BBC Sherlock Fan Forum - Serving Sherlockians since February 2012 / Secret Santa Fic Exchange 2013

**Posted by Ormond Sacker** November 16, 2013 9:01 pm

Mine was pretty broad too so I had a small panic as well, but I think I'm getting somewhere. Though this won't be what the wisher thought it would either I think.

I have a question about formatting Kerkian. I tend to use italic to indicate private thoughts as well as when a word is being stressed, but if I send the story to you in a PM I can't use formatting. Should I just write html code, like , into the text or....?

**Posted by Schmiezi** November 17, 2013 8:22 am

stoertebeker wrote:
But back to the beta-read question. I would really felt much more comfortable if someone could have a look at it for spelling and grammar mistakes. Maybe I am not the only one?

There are so many native speakers around, I'm sure there must be some who are willing to help.
Why not start a new thread to find beta-readers who do not take part in the Secret Santa Exchange? I'll just try it out to see if it helps!

**Posted by SherlockianDE** November 17, 2013 9:22 am

Schmiezi wrote:
stoertebeker wrote:
But back to the beta-read question. I would really felt much more comfortable if someone could have a look at it for spelling and grammar mistakes. Maybe I am not the only one?
There are so many native speakers around, I'm sure there must be some who are willing to help.
Why not start a new thread to find beta-readers who do not take part in the Secret Santa Exchange? I'll just try it out to see if it helps!

That's a great idea Schmiezi, thanks for opening the thread! I'll feel much better if a native speaker has had a look at my story before it's posted...

**Posted by Kerkerian** November 17, 2013 9:29 am

Ormond Sacker wrote:
Mine was pretty broad too so I had a small panic as well, but I think I'm getting somewhere. Though this won't be what the wisher thought it would either I think.

I have a question about formatting Kerkian. I tend to use italic to indicate private thoughts as well as when a word is being stressed, but if I send the story to you in a PM I can't use formatting. Should I just write html code, like , into the text or....?

Funny that you mention it now, because I've just been thinking about that. I'm also not sure how long PMs can be, so it'd be easiest if all those who've got the same problem sent me their stories via email.

I'll send you my email-address via PM if you like, just give me a shout.

**Posted by SolarSystem** November 17, 2013 9:50 am

Kerkerian, I'd certainly have to split my fic into two PMs to send it to you, so maybe it would be easier to send it to you via e-mail. So it would be great if you sent me your e-mail-addy!

And Schmiezi, thanks for opening that thread! Let's wait and see what happens.

**Posted by stoertebeker** November 17, 2013 10:23 am

Schmiezi wrote:
stoertebeker wrote:
But back to the beta-read question. I would really felt much more comfortable if someone could have a look at it for spelling and grammar mistakes. Maybe I am not the only one?
There are so many native speakers around, I'm sure there must be some who are willing to help.
Why not start a new thread to find beta-readers who do not take part in the Secret Santa Exchange? I'll just try it out to see if it helps!

Great Schmiezi! Thank you!

**Posted by Ormond Sacker** November 17, 2013 9:22 pm

Kerkian I would really like to have your e-mail. Thank you for offering.

**Posted by Marva** November 18, 2013 11:05 am

Wow it is really great to see how everybody is taking this so serious! I'm sure you can't take that for granted in a forum.

And to those of you natives who offer their help in beta-reading: hello! I am in need :D

**Posted by Schmiezi** November 18, 2013 3:43 pm

shouldbestudying volunteered to do some beta-ing. If you need her (?), please PM her.

EDIT: So does kittykat.

Last edited by Schmiezi (November 18, 2013 6:03 pm)

**Posted by SilverMoonDragonB** November 18, 2013 11:05 pm

Kerkerian wrote:
Ormond Sacker wrote:
Mine was pretty broad too so I had a small panic as well, but I think I'm getting somewhere. Though this won't be what the wisher thought it would either I think.

I have a question about formatting Kerkian. I tend to use italic to indicate private thoughts as well as when a word is being stressed, but if I send the story to you in a PM I can't use formatting. Should I just write html code, like , into the text or....?
Funny that you mention it now, because I've just been thinking about that. I'm also not sure how long PMs can be, so it'd be easiest if all those who've got the same problem sent me their stories via email.

I'll send you my email-address via PM if you like, just give me a shout.

Oh thank-you! That would probably be better for some of the longer fics, I've got a goodly sized chunk written so far...and it's not nearly done xD

**Posted by YukinaKid** November 19, 2013 3:24 am

Mm I did get a vague topic, but those are my favorites. My beta and I are tossing ideas around and once I get one, I'm going to run with it. Will be written this week as this is my break between trimesters. May not be Christmas themed, but you know that's half the fun; letting the plot bunnies abduct you! Can't wait!

**Posted by Schmiezi** November 19, 2013 5:45 am

I'm somewhat stuck in the middle at the moment, waiting for further inspiration that will come soon, no doubt. I love writing!

BTW, did someone already asked shouldbestudying or kittykat to beta? I already have a beta-reader, so I won't need to, but it would be nice to know that the help thread helped!

**Posted by Wholocked** November 19, 2013 7:59 am

I'm starting over. I forgot the whole Christmas angle. So, if I can make this one work I'll end up with two fics!

**Posted by Marva** November 19, 2013 9:37 am

Now I am confused. Are we supposed to write a christmas-themed fic?

**Posted by SolarSystem** November 19, 2013 11:53 am

I don't think so, Marva. There's not one Christmas-related word in my fic, and I don't think it said anywhere that Christmas has to come into play...

**Posted by SusiGo** November 19, 2013 12:36 pm

I don't think that Christmas is a necessary subject. In my case it came in quite handy but as far as I know it does not have to be Christmas-related.

**Posted by Marva** November 19, 2013 1:12 pm

ok, great :-)

I was just thinking that it would be great to arrange some kind of a chat meeting with you fellow participants to discuss our progress etc., but I guess that would basically just spoil the whole secret santa idea

**Posted by Kerkerian** November 19, 2013 1:43 pm

Marva wrote:
Now I am confused. Are we supposed to write a christmas-themed fic?

The others are right, Christmas does not have to be included.

**Posted by Kerkerian** November 19, 2013 6:17 pm

I'm at roughly 4.000 words. Just sayin'...

**Posted by crazybbcamerican** November 19, 2013 6:55 pm

Kerkerian wrote:
I'm at roughly 4.000 words. Just sayin'...

I'm at about half that at the moment ;) I am seriously stretching out the prompt, lol!