My story...
Dec. 8th, 2003 01:24 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
The whole idea of raaising funds for your kids' school by selling chocolate at work is fattening hard to resist inspired, although the "Lemonade Freddo"'s are weird.
I feel like rubbing my hands together and saying "Exxxxcellent" like Mr Burns. Or possibly just going for the good old evil laugh.
laylee told me I couldn't leave the story like that, and I am! Well, it's only because a) not writing smut at work (no way, no how. I'd blush and glow like a cheap christmas tree) and b) lil' bro is coming down tonight, and that denotes spending (more) time with the family. Hence, it's not so much ending like that, as being put on hold.
Was so glad that I'm a little into popslash. Meant that as I was listening to Triple J this morning, I got the jokes about Kevin. *g* ("Justin Timberlake's in NSync." Hee!)
I'm thinking about the whole "What story do you tell" questions that have been floating around LJ.
witchqueen asked,
latxcvi answered,
celli brought it to my attention and then
thete1 reflected on it. So, of course I'm bound to put my five cents worth in.
I'm actually really thinking about this. A couple years ago, in the midst of my major anime love, I think I would have said the whole master-apprentice/teacher-student thing was a big attraction for me. The maturity, confidence and wisdom of one character, combined with the youth, enthusiasm and optimism of the other. One of the big attractions was the caring and protection side of those cliched relationships, but as I've grown up, I've out-grown their appeal.
There's part of me that still likes it, but the larger part of me is wary of the biased power structure, of the difference in the approaches and experiences of the two characters. These days, I generally see that relationship as being fundamentally *unfair* to both parties, and generally doomed. I don't really believe that love will overcome all obstacles; I don't believe in coddling and protecting someone younger. Maybe it's just that I also frequently think that both parties are taking advantage of the other (of the older one being financially set up and stable, of the younger's lack of comparitive experiences). Having said this, I don't think this type of relationship is doomed to disaster. I think it can work very practically, but I don't want to read about practicality in my stories. (Sorta puts my dislike of Brian/Justin into a whole 'nother light, doesn't it? *g*)
I still have a bit of fondness for these stories, I just don't go quite as gaga over them as I used to. I mean, I occasionally read HP/SS and enjoy it, and I can't deny that there is sometimes an element of this older/younger dynamic in Lex/Clark. However, those are the fics that I shy away from, while I love other fics (like Livia's Twenty-One for example) which show them as both young men, both still learning about life.
Well, I guess to figure this out I should have a good look at the pairings I write. I read more than I write, but this keeps it easy. Clark/Lex, Josh/Sam and Casey/Dan are my main pairings. There's others that I've written once like Sam/Will (I thought I'd written it, but I can't find it on my site... now I'm wondering if I'm imagining fics), Nigel/Bug, Chloe/Lana, and Schindler/Amon. I'm not counting things written for bets, dares, or specifically for someone else, like Justin/Justin, Brian/Justin, or Snape/Hagrid.
The basic theme seems to be Love at Work (or School, if they don't work *g*) but I think there's some other underlying similarities as well. The characters always have some form of a crush on the other, they never do the whole being friends and screwing thing.
The sex can come before or after the romantic confession, but the confession itself is generally more of an expression of interest, than claiming eternal love. (In my mind the phrases "I love you!" and "I think I'm in love with you..." have vastly different meanings.)
It's generally hopeful endings, because I like my boys happy. If they occur, break-ups are normally quiet and controlled, based on reason and accepted. I think that's basic wish-fulfillment, because it's how I'd like breakups to be. (Not that I've ever experienced one. Going totally on theory, here.) It's more of a slow death of a relationship, of walking away because you know you have to, there's no point in holding on to the relationship.
Love is never the most important things in their lives. The crushes, as far as they go, are fun and distracting, but the characters refuse to pine, despair, and waste away over someone. They have a stronger sense of self-survival. They like the idea of a relationship, they're attracted to the other, they care about the other, but they never assume that love (or sex) will be life-changing. There are other priorities (generally their jobs or their families), and being loved is this amazing, incredible thing that may make them giddy as loons, but it won't change the fact that there are other things that are important to them.
My characters don't want to give up their lives, their priorities, or themselves. They want love to enrich their lives, not fulfill them. There is a definite streak of self-fulfillment that underlies my characters, even if it's never mentioned in the story. It's just an underlying assumption. The characters aren't going to stop being who they are, or attempting to go for their dreams, just because they think they are Meant To Be.
Reading over that, it makes my characters seem selfish, but they're not. It's not that they will do whatever it takes to make themselves successful, regardless of the cost to those around them. It's just that... they're not going to forget that life is a hell of a lot more than just a bedroom. If the other person needs them, they'll go out of their way to be there for them. It's a combination of practicality and caring that's hard to explain. If a sacrifice is required, it means far more when it comes at a cost. My characters will compromise, but they won't give in. They'll love the other person, but not at the expense of everything else they hold dear.
There are things that I believe in whole-heartedly. Everything in life is reversible, except death. You always have a choice; it may not be easy, but it's always there. The secret to a long and happy life is to mind your own business, and not get involved in the affairs of others.
I think I need to add another one. Love should be cherished, but it can't replace the world; it just brightens the world up. That may be my story. Love is around you, in the everyday world, and it should be cherished for what it is, a wonderful *part* of life.
After thinking my way through that, I realise that Fandom plays pretty much the same role. It's not my entire life, but it is a wonderful part of it. And it's you guys who make it so incredible. *hugs friends*
I feel like rubbing my hands together and saying "Exxxxcellent" like Mr Burns. Or possibly just going for the good old evil laugh.
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Was so glad that I'm a little into popslash. Meant that as I was listening to Triple J this morning, I got the jokes about Kevin. *g* ("Justin Timberlake's in NSync." Hee!)
I'm thinking about the whole "What story do you tell" questions that have been floating around LJ.
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I'm actually really thinking about this. A couple years ago, in the midst of my major anime love, I think I would have said the whole master-apprentice/teacher-student thing was a big attraction for me. The maturity, confidence and wisdom of one character, combined with the youth, enthusiasm and optimism of the other. One of the big attractions was the caring and protection side of those cliched relationships, but as I've grown up, I've out-grown their appeal.
There's part of me that still likes it, but the larger part of me is wary of the biased power structure, of the difference in the approaches and experiences of the two characters. These days, I generally see that relationship as being fundamentally *unfair* to both parties, and generally doomed. I don't really believe that love will overcome all obstacles; I don't believe in coddling and protecting someone younger. Maybe it's just that I also frequently think that both parties are taking advantage of the other (of the older one being financially set up and stable, of the younger's lack of comparitive experiences). Having said this, I don't think this type of relationship is doomed to disaster. I think it can work very practically, but I don't want to read about practicality in my stories. (Sorta puts my dislike of Brian/Justin into a whole 'nother light, doesn't it? *g*)
I still have a bit of fondness for these stories, I just don't go quite as gaga over them as I used to. I mean, I occasionally read HP/SS and enjoy it, and I can't deny that there is sometimes an element of this older/younger dynamic in Lex/Clark. However, those are the fics that I shy away from, while I love other fics (like Livia's Twenty-One for example) which show them as both young men, both still learning about life.
Well, I guess to figure this out I should have a good look at the pairings I write. I read more than I write, but this keeps it easy. Clark/Lex, Josh/Sam and Casey/Dan are my main pairings. There's others that I've written once like Sam/Will (I thought I'd written it, but I can't find it on my site... now I'm wondering if I'm imagining fics), Nigel/Bug, Chloe/Lana, and Schindler/Amon. I'm not counting things written for bets, dares, or specifically for someone else, like Justin/Justin, Brian/Justin, or Snape/Hagrid.
The basic theme seems to be Love at Work (or School, if they don't work *g*) but I think there's some other underlying similarities as well. The characters always have some form of a crush on the other, they never do the whole being friends and screwing thing.
The sex can come before or after the romantic confession, but the confession itself is generally more of an expression of interest, than claiming eternal love. (In my mind the phrases "I love you!" and "I think I'm in love with you..." have vastly different meanings.)
It's generally hopeful endings, because I like my boys happy. If they occur, break-ups are normally quiet and controlled, based on reason and accepted. I think that's basic wish-fulfillment, because it's how I'd like breakups to be. (Not that I've ever experienced one. Going totally on theory, here.) It's more of a slow death of a relationship, of walking away because you know you have to, there's no point in holding on to the relationship.
Love is never the most important things in their lives. The crushes, as far as they go, are fun and distracting, but the characters refuse to pine, despair, and waste away over someone. They have a stronger sense of self-survival. They like the idea of a relationship, they're attracted to the other, they care about the other, but they never assume that love (or sex) will be life-changing. There are other priorities (generally their jobs or their families), and being loved is this amazing, incredible thing that may make them giddy as loons, but it won't change the fact that there are other things that are important to them.
My characters don't want to give up their lives, their priorities, or themselves. They want love to enrich their lives, not fulfill them. There is a definite streak of self-fulfillment that underlies my characters, even if it's never mentioned in the story. It's just an underlying assumption. The characters aren't going to stop being who they are, or attempting to go for their dreams, just because they think they are Meant To Be.
Reading over that, it makes my characters seem selfish, but they're not. It's not that they will do whatever it takes to make themselves successful, regardless of the cost to those around them. It's just that... they're not going to forget that life is a hell of a lot more than just a bedroom. If the other person needs them, they'll go out of their way to be there for them. It's a combination of practicality and caring that's hard to explain. If a sacrifice is required, it means far more when it comes at a cost. My characters will compromise, but they won't give in. They'll love the other person, but not at the expense of everything else they hold dear.
There are things that I believe in whole-heartedly. Everything in life is reversible, except death. You always have a choice; it may not be easy, but it's always there. The secret to a long and happy life is to mind your own business, and not get involved in the affairs of others.
I think I need to add another one. Love should be cherished, but it can't replace the world; it just brightens the world up. That may be my story. Love is around you, in the everyday world, and it should be cherished for what it is, a wonderful *part* of life.
After thinking my way through that, I realise that Fandom plays pretty much the same role. It's not my entire life, but it is a wonderful part of it. And it's you guys who make it so incredible. *hugs friends*
no subject
Date: 2003-12-07 07:36 pm (UTC)What???
Well, it's only because a) not writing smut at work (no way, no how. I'd blush and glow like a cheap christmas tree)
Well, yes, good point.
and b) lil' bro is coming down tonight, and that denotes spending (more) time with the family.
Fair enough. Family first.
Hence, it's not so much ending like that, as being put on hold.
Well, as long it's not an indefinite 'on hold' I'll consider it ;~)
no subject
Date: 2003-12-07 07:46 pm (UTC)Now that I have official sanction, I suddenly feel far less evil. *takes off Evil Mastermind cap* Oh well, was fun while it lasted.
no subject
Date: 2003-12-07 07:56 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-12-07 08:08 pm (UTC)(Well, I'll laugh quietly... under my breath... after their backs are turned. I may be wearing the Evil Mastermind hat, but I'm still being paid the lowly assistant wage. *g*)