2012 End of the Year Reflection

Below is a round-up of my favorite fics of 2012.

Favorite TwiFics

Hits on all cylinders - funny, smart, sexy, great drama:

Breaking News by WriteOnTime

Two network news anchors. One desk. In a race to get the story, love might become the headline - if they don't kill each other first. AU/AH Canon Couples, smart people, particle physics, and tap dancing.

On its own plane of awesomeness and originality:

Written in the Stars by Lissa Bryan

Edward is king of a dying race, his planet torn by civil war. Bella is abducted to become his bride. From college student to Queen... Can she learn to love this strange man and help save his people? AU/OOC, Rated M

Here's my review of this awesome fic

WIP that is brilliant and thus worth breaking the "No WIPs" rule:

Beneath the Sky by Bedelia

Nineteen years ago, time unraveled. In a changed world, Bella fights to save a man from the past and a girl with no future. AU.

Short and sweet and real:

Always an Edward by LifeInTheSnow

Bella wants to say yes to kind, handsome Ed…but can't stop meeting Eddie for martini lunches. Eduardo just wonders why she's avoiding his yoga class. And who is this "Edward" leaving cryptic messages at work? A story about people and how they change.

Weird yet oddly fascinating and different VampAU:

End of a Bloodline by Jay's World

Blood stains my clothes, my hands, my cheeks, and then my lips as I kiss his bloodied hair. His blood…always tainting my hands. Forever. I'm sorry. AU, non-canon vampires.

Charming and original fantasy:

Love in Idleness by plummy

"...for aught that I could ever read/Could ever hear by tale or history/The course of true love never did run smooth." A little Edward. A little Bella. A few fairies, and a robot. Into the woods we go. Twilight meets A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Funny:

Harcover Paranormal Romance by badjujube

Edward has an issue with Bella Swan that can't be found in the employee handbook. AU, goofy. Complete.

Fantastic superpowered Twi-story:

Delphian City by Boom-Boom Jones

There are dark secrets in Delphian City. Edward Cullen is one of them. AH/AU OOC Supernatural/Fantasy/Sci-Fi minus the vamps.

Other Twilight fanfics that I really enjoyed this year:

Tempt My Tongue by Savage7289

VampAU, and here's my review of this fic

Bloodthirsty vampire Edward Cullen has but a single goal in his pointless existence – lose his virginity with a human. He will stop at nothing to entice the unusual girl he saves in the street, but can he claim her body without killing her? AU, EPOV, M

ConTEXTually Speaking by cosmogirl7481

quick, fun, sexy

Bella spends her days surrounded by books and her nights immersed in them. Reading but not living. Imagining but not experiencing. One night changes everything. A story about wrong numbers and a stranger with all the right words.

Across the Universes by FantasyMother

very interesting premise 

Not all is as it seems when Edwards from two different universes find an old journal that can bridge the gap between them. Things become even stranger when the reality of one universe starts to bleed into the other. AU, B & E Rated M for Lemons.

Good Deal by m7707

a snarky HS Bella

Bella Swan hates Rosalie Hale. Her idea of revenge? Sleeping with the Ice Queen's boyfriend, Edward Cullen. AH, very OOC, very rated M.

She's Moody by jackqueenking

I hesitate to rec because it seems to be on hiatus, but this was such a fun read that it might be worth checking it out anyway and just enjoying what's there

Favorite Hunger Games fic

Ever in Your Favor by EStrunk

Katniss and Gale, what would have happened if you ignore the epilogue.

Here's my review of this awesome fic

Favorite Batman-related fic

That Which is Infinite by jadeddiva

We meet Barbara Gordon: librarian, genius, and Batman fangirl. Here's the summary: He keeps trying to tell himself this was a good decision, but there is lingering doubt in the back of his mind about bringing an innocent into this game. Barbara Gordon, meet Batman.

Here's my review of this fic

Truth and Justice by JC Roberts

This story paints the picture of a Justice League of the near future which includes Batman and Superwoman (daughter of Superman) and a whole cast of really well developed characters. The story is so well-paced and the action scenes are magnificent.

Here's my review of this fic

Court Martial by Charlene Edwards

"Blockbuster was murdered ... and Nightwing was "involved"" This story is about what happens when Nightwing is put on trial by the Justice League. I could not put this fic down. Part courtroom drama, part Batfamily drama. All riveting.

Here's my review of this fic

Truth and Justice, by JC Roberts

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3522394/1/Truth_and_Justice

I learned of this fic because it was mentioned in an article in Penthouse about Batman. It was all about his many ships (for example, Catwoman, Wonder Woman, and now Superwoman) and it was called Holy Hookup, Batman! To my pleasure, in this fic, I stumbled upon a story that goes way beyond hookups and relationship drama. Truth and Justice is so much more.

A new generation of superheroes have joined the Justice League. Amongst them is Superwoman/Martha Kent, the daughter of Superman and Lois Lane. She has come to Gotham to work as a doctor at Arkham Asylum, as part of a 3-year psychiatric fellowship. But Gotham is Batman's city. The tension between these two is delicious.

Working alongside Batman, Superman, The Flash, and Arsenal (Roy Harper), this new crop of heroes face, as the author of the fic describes it, "an ongoing barrage of supervillains, personal struggles, the difficulty of stepping out of a parent’s shadow, unexpected romance, redemption and the definition of heroism."

Some standout features of this fic: 

There are quite a few characters in this story and the character development creates a depth that makes each one memorable. And there is such richness in their relationships with one another. The character of Martha Kent is sublime and I love following the ups and downs of her relationship with Bruce Wayne. Also, I was bowled over by how vivid and well done the team action sequences are! The drama is truly exciting. And I really enjoyed the balance between the broad action and the intimate moments where we see these heroes as people.

My love for this fic is so huge that it's hard not to go on and on about it.

Truth and Justice has two sequels, each story spanning a year of Martha's fellowship. I would start with the first one, and if you're like me, you will be so drawn in that you will be thirsty for the sequels.

Court Martial, by Charlene Edwards

Court Martial on FF.net

It's one thing to be tried for a murder you committed. This fic raises the question in the superhero community - are you responsible when you don't prevent a murder from happening?

Dick Grayson/Nightwing is a broken man. In the comic, Nightwing #93, it gets to the point where he's been broken physically, emotionally and psychologically by the torment of the villain Blockbuster. In a climactic moment of their fight, the assassin Tarantula has Blockbuster in her sights. Instead of preventing the crime, Nightwing walks out of the way, causing Blockbuster to get shot and killed. What happens next to Dick is one of the most controversial moments in DC comics.

The story of Court Martial picks up following these events when, in a moment of broken self-loathing, Nightwing calls Superman and asks him to turn him in for the murder of Blockbuster. 

Here's the official description: Blockbuster was murdered ... and Nightwing was "involved". What happens when the superhero community finds out.

There's intrigue and investigation as the Batfamily (and extended Batfamily) try to get to the bottom of Tarantula's involvement. And ultimately, there's the elaborate task that has fallen on the Justice League: trying Nightwing for Blockbuster's murder. Even though Nightwing didn't pull the trigger, is he still responsible? It's a trial frought with controversy that's causing everyone in the League to choose sides. 

I was RIVETED by this fic. I read on the elliptical and the other day I spent an extra 45 minutes huffing and puffing because I couldn't stop reading this story.

Even if you've never read a Nightwing comic you will enjoy this story. 

If you have any love at all for the Justice League, you will LOVE this fic. Everyone is all up in this story: Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Green Lantern, Flash, Roy Harper, Barbara Gordon, Catwoman, just to name a few.

And if you are interested in the father-son dynamic between Bruce Wayne/Batman and Dick Grayson/Nightwing/former-Robin, this is a must-read. 

.
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That Which is Infinite, by jadeddiva

That Which is Infinite on  FFnet

Official Description:

He keeps trying to tell himself this was a good decision, but there is lingering doubt in the back of his mind about bringing an innocent into this game. Barbara Gordon, meet Batman. Post Batman Begins, during The Dark Knight.

Batman Begins/Dark Knight - Rated: T - English - Drama - Chapters: 12 - Words: 32,241 - Reviews: 113 - Updated: 8-8-11 - Published: 4-7-07 - Barbara G. & Bruce W./Batman - Complete

Never tried a Batman fic?

You don't need to know much about the Batman mythology in order to fall in love with this story, and the main character, Barbara Gordon. That Which is Infinite takes place during the events of The Dark Knight, but again, you don't have to have seen it. All you need to know:  Bruce Wayne is a billionaire playboy by day and the dark knight Batman by night.

Barbara Gordon: librarian and Batman fangirl

Barbara Gordon runs a fan website that follows Batman's every move. He knows it's just a matter of time before she puts 2 and 2 together and figures out he's really Bruce Wayne. Batman works alone but maybe if he enlists her help he can keep an eye on her. But what if she becomes more to him than he anticipated? Her first assignment: researching a new criminal that has emerged in Gotham. One who leaves Joker playing cards at the scene of each crime.

This is a totally unique take on Barbara Gordon. Instead of having her don the cape and tights under the mantle of Batgirl, the author, Jadeddiva, brings Barbara into the realworld feel of the Nolan-verse. She writes a fantastic Barbara! Filled with the intelligence, wit and snark that I love. Jadeddiva also creates little twists in the story, allowing it to take place within The Dark Knight, but maintaining an original take on the material. She also captures the sheer horror of a city subjected to the madness of the Joker. 

I love the tension that is built between Barbara/Bruce and Barbara/Batman. It's rated T but Jadeddiva keeps you guessing about where the relationships are going. Oh, so much love for this fic! It's only 12 chapters long, complete, and she's currently writing a sequel (yay!). I read a lot of Batfic and this is one of my all-time favorites. 

An Adventure in Batman/Wonder Woman Fic

My Latest Ship

My pal @einfach_mich sent me a link to this article that asked, with the DC reboot, Should Superman Hook Up with Wonder Woman? That got me thinking...

In my opinion… It’s Bats and Wonder Woman that need to explore a relationship. It would never be long lasting or as iconic as Lois & Supes, but it would be compelling as hell! 

He couldn’t rely on his fop playboy persona, he’d be forced to be Bruce Wayne and let someone in. Total new ground. He’d have to experience vulnerability and trust. There is so much story that could emerge from such an attempt at a human experience. It’d be humanizing for both of them.

Now I’m all riled and desperately want this to happen!

So, now I'm on a Bats/WW jag. And what's the first thing you do when you land on a new pairing? You find the stellar fic that's been written that explores that relationship.


Finding the Fic

I read a fantastic article from Penthouse Magazine called "Holy Hookups, Batman!" It's all about how fanfic allows for the exploration of Batman's sex life. Especially aspects of his relationships that they'd never let you see in the comics or movies. 

There were interviews with the authors of some of the major fics of the various Batman ships, as well as excerpts from each fic. The article gained much street cred when the fic representing the Batman/Catwoman ship was Chris Dee and her Cat Tales, which is an epic fic I LOVE that's been going on for 10 years. 

Other fics I'll check out after reading this article:

 - the Batman/daughter of Superman fic Truth and Justice, by JC Roberts

 - the Bats/Supes slash fic Kansas, by A Darker Knight

In discussing Batman/Wonder Woman fic, the article introduced me to In Darkest Light, by Meljean Brook.

In Darkest Light by Meljean Brook

Official Description: 

A strange encounter with Batman leads Wonder Woman on a darker journey than which she is familiar. Batman/WW shipper fic. Mature themes Language/sexual situations/some mild violence

DC Superheroes - Rated: M - English - Romance - Chapters: 5 - Words: 83,622 - Reviews: 124 - Updated: 4-16-02 - Published: 11-1-01

Wonder Woman had some personal tragedies, recently losing her mother, and is doing some soul searching. A curious encounter with Batman brings her to Gotham where she takes on Batman's methods and sees the affect he has on the city and its citizens. She starts questioning her mission of spreading peace in man's world and wondering if she's helping or hurting. Meanwhile, both Diana and Bruce struggle against the crazy attraction they feel for one another.

Here's an excerpt:

She advanced on him. "Bruce Wayne is just a function of Batman. Dick is a function of Batman. Everything you do is a function of Batman." Her anger built. Standing toe to toe with him, she said, "Cold, calculating Batman. Don't let anyone in, don't care about anyone." She knew it wasn't true; she had seen how he cared for his family, his city. But she couldn't stop. She pushed against his chest.

He didn't budge. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Diana, don't. I'm sorry. I know this is about Hippolyta, but don't --" The anger swelled, overwhelmed. She grabbed his costume, lifted him, slammed his back against the cave wall. She put her face close to his.

"Don't mention my mother," she whispered dangerously. She dropped him, stepped back. Her breath hitched. What was she doing? Yet she still didn't stop. "You don't have a monopoly on grieving for your parents, Batman," she said.

The change came over him so quickly and he moved so rapidly that she barely had time to register it before he reversed their positions, holding her up against the wall, pressing himself against her. He was furious, she realized.

"Careful, Princess." His voice was soft. She wished that he would rage, would match his anger against her own. His eyes stared down into hers, the shadows making his irises look like midnight. He suddenly buried his nose in the crook of her neck, inhaled. She felt the brush of his tongue, and her anger started to change to desire.

"I feel, Diana," he breathed into her ear, and pushed his hips into hers, pressing his erection against her belly. His mouth trailed fire down the line of her jaw. She tilted her head back, parting her lips. He brought his mouth close to hers; their breath mingled. "I'd like nothing more than to take you up to Bruce Wayne's bed and fuck you until you scream my name out loud--" Her eyes widened, in surprise and arousal, "--and to lose myself in you. But I can't." He let go of her, stepped back, leaving her filled with frustration instead of anger.

"Why?"

He smiled grimly. "Hawthorne spent his life looking for the secrets of men's hearts; I've spent my life searching for mine. And what I've learned, Princess, is that inside of me is a scared boy who just wants his parents back, and its dark in there. I walk a fine line; the difference between me and the Joker, Diana, is control. And if I let go of this control, give into lust, then what's next? I give into my desire to finish the Joker off once and for all? Then maybe I'll decide to take out someone else: Two Face, or some punk on the street. It won't stop."

Diana stared at him, amazed that he had opened up to her like that. And every sense told her that he was telling the truth, that he believed absolutely in what he was saying. She knew he was better than that, though. Stronger.

"It doesn't have to be that way. It might not happen like that," she argued.

He rubbed the bridge of his nose as if fighting a headache. Or an inner battle. "I never am going to take that chance and find out."

Diana bit her lip as two more truths hit her with the force of a locomotive. Her own truths.

She was in love with the Batman.

And he would never, ever allow himself to love her back. 

Twific and Batfic

Being immersed in the Twilight fanfiction community AND the Batman fanfiction/fanart community, I have noticed some interesting similarities and differences.

Both Twific and Batfic authors expand upon characters and storylines, proposing situations and relationships that were not addressed in canon. That's about where the similarities end.

To make huge generalizations about the differences... 

Twific authors seem to write stories that are serials, updating chapter by chapter. Time between chapters varies greatly but the majority of stories never complete. The majority of Batfic tends to be oneshots. Because Batman is a long running fandom, the fic series that I've come across so far have all been complete. 

A lot of the great Batfic I've come across (and I can only speak to the slash side of things) has been written several years ago. Many of the authors are no longer active or have moved onto other fandoms, so there's not much interaction between reader and author. There are, of course, exceptions. I suspect there will be more activity around when the new Batman movie comes out.

Twific has a vibrant community that continues to thrive. The connection between writers and readers is even more enhanced by the accessibility that Twitter offers, and the array of blogs, contests and awards sites (and podcasts) that support the community. The sheer volume and diversity of Twific stories is also incomparable.

The general fandom's response to slash...

In Twific, slash is a genre of fic and you either dig or don't dig. 

In superhero fandoms that have been predominantly teen (or lifelong teen-in-spirit) boys for so long, slash is more subversive. Slash stories and art are often created by girls or women, groups who have not historically been seen as equal players in this fandom.

I've seen male-on-male superhero slash dismissed as an annoying or even offensive thing that silly fangirls do. I don't often encounter that douchery because I ship slash, and I run in slashy circles. 

Characters that are regular humans in regular situations...

In Twific, it often seems as though there are more All Human stories and readers than AU vampire stories. It's actually something I have found so interesting about the Twilight fandom -- the use of the Twilight characters in completely non-vampire, non-Twilight-related situations, and characterizations that are so often OOC. The AH phemonenon has led to a community of women writers that has used Twilight as a jumping off point, but is by no means tied to it. A community which has more to do with the creative process and reader feedback than it does with the fleshing out of Stephenie Myers' Twilight story world. I have often wondered if this is unique to Twilight. If other fandoms have such a huge percentage of stories that use the characters in name only.

I haven't encountered much of an All Human equivalent in Batfic. There's certainly the potential for AH in superhero fic: a superhero character without superhero powers, much like Twific writers use vampire characters as regular old humans. I think the closest thing is Batman and the Batfamily of characters who have no super-human abilities, yet train themselves to carry out superheroic missions. But that's canon, not a fanfic invention like it is in Twific. I haven't come across any fic where Bruce Wayne is anyone other than the Bruce Wayne/Batman crusading persona. HOLY SHIT what I wouldn't give to read some Bruce Wayne as Beautiful Bastard. I just pictured Bruce Wayne instead of Edward in MoTU and nearly fainted. *fans self* 

There are so many similarities between Edward and Bruce Wayne... broody, self-blaming, assumers of guilt, access to wealth, extremely insightful readers of people who at times seem oblivious to the emotional reality of a situation, one is the World's Greatest Detective and the other has vampire skills of detection. 

But I've never read a Bruce that was OOC, aside from behavior brought on by sex pollen (a weapon of Poison Ivy and a delicious Batfic fandom cliche). 

Picturing various AH/OOC Edwards as Bruce Wayne has now inspired me to search for it.

My caveat to this post is that I've been involved in the Twific community for almost 2 years now, whereas I've only gotten into the Batfic community over the past 6 months. So make of that what you will.

Online possibilities

My birthday is coming up and friends and family are asking me what I want. 

Someone suggested I ask for a subscription to something like J-Date (online dating for Jewish singles). I can't deal with the whole online dating thing but it made me think about what I would even say in a profile.

I'm looking for a nice Jewish boy...

who likes to lose himself in music and geek out over pop culture inanities.

who likes to read and engage and cares about the world. Must like Jon Stewart.

who isn't so into material things and would rather spend money on the important things like HBO/Showtime and the best Netflix subscription.

who thinks sleek style refers to Mac design as opposed to fashion.

who goes out of his way to avoid being mean or unnecessarily perpetuating negativity (aka doesn't complain all the time).

who can be silly and isn't afraid of being wrong.

Oh, and he's gotta be a freak in the sack :)

from my tumblr: my pretty is super

Twific Here, Batman There

Why am I the last person to make a tumblr account? Now that I am (obsessively) collecting images, I realize what the buzz is all about.

http://myprettyissuper.tumblr.com/

It won't be connected to my twitter because mostly Twilight people follow me and I imagine they'd hate me if I constantly bombard them with all the superhero pretty that will be gracing my tumblr.

Please do stop by :)

Adam West is mah boo

I'm the goddamn Batman.

the goddamn Batmeme

I prefer this one

but you can't lose w Christian Bale

I've been jonesing for superhero Twislash, so I'm taking it to the streets of Twitter.

My plea:

WRITING PROMPT: vampSlash E/J are crime-fighting vigilantes (like Batman & Robin, but vamps & banging). Capes are optional. Aaaaand, go!

If that doesn't get your wheels turning, how about this: "Drop the tights, Edward," he growled... (from @tkegl) Gah!!

What would Batman think of superhero Twific vampSlash?

@Tkegl made this gorgeous graphic to inspire people to WRITE!

@catonspeed:
"Jiminy Crickets, Jasper," Edward panted, breath coming fast and hard through clenched teeth, "I saw the Bat signal and came as fast as i could! What dastardly criminal is terrorising fair gotham tonight?"

Jasper slunk from the shadows, hooking his fingers in the utility belt stretched tight across Edward's hips, rubber chafing against rubber as he found purchase, and tugged him hard up against him. "Someone stole the stars and put them in your eyes, Edward."

@conversedcullen:

Edward wanted to protect the innocent, Jasper just wanted to rim him to death Y/FY

E: Why do I need my mask on now Jasp? J: Just put it on darlin'. Thats' right. Now open your legs

E: J, help, I've been tied to a table! J: FUCK YES! E: What are you doing to my tights? J: Hush.

STOP RUBBING IT, JASPER!!! @Tkegl "Is that a batarang in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?"

@xSuperAshx:

LMAO! We're in a tight spot! RT @xSuperAshx: @AltheaJams haha! "Holy tight holes batman!!"

Hahah! The Bat ears! RT @xSuperAshx: @AltheaJams haha! As Batman is going down..."Watch the horns this time"

Dewww Eeeeet! Write Edward and Jasper as vampire vigilante lovers.


Make it funny. 

Make it kinky.

Make it angsty. 

I don't care, just make it! Thanks!

. . . Looking back on March

Hi! This is my monthly look back at what I read and loved. I've provided a soundtrack if you'd like.

In Feb & March I found myself stressed with fandom obligations, without the time I usually spend completely immersed in fic worlds.


So once I was released from obligation (could I be more dramatic?), you can imagine how happy I was to come across some new favorites from the land of fic!!  

WHAT I READ

CUE DROP IT LIKE IT'S HOT

I was a judge in the High Times contest, which was really fun and yielded some great fic! I was surprised by the quality. See THIS POST for a breakdown of a handful of my faves.

Real quick:

Racerback by Zigster

Official Description: "As I watch him do the breast stroke through the choppy morning waters, I almost want to be in his place. What would it be like to be so alone?" AH/AU Ed, Jas and pot cookies. Entry for the High Times Contest

Weekend At Longmeadow by winterstale and Viola Cornuta
Official Description: Garrett & Jasper met as kids, left Texas as founders of Hill Country Outlaws. Edward, Emmett and Peter ramble along to a lakehouse party for grass and girls. Tune in, get turned on and smoke up. M/F/M. Entry for the High Times Contest

La Beep Beep by yellowglue

Official Description: Meaning. A sunny day. Life. Truth... A safe place... And bottomless supply of Swedish Fish. "Yesterday and Today" on vinyl. And pink pot. Because we're all searching for things. E/B entry for the High Times Contest.

Candy From Strangers by Chicklette

Official Description: "This weekend, I will kiss a boy. I will drink alcohol…I will do everything that Bella Swan never does. I might even take candy from a stranger." Entry for the High Times Contest

~oOo~

Usually I go for AU or AH, dark stories of great angst or sweet, happy romps, cracky laughfests, emotional depth, straight up smut. I love it all, especially when executed in a stellar manner. 

But starting last month and well into this month I could only do heart happy fics. The great news is... I found a bunch of GREAT ones that I can't wait to rec.

CUE POLYPHONIC HEART HAPPINESS

Green by Bratty-Vamp
Official Description: What happens when lawn-boy, geek, and self-proclaimed social leper finds himself in a situation that shakes his comfortable invisibility? Will he stay green? AU- All human. COMPLETE

This was rec'd to me by purelyamuse who has hooked me up with some choice fic this month. This story was just what the doctor ordered. I read it front to back in a day or so. It was so sweet!

purely wrote a great review of it on her blog

How to Win Back the Love of Your Existence by Missypooh
Official Description: It's 4 years after Edward leaves Bella. There are no werewolves. Bella & Jake were never more than friends. Bella has grown up, graduated from College, has a boyfriend & is moving back to Seattle to attend Law School when her path crosses Edward's. EPOV COMPLETE

This story pulled me in and I consumed chapter after chapter, wanting to know what will happen next. This author has got Edward's voice down.

Just like the title says, Edward has to find a way to win Bella back after he decimated her heart and she has moved on. But the context of her new life adds SO much to this premise, as do the changes that Edward will have to make.

This was a fun read! AND, chapter 22 should be required reading for every male of our species. For reals.

Dear Mr. Masen by jendonna
(a collab between jennde and belladonna1472)
Official Description: "Error 434: Reprimanding an executive." Life changing or just stupid? Dear Mr. Masen: A story of unauthorized Internet usage, culinary delights and the goings-on at Cullen, Inc. AH, ExB. WIP

Bella is a culinary dynamo stuck in the IT department at Cullen Inc. Edward is CFO and a workaholic. Bella sends Mr. Masen an email reprimanding him for unauthorized internet usage. He writes back mentioning he had spent that time looking for a recipe for a date that went terribly. This is one of many dating blunders that the two share as they start writing back and forth, commiserating and developing a friendship over email.

They are so charming and flawed. I am loving their "banter" via email. So far this has been so very sweet and a very quick read. Definitely a heart happy fic.

Said and Done by ICMezzo
Official Description: Graduate students Edward and Jasper feel the connection, but is it enough to overcome their differences? EdwardxJasper slash, human/vampire love. RATED M. COMPLETE

I LOVE me some vampSlash and this one was funny! Like I was legit laughing out loud at several points.

Oh, this Edward. This velcro-loving, neurotic Edward who is always trying to maintain his pride and dignity in the face of his siblings who are constantly entertained at his expense.

And Jasper, trying to maintain boundaries with a vampire Edward who has no qualms about following him everywhere.

It's also refreshing to not have Edward and Alice's powers playing into things. And I love that because he hasn't had access to people's minds for the duration of his vampirehood, he is stuck with the basic understanding of humans and human nature. Well, whatever he's witnessed or been able to pick up with his keen vampire hearing. This Edward is left with a lot less insight, yet he retains the cocky Edward pride. Fabulous, the trouble that gets him into!

Also, ICMezzo provides a special treat of outtakes and funny missing moments in her A/Ns! My favorite was Jasper's Batslash dream with Edward as Dracula/Batman!!

It took several chapters to get going, but once it did, this story was charming and funny and a great frickin read!!

The following two fics weren't straight up heart happy --- 

there was tension and drama, and really two very stellar all-round fic reads.

For the Summer by Camoozle
Official Description: Every year Bella waits for the 'Pay Checks' to roll into her sleepy river town and every year Edward's hers, just for the summer. AH, AU, OOC, B/E COMPLETE

I LOVE this story!
I've heard about how great it is forever but I think I was avoiding it because I just assumed that Edward would be this entitled asshole. Not so. purelyamuse again steered me in the right direction and said if I didn't read this we couldn't be friends. Just kidding. Not really.

The story takes place over a series of 17 summers, starting from when Edward and Bella are both little. Reading about their summer adventures was like living vicariously.

Camoozle's writing is so natural and very true to her character of Bella. Especially as she evolves and changes over time. Very tight. And what a frickin Bella! It was interesting to be inside the head of such a dynamic character. She saw Edward's flaws and acknowledged her own, which is refreshing. And there was nothing malicious about their conflict. Just genuinely good people who have problems communicating their true feelings.

This was a straight up great read. A burst of happy combined with fantastic storytelling.

The Art Teacher by spanglemaker9
Official Description: He gave me art and words and passion and life, but all I wanted was him. COMPLETE

Faque me, this fic.

I LOVE when an author uses a character's interpretation of art as another means of delving into the character. Starting in the very first chapter we get a glimpse of where this Bella is coming from through her selection and description of a particular painting.

And we get to see the passion and enthusiasm Edward has for art as he teaches a seminar at Bella's school. Understandably, Bella feels a pull towards him.

"I listen as he talks about art and how it can speak for us where words fail."

And this Bella is no wide-eyed little girl - she can sense that he feels it too.

I was pleased to find out that the majority of the story takes place when they are no longer teacher and student. And it was majorly refreshing, some of the turns this story took.

This was such a fantastic story! If you drool, like I do, over sensual description of color and form - this story is for you. If the idea of Artistward gives you goosebumps, what the hell are you waiting for? Go read this now!

~oOo~

Another way I found to slough off the stress? 

Two words: Batman. Slash.

CUE BATMAN AWESOMENESS
(btw, The Edge from U2 did this theme song for one of the more recent incarnations of animated Batman.)

My new obsession was sparked by a Batman animated movie which has been playing on Netflix streaming - Batman: Under the Red Hood. It explores the relationship between Batman and Jason, the boy who was the 2nd Robin. It seemed to just skim the surface of a really complicated dynamic. So I sought out fanfic to fill in the blanks. Which of course led me directly to Batslash. And that's where I've been ever since.

My OTP... Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson (Robin #1)

I won't go into it here too much but there are some fascinating possibilities that arise when you have Bruce Wayne, a stoic, emotionally stunted individual who is powerful both physically and societally due to his wealth and status.

And he's interacting with this funny, lively younger man who he took under his wing, training Dick to become the first Robin (the original partner in crime-fighting). So then here's Dick who is looking for love and approval while simultaneously trying to prove himself and assert his independence.

Now imagine when you stir in relationship uncertainty, sexual tension, and the adrenaline rush that comes from beating up bad guys and saving the day. Talk about ripe for fanfic. Ok, I went into it, but just a little bit.

WHAT I WROTE

You didn't think I'd leave you with just one Polyphonic reference, did you?

CUE THE MOST HAPPY-MAKINGEST BAND ON EARTH COVERING THE QUINTESSENTIAL ANGSTY BAND, NIRVANA.

I wrote...

My Contribution to Pop Culture

...which would be the inclusion of an Althea-ism into urbandictionary. WOOT!


READ THIS IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY:

Why You Gotta Be Pullin' That Fic
I don't understand why pulling fic is so common. I sometimes wonder if authors even realize the negatives. Even if you pull them, your stories are still out there. Someone will claim your words as theirs, and there will be nothing you can do to prove otherwise (unless you want to pay to get lawyers involved). Click on my post to see what I mean.

FOR TWIFIC PIMPS

The Fanfic My Fanfic contest is now over. Here are results.

http://fanficmyfanfic.blogspot.com/