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

Masen Days by purelyamuse

Description: 3rd Place Winner in the Boys on Boards contest! Now an EXPANDED multi-chap! Bella meets Masen at the local skate park. He's a quiet, mysterious loner. She wants to help him, love him even. Will he let her? Or will he skate away like he always does? AH

Twilight - Rated: M - English - Romance/Angst - Chapters: 6 - Words: 11,735 - Reviews: 419 - Updated: 9-19-11 - Published: 8-16-11 - Edward & Bella

It's been about 6 months since I've started reading a new fic.  And wouldn't you know, it's purelyamuse who drags me back into the fold, kicking and screaming.

She says that I helped push her to write her first Edward/Bella, being the citizen of Switzerland that she is. Having started her current WIP, I am thrilled to have had any hand at all in her writing it. I started reading Masen Days because I wanted to support purely for the fic's readalong, but now I'm jonesing for my next hit. 

I thought I wasn't going to be able to get into Twific anymore because I had gotten too jaded and eye-rolly regarding character cliches, misunderstood Edwards, and poorly developed Bellas. But given purely's taste in fic, I should've known she would provide something delicious. Here's why you should read it:

SIMPLICITY IN STORYTELLING She doesn't try to pretend to offer the be-all-end-all telling of an epic tale. She gives swift glimpses into the interactions between Masen and Bella, which are stylistically so appropriate, given the sparseness of their communication. And purely uses this subtleness to showcase the heart that exists in the smallest of gestures. Also because of this, her story doesn't get weighed down by the pull of unnecessary description. She's a no-wank kind of a writer. And that's EXACTLY what the doctor ordered.

SWEETNESS & NON-EXPLOITATIVE ANGST I love how purely's fic is so very much in line with the kinds of fic she likes to read. There is so much sweetness in her simplicity. And she's able to incorporate the angst of Masen's family life in a way that seems more like an extension of a character's background/experience, as opposed to a lot of fic, where angst is used as an exploitative means to draw in a reader who seeks resolution. The sweetness in the story offsets the underlying sadness in a way that's very true to the Masen character. And I continue to read, not because I need some kind of answer to the mystery, but because I'm addicted to the interactions between Masen and Bella. It'll be nice to see more of the onion as the story unfolds, but I'm in no rush.

I LOVES ME SOME UST I expected a bit of innocence in her storytelling just because I know she likes the HS negotiations of first love in the fic she reads. I was pleased to find it's a realistic portrayal that I could connect with -- and HS me was no innocent. We don't know how virginal Bella is and we know very little about Masen's experience, but these things don't seem relevant in the world of the little moments they share. Bella's got the internal monologue of a girl who definitely feels a hunger but won't act on her ravenous potential because she respects the personality and needs of the other person too much to risk defiling their relationship by jumping too soon. What results is a fantastic build of UST that seems true to their personalities. I grow even fonder of Masen when I see him reaching out for what seems more like a human connection than an amorous one.

IT'S A FUN, QUICK READ I thoroughly enjoyed every heart-happy chapter thus far! I'm in love with these characters and can't wait to see where it goes.

I thought I'd read her story out of politeness but her writing and the charm of her characters won me over on their own merit.

And finally, she's working this like a pro. First of all SHE UPDATES REGULARLY. Every Monday. She also offers her readers outtakes and glimpses into Masen's mind via little journal entries on her blog. Such brilliance in providing her readers some nosh in between each meal, to satisfy the cravings.

. . . 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/

2010 Year in Review

For the 12th episode of the Fic Pushin' Podcast, me and the other Twific Pimps talked all about the stories that we loved and the fandom trends of 2010. In addition, we each made a list of our personal picks of our favorite fics of the year. Here are mine.

Althea’s Personal Faves of the Year.

Don’t Forget to Check Out Our Year in Review Podcast Episode

***

Favorite Completed Fics of 2010

The Blessing and the Curse

Surviving Bella ※ And With Thee Fade Away ※ Osa Bella

Misapprehension of Bella Swan ※ Daedalus in Exile ※ Twinned

How to Save a Life ※ Master of the Universe

~※~

Favorite WIP Fics of 2010

The Cullen Campaign ⁎ Voice for Me ⁎ Branching Inward

Dead on My Feet ⁎ The Woods are Lovely, Dark & Deep

Stranger than Fiction ⁎ La canzona della Bella Cigna

Love in My Box ⁎ Daniel Gale ⁎ Intro to Swirl & Daisy

~※~

…….Top Picks for Fave Vamp AU

Each of these is an absolute must-read.

Most Original Vamp AU

• Osa Bella by Myg
• And With Thee Fade Away by Derdriu oFaolain
• La canzone della Bella Cigna by philadelphic

Most Interesting Play on Canon

• Stranger Than Fiction by MasenVixen

Favorite Bloodlust

• Hide and Drink by Savage

Best Change Scene

• Daedalus in Exile by EZRocksAngel

……..Top Picks for Sweet and Funny

Best Laughs

• Daniel Gale: Cumming to America by danielgaleh00rs
• Misapprehension of Bella Swan by HunterHunting

Best Comedic Banter

• Bright Like the Sun by Dryler
• Died and Gone to Heaven by DoUTrustMe

Sweetest Fic that Warms Yer Heart

• An Introduction to Swirl and Daisy by m81170

Best Falling in Love over Technology Mediated Communication

• Love in My Box by cosmoandmarvar

Most Heartwarmingly Accurate Recreation of HS

• The Hood by YogaGal

Best Celebration of Geek Culture

• Falling for the First Time by SnowWhiteHeart

………Top Picks for Most Creative/Original

Most Fascinating Window on a World I Knew Nothing About

• Voice for Me by PachasPickMeUps

Most Creative Construction of a Story World

• The Cannabean Betrothal by ItzMegan73

Most Original take on the Lines Defining Sexuality

• Twinned by Converse

Most Creative Take on Forks Mythology

• Osa Bella by Myg

Best Action/Adventure

• Surviving Bella by Savage

Favorite “WTF is Going On?”

• Becoming Bella Swan by BellaFlan

Smartest, without being pretentious

• Branching Inward by LifeintheSnow
• The Cullen Campaign by belladonna1472

Props for Emotional Depth

• Our Lives Unbound by theladyingrey42

Weirdest Fic I Can’t Stop Reading

• In the Deepest Space by loss4words

Best Use of Music in Fic

• La canzone della Bella Cigna by philadelphic

Fic in Critical Condition

• Bright Like the Sun by Dryler (please prove me wrong!)

………Top Picks for ANGST

Best Angst Fic of the Year

• Dead on My Feet by Cesca Marie

Most Original Angst Story

• Hydraulic Level 5 by gondolier

Best Angsty Slash I’m Totally Addicted To

• Uncomfortable by Savannah_Vee

Best Angst-Inducing Forbidden Love

• A Form of Escapism by flubbles

Best Love Triangle

• Neverending Math Equation by twanza

Angst with Balls

• Hair of the Dog by mjinaspen

Best of the Super-Angst!
Fic that rips your heart out of your chest and shoves it in your face.

• How to Save a Life by unholy.obsession

……….Favorite Slash Stories

I am far from being a slash expert, but these were the ones that I loved this year.

Best Angsty Slash

• Uncomfortable by Savannah_Vee

Best Slash Story, emphasis on the story

• Love Between Sexes by EFC

Best Slash Lemons

• Mergers & Acquisitions by Touchstone67 & Domward’s Mistress

Best VampAU Slash

• The Bronze Prince by TwiBoy

……….Top picks for HOTNESS

(if you really want to know my picks, hit up the HOTNESS Hall of Fame on my rec blog)

Burnin Up with UST

• The Woods Are Lovely, Dark, and Deep by bananapancakes7
• Branching Inward by LifeintheSnow

Smut Hall of Fame 
consistent hotness delivered throughout

• Renfield and Chiclets by katinki
• Mergers & Acquisitions by Touchstone67 & Domward’s Mistress
• Master of the Universe by Snowqueens Icedragon
• Raw and Rosy by TuesdayMidnight

UST Comes to a Head
the perfect lemon at the perfect time

• Stranger than Fiction by MasenVixen
• The Blessing & The Curse by The Black Arrow

……… CHARACTERS I LOVE

Geekwards I Heart

• Love in My Box by cosmoandmarvar
• Daniel Gale: Cumming to America by danielgaleh00rs
• An Introduction to Swirl and Daisy by m81170

Best Bella, period.

• La canzone della Bella Cigna by philadelphic

Edward I want to be mine.

• The Cullen Campaign by belladonna1472

Alice I Love

• Dead on My Feet by Cesca Marie

Best Alice and Jasper

• Voice for Me by PachasPickMeUp

Most Real Characters with Realistic Struggles

• A Rough Start by ItzMegan73

Most interesting character to unravel

• Leah – Confessions of a Difficult Woman by Einfach Mich

………Fics for which I crave updates

• Bright Like the Sun by Dryler
• Portrait of a Girl by Zors
• Yesternight by Pastiche Pen

Have a great new year, and may we all be blessed with even more great TwiFic in the year to come!

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