, she uses her Leo voice. "I'm happy you made it... There's something I should have told you before, but I was afraid--"
"There's nothing to fear," he says and she feels a box he pushed under the stall touch her feet. She picks it up and opens it, finding a dress inside.
Emma laughs. "You knew? All this time?"
Killian simply answers, "I'm a perceptive man, love. But the performance tonight confirmed my suspicions."
"Why aren’t you angry at me? I lied to you," Emma says as she looks at the dress. "And the dress?" she asks, biting her bottom lip.
"I figured you would tell me in time when you were ready. I hope it's not presumptuous of me to hope that perhaps you would like to go on a date with me?"
There’s a brief quiet moment when the stall opens, revealing Emma wearing the dress with a smile on her face.
“You look-” Killian says, speechless.
“I know,” Emma says with a smirk. “And I would love to go on a date with you, but what about your engagement?”
He nods. “I broke it off because this amazing lass wrote a letter that helped me find what I truly craved; true love.”
She closes the short distance between them and pulls him to her in a crashing kiss, one filled with the emotion his words caused to overflow from her heart.
In the end, Emma goes through with her plans of traveling. The difference is she does it with a man that loves her and makes her the happiest she has ever been. All by following in her future mother-in-law to be's footsteps, leaving Storybrooke behind for her new home.
I have been wracking my brain all day over what type of Colin to ask for. Scrolling through your blog, am I correct in my assessment that no one has asked for a whumped Colin yet? How can this be? Too obvious? Too much content? So I will be specific: a bloody Colin. (as in actual blood, not the British expletive, to be clear)
I’VE BEEN GIVING YOU PEOPLE BLOODY COLINS ALL DAMN DAY-
Oh. OH RIGHT. Actual blood, not the other type XD
One could rightly argue that my entire blog is full of Bloody Colins (literally and figuratively), so here’s my favorite Bloody Colin!
Author: @searchingwardrobes
AO3
Rating: M
Summary: She saw eyes that were the blue of the forget me not peering at her through the cracked door of the wardrobe. He saw hair as gold as the buttercups. Why does the wardrobe keep bringing them back to one another, if fate keeps tearing them apart? Or maybe fate has her reasons…
3. What do you think makes your writing stand out from other works?
- Oh gosh, I’ve never thought about it before. I guess the fact I use an awful lot of energy, and words, to make sure that the reader is as engrossed in the details of a scene that I am. I like details - I can’t go through my life without noticing little things that other people do not, and I feel like if I add these into my fics, readers can experience some of that too :)
6. What element of writing do you find comes easily?
- Oh, smut, no questions. Tieing in with the descriptions though, putting the reader in the room with the characters like some sort of voyeur lol
7. What element of writing do you struggle with most?
- Dialogue. I hate writing dialogue and its so hard to write pretend conversations when you can’t even hold a real one without anxiety. At least no one is looking at me in a fic lol
Dadgum it, tumblr!!!! What’s with the notifications tonight???!!! I’m so sorry I missed this, Melanie! Thank you so much!!! It was a wonderful albeit BUSY day! Love you!!!
