Oh, the stories I'd write ...

[allyndra]

I spend so much time lately wanting to write but A) being interrupted every time I get in a groove, B) being blocked halfway through a story, or C) getting so tired of typing up the fic I wrote out longhand that it doesn’t seem worth the effort. (I usually write in those spiral bound 70 sheet notebooks that you can get 10 for a dollar in the back to school sales, which is fine, but since I never learned to type properly, getting the stories out of the notebooks and onto the screen is a  slow and typo-ridden process.)

 

In an effort to encourage myself to actually get something accomplished, I thought I’d describe the projects I have in progress and see if that shakes anything loose. So:

 

Fics in Progress that Refuse to be Finished No Matter How Much I Threaten Them

 

Universally Acknowledged: Crossover BtVS/ Stargate: Atlantis, Xander/Rodney

God, I’ve been writing this forever and it’s still not done! The plot has been blatantly plagiarized from Pride and Prejudice, with Xander in the role of Elizabeth and Rodney in the role of Darcy. There’s a line in the novel that makes it absolutely clear why this pairing can work: “Is not general incivility the very essence of love?” Doesn't that just turn Rodney into the perfect romantic lead? The secondary pairing is Buffy/John as Jane/Bingley, which is kind of fun, as I don’t write Buffy often. There’s a herd of other characters, including some minor OCs in the form of new Slayers and the dastardly Tyler, who takes on the role of the Wickham. I can’t decide if there should be sex or not. On the one hand, mmmmm, sex. On the other hand, I don’t really feel that I’m super awesome at writing smut, and I don’t want to mess up a fic I’ve spent so much time on. This is a long one, and I’m trying hard to keep it close to canon for both shows.

 

The Cosmo Boy’s Guide to Dating: Crossover BtVS/ Stargate: Atlantis, Xander/Rodney

Why yes, I do love this pairing more than is reasonable or healthy. This is a sequel to Chances Are, wherein Rodney and Xander hooked up drunk at a bar while Rodney was on Earth. In this follow-up, they are back on Atlantis. Willow and Kennedy are worried about Xander being taken advantage of, so Rodney has to try and prove he’s in it for more than just the sex. He asks for help from John (which is a little ridiculous, considering that John’s nearly as bad at relationships as Rodney, but who else is he going to ask?) Wooing ensues.

 

Disney-verse: BtVS, Spike/Xander (human AU)

I don’t know why I had a sudden urge to write Spander at Disney World, but once it occurred to me, it seemed so perfect. Spike works at the Haunted Mansion, where he *has* to sneer at people as part of his job requirements, and Xander works Custodial in Liberty Square, using his off time to run around the parks riding rides and eating junk food. They meet and fall in love - you know how this works. I see this turning into a loose confederation of stories rather than one continuous fic. The other characters are there as well, Buffy and Willow share an apartment with Xander (you try paying the rent alone on a Cast Member’s wages!); Buffy waits tables at the Liberty Tree Tavern and Willow works at the Hall of Presidents. I’m afraid I might be bogging it down with Cast Member-y stuff that no one else cares about, but I can’t tell.

 

Cyclops Rock: BtVS, Xander/Gunn

Did you know that in the Angel comics, Gunn survived the battle in LA but lost an eye? In this story, Gunn and Xander (who have been sleeping together at the annual Watcher’s Retreat each year) are asked to be part of a line up because the perp has only one eye. Unfortunately, Xander gets fingered by the witness and Gunn has to get him out with his lawyer-y wiles. 

So those are the ones that are hanging on waiting to be completed. I've also got a stable of WIPs that have been waiting for updates for *months* and a whole slew of ideas I haven't started on. Feel free to throw rocks and make faces at my lameness.  

Comments

[sublimatedangel]

I can't decide between squeeing about Rodney/Xander and clinging to your pantsleg like a child who desperately, desperately wants something, and squeeing about Disney World employee human AU - because my god, you write the bestest things! Trust me, it won't be bogged down... we love learning the details of occupations that we don't know, and Disney World cast member? = very cool to know about. Even the boring bits about cigarette breaks and time clocks would be interesting. PLUS!!Haunted Mansion! You're so cool.

And yet unable to type. This is very sad. But happy-making that you take the time to transcribe things even though it's not easy.

[xanzpet.livejournal.com]

Ooh! Xander/Gunn = YUM, and I love the premise! I can foresee hotness and cuteness and comedy and drama and all those good things.

I understand completely about the whirl of writing. Every time I try lately, I either lose my concentration, get stuck, or am dragged away to do some innocuous chore that doesn't really need to be done. Last night I opened up a WIP I haven't touched since last year, and it was nice to revisit it. I also came up with some new ideas, so maybe I'll continue with it. Whatever the case, it was nice to have my muse back, even though I didn't do much with her.

*hugs* Whatever you come up with, I know it's gonna be fabulous!

[allyndra.livejournal.com]

You made me feel so much better about my Disney AU that I wrote another thousand words, riding the tide of your encouragement! At this rate, I might just get something posted this century. :o)

I'm not completely typing impaired; I just have to watch my fingers at all times and I can't do the competent, typing with all ten fingers thing. So it goes slowly. I keep telling myself I'll learn to type someday, but that day has not yet come.

[allyndra.livejournal.com]

Every time I try lately, I either lose my concentration, get stuck, or am dragged away to do some innocuous chore that doesn't really need to be done.

I know! I think, 'Okay, I'll write this right after I check my Friends page.' And then I spend three hours reading other people's fic instead of writing mine. I suck! It's cool that you were feeling creative again. Maybe now that you've taken the pressure of getting stuff written off yourself, you'll feel more free to just go with the muse when she comes.

[sublimatedangel]

:D I'm so glad my comment led to more being written, because it sounds really interesting. Vicarious Disney World experience *plus* Spike/Xander goodness!