#sqws

[italianbeatrice]

I finally managed to complete my SQWS 5 reading. And I have to say it ended up with 2 fics that were just what I needed to lift my spirits. I know we all love our good dose of angst, but I think at least with AU we can let our ladies have it a bit easier.

They were "Where love goes to die" by @sssammich and teaching (about love) by DelicatePoem.

I thought they were both so well done and both done with such a light touch and were a real joy to read. If you are in need of a bit of a lift for the soul and you haven't read them, take a look at them :)

[sqwintersolstice]

Can the fic be canon-divergent/AU? Modern setting? Include minor OC’s? Etc.

Yes, yes, and yes! You can write or make art about whatever you wish, as long as it focuses on Swan Queen. The name “Winter Solstice” refers to the time period in which the challenge takes place; it is not meant to dictate a theme. The previous editions of SQWS have had very diverse fics and art made for them :)

[sqwintersolstice]

is multi-chapter fics allowed? and can we use all prompts? for example - using the prompt list to create a multi chapter fic with each prompt as a separate chapter?

Yes, multi-chapter fics are allowed! As long as it's a new (never posted) and complete fic by the deadline, you're good to go. About the prompts: feel free to combine some of them (or them all?), but it needs to be part of one cohesive story, not each chapter its own thing. If you want to create more than one story for the event, you'll need to have multiple works (maximum 3 per SQWS edition). Also, just a reminder that you don't have to use prompts to participate! You can use them for inspiration, or not at all. Even if you choose one, you don’t have to follow it to the letter. Hope that helps!

[sqwintersolstice]

Can you sign up as a cheerleader AND a writer?

Yes! Some folks even sign up for all roles (writer, artist, cheerleader, and beta). As long as you're able to commit to it, it's totally okay!

[sqwintersolstice]

Can't focus on your writing? In need of a little cheering on? No worries, we got you! 🤗 Writing is more fun when you do it together and we'll be there to help you get those words on screen! On Saturday, we'll organize several sprint writing sessions in our discord server. We're starting at 8AM EST / 2PM CET this time around, so mark your calendars (and alarm clocks? 😅)

[sqwintersolstice]

In regards to my last question, the pinned post is from a previous year but I did find the sign-up for this year.

Thank you for pointing it out! The links on the pinned post are now updated. Sorry for the inconvenience. We're glad you were able to find the sign-ups! ♥

[sqwintersolstice]

Do you accept the submission of fan videos?

Yes! The FAQ has more details if you'd like to know more about it. But we've had a couple of fanvids in the past, so it's definitely alright (and always encouraged)!

[sqwintersolstice]

If my fic is part of an ongoing series, is it eligible for submission or do you require that it be completely standalone?

It's fine! As long as the fic has never been posted, meaning that it'll be exclusively created for the event, you're good to go!