#startanewdream

[ginnystrophyhusband]

That dream you wish (will come true)

was written by... @startanewdream stayed hidden with only 2 guessers seeing through their mask!

Startanewdream danced through the night as hidden as Cinderella from her prince without leaving a trace of their mask behind. Well done!

[kay-elle-cee]

🍬

Hey, Mah!

🍬 ⇢ post an unpopular opinion about a popular fandom character

I'm so sorry but I really barely give any fucks about Remus. 😅

Ask game

[ginnyw-potter-archive]

I was about to update my fanfic but startanewdream just update their fake relationship quidditch AU so I shall wait a little. Don't want to be confusing 😌

[startanewdream]

Should I make a celebration post soon?

[takeariskao3]

How is that you are so cool? 🤩

LMAO i am not. i am literally the most embarrassing person on the planet.

remember that time i *accidentally* posted a chapter and it was one sentence that was eight words long? remember that time i got reported and deactivated for getting too heated about hair? remember that time i rewrote a chapter so many times it took me three months to finally update? remember that time i started a whole other multi-chap fic just to avoid writing my other wip?

i've got more?? you are so much cooler than me. i wish i was that cool!

ask me anything!!

[ginemrys]

learning curve

JILY CHALLENGE | @ginemrys vs @startanewdream

Theme: be my valentine? Prompt: “How about a good night kiss?”

Many thanks to @practicecourts for beta reading!

pt 1

Sharing a room with four other girls was never going to be easy when all of your friends are boys, was it? Even without the whole fancying girls part. But sharing a room with an insanely beautiful girl who can’t stand you? Now that seemed like hell.

But Jamie Potter always found a way to twist perceptions and defy odds, especially if it worked out in her favour. While many girls would feel intimidated by the close friendships of their roommates, Jamie took it in her stride. Once back in their dormitory after the school day was finished, Jamie would set about chatting to the others instead of feeling uncomfortable. She’d attempt to make them laugh, or smile, even the slightest response from them was a victory in her eyes, much to the disdain of Lily Evans.

Jamie had known Evans would be some kind of an issue for her ever since first year. In fact, since the original train journey to Hogwarts. The girl had sat with Snape of all people, had rolled her eyes at Jamie’s confidence, and to be honest, had acted like a bit of a brat. And so it had begun; their rivalry. And worst of all, Evans, unbeknownst as to how in Jamie’s eyes, had won over Marlene McKinnon, who Jamie had known since they’d been born. Sure, they were still mates, both Chasers for the Gryffindor team and they saw each other every Christmas holiday at New Years, but it was Evans that Marlene spent time with at Hogwarts. It was Evans’ bed that Marlene sat on most nights to get her long blonde hair braided, even though she knew Jamie could do a neater job. And after the terrible incident down by the lake… She had backed up Evans. Rightfully so.

Fifth year had seemed like the end of all civility between the two girls. Jamie had fucked up big time, had outed herself in front of the whole school and her actions had led to Evans getting hurt. That had stung the most. Sure, turning up for sixth year had led to teasing and bullying, mostly from homophobic Slytherins, but it was worse that Evans wouldn’t even look at her. They had argued and bickered the entire time they’d known one another, but never without a hint of potential friendship. It was obvious they respected each other. Often Evans would have the faint trace of a smile on her lips when she’d told Jamie off or given her a detention. But now she didn’t even look at her. That shattered Jamie’s heart.

“Back off. Just chill out around her and be kind, as we know you are,” Remus had told her one night in the Common Room while Jamie watched Evans with a wistful look on her face. “She’s a sensitive person and takes stuff like this to heart. She lost her friend, give her time to grieve for him.”

While Jamie did not understand why Evans missed Snape, she took Remus’ words to heart. She left Evans alone, calmed down on the pranks and mouthiness in lessons. Her grades had thanked her for it too. Jamie was incredibly intelligent, especially when it came to Transfiguration. She never had to work hard to achieve high grades. So instead of focusing on her lessons or homework, her free time was usually dedicated to coming up with pranks. But not anymore. Now her attitude had changed and it hadn’t gone unnoticed.

“What happened to you this year, Miss Potter?” McGonagall asked, having called Jamie up to the front of the room after a lesson. Did you finally realise the importance of your N.E.W.Ts, how they might affect your future?

Jamie was sitting with her head bowed on one of the tables in front of the Deputy Headmistress, unaware of the figure lingering in the doorway.

“I’m not so sure about that, Professor.” She sighed, looking up to catch the Transfiguration teacher’s eye. “But I’ve been thinking lately about how my actions over the last few years have affected people. I… I’ve come to understand that even though I can’t take those actions back, I need to grow up, take accountability and actually… Actually work for my future. Rather than take my privilege for granted.”

That seemed to shock McGonagall, her usually stern features morphing into a look of surprise. “Well, that’s very mature of you, Miss Potter.” She said, and she actually sounded a tiny bit choked up. “I agree that you should focus on your education more, even though your O.W.L results were exceptionally high in most subjects. Perhaps you could work harder on other subjects, like Potions, you are lacking there.”

“Yeah, I know.” Jamie sighed, running a hand through her messy black curls. “I’m really putting a damper on the family name, huh?”

McGonagall actually let out a small chortle, nodding. “Your father must be so ashamed.” She raised an eyebrow with a smile. “You might benefit from some tutoring, someone who may be able to whip you into shape and get you to pay attention for once. Without Black there to distract you.”

Jamie hated the thought of having to listen to a fellow student, knowing her ego would take an enormous hit. Plus, there were only two people taking Potions at N.E.W.T level, and she would never agree to Snape tutoring her. She was almost certain the teachers would be aware of the disaster that would be, but with teachers you really could never tell.

“Miss Evans, perhaps you could help out?”

McGonagall’s voice cut through Jamie’s thoughts, making her jump slightly. Her head whipped around to the doorway, where Evans was standing, her books still clutched to her chest. She looked a little startled, her eyes wide. They slid from McGonagall to land on Jamie, making the black-haired girl’s heart lurch. How long had she been standing there? How much had she heard?

“If Potter wants my help, then…” Lily drew in a deep breath before looking at McGonagall once again. “Then I would be willing to assist. So long as she promises not to piss me off too much.”

That was a surprise.

“Excellent. I’ll let the two of you organise when you’ll be engaging in these sessions then.” McGonagall exclaimed, stepping away from Jamie to head to her desk. “Oh, and Potter?”

Jamie had gotten to her feet and was in the process of slinging her bag onto her back. “Yes, Professor?”

“Keep up the good work, your recent essay on Animagi was wonderfully put.”

“Thank you, Professor.” Jamie smiled to herself as she made her way over to the doorway, her throat growing somewhat thick as she neared Evans. “Um, thanks, Evans. I appreciate you helping me when you really don’t have to.”

“Don’t mention it,” Evans said, turning to head down to dinner, “come on, we can arrange when to meet on the way. I’m hungry.”

Continue on AO3

[tifftoms]

So… what’s next?? (Asks stupidly eagerly)

Aaaaaaaaaaaah! 😱

Haha, sorry, but I really do need a break. (Well. Not a break as much as a break for my liver, a return to a ‘normal’ sleeping schedule, a reminder to my IRL friends that I still exist, and, OH YEAH, to do wedding planning.)

BUT ALSO! I’m so, so, so excited to have time to READ again 🥰😍🥰 I really do struggle to read and write at the same time, bc I don’t want to be swayed, or forget my own plot and characterizations, so I really have to limit what I can inhale!

So I’m excited to finish @breaniebree’s Jily! I want to start @clare-with-no-i Bond and Free! @thequibblah’s Come Together! @hogwartslivy’s Trackside 🏎! Or @chdarling’s The Last Enemy! I’m currently obsessed with @theesteemedladydebourgh’s Jingle: Holy Fuck! 🎄 and @maraudersftw’s Room Service and @cesays’ Come What May 💃 AND @startanewdream ILLICIT AFFAIRS! 🤤

I haven’t even read classics like @bcdaily’s Commentarius and I cannot WAIT! ☺️

Anyway… thank you for being excited for what’s next. I have a feeling when I write my next story, it will be my Bachelorette AU 🌹😁

[jilytoberfest]

Author - @startanewdream

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this, Mah! You can find her on ao3 !

1. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Hmm, I waste too much time researching for minimal details that don’t really matter - and then I feel bad for not spending this time writing, ops. If I write an outline (it happens sometimes) I have to stick to it - bad things happen if I don’t. And I can’t write if anyone is close by, I just hate the idea of someone seeing the words before they are ready!

2. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your stories?

Outlines work; they helped me to not lose track, to get rid of plots that didn’t matter for the story and to set a beginning, middle and ending for chapters!

3. Do you have any suggestions to help others become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Everyone is going to answer this and I’m gonna reinforce it: write. There is no other way to become a writer unless you sit in front of your chosen instrument (paper or computer or even your phone) and start typing words. You might not like them, they might annoy you, so here is my second tip: editing is easier than writing.

4. What do you think makes a good story?

It’s so subjective! I can say what I search for in a story: an interesting plot, coherent characters, good grammar and a flow that makes me forget everything else while I’m reading.

5. What is the first book that made you cry?

I don’t remember, ops. Possibly Bridge to Terabithia. I had seen the movie and I knew what would happen but I cried anyway.

6. Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Energize, for sure. I spend all day writing for work, but when it comes to taking time to write for fun - there is no other feeling.

7. Have you ever gotten reader’s block? If so, what are your tips to overcome it?

Yepe, and I just waited. Reading can be so tiring sometimes because it requires time to do it; I just download everything (thanks AO3) and save it for later. Time always comes around.

8. Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?

Strong is a strong word, but I can see it as a limit. It’s possible to write without this - stories don’t have to be always about feelings - but I think writers have to be empathetic so they can share their character’s feelings, put themselves into their place and ask what they would do.

9. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

You know that time you stopped writing during college? Don’t stop.

10. What was your hardest scene to write?

The Mufasa scene in Until Spring Comes Again. I wrote it and rewrote it and could not be happy with it because it seemed to lack all the drama the scene in the movies has… until I realized I couldn’t write the scene frame by frame and instead opted to focus on James’ feelings more than in the scene. Still not happy, but it worked in the end, I hope.

11. What is your favorite childhood book?

Harry Potter counts? ;) I still remember the joy of reading HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

12. How long on average does it take you to write a one shot or a chapter of a fic?

It depends a lot. Some random one-shots take three or four hours. A chapter usually gives me more trouble, and if I’m focused, a couple of days.

13. A fic that inspires you?

Deception and Disguise by @maraudersftw and The Duke by @sweeethinny inspired me to write Until Spring Comes Again <3

14. How do you edit your work?

Rereading up to exhaustion to correct any mistakes and mostly the flow. I like to write what I would want to read, so it’s important for me that it doesn’t feel heavy or too heavy or too simple. Sometimes some scenes don’t work no matter how much I enjoy them so they are cut. Sometimes I realize I need a whole new scene to explain more things.

15. Where does inspiration come from?

A prompt. Something someone said to me. A scene in a movie. Everywhere.

16. Who has been helpful for you as you write for the fandom?

This is the question where I forget a lot of people, so I’m sorry in advance. That being said, @constancezin and @blitheringmcgonagall were one of the first people to reach out to me and they made me feel at home in the fandom (and that helped a lot because it made me want to write more). @sweeethinny is always a joy to share stories and plots with, @maraudersftw was kind enough to agree to beta Springs for me and to share her thoughts along the way. @the-dream-team is an inspiration and the brightest here. @deadwoodpecker is so supportive I have no words for. And, really, everyone that joins here is so nice and welcoming that I wouldn’t have stuck around for this second round in fandom if not for them.

17. What is your fav POV to write from?

James Potter, I’d say. I love writing about his insecurities and protective instincts.

18. What is a fic you would love to write but are worried you won’t be able to accomplish it/nervous it wouldn’t work out?

That Voldemort Wins AU + arranged marriage that lurks in my mind but still hasn’t seen the light of the day.

19. Do you ever self insert in fics?

Not really, but Lily’s relationship with Harry is a lot based on the one I have with my mum.

20. What is the story you are proudest of?

Until Spring Comes Again <3 There is a outlined plot (with loads of foreshadow!), every character is developed, there are enough twists for a story based on a movie and it’s over 150k in a language that’s not my mother language. Yepe, I’m proud of it.

21. Do you prefer writing canon jily or muggle au?

Can I go with Wizarding AU Jily? Well, if not, Canon Jily. I actually didn’t join Jily fandom in my mother language because there were way too many Muggle AU stories and I have a limit for them (that’s my dark secret, there it is), which is why I don’t read that many and write even less.

22. How do you put out so much amazing content all of the time?!?!

I do? Amazing is relative! 😂 That being said, I just write a lot and every moment I can, and if someone is happy I’m sharing those stories, then I’ll keep doing it :)

Thank you so much for doing this!