2 October 2017 17:17
Dear Yulegoat 2017
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nonesensedGreetings, dear Yulegoat! Many welcomes to my wish-list letter! I hope this optional information of my likes and dislikes will inspire you in your writing. Feel free to ignore anything that doesn't. So looking forward to reading your story! I promise I love all these fandoms equally – I just get wordier about some of them :)
If you want to go the really advanced route, I have a very long list of favorite tropes and kinks over here - and I mean plot likes too, not just smut related likes.
I thought I'd start out elaborating on my listed Do-Not-Wants, just to make sure I haven't been too vague about anything.
Squicks
- Bestiality. By this I mean sex with animals, not sentient/sapient alien creatures. Xenophilia I'm down with.
- Daddy or Mommy kink. Major squick, no matter if there's actual incest involved or not. Any real or play-pretend guardian/child romances or sexual situations are really not my cup of tea. Same goes for using "daddy" and "mommy" as pet names.
- Non-con presented as consent. I'm very interested in stories that deal with consent in all its forms (sexual and not). However it really rubs me the wrong way when a sexual situation is clearly non-consensual (e.g. one partner badgering the other into having sex; Stockholm Syndrom, etc.) but is treated by the story/author as if it's just regular old consensual sex :/
Including rape – or murder or torture or any other horrible crime – in a story I'm not against. But when the author on a meta level pretends like something isn't rape, it really squicks me. In short: if something in the story is non-consensual, please have the writing show that you as an author know it's non-con, even if the characters might deny it. Related things to this are that I'm not too found of sex being presented as an act where someone "has to be dominant" without said act being BDSM (BDSM I like, but sex can be done without D/s you know?) and gender stereotypes ruling how characters act during a sex scene (all women aren't "naturally submissive in bed", which some people really don't seem to get).
- Underage. No children having sex please.
- Vore. Don't mind it implied, but an explicit sex scene of this will be horror and squick to me, not sexy.
- Watersports and scat (i.e. urine & feces involved during sex).
Not my cup of tea
- AUs set in high school. Meaning that I'm completely fine with school related things if they are canon.
- Character-bashing. I seldom hate characters in any of the fandoms I'm in, and if I did, I'd just prefer them to be kept out of the fic, not made even stupider/more annoying than they already are.
- Plots that involve amnesia, characters suddenly age regressing into children and characters switching bodies. Fanfiction are full of these tropes so I've seen them done a lot before, thus I've grown a little tired of them as plots.
And that's it for Do-Not-Wants! The rest of this letter will be things I like. Hopefully they will give you fun plot ideas :)
Genres
Anything goes! And I do mean anything, from comedy to horror to adventure to PWP, gen to shippy. Though since it's the holidays I'd love for there to be hurt/comfort or a happy ending if your story takes an emotionally harsh road.
Ratings
Anything goes! I have no trouble reading (and enjoying) anything from the kid safest of fics to the most explicit of sex and violence. Go with whatever suits you and the story best.
Things that make me smile (SFW)
- Anticipation, tension and suspense. Be it UST, a manhunt for a dangerous killer or a rush against time to save someone's life – if it keeps me on the edge of my seat, I'm happy.
- Loyalty in all its shapes and forms! I especially love characters who are a little too loyal to those they count as family and friends.
- Messing with gender roles, in any way.
- Culture-clashes, where both cultures are seen as equals, only different.
- Plot-twists I adore.
- Pairings of all kind of gender combinations – they're all good as long as there's chemistry in the pairing. I do however prefer the main pairing to include at least one of my favorite characters and I am very attached to the pairings I enjoy (they are listed by fandom further down). But secondary pairings are of course also possible and welcome. Oh, and I do prefer threesomes and poly relationships above love triangles ;) But I like gen too, should you not feel like including pairings!
- Kidnappings, for any reason. I don't know why, I just like that kind of plots. And it's more for the rescue part of the plots such actions tend to involve that I enjoy, especially if it is a more unexpected character saving a more "rescuer"-like character.
- Vulnerability for otherwise "strong" characters. Through being wounded, kidnapped, drugged, bested (even if the person's just pretending to lose to please someone else) or in any other way you can think of.
- Role reversals (usual rescuer being rescued, “weaker” character saves the day, otherwise more worldly character is courted/seduces/approached by otherwise more “naive” character, etc.)
- If you like writing AUs and crossovers I'm happy to receive such a fic! Here's a list of fandoms I'm familiar with, in case you should happen to want to write a crossover.
Other things that make me smile (only relevant to smut)
- Foreplay and teasing/tempting (both verbal and otherwise). Doesn't actually have to lead to sex – the teasing is fun in itself.
- Hot Spots - when a character has a spot on their body that make their knees go week; i.e. when someone bites their ear, pulls their hair, kisses their neck, etc.
- Playful dominance/submission + bondage. Preferably initiated by the sub. Small gestures, such as holding the other's hands still, biting, rough play, verbally dominating someone... And in pairings involving both men and women, I do like a bit of femdom, if that works with the personality of the woman in question.
- Vanilla sex. Although kinky is wonderful, I don't require it to like the smut; as long as the characters are themselves and interact believably, I'll love you for it!
- People having fun, especially if it's First Time Sex we're talking and if it works with the characters' personalities. Just a relaxed, laughing-with-you-not-at-you, friendly mood to go with a very fun activity!
Fandom specifics!
Beware of spoilers for all fandoms listed below!
Books of the Raksura - Martha Wells
(Characters: Consolation, Ember, Moon, Shade)
Why I love the canon: I love the world! It feels so very alive and full of history and different cultures. That, and the not-humans feel like they really aren't humans. It's all very lovely. I adore everything that explores Raksura culture – the fact that they have no concept of romantic love, that relationships are open except between queens and consorts, and so on. What I also love is that the author is so very positive towards fanart and fanfiction! I just want more of this world and I feel so welcome in it~! I'm a Patreon of Martha Wells' and have read all the Raksura stories posted there, as well as all the novels and other the short stories, so there's no fear of spoiling anything for me.
Why I love the characters:
Pairings?: I'm pretty much up for anything. I love the canon of Moon/Jade/Chime and I think Ember/Pearl is sweet, but with Raksura being so poly I'm up for all kinds of combos.
Story prompts: I love anything here! If you want more specific prompts I'd love more culture-clashes between Raksura and other people, especially if the people assume the Raksura are mindless predators, as well as clashing between the Raksura and the Fell/Raksura crossbreeds. Inter-court politics is also great! Just, something that explores the characters' lives after the final book and how the frazzled courts will settled down (will they?) and how their new groundling allies and "allies" fit into all of this.
Yuletide sign-up info: I've now finished all the Raksura novels and short stories, and I'd love to find out what happens next to all the characters! How does Consolation fair? Does she get help settling her colony? Is there conflict? How is Ember doing? Does he somehow get involved in all of that, or in defending Shade & his kin from the dark rumors of the other courts? How is Shade dealing with his place in life now that everything that has happened with the Fell has happened? And where is Moon in all of this? It was made rather clear that he's never going to be a regular consort, even if he might not end up in conflicts where all Raksuran life is at stake again, but I'm sure he won't be idle. Will he get involved with the Consolation situation somehow? I just want more of their stories! Preferably with these four interacting in some way. If you want to bring in groundlings or other courts I'd be more than happy to see that too!
The Goblin Emperor - Katherine Addison
(Characters: Csethiro Ceredin, Csevet Aisava, Maia Drazhar, Shaleän Sevraseched)
Why I love the canon: I went into The Goblin Emperor expecting grimdark Song of Ice and Fire-style intrigue. I was pleasantly surprised to find such a positive view on people instead! Yes, there are rotten people at court and outside it in this story, but Maia never has to "lower himself to their standards" to win. Staying kind and making wise choices, trusting the right allies, that's what sees Maia to the other side. Because people do care about each other, and I love it when plots remember that! That's why I love this book – it's so refreshing to see that being a descent, kind person can gain you victory.
Why I love the characters:
Pairings?: I do like a slow build of Csethiro/Maia, but I'm open to pretty much any pairing in this fandom! Poly relationships are love, as well as Csethiro and Maia marrying for politics but staying fairly platonic and having lovers on the side. If you go the lovers-on-the-side route, please have this be something both Csethiro and Maia want, not something one of them puts up with.
Story prompts: Anything where Maia gets to meet Shaleän! Is Maia visiting the goblin court while she's there? Is Maia kidnapped from some public appearance and Csevet + Csethiro have to ally themselves with Shaleän to save him? Or is someone else in danger (Csevet?) and Maia recruits Shaleän's help (or she volunteers it) to save them? Or maybe Shaleän comes to the elfin court to visit, bringing strange gifts?
Yuletide sign-up info: LESBIAN PIRATE AUNT! Sorry, I just had to get that out of the way. The moment Shaleän was mentioned in the novel I knew I had to know more about her, and that Maia needed to meet her somehow. Maybe she's allowed to come to a meeting held on goblin territory? Maybe Maia ends up in trouble with rebels or gets kidnapped by an enemy navy and she comes to his rescue (together with Csethiro maybe? I would love to see Csethiro get to sword fight people!). In short, we need more lesbian pirates and more people protecting and caring for Maia, because he deserves it.
I love the novel as a whole because of how optimistic and positive it is, in the end. Yes, bad things happen, even to good people, but being a douchebag isn't the solution to any of that – seeing Maia struggle with thoughts of revenge and "the easy way out" through all the court intrigues and come out still a decent (if more experienced and shrewder) person warmed my heart.
Oh, and believe it or not, Csevet is my favorite character, even though he's the last one I'm mentioning now. I'd love to see him as the spider-in-the-middle-of-a-web that he is, no matter what the plot of the story is – and I'd also love to see him taken care of too for once. I love him watching out for and caring for Maia, but I think Csevet deserves (and needs) someone who's looking out for him too.
Killjoys (TV)
(Characters: Alvis Akari, Fancy Lee)
Why I love the canon: There are four things I love about Killjoys : 1 - No "as we all know"-moments, 2- No Worf Effect, 3- The diversity of the cast, and 4 - The fact that most characters on the show are decent people who care about each other!
1) All the tiny world details are so delightful! That plant in the corner of the kitchen on Lucy, the fact that Dutch keeps changing her hairstyle, the peppering of linguistic differences between their "English" and our world's English – great touches to make the world seem lived-in and real! The fact that we still have no idea if these humans originated on Earth and how far spread humanity is/if there are aliens (other than the Hullen/etc.) is great because it's not part of the main story and it's not something that would naturally come up in these characters' conversations. Just...I'm so in love with this world-building.
2) All characters who're suppose to be competent at something are shown to be that (e.g. Dutch's fighting skills, Johnny's tech skills, Alvis' diplomacy & contacts, Fancy's invention skills) so when they're challenged you feel it is a challenge because you've actually seen proof time and time again of how good they are at what they do – huzzah for no Worf Effect!
3) Though I wouldn't call this show perfect when it comes to representation it's still a breath of fresh air. And the best part isn't just that a lot of not-white-not-cis-men are included in the cast, there's also a good balance in how they're treated! We see all kinds of people in all kinds of roles, not just white-dudes-are-the-important-parts-and-everyone-else-is-background. When it comes to sexualization there's plenty of flesh on display, but it's not just the ladies getting stripperific in their outfits + the characters are given so much agency in when they express sexuality and when they don't. Again, not perfect, but it's still such a lovely sight for sore eyes.
4) My experience of humanity is that most people are decent towards others as long as they're treated well and given the resources to care for themselves – and that when those resources are taken away not everyone turns into a District 1 Hunger Games contestant. I love that there's so much focus on Johnny and Dutch being BFFs, that neither could blame D'avin for what he did while mind-controlled (though there was of course trauma related to what happened!) and that there's just so much love! So many people being friends and caring for each other! So many missions that basically boil down to "they're our friend and they're in danger so we'll risk our lives saving them". Plus that the main cast are so good at treating strangers with decency and respect, even when their loved ones could benefit from the pain of said stranger (thinking about Clara and the shield).
Oh, and the humor and sense of fun in the midst of all the drama is also delightful! I love all the banter and jokes exchanged both during off-time and in battle situations! And that the humor they use to deflect or deal with pain is shown as different from their bonding-humor and trying-to-make-you-laugh-humor.
Why I love the characters:
Pairings?: Hmmm, I've no 100% favorite pairing in this fandom and am open to most things except Dutch/Johnny (no hate, just love that a guy and a gal get to be BFFs without being a couple). When it comes to Alvis and Fancy specifically I'd think they'd make an interesting pairing should you be so inclined, but it's not necessary. I also really liked Dutch and Alvis' relationship (especially after episode 6 of season 2, because I have a thing for Femdom and BDSM), so depending on when in canon you choose to place your fic a mention of or closer look at that relationship would be nice; but I've not nominated Dutch for this request so it's absolutely not necessary!
Story prompts: Now that we've reached the end of season 3, everything has gotten really tied up in the main plot. Writing fic about that would lead to a lot of guess-work and to spare you that, dear writer, I'd love for either a what-if or something set in the earlier seasons, before everything about the Hullen was revealed. A what-if of any kind where Alvis fate is changed is very welcome (can you tell I'm in denial about that last episode?), especially if Fancy has something to do with saving him - seeking him out before he goes to the "temple" to talk about the final apology Alvis gave him or maybe a desperate Hullinization? If what-ifs aren't your thing, maybe something set before season 3, with Fancy and Alvis working together for some reason, either by choice or necessity? I love the Quad as a world and its internal politics! I love the every day troubles the people there face. Any adventure starting these two set in this complex universe will likely make me smile!
Yuletide sign-up info: Just finished season 3 and I am so delighted! (If a little sad). I love all the characters (and mourn/am in denial about the dead) – though I picked these two because I love them most.
I like how Alvis gets to be both the calm and collected religious leader, and a flustered (and sometimes dorky) guy who can be out of his depths from time to time - the scene where D'avin asked for emergency "meditation help" during combat and Alvis' reaction was to first go "Now? Shitshitshit" made my night, especially because he got to both panic _and_ solve the problem.
Fancy I like because he, in his own words, is the "designated asshole" aka Token Evil Team Mate, but he's not vilified for it. He's shown genuine care for other people, though maybe not in the traditional sense, which is interesting, especially as it's not really portrayed as a huge horrible thing. I wonder if being a Hullen was much of a change for him? It didn't look like he realized he'd changed back until he wasn't regenerating. Would love to see anything, throw-away line or longer scene, exploring that! Especially now that he's gone through all he has in season 3, with the changes that brings in his life.
With season 3 ending as it did, I'd love for fic that explores Fancy and Alvis' relationship, whatever it was up until the final episode, since Alvis saw fit to give his apology before the war to Fancy (or a fix-it fic re: Alvis; I'm always a sucker for fix-it fic). Or maybe the two ended up working together on something before seasons 3 for some reason? Involve as much or as little of the rest of the cast as you wish, I love them all!
PS. I'm a big fan of kidnapping plots, which this fandom lends itself too well to ;) If say Alvis or Fancy get grabbed by someone and have to be rescued, I'd be over the moon! Especially if it's Alivs.
The Magnificent Seven (2016)
(Characters: Billy Rocks, Goodnight Robicheaux)
Why I love the canon: It's mainly the characters that drew me to this fandom, especially Billy and Goodnight. I love how supportive they are of each other, in their own ways. I love how skilled they are at certain things and how incompetent they are at other; Billy is a great fighter and a great supportive to Goody, but not great at talking to other people; Goodnight great at talking to anyone and everyone, as well as a great support to Billy, but suffering a lot from his PTSD. Anything exploring their relationship will warm my heart!
Why I love the characters:
Pairings?: Billy/Goody all the way! If that's not your thing please don't pair them with other people - I'll love friendship fic too, but seeing them paired off with other people wouldn't work for me. Any other background pairings are up to you :)
Story prompts: I love how much of a support Billy is for Goody, but I'd also love to see the tables turned a little. I don't necessarily mean in the sense that Goody helps Billy through white privilege; I'd more love to see Goodnight having to step in and get Billy out of trouble that isn't based on Billy being of Korean decent. Depending if you stick with canon or choose to go AU/crossover this trouble could be pretty much anything the setting allows. If that's not your cup of tea, I'd also love to see them sorting out emotional conflicts with each other, having random pre-movie adventures, or being hopelessly in love and silly. Basically, I'm happy with almost anything, even super angsty stuff, as long as Billy and Goody stay loyal to each other in the end (also, no downer-ending, please). Having as much or as little of the rest of the cast join in as you please - I love them all!
Yuletide sign-up info: I honestly just want more of Billy and Goody, the rest of the seven being there or not is very optional. I ship them hard, but if you don't I'd love to see their friendship be explored, pre-canon or mid-canon (I know how the movie ends, but please don't linger on that because it's Yuletide and I'd like to smile - fix-it fic is also welcome!). And I'm very much up for AUs or crossovers in this fandom, everything from What-Ifs to completely different settings. Just...more Billy and Goody! :)
RED (Movies)
(Characters: Han Cho Bai, Victoria Winslow)
Why I love the canon: This is such a great semi-serious parody of every action movie ever! I liked the first movie but I adored the second one, and not only because Han Cho Bai was introduced there. No, I love how our two leads got to work on their relationship and realize what makes them happy together - talking to each other is good! Also, over the top action scenes are absolutely my thing. Competent people doing impossible things is my cup of tea, any day! Also, I adore how loyal the characters are to their friends, even if they'll fake-turn on each other at the drop of a hat.
Why I love the characters:
Pairings?: I like Victoria with her canon love interest and am a big fan of women and men being BFFs without wanting a romantic/sexual relationship too. Thus, I'd rather not see Han and Victoria paired up. I love all the canon romances, so please don't split them up. As for Han, I can see him as pretty much any sexuality, since that stuff isn't exactly visible in someone's face. Have him be ace, bi, het, homo, pan, etc! Make up an original character or choose a crossover love interest for him, I'm open to pretty much anything :)
Story prompts: Do they get a joint job offer? Do they find out they've been given the same mission and team up to get back at their two-timing employer? Does Han end up in trouble and Victoria comes to bail him out, since she considers him a friend? Do they just meet up and talk shop or discuss their/other's love lives? Anything and everything where the two hang out as friends! If you wish to include anyone from the rest of the cast, that is very welcome!
Yuletide sign-up info: I want these two to be murder!BFFs. I don't ship them, since I like Victoria with her canon love interest. Just. These two, going on adventures, having fun, kicking ass and taking names. Bring along anyone else from the cast you like!
Sapphire and Steel
(Characters: Lead, Sapphire, Silver)
Why I love the canon: I have a deep love for non-humans who actually seem like they aren't human, and the Elements in this show hit that mark right in the middle! I love how they interact with the humans they encounter, I love how they reason and make decisions based on their own logic and needs. Also, I love the Things That Are Trying To Get In – they are so wonderfully creepy!
Why I love the characters:
Pairings?: Open to pretty much anything between the Elements. If you want to include an Element I didn't pick (like Silver) in a pairing I'd be fine with that. The only request I have is that Steel be part of the pairing, whatever it turns out to be, and that Element-relationships are different from humans – I love how alien the Elements are, while still relateable :)
Story prompts: Would love a case fic! Or if that's not your thing, maybe a slice-of-life fic with the Elements trying to fit in with humans/other sentient creatures during down-time – or just trying to exist together wherever there "home" is (that could be a quite trippy read depending on what you think the Elements are when not taking human form). Oh, and I'm always a sucker for kidnapping fic, so if anything happens to kidnap Steel, and Sapphire calls in Lead to back her up in saving him, that would make me a very happy camper. Whether Steel is in any actual danger or he's just accidentally gotten himself trapped by a group of very confused and very ineffective human scientists I don't care; both scenarios could be thrilling or funny!
Yuletide sign-up info: The creepy, alien atmosphere is so great here. I love how Sapphire and Steel are clearly not human. I love how the 'cases' they go on are a mix of cosmic horror and detective work. A 'case fic' would be great, but I'd also love to see what their life is like when they're not on Earth - is there life on other planets they also help? What is their own home like? Do they have a 'home'? Also, I love how Sapphire and Steel's interaction is affected by the presence of other elements, Lead most of all. I'd love for Steel's relationship with Lead to be explored more, since we only got to see them interact during one of the six original assignments. Lead seems to be the person Sapphire calls in when Steel is being unreasonable (at least when he's unreasonable about his own personal safety), but are there other moments Lead is helpful? And are there situations when Lead calls Sapphire and Steel for help?
If you like writing crossovers I think this is a series that lends itself well to that. If you ship Sapphire and Steel or other Elements, I'm down with that, but if so I'd love that to be combined with their "not human" qualities; i.e. I don't think Elements do romance exactly like we humans do it. With all of them being so not-human, does the elements' culture have such things as romance and friendship? Or something akin to it? And do they reproduce at all?
I've seen the TV episodes, not listened to any of the audio stories, so feel free to go completely AU after that, but I don't mind spoilers (I might just not understand them). I'd prefer no main character death, if that's okay with you dear Yulegoat! Also, my favorite character is Steel.
If you want to go the really advanced route, I have a very long list of favorite tropes and kinks over here - and I mean plot likes too, not just smut related likes.
I thought I'd start out elaborating on my listed Do-Not-Wants, just to make sure I haven't been too vague about anything.
Squicks
- Bestiality. By this I mean sex with animals, not sentient/sapient alien creatures. Xenophilia I'm down with.
- Daddy or Mommy kink. Major squick, no matter if there's actual incest involved or not. Any real or play-pretend guardian/child romances or sexual situations are really not my cup of tea. Same goes for using "daddy" and "mommy" as pet names.
- Non-con presented as consent. I'm very interested in stories that deal with consent in all its forms (sexual and not). However it really rubs me the wrong way when a sexual situation is clearly non-consensual (e.g. one partner badgering the other into having sex; Stockholm Syndrom, etc.) but is treated by the story/author as if it's just regular old consensual sex :/
Including rape – or murder or torture or any other horrible crime – in a story I'm not against. But when the author on a meta level pretends like something isn't rape, it really squicks me. In short: if something in the story is non-consensual, please have the writing show that you as an author know it's non-con, even if the characters might deny it. Related things to this are that I'm not too found of sex being presented as an act where someone "has to be dominant" without said act being BDSM (BDSM I like, but sex can be done without D/s you know?) and gender stereotypes ruling how characters act during a sex scene (all women aren't "naturally submissive in bed", which some people really don't seem to get).
- Underage. No children having sex please.
- Vore. Don't mind it implied, but an explicit sex scene of this will be horror and squick to me, not sexy.
- Watersports and scat (i.e. urine & feces involved during sex).
Not my cup of tea
- AUs set in high school. Meaning that I'm completely fine with school related things if they are canon.
- Character-bashing. I seldom hate characters in any of the fandoms I'm in, and if I did, I'd just prefer them to be kept out of the fic, not made even stupider/more annoying than they already are.
- Plots that involve amnesia, characters suddenly age regressing into children and characters switching bodies. Fanfiction are full of these tropes so I've seen them done a lot before, thus I've grown a little tired of them as plots.
And that's it for Do-Not-Wants! The rest of this letter will be things I like. Hopefully they will give you fun plot ideas :)
Genres
Anything goes! And I do mean anything, from comedy to horror to adventure to PWP, gen to shippy. Though since it's the holidays I'd love for there to be hurt/comfort or a happy ending if your story takes an emotionally harsh road.
Ratings
Anything goes! I have no trouble reading (and enjoying) anything from the kid safest of fics to the most explicit of sex and violence. Go with whatever suits you and the story best.
Things that make me smile (SFW)
- Anticipation, tension and suspense. Be it UST, a manhunt for a dangerous killer or a rush against time to save someone's life – if it keeps me on the edge of my seat, I'm happy.
- Loyalty in all its shapes and forms! I especially love characters who are a little too loyal to those they count as family and friends.
- Messing with gender roles, in any way.
- Culture-clashes, where both cultures are seen as equals, only different.
- Plot-twists I adore.
- Pairings of all kind of gender combinations – they're all good as long as there's chemistry in the pairing. I do however prefer the main pairing to include at least one of my favorite characters and I am very attached to the pairings I enjoy (they are listed by fandom further down). But secondary pairings are of course also possible and welcome. Oh, and I do prefer threesomes and poly relationships above love triangles ;) But I like gen too, should you not feel like including pairings!
- Kidnappings, for any reason. I don't know why, I just like that kind of plots. And it's more for the rescue part of the plots such actions tend to involve that I enjoy, especially if it is a more unexpected character saving a more "rescuer"-like character.
- Vulnerability for otherwise "strong" characters. Through being wounded, kidnapped, drugged, bested (even if the person's just pretending to lose to please someone else) or in any other way you can think of.
- Role reversals (usual rescuer being rescued, “weaker” character saves the day, otherwise more worldly character is courted/seduces/approached by otherwise more “naive” character, etc.)
- If you like writing AUs and crossovers I'm happy to receive such a fic! Here's a list of fandoms I'm familiar with, in case you should happen to want to write a crossover.
Other things that make me smile (only relevant to smut)
- Foreplay and teasing/tempting (both verbal and otherwise). Doesn't actually have to lead to sex – the teasing is fun in itself.
- Hot Spots - when a character has a spot on their body that make their knees go week; i.e. when someone bites their ear, pulls their hair, kisses their neck, etc.
- Playful dominance/submission + bondage. Preferably initiated by the sub. Small gestures, such as holding the other's hands still, biting, rough play, verbally dominating someone... And in pairings involving both men and women, I do like a bit of femdom, if that works with the personality of the woman in question.
- Vanilla sex. Although kinky is wonderful, I don't require it to like the smut; as long as the characters are themselves and interact believably, I'll love you for it!
- People having fun, especially if it's First Time Sex we're talking and if it works with the characters' personalities. Just a relaxed, laughing-with-you-not-at-you, friendly mood to go with a very fun activity!
Fandom specifics!
Beware of spoilers for all fandoms listed below!
Books of the Raksura - Martha Wells
(Characters: Consolation, Ember, Moon, Shade)
Why I love the canon: I love the world! It feels so very alive and full of history and different cultures. That, and the not-humans feel like they really aren't humans. It's all very lovely. I adore everything that explores Raksura culture – the fact that they have no concept of romantic love, that relationships are open except between queens and consorts, and so on. What I also love is that the author is so very positive towards fanart and fanfiction! I just want more of this world and I feel so welcome in it~! I'm a Patreon of Martha Wells' and have read all the Raksura stories posted there, as well as all the novels and other the short stories, so there's no fear of spoiling anything for me.
Why I love the characters:
- Consolation: She fascinates me! Her childhood and her struggle to understand what she is - it tugs at my heartstrings and wanting me to know more about her. I want to see her interact with more Raksura as well as her own people. How will her "court" integrate with the rest of the Reaches? Will it? Will they be able to reproduce and if so, how? Would any Raksuran court dare interact with them in any way? What does Consolation think of this new situation? Will the court of sister-court of her father ever be found? I'm so curious!
- Ember: Oh how I love Ember! I adore him in contrast to Moon especially, as he shows that being a traditional consort isn't "bad" any more than being a non-traditional consort is. I love how diplomatic he is, how strategic and kind at the same time. I love how he welcomed Shade when he came to visit Indigo Cloud, and I'd love to see him involved in the situation with Consolation, in some shape or form. Or with the new groundling allies they got at the end of the last book. Just, more Ember being super shrewd and helpful and kind!
- Moon: Again, I love fish-out-of-water characters. And I love that Moon gets to be competent and out of hits depths at the same time. He's easily the most qualified non-Raksura-species communicator they have besides Stone (and he's got knowledge Stone doesn't, about hiding among non-Raksura) and he's a great hunter. At the same time he's still got a lot to learn about Raksura life and will likely always have to concentrate a lot to not make cultural faux pas in politically or socially tense moments. There's also the wonderful found-family aspect of how Moon came to be at Indigo Court and how he's settling in. I love seeing him interact with everyone, but since canon mostly sticks to his POV it'd be great to see yet more of other people's POVs, to find out what they think about him and what impression Moon gives others. Having him interact with Ember, Consolation and Shade on the subject of the Fell/Raksura crossbreeds and their place in the world would be golden!
- Shade: I'm so curious to see where Shade's life goes. Now that we know that Fell+Raksura interbreeding tend to make Fell less Fell-like (at least, that's what I took away from the last book) will he ever be allowed to have a queen and a clutch of his own? Or are there infertile queens about who'd love a consort despite clutches not being an option? Or will Shade just focus on being himself on his own, back at his home court? What are his thoughts on Consolation & co? Will he be involved somehow in them establishing a place in the Reaches? So many questions!
Pairings?: I'm pretty much up for anything. I love the canon of Moon/Jade/Chime and I think Ember/Pearl is sweet, but with Raksura being so poly I'm up for all kinds of combos.
Story prompts: I love anything here! If you want more specific prompts I'd love more culture-clashes between Raksura and other people, especially if the people assume the Raksura are mindless predators, as well as clashing between the Raksura and the Fell/Raksura crossbreeds. Inter-court politics is also great! Just, something that explores the characters' lives after the final book and how the frazzled courts will settled down (will they?) and how their new groundling allies and "allies" fit into all of this.
Yuletide sign-up info: I've now finished all the Raksura novels and short stories, and I'd love to find out what happens next to all the characters! How does Consolation fair? Does she get help settling her colony? Is there conflict? How is Ember doing? Does he somehow get involved in all of that, or in defending Shade & his kin from the dark rumors of the other courts? How is Shade dealing with his place in life now that everything that has happened with the Fell has happened? And where is Moon in all of this? It was made rather clear that he's never going to be a regular consort, even if he might not end up in conflicts where all Raksuran life is at stake again, but I'm sure he won't be idle. Will he get involved with the Consolation situation somehow? I just want more of their stories! Preferably with these four interacting in some way. If you want to bring in groundlings or other courts I'd be more than happy to see that too!
The Goblin Emperor - Katherine Addison
(Characters: Csethiro Ceredin, Csevet Aisava, Maia Drazhar, Shaleän Sevraseched)
Why I love the canon: I went into The Goblin Emperor expecting grimdark Song of Ice and Fire-style intrigue. I was pleasantly surprised to find such a positive view on people instead! Yes, there are rotten people at court and outside it in this story, but Maia never has to "lower himself to their standards" to win. Staying kind and making wise choices, trusting the right allies, that's what sees Maia to the other side. Because people do care about each other, and I love it when plots remember that! That's why I love this book – it's so refreshing to see that being a descent, kind person can gain you victory.
Why I love the characters:
- Csethiro Ceredin: I love a loyal woman who can fence! Csethiro grew on me over the course of the novel. My favorite scene of hers is when she tells Maia that she would have dueled his enemies to the death. My kind of lady! Would love to get to know her better.
- Csevet Aisava: My favorite character in the whole novel. I adore competent characters who get recognition for their competence, and I also adore people who're loyal; because it's very clear Csevet is grateful and loyal to Maia. Would love to see more of him in any way!
- Maia Drazhar: Oh, tiny cinnamon roll! It's so great that Maia is such a nice person without being 100% good all the time every day – he has thoughts of revenge and darker ideas on what to do with his enemies. What makes him such a great person is that he doesn't act on those thoughts.
- Shaleän Sevraseched Again, LESBIAN PIRATE AUNT! A brief mention in the novel is all we get and I can't help wanting so much more. Any inclusion of her would make me very happy! I would love if Maia got to meet her (and her wife too if you'd like to add her, dear author)!
Pairings?: I do like a slow build of Csethiro/Maia, but I'm open to pretty much any pairing in this fandom! Poly relationships are love, as well as Csethiro and Maia marrying for politics but staying fairly platonic and having lovers on the side. If you go the lovers-on-the-side route, please have this be something both Csethiro and Maia want, not something one of them puts up with.
Story prompts: Anything where Maia gets to meet Shaleän! Is Maia visiting the goblin court while she's there? Is Maia kidnapped from some public appearance and Csevet + Csethiro have to ally themselves with Shaleän to save him? Or is someone else in danger (Csevet?) and Maia recruits Shaleän's help (or she volunteers it) to save them? Or maybe Shaleän comes to the elfin court to visit, bringing strange gifts?
Yuletide sign-up info: LESBIAN PIRATE AUNT! Sorry, I just had to get that out of the way. The moment Shaleän was mentioned in the novel I knew I had to know more about her, and that Maia needed to meet her somehow. Maybe she's allowed to come to a meeting held on goblin territory? Maybe Maia ends up in trouble with rebels or gets kidnapped by an enemy navy and she comes to his rescue (together with Csethiro maybe? I would love to see Csethiro get to sword fight people!). In short, we need more lesbian pirates and more people protecting and caring for Maia, because he deserves it.
I love the novel as a whole because of how optimistic and positive it is, in the end. Yes, bad things happen, even to good people, but being a douchebag isn't the solution to any of that – seeing Maia struggle with thoughts of revenge and "the easy way out" through all the court intrigues and come out still a decent (if more experienced and shrewder) person warmed my heart.
Oh, and believe it or not, Csevet is my favorite character, even though he's the last one I'm mentioning now. I'd love to see him as the spider-in-the-middle-of-a-web that he is, no matter what the plot of the story is – and I'd also love to see him taken care of too for once. I love him watching out for and caring for Maia, but I think Csevet deserves (and needs) someone who's looking out for him too.
Killjoys (TV)
(Characters: Alvis Akari, Fancy Lee)
Why I love the canon: There are four things I love about Killjoys : 1 - No "as we all know"-moments, 2- No Worf Effect, 3- The diversity of the cast, and 4 - The fact that most characters on the show are decent people who care about each other!
1) All the tiny world details are so delightful! That plant in the corner of the kitchen on Lucy, the fact that Dutch keeps changing her hairstyle, the peppering of linguistic differences between their "English" and our world's English – great touches to make the world seem lived-in and real! The fact that we still have no idea if these humans originated on Earth and how far spread humanity is/if there are aliens (other than the Hullen/etc.) is great because it's not part of the main story and it's not something that would naturally come up in these characters' conversations. Just...I'm so in love with this world-building.
2) All characters who're suppose to be competent at something are shown to be that (e.g. Dutch's fighting skills, Johnny's tech skills, Alvis' diplomacy & contacts, Fancy's invention skills) so when they're challenged you feel it is a challenge because you've actually seen proof time and time again of how good they are at what they do – huzzah for no Worf Effect!
3) Though I wouldn't call this show perfect when it comes to representation it's still a breath of fresh air. And the best part isn't just that a lot of not-white-not-cis-men are included in the cast, there's also a good balance in how they're treated! We see all kinds of people in all kinds of roles, not just white-dudes-are-the-important-parts-and-everyone-else-is-background. When it comes to sexualization there's plenty of flesh on display, but it's not just the ladies getting stripperific in their outfits + the characters are given so much agency in when they express sexuality and when they don't. Again, not perfect, but it's still such a lovely sight for sore eyes.
4) My experience of humanity is that most people are decent towards others as long as they're treated well and given the resources to care for themselves – and that when those resources are taken away not everyone turns into a District 1 Hunger Games contestant. I love that there's so much focus on Johnny and Dutch being BFFs, that neither could blame D'avin for what he did while mind-controlled (though there was of course trauma related to what happened!) and that there's just so much love! So many people being friends and caring for each other! So many missions that basically boil down to "they're our friend and they're in danger so we'll risk our lives saving them". Plus that the main cast are so good at treating strangers with decency and respect, even when their loved ones could benefit from the pain of said stranger (thinking about Clara and the shield).
Oh, and the humor and sense of fun in the midst of all the drama is also delightful! I love all the banter and jokes exchanged both during off-time and in battle situations! And that the humor they use to deflect or deal with pain is shown as different from their bonding-humor and trying-to-make-you-laugh-humor.
Why I love the characters:
- Alvis Akari: After season 2 he might be my favorite character on the show. While I'm not religious I have several friends who very much are (we're talking being-actual-priests-level faith) and it's so great to see a character in a position of religious 'power' portrayed as so very human. Alvis isn't a fanatic or a hypocrite – he's not infallible either, but him questioning his faith feels genuine and believable, instead of a pendulum swinging between Believe or Not Believe as the plot demands. It's also great how he's shown as a person not just "this character is a Monk/Priest". I love all the little humanizing exchanges he has with other characters (e.g. D'avin calling him a "creepy little dude" to which Alvis just whispers "Thank you~"). Alvis is so very, very human, and I love following along as he ponders his faith and in his fight for Westerly's freedom. Oh, and a friend and I have jokingly noticed that he tends to wear more clothing the sadder he is, and less clothing the happier he is. Just thought that was a funny character touch.
- Fancy Lee: It's so great to have a "designated asshole character" that balances on the fine edge between actual asshole vs entertaining and relate-able. Fancy is portrayed as having low to no need to follow social rules and making friends – but he's not painted as a villain for it. He's clearly an ally to Dutch & co, and though he won't coddle anyone he's not exactly serial killer material. I'm very curious if there was any difference for him between being fully human and being a Hullen! He really seemed surprised to bleed in season 2 when the Hullen inside him had died – did he notice the change at all before he failed to heal? This question is extra interesting now that things turned out as they did in season 3. Fancy is showing a more emotional side of himself, without turning into a completely different person, and I'd love for that to be explored more.
Pairings?: Hmmm, I've no 100% favorite pairing in this fandom and am open to most things except Dutch/Johnny (no hate, just love that a guy and a gal get to be BFFs without being a couple). When it comes to Alvis and Fancy specifically I'd think they'd make an interesting pairing should you be so inclined, but it's not necessary. I also really liked Dutch and Alvis' relationship (especially after episode 6 of season 2, because I have a thing for Femdom and BDSM), so depending on when in canon you choose to place your fic a mention of or closer look at that relationship would be nice; but I've not nominated Dutch for this request so it's absolutely not necessary!
Story prompts: Now that we've reached the end of season 3, everything has gotten really tied up in the main plot. Writing fic about that would lead to a lot of guess-work and to spare you that, dear writer, I'd love for either a what-if or something set in the earlier seasons, before everything about the Hullen was revealed. A what-if of any kind where Alvis fate is changed is very welcome (can you tell I'm in denial about that last episode?), especially if Fancy has something to do with saving him - seeking him out before he goes to the "temple" to talk about the final apology Alvis gave him or maybe a desperate Hullinization? If what-ifs aren't your thing, maybe something set before season 3, with Fancy and Alvis working together for some reason, either by choice or necessity? I love the Quad as a world and its internal politics! I love the every day troubles the people there face. Any adventure starting these two set in this complex universe will likely make me smile!
Yuletide sign-up info: Just finished season 3 and I am so delighted! (If a little sad). I love all the characters (and mourn/am in denial about the dead) – though I picked these two because I love them most.
I like how Alvis gets to be both the calm and collected religious leader, and a flustered (and sometimes dorky) guy who can be out of his depths from time to time - the scene where D'avin asked for emergency "meditation help" during combat and Alvis' reaction was to first go "Now? Shitshitshit" made my night, especially because he got to both panic _and_ solve the problem.
Fancy I like because he, in his own words, is the "designated asshole" aka Token Evil Team Mate, but he's not vilified for it. He's shown genuine care for other people, though maybe not in the traditional sense, which is interesting, especially as it's not really portrayed as a huge horrible thing. I wonder if being a Hullen was much of a change for him? It didn't look like he realized he'd changed back until he wasn't regenerating. Would love to see anything, throw-away line or longer scene, exploring that! Especially now that he's gone through all he has in season 3, with the changes that brings in his life.
With season 3 ending as it did, I'd love for fic that explores Fancy and Alvis' relationship, whatever it was up until the final episode, since Alvis saw fit to give his apology before the war to Fancy (or a fix-it fic re: Alvis; I'm always a sucker for fix-it fic). Or maybe the two ended up working together on something before seasons 3 for some reason? Involve as much or as little of the rest of the cast as you wish, I love them all!
PS. I'm a big fan of kidnapping plots, which this fandom lends itself too well to ;) If say Alvis or Fancy get grabbed by someone and have to be rescued, I'd be over the moon! Especially if it's Alivs.
The Magnificent Seven (2016)
(Characters: Billy Rocks, Goodnight Robicheaux)
Why I love the canon: It's mainly the characters that drew me to this fandom, especially Billy and Goodnight. I love how supportive they are of each other, in their own ways. I love how skilled they are at certain things and how incompetent they are at other; Billy is a great fighter and a great supportive to Goody, but not great at talking to other people; Goodnight great at talking to anyone and everyone, as well as a great support to Billy, but suffering a lot from his PTSD. Anything exploring their relationship will warm my heart!
Why I love the characters:
- Billy Rocks: Ah, sweet sweet loyalty! I have a major weak-spot for loyal characters who'll stick with their chosen friends/lovers/etc through thick and thin - especially if their standoffish towards people outside of that sphere (which Billy definitely is). Of Billy and Goody, Billy is my absolute favorite. I'd love to learn more about him and see him in action, both as Goody's lover and/or friend, and as a force to be reckoned with in other situations. On the flip-side, it would also be fun to see him out of his depths somehow, without humiliating him.
- Goodnight Robicheaux: When I think of Goody, I most of all think of how good he is at talking. I love watching competent characters be competent, so watching Goody talk himself and/or others out of danger/trouble is a delight. I also love how much he cares for Billy - I'm convinced he wouldn't have gone back to Rose Creek if Billy hadn't stayed. Goody dealing with his inner demons and sometimes losing to them is very human, which I like about him. But I like that he's found a support network, if one consisting of only one person (unless you wish to go AU/what-if and explore how the other of the seven might fit into that network).
Pairings?: Billy/Goody all the way! If that's not your thing please don't pair them with other people - I'll love friendship fic too, but seeing them paired off with other people wouldn't work for me. Any other background pairings are up to you :)
Story prompts: I love how much of a support Billy is for Goody, but I'd also love to see the tables turned a little. I don't necessarily mean in the sense that Goody helps Billy through white privilege; I'd more love to see Goodnight having to step in and get Billy out of trouble that isn't based on Billy being of Korean decent. Depending if you stick with canon or choose to go AU/crossover this trouble could be pretty much anything the setting allows. If that's not your cup of tea, I'd also love to see them sorting out emotional conflicts with each other, having random pre-movie adventures, or being hopelessly in love and silly. Basically, I'm happy with almost anything, even super angsty stuff, as long as Billy and Goody stay loyal to each other in the end (also, no downer-ending, please). Having as much or as little of the rest of the cast join in as you please - I love them all!
Yuletide sign-up info: I honestly just want more of Billy and Goody, the rest of the seven being there or not is very optional. I ship them hard, but if you don't I'd love to see their friendship be explored, pre-canon or mid-canon (I know how the movie ends, but please don't linger on that because it's Yuletide and I'd like to smile - fix-it fic is also welcome!). And I'm very much up for AUs or crossovers in this fandom, everything from What-Ifs to completely different settings. Just...more Billy and Goody! :)
RED (Movies)
(Characters: Han Cho Bai, Victoria Winslow)
Why I love the canon: This is such a great semi-serious parody of every action movie ever! I liked the first movie but I adored the second one, and not only because Han Cho Bai was introduced there. No, I love how our two leads got to work on their relationship and realize what makes them happy together - talking to each other is good! Also, over the top action scenes are absolutely my thing. Competent people doing impossible things is my cup of tea, any day! Also, I adore how loyal the characters are to their friends, even if they'll fake-turn on each other at the drop of a hat.
Why I love the characters:
- Han Cho Bai: He's hilarious! Also, he's clearly an okay guy by this movie's standards (well, they do all murder people left and right, so real world standards aren't exactly applicable here), which I love. He's also a little uptight and fixated on material things - I'm pretty sure he has money enough to buy a new airplane. Would love to see him let loose a little and not focus so much on work. Of all the characters in the movie, Han's my favorite.
- Victoria Winslow: Minus the murdering people, I want to be her when I grow older. She clearly knows what she wants and has found a great balance between work and free time. Sure, her romantic life may have suffered, but she's gotten that taken care of - she seems so very happy and content with life; a perfect person to hang out with and discuss your troubles with; while you shoot bad guys.
Pairings?: I like Victoria with her canon love interest and am a big fan of women and men being BFFs without wanting a romantic/sexual relationship too. Thus, I'd rather not see Han and Victoria paired up. I love all the canon romances, so please don't split them up. As for Han, I can see him as pretty much any sexuality, since that stuff isn't exactly visible in someone's face. Have him be ace, bi, het, homo, pan, etc! Make up an original character or choose a crossover love interest for him, I'm open to pretty much anything :)
Story prompts: Do they get a joint job offer? Do they find out they've been given the same mission and team up to get back at their two-timing employer? Does Han end up in trouble and Victoria comes to bail him out, since she considers him a friend? Do they just meet up and talk shop or discuss their/other's love lives? Anything and everything where the two hang out as friends! If you wish to include anyone from the rest of the cast, that is very welcome!
Yuletide sign-up info: I want these two to be murder!BFFs. I don't ship them, since I like Victoria with her canon love interest. Just. These two, going on adventures, having fun, kicking ass and taking names. Bring along anyone else from the cast you like!
Sapphire and Steel
(Characters: Lead, Sapphire, Silver)
Why I love the canon: I have a deep love for non-humans who actually seem like they aren't human, and the Elements in this show hit that mark right in the middle! I love how they interact with the humans they encounter, I love how they reason and make decisions based on their own logic and needs. Also, I love the Things That Are Trying To Get In – they are so wonderfully creepy!
Why I love the characters:
- Lead: His first and only appearance in Assignment 1 made me want to know more about him! He's so cheerful, but seems to have this grim/wise-old-man side to him, and he's clearly the go-to-person if Steel needs some sense knocked into him. What does Lead do when he's not answering distress calls from Steel and Sapphire? Does he ever need their help in his turn? Do they ever spend time together without anyone's life being in danger?
- Sapphire: I like her kindness tempered by "alien-ness". Sure, she'll try to bond with and calm down any victims of the cases she and Steel accept, but she's still very much an Element and not human. Though I'd love to see her react to a human (or other sentient creature) that isn't a danger to her but that she really, really doesn't get on with.
- Steel: My love for grumpy-with-a-heart-of-gold characters is showing. Steel is easily my favorite character because he will grumble and moan about having to fix things, but will lay down his life to protect others (especially Sapphire it seems). Though I like that his view of time and space not always leaves him thinking of other sentient creatures' death as the worst tragedy that ever could happen – it's clear there are worse things than death out there in this universe.
Pairings?: Open to pretty much anything between the Elements. If you want to include an Element I didn't pick (like Silver) in a pairing I'd be fine with that. The only request I have is that Steel be part of the pairing, whatever it turns out to be, and that Element-relationships are different from humans – I love how alien the Elements are, while still relateable :)
Story prompts: Would love a case fic! Or if that's not your thing, maybe a slice-of-life fic with the Elements trying to fit in with humans/other sentient creatures during down-time – or just trying to exist together wherever there "home" is (that could be a quite trippy read depending on what you think the Elements are when not taking human form). Oh, and I'm always a sucker for kidnapping fic, so if anything happens to kidnap Steel, and Sapphire calls in Lead to back her up in saving him, that would make me a very happy camper. Whether Steel is in any actual danger or he's just accidentally gotten himself trapped by a group of very confused and very ineffective human scientists I don't care; both scenarios could be thrilling or funny!
Yuletide sign-up info: The creepy, alien atmosphere is so great here. I love how Sapphire and Steel are clearly not human. I love how the 'cases' they go on are a mix of cosmic horror and detective work. A 'case fic' would be great, but I'd also love to see what their life is like when they're not on Earth - is there life on other planets they also help? What is their own home like? Do they have a 'home'? Also, I love how Sapphire and Steel's interaction is affected by the presence of other elements, Lead most of all. I'd love for Steel's relationship with Lead to be explored more, since we only got to see them interact during one of the six original assignments. Lead seems to be the person Sapphire calls in when Steel is being unreasonable (at least when he's unreasonable about his own personal safety), but are there other moments Lead is helpful? And are there situations when Lead calls Sapphire and Steel for help?
If you like writing crossovers I think this is a series that lends itself well to that. If you ship Sapphire and Steel or other Elements, I'm down with that, but if so I'd love that to be combined with their "not human" qualities; i.e. I don't think Elements do romance exactly like we humans do it. With all of them being so not-human, does the elements' culture have such things as romance and friendship? Or something akin to it? And do they reproduce at all?
I've seen the TV episodes, not listened to any of the audio stories, so feel free to go completely AU after that, but I don't mind spoilers (I might just not understand them). I'd prefer no main character death, if that's okay with you dear Yulegoat! Also, my favorite character is Steel.
