Fanfic, have I loved...

************************************************************
Fan·fic·tion – (fan fik’shen) n. 1 any non-profit, literary work based on pre-existing and copyrighted universes, characters, or situations from various forms of media (books, television, movies, etc.). 2 any story written by someone who takes such copyrighted material and places them into situations of his/her own choosing.
************************************************************

Ah, yes, the wonderful world of Fanfiction! Who hasn’t been exposed to it at some point or another? How many of us have concocted some of our own – occasionally without even realizing it? Chances are, if you’re a fan of something, you’ve done it. You may have imagined some alternate storyline for a movie that didn’t quite satisfy you, paired your favorite hero or heroine with the partner they should have ended up with, or simply continued a series you hated to see end. Though some people simply do all this in their heads, many take it one step further and actually put fingers to keyboard and script out their ideas – often publishing them for public view online. Just about anyone with a computer, some free time, and a smidge of imagination can put together a fiction story based on their favorite fandom. In fact, there’s more out there on the net today than can probably be counted.

However, every once in a while, there is one written by an author of considerable talent who puts the time and energy into a fanfic that they might their own original work. Whether it be the result of a simple beloved hobby, or a stepping stone to something more ambitious, fanfiction by such writers is often a joy to read, and just as engrossing as any professional novel. Here are a few diamonds-in-the-rough that I have encountered during my stay in the world of Fanfiction – stories that I find myself not only enjoying, but revisiting again and again!

Dungeons and Dragons (No, not the game, the cartoon!)

-- Curse of the Warduke by Mike Bugg – My first, and still my favorite, experience with internet-published fanfiction. I first found this back in the late 90’s when I discovered Zakiyah’s Realm. First, I was amazed by how many people actually remembered this cartoon, and second, I was amazed that this young man wrote so well, he enabled me to remember this cartoon! (In shockingly vivid detail given the 15-year time span since I had seen it last!) I quickly read everything by him that I could find, and, while I would recommend any of them (“Wed to Evil” and “Where the Heart Is” are also incredible!), this one shall always be my favorite. Not only did “Buggman” reintroduce me to a toon that I had loved, but he introduced me to fanfiction in general. (“Hey! You mean there are people who actually do this stuff?!?”) It is probably because of him that I have ever written anything at all, so in my mind Mike Bugg can do no wrong. Well, maybe one thing – he did vanish from the fandom, leaving one amazing story unfinished. Well, people have lives and move on, I only hope that nostalgia will bring him back again someday!
( Excerpt: Curse of the Warduke )

-- Requiem by Michael Reaves – Okay, so technically it’s not fanfiction. After all, Mr. Reaves was one of the original writers for the show. But since this episode (the “official” last one) was never produced, I suppose it may qualify. It makes for a great ending for the series – or the beginning of another (depending on where the fanfic authors take it!) The events of Legacy are heavily based on what happens in this “lost” episode.
( Excerpt: Requiem )

-- Trial by Existence by Lady of Shalott (aka astolat) – This was the first really long D&D fanfic that I had the pleasure of reading, and one of the few that has parts that still get me when I read them. It was also a lot more mature than many of the others at the time. Though based on a Saturday morning cartoon, it was most definitely not for kids! (The Lady, in fact, wrote different versions of two chapters. For anyone bothered by descriptive sexual imagery, there was a PG-13 edition.) The story was a tad heavy at times – Eric grows up in a big way, a very steamy (but very good) Sheila/Venger subplot, violence, language, violence, a sort of downer ending (depending on your point of view), violence, and not nearly enough Diana IMHO, but the wordcraft, details, and plot really are excellent. And the inserted poems by Robert Frost are a wonderful touch. Even the lemony parts are extremely tastefully done. (Never knew Venger could be so sexy!)
( Excerpt: Trial by Existence )

-- Time Lost/Time Found by Patrick Drazen – Patrick is by far one of my favorite D&D authors. He wrote an outstanding 10-part “Return to the Realm” series that focuses on the Young Ones one decade later, but TL/TF has got to be my hands-down favorite. Not only is the idea supremely original (What would have happened to the Young Ones if Venger’s plot to manipulate Germany into winning WWII had succeeded?), but Patrick’s skill in using his obviously extensive knowledge of history to create a believably surreal alternate universe controlled by Nazis is stunning. (I mean, this is what real authors write like!) His new versions of the Young Ones, who still exhibit hints of their old selves, are incredible and the story is one that I will certainly read many, many more times.
( Excerpt: Time Lost/Time Found )

-- Ven-Gerr! by Tannenhaeuser – Probably one of the funniest things I’ve ever read in my life! Tann (who I think could be a professional lyricist!) spoofed the song “Gaston” from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, relating the words to everyone’s favorite Force of Evil from the Realm. Try not to laugh out loud at this one! (I dare you!) I certainly can’t.
( Excerpt: Ven-Gerr! )

Harry Potter

-- Bury the Hatchet by Silver Phoenix – Okay, so it’s not all about D&D. I do like my occasional dose of Harry Potter. And “Bury the Hatchet” is probably the best I’ve read so far. It’s one thing to base stories on a source that’s been over and shelved for about 20 years, but it’s a risky thing writing for a fandom that is still being fleshed out. (Details and plotlines may be rendered obsolete each time a new book comes out.) Regardless of that, Silver Phoenix has done a fantastic job with her story – reuniting the Gryffindor trio after several years of tense separation. Her writing is extremely skilled and her plot is quite inspired. (And she provides Shirtless!Adult!Ron and Sexy!Goatee!Harry. What more could I ask?!)
( Excerpt: Bury the Hatchet )

-- Draco Dormiens by Cassandra Claire – I first wandered over in Cassie’s direction out of curiosity. (I mean, Harry Potter is a juggernaut amongst the other fandoms. If an author is able to make such a name for herself in that veritable sea of fanfiction, then her stories are at least worth a look-see. Right?) I wasn’t disappointed. This first installment of the trilogy is rather good and, while I realize that most of my fellow readers seem to prefer the darker, more complex conflicts of the latter editions, I will probably always favor this one – when Draco was still smarmy, juuuust unlikable enough, and not so weirdly dependent on Harry to function. (And vice versa.)
( Excerpt: Draco Dormiens )

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within

-- Out of the Ashes by LadyKayoss – This movie was so unappreciated! It was really quite good, and really didn’t get the attention it deserved. (I mean, hello! Was the animation not incredible?) That aside, one really great thing that came out of the movie was all the terrific fanfiction. LadyK has an imagination on her like you wouldn’t believe (and she also happens to be a super nice person!). The new post-Phantom Earth sets the stage for what is probably one of the best TSW fics out there which cleverly mixes the premise of the film with the magic elements of the game. (Oh, and there’s plenty of JaNeil . . . which makes me happy!)
( Excerpt: Out of the Ashes )

-- Final Fantasy: The Spirit Inside by ntrophi – In its barest essence, this story is a re-write of the movie. But what Kat does with it is so much more than that. She started out incorporating magic and summons into the plot of the film, then completely takes it in an entirely, unrecognizable direction. (Perhaps the movie would have done better with her at the helm!) She also brings to life one of my favorite TSW creations: EPH. (That’s “Evil Phantom Hein” to you!) Apparently I wasn't the only one to think that Hein’s tortured, tragic hero thing was just not convincing enough to make him a villain. On a side note, and in addition to her wonderful epic, Kat is also quite the comic genius. Check out her hysterical “Evils of…” series at FF.Net, too!
( Excerpt: The Spirit Inside )

-- Evanesce by Ovo – What can I say about this story? It’s another “resurrection” fic that is basically required fare for any TSW author, but it’s really different. I would suggest not reading it if you get easily jealous of other people’s amazing talent! Hers is one of the few fics written in the 1st person POV (Jane's) that actually manages to create and maintain suspense, using a surreal, dreamlike setting. Ovo has a way with words that just blows me away. Her writings are like literary photographs and for as many weird twists and turns that this particular story takes, I just keep coming back to it over and over!
( Excerpt: Evanesce )

Of course, there’s always that occasional craving for something sour. So, at times I turn to…

( The Occasional Lemon )

Ah, fanfiction I have loved! (Of course, I am always looking to add to this list!)

So, what are you still doing here? Haven’t I given you enough incentive? Go! Start reading! *G*

Fanfic, have I loved...

************************************************************
Fan·fic·tion – (fan fik’shen) n. 1 any non-profit, literary work based on pre-existing and copyrighted universes, characters, or situations from various forms of media (books, television, movies, etc.). 2 any story written by someone who takes such copyrighted material and places them into situations of his/her own choosing.
************************************************************

Ah, yes, the wonderful world of Fanfiction! Who hasn’t been exposed to it at some point or another? How many of us have concocted some of our own – occasionally without even realizing it? Chances are, if you’re a fan of something, you’ve done it. You may have imagined some alternate storyline for a movie that didn’t quite satisfy you, paired your favorite hero or heroine with the partner they should have ended up with, or simply continued a series you hated to see end. Though some people simply do all this in their heads, many take it one step further and actually put fingers to keyboard and script out their ideas – often publishing them for public view online. Just about anyone with a computer, some free time, and a smidge of imagination can put together a fiction story based on their favorite fandom. In fact, there’s more out there on the net today than can probably be counted.

However, every once in a while, there is one written by an author of considerable talent who puts the time and energy into a fanfic that they might their own original work. Whether it be the result of a simple beloved hobby, or a stepping stone to something more ambitious, fanfiction by such writers is often a joy to read, and just as engrossing as any professional novel. Here are a few diamonds-in-the-rough that I have encountered during my stay in the world of Fanfiction – stories that I find myself not only enjoying, but revisiting again and again!

Dungeons and Dragons (No, not the game, the cartoon!)

-- Curse of the Warduke by Mike Bugg – My first, and still my favorite, experience with internet-published fanfiction. I first found this back in the late 90’s when I discovered Zakiyah’s Realm. First, I was amazed by how many people actually remembered this cartoon, and second, I was amazed that this young man wrote so well, he enabled me to remember this cartoon! (In shockingly vivid detail given the 15-year time span since I had seen it last!) I quickly read everything by him that I could find, and, while I would recommend any of them (“Wed to Evil” and “Where the Heart Is” are also incredible!), this one shall always be my favorite. Not only did “Buggman” reintroduce me to a toon that I had loved, but he introduced me to fanfiction in general. (“Hey! You mean there are people who actually do this stuff?!?”) It is probably because of him that I have ever written anything at all, so in my mind Mike Bugg can do no wrong. Well, maybe one thing – he did vanish from the fandom, leaving one amazing story unfinished. Well, people have lives and move on, I only hope that nostalgia will bring him back again someday!
( Excerpt: Curse of the Warduke )

-- Requiem by Michael Reaves – Okay, so technically it’s not fanfiction. After all, Mr. Reaves was one of the original writers for the show. But since this episode (the “official” last one) was never produced, I suppose it may qualify. It makes for a great ending for the series – or the beginning of another (depending on where the fanfic authors take it!) The events of Legacy are heavily based on what happens in this “lost” episode.
( Excerpt: Requiem )

-- Trial by Existence by Lady of Shalott (aka astolat) – This was the first really long D&D fanfic that I had the pleasure of reading, and one of the few that has parts that still get me when I read them. It was also a lot more mature than many of the others at the time. Though based on a Saturday morning cartoon, it was most definitely not for kids! (The Lady, in fact, wrote different versions of two chapters. For anyone bothered by descriptive sexual imagery, there was a PG-13 edition.) The story was a tad heavy at times – Eric grows up in a big way, a very steamy (but very good) Sheila/Venger subplot, violence, language, violence, a sort of downer ending (depending on your point of view), violence, and not nearly enough Diana IMHO, but the wordcraft, details, and plot really are excellent. And the inserted poems by Robert Frost are a wonderful touch. Even the lemony parts are extremely tastefully done. (Never knew Venger could be so sexy!)
( Excerpt: Trial by Existence )

-- Time Lost/Time Found by Patrick Drazen – Patrick is by far one of my favorite D&D authors. He wrote an outstanding 10-part “Return to the Realm” series that focuses on the Young Ones one decade later, but TL/TF has got to be my hands-down favorite. Not only is the idea supremely original (What would have happened to the Young Ones if Venger’s plot to manipulate Germany into winning WWII had succeeded?), but Patrick’s skill in using his obviously extensive knowledge of history to create a believably surreal alternate universe controlled by Nazis is stunning. (I mean, this is what real authors write like!) His new versions of the Young Ones, who still exhibit hints of their old selves, are incredible and the story is one that I will certainly read many, many more times.
( Excerpt: Time Lost/Time Found )

-- Ven-Gerr! by Tannenhaeuser – Probably one of the funniest things I’ve ever read in my life! Tann (who I think could be a professional lyricist!) spoofed the song “Gaston” from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, relating the words to everyone’s favorite Force of Evil from the Realm. Try not to laugh out loud at this one! (I dare you!) I certainly can’t.
( Excerpt: Ven-Gerr! )

Harry Potter

-- Bury the Hatchet by Silver Phoenix – Okay, so it’s not all about D&D. I do like my occasional dose of Harry Potter. And “Bury the Hatchet” is probably the best I’ve read so far. It’s one thing to base stories on a source that’s been over and shelved for about 20 years, but it’s a risky thing writing for a fandom that is still being fleshed out. (Details and plotlines may be rendered obsolete each time a new book comes out.) Regardless of that, Silver Phoenix has done a fantastic job with her story – reuniting the Gryffindor trio after several years of tense separation. Her writing is extremely skilled and her plot is quite inspired. (And she provides Shirtless!Adult!Ron and Sexy!Goatee!Harry. What more could I ask?!)
( Excerpt: Bury the Hatchet )

-- Draco Dormiens by Cassandra Claire – I first wandered over in Cassie’s direction out of curiosity. (I mean, Harry Potter is a juggernaut amongst the other fandoms. If an author is able to make such a name for herself in that veritable sea of fanfiction, then her stories are at least worth a look-see. Right?) I wasn’t disappointed. This first installment of the trilogy is rather good and, while I realize that most of my fellow readers seem to prefer the darker, more complex conflicts of the latter editions, I will probably always favor this one – when Draco was still smarmy, juuuust unlikable enough, and not so weirdly dependent on Harry to function. (And vice versa.)
( Excerpt: Draco Dormiens )

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within

-- Out of the Ashes by LadyKayoss – This movie was so unappreciated! It was really quite good, and really didn’t get the attention it deserved. (I mean, hello! Was the animation not incredible?) That aside, one really great thing that came out of the movie was all the terrific fanfiction. LadyK has an imagination on her like you wouldn’t believe (and she also happens to be a super nice person!). The new post-Phantom Earth sets the stage for what is probably one of the best TSW fics out there which cleverly mixes the premise of the film with the magic elements of the game. (Oh, and there’s plenty of JaNeil . . . which makes me happy!)
( Excerpt: Out of the Ashes )

-- Final Fantasy: The Spirit Inside by ntrophi – In its barest essence, this story is a re-write of the movie. But what Kat does with it is so much more than that. She started out incorporating magic and summons into the plot of the film, then completely takes it in an entirely, unrecognizable direction. (Perhaps the movie would have done better with her at the helm!) She also brings to life one of my favorite TSW creations: EPH. (That’s “Evil Phantom Hein” to you!) Apparently I wasn't the only one to think that Hein’s tortured, tragic hero thing was just not convincing enough to make him a villain. On a side note, and in addition to her wonderful epic, Kat is also quite the comic genius. Check out her hysterical “Evils of…” series at FF.Net, too!
( Excerpt: The Spirit Inside )

-- Evanesce by Ovo – What can I say about this story? It’s another “resurrection” fic that is basically required fare for any TSW author, but it’s really different. I would suggest not reading it if you get easily jealous of other people’s amazing talent! Hers is one of the few fics written in the 1st person POV (Jane's) that actually manages to create and maintain suspense, using a surreal, dreamlike setting. Ovo has a way with words that just blows me away. Her writings are like literary photographs and for as many weird twists and turns that this particular story takes, I just keep coming back to it over and over!
( Excerpt: Evanesce )

Of course, there’s always that occasional craving for something sour. So, at times I turn to…

( The Occasional Lemon )

Ah, fanfiction I have loved! (Of course, I am always looking to add to this list!)

So, what are you still doing here? Haven’t I given you enough incentive? Go! Start reading! *G*