get to know ames

oooh, look. a new friend. (aka "new friend amey")

Name:  Amey. My friends call me Ames.

Age:  Dirty 30

Status:  Alive?.... Oh. You meant... I see. I'm single. As in, not married.

Twitter: @ReneeGoetz

Do you blog? Why, yes, in a sense, yes I do. It's dedicated to original works of writing, just, you know, in case anybody is actually bored enough to want to read it. It gets updated once or twice a year. http://rengoe84.blogspot.com 

What other social media sites do you use? Facebook and Instagram, mostly. I think that's pretty much it.

5 little-known facts about you:

-I was born with my two lower front teeth on a Friday the 13, on a full moon, at 11:11.

-I had surgery to remove a double inguinal hernia at two weeks old. Still have the scars!

-I was a cheerleader in junior high school.

-I have been writing stories since I was five years old.

-I was writing fan fiction before I knew what fan fiction was. Seriously. I was seven and wrote a Power Rangers fic. Give me a break. I was seven. At ten I got sucked into X-Files and wrote TONS for that. My mom probably still has the notebooks in an air tight, climate controlled display case somewhere in her house.

Questions stolen from Twi-Between:

When/how did your Twilight obsession begin? I wouldn't call it an obsession, exactly, but regardless, it's my boyfriend's fault. We first began dating in 2008, not long before the first movie came out. We were still in that learning about each other phase, you know, favorite colors, favorite food, all that good stuff. So I think it was our first date actually, I don't remember what movie we were seeing but the Twilight trailer was attached to it and they were heavily playing up the fighting and the ballet studio scene, and he leaned over and whispered in my ear, "That. I'd see that. That's the kind of movie I like." So on our third date, Twilight had come out the week before and I asked him if he wanted to go see it. He said yes. We went. And were miserable the whole time. Him more so than I. I thought it was just all right. This poor guy was looking for any escape. Turns out Underworld is more his speed and when he saw the vampires and the fighting in this trailer, he thought it would be like that. When I bring it up present day, he denies that night ever happened. Anyway, I told a friend what happened and she insisted I read the books because "The books are so much better!" So I gave them a chance and they were pretty not bad. And here we are. (karen's note: all together now. "awwwwwww.")

What is your favorite Twilight quote?  "Face it, I AM hotter than you."

Who is your favorite non-holy twinity (minor) character? Holy Twinity? That's what we're calling them now? Okay. Hmmm... Well I guess I'd have to go with Emmett. He's just so great, the big goof ball! I also like Jasper a lot, but that may have been influenced more from reading fan fiction than the actual books.

Which is your favorite Twilight movie? Eclipse. Though, I am very partial to the "battle" scene of Breaking Dawn 2.

What is your favorite song from any of the Twilight soundtracks? Full Cheese Disclosure: If I were to ever get married, I would want A Thousand Years as my first dance song. The longer version. Who wouldn't, right? But overall, I really like Friends and Shooting the Moon. And I always love Muse.

Ideal vacay? Forks, set stalking, Brit Pack concert, or a non-Twi premiere? My IDEAL vaca would be Bora Bora, but if those are my options, I'd do Forks again. So beautiful there.

What is your favorite Non-Twilight film of a Twilight star? Pitch Perfect.

What is your favorite Twilight memory? As awful as that date was, it has to be when the boy and I went to see it in the theater. Six years later and he's still around! Second favorite would have to be when I went to Twi Fest this past September and met a bunch of awesome people. (karen's note: hey, does she mean US?)

new questions:

Who is your favorite Twilight actor? Have such a crush on Taylor Lautner. But talent wise, I'd go with Peter Facinelli. He's got great range.

What has being a fan of Twilight opened up for you? Friendships.

What is your craziest fangirl moment? I've never really been one to fangirl. I don't know if that comes from living in NYC or what, but celebs are just people. Some are cool, some are assholes (coughJamesSpadercough). If I had to pick a moment from my life, I guess I'd go with when I finally got to see Hanson in concert. I was 29, but standing only a few rows back from the stage, I was a squealing 13 year old girl again.

Who is your favorite NON-Twilight vampire?  Damon Salvatore. Yeah, definitely. And Selene from Underworld. Because, girl power.

Fanfiction questions:

What are you reading right now?  This email.

Oh. You meant what fan fiction am I reading? LOL sorry...

That Doesn't Happen in Real Life by lilhummingbird. A couple other WIPs.

I know it's almost impossible, but ~ what are your top 5 favorite fics?

In no particular order:

-Living in Death's Shadow by Kitty T's Keyboard

-Page Turner by Katty4Harry

-Her Keeper by 4MeJasper

-Whirlwind by Betterin Texas

-For A Reason: Inauguration by Mir Queen

Who is your favorite incarnation of Edward (specifically, from which story)? Any Edward where he is not moping or whining or telling Bella that he's "not good for you, but I love you! I can't be without you! But stay away from me." Not so much an Edward fan. In case you couldn't tell.

What are your fanfic hard limits? I don't want to set any because if the story is good, I'll read it. Not into slash or smut really, but if the story is decent and it's well written, I'll stick with it and skim over any parts that make me uncomfortable.

What is your biggest ficpeeve?  GRAMMAR!! You're a writer, learn how to use it! And spelling! I mean, my God! What computer does not have spell check today?? I understand things slip through the cracks, hell, I'm guilty of it, too. I know how it is, you get into a groove and your fingers are just flying away and you miss some things. But page after page of just blatant abuse of the English language... It hurts. Especially the your/you're and there/their/they're. Sigh. I should've been an English teacher. (karen's note: word.)    

Who are your favorite authors?

J.K. Rowling

Edgar Allen Poe

Ransom Riggs   

Why do you read fan fiction?  Partly because it's great for expanding a universe a reader may be interested in, but wasn't fully explored in the book or movie or whatever it was based off of. In the case of Twilight, that also applies (love reading about Jasper and his possible histories and AU's), however, I also find many of the Twilight fics to be better than the actual books. I don't remember how I initially started reading Twilight fics, but somehow I did and that's where I am with it.

What other fandoms do you count yourself a member of?  Harry Potter, for sure. And X-Files. Ohhhhh yeah. The truth is out there, bitches.

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how ames and i met: fun story. so jodi, who doesn't like people, decided that in forks she would be nice to one stranger. if she got her name, that meant she was in. we were officially introduced ("guys, this is amey.") and liked her and sort of stalked her the rest of the trip. 

this is how to react to your stalker.

get to know mandy

i was going through some stuff online and realized i never posted this one ~ a later addition to our group.

Name: Mandy

Age: 29

Status: Single and CMMC (currently missing my cat - he is at home until I find an apartment and my mom can fly out with him.)

Twitter: @agoodwitchff

Do you blog? Yes, I used to do the fic recs at www.twibetween.com but it has been a little while since I, or anyone else has posted to that blog, its been tough with the move. I also had a blog for my writing that like 8 people followed so I eventually closed that down.

What other social media sites do you use? Twitter and groupme. FB and I broke up years ago and tumblr was something I only did temporarily.  It's easier to focus on my writing when I'm not on a ton of other sites.

5 little-known facts about you: 

1. I remember just enough American Sign Language to make a deaf person think we can talk, and then I'm lost two seconds in. 
2. I make lists for everything (see Karen, not the only one), 
3. I'm a published poet, 
4. I went to college with Jason Zimbler (Ferguson from Clarissa Explains it All) 
5. When I say I'm reading "Gone with the Wind" on my kindle, that's code for twific...I have read that book, but no one asks follow ups so its the quickest way to deflect from the smut on the screen.

Questions stolen from Twi-Between:

When/how did your Twilight obsession begin? The October before the first movie came out, 3 people came up to me, my sister included (who rarely reads books all the way through) so my mom got me the series for Christmas. Then I saw the movie and thought it was okay. (I know that's blasphemy, but the first movie is my least favorite of the series, they definitely improved as they went on.) Then my sister got pregnant and stumbled upon fanfiction, so she badgered me until I read it too.  A week later I was posting my first chapter, 4 1/2 years later I have 45 stories posted and a couple more in the works.

What is your favorite Twilight quote? "Why am I covered in feathers?"

Who is your favorite non-holy twinity (minor) character? Carlisle

Which is your favorite Twilight movie? tie between Eclipse and Breaking Dawn Part 1

What is your favorite song from any of the Twilight soundtracks? Oh man...either "A Thousand Years" or "Turning Page"

Ideal vacay? Forks, set stalking, Brit Pack concert, or a non-Twi premiere? Forks has always been a dream, so I'm excited for that this year, and going to a movie premiere would be awesome, though I dream of a day when I would be on the other side of the barricade as the screenwriter of the movie being premiered.

What is your favorite Non-Twilight film of a Twilight star? "Remember Me" - I love a lot of them, but that movie still makes me bawl.

What is your favorite Twilight memory? It would have to be when I started talking to A Cullen Wannabe, because she was seed that started the mighty oak. It was when FDKK was still posting, before the prologue event had even happened, and her beta had gotten pregnant and wasn't able to do it too often.  I sent her a PM saying I would help out if she needed it and she took me up on it.  I did the chapters her old beta couldn't and before the end I was her set to help her on other stuff if her beta couldn't. Somewhere in there she had taken over Behind the Images, and was having problems with the NYC stuff, so I offered to help her with that, then she made me the beta for that fic.  Then I became her only beta. Writing with her came after that which was how I got on skype, which then led to WC's.  Posting a WC announcement on twitter was how Dee contacted to ask if she could join and I pulled her in.  Now, I'm sitting on a futon in her living room.  Meeting Dee would have never happened if I hadn't written that PM to ACW, and my life would definitely suck without her.

new questions:

Who is your favorite Twilight actor? Rob, Jackson (he is the person I would want to hang out with the most), Michael Sheen, PFach, Taylor, and Anna Kendrick.

What has being a fan of Twilight opened up for you? It made me a more confident author, it gave me a huge group of online friends, and a few that I've met in person, including Dee.  She's the first person I contact with almost any news, and we have spent over three years writing online almost every night.

What is your craziest fangirl moment? I've never been a hand trembling in front of my mouth, tears streaming down my face, kind of girl, but the first celebrity I met was John Stamos when I was like 11.  He was in "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" and my sister had brought me to see "Cats" for my birthday and then walked me down the street to his stage door.  I looked up when he walked out, not knowing why we were there until that moment, and said, "It's Uncle Jessie," in a hushed voice.  He was so sweet, and five months later my sister brought me to see the show and we met him again to get my photo with him autographed.  The middle-aged women in the crowd parted like the Red Sea so that I could get to "Johnny" and once again he was so sweet.  Six years later, I had just graduated from high school and was going to school for musical theater, and I went to see him in "Cabaret" once again with that picture in hand, because I wanted a smaller one in my dorm room than the 8x10 I had gotten all those years ago. When I handed him the pic, he did a double take, and then I told him that when I met him back then, he taught me the kind of person I would want to be if I ever became famous, and he inspired my love in acting and singing to grow, and now I was headed off to college for it.  I made him cry a little and he gave me the biggest hug. It was just such a great moment.

Who is your favorite NON-Twilight vampire? JRM from the TV show Dracula. It's goofy as hell, but I love that man!

Fanfiction questions:

What are you reading right now? I'm playing catch up on fics I've put off for a while, but at the moment, the only current fic I'm reading is The Fox by capricapra.

I know it's almost impossible, but ~ what are your top 5 favorite fics? Never Sleep in a Strange Man's Bed, The Mail Order Bride Series, FDKK, Emancipation Proclamation, and Eight Days a Week.

Who is your favorite incarnation of Edward (specifically, from which story)? THAT is the impossible question, but I would have to say any of the Edward's from my top 5, or Edroar from Edroar, the Angry Lion, or Olderwards, it doesn't matter if its a few years or much older, I like Edward's that want to take care of their Bella's.

What are your fanfic hard limits? Violence just for the sake of it, rape as titulation, and things along those lines.  I'm not someone to set a lot of hard limits because if it's well written, it could open my mind to something new.

What is your biggest ficpeeve? Poorly thought out plots, poorly written stories, horrible grammar, or weirdly formatted stories.  And as an author, guest reviews that flame - put a name to your hatred so I know the troll I'm dealing with.

Who are your favorite authors? A Cullen Wannabe, Mizzdee, 107yearoldvirgin, Lady Gwenydd (Mrs Brownloe), Carano, pattyrose, there are others but those are the biggies!

Why do you read fanfiction? For the same reason I write it.  I love the characters, and I love the creativity that is in this fandom.  There are so many stories out there and each one has its own spin on the original.

What other fandoms do you count yourself a member of? Lord of the Rings.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
how mandy and i met: dee would always tell us about her bff, mandy. when she moved from new york to live in colorado (taking up residence on dee's couch for awhile), she added her to our group. we didn't get to meet in person until our trip to phoenix this past june. 

at the forever party in phoenix
uhh... alcohol was involved. that's my excuse. lol.

Fanfic Rec Wednesday – My Bella

I love when I can rec a fic written by a friend. I love it even more when I really love the story.

You may remember back in May when PurpleBrina guest rec’d Chop and Change by Krazyk85.  Krazy is taking a hiatus from the sequel, Chopping and Changing, but wanted to keep up her writing skills, so she had the brilliant idea of “fic-ing” the movie Wicker Park. How often do ALL of us twific fans watch a movie …or read a book, or hear a song, or even see a random picture of something… and think ‘that would make an incredible Edward/Bella story!’ and wish someone would “fic it”? (It’s a thing. Trust me.) That is exactly what happened in this case. She says it was the main character’s “desperation in finding the one girl that broke his heart. The suspense and confusion and the love he had for her” that drew her in. And that interest brought us My Bella by my friend Krazyk85 (@KrazyK85_). (Read it here on fanfiction.net.) 

For the record, Krazy also posted on Facebook that she “sort of" started My Bella because of me after we met in person this summer. Apparently, my dark and depressing sentiments are creative fuel. Lol. Well, if this is what my melancholic demeanour brings out of people… You’re all welcome!

When K first started posting the story back in late June, she said she was surprised at how many people had never seen the movie. Then she suggested we hold off on watching it until the story completed. If you have seen the movie or know anything about it, you will know that there is sense of suspense and mystery that permeates the plot. If you watch it before reading the story, that idea of a puzzle you need to crack will be missing – so I agree with KrazyK. You should wait. I did.

It was so fun trying to put everything together as the chapters went up. My Bella updated every Monday and it was hard to have to wait all week to get the next clue. There was even a weird sort of enjoyment that came from being proven completely wrong. The way the story progresses, your brain automatically questions every single little detail and K did an excellent job of bringing attention to those tidbits. I was personally convinced that Edward was insane.

For me, what makes this story SO great is Krazy’s unique writing talent. Since I knew that what I was reading was based on a story that was previously told only visually, I was blown away at the nuances she was able to bring to the character’s inner thoughts and the descriptions and explanations of happenings that you miss out on in a movie. She is unbelievably creative.  I did end up watching Wicker Park after I read My Bella. In my opinion, the fic is SO MUCH BETTER! Read it for yourself and see what you think.

It’s a on the shorter side of a mid-length story – just over 43,000 words in 15 chapters and was completed in September. 

AND, sidenote: Krazyk85 is up for 6 awards, including Favorite Undiscovered Gem for My Bella, in the 2014Twific Fandom Awards. The first round of voting ends November 8^th. Read it quickly and then go vote to help get it through to the next round.

I made this one this afternoon, especially for my blog.

forks

i'm leaving for my second trip to forks in 2 days. as i prepare, i've been thinking back on last year's experience. i never did get around to the post summarizing the entire journey ~ and let's face it, probably never will. so i thought i would at least share just a few pictures.

this time last year, my group of friends and i travelled to "the holy land" for stephenie meyer days (an annual series of festivities during the weekend closest to bella's birthday ~ september 13th), coinciding with the 2nd of the "forever" parties, which had taken on the "forever in forks" name. the two events had joined together and many activities were planned. one of these was the FiF scavenger hunt. each group (or individual) was given a list of things to track down and take pictures of. they were to be posted on either instagram or facebook and a winner would be chosen among the completing participants. well, that was the plan anyway. as far as we all know, no such winner was deemed. booooo. but our group busted our asses getting creative with our picture taking and i had edited them into collages. i think it would be a shame and detriment not to share them again. ;P

to start, here is a picture of our hunt list, with one very special addition:
most people (who are into this stuff) would have heard that stephenie meyer herself showed up in forks and did an impromptu meet and greet sort of thing. as soon as we heard this, we added her name to our list. of course, being completely shocked and unprepared, i had nothing for her to sign so as she breezed by (the first time), i got her to sign our list. she saw that we had added her name and said, "oh, that's so cute!"

i did end up getting a picture with her as well a few minutes later after she decided to hold off her lunch break a little while longer and pose for some. i was the (self-)designated picture taker for my friends. during the excitement, they each sort of wandered to the background after their turn passed and i was left standing there with no one to take mine. i turned around and yelled back to them something along the lines of "what about me, bitches?!", immediately horrified that i had just cursed in front of the mormon author. i tried to run away, but she called back to me, "did you get a picture with your doll?" (i had been shoving my "pocket edward" into a multitude of pictures by then and he was in my hand as i was playing amateur photographer.) i shook my head, still superembarrassed at my outburst, and she told me to get back over there. PE saved the day! it was the highlight of my trip. and she was laughing and smiling the entire time. like a jackass, all i could manage was a squeaky thank you. then i actually did run away.

now for the ACTUAL items on the list:
(i'm going to add some of the hashtags/captions i used on instagram for the original contest posts, cause some of them are pretty damn funny.)

item # 1. swan's residence
(we had the forks AND portland locations. book AND movie. yay us!)

item # 2. cullen house   #gogogo!
(again both locations... and PE)

item # 3. bella's truck

item # 4. welcome to forks sign  #findPE

item # 5. doctor cullen's parking spot

item # 6. baseball field
(should be mentioned that many of the items on the list don't actually exist, which is where creativity came into play.)

item # 7. charlie's police cruiser

item # 8. the meadow   #wonkyfeet

item # 9. a wolf

item # 10. forks high school  #gospartans

item # 11. edward   #PE #forkscoven #olympiccoven so many different edwards! <3 <3 <3 #volvo #photobomb

item # 12. an apple   #unintentionalpfachphotobomb #biteme

item # 13. forks diner
(the forks and portland location ~ carver cafe)

couldn't decide between them, so 2 were posted.

#deerheadseverywhere #taxidermyatitsfinest

item # 14. sporting goods store ~ olympic outfitters   #goinghunting #moreheads

item # 15. jacob's motorcycle

item # 16. the treaty line

item # 17. jacob's house

item # 18. first beach  #thecullensdontcomehere #theydonow

2 posted again, cause it's so pretty!

item # 19. re-enact a scene of your choosing
we couldn't pick just one. we had 5.

19a. volvo (video link)   #sinceimgoingtohell #wonkyfeet

19b. first beach (video link)  #fantasticactingskills #findPE #photobomb #strongindependentwoman #poormirandaisalwaystheboy

19c.stone cliff inn  #sothelion... yeah, you know...   #stoplaughing #omgmyhandswerewherehishandswere *snort*

19d. #theskinofakiller #sparkle #sonotscaryedward #stripperglitter

19e. #floridians #thatswhatsinjacksonville #makeshiftgreenhouse

bonus. #THEtree i can just see him dangling from that branch... lmao. #personalbrand #twiheroin #roadtrip #portlandtoforks #memories #mygirls  m, b, and iphone picture credit to j. you win... just this one time.

and cause i feel like sharing them...

dinner at bella italia

PE at ruby beach ~ the most beautiful place i've ever seen with my own eyes

PE watching bd2 in the forks high school gym

"last born of the clan, first one to be free" ~ roadtrip

(some of) my girls

the party

re-enactments, ftw 

driving from forks to la push (video link) ~ the whole car singing along with christina perri #forever.

Fanfic Rec Wednesday – Summer Rose

Since it’s almost the most patriotic of all American holidays, I’m gonna recommend that you read natalayx’s (@natalayx) Soldierward fic, Summer Rose. Here’s the fanfiction.net link. 

I’m not saying ONLY Americans would enjoy this one. I’m Canadian and I liked it. And Nat herself is Australian.

I haven’t read a lot of military-oriented stories yet. Not that I have anything against them, but I just don’t get the same surge of emotion right off the bat that I find the majority of American readers do. Of course, we have our own Armed Forces in Canada, but it’s not ingrained into our social consciousness the same way. I don’t really understand that whole “duty to your country” thing. I was worried that a lack of connection to the emotions the characters feel would pull me out of the story, but that wasn’t the case. I was right there with Edward and Bella, struggling through their difficulties with them. I think that's what stands out to me about Nat's story. I spoke to her about this and she said it was “more of him wanting to help the innocent people in a third world country that didn't ask for war” than a sense of duty to serve his country that made him feel compelled to join the army. I really liked that. I totally “get” that.

And I should really stop saying that I never cry when I’m reading, ‘cause I did it again. :’’’(

It’s kinds hard to believe just a picture inspired the whole thing!

sent to natalayx by packy (@_LittleLovely_) as "picspiration"

It just completed a week ago and it’s a quick read – less than 40,000 words in 16 chapters. Go read it and let her know what you thought. I personally think it’s really good and super sweet. Can’t wait to see what Nat comes up with next.

Fanfic Rec Wednesday – The Practicum

Sorry I missed last week. I was on vacation with my girls who I only really get to see once or maybe twice a year. I was having too much fun and then grabbing whatever sleep I could in between to be able to get something ready. And since I was in the States, I had no data roaming or Wi-Fi on my phone. I'm still recovering from all the craziness and travel, but I do have a guest rec for you today.

This one comes from my good friend Angie (@ang062).

Title: The Practicum

By: TheFicChick

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8906792/1/The-Practicum

Why is it good?:  This fic has been on my TBR list forever. I have loved pretty much everything that I have read from TheFicChick.  After a long work week, I just needed something light. This was EXACTLY what I was looking for.  Low angst, lots of laughs, and a blushing Edward.  This was a very quick read for me and had me smiling throughout.  The summary reads: "We're going to be teaching high schoolers how not to get each other knocked up or infected with gonorrhea. It's hardly a romantic evening for two."

I'm usually not one for high school fics but B & E are the teachers in this one. It takes that awkward health class that everyone was tortured with and gives you a completely different (hilarious) view. Plus it also contains one spectacular blow job!

~~~~~

I haven’t yet read The Practicum (I feel like I say that a lot…), but I do love TheFicChick. She wrote one of my very favourites, Departures. Also, I totally trust Angie’s opinion. She’s never lead me astray. It’s a shorter length fic – just shy of 98,000 words in 15 chapters so if you haven’t already read The Practicum, check it out.

Thanks so much for the rec, Ang!! 

Fanfic Rec Wednesday – Que Sera Sera

Today’s guest rec is from my good friend Dee (@mizzdee_FF). 

Title: Que Sera Sera

By: Livie79 (@livieliv79)

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8623804/1/Que-Sera-Sera

Why is it good?:  In the world of fanfiction, there is nothing better in my eyes than a great angst filled story. A story that is written so well that its drama and completely flawed characters rip your heart right out of your chest, tear it to pieces and then shove it back in whether its fixed or not. While we always wish for a happy ending to every story, sometimes the happiest ending can only be an end.

One of my absolute favorites of these stories is Que Sera Sera by the amazing Queen of Angst herself…Livie79.

It’s a story filled with heavy angst and flawed and evil characters that make you wish you were a part of the story just so you could exact some revenge for the one who couldn’t do it for herself.

But there is a bright light in the middle of all this sadness.

A simple yet beautiful love story between a very shy, scared, closed off Bella and a super sweet Edward. Together, they find a love and a possible future neither one believed they could have. And in each other, they each find a strength they never knew existed as they fight back against the evil threatening to destroy their world.

Though the subject matter is difficult, this story is so beautifully written that it rips you open and fills you with so many emotions that your heart is ready to burst. It’s an amazing story and will always be one of my favorites. Hopefully, it will become one of yours too.

~~~~~

Another one I have not yet read myself. I’m so glad that I have friends who can offer you something more to add to your TBR lists. It’s been added to mine.
Thank you for helping me out with the rec, Dee!

Fanfic Rec Wednesday – The Consequence of Miracles

C’mon, you probably knew this one was coming. If you follow me on Twitter, you will have seen me flailing all over The Consequence of Miracles by TravisBirkenstock. (Find it here on fanfiction.net.) Technically, this is a WIP, but I feel okay recommending it because it’s completely written already and only has a few more chapters left to post.

I am FLOVING this story – and I’m not the only one.  EVERYONE seems to be reading TCoM. I was clued in through all the tweets of people losing their minds over it, saying things like they were pulling over on the side of the road or locking themselves in the office bathroom to read the new chapters as soon as they were posted. I wanted to see for myself what was so good about it. And, whoa… it is so, so good. This is the story we’ve been waiting for.

Be forewarned, it’s SAD! Like really, really, really sad. The subject matter is heavy but it’s handled with such sensitivity and caring. It is so beautifully written. You physically ache for this pair and for the entire cast of characters. Everyone is affected in some way or another. The circumstances and the characters’ thoughts, feelings and reactions to it leave you raw and bleeding.  It’s torturous agony but you keep going back for more because it’s so REAL, impactful and moving. It grabs you and holds on.

The silver lining is that even throughout the darkest parts, there is always this tiny ember of hope glowing. It’s in Bella’s perseverance and unwavering mentality. It’s in Edward’s commitment to rebuilding his life. As corny as this may sound, it’s in the love they have for each other. And really, isn’t that what we’re here for? One minute, you’re drowning in hurt – the next, choking on optimism. For me, it’s that crazy balance of pain and hope that give this story its weight and depth.

The characterization is amazing. I really love Travis’ versions of Edward and Bella. Both of them are intelligent, present, and self-aware, both enviably selfless and immensely strong – but I love that their true strength and redemption comes from accepting and embracing their selfish wants and needs.

The dialogue is probably the best I’ve ever read. It is spot-on, capturing how teenagers speak. It’s perfectly realistic but it also carries a certain wisdom and insight, little tidbits and life lessons embedded into the conversation and narrative. And it’s funny. Edward and Bella have a rhythm – a way of relating to each other – that is pure and sweet. The banter is masterfully written, which in my opinion, is a rarity. It lends itself very well to the pacing and plot of this story.

I understand that the high angst warning may put some people off picking it up, but I urge you to give it a chance. If you read fics like Wide Awake, Just Wait, and/or Emancipation Proclamation, etc., you will survive this one. The Consequence of Miracles is one of those stories that I like to call an “instant classic”. As soon as you pick it up, you KNOW it’s one of the greatest contributions to our fandom. 

~
Note: It's actually complete now. The last chapter just posted. But I haven't read it yet. *slow exhale* Wish me luck!

Fanfic Rec Wednesday – The Perfect Gift

Today’s rec is another one via my friend Kristin (@Kdub_s). 

Title: The Perfect Gift

By: Mizzdee (@mizzdee_FF)

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9946827/1/The-Perfect-Gift 

Why is it good?: I'm a little bias when it comes to this writer. She is a dear friend of mine and a fellow fich00r. And she also picked a fantastic beta. The story is about Christmas being a time for love, joy and happiness. But when love just isn't enough, is there anything that can make things right? There are parts that my heart was breaking for Bella and parts I had happy tears in my eyes. I love the uncertainty of the story. Is Edward going to be able to fix it or is Paul going to wiggle his way back in her life and bed? It's a must read!

~~~~~

I feel as though it would be a conflict of interest for me to comment on this one. Lol. Take Kristin’s word for it and check it out.
Thanks for the rec, K-Dubs!

Fanfic Rec Wednesday – Deviant

This week, I’m recommending that you read Deviant by planetblue (@planetbluefic). Find it here on fanfiction.net. 

It’s on the shorter side of medium-length – 23 chapters, just over 83,000 words.

It completed a little more than a year ago and I read it back then. It seemed EVERYONE did. I remember that I had really liked it and was left with the impression of “hot dayum” – but before I could recommend it, I felt I needed a refresher, so I just reread it in the last two days. It’s just as great the second time around.

In Twilight fan fiction, we have “types” that come up a lot. Edward is usually characterized by an identifiable trait. He is usually one thing or another – our “~wards”. What I like about Deviant is that he is several at once. Tattward, Bikerward, Doctorward. Yum! Sometimes you CAN have it all. (For the uninitiated, ‘trait/profession/feature’ + -ward = Edward as… whatever. ie. Tattward = Tattooed Edward)

The angst is at a minimum. It's presence in the story serves momentum rather than to purposely f*&k your feels. Although, as you may be aware, I’m not against a good emotions f*&king, this story’s appeal for me is all about the smut.

I also really appreciate that Deviant is well-written. I find that usually banter comes across as cheesy but in this case, it is done well so that it fuels the mounting sexual tension (of which there is a lot of!), yet is still funny. This Edward, or “Manchu” as he is nicknamed for his handlebar biker ‘stache, is a dirty talking pro.

Plus, he bites a lot. I like a biter.

fic recs

you may or may not have seen me hardcore pimping myself out on twitter every wednesday. i've been writing fanfiction recommendations for my friend's blog network as a weekly column. it's been a lot of fun and something that keeps my unemployed ass doing something on a regular basis. (granted, i enlist my friends to do my work for me at least every other week. but even then, i put quite a bit of effort into those posts too.) 
anyway~ since i never have much to post on my OWN blog, i thought i would create a "master list" of my posts over there for here and add to it as i go. so if you ARE interested in reading what i (and my friends) think of particular stories, it's all in one place.
before i started the weekly column, i also randomly wrote articles on various fanfiction related topics which i'll add at the bottom of the list. 

UPDATE: i wasn't able to keep up with the commitment of doing weekly posts so, summer rose was my last rec for jenn's blog. i've since posted them all here on my own blog too, for safe keeping.

july 2 summer rose
june 25 the practicum - guest rec'd by angie
june 11 que sera sera - guest rec'd by dee
june 4 the consequence of miracles
may 28 the perfect gift - guest rec'd by kristin
may 21 deviant
may 14 the keepsake - guest rec'd by jodi 
may 7 chop and change - guest rec'd by brina
april 30 the blessing and the curse
april 23 tides of fate - guest rec'd by miranda
april 16 awkwardly yours
april 9 help wanted - guest rec'd by jodi
april 2 the debt
march 26 love in my box - guest rec'd by kristin
march 19 wisp
march 12 words with friends/words with strangers - guest rec'd by brina
march 5 my top 5

articles:
march 13 next up - to be read
november 30 adventures is beta-ing
november 9 haters gon' hate
novemeber 2 fic peeves and hard limits
october 26 fanfiction: it's "forever."