The Writer Love-In

[roh_wyn]

It looks like everyone is angsting over their writing these days. So without further ado, I give you:



Rec your favorite stuff from your favorite f-listers right here. Make them feel loved, get love in return. Everyone wins. :)

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Comments

[sabriel75.livejournal.com]

YOU ARE MOST AWESOME OF AWESOMEST OF PERSONS!

BRB... I have loads to share. :D

Oh and if you could, can... would you make text box with banner pimping code. I bet a lot of people would love to post this to their journals so we can make it a spectacularly come hither event.

[roh-wyn.livejournal.com]

Ok, I'll get on that, but we're working very close to the limit of my technical competency, lol.

Classic Staples

[train-lindz.livejournal.com]

Harry Potter:
Fic: Disaster: See Also, Remus J Lupin, Love-life Of (http://community.livejournal.com/brack_books/11224.html) - ladybracknell
Why: Because it is made of awesome. In fact, if you look up awesome in the dictionary, ladybracknell's picture is right there, taking up the full page. Marauder era and onward. Prequel to The Werewolf Who Stole Christmas and other things in The Werewolf Universe. Read the whole series, because it is epic.

Twilight:
A Change of Heart (http://bratanimus.livejournal.com/49096.html) - bratanimus
Why: Post Eclipse AU that makes way more sense than Breaking Dawn. It's lovely and gives me warm tinglies inside.

Ithaca is Gorges (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4988866/1/Ithaca_is_Gorges)- giselle_lx
Why: New Moon from Carlisle and Edward's POV. Fills in lots of blanks and the writing is captivating and gives the reader a whole new appreciation of Carlisle. He's quite the hottie, both inside and out.

[apple-pathways.livejournal.com]

Well, you guys: you and I share perilously few fandoms in common, but allow me to rec the stories you both wrote for sherlockmas!

Domino, by sabriel75. Lestrade, Irene Adler. Gorgeous characterization, and intriguing implications for a larger story-behind-the-story. Shed's a lovely, flickering light on the relationship between Sherlock and Lestrade!

Fire and Ice, by roh_wyn. Sherlock/John. Beautiful imagery of hot and cold, and environment mirroring actions/emotions. What I love most is the incredibly beautiful lines peppered throughout. You can guess who's fire and who's ice: together, they make steam. :P

[sabriel75.livejournal.com]

OH YOU!

And that's the one of Roh's I was going to rec' too!

I'm still putting it on my list. :D

[roh-wyn.livejournal.com]

Aaaaw, thanks! ♥

I so enjoyed writing this that I'm considering entering the next challenge there, lol.

[roh-wyn.livejournal.com]

Ok, starting with Harry Potter recs, before I move on to other stuff:

Under The Table (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2837361/1/Under_The_Table), by the always awesome ladybracknell. My favorite of all of LadyB's amazing Remus/Tonks stories, and a terrific outtake of sorts from her famous Werewolf Who Stole Christmas (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2712711/1/The_Werewolf_Who_Stole_Christmas) epic and that universe of stories.

Transfigured Hearts 1: Caught (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2755166/1/Transfigured_Hearts_1_Caught), by mrstater. This is the first fic in a long series of Remus/Tonks fics written by the author. I love the way she writes Tonks and how amazingly romantic these stories are.

Blood on the Moon (http://portkey-fics.livejournal.com/17480.html) by moonlitwoods. This was the first Remus/Tonks fic I ever read, and I was so fortunate to have read something this brilliant on my first try. I love the description of Remus in this story, the hints at what lurks beneath the surface, and his fascination with Tonks. A must-read.

We Three Kings (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3331188/1/We_Three_Kings) by gilpin25. This is a fic I read long ago and keep revisiting frequently. I love the author's style anyway, but this particularly story really grabbed me for its clever use of first person POVs, the snappy dialogue, and for the humor that runs through the whole story.

There are loads of other writers in the HP arena I should really rec. I'll get to that soon, lol.

[wildeagain.livejournal.com]

The Sun Also Sets

There are two things on livejournal I cannot tolerate 1) underappreciation of Sirius Black 2) underappreciation for train_lindz

Although Lindz is well loved, this fic is not. And it should be. It has characterization. It has plot. It has just a hint of romance in an otherwise wonderful gen narrative. If I could give this fic more reviews than I already have and not seem like a hopelessly cracked nut, I would.

[roh-wyn.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the rec. I don't know how, but this fic has escaped my attention. And I'm in total agreement re: underappreciation of train_lindz.

Off to read and leave a gazillion reviews. With different usernames, of course. ;)

[train-lindz.livejournal.com]

Awwww, thank you!

You still have the award for longest review ever. It still makes me smile ;)

[wildeagain.livejournal.com]

Big Bang art for Better Than One

Artists angst too. Maybe Dean and Cas from Supernatural aren't for you and this recommendation means nothing - but scroll through hrymfaxe's tags. There is fanart for: Harry Potter, Neil Gaiman, JRR Tolkien, Twilight, Supernatural, AND OTHERS I AM FORGETTING.

This fanart inspires me to write.

[sabriel75.livejournal.com]

GORGEOUS WORKS!

Thanks for the hrymfaxe recommendation.

[roh-wyn.livejournal.com]

Oh, yes, fanart too.

I love all of her LotR artwork, btw. Also, her original stuff makes me long to be as talented as her.

[hrymfaxe.livejournal.com]

You inspire me to draw! May it forever be a mutual beneficial circle of creative energy. ♥

Thank you, bb! ∼O

MERLIN RECS

[sabriel75.livejournal.com]

Pilgrimage by alba17 ~ Short and Intense and Beautifully evocative for M/A true love fic.

The Could In People by junkshop_disco ~ She says she didn't mean to make people cry, but the longing and the can life really be giving this to me twists in your gut and wrenches the emotions out. They pour out under her naturally woven story that feels real-life and heart wrenching but full of so much love.

Picture Maker by tourdefierce ~ Honest to God, you do not have to be in the Merlin fandom to appreciate this AU. It's gorgeously evocative writing with a hipster flair and an amazingly heartfelt true love ending. It is NC-17 though and heed the rating if you're not capable of handling sexual content. Although I do suggest that even if you don't care for smut or porn, that you read this and see how she weaves the sexuality into the context of the story and promise you that it doesn't distract from the emotional intent.

Reveal Fic by tierfal ~ JUST OMG! and YES. This here is how it should go down. I am not of the popular opinion that Arthur would hang onto his anger long if he found out about Merlin's magic, and especially if Merlin were ever to reveal himself this way.

Handfasting by lolafeist ~ My likes are transparently plain by recc'ing this... Hippie Merlin, over-the-top in love Arthur, wedding bells, public sex and slow dancing.

Riding Double by myashke ~ Fetchingly cute. There's something adorable about the flirting between Arthur and Merlin here even though they're supposed to be grown up and behaving mature.

Waiting Game by planejane ~ She captures the boyishness of males so well in their interactions and their willingness to explore each other and their sexuality. So much pretty prose in such a short, fast read.

[roh-wyn.livejournal.com]

More Harry Potter recs, although not all Remus/Tonks this time:

Harry Potter and the Slashed-Up Canon (http://anthimaeria.livejournal.com/52977.html) by anthimaeria. Now I'm not a Harry/Draco shipper by a longshot, but if there was ever an example of people taking subtext and running with it, this is it. More than that, I love that AM wrote an entire story using JKR's own words and still managed to recast canon as an H/D story. Very clever.

Of Family Resemblances and Like Kinds (http://duck-or-rabbit.livejournal.com/11458.html) by duck_or_rabbit. I love this fic (and especially its opening chapter) for the brilliant description of Grimmauld Place. I also like that it features Regulus Black in a big way, since he's a bit of a blank slate in canon. Probably my favorite fic by a writer who has written so many terrific things.

The Apprentice and the Necromancer (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3733492/1/The_Apprentice_and_the_Necromancer). I'm ambivalent about this rec, because Snape/Hermione is easily my LEAST favorite ship in all of the HPverse. *cringes* Also, I have severe issues with the characterization of Harry, Ron and even Hermione in this story. That said, I still this is one of the most inventive uses of magic and magical laws in the Harry Potter fandom that I've ever read. Also, the author's ability to stick to a precise format is to be admired.

[hrymfaxe.livejournal.com]

Totally seconded on the duck_or_rabbit rec. I could never have imagined that a house could be such a character in a story...

[duck-or-rabbit.livejournal.com]

OH WHAT IS THIS. LOOK AT THIS.

It's no lie that I GENUINELY must log out to keep me from just sitting here all day and taking part in your post. It looks like sabriel had a hand in provoking you to do this, too. This is a really nice thing to have happened. Fandom writing WILL always have value to me ♥. This is a good reminder.

[roh-wyn.livejournal.com]

Moving along, with Lord of the Rings fic recs...

I only read fics featuring the world of Men, and even there, I usually limit myself to Gondor. I have a sort of love-hate relationship with Aragorn, and a very soft spot for Denethor and his two sons.

Here goes, in no particular order...

An Unexpected Visit (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3955611/1/An_Unexpected_Visit) by cressida0201. A terrific exploration of the the interesting-but-fraught relationship between Gandalf and Denethor and his sons. The author has a real gift for language and characterization, and while she's written many brilliant (and I might add, hilariously funny) things, this is probably my favorite.

Hands of the King (http://www.romenna.net/stories/chapter_view.cfm?STID=129&SPOrdinal=1) by Anglachel (http://www.blogger.com/profile/01110546252851760414). An epic that often rivals canon for richness and detail, and that provides greater insight into the lives of Denethor, Aragorn and Finduilas than any other fic I've ever read in the entire fandom. As the story progresses, it gets a bit weirder and there are places where the author and I disagree significantly. Still, this was the story that made me see the potential of fanfiction as meta commentary on the original.

Cold (http://sealover-astara.livejournal.com/23007.html) by sealover_astara, i.e. one of my favorite people on LJ ever. :) Astara offers a very different take on Denethor/Finduilas than anywhere else in fandom, and all of her fics take great pains to promote the idea of a good Steward in a happy marriage, rather than just giving the role of dystopian spoiler to Denethor. This story, in particular, is a wonderful departure from the usual stuff. And Denethor learns a lesson of sorts, which is never a bad thing. :)

Learning Letters (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2484067/1/Learning_Letters) by lilan14. I love this story, not only for its take on Denethor as a man of learning and patience, but also for the very credible way the author writes children. It's a tough thing to do, but lilan14 nails it. This is one of my favorite LotR stories ever, fwiw.

Adraefan (http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?stid=4097) by Aeneid (http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/story_sort.cfm?stauthorid=1187). An AU where Boromir lives. And there are consequences. This story moved me so much I went through an entire box of tissues, and disturbed me so much I had to stop reading it halfway through. But I was compelled to go back to it, because the writing was so powerful and so evocative. I have not had the courage to read the story again, but everyone else should.

Boromir Is Not Left-handed (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2785665/1/Boromir_is_Not_Left_Handed) by illwynd. A crossover fic featuring LotR and The Princess Bride. I think that's as much explanation as you need. :) Just brilliant. (I'm pretty sure this is the fifth time I'm reccing this too, lol).

From the Other River Bank (http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?STID=5) by Dwimordene (http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/story_sort.cfm?stauthorid=5). Now, I'm not a fan of LotR slash generally, and I certainly don't go looking for the Boromir/Faramir variety, but this was one of the first fics I ever read in the fandom, and its potrayal of the relationship between the brothers (mostly non-slash, but with just the hint of mutual attraction) really moved me. I hated Denethor in the story (and I'm probably never quite forgive the author for the way she portrays him here and in her other stories), but Boromir and Faramir are surprisingly close to canon in this fic, and I found their interaction very credible and quite touching.

HARRY POTTER RECS

[sabriel75.livejournal.com]

Sodom and Gainsborough by pandapens ~ Modern AU that totally feeds my inner psychologist geek. Lovely characterizations of Sirius and Remus. Brutally lush descriptions of their fascination and need for each other. I LOVE THIS FIC!

Bridges I Have Burned by barush ~ Another modern AU with Remus and Sirius but this time as artsy types. Non-magical but the characterizations here of these two men feel canon.

What Happens Next by wildeagain ~ Stark snapshot of how Remus and Sirius work together. Gorgeous quick read. There's pain, awareness and need in every minute detail.

The Birthday Boy by ladybracknell ~ Bittersweet and poignant, like everything Lady B writes. Quiet too. And then of course, full emotional wallop because she manages that always too.

Re: HARRY POTTER RECS

[wildeagain.livejournal.com]

Oh, now I feel as if I am being tickled by gecko toes! Ty!

[ladyarcherfan3.livejournal.com]

Great idea, roh-wyn. :)

My f-list is so tiny, I really don't know if I have any recs, but there looks to be a fantastic amount of fantastic fics here. :)

[roh-wyn.livejournal.com]

Rec anything you want, even if it's stuff not from folks on the ol' flist.

Merlin + RPF

[rufflefeather.livejournal.com]

agenttrojie This time baby (http://archiveofourown.org/works/120841) A lot of angst, a lot of hurt and very little comfort. A/M

ella_bane In the Bath with a Spider (http://ella-bane.livejournal.com/149292.html) RPS! Bradley/Colin

giselleslash One Night Stands (http://giselleslash.livejournal.com/314126.html) A/M This is so lovely, so sweet and wonderful. I love every single one of giselle's fics but this one has a special place in my heart.

junkshop_disco Doubt Creeps in and Chills the Air (http://junkshop-disco.livejournal.com/4673.html) I love every single one of her fics, and I couldn't pick a favorite if my life depended on it. I chose this one because it is hauntingly beautiful and I haven't read anything like it.

lolafeist Architecture and Authority (http://lolafeist.livejournal.com/572390.html) Same thing, I LOVE all of lolafeist's fics, so I went for the one I have reread the most. I can't get enough of this world.

marguerite_26 These Castle Walls Bleed Lies (http://marguerite-26.livejournal.com/496538.html) This is so well written, and my heart aches for Arthur in this. ♥

myashke Ascension (http://archiveofourown.org/works/151607) Absolutely amazing, I wish I hadn't read this yet, so I could go on this journey again.

planejane Dirty Epic (http://planejane.livejournal.com/48286.html) This is achey and funny and gorgeous all at the same time. First thing I read by planejane and I was SOLD.

winterstorrm The Job Interview from Hell (http://winterstorrm.livejournal.com/20987.html) A lovely long read based on the Apprentice.

Re: Merlin + RPF

[sabriel75.livejournal.com]

Dirty Epic... that was my first Merlin fanfic and I LOVE IT!

SHERLOCK FICS

[sabriel75.livejournal.com]

Knock-back by valderys ~ There's nothing I don't like about this characterization of Lestrade and Sherlock. Sexy and lurid and the age disparity really enlivens the interaction. One of my favorites in the BBC Sherlock fandom.

An Act of Charity by wordstrings ~ Some of the best written psychotic introspection ever! Delightfully odd and warm too.

Fire and Ice by roh_wyn ~ These two, John and Sherlock, grow in empathy for one another and soon it just comes naturally. Prettily told with such a domestic feel, you cannot help but adore it.

Re: SHERLOCK FICS

[roh-wyn.livejournal.com]

Aaaaw, thanks. ♥

[ctquill.livejournal.com]

Great idea!

A few of my Robin Hood favourites from the ficcers on my f-list:

Something Worth Fighting For, Part 2, TAKE TWO! by omteddy2006. Revisionism is a wonderful thing, especially when it saves a favourite character's life. She brings so much humour to her writing as well.

A Not-So-Little Conversation by omteddy2006. And this one hits all the right notes of angst and emotion.

Keynesian Cops by roh_wyn. For the crack and the genius. And...

Book of Secrets by roh_wyn. For being simply beautiful.

Wealth. Lovely drabble by dollysgirl04. She wrote hundreds of them for last year's Intercomm, this just stands out in my memory.

[roh-wyn.livejournal.com]

Aaaaw, thank you. ♥ Can I just say how thrilled I am for someone to be reccing Book of Secrets. It's probably my favorite of my own stories, and it's been severely underappreciated. :( (Is it wrong for me to say that about my own stories. IDK, I feel weird now).

omteddy2006 is the funniest writer on LJ. My personal favorite is What's So New About York? (http://omteddy2006.livejournal.com/82799.html), a brilliant crossover with Seinfeld, of all shows. She's a GENIUS!