The Writer's Conspiracy

The July-Twilight Rec. List

2010-07-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

We've had this month's Supernatural recommendations, so it's only fair that you Twilight lovers get your top five must reads for the month. So, here's what I think you ~~should~~, no, need to check out this month:

1. A Cure for a Tragedy by zm4u (FanFiction.Net):

First story I reviewed here, so of course it's going to be top of the list. By my friend zm4u, this story has everything a great fiction needs: original plot, twists, turns, romance, heartbreak and cliffhangers that leave you screaming at the computer screen. A raw, moving story that needs to be loved. It's completed, so no long waits, and it even has a sequel waiting for you, co-written by none other than me!

2. Online Offline by Igmrkm (FanFiction.Net):

Second Twilight fiction by Igmrkm, already off to an amazing start. It's an all human fic, and he has Edward and Bella at loggerheads offline, but amazing friends online. What are the chances of you becoming neighbours with your online friends when you move town? Very high apparently, but it's a good read.

3. Stay Close, Don't Go by GOFINS (FanFiction.Net):

This is a really popular, all human story that I think every girl (and some guys) can relate to. The best part? It's completed. It has a lot of chapters for you to get through, but I can guarantee that you'll be hooked. It's sweet and reassuring, and keeps you wishing for the ending every girl wants.

4. Wicked Little Girls by eliza28 (FanFiction.Net):

This one is a little neglected by its author, but its still an amazing, original story, so maybe, if enough people review and beg, it'll be updated more frequently. It focuses on twins Alice & Bella, and their mixed up, hybrid lives. You just know Edward and Jasper will get there in the end, so help encourage this story on it's way.

5. To Write Love on Her Arms by Zombie's Run This Town (FanFiction.Net):

This story deals with very sensitive matters and problems, but does so in a poetic manner suiting of the issues. Something you should read and remember. It offers insightful understanding to the charity it is named after, and don't forget to bring tissues along for the final chapters. You'll need them.

I can't recommend these stories anymore than I already have, so please do read them. And don't forget to leave a little love in the form of reviews. Some of these stories are under-appreciated, and others need encouragement to get them off the ground again. We all need help now and then, so do give it. And remember, if you have any recommendations of your own, leave them in the comments section!

Snapshot: For Tonight Only with linkkinparkk

2010-07-20T10:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Snapshot. A place for authors of fan fiction to tell us why they wrote their story and what inspired them to write it. An self-analysis, as it were. And guess what. You lucky people are going to be treated to an self-analysis by me, only because I am mega vain. Only joking. Anyway, my self-analysis will be on For Tonight Only and it is a Supernatural one shot. Here are the STATS:

Title: For Tonight Only
Rating: T
Universe: Supernatural
Reviews: 18
Summary: After a long, tiring hunt, the boys crash out in a motel to find their worst nightmare waiting for them in the room: a double bed. Dean kicks. Sam sprawls. No good can come from this.

Okay, first things first: this is NOT a slash fic and never will be. It is purely brotherly love, the kind that Sam and Dean do best. No incest. No crossing very dangerous lines. Just Sam, Dean and a double bed. Now for the good stuff, what other people have to say about this story:

"This was just SO gorgeous! Funny and cute at the same time, what a treasure! The image of those two snuggled up after all that snarkage was tremendous. And that last line brough such a smile to my face. So favoriting this." ~ PlatinumRoseLady

"Aw, so cute. Loved the brotherly time so much! And I liked their banter, so Dean and Sam. Thanks for relishing the good old days." ~ CiZiwejes

"LOL, cute! I loved Dean's glee over "vacation location" and the rhyme--very in character for him. Him picking on Sam's hair and finding things about him funny was cute, too, and his "sleepover" teasing. And then, the end--when we see that, despite their complaints, it's their best night of sleep--just cracked me up. Nicely done!" ~ bhoney

"B'aww... No other words to descibe how cute the ending was! It was unexpected - I'd thought one would end up on the floor and get no sleep, xD - but that was so cute. Plus I could actually see it happening :P Once again the banter between the two made me laugh - you have them down to a "T". Or rather, a "D" and "S"... Possibly a "W"... But you know what I mean. :P Anyway, I really enjoyed this - great job!" ~ AerrowLover

Now this Snapshot is not going to be made up of reviews and me hammering on about how great my story is. I was just stunned at the (positive) reaction to my story and I thought I would share a few choice reviews with you. Because I really believed I was entering dangerous territory with the spooning that occurs at the end. I also have Supernatural FanFic issues, with me constantly worrying about whether I've captured the boys' personalities or not. Generally, I feel I do a decent job, and their banter flows as naturally as breathing. So do their arguments, but that's for another time.

Anyway, this story was inspired by double beds and honeymoon locations. I had a strange notion one day, as I sat reading a book. I wondered what it would be like, for Sam and Dean to have to share a bed. I laughed out loud and the people nearest me stared at me like I was a freak. So I stopped laughing and started planning this one-shot (those people still stared at me as if I was a freak; shame they're family). Hm, I thought, what if ...

While planning, a whole host of banter filled my head and flowed onto paper. Jensen and Jared really make it easy for FanFic authors to write for their characters, because they perfect them and show everything and nothing about the characters, all at the same time. So, banter done, I looked for a way to wrap this story up. Should I leave it there? No, I needed a solution to the problem. A cute, brotherly solution. One that was sweet and realistic, and damn funny in the same breath. One where the boys end up in a situation they wouldn't get into normally.

Enter spooning and all its glory.

I decided that the boys would end up sharing the bed and, better yet, they would be wrapped up in each other (in a brotherly, innocent way) and the most content they'll ever be. That too, was dangerous territory, as I had to do it in a way that was as far from slash/Wincest as possible. I do not like Wincest, my motto being "Brothers! Not Lovers!" Okay, I just made that up, but still ... no sex for the boys.

In the end, I had it so they were tangled in each other as little kids (and puppies - I love puppies!) often do. It wrapped up the one-shot nicely, stayed away from slash and made me smile happily. The positive response afterwards surprised me, but made me happy that I'd managed to send out Winchester love to all the other fans who delve into FanFic.

Would I do it again? Definitely!

The July-Supernatural Rec. List

2010-07-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

I love Supernatural, and that much shows from the stories I've recommended in depth, and from the stories I've written myself. I scour the web for good, healthy one-shots and the occasional multi-fic. I look, read, love and cry over them. Because the show does that to you. It drags you in, mercilessly, until you need more. And for my fellow addicts, here are this months must reads:

1. A Show of Affection by Shinaria (FanFiction.Net):

This story is set sometime in season four, so if you haven't seen season four yet and don't want to know anything about it, stay away. For the rest of us, this story is based around Castiel and his naivety for all behaviours human. It is funny and light-hearted, showing Castiel at his best, reminding us Supernatural fans why we love that dude so much.

2. They Were Married by Planet P (FanFiction.Net):

Another Castiel / Jimmy Novak story. You can see which character I love (only kidding. Winchester!Girl all the way here). The thing with Castiel fictions, however, is this: they capture all the great qualities about the character and remind us why we love him, whilst being freakin' hilarious at the same time. This one is more moving, tear-jerking than the previous story, following Jimmy Novak's wife, Amelia, after she discovers where her husband disappeared to. Authors often forget about the supporting characters and this is a good read, following such supporting character in the aftermath of the destruction of her life.

3. Green Eyes by kerryyuy (FanFiction.Net):

Any story that has girls fighting over Dean Winchester is good in my book, and this one is funny and sad in all the right places. Favourite part. Jo getting her ass kicked verbally by main OC, Kerry Singer. A must read just to see Jo get put in her place. Guess that means I'm not a Jo/Dean shipper.

4. Weakness by alisseadreams (FanFiction.Net):

Dean and Sammy. In trouble. Emotional boys. Ingredients for a sob-a-holic story. And cry I did. This is one moving story, highlighting the beauty that is the boys relationship as brothers. They need each other. They are each other's weaknesses. But they are each other's strengths too. Bring tissues when reading this short story.

5. Saint Dean by Catalina Day (FanFiction.Net):

Dean is a Saint, didn't you know. Or that's what he seems to think. A funny one shot set in season four, after Dean's return, with Dean winding up an incredulous Sam.

Check out all of these stories, and let me know what you thought of them by commenting below. Don't forget to add your own recommendations, even if they are your own stories. You never know; they might just end up on next month's Supernatural rec. list.

Enjoy!

Posted by linkkinparkk

Fluff: Submitting Your Original Writing

2010-07-19T04:26:00.000-07:00

Original writing seems like a scary concept when you look at it. I mean, these are your ideas, your thoughts, your characters, and you really put a lot of yourself into your work. Having it out in the open for other people to read and critique is like giving a stranger a hammer and asking them to hit you. Because they can really hit hard when they want to.

That said, having your writing out in the open is a good way to improve your style, flow and general storytelling skills. How can you ever get better if your writing is stuffed in a shoebox, under your bed? But, it's all about finding the confidence to post, and this is where we'll start at.

There are a good many sites out on the internet that are open to amateur writers who want to post. Some writers worry that by doing this, their original ideas are open to be plagiarism. However, there are sites with strict guidelines that are there purely for growth and improvement of completed manuscripts or stories-in-progress.

One such site is WeBook and it has two options for budding writers. You can either start a project where you invite people to join, invite people to write, or just invite people to read and enjoy. You can make the project open to everyone, or you can hide it from people who aren't members. The latter option should put those worrisome minds to rest, as you'll know each person you invite it well, and trust them with your work. The project option on WeBook is free, and works well as a starting place for authors needing criticism.

The second option available is Page-2-Fame. You need to pay in order to do this, and I recommend only doing it if your manuscript is complete. Page-2-Fame is where you submit the first page of your novel or novella to the site. They post it, and then other readers or writers rate it. If you get a high enough rating, your story moves to the next round where you post five pages, and so on until you've posted a chapter, fifty pages. Not only do writers rate, but publishers and experts do too, so you'll know where you're writing stands.

Eventually, the Page-2-Fame can lead to getting an agent, who will then represent you when you go to a publisher. Of course, not everyone gets through, so if you fall at the first page round, then you can go away and work hard at improvements. The only fault of this method I can think of is that you'll never get as good, in-depth feedback as the projects do. However, by only submitting a page and synopsis, you are protecting the main part of your story from those people who look for ideas to steal.

WeBook is a good site for those serious about their work and getting in-depth feedback. It has ways to protect your writing. However, not everyone wants to get published. If you don't, and your writing is purposely aimed at online reading, you might want to try a more relaxed site. FictionPress is one such site. Don't expect to get much feedback or reviews from the users here, but do check out your traffic numbers if you're concerned no one is reading. You might just be surprised.

If you are a serious writer, but have a less than serious idea, FictionPress is a good place to post. You can get ideas out of your system, and turn to it for fresh looks when writer's block hits. It is a popular site with younger writers, and you might just collect a group of dedicated fans if your work is good enough.

Submitting your work online is scary, not only because of the fear of plagiarism, but because of the fear of negative feedback. WeBook users try their hardest not to flame work, or be overly negative, and you'll find the feedback to be insightful and useful. However, the same assurances cannot be said of FictionPress.

All that can be said now is pick your poison, hold your breath, and knock it back. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that the poison is sweet, not deadly.

Posted by linkkinparkk

Rec: Dealing With Naked Grief

2010-07-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

The STATS:

Story: The Naked Dead, and Her
Author: Guardian1
Universe: Video Game - Final Fantasy X
Summary: Post-game; Rikku deals with her red-coated ghosts the best way she knows how. It's tough being newly sixteen, sticky, and heartbroken.
Genre: Family/Hurt /Love
Pairing(s)/Characters: Rikku/Auron
Rating: K +

The THOUGHTS:

Auron. Rikku. Auron and Rikku. A pretty dangerous pairing if you think about it. She's fifteen. He's thirty-five. Makes you wonder about all those social boundaries and such, that prevent relationships like that from ever forming. But Guardian1 turns it into something safe and assuring and tragically sad. Because it is handled like all it ever was; a crush that had no direction or time to soar into the sky, and it hurts, because Rikku never even stood a chance.

The game, and its sequel, follow Yuna and Tidus as a couple, potential pairing, and just their growth into better people. It misses the supporting cast, and it misses out on some great moments and personalities. Rikku and Auron are two of these characters, with Rikku generally being reduced to the role of Yuna's annoying, exuberant cousin. The Naked Dead, and Her doesn't reduce her to this immature mess. Yes, you can still see those "Rikku" traits and she isn't OOC, but it's like you see a different side of her. A calmer, hurt side.

The Naked Dead, and Her explores how Rikku lets go of all the people who were lost at the end of Final Fantasy X and sits nicely between the two games. Rikku is still Rikku, but she is acting more mature than Yuna and facing the possibility that Tidus won't come back. It also shows, and looks into, how Rikku is hurt by her loss of Auron, but no one notices. She talks about the little things, and what is most tragic about this one-shot is what never was. What never happened, and could never have happened, because Auron was already dead, dead from the get go.

Rikku salutes them all and holds herself and runs back to the skeleton-rebuilding of Home, to warmth, to her dad and her dorky brother, to what she has now and what she's going to keep and her cousin'll be wanting her in Bevelle very badly. Life is sweet like stolen pudding and the sky has her name on it in big blinking machina lights.

Guardian1 captures everything with grace and elegance, the whole of Spira, the hot heat of the desert, the grainy texture of the sand, and the grief that sweeps over both. It's nice to read a one-shot that looks at Rikku, instead of Yuna or Tidus, and sees her for the person she can truly be, right in the centre of her core.

Recommended by linkkinparkk

Author Talk: Kerryyuy

2010-07-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

1. Let us begin with a brief overview of yourself: where does your username come from and how did you 'stumble' into the world of fan fiction?

Initially, I had the username Kerryuy, which I chose because I was obsessed with Heero Yuy from Gundam Wing, and Kerry was my favourite name that I gave to my characters. However, I changed it to Moonwolfe because I am writing my own original fiction and my major project is a book called "Moonwolf", so I changed my username. As for stumbling into fanfic, I typed Gundam Wing into a search engine and it came out with . Out of curiosity I had a look, and I've never looked back since!

2. Why did you start writing fan fiction? Did you think that your favourite universes were lacking or was it all for fun?

I started writing fanfic before I knew what it was! I had an over active imagination and used to wonder what it would be like if I was a part of [a] show and in most evenings when I should have been in bed, I was usually pretending to act out scenes (I was only 9 at the time). I can't believe I'm admitting this! I guess you could say it was purely for fun!

3. Which universe is your favourite to write for and why?

Oh man, this is a hard one! I have to say that Gundam Wing is still my favourite, as each character is so drastically different to the next, so there is a very wide variety of stories I could write and I guess I can explore into each character differently. Supernatural is catching up very quickly though!

4. Okay, now I'm gonna make you choose. Which Supernatural story is best: Green Eyes or Stolen Innocence?

That is a very cruel question. I think Green Eyes has to be best, in my eyes - after all it was my first Supernatural fic and it had such an amazing response! It is my proudest piece to date on fanfiction, and I think it always will be!

5. Ha ha, Supernatural is fun to write for. Which direction do you plan to take Stolen Innocence in? Because I'd love to see Jayne go her own way for a bit and be a kickass hunter?

Sorry, I would love to tell you, but I'm keeping all plans shtum for now. Don't worry, Jayne will come out of her shell soon enough!

6. Dammit. I wanted to snag something good. Anyway, you're rewriting Green Eyes under the name Green Eyes: Take II. Why did you decide to rewrite it?

Well, initially, I had loads of ideas to put into Green Eyes, but in the end decided not to include them all. Plus, I had seen very few episodes of the show at that point, so when I got all the seasons for Christmas, I suddenly started seeing how much the story could have been improved, so after a lot of thinking, I eventually decided to go for it.

7. So are you gonna make Kerry suffer more this time round and tug at our heartstrings?

I'm not sure yet. Possibly. There are a few more Kerry/Sam bonding moments, and a bit more with her and Dean, but I don't want to give too much away as that will forever spoil my fun. And you'd probably not read it if you knew what was going to happen.

8. What are you better at: writing happy scenes or sad scenes? Lemme tell you, funny falls under happy, unless you're a sadist ...

I really don't know. As Jared Padalecki (Sam Winchester - Supernatural) once said - "It's harder to act out funny scenes until you get into the right mood, then it comes easily. On the other hand, drama takes a lot out of you, but is usually easier to act out". I think that's my approach to writing a lot of the time.

9. Wise words from Mr. Padalecki indeed. Would you ever write a Twilight fan fiction? Would you change your mind if I threatened your life ...

Possibly, but only if it involved Jacob or Jasper... Don't expect anything any time soon though!

10. I'll be watching out for you now, Miss Yuy. Right, time to get nitty and gritty. Best fan fiction story you ever read and why?

It has to be Gundam No.5 by The Love Bug. It had me almost crying with laughter, and I've never heard mambo number 5 the same way since. Trust me. Read it. Love it! *Starts humming* A little bit of Heavyarms in my life...

11. "A little bit of Epyon by my side ..." What kind of reviews do you like and what was your best review?

I like reviews that, as well as saying that they liked the story, ask questions. This has helped me before whenever I've had writers block. I hate reviews that are just "Love It!" every chapter, in a high-pitched girl-fan voice. One word - annoying! I've had a lot of reviews that have made me smile for the whole day, but the best review I ever had is probably from MelodicMisery for Stolen Innocence -

"...great update! She's back with her brothers, yay! lol. I loved the part with John. He's a good father, but he's stubborn. Still, gotta love him. ;) And I really love Dean and Jayne's relationship. I mean it's like they're really close, but Dean doesn't like to show it because that's just the way he is. And yet, Sam is the complete opposite, so I guess I love their relationship too, lol. ^_^ And the protectiveness over her is awesome. ;) Overall you write the relationships in this story extremely well. One of the best I've seen! haha. ^_^ Loved the update! More soon. :)."

12. You do realise that was a trick question and you shoulda said, "why, all of your reviews are my bestest Kirsty!" Humph. Fine, what are you reading at the moment and why? Would you recommend the stories?

At the minute I am reading a lot of Ouran High School Host Club fictions. I watched the anime on YouTube this week and it rekindled my love of the show - especially the twins! I would definitely recommend these fictions as they are so light and fun, perfect for a little pick me up!

13. Right. Do you get the writer's block and what do you do when you fall into its trap?

Yes, yes, YES. I have it big time at the minute. I know exactly where all of my stories are going to go and how I want them to end up, but the journey getting there is a hassle, and I go through stages where I update about 5 times a day, then suddenly for a month or so I have no inspiration and before long I get people shouting at me to update. When I fall into the trap, I usually start watching TV and reading other peoples stuff to kick my butt in gear. Failing that I write my own fictions to get the creative juices flowing.

14. Hm, sounds yummy. You are definitely a well rounded writer, with 14 different fandoms under your belt. What won't you write for?

Naruto. I hate the show, and always have done. I will never write for it. Also, I would never write Yaoi. As much as it can be somewhat entertaining to read, I physically could not see myself actively writing it. I write some lemons, but I get quite embarassed when friends or family read it, so I tend to try and stay away from that too if I can (linkkinparkk: He he, sounds a lot like me!).

15. Finally, do you have any other stories lined up in the wings, other then the highly anticipated next chapter of Stolen Innocence?

Yes, I do have a few stories. I have a Supernatural story that you already know all about, hehe (linkkinparkk: me and Kerryyuy are working on a Supernatural collaboration together that you will hear more of later), and I have another Tekken story. Also, will be dipping into previously unchartered territory and writing a story for Ouran Host Club, but first I want to complete a few more stories before attempting any more fics.

* Sounds fair. I know I have plenty of stories that need finishing before I get carried away. Well, it was great talking to you Kerryyuy and I must say that you can hold onto your secrets like no one else!

Interview with Kerryyuy by linkkinparkk

Rec: Brothers Dismantled

2010-07-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

The STATS:

Story: Dismantle (Repair)
Author: Ericka Jane
Universe: TV Show - Supernatural
Summary: Dean isn't sure what to expect when he gets back to the motel room and he'd be lying if he said that he wasn't terrified to find out.
Genre: Season Five / Supernatural / Post 5.13-5.14
Pairing(s)/Characters: Dean Winchester / Sam Winchester
Rating: T
Status: Complete

The THOUGHTS:

Another Supernatural recommendation, and probably the most fantastically written fanfic that I've read over the past week. There was something tragically fragile about both brothers in this missing moment one-shot, showing how the brother's relationship never really changed and was just lost amid all the hurt feelings that were stirred when Dean returned from Hell. So, on the topic of Hell, this is the direction that this one-shot went in.

Anyone who's seen the fifth season up to the current episode would have watched 5.13/The Song Remains the Same and know what happens. If you're a Supernatural fan and haven't seen any of the fifth season, or the fifth season up to the thirteenth episode, turn away now. This recommendation and this fic is littered with spoilers, some grand and some not so big, but it will definitely ruin the surprise. Those who have seen it, stay with me as I take you through the general grips of this one-shot.

Sam was fatally wounded in the climatic grip of the episode by none other then Anna herself. And he was clearly dead for a good ten to fifteen minutes whilst Dean had a "talk" with Michael, the holy than thou archangel. So what happened whilst Sam was "dead". Ericka Jane takes us on a walk into "what might have been" while Sammy was off in the world of the dead. And it isn't pretty. Angst guaranteed.

Everyone loves a worried, brotherly Dean and we've been missing the protectiveness of the older Winchester as of late. Dismantle (Repair) captures Dean's panic and helplessness as he watches his brother die again, relating back to the time when Jake sliced through Sam's spine in front of Dean. His emotions kick in raw and unyielding and EJ does a fantastic job of racing through the motions, bringing us up to speed instantly. There's no drawn out revisiting of the Dean/Michael exchange.

Dean isn't sure what to expect when he gets back to the motel room and he'd be lying if he said he wasn't terrified to find out.

From here, we are taken through more turmoil as Dean approaches a dangerously still Sam, who is staring at the bloodstain on his shirt, looking for all the world as though he can't believe he is alive. Which I guess is normal for anyone who just died. And whilst Dean desperately checks Sam for injuries, the younger Winchester tells Dean that he saw Hell. Cue tender brotherly moment.

The dialogue between the brothers is so in character and believable, considering that the previous episodes have been the brothers banging heads and throwing out cruel truths. It's nice to see that Sam is letting Dean see the vulnerable side of himself, instead of hiding it and trying to be strong enough for the both of them and it was brilliant to see Dean back to his protective brother role.

Dean drops his hand on to Sam's shoulder and squeezes, his way of silently telling Sam that he knows, but he wants to, might even need to. They'll both be having nightmares tonight, Dean of Sam falling to the ground and into his own blood, and Sam of red flashes and agonized screams. They'll need to have each other's backs.

This one-shot is cute, sad and beautifully written, showing a moment that might have happened just after they got back from the future, but before Castiel arrives, and it is much needed to lighten up the darkness that is hanging over season five at the moment. Dismantle (Repair) is not a fic to miss out on, and leave the author a little love too.

Recommended by linkkinparkk

Rec: A Very Supernatural Angel's Blessing

2010-07-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

The STATS:

Story: Watching Over You
Author: MoonGoddessShadow
Universe: TV Show - Supernatural
Summary: Mary Winchester never believed in angels, not with what she'd seen in her lifetime; they sat pretty close to Bigfoot on her scale of existence. But when one starts following her around town, she's going to have to reconsider her: Pre-Supernatural
Pairing(s)/Characters: Mary Winchester/Castiel
Rating: T
Status: Complete

The THOUGHTS:

It seems to me like I'm going through a Supernatural recommendation phase. And that isn't a bad thing, not in my eyes. Anyway, this is a one-shot that details Mary Winchester's switch from believing that the world is full of evil and that angels are "Pretty close to Bigfoot," on the scale of likeliness of existing, to blessing baby Dean every night with whispered words of "Angels are watching over you." And what a sweet one-shot it is; unassuming and innocent, in the days before Mary is dead and Sam is a junkie and Dean is broken.

The story follows Mary doing mundane things with infant Dean. She fears that she's been followed by something sinister and she's right to worry; she is being followed. Except she isn't being followed by just anybody, she's being followed by Castiel. Whaay! Cas is here. It would seem that Dean's importance is known, even back in yonder days.

The exchange between protective mother Mary and inquisitive angel Castiel is beautiful and both stay completely in character, with Castiel reaching out to hold Dean close in his arms (wonder what our hunter would think of that?). The way that Cas stills Dean's cries and the way Dean's importance is made clear, even as a baby, is very fitting into the plot of Supernatural. Remember that this one shot came before 5.13 and before we found out Mary's true reasons for blessing little Dean every night.

It is always nice to find a one shot that goes back to the origins of one Winchester tradition or another, and MoonGoddessShadow's story is no different. It is light-hearted and generous with the wee!Chester moments and is a must read for any self-respecting Supernatural fan. I can't recommend this one-shot enough and suggest you put it on your favourites list. It writes like canon and I shall leave you with this extract to seal the deal.

An angel was watching over her family.

An angel. One of the most mysterious and yet prolific supernatural beings in existence, and it was assigned to protect the Winchesters. She didn't know anything solid about them, but if the Bible was anything to go by, then Castiel would be immensely powerful, even up against some of the worse monsters she'd faced in her lifetime. This was amazing.

The entire way home, she could shake neither her awe at the entire concept nor the content smile on her lips.

Posted by linkkinparkk

Author Talk: zm4u

2010-07-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

1. Let us begin with a brief overview of yourself: where does your username come from and how did you "stumble" into the world of fan fiction?

Well, I stumbled into fan fiction when I was in middle school. Me and my friends were hard core Harry Potter fans even though I TRIED to resist the frenzy when it came out. We decided we were going to create our own characters and write them into one of the books and my friend turned me over to a Harry Potter fan site, not , however that discovery came by accident, and from that day on I have always been writing.

My username, it was something simple and me. ZM are my initials and 4u is pretty much self explanatory. When I created the name I don't think I was actually planning on writing anything, I just wanted to review other people's work, but well, you can see THAT didn't hold out for long ...

2. Which do you prefer writing for: Final Fantasy or Twilight and why?

Hm, honestly? Today it is Twilight, and that is just because I am so wrapped up into my story (A Cure for a Tragedy) I guess. I love writing Final Fantasy: Yuna is my absolute favorite character (until Versus comes out I'm sure) but I feel more ... limited when I write. I can't connect as well with their world as I can Twilight, because it is very other worldly in the sense that is absolutely NOTHING like ours, so it is a little harder for me to write. So, yeah, Twilight. A better connection, which makes for a better story.

3. What's the magic formula for a good AU Twilight story? A Cure for a Tragedy seems to have hit it.

Since it is AU, there really is no set formula becuase every story has themes that other worlds would be better for, whereas others not so much, but I suppose there a few common themes to keep in mind when you go out and make a AU world.

1 - First is geography; it shapes your people and their history, and sets the tone. You wont have vampires living in a tropical setting for example unless they are the ruling class which sets us up for number two.

2 - Society and standards: Is there a king, lower class, racisim, vampires over humans, humans over vampires, or do the two know the other exist. Without knowing this you can mess yourself up come chapter three or four in your story. People conform to society, so will your characters, or maybe they don't and that results in your conflict for the story plot.

3 - Always have something that can connect your readers to that world. I chose modernity. My story is a total different world, but not one that my readers cannot relate to, they can, in at least a little way, otherwise it would shut them out and make reading it a little harder. These three are all subtle things that are in the background for the story and luckily can be flexible since your chapters do not directly deal with them ALL the time.

4. What inspired you to take our much loved Twilight characters and place them in an unknown environment?

Well, I can't go into it as much as I like because the story has not ended, but what inspired me was the plot of the story. I wanted certain things to happen, and for vampires to be known, yet not seen. Our world was not appropriate, if people know such things exist then everything about life is different, I think. I didn't mean for it to turn out like it did, but once I started writing I realized I needed a world, and it just expanded from Jasper's city to this entire world where cities center around a protector like him because vampires exist, you just don't really see them. Also, there is a theme of light and dark that somehow developed and inspired the world without me really realizing it. Wish I could say more, but then I would have to get into how it is going to end ...

5. Any hints to what our "tragedy" might involve? Any? None ...

No more than the hints I have already thrown into my story thus far: the summary if you read it carefully, tells you everything you need to know, even though I throw curve balls, and then there are the other hints throughout the story, Volturi Guard, mysterious vampire girl with blackened skin, a horrid infection spreading amongst the vampires, you know - the usual simple ones.

6. Damn, Okay then, any plans for a sequel?

Yes! No doubts about that, AND you will see all of the characters from the original Cure and maybe a few more. I have been hinting big time at who the main focus will be in the sequel, but I am not going to really get into it yet, because it could spoil the ending for you. I do plan for it to be "epic" in the sense we will be seeing all of the world I have created. Okay, I will say this, we will see a lot more of Bella, but her character, and a few others, will be different than the book and MUCH different than the movie, so I think a lot more people will enjoy this. That's all I can say ... for now.

7. Guess we're just going to have to wait for your "epic" sequel. Do you suffer from the dreaded 'writer's block' and how do you get around it?

Do I suffer? YES! Victim right NOW! But so far, each time I have had writer's block, fans of my story have helped me through it. I usually get discouraged when I have it and I don't write anything down cause it comes out all wrong and is all horrible, but then I read things my fans write. Their reviews have always helped me out of it, by inspiring me and sometimes they even give me ideas that I work into my stories, I get so excited the words just flow!

I generally believe everyone who takes the time out to read, should take the time out to review if only for that reason. I have had a reviewer who only writes, "when are you going to update" and "you take too long", actually getting really ugly about it sometimes and that person starts cursing me, and it made me so frustrated. That person did it to all my stories too, and because I was frustrated, I almost killed my main character and was like "forget" it, losing the will to write, but then I read other people's review and got myself out of that, by remembering that there were other, genuine people out there. Reviews help me from my writers blocks! Ironic really.

8. How do you get through writing sad scenes? Does it leave you upset afterwards, or accomplished (if the latter, you're plain evil!)?

Ha ha, then I am part evil, yay! Sad scenes, they do make me sad and I have a few big ones coming up in one of my stories (I won't say which one or ones) and I always feel sad while writing it, because I put them through hard times, even if they're not real. So yeah, I feel sad for them, but at the same time, I feel accomplished when I finish a sad scene, because that's what I set out to do.

9. Would you ever write a Twilight one shot? What if I begged?

I have never written a one shot, but not because I have not wanted to, just because so far my ideas have been on bigger scales. Maybe I'll work on that . . . hmmmm . . .

10. Let's get to the good stuff. Best fandom experience and why?

This one so far! I have never been interviewed and I feel all special, and it is because of my stories, so that is exciting. I am really enjoying answering these questions.

11. What kind of reviews do you like and what was your best review?

Well, I am someone who is random, and likes virtually everything. Check out my iPod it has 500 songs and music from everywhere in the world! So I can't say there is a certain type I like more than they other, its just not me to be that way I guess.

I love all reviews, except the flames. I don't mind people telling me that they don't like the story, because of these elements blah blah ... everyone has their own personal preferences and I respect that, but there are those reviewers who will cuss you, or just be a jerk about you, like you shouldn't walk the planet, those are flames and I don't like them. Luckily I haven't had too many of those, most people I have encountered are very nice and respectful.

12. What are you reading at the moment and why? Would you recommend the stories?

I am reading several stories right now, and I would recommend them without a doubt. I am only going to talk about two here, ( I am currently working on recommendations on my profile page for ). The first is your wonderful story, so linkkinparkk's Open Book and the other is Daylighter's Subjective Changes. They are both wonderful stories; the former being Edwella and the latter Jalice, but they both have the other characters involved. I love them both and yes, I would recommend them.

13. Do you have any other stories lined up in the wings, other then the sequel to A Cure ... ?

Nothing new so far, I am pretty focused on these two stories because they are the works I would like to represent me as my first attempt at having a real story other than one that was just simply entertaining to me, if that makes sense. A Cure has several sub plots that are merging into one big conflict for our characters, and then there are minor characters with major roles, such as Edward - we hear about him all the time yet we have only seen him once and he NEVER talks, and I think if I started working on something new, it could potentially cause problems with my writing for these stories, but if I get inspired I probably wont hold back.

14. Finally, just because I can; Team Edward, Team Jacob or Team Switzerland?

This is easy - Team Edward. Bella belongs with him no doubt, BUT I could take Jacob off her hands or if SHE decides she wants Jacob, I can deal with Edward as well. Ha ha.

Interview with zm4u by linkkinparkk

Rec: Take The OC's Out Hunting

2010-07-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

The STATS:

Story(s): Hunter/Aurora
Author: Igmrkm
Universe: Book - Twilight
Summary: Anna, a vampire hunter, has faced a lot in her life. She begins to question everything she knows when she meets the Cullens and the Quileute wolves. Can vampires really survive on human blood? Can they really live with humans? And how many of the vampires she has killed were vegetarians? But Anna has to place these suspicions to one side, in order to face down an onslaught on newborns with her strange allies.
Genre: AU, Action/Supernatural
Pairing(s): Felix/OC, All else canon
Status: Complete

The THOUGHTS:

Original characters. A minefield of errors can lay before you, when you choose to place an OC into a well known, and well loved, story or TV show. Do you really want to place your own character amidst the ones readers will favour? Do you want to make a love triangle where the OC will be crucified? It is difficult to make an OC that is likable and as un-Mary-Sue-ish as possible. It is difficult to win your audience over with your OC, yet, Igmrkm manages to do just that.

I admit it, I am one of the fan fiction world's biggest OC haters. I hate it when people write themselves into stories, so they can make out with a character. I hate it when people make pathetic OCs to liven up the characters that belong in the world (i.e. Twilight, Bella having her own coven of strange vampire people). I hate it when people ... Okay, you get the picture. Generally, I hate OCs, but Igmrkm has me wishing that Anna had an official place in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga. She just fits in. She belongs there. In fact, it's like she's been there all along.

Anna is a vampire hunter. Ah, dangerous start, I hear you say, but it makes sense. Anna has "gifts", not unlike the ones vampires seem to have, and by using these "gifts", she can overwhelm any fully grown vampire enough to kill them. That said, she doesn't have that many vampire heads on her resumé, which is realistic and emphasises on making her likable and believable. She slots into Twilight perfectly. Other than her skills, she has a dark past (not too angst), independence (but not the overwhelming Mary-Sue kind), human appearance and feelings. All in all, Anna is a great, deep character who mixes well with the Twilight characters.

Okay, everyone knows the story in Eclipse, right? Bella finally has Edward back, except she now has Jake to deal with. Whilst she's battling her heart, everyone else is battling newborns. Eventually, Bella gets engaged and the Volturi threaten them, and the newborns (+Victoria) are destroyed. Now add our OC Anna into the mix. It makes for a kickass story.

Hunter begins with Anna reading over the same article that Bella and Edward read. It's clear that this article is bothering her. After a brief conversation with her mother, within which we find that her father is dead, Anna heads to Seattle. We know what the cause is, but Igmrkm makes the story fresh and it's as if we've never heard it before. Seattle throws up nothing for Anna, but she notices another story in a paper. I won't go into detail, but Anna heads to Forks.

It isn't long before other, familiar, characters are mixed in. I love Igmrkm's description of Bella, "Even just looking at her I could tell she was a bit shy judging by the way she slightly hunched her shoulders. This was a girl who didn't like attention." This Bella is more hostile and clingy to Edward, which is probably a more realistic take on Bella's character. Of course, we can't be sure of this as most of the Twilight saga is written in Bella's POV. Other than appearing alongside Edward, Bella has no other part in this then to be wallpaper.

The Quileutes are the people who alert Anna about the Cullens, and there is a Supernatural feel as she lounges in a motel. Of course, most of this story is with her and as she is alone, most of it is her thoughts. However, Anna is an interesting character and her thoughts often insightful. Her mind is open to reading and she makes Edward (and me) smile a lot throughout it.

I think the best interaction between Anna and a Cullen is a toss up between Alice and Emmett. Alice is Alice and puts her "I-can-see-the-future" skills to good work, befriending, welcoming and bullying Anna into being a part of the family. The banter between Emmett and Anna is just as funny, and his nickname for her (Buffy) is hilarious. Igmrkm knows that Emmett produces comic relief and doesn't fail to use him to her advantage.

Igmrkm does a fantastic job capturing the canon personalities of the original Twilight cast, perfecting Edward when it comes to his POV. It makes the first section of this story, Hunter, read like Meyer had written it herself. Anna belongs in this universe and she is one OC you don't forget. In fact, you start treating her like another Cullen straight away, even feeling sorry for her and being worried about her.

Instead of posting the sequel separately, Igmrkm has continued adding more chapters. The continuation is called, Aurora, and is more focused on Anna, due to the good reception that this OC got. It is set during Breaking Dawn this time, and starts with the wedding. However, it is what happens after that is more interesting.

Anna met the Volturi with the Cullens. Simple. Of course, Jane would have told Aro, who would have been interested in Anna's "gift". Cue kidnap scene. That scene is one of my favourites as it is described in such detail. You can really feel Anna's pain and fear and worry for her mother. She doesn't go down without a fight and ends up unconscious. It is well worth reading this story just for that scene.

Anna is turned. You can't help but scream and cry and hate Aro for taking our very human vampire hunter and ruining her life. But, there is a romance that blossoms. Felix, a member of the Volturi, a character we hardly know, falls in love Anna and they couldn't be a better match. It is like the chemistry between Anna and Emmett, except sexual. Another strong point of the story, another reason why it should be read, at least once.

Upon being turned, a whole new adventure befalls Anna, who refuses to drink human blood on principle, courtesy of the Cullens. She is sent on a mission by Aro that weaves in with the original Breaking Dawn so well you can't even see the seams. The climax of Aurora is tense and edgy, but you'll love it for all the emotions it drives into you. And you'll love Anna even more as she stands her ground.

Anna is an OC that should be checked out. You fall in love with her and care about what happens to her. She shines and outdoes the original characters in the Twilight universe. You should check out Hunter and Aurora just to read about her.

Recommended by linkkinparkk

Rec: Need A Cure? ZM's The One For You

2010-07-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

The STATS:

Story: A Cure for a Tragedy
Author: zm4u
Universe: Book - Twilight
Summary: Everyone knew who he was, the Night's Guardian Jasper Hale, quiet and dangerous. No one knew who she was, but Jasper wanted to know. In a world where vampires are feared, the people rely on a protector, but what happens when he falls in love with the enemy?
Genre: AU, Romance/Action
Pairing(s): Alice/Jasper, Emmett/Rosalie
Status: Complete

The THOUGHTS:

Yes, I am a massive fan of zm4u's and have been following most of her stories for a long time. I guess we started writing seriously at the same time and then reviewed each other's work and supported each other. Anyway, it seemed like a good place to start, with regards to my new desire to read and review and anaylse fan fictions.

A Cure for a Tragedy is AU, set in a world where vampires roam freely and steal victims in the night. The answer to this problem is to have a Night's Guardian, a member of the royal family who is slightly more than human, guard the unsuspecting humans through the night. Surprisingly, for a Twilight fiction, the alternative world is breathtakingly beautiful and believable, a mixture of old traditions and modern appliances. It has a sense of Romeo and Juliet about it, a Shakespearean flare and yet, it is nothing like it at the same time with technology entwining around tradition.

The world is made up of four cities, each with a different trait and namesake. One city, the City of Noctis, has longer days then nights: fitting for vampires. Another is pleasantly warm, another rimmed by mountains and cliffs. And, of course, there is the description of the world as a whole. Geographically, the world is spread and the cities distant from each other. It gives a feeling of claustrophobia and separation, perfect when there are vampires everywhere, in every shadow, in every corner.

Other then the feeling of claustrophobia in the sense geography, there is a sense of claustrophobia within the city. All the cities are overcrowded, with people fighting to be near the centre of the cities where the royal family live and the better protection lies. Everyone wants to feel safe and yet, due to the number of people within the city, it is unlikely that disappearances will all be accounted for. Again, this raises tension and it is a fitting description and scenery for this story. It also adds fear as vampires can blend in easily with this city, even as the people flood the streets with light for protection.

Anyway, the story begins with a party; fun and lighthearted, and a fitting place to bring the main character, Jasper Hale, to our attention. Everyone at the party is merry and cheerful, all except our very own Jasper. Immediately, we are given a sense of his importance, "The men eyed him suspiciously and enviously while the women took him in greedily", and yet he glared through the crowd dangerously, showing a harsh and hostile nature. If you thought this story contained a canon Jasper, you were very wrong.

zm4u's Jasper is cold, protective, stubborn and unemotional. He is the perfect warrior who does his duty and looks for nothing else in life. He has a younger sister, Bella, who he is fiercely protective of and he seems to be the sort of person who is incredibly loyal. Unwavering and unrelenting. At first, he seems egotistical, not dancing with any woman, yet fully aware of his looks and his reputation. But a certain pair of gold eyes seems set to change that.

Alice Brandon, canon in her warmth and her visions, yet there is something more to her character. She is secretive and mysterious, appearing and disappearing like shafts of light and she almost always manages to rise a smile out of Jasper. The first Jasper we know is hard and unhuman; Alice, as of chapter seven, has managed to melt the cold heart of Jasper Hale, making him seem more human with his actions and showing him that there is more to life than fighting. Alice always seems to draw out a honesty in Jasper, where with others he would be guarded and suspicious. She causes him to fall in love, something he initially hates.

Minor characters play an important part in A Cure for a Tragedy and are infuriatingly intriguing. There's Edward Cullen who is missing and yet happy. There is Bella Hale, seven years old, yet she holds everyone's lives in the balance. There is Rosalie, sweet and sometimes neurotic, who is unyielding in her love. Emmett, a fellow Night Guardian; Jacob, a wolf who has lived for centuries and is wise behind his apparent physical years. Although Alice and Jasper are the focal point for A Cure for a Tragedy, the minor characters are mixing into the background where a bigger plot seems to be bubbling.

Enigma runs deep in A Cure for a Tragedy where strange vampires have broken out. But, more impressively, the origin of vampires is strange and, you guessed it, mysterious. A love so strong, one could not let go. A creature born from such love. A price to pay. It is a legend that Stephenie Meyer would be proud off. Original and breathtaking and heartbreaking. Yet, it still tells us nothing of the Hales or what they are. Just what they must do.

Every minor detail, every small fact, every breath, every move seems to entwined into a bigger meaning, a bigger plot. Something is going on and zm4u manages to involve everyone and set them up for this fall, whilst keeping her readers in the dark. There are plenty of surprises to be had and, if you haven't already twigged, there is a tragedy to befall our love sick couple. What, you didn't figure the title out? A Cure for a Tragedy?

A Cure for a Tragedy is beautiful and careful. There is the right mix of description and dialogue. It moves effortlessly between chapters and between times. It is knitted together with care and attention. There are fights and there are celebrations. In fact, it celebrates life and shows that in order to appreciate good times, we must ride with the bad times. A Cure for a Tragedy is now finished, so there will never be an agonising wait for new readers. You'll probably devour the story in one go. Which is a good thing as a sequel is waiting for you.

Even if you start the story now, one thing is known for certain: You will never know what direction A Cure for a Tragedy will go in next, so relish the journey it takes you on. A stunning read if there ever was one.

Recommended by linkkinparkk

Welcome to The Writers' Conspiracy

2010-07-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

Hello! Welcome to "The Writers' Conspiracy", a blog primarily about writing of the FanFic and OriFic kind. Not enough recognition or praise goes out to amateur writers, and I think that we should rectify this. it doesn't matter if what the fiction is fan or original, all writers deserve to have their work read. This blog aims to review, interview and praise the works of any author who really wows us.

However, we can't read every single piece of good writing there is to offer, so if you come across a piece that you think deserves a review or kudos, contact us through commenting on this post and we'll look in to it. This is a team venture, and we need all the help we can get to make this successful.

To start, we'll leave a key with you so that you can find your way around the blog, and get straight to anything that appeals to you over other things. If you're looking for an interview with your favourite author, or if you're looking for recommendations, you'll find them easily with this key:

FanFic: purely means that the post is a fanfic story and will often have the author's name as a suffix.
OriFic: means that it is another story post, this time it is an original story as opposed to a fanfic.
Rec: a recommendation made by one of the bloggers on the site, often is an indepth analysis about why it is a good read.
Character Analysis: is as the labels says it is; a character analysis.
Author Talk: represents an interview and will have the interviewed author's name beside it.
Fluff: this is random thoughts or feelings about the fandom, or any aspect of writing.
Snapshot: a chance for an author to talk about their own story, going in depth about the inspiration behind it.

Posted by linkkinparkk