January Activities 2009

[GringottsVault711]

This month's prompt is:

Challenge yourself!

I know, I know, could I be any more vague?

The idea is to write something that you've never written before. Not simply because you haven't gotten around to it, but because for some reason or another, it would be difficult for you. Maybe you don't write Snape because you don't like him, or you don't write James/Lily because it's been done a million times before and you don't think you can do anything new, or maybe you don't write Founders Era because you're not sure you have enough info to pull it off right. Perhaps you've never written present tense before or first person point of view before. Whatever it is, now is your chance to challenge yourself.


Rules/Guidelines

• You must be specific about what it is you are challenging yourself with. It should fit into one of the following categories: Character, Pairing, Genre, Era, or Style. (Style can refer to point of view or tense.)
  
• Drabble can be between 250-800 words.
  
• Content should not be any higher than a 3rd-5th Years rating.
  
• All content that would require a warning on the MNFF Archive should be labeled.
  
• This thread is for responses only. If you have a question, PM me.
  
• Responses must be posted by January 31st, 2009.
  
• Please post using this format:
  
  Title: The Confused House-Elf
  Challenge: Character - Dobby
  Why It Is Challenge For Me: (Optional) I never write Dobby because his I find his dialogue difficult, and I generally stay away from non-human characters.
  Word Count: 450 (This may be approximate)
  
  

  Story Text Story Text Story Text Story Text Story Text Story Text Story Text

• As with all activities within the SPEW forum, this challenge is open only to SPEW members.

[GringottsVault711]

Our featured author this month is Brittany! aka BertieBottsBeans741!

Her author's page can be found here.

• You must review the featured author for it to count as your monthly activity requirement.
• Post the link to your review here - you may also post it in the December review thread for credit as a review, if you wish.
• Questions in this thread are not part of the monthly requirement, but they are greatly encouraged. Also, they must have something to do with the subject of writing.

[Indigoenigma]

My review for When Love Prevails is here.

Now, then, on to the questions!

For When Love Prevails, you worked with a co-author. Did you enjoy the experience of writing with someone else? Why/why not?

The vast majority of your stories take place in the Maurader Era. What's your favorite part of writing about that era?

Are there any characters that you absolutely cannot write?

I think that's about it!

~Kelly

[BertieBotsBeans741]

Whooo! Thank you for that fantastic, magnificent review, Kelly!

For When Love Prevails, you worked with a co-author. Did you enjoy the experience of writing with someone else? Why/why not?

Ah, it was probably one of the most trying experiences I've had as a writer. Heh. It was a real challenge. There were so many things... we wrote in two different tenses, had to do a lot of back and forth, had to rewrite because parts didn't match, some of the prompts... ahhh, you're rousing all my memories. Hm, oh wait, you asked me if I enjoyed it. Yes, I really did. At times, I really just wanted to quit and delete what I had written but the fact that someone els is depending solely on you keeps you motivated. And I liked my partner, so that helps. (I wrote James, if you were wondering =D) I'd say it certainly helped me as a writer (how many times can you hear that before it becomes redundant and annoying?).

The vast majority of your stories take place in the Marauder Era. What's your favorite part of writing about that era?

Honestly, little else has really ensnared my interest so much. From the very beginning, that was my favorite. Over time, my interests have shifted a little. I used to be completely enthralled by just J/L but my horizons have broadened. I think what makes it my favorite era to write is just because I find the characters so, well, awesome. Hehe. My favorite part is creating the setting and even though we know some about them, there's still a vast amount of information that we never find out about any of the marauders or others in that time. I find myself so excited to delve into the era and just create everything and just get lost in my imagination. =) I love how open it is.

Are there any characters that you absolutely cannot write?

You know, I don't think there's a character I couldn't write. It's a matter of not being able to write them well. >.> Snape is someone I struggle with because I despise him so. I really do try but I just believe that I'm not the best at him. Dumbledore also can be quite a challenge. I can't fully capture him.

Eh, I hope I didn't ramble too much.

=D

Brittany

[luinrina]

Here's my review for your SSIV, Pandora's Box.

And questions: What inspired you to write the beginning of the story, the nightmare scene? And how did you come up with the title?

*pickles*

~Bine

[BertieBotsBeans741]

Thanks, Bine! =)

What inspired you to write the beginning of the story, the nightmare scene? And how did you come up with the title?

Well, once I had it in my mind that Mar wanted some Halloween-ish elements, it was pretty easy. I had already had Sheelin in my mind and then I needed horror, so I thought of something that was plausible, and, suddenly, it all became very clear. =D The war that was going on made it so that I could include the 'creepy' element.

As for the title, it's derived from Greek mythology. I've always really loved Greek mythology. If you've read the story, the themes of hope and the comparison between Pandora and Regulus are obvious. Unfortunately, I can't really explain the whole story. =)

[BertieBotsBeans741]

Title: A Pawn and Nothing More
Challenge: Style - First person; Character - Daphne Greengrass
Why It Is Challenge For Me: Writing in first person is difficult for me because I feel like I can't express myself as well. I also am cautious about writing characters that I've no clue about.
Word Count: 459

I slowly gathered my dressing robes and threw them on the bedside. I began tracing patterns in the fluid silk. I liked the way it brushed against my fingers, screaming elegance. The importance of wearing them thrilled me. It wouldn't be heady or arrogant to say they empowered me. A childish grin formed on my lips. I delighted in this all too much. But why shouldn't I?

It was in my mind that if I was to be subjected to men, all vying for my sister's attention, that I should take from it as much as I could. It did not matter what they thought for I knew that I would never marry them. A few dances, subtle flirting... it never amounted to anything. It had become my game and I never lost. Tonight would be no different. I took joy in spiting my mother.

None of it mattered anyway. For I had, hopefully, acquired what I most wanted in this life, most desired. My sneaking around had gone entirely unnoticed. Perhaps I simply was stealth enough but the real reason always managed to edge into my mind.

A few, swift knocks hammered against my door, rudely interrupting my thoughts.

“Are you decent, Daphne?”

“No,” I replied automatically, knowing full well that my appearance was just fine.

I was met with an exasperated sigh. “I suppose it doesn't matter. Do whatever you like. I don't want you spoiling tonight for your sister.”

“Of course not,” I muttered, rolling my eyes. Because, as I was saying, no one would notice. Not one soul would approach any member of my family and ask where I was. It was only through destroying the hopes of young men that were not good enough for my sister that I could gain any happiness in this house.

I glanced up in annoyance as I heard a lighter knock. I approached the door in an amble and opened it, but there was no familiar face there to greet me.

However, the tapping had not stopped. Perturbed, I shut my door and looked around. The window!

I raced to it, flinging it open with all my might. A beautiful tawny owl hooted and flew in, escaping the rain and blusterous wind. It dropped a letter sealed with a light blue crest on my floor and immediately exited the way it had entered.

Hands shaking, I picked it up.

Miss Greengrass,

We are pleased to announce your induction into the Healing program here at St. Mungo's. Please arrive promptly on the 31st at no later than 1 P.M.

Again, congratulations...

I smiled triumphantly and left the room in a hurry.

After all, the game was about to begin and it would be quite unfortunate if I were late.