BBC Sherlock Fan Forum - Serving Sherlockians since February 2012 / Secret Santa Fic Exchange 2014

**Posted by SusiGo** October 28, 2014 4:56 pm

So can we agree that fics should be posted completely but can (and probably have to be) split over several posts?

**Posted by Schmiezi** October 28, 2014 5:15 pm

Sounds perfect to me.

**Posted by Kerkerian** October 28, 2014 5:46 pm

Same here.

**Posted by gently69** October 28, 2014 7:44 pm

Yeah, that's fine for me as well.

**Posted by La Jolie** October 28, 2014 9:19 pm

I'm fine with it, too, if it is for everybody else.

Schmiezi, how are we doing this - will you let us know in advance on what day the story written to our own prompt will be posted? Or will it come as a surprise for everyone whose turn it is?

I'm sorry that I keep asking silly questions, but I wasn't there last year...

**Posted by Schmiezi** October 29, 2014 5:21 am

There are no silly questions, dear.

Well, no, there are. We teachers are shamelessly lying when telling you otherwise. But yours isn't one of them.

Last year it was a complete surprise I think, and I would like to stick to that.

BTW, you can all start sending me your fics as soon as they are finished. I for one still haven't written down a single word, but there is heavy plotting going on at the moment.

**Posted by gently69** October 29, 2014 8:33 am

My story is going on quite well. But I have to check if it still fits with the prompts I got.

**Posted by BreathingIsBoring** November 3, 2014 2:37 am

I literally just started writing, but I've gotten three pages into it and nothing's really happened yet. Silly me I kept changing my mind on what I wanted to do, because everything I could think of involving my prompt had what my requester DIDN'T want to read! Bah! However, I found a golden opportunity! I didn't think I'd be going as AU as I am, but hey; more fun for me!

Glad the deadline's in a month, though. It took me a while to get my thoughts in order. And the research!

**Posted by SusiGo** November 3, 2014 7:33 am

My first draft is ready. The longest thing I ever wrote in English. Phew!

**Posted by gently69** November 3, 2014 7:55 am

I still don't have a title for my story.

**Posted by Kerkerian** November 3, 2014 1:07 pm

gently69 wrote:
I still don't have a title for my story.

My story and I have parted ways, somehow. I hope we can mend our problems soon, because it's only nearly-but-not-entirely finished. I have in the meantime begun another story, as true procrastination experts will understand (I'll post the link to it in the "Fanfics by forum members" thread in shameless self advertisement, if anyone is interested).

Last edited by Kerkerian (November 3, 2014 1:08 pm)

**Posted by La Jolie** November 3, 2014 1:15 pm

Well done, everyone!

I almost got sidetracked like you, Kerkerian - into writing my own prompt!!! Can't have that, now, can we???

But I'm beautifully back on track now with my secret prompter's wonderful prompt. I swear she was reading my thoughts when she requested it. Or Schmiezi, who gave it to me, was. Or someone. Mycroft, probably.

gently69 wrote:
I still don't have a title for my story.

Neither have I! But the title is usually the very last thing I come up with, so I'm not worried just yet.

Kerkerian - looks very nice, the one with the dog. Bookmarked for when I have time to read it.

Last edited by La Jolie (November 3, 2014 1:21 pm)

**Posted by Kerkerian** November 3, 2014 1:23 pm

La Jolie wrote:
Kerkerian - looks very nice, the one with the dog. Bookmarked for when I have time to read it.

No sweat!

**Posted by YukinaKid** November 9, 2014 2:57 am

It is too late to join, isn't it? I am having no luck.

**Posted by SolarSystem** November 10, 2014 1:59 pm

YukinaKid, I'm afraid it really is to late.

Btw, last year we all prefixed our fics with a little message to the recipient - are we going to do this this year as well? Have we already talked about this? Because I can't remember...

**Posted by Schmiezi** November 10, 2014 2:47 pm

I would love it if there would be a little explanation by the writer, so every body knows what your prompt was for example.

**Posted by La Jolie** November 11, 2014 10:48 am

I'd want to know what the prompt was for each fic, too! It'll be really interesting to see what people have made of them.

And I suppose the writers can add normal Author's Notes to their stories, too, if they feel it to be necessary?

Do we add a summary, as well? Or would it be more interesting for the readers to just read the prompt and then the story, without any hints as to where the story will take the prompt?

Sorry, YukinaKid. You can always read the fics once Schmiezi starts posting them, though.

**Posted by SusiGo** November 11, 2014 11:49 am

I think stating the prompt and giving some notes if ncessary is fine but I would prefer not to get a summary as it could spoil the fun or suspense.

**Posted by Harriet** November 11, 2014 12:15 pm

Also, it might be helpful to keep the required effort as small as possible, I know what I'm talking about, time is precious ...

**Posted by BreathingIsBoring** November 11, 2014 5:29 pm

Is there anywhere we could pick up beta readers?