On Masochism.

Fanfic can be such a miserable hobby, some times.

Case in point: a pal has taken on a fic challenge, only to realize that she's not so keen on the idea, after all.

As I told her, if I had a dollar for every fic I thought I could tackle but then had to abandon... I'd have enough to fund several rounds at the Miserable Ficcers Drinkup.

And yet, we slog on. Why?

It's derivative, sometimes sloppy (god knows, I use every shortcut I can), and of limited entertainment value. God help you if you're a fan of a lesser-known media product.

Granted, I think I've seen more insight into the human condition in a well-written Jack/Ianto angstfest than a typical Hemingway novel. But then again, I don't like Hemingway. I'd rather sit through an entire season of some bug-eating Japanese game show than read a Hemingway novel, but I digress.

What the hell was I thinking when I picked up the fic-thing again? I'm a costumer and a gamer (albeit not as much as I once was). I don't need another monkey on my back - not even one that allows me to write up all of my filthy thoughts about various non-existent people and inflict them on unsuspecting strangers.

It eats up our free time. There's no assurance that anyone will pay attention to our little darlings, no matter how lovely with might think (or hope) they are. And four times out of five, future episodes/issues/novels blow some central premise to flinders (for example, every HP fanfic that has Certain Characters surviving beyond Book 7).

So why do we do it? Oh... yeah, because it's fun. Sometimes. See 'filthy thoughts', above... ;)

( And while I'm ranting... )

Saxon Vox Beta Needed

In complete defiance of the icon, above, I just bashed out the first draft of a ficlet and I really, really need some help fixing Saxon's voice. I can't seem to keep the zany out of him - even when the zany isn't apt.

EDIT: Betas found. Thanks!

And, FWIW, the three dedicated fans of the toppy!Ianto stories will be glad to know that whilst Ianto has nothing to do with this one, the fic is the setup for rebooting/redirecting the series.

I'm almost tempted to hold off posting the final version of the Jack-and-Saxon bit until I've written the kickoff of new-and-improved toppy!Ianto/Jack¹ so's as to not spoil it for you. Heh.

But that doesn't obviate the fact that I need a Saxon-dialog beta.

¹ - I've just started the first draft and have hit the usual too-embarassed-to-write-the-smutty-bits phase, give me a few days...

Dratted irony!

As iamradar put it, apparently I'm carrot-scented today.

I'm working on three, count 'em, three fics, simultaneously. Granted, they're all variants on the let's torture Jack! theme but still...

Fave (not too spoilery) excerpt of the drafts, so far:

"Harry wanted me to share his interests," Lucy sighed, looking at the floor. "But he's not here, now."

Jack's interest sharpened. "No, he isn't."

Lucy stared at Jack, her eyes wide and solemn. "I don't think he likes you very much."

Big surprise. "That's okay. I like me enough for both of us." Jack saw an opportunity. "I like you, too."

Lucy looked shocked and then laughed. "Really?"

***

And, um, yeah, I've got some real weird issues in my head. Most of them will be coming out in these fics. Don't say I didn't warn you.

A Small Pile of Fiction. Sorry If It Stains The Rug.

Right, you lot. Here's the kickoff for rebooting the toppy!Ianto series. It's unbeta'd and definitely a bit rough, but it's done. I won't admit how long this idea has been in my head, because that would be a bit embarrassing.

Title: Starting Over
Summary: Now that Jack has returned from the Valiant - an experience about which he is uncharacteristically closed-mouthed - Ianto learns that what qualifies as that status quo must undergo some serious re-interpretation.
Pairing: Jack/Ianto
Rating: R, for not-very-specific violence and some slightly-explicit naughtiness, but it is a bit weird. Hence the R.


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