Yuletide letter 2015
Oct. 16th, 2015 08:44 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
merryghoulHi, Yuletide writer! I'm merryghoul I have a few media accounts here and there, but if you want to see what I'm into fic-wise, you can check out my Pinboard: ![[pinboard.in profile]](https://p.dreamwidth.org/c3508662f31c/-/pinboard.in/favicon.ico)
merryghoul.
In general, I like works that focus on:
crimes
hurt/comfort
noir AUs
fairy tale and/or mythology AUs
angst
fluff
the friends to lovers trope (where applicable)
magical people and worlds
sharing a bed
pretend couples
For more sexually explicit fics, my favorite kinks are:
knifeplay
spanking
bondage
begging
femdom
the "aliens made them do it" trope
the "sex pollen" trope
But if you want to write something sexually explicit without any particular kink, I also like that as well. :D
I've also left some fic likes and additional information in the following posts: Crueltide, Yuleporn, the crossover/fusion/AU post.
I would like to not see or read about the following:
character bashing
crossovers
excessive whump (what I would call "characters constantly getting hurt")
vomitplay
high school/college AUs
mundane AUs (aside from the aforementioned high school/college AU, I'm fine with AUs some people might call mundane, e.g. coffee shop AUs, so as long as the characters retain their abilities from the canon)
curtainfic
works focused on a character's pregnancy (underage children already in the canon are okay)
second person fics
drabbles
songfic
I do have some canon-specific DNWs as well as options for some of the fandoms listed below. But don't worry about following prompts to the letter or at all--I'm sure what you write for me will be amazing.
The Bletchley Circle
Any (Alice Merren, Jean McBrien, Lucy Davis, Millie (Bletchley Circle), Susan Gray)
I was so disheartened when I learned this show was cancelled by ITV while I was watching it on Netflix. I loved seeing this group of women reconnect and solve mysteries while fighting against their limitations in 1950s England. I found the show well written and well acted, and it's such a shame it's not on television anymore.
(I know someone's compiled a list of sources, and I'm certain they'll mention the show's on Netflix [at least in the US; I don't know about other countries], but there are episodes on YouTube uploaded by PBS, if you can see them: here's series 1, and here's series 2, with a bonus documentary.)
Some prompt ideas for you:
1. Casefic! I'd love to read your take of what happened after "Uncustomed Goods," when most of the Circle went to Scotland after that trafficking ring was uncovered. Or you can come up with an original case with the first incarnation of the Circle, the second incarnation, or all of the women.
2. Anything that takes a closer look at any or all of the characters. Susan's life after the Circle with her children and husband. Millie and Lucy living together. Alice and her daughter. Jean in the library. Anything goes with me with this idea!
If these prompts don't motivate you, feel free to write whatever you like.
I like all the main characters equally, and would not be opposed to either gen or femslash with any or all of them.
Call the Midwife
Delia Busby, Patsy Mount
I've never requested this before for Yuletide, but I've always admired this show ever since it started airing. This show has an unabashedly pro-women stance when it comes to womens' health, and I love that. But I love the look into the lives of the midwives and the sisters, and I love how they care for their community as well as each other. I'm going to be honest here: this show touches me so much at times, it makes me cry.
I requested Patsy and Delia because I really was heartbroken with how their relationship ended. They were so close to living together, but Delia was hit by a car before they could do that. And Patsy had to give up her house key because she couldn't openly admit she was in a relationship with Delia.
What I'd like to see in fic:
1. Fix-it fic. It can involve the car accident or not, or you can come up with a new set of struggles for Patsy and Delia.
2. Missing scenes centering on Patsy and Delia. The two of them working in hospital together, covertly going on dates, anything.
But of course, if those prompts don't work for you, feel free to write anything with these two.
The Librarians (TV 2014)
Cassandra Cillian, Eve Baird
I was excited when this show first aired because one of the producers produced Leverage, and I was also a fan of the Librarian movies before this show was being made for TNT in the US. I enjoy this show in its silly and tropey glory, and I'm grateful that it's on because I don't want to see serious dramas all the time. As for Eve and Cassandra, I started shipping them when the two of them were transformed as the Princess and Prince, respectfully, in "...And the Fables of Doom." I was delighted when, in an alternate universe, they actually were a couple.
I know in the tagset the versions of the characters from "...And the Loom of Fate" were nominated separately. That said, I'd be happy with fic with any version of Eve and Cassandra seen in the show thus far (or for upcoming episodes; I do plan to watch the second season premiering in the US on November 1); I have prompts for most of them. If you have a different idea for Eve and Cassandra or any of their alternate universe counterparts, go for it!
My prompt ideas for these two:
1. In the main universe, I'd love to see Cassandra and Eve get over their trust issues (mostly over Cassandra's betrayal in the first two episodes) and get into a relationship. (You can get rid of Flynn as you see fit or just ignore him.)
2. A story that's similar to a lot of adventures the Librarians go on would be awesome. Maybe Cassandra or Eve is possessed by some spirit/god/magical object/anything. Maybe they're looking for a magical object. Maybe they need Santa's help again or they're fighting the Serpent Brotherhood or Morgan le Fay. It's all up to you.
3. I'd like to see "what if" stories with some of the AU versions of Cassandra and Eve. An AU of the two of them stuck as the Princess and the Prince in that town would be awesome. Or how about Eve dealing with the Cassandra possessed by the Apple of Discord, or vice versa?
4. For Cassandra and Eve in "...And the Loom of Fate," I'd like to see their lives together as Librarian and Guardian. What enemies do they face? What magical articles do they look for? When do they meet Morgan le Fay, and how does she teach Cassandra to use magic? Or what if Cassandra decides to bring back Eve instead of taking on Lamia as a lover? Does she face retribution for what she does?
Luther (TV)
John Luther, Alice Morgan
This show is still one of my favorite crime/procedural shows. I adore everything about it--the antagonists, the characters, the cases. I always feel like you never know how far John will go to solve his cases and protect his friends. And speaking of, I love all of John's interactions with all the characters, and especially with Alice. In my opinion, Alice is John's Mycroft to his Sherlock. Despite murdering her parents and her's family's dog, she offers valuable assistance and aid when John needs it. John can't afford to have her end up in a psych ward for the rest of her days.
I'd be happy with anything you can write with these two, but here are some prompt ideas:
1. I'd like a fic on Alice and John traveling together. Where do they go? What do they do? Do they revisit all the places Alice's went after her absence, or do they go to new places? And are they being hunted down by police, or are they being left alone by the authorities? If you've seen the third series, I'd like for the fic to be set post-series three, but if not, don't worry about it.
2. Alice and John working on a case. (Can be set in the canon, after series 3, canon AU--any time!)
Gen or het fic is great for these two.
Men in Blazers (Podcast)
Michael Davies (Men in Blazers), Roger Bennett (Men in Blazers)
I'm going to repost my primer of sorts that I put on the fandom pimping post if you're not familiar with this podcast.
Some additional things I love about the podcast: I love the (mostly personal) stories that are told in the first part of the podcast, like when Rog talked about being a b-boy in his youth. And I'm also a fan of the things they say they're planning to do in the future (but will most likely not do), like the Men in Blazers National Team and their biopic on the US Women's National Team's 2015 World Cup campaign.
I'd love to see anything from the pod in a fic! But if you're stuck on ideas, or you find the podcast archive exhausting, here are some things I'd like to see in fic:
1. The Men in Blazers finally get together their National Team. Who's on their team? Do they buy a giant raven as their mascot? Do they finally get to play San Marino's national team and/or Leyton Orient (although the team's not own by their friend Barry Hearn anymore)? What else?
2. Any sort of road trip, such as this one or the one they took to a Chelsea/Barcelona friendly. Where do they go? What 80s songs do they listen to? Do they accidentally offend people along the way? Do they drive a Mini Cooper (honk! honk!) for sponsorship purposes?
3. Crackfic. The search for tiny bananas. Arguing on what's better, cupcakes or pies. Actual ravens handing the Men in Blazers messages. Or any other silly idea you can come up with.
Gen or slash is fine with me with this fandom. Just one canon-specific DNW from me: I know the podcast does mention Rog and Davo's families from time to time, but I'd like to not read about them in fic, please.
Sapphire and Steel
Sapphire (Sapphire and Steel), Steel (Sapphire and Steel)
There are so many things I love about this show. Steel's detachment to, and inability to fully understand, humans. Sapphire's attempts to understand and emphasize with humans. The other elements that occasionally work with Sapphire and Steel. But what draws me into the show every time is each mystery found in every assignment--it starts off with something simple, but it grows to be something threatening the state of time. The resolutions to each assignment may not be happy, but I find them always satisfying.
Also: I have heard the Big Finish audios. Don't worry if you're not familiar with them; they're currently out of print and hard to obtain legally. But these audios are also amazing, if you can find them.
I'd love to see anything you can come with for this fandom, but, if you're stuck, I do have some plot ideas below:
1. Casefic, similar to the style of the show, where Sapphire & Steel investigate a mystery in time. Or any assignment mentioned in the show that wasn't expanded on.
2. Anything exploring Sapphire and Steel's relationship, on or off-assignment.
3. How did they escape that cafe at the end of the television series, anyway?
I'd be happy with either gen or het with this request.
Happy Yuletide, writer! So excited to see what you're writing for me.
merryghoul I have a few media accounts here and there, but if you want to see what I'm into fic-wise, you can check out my Pinboard: In general, I like works that focus on:
For more sexually explicit fics, my favorite kinks are:
But if you want to write something sexually explicit without any particular kink, I also like that as well. :D
I've also left some fic likes and additional information in the following posts: Crueltide, Yuleporn, the crossover/fusion/AU post.
I would like to not see or read about the following:
I do have some canon-specific DNWs as well as options for some of the fandoms listed below. But don't worry about following prompts to the letter or at all--I'm sure what you write for me will be amazing.
The Bletchley Circle
Any (Alice Merren, Jean McBrien, Lucy Davis, Millie (Bletchley Circle), Susan Gray)
I was so disheartened when I learned this show was cancelled by ITV while I was watching it on Netflix. I loved seeing this group of women reconnect and solve mysteries while fighting against their limitations in 1950s England. I found the show well written and well acted, and it's such a shame it's not on television anymore.
(I know someone's compiled a list of sources, and I'm certain they'll mention the show's on Netflix [at least in the US; I don't know about other countries], but there are episodes on YouTube uploaded by PBS, if you can see them: here's series 1, and here's series 2, with a bonus documentary.)
Some prompt ideas for you:
1. Casefic! I'd love to read your take of what happened after "Uncustomed Goods," when most of the Circle went to Scotland after that trafficking ring was uncovered. Or you can come up with an original case with the first incarnation of the Circle, the second incarnation, or all of the women.
2. Anything that takes a closer look at any or all of the characters. Susan's life after the Circle with her children and husband. Millie and Lucy living together. Alice and her daughter. Jean in the library. Anything goes with me with this idea!
If these prompts don't motivate you, feel free to write whatever you like.
I like all the main characters equally, and would not be opposed to either gen or femslash with any or all of them.
Call the Midwife
Delia Busby, Patsy Mount
I've never requested this before for Yuletide, but I've always admired this show ever since it started airing. This show has an unabashedly pro-women stance when it comes to womens' health, and I love that. But I love the look into the lives of the midwives and the sisters, and I love how they care for their community as well as each other. I'm going to be honest here: this show touches me so much at times, it makes me cry.
I requested Patsy and Delia because I really was heartbroken with how their relationship ended. They were so close to living together, but Delia was hit by a car before they could do that. And Patsy had to give up her house key because she couldn't openly admit she was in a relationship with Delia.
What I'd like to see in fic:
1. Fix-it fic. It can involve the car accident or not, or you can come up with a new set of struggles for Patsy and Delia.
2. Missing scenes centering on Patsy and Delia. The two of them working in hospital together, covertly going on dates, anything.
But of course, if those prompts don't work for you, feel free to write anything with these two.
The Librarians (TV 2014)
Cassandra Cillian, Eve Baird
I was excited when this show first aired because one of the producers produced Leverage, and I was also a fan of the Librarian movies before this show was being made for TNT in the US. I enjoy this show in its silly and tropey glory, and I'm grateful that it's on because I don't want to see serious dramas all the time. As for Eve and Cassandra, I started shipping them when the two of them were transformed as the Princess and Prince, respectfully, in "...And the Fables of Doom." I was delighted when, in an alternate universe, they actually were a couple.
I know in the tagset the versions of the characters from "...And the Loom of Fate" were nominated separately. That said, I'd be happy with fic with any version of Eve and Cassandra seen in the show thus far (or for upcoming episodes; I do plan to watch the second season premiering in the US on November 1); I have prompts for most of them. If you have a different idea for Eve and Cassandra or any of their alternate universe counterparts, go for it!
My prompt ideas for these two:
1. In the main universe, I'd love to see Cassandra and Eve get over their trust issues (mostly over Cassandra's betrayal in the first two episodes) and get into a relationship. (You can get rid of Flynn as you see fit or just ignore him.)
2. A story that's similar to a lot of adventures the Librarians go on would be awesome. Maybe Cassandra or Eve is possessed by some spirit/god/magical object/anything. Maybe they're looking for a magical object. Maybe they need Santa's help again or they're fighting the Serpent Brotherhood or Morgan le Fay. It's all up to you.
3. I'd like to see "what if" stories with some of the AU versions of Cassandra and Eve. An AU of the two of them stuck as the Princess and the Prince in that town would be awesome. Or how about Eve dealing with the Cassandra possessed by the Apple of Discord, or vice versa?
4. For Cassandra and Eve in "...And the Loom of Fate," I'd like to see their lives together as Librarian and Guardian. What enemies do they face? What magical articles do they look for? When do they meet Morgan le Fay, and how does she teach Cassandra to use magic? Or what if Cassandra decides to bring back Eve instead of taking on Lamia as a lover? Does she face retribution for what she does?
Luther (TV)
John Luther, Alice Morgan
This show is still one of my favorite crime/procedural shows. I adore everything about it--the antagonists, the characters, the cases. I always feel like you never know how far John will go to solve his cases and protect his friends. And speaking of, I love all of John's interactions with all the characters, and especially with Alice. In my opinion, Alice is John's Mycroft to his Sherlock. Despite murdering her parents and her's family's dog, she offers valuable assistance and aid when John needs it. John can't afford to have her end up in a psych ward for the rest of her days.
I'd be happy with anything you can write with these two, but here are some prompt ideas:
1. I'd like a fic on Alice and John traveling together. Where do they go? What do they do? Do they revisit all the places Alice's went after her absence, or do they go to new places? And are they being hunted down by police, or are they being left alone by the authorities? If you've seen the third series, I'd like for the fic to be set post-series three, but if not, don't worry about it.
2. Alice and John working on a case. (Can be set in the canon, after series 3, canon AU--any time!)
Gen or het fic is great for these two.
Men in Blazers (Podcast)
Michael Davies (Men in Blazers), Roger Bennett (Men in Blazers)
I'm going to repost my primer of sorts that I put on the fandom pimping post if you're not familiar with this podcast.
Men in Blazers are Michael Davies and Roger Bennett, and they (quoted from their bio) "believe soccer is the American sport of the future. As it has been since 1972." The podcast originally started with Grantland, but has since moved with the Men in Blazers to NBC Sports.
Okay, okay, so this podcast won't be of interest to you if you aren't into association football/soccer, and especially the (English) Premier League. And if you like your podcasts less than 90 minutes long...sorry, because they're usually around 90 minutes long? But Men in Blazers is a mostly Premier League podcast. (Sometimes they cover other leagues and events such as MLS and the men's FIFA World Cup.) Along with their soccer coverage and interviews, recorded in the crap part of SoHo (most of the time), they manage to weave in odd catchphrases, pop culture, and real-life tales with every episode.
There are many ways to connect to the Men in Blazers:
1. Of course there's a pod...Rog. (Available on Soundcloud and can be downloaded through iTunes or another podcaster. They also have a couple of compilation albums on iTunes, if you'd like to pay for them, but their whole extensive archive is on Soundcloud.)
2. There is a website, meninblazers.com. (You can find their Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify handles here. There are a lot of them. This is also where you can find their email address, so you can send Ravens to the crap part of SoHo.)
3. They have a wiki dedicated to the podcast, a wonder of the modern world.
4. They also have a sub-Reddit, maintained by GFOPs.
Some additional things I love about the podcast: I love the (mostly personal) stories that are told in the first part of the podcast, like when Rog talked about being a b-boy in his youth. And I'm also a fan of the things they say they're planning to do in the future (but will most likely not do), like the Men in Blazers National Team and their biopic on the US Women's National Team's 2015 World Cup campaign.
I'd love to see anything from the pod in a fic! But if you're stuck on ideas, or you find the podcast archive exhausting, here are some things I'd like to see in fic:
1. The Men in Blazers finally get together their National Team. Who's on their team? Do they buy a giant raven as their mascot? Do they finally get to play San Marino's national team and/or Leyton Orient (although the team's not own by their friend Barry Hearn anymore)? What else?
2. Any sort of road trip, such as this one or the one they took to a Chelsea/Barcelona friendly. Where do they go? What 80s songs do they listen to? Do they accidentally offend people along the way? Do they drive a Mini Cooper (honk! honk!) for sponsorship purposes?
3. Crackfic. The search for tiny bananas. Arguing on what's better, cupcakes or pies. Actual ravens handing the Men in Blazers messages. Or any other silly idea you can come up with.
Gen or slash is fine with me with this fandom. Just one canon-specific DNW from me: I know the podcast does mention Rog and Davo's families from time to time, but I'd like to not read about them in fic, please.
Sapphire and Steel
Sapphire (Sapphire and Steel), Steel (Sapphire and Steel)
There are so many things I love about this show. Steel's detachment to, and inability to fully understand, humans. Sapphire's attempts to understand and emphasize with humans. The other elements that occasionally work with Sapphire and Steel. But what draws me into the show every time is each mystery found in every assignment--it starts off with something simple, but it grows to be something threatening the state of time. The resolutions to each assignment may not be happy, but I find them always satisfying.
Also: I have heard the Big Finish audios. Don't worry if you're not familiar with them; they're currently out of print and hard to obtain legally. But these audios are also amazing, if you can find them.
I'd love to see anything you can come with for this fandom, but, if you're stuck, I do have some plot ideas below:
1. Casefic, similar to the style of the show, where Sapphire & Steel investigate a mystery in time. Or any assignment mentioned in the show that wasn't expanded on.
2. Anything exploring Sapphire and Steel's relationship, on or off-assignment.
3. How did they escape that cafe at the end of the television series, anyway?
I'd be happy with either gen or het with this request.
Happy Yuletide, writer! So excited to see what you're writing for me.
