i'm reading

it has been an exceptionally long time since i had anything to say about fic. it's actually been a long time since i've even read any at all. i've only picked up a few chapters here and there (to total about 5 - not including beta stuff) in the last 6 months. but~ i'm back! i think...

here's what i'm reading (and would recommend), in case you are interested:

the monster by thimbles - subject matter that NEEDS to be talked about, and handled in such a tender way
in the pines by soleil2 - a whodunit-type story that sucks you right in
socal by krazyk85 - yummy 3sum like only k can do

and, of course, my girl HB's story she that lets me practice my red pen skillz on, the tide is high.

before i went on my unintentional hiatus, i was also reading a measure of grace by saritadreaming. it's really good too but i'm so behind. it's still posting, so i'm gonna get back to that one.

should be noted that these are all WIPs. if you don't do unfinished, mark em down for when they are complete. 

~
for anyone that still cares, i haven't thrown in the towel on my drabble. i'm just stuck. i make no promises either way, but it's still up there in my head somewhere.

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.

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."

Fanfic Rec Wednesday – The Keepsake

I haven’t been feeling to great the past few days and haven’t been able to write up anything to post on time so, as usual, I rely on my friends. Hopefully I’ll be all caught up on my reading next week in order to be back with a rec of my own.

Today’s rec is another one from my lovely friend, Jodi (@joderss). She’s the best, especially because she knew I was in a bind this week and just whipped this out for me. 

Title: The Keepsake

By: windchymes (@Windchymes11) 

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7562914/1/The-Keepsake

Why is it good?:
I love stories that give me a good Edward.  Someone who is strong, solid and who loves without all the insecurities that Original Edward had in Twilight.  For me reading fan fiction is a chance to spend more time with one of my favorite literary characters, Edward Cullen.  It’s what keeps me coming back to fic time and time again.  I thought I had seen all the Edwards there were to be seen: Doucheward, Mobward, Doctorward, Tatward, there are so many incarnations of our favorite guy. 

I started reading The Keepsake by Windchymes not having heard anything about it.  It was on my long, long list of bookmarks and it was the next in line.  The Keepsake takes place two years after Edward leaves Bella in the woods at the beginning of New Moon.  Bella is a college student in Seattle and has learned to live without Edward.  I won’t say that she has forgotten him, but she has learned to live her life without him.

To tell you what happens next would be to give away a major part of the plot.  Suffice it to say that circumstances bring Bella and Edward together once again.  The best thing about The Keepsake is that it truly is an original take on the story of Edward and Bella.  It also has one of the best, well-rounded Edwards I have ever read.  This is an Edward that is not mired in self-loathing, not controlling and not overprotective.  It is impossible to not fall in love with him.  He is mature and really a true partner for Bella.  Also, Edward is funny!  Usually a character trait reserved for Emmett, but in this story Edward gets to have some fun too.  Oftentimes when Edward is written so well in a fic, Bella is a hot mess.  Not the case for The Keepsake’s Bella.  Bella is strong, controlled and most of all, loving.  She has grown up since Edward left her and it’s that growth that allows her to be there when Edward needs her.

The Keepsake has all the elements of a great fic.  There is love, betrayal, angst and forgiveness.  If you haven’t read it, bookmark it and read it soon.  It’s that good. 

~~~~~

This is what I love about readers – we all are so varied in our tastes. Everything that Jodi pointed out as characteristics she finds less than desirable in various other Edwards are the very same that draw me to him. And yet, even those this particular version of Edward is not those things, what she has said about The Keepsake makes me wanna drop everything and run to read it. It was just recently completed so I think I may just do exactly that. It’s only 20 chapters and just over 165,000 words so I feel confident I can add that to my current reading pile. It sounds great! And don’t get me wrong – I’m all for mature and funny!

Thanks so much for the rec, Jodi ~ and thank you once again for coming to my rescue!

Fanfic Rec Wednesday – Chop and Change

Today, I am pleased to give you another rec by my bestie, PurpleBrina (@PurpleBrina17).
Again, if you’re not reading her Music Monday and/or Throwback Thursday posts on the Fandemonium Network… why the hell not? They are awesome! Brina not only knows good fic, she REALY knows great music.

Title: Chop and Change

By: Krazyk85 (@KrazyK85_) 

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8291981/1/Chop-and-Change

Why is it good?: I might be a little biased when it comes to this fic writer but I do love this story. E&B are batshit crazy and I love every word of all the crazy shit they do. Think Bonnie and Clyde but with tattoos, piercings and knives. Lol. Though Krazyk is draggin’ ass to finish the sequel ‘cause she is busy working (booooooo), Chop and Change is up and complete. So go forth and read this one.
BTW, the lemon on the purple Lambo… nothing to do with me. ......Okay, maybe a little bit.

~~~~~

Sidenote: Brina is Krazyk’s pre-reader for most of her fics, including Chop and Change and the WIP sequel, Chopping and Changing.

I have read this one, and am reading the sequel, and I agree. It’s crazy and awesome. Sort of like the author… ;) (Can’t wait to meet you in person, K!)
Oh, and hot. Yes. Mmmmmm. Love me some chopward.

Fanfic Rec Wednesday – The Blessing and the Curse

This week, I would like to recommend that you read The Blessing and the Curse by The Black Arrow (@The_Black_Arrow), if you have not already done so. Read it here on fanfiction.net.

It’s an older one ~ a classic, if you will. It had been towards the top of my TBR list for a long time but since I have so many on the go, I was trying not to pick up anything else until I finished one. Yeah, well… I got bored and wasn’t in the mood for anything so I just randomly decided on TB&TC, and OMG! I am so glad I did. I pretty much read it non-stop from the time I started until the very last page with a wee break to sleep (only to have it invade my dreams).

There are certain things I look for in a fic in order for me to classify it as “one of my favourites”. The writing quality should be a given. But more importantly, I have to be able to FEEL it. Oh… I felt this one.  

At first, you’re led to think, “Aw, poor Bella!” and “Edward is such an ass!” ~ but you KNOW what’s going to be revealed. Eventually. And it is. And it’s sooooo good.

There are two major selling points of TB&TC for me. First is the UST (unresolved sexual tension). Holy sweet mother of all the things… THIS is how to write UST. It’s a slow burn almost from the very beginning and it’s carried through the entire story. And not in a way that makes you roll your eyes. Very hot.

Secondly, (and I’ve said this before,) my favourite characteristic for an Edward is that obsessive possessiveness. This guy is the embodiment of that. Combine that with his self-restraint and denial… Wow. He oozes desperation. I don’t know what it is about that that sucks me in (I could probably spend a small fortune on a good shrink to figure it out), but I eat it up. What’s great about it though, is that it’s mutual. Otherwise, it would just be creepy or pathetic if it were one-sided. Or just horribly sad.

Both Edward and Bella spend years fighting against what they want, based on things left unsaid and harbouring multitudes of misunderstandings. When they finally give in completely, it’s sweet relief and palpable joy. I relish the sense of release that comes from having those conversations that let you say all the things you’ve held in for so long – being able to air out old grievances and heal festering wounds. *fist pump*

There’s also an interesting twist on the whole mind-reading thing from the original saga. TB&TC is a different kind of story but with all the elements that make it a great one. Read it for yourself and then let me know what you think.

Fanfic Rec Wednesday – Tides of Fate

Today’s rec comes to you via Miranda (@MirandaMajor).

Title: Tides of Fate

By: SparklingTwilight

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5031275/1/Tides-of-Fate

Why is it good?:  The character interactions in the story are what really made the fic for me. The main set of characters are involved, but as the story progresses, more of the non-mainstream characters are brought in.  It's the type of story where you really don't know what will happen next. From angst, to romance, to humorous interactions you get everything all rolled into one. It’s a typical Edward/Bella HEA fic with little twists and turns along the way. I found it to be a really easy-flowing read and I can admit I have read it more than once.

~~~~~

I’ve never read this one but I have seen the name come up here and there on various rec sites and mentioned on Twitter. According to the story summary and first author note, it’s a fun, light-hearted fic taking place mostly during a vacation to a tropical destination. (Correct me if I’m wrong.) 

I like that Miranda found the relationships between the characters enjoyable. At just over 365, 000 words and 40 chapters in length, you’ll be with these two and their friends for a little while.

I’m gonna add this one to my list. Thanks, M!

Fanfic Rec Wednesday – Awkwardly Yours

This week, I’m recommending Awkwardly Yours by Vancouver-Canuck-Girl (@VanCanuckGrl).  

Read it here on fanfiction.net. 

It was completed this past November. It’s not too long at 22 chapters and just over 60,000 words.

I don’t read a lot of high school aged Edward and Bella fics anymore but I was willing to make an exception for this one. It was really sweet and probably one of the funniest stories I’ve ever read.  Ever. Edward has so many cringe-worthy and hilarious moments. Loved it.

At the same time as laughing until you lose bladder control, you also are compelled to love the characters. The comedy is tempered with poignant, depth-revealing moments that help you emotionally connect. As much as we all love our Edwards, it's hard to get them right. This one is more than just a one-dimensional caricature of the socially awkward, clueless teenager. He feels real. I would actually love to see another future-shot of this guy. (*hint, hint*, VCG!)  

Fanfic Rec Wednesday – Help Wanted

Today's  rec comes to you via my friend Jodi (@joderss). She is another one of those lightning-fast speed readers so, although she started reading fic around the same time as me, she has read so much more.

Title: Help Wanted

By: jaxon22 (@sophiejax)

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4966784/1/Help-Wanted

Why is it good?:

Do you remember the first fic you ever read?  I will never forget.  It was not that long ago that I discovered the wonderful world of fan fiction.  Imagine my delight in finding that my favorite characters could live on and on in any conceivable situation?

My first journey into fic started with what I consider a fan fic classic, Help Wanted.

Help Wanted is an all-human fic with an Edward who is damaged and arrogant, but in the redeems himself.  A Bella who is a little bit silly but is strong enough to be with Edward.  A hilarious Jasper, one of my favorite characters of the story.  An Emmett, who isn’t perfect, but he’s family, and the rest of the crew coming and going as the story progresses.

This fic is a long one, coming in at 64 chapters not including outtakes.  I didn’t mind that because I enjoyed the time I spent with the characters and the story moved along with the proper amount of humor, drama, angst and lemons.  When I say lemons, I do mean lemons.  Jaxon22 knows how to write them and they were all over this fic.  In some fics the lemons take you out of the story, but I didn’t feel that way in this one.

I can say that I love that this was my first ever fan fiction.  It set the bar high for the stories to come and opened my eyes to what fan fictions could be.  I have read other fics by Jaxon22 and have enjoyed every one of them.  Don’t let the length of this deter you, spend some time with these characters, you won’t be sorry.

~~~~~

Thanks for the rec, Jodi! This is another one that I started but am not done with yet. So again, take her word for it and check out Help Wanted.

Fanfic Rec Wednesday – The Debt

This week, I’m recommending The Debt by Ta Paixao (@Ta_Paixao). Read it here on fanfiction.net. 

It was completed this past December is what I would call a medium length fic at 47 chapters and roughly 153,000 words.

It had been awhile since something came along and played with my emotions. I was so ready for it. I am a sucker for inked up Edwards with emotional problems and this one is both to perfection. My heart bleeds for this one.

Another thing I really loved about this story was Ta’s Bella. I think as a fandom, we are so swoony over Edward that we tend to focus on him and let our Bellas remain underdeveloped or non-descript. It worked for Stephenie Meyer because we all wanted to put ourselves into Bella’s place. But at this point, it’s getting old. I want a Bella with a personality and to actually be worthy of all Edward’s perfection. This Bella has it. She isn’t “perfect” in the sense that most Bellas are. She has flaws and emotional problems of her own – but she’s also strong and doesn’t put up with Edward’s crap. She’s real. I admire that.

Fanfic Rec Wednesday – Love in My Box

I feel very blessed that I have friends willing to help me out with everything I do!

Today’s rec comes to you via Kristin (@Kdub_s).

Title: Love in My Box

By: cosmoandmarvar (@Cosmogirl7481 & @marvar29)

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5782455/1/Love-in-My-Box

Why is it good?: I like the idea of falling in love through emails. And I love their Edward. He is a clueless Geekward. His misunderstandings of social situations is hilarious. It’s written very well. Cosmo and Marvar are a perfect team.

~~~~~

I haven’t read this one yet. A lot of people have told me to read it – that it’s really funny and sweet. At 27 chapters and just under 150,000 words, I think I’m going to start this next. Thanks KDubs!

Fanfic Rec Wednesday – Wisp

I would normally only rec completed fics because some people don’t want to read WIPs (work-in-progress) just in case the author flounces and we are left hanging, heartbroken, wondering what happens next. Also, many people won’t read WIPs because they are too impatient to wait for the next chapter in between updates.

Of course, there are many people who do read WIPs. It’s fun to be able to interact with an author during that creative process.

I want to rec my favourite WIP, Wisp by Cris  (@judo_lin). Read it here on fanfiction.net. 

This is one of the very first REAL fan fiction stories I started reading. Like most of the fics I picked up in the beginning, I found out about it by lurking around twitter and cyber-eavesdropping on people’s conversations.

I feel like this rec should come with a disclaimer. It’s not for the faint of heart …or stomach. The “Bella” character (Wisp) has endured the most horrific torture one could possibly imagine. It’s absolutely gut-wrenching, but if you can get through that, you also get to enjoy the heart-warming aspects of the story.

Many people may only see all that Wisp can’t do (for example, she doesn't walk and, at first, doesn't speak at all) and how much she is hindered by the loss of her abilities and even her sense of humanity. But I actually find the story uplifting in a way. Wisp’s innate ability to love is very strong and pure. She is fierce and protective when it comes to those she cares about, namely Edward or her cat, Pet. You don’t want to mess with her. (She literally bites.)

And Edward… oh Edward. *sigh* The same quality I liked best about “Originalward” (Stephenie Meyer’s Edward) is this Edward’s most prominent feature. He is unapologetically protective. It’s incredibly sweet. I adore him.

For me, Wisp is a ‘drop everything’ fic. When the update alerts hit my inbox, I am guaranteed a good read. I was hooked as soon as I started reading it. It’s been one of my very favourites right from the beginning. It’s well-written and compelling. Check it out.

Fanfic Rec Wednesday – Words with Friends/Strangers

I mentioned last week that I’m not a quick reader, but I still want to be able to do some recommendations for you, so I will be enlisting the help of my super-speed-reading friends from time to time. Every Wednesday, I’ll post a rec for you to check out. As always, I am very interested in your reactions to what you read. Let me know in the comments or over on twitter (@kmuffin88) if you read it and what you thought.

I'll be back next week with my own, but today’s rec comes to you via PurpleBrina17. (BTW, if you aren’t reading her Music Monday posts on FANdemonium Network, you need to! ~so far, here and here) 

Title: Words With Friends (BPOV) / Words With Strangers (EPOV)

By: Nolebucgrl (@Nolebucgrl) 

Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6910604/1/Words-with-Friends / https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7176635/1/Words-with-Strangers

Why Brina says it's good:

“In this day and age with everyone online or on their phone, of course people are meeting online, in chat rooms, messages board, and through games. Such is the case with one (technically one story, but in two versions) of my favorite fics, ‘Words’. Bella is a normal college student and Edward is a movie star. They meet by pure luck. Read this and fall in love with these characters as they fall in love with each other like I did.

I like the story idea and the style of writing. It’s believable. The story is funny and sweet and has hella sexy lemons with a side of lemonade and lemon cake for dessert.”

~~~~~

I also really like this one but it's one of the ones I'm still in the middle of reading. I won't officially rec something until I complete it. So take Brina's word for it, and check out 'Words' – both of them. (I am partial to the EPOV, WWS, but they both have plot points that you will miss if you only read one.)

Fanfic Rec Wednesday – My Top 5

I’ve held off on doing fan fiction recommendations in the past. I felt a little like a fraud doing it. I’m a pretty slow reader and I haven’t been reading fic that long. In the time it takes me to finish one, my friends go through at least five. I take a lot of breaks to digest what I read, internalizing the characters feelings and thinking about their actions. I re-read certain passages over and over until I feel fully connected to the story. I also have a bad track record for reading completion. I had a long list of half-read stories I’m still “working on”.

All that said, I still have opinions about the things I have actually read. Strong ones. I have favourites and ones I hated, just like anyone else. Although I prefer to keep my negative opinions out of public media (my poor friends are frequently hassled at the oddest hours by texts messages about my fic rage though), I am more than happy to share the ones I enjoyed.

I decided to quickly run through my top five for your consideration. I’m not going to give you full-on reviews, because that’s already been done. These are older titles. Odds are, if you are a Twilight fan fiction reader yourself, you've already read them. If not, I think you should.

The Best I Ever Had by WhatsMyNomDePlume 

It's posted to read online here on fanfiction.net. 

Clipped Wings & Inked Armor by HunterHunting 

This one is no longer available to read online as fan fiction. It was pulled and recently published in two volumes as Clipped Wings (released yesterday! March 4, 2015) and InkedArmor (releasing May 13, 2013) by Helena Hunting.

 

Departures by TheFicChick 

This one was pulled from fanfiction.net in one of the site’s arbitrary purges but can be found on the author’s blog at theficchick.wordpress.com. 

Grasping Darkness by KiyaRaven 

This one is also on fanfiction.net here. 

Simply Edward by CaraNo 

The author pulled it from fanfiction.net but it is still available to read on her blog. caranofiction.wordpress.com 

If you’re ever interested as to why these five made it to the top of my list, just ask. I’m opting not to go into detail here right now because, as I’m sure you’ve noticed, I can be exceptionally long-winded. Read them for yourself to see how great they are, then let me know what you think.