It's been a long time since I've done a rambling update, but its far to muggy to actually do any writing, and enough people have been asking/pestering/prodding/blackmailing/bribing (note: bribing
works best) about what is happening.
So, first off, I'll explain something. My harddrive is littered with 10-20 page small fics that I experiment with, some turn into something, others just sit there forgotten (my Garion/C'Nedrea/Xbell
nc17, or my Harry/Hogwarts for example). Because of this, I always have a lot laying around that isn't a serious fic to me, that I write when I feel like having fun.
Fics like Hope and TMW are serious fics, I treat them with a lot more respect than the things that I write for myself.
There is also a pattern to my work, that I like to do part of a multi-chapter fic, followed by a stand alone short story.
After being away from writing because of the new/old job, I settled down to write a quick fic before getting back to Hope. I though that a Harry/Lavender fic would be fun, because there is a hell of
a challenge in writing a character that no one really likes, keeping her in character, and having a realistic romance. There was also a secondary challenging aspect of not going for me "We're going
to end up married" type romances that I normally write.
The problem with it, though, was that at around 50 pages, I realised that the set up was perfect for a Horcrux hunt fic, the like of which (I don't believe) has ever been seen before. It was when I
hit 85 pages and had thrown in a few new ideas, and possibly my favourite Harry yet, and I decided I had to put "The Greatest Trick" to one side, simply because it was going to be to big.
That didn't stop me, though, from wanting to write a short story to get things flowing, and I stumbled across a plot bunny Dorothy (Ishtar from ffa.net) was giving away, and it went something like
this...
How about a Sleeping Beauty situation where it's Harry who's trapped in an enchanted sleep/stasis? (Plot by Voldemort to make sure Harry doesn't win? Revenge by Death Eaters? Plan by Healers to hold him in suspense while they heal some truly dreadful wound? Lots of options.) Then when they wake him up a few years later, he really is Gabby's age. By this time, Ron and Hermione are grown up and want him to do the political things that are expected of the BWL, but all Harry wants to do is sneak off with his sexy Veela girlfriend ... could be room for some fun there. This would probably spin off GoF quite nicely if an author wants to avoid the angsty Harry of OotP - and you could keep Sirius alive, aiding and abetting Harry and Gabrielle against the more "mature" (read: less fun) trio of Remus/Hermione/Ron.
This really appealed to me, if only for a chance to poke fun at myself and Hope, and to write a story mocking my own fairy tales. So I started writing, thinking I could do it in 30 pages, and move
on.
Well, I hit 50,000 words yesterday, and I'm starting to think that it's a little to big to be a oneshot, even for me. And I've ended up with the most complicated female lead I've written, some nice
human bits and *shock, horror* OC parents that aren't to perfect for their own good.
I've now abandoned the idea of writing a short story, and I'm going to spend another few sessions (session being when I actually have the time and motivation to write) before I stop and go back to
Hope.
Now, I can see the obvious question here, why aren't you posting anything, damn it!
Well, the answer sucks, really. Its down to my limited amount of time. Given the choice between writing, going through stuff and publishing it, working on ffa.net or doing nothing, writing will win
every single time. I'd much rather write than do anything else, and as time is at a premium, writing it is.
I'm also afraid to mention TMW here, you can see previous posts that refer to my personal ambivalence to it, but I'll do it anyway.
I had one of my betas stay with me last weekend... well, weekend before, Gardengirl, and we got to talking alot about fanficiton - which was something I really enjoyed. I don't get to actually talk
about it with people very often.
She asked me who the spy was in TMW, and for a change, I actually told her, and went through some of the plot, and that kinda re-awakened my interest in writing it. Of course, the problem now is the
same thing, lack of time.
I guess that's where we are. I'm writing, in dribs and drabs when I get a few minutes, but not really having the time to do anything else. Sometime soon I'll not feel like writing, and then I'll be
able to start trying to get some things betad.
AHOY OVER THERE!!!! ARE YOU STILL ALIVE???
well, i figure, if you were asleep, that must've woken you up...
no, seriously, what seems to be the problem with the updates? it's been, by far, too long since you offered us one of those nice, long and juicy chapters for us to devour and spout sugary praise to
you for it.
also, i don't know how many readers your site has, but i was thinking, perhaps you could make portion on the site where ppl could leave challenges. because i always have ideas, but too little time to
work them out, and too little skill to write them all myself...
so, here's hoping to hear/read something from you soon.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I am going to consider Hope and the other stories abandoned until further notice.
I know I will catch some heat with this, but if you can't update the stories for a bit at least inform your readers.
It's always interesting to hear what's going on with these nice fics. I'd mail you some pastries fresh out of the oven from work, but I don't think they'd be edible by the time they arrive,
anymore. Maybe usable as building bricks at best.
Good luck with your writing!
Hello, I am only writting this note because I want to know if you `ll continue the fanfic and if you could tell us the progress in your work on them.
Thanks for all.
I want new chapters.
P.D.: Pardon for the grammar but I am Spanish
Fresh baked cookies sound like a good bribe. Post a maildrop and I'll send a batch for each chapter posted in the next, oh, month. Eh? ...eh?
hello, (prods sleeping author) are you still with us? (waves fresh baked cookies) any life here?
I have been and reread my faves ust to stave off my withdrawal symptoms... hope this gap translates to a big explosion of posting soon :-) (on knees holding hands in prayer, trying not to nibble
cookies)
keep up the great standards but let us see them too
lol biblios
May one suggest that a "unbetaed" area could be worthwile for some of the unfinished "good" stories. Beacause any of your stories are FAR better than most of the wannabes elsewere.
And as kinsfire has shown, doing 2 versions of a story isn't a problem, just gives us addicts more to drool over.
Hey Bobmin, is that Sunrise or "war and peace" heh heh "ouch - only jok"
As everyone here, I understand that you would rather write than publish ; besides, your recent stories are so good (especially Hope, even if my favourite one is TMW, but only because it was the
first of your fics I read) that I know you're going to stun us with the following chapters.
But still! It has been 3 months since your last post and nearly 6 since the last chapter of Hope, and I am now seriously considering sacrificing my cat to the Great Moth of Evil on Halloween, so as
to get the next chapter soon.
I think that you're one of the best fanfiction authors I've ever read from (is that even correct English?), and I know that waiting for somethinf makes that thing much better, but now that's just too
much for my poor little impatient mind... Please show us some kind of sign, just so we can check that you are still alive, and that we are not waiting in vain.
Glurb
PS : I'm French so pardon my English, and my terrible humor (though I doubt this has got anything to do with my nationality).
dude
i know this sounds like i'm sucking up and all but you are one one the best ff writers i have had the pleasure, no honour of reading.
that said even if you can't update any of your fics could you at least leave us poor unworthy souls more updates in your profiles so we don't worry that your dead or have given up on writing anymore
please?
i wake up in a cold sweat just thinking that i wont be able to finish reading hope or tmw becuase your not around to finish it!!
Is there a newer update on when you think you will have time to write a little more in Hope?
This is probably the wrong place for this question but any news on the additional authors?
TTFN UdderPD
I agree with Bobmin. Plot bunnies are great if you happen to be stuck, but too many of them are distracting and can get you way off track. I agree with everyone about the quality of what you do, I just don't agree with leaving people hanging when you say something is done, yet it takes two more months to post it. Don't advertise something if it's not done.
Dude...so these bribes...in what form do they need to be? I mean, there might be some things I could do, and the things I can't (or won't), some of your fans blessed with more various offerings. So what do you need?...I'm going to Thailand soon, I could get you a wife if you need. Ship her FEDEX First Class. You let us know what kind of motivation is nessecary for...well...any chapter update.
Hooray!
I was beginning to wonder if you'd disappeared. So sorry to have doubted.
As to the bribing, please allow this most humble of you servants offer her services to you (no innuendo, this bit has no rating). I know you probably have lots of capable helpers, but if you need
help, put out an ad, so to speak
As for the David Eddings fic, YES!!!!!!
Thank you
I suppose this sounds repetitive by now, but I commend you on taing yur time to develop small plot-bunnies, as many great fics can be born this way. Certainly, I would love for you to finish TMW,
or write a sequel or at least one-shots following up WK, GQ, or continue with Hope.... but the creative thought process that makes you such an excellent read requires sacrifices for what the reader
wants, I guess. I look forwards to seeing some of these ficlets posted soon. Cheers!
~The Silent Legend
So this bribing, what form does it need to take?;-)
Please, i beg of you, finish TMW. After reading the all great and powerful Naked Quidditch Match, yours was the second ever HP fanfic i've ever read, only to my disdain that it wasn't finished. No pressure on you or anything, but please put this mind to rest, or i may attempt at finishing it for you. (Which wouldn't be very nice, because that would cut into time trying to get my own book published.)
I was rereading your post and the comments today, and thought I might add my vote with the other most brilliant people that commented. :-) So that you would know that your fans are completely
supportive of your creative process and the presence of a real live personal life! I will wait years (they pass by so quickly anyhow) for another chapter, another story from you.
Warm hugs and stacks of chilled chests of mixed dark chocolate truffles outside your door....
I'm with sparrownightmare =C
Any of you others bribing our wayward author with treats willing to share with me? It'd certainly be something to sooth the, "Wo is me, there's nothing to read," disappointment.