Hi all:
This is the first time I have been on this forum, though I have been reading stories for a few months. I was on DC and came here because the stories are discussed by title. I saw this thread and immediately knew I had to be here because I have been obsessed with this question.
When I started reading this stuff, I though I would NEVER write a BBM story because the language, etc. would make it just too difficult. To write about people of the opposite sex who are so limited emotionally would make it even harder. I can see exactly why it took Annie so long.
All the sudden, a story flew into my face. Did you ever see the movie Aliens, when the alien latches onto this guy's face? That's how the story came to me. The story would be set in Lori's Human Interest universe and take place over a 24 hour period about a year and a half after they started the ranch. I saw it taking place in Wisconsin and told through the eyes of an original character. It would probably be one story in three chapters, with all three chapters put up at one time--so basically a one-shot, but a looong one.
This story hasn't let me lone, and it has evolved. It sets up some of the things that happen in Lori's story, and is a major turning point in their relationship. I always liked thinking about these early days when things were much less comfortable. (The story "Second Chances" has an E and J in that time period, so I know others think that way, too). I asked Lori if it would be OK if I wrote it, etc., and she was fine with it.
Anyway, the thing is that I am a professional writer and I'm writing a book of my own due in March. I must write six chapters in 15 days each until then and must have tunnel vision (I should be writing right now instead of writing this...) But I don't know--I'm so late to the party. The guests are putting on their coats and hosts are tossing away the lipstick-stained styrofoam cups. When I write something, it takes a LONG TIME no matter how fast I try to go. So I keep asking myself if by next Spring anyone will still be here to read it! I fingure if it's set in the HI universe that helps. And I know it will help me grow as a writer since I only write non-fiction (well, I've had one short-story published, but that's all I've ever done). I also think it is something to do just to pay people back for all the great stuff I've read. I feel this strongly.
I also know there are a lot of politics, but I don't know what about, really. I do understand competition and jealousy. What I don't understand is why people limit their story to "Friends" or whatever. Is it because people are too critical? Seriously, if someone would explain what the problem is, I would like to know what I'm walking into. If people don't like what I write and say so, it's fine with me. Naturally, I would want people to be constructive in their criticism. Is that what's going on?
Anyway, what do you think? If this isn't worth doing, I need to tell that story to go to hell next time it snuggles up to my temporal lobe. It's an insistent little thing. If I am going to do it, I need to re-read Lori's story as many times as I can to get the way she writes them (especially that damn language--geeze).
I'm also writing because I'm interested in any story recommendations. I've read all the big ones, I think. I'm searching around here to see what people are reading. I especially want to know people's favorite AU AU's. I'm reading Zero already, one with the Amish, the one where Ennis is a cop, the one where Ennis is a security guard. Redemption was a bit too dark for me. But I think that's it. Some of your names look familiar; I think I've read your stories (but maybe not, so if you've written one, tell me!).
Thanks for reading this so far. You are the people I would be writing this for, so your answers, I guess, will tell me if this is worth doing or not.
Juliette
