The Idea A fandom Secret Santa -- we give each other stories, artwork, essays. Very simple -- Email me (amethyst.sh@gmail.com) with what you want and what you can give. After I have everything, I'll match up what people want and what they can give, and give you your prompt and medium. Once you are done with what you've, you send them to me. I'll post all submissions here for the receiver and everyone else to enjoy. After all gifts have been posted and enjoyed, and we've guessed who gave what, Givers will be allowed to reveal themselves. After they have had a few days to reveal, I'll post the master of who asked for what and who drew whom. The Specifics 1. Anytime between now and October 25, 2011 email me with the following. -- Choose two or three prompts -- a Medium or two* -- if choosing an fanfic or an essay, choose a team* -- What you can give** 2. By October 31, you will receive from me a gift request 3. Send me the completed gift by December 15. 4. I'll post the gifts between December 15 and December 20. 5. People can reveal themselves to the recipients on December 26. 6. I'll post the master list on January 1, 2012; at that time givers can post their work elsewhere, such as Gatchfanfic or DeviantArt. 7. 1500 word minimum for essays and stories (serial drabbles are okay, unless otherwise specified) No maximum, but please keep in mind that gifts should be complete. If a prompt inspires more, sequels would be enjoyed by all. The Rules If you want something, you have to give something. Please don't post or share^ the gifts with others on other sites until after the master list has been revealed on January 1, 2012 to give the recipients time to enjoy the work first. If you don't want smut or slash, or won't write/draw smut or slash, please say so. Also is you prefer this, just put it in your prompt. If you want to give multiple gifts, you can ask for multiple gifts. * ** ^ * If you want an essay or choose Eagle Riders or GoS (for fanfic or essay), please select one prompt from another and/or for a second team. I will make every attempt to match people with their first choices, but will be limited by what people are able to give. **Prefered Medium -- Art, Fanfiction, Essay, Teams that you are most familiar with for Fanfictions or Essays ^Check with me before you send something to beta; Also, if you want to participate, but don't really have the time to give, send me an email to volunteer to beta. Please note that if you want to beta, you must also respect the timeline and secrecy, you also won't get a gift of your own, unless you choose to give a gift, too. I won't be asking for a gift, but will give if we have an odd number. If anyone else wishes to help out in this manner, I'd be happy to accept that help, too. So please, if you have time to fill for missing gifts please let me know. Finally, please, if something happens that prevents you from fulfilling this obligation, let me know as soon as possible. Hope everyone has a much fun as we did last year! Happy Holidays! Edit: I know this is a small fandom, and many of us know each other in other social circles, and even personally, but please, if you don't know my first name, assume that I don't know yours and include your penname. I've been lucky and guessed a few that I didn't know, but it would make things smoother for me, if I didn't have to ask or double check. Or worse assume I know, and make a mistake. Thanks!

Thank you for doing this again Amethyst. I look forward to seeing the results of everyone's labour.

Thank you for all of the time and effort you put into this, Amethyst. Last year's gift exchange was a lot of fun, and I know everyone involved enjoyed it. I'm emailing you.

Thank you for organizing this again, Amethyst -it was a lot of fun last year! I'll email you before the 25th!

Hi Amethyst! As this is my first fanfic Secret Santa, could you please tell me what are the prompts? And what do you mean by teams????? Please tell me, I'd love to participate!!!!

I enjoyed doing this last year. I'm seriously thinking about it for this one, but I haven't had a particularly creative year and don't want to start something I can't finish. I'll decide and let you know in a few days. The fic I got as a present last year is one that still makes me smile ater all the times I've read it.

Originally posted by Daniella T Hi Amethyst! As this is my first fanfic Secret Santa, could you please tell me what are the prompts? And what do you mean by teams?????

A prompt is your gift request. For example, you could request 'Eagle adventure' or go more detailed, as in 'Eagle accidentally discovers Galactor base and is captured in civvies'. 'Team' is the universe. So you could ask for Gatchaman, BOTP, GoS or Eagle Riders. If you want to see examples, last year's gift fics can be seen in the Writer's Block section. The titles say 'For Maddy', 'For TJ', 'For Garnet', etc. Garnet, I'm glad my gift has given you so much enjoyment. It was something of a challenge for me, and I'm so happy it worked out!

Thanks, TJ. If no one minds, I'll post some of the prompts from last year to help out. Garnet, I know what you mean by creative funk. I'm all too familiar with those. Many times, things like this work to shake them up though. So please think about it. I'd love to see what you come up with. I'm really hoping that everyone who participated last year can come back this year. I did drop the word minimum down from 2000 to 1500. Again, it's been my experience that readers prefer a short well written piece to a longer, disorganized pieces. Also, everyone who is looking forward to this, TJ deserves a big thank you as well. My life has been a bit more chaotic than usual lately, and by the time I got to where I realized I had forgot to get this started, I thought it was too late. Monday morning, I keep feeling this poke as I work up, the poking keep up through my journaling and exercising. Finally, I got online and realized it was TJ's pokey stick. After a few emails, I was convinced that there was still plenty of time. So please, she deserves credit, too.

No credit for me! You're doing all the work! But it's good to know my pokey stick reaches that far...

I'm not sure I'd call it work, more just organizing files, emails, and a lot of cut and paste. For those who missed last year, either because you are new to us, or new then, or just weren't sure what was expected, I've posted the prompts from last year in the GE thread for last year (Damn, that sounds confusing, doesn't it.) Any way, it is here: http://www.gatchamania.net/thread.php?threadid=3393&page=8&sid= As you can see there are a wide variety of responses, some people were vague, some more specific. I've kept the prompts blind, as that is how they are received by the giver. If you go back through the stories and threads, they'll be quite easy to figure out. Everyone did a fantastic job. Well, almost, I had one goof in there, that was entirely me. I'll do my best to avoid that one again.

Great, Amethyst! I'm looking forward to this! I sent you an email!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by Daniella T Hi Amethyst! As this is my first fanfic Secret Santa, could you please tell me what are the prompts? And what do you mean by teams?????

A prompt is your gift request. For example, you could request 'Eagle adventure' or go more detailed, as in 'Eagle accidentally discovers Galactor base and is captured in civvies'. 'Team' is the universe. So you could ask for Gatchaman, BOTP, GoS or Eagle Riders.

Thanks TJ! Email just sent to Amethyst!

Okay, the muse seems be in a mood to be bribed to come back from a long vacation so I will participate. I'll e-mail you this weekend with my prompts and what I feel I can write. Coming up with prompts is sometimes as hard as coming up with a story to fill someone else's prompt.

Glad to hear that Garnet! I look forward to getting your requests. So, just a few days into the requests, we've had 8 responses with 6 requests, with 3 who are new to the gift exchange. Last year we had 10 participants. I'm hoping that everyone who participated last year is able to participate this year, and that we get a few more newbies, too.

Just a reminder, one more week to get more your requests and what you can give.

Sorry I didn't get mine to you last weekend. I had a very bad RL weekend. Things have calmed down somewhat but are still very stressful. I have a couple of ideas for requests. Need to get them sorted in my head then I'll e-mail you. Thanks for your patience.

Garnet Trust me, I know how RL can be. Glad to hear things have settled, hope it continues to get better, or at least balances out.

Or what you could do Garnet is send in both ideas and then your author could select which idea they decide to go with. Something like LB did last year - and then we had two or three very nice stories written by RIgirl. (I believe it was her who wrote the pieced for LB, the way things are going for me in RL right now, I seem to be forgetting things from one day to the next, unless I write them down, let alone what happened last year so I could be wrong.)

Not another reminder! Well, sort of... Yes only a few more days left to get your requests in, but .... I'm going to be out all day Saturday, and maybe Sunday. If you send me a request and I don't confirm right away, don't worry. I'll get back to you, but it might not be until late Sunday or Monday. If you don't hear from me, by Monday night, that would be a good time to worry. Also, if you would rather PM me, through the site, that works, too, but email is really more convenient. Thank you

Originally posted by clouddancer Or what you could do Garnet is send in both ideas and then your author could select which idea they decide to go with. Something like LB did last year - and then we had two or three very nice stories written by RIgirl. (I believe it was her who wrote the pieced for LB, the way things are going for me in RL right now, I seem to be forgetting things from one day to the next, unless I write them down, let alone what happened last year so I could be wrong.)

You remembered it correctly. I submitted a few "gift" ideas, figuring that only one of them would be given to someone, or that someone would get all three and pick which one worked the best for them -but in the end, RI Girl wrote for all three so I got extra gifts! Amethyst, I'll email you this weekend.

Real Life is still really stressful right now. I'm not sure that I can actually commit to getting something written in time for the exchange. I'll have a clearer idea tomorrow or Monday. Either way, I'll enjoy seeing what others give and receive. I really want to do this, but I just don't know if I can give it the time it deserves.

Originally posted by Garnet Real Life is still really stressful right now. I'm not sure that I can actually commit to getting something written in time for the exchange. I'll have a clearer idea tomorrow or Monday. Either way, I'll enjoy seeing what others give and receive. I really want to do this, but I just don't know if I can give it the time it deserves.

Garnet, I understand. I hope you can find time to do this. What I find is after a week or two of being rushed, rushed, rushed, I take a day or two for myself and that includes writing. During free moments of the rushed days, I think about what I want to write, jot down ideas in a notebook or something so I don't forget vital ones. I'm doing my best not to get too stressed too write, but admittedly sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Tomorrow is a free day, I may write or might go for a hike, either way, it keeps the stress down so I can find time to write another day.

Okay, last day. I'd really like a few more people. The more people the more fun this is.

Thank you all who have turned in request. For those of you still thinking or realized that your now too late. Don't worry. I won't have time to put things together until Saturday, and then I'll likely send them out Sunday or Monday. I'll be busy again on Tuesday. If any of you are still interested, try to get me your requests by Friday night or early Saturday morning (10 am pacific daylight time). If you are uncertain, email or pm me, and we can talk about your concerns. Again, thank you!

Thanks again to you, Amethyst, for taking such a job on your shoulders again! I must have told you so in another thread but it's never enough!

We're all happy that you are taking the time out of yoru schedule to do this again, Amethyst! Even those of us who are not participating will be enjoying the gifts that are posted! I'm looking forward to getting my assignment!

Look for emails from Saturday afternoon, Sunday, or Monday morning. We've got about the same amount of participants, so far, this year as we did last year. So it won't take long to match gifts up. Of course, extending it a few days, I could get a bunch more, which would be nice, too. My task this is year is to have better quality control on my cut and paste, so I don't accidentally send out the same prompt to two different people (only one of whom was supposed to get the prompt). But I agree, it is so fun seeing the art and stories that come from this, and it is great that we have some new participants this year, too.

Last chance! I need requests by 10 AM Pacific Daylight Time, tomorrow 10/29/11. We've got some wonderful requests and some very talented participants, but we can always use more!

Amethyst - I tried to PM you but wasn't able to. I'm sorry, but this year I just don't have the time to take part in the gift exchange. Real Life is being a bitch at the moment!

Hi Amethyst! Can't wait...will keep checking my email for the prompts!

Originally posted by Madilayn Real Life is being a bitch at the moment!

Thanks Maddy. Sorry to hear that RL is not going well, but it is something that I think everyone has been coping with, and we all have cope with it in the ways that work best for us. I think it is the economy that is adding stress, and that leads to all other issues. Anyway, hope you can come back next year.

Originally posted by Daniella T Hi Amethyst! Can't wait...will keep checking my email for the prompts!

Soon! I promise! I just got logged onto my computer, and check emails. Right after I check the updates on this site, I'm going to sort out the prompts, then I'm going to step away for a little while, and double check. May sure that I've got the best combinations that I can possibly get (some may be perfect, some will be more challenging, but that is the way it goes). Once satisfied, I'll email them out. I expect that to be about two hours from this post time. Maybe a few minutes sooner, or a tad later, but not so much. Once I've got all prompts sent out, I'll post again, and if you have committed, but not received anything at that time, please feel free to email or PM me (although, I guess the PM system is not working for some, I'll check my settings and if it is not my settings and any has a problem, let me know and we can notify Cep). Thanks to everyone!

Just got my prompt! Thanks, Amethyst! I'm getting right to work!

All Prompts Have Been Sent Out! Please have fun and do your best to get them done and back to me by December 15. If something comes up and you can't complete your prompt, please let me know ASAP so that no one is left out. Again, thank you all for participating.

Yahh! Thanks you, plot bunnies at work Cry "Deadline", and let slip the muse of art That fantastic deed shall grace above this forum With wonderous people, groaning for satisfaction Adapt Marcus Antonius

Great Shakespeare Filk, LW.

Hi all, Thanks again for everything Amethyst. LW:

Oh, wow! Times does fly doesn't it. It is hard to believe that tomorrow it will already be December. I'm not sure I'm ready, can we do November again? No? Oh, well, it was worth a try to ask wasn't it? Okay, enough silliness, now on to my real purpose.... Tomorrow will be December! That means in just over two short weeks I need the completed gifts through email. On or before December 15 would be best. If you absolutely can't make that deadline, please contact me ASAP, we will work something out. If you can't meet your obligation at all, please contact me sooner than ASAP so we don't come up any gifts short. If you are at all confused, just ask. We are always willing to answer questions. Thank you to those of you who have already sent me your gifts. I'm looking forward to putting them up and also to seeing what everyone else sends in.

Hey all, 'tis the season. Last night I just went to our first Christmas party, and tonight we've got a band concert. Decorations have found there way up and baking has begun. I like chocolate chips, but Santa likes Cowboy Cookies when he visits us. Anyway, just over a week left. Next Thursday. I haven't heard from anyone other than those who have already finished their gifts. I'm hoping this is good news and you are busily finishing them up around all the seasonal chaos. Let me know if there are any problems, or you could also let me know that you're almost finished and I can quit acting all paranoid (opps, did I really just admit to that? Okay, I did. I'll be quiet now, at least for a few days.)

As long as I don't get hit by a bus, or some such thing, I'll have mine finished by the 15th -I promise!

I'm looking forward to seeing all the gifts!

Do you think if I start writing now, I'll have one ready for next year?

Originally posted by KT1972 Do you think if I start writing now, I'll have one ready for next year?

Except you won't know what your plot is until October. But don't worry, I'm sure you'll have plenty of time. I look forward to seeing you join in next year.

Better get some practice in then!!!

I am sure a few of us could give you a few plot suggestions if you want to practice over the next 9 months, until the next round comes up.

Originally posted by clouddancer I am sure a few of us could give you a few plot suggestions if you want to practice over the next 9 months, until the next round comes up.

I had an idea for that, too. Something that all of us could do. I need to type it up first and maybe run it past a few people to see if it is worth pursuing and if I need to make any adjustments to the idea. The thing I like about the way this new idea is there are no time limits or anything. Maybe I'll get that typed up now, while I'm waiting around to pick up kids and then drop off kids and then pick up kids.

Could be interesting

KT, we'd love to have you in the gift exchange next year. But yes, in the meantime, keep writing! Amethyst, I am looking forward to seeing your idea!

This idea sounds intriguing. I look forward to seeing what your creative mind comes up with. As I wrote that post to KT, I began to wonder about another exchange over the summer, in about six months from now.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I'm looking forward to seeing all the gifts!

Me too!!

I hate to confess this. I have not got a single word typed of my gift story. I have had a really bad last couple of months and every time I think it's getting better, something happens and it crashes and burns again. Add to that, the prompt I got is driving me nuts. I can't get a single clear idea for it. I am going to try to work on it today but I may not get it in by the fifteenth. I apologize for this. Part of me really tried to tell the rest of me that this was not a good year for me to do this, but I promised I'd do it and I try my best to keep my promises. Cross your fingers that I get inspired. Thanks.

No worries Garnet. Life happens and it isn't always pretty. I sent you a PM with possible options. Take your time reading and responding. I'll be in and out all day, will be offline more than I'm online. Hope things improve and you can start writing soon.

Hi amethyst, you should get my contribution tonight (Europe time). D.

You have stuff already??!!!! aaaarhhhhh!! Okay I can do this, still a couple of days to go! I work good underpressure (thank heavens for insomnia)

Thanks Daniella! I appreciate the updates down the stretch! Speaking of updates, I think there are still one or two of you whom I haven't heard from yet and I do see you around. Please just give me a status update if you can. I know that real life is in full swing for many of us this time of year, and just how hectic it can be. I do hate advertising this, but I can do short extensions if needed, but I do need to know. We don't want anyone to not get their gift. Thank you to all of you. Those of you who have sent in their gifts and those of you scrambling to get them done. It's all of you that make this work.

Amethyst, you will get mine on the 15th.

Hi Amethyst, I just sent you mine! Please let me know if you got it!

Daniella, I just got yours. In fact as soon as I'm done here, I'm going to go and check all the docs to make sure that email didn't do something funky with them. Dragonsbain, LW, thank you for letting me know you're still with us. It is my one paranoia (oh, okay, one of the many...). Last year we had a member sign up and then drop off the net; I've not seen her on here since. I do hope that she is okay and that it is just the positive stuff of real life that is keeping her away.

Mine's on track to be in on the 15th. (I finish everything at the last minute...)

Thanks LB! For all of you still working, if you need a few extra hours or a day or two, it's not a problem. Just PM or email me. While I am a firm believer in deadlines, I also know just how hectic this time of year is, so I plan that in the deadline. Oh, shoot! I better not be giving away secrets like that. Next year everyone one will be wanting a few extra days. Actually, I'm not that worried, because everyone works differently, and some sit down and finish a task, and some like the last minute rush, and somehow, it all balances out. Again, thank you everyone.

We appreciate all of the hard work you put into this, Amethyst!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun We appreciate all of the hard work you put into this, Amethyst!

Thanks, TJ, but I've got the easy job. I just do a bit of organization and a touch of panic, while you guys do all the real work. And in a day or two, will start to see the fruits of those labors.

All right! The first gift is up! This first one is for Gatchamarie: Old Before I Die Enjoy the reading, enjoy the guessing. Please remember no confirmations until after Christmas.

Ooh, I'm off to read!!!

Oh ... this is the very first Christmas present I'm receiving! Can't wait to see it so I'm off to read it too ... I'm telling my kids to wait for me for once!!

Ooooo, you are already starting to post. I thought you might wait until next week. I am heading off to read, now that I have time.

And now some fan art for UW: Collage

Two in one day? Awesome!!!!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Two in one day? Awesome!!!!

Actually, I put the first one up late last night. I do plan to put up two on Saturday and Sunday, and then finish up with one the next few days, and hopefully everyone will have time to enjoy everything before the rush to get ready for next weekend.

Oooops, I should have checked here first. Now I see who it Artwork is for. Sorry.

Originally posted by clouddancer Oooops, I should have checked here first. Now I see who it Artwork is for. Sorry.

No, please don't be. I should be making sure that it is visible in both places. I'll keep that in mind for the next few posts. Thank you.

Looking forward to seeing more goodies tomorrow!

So excited! I'm enjoying all of the gifts, too!

I'm making an effort to log in regularly also as I'm so excited to see all the gifts, too! Amethyst ... again a million thanks for doing this all over again! It's also a great means of encouragement and unition!

And now a gift for Daniella Episode Rewrite: Rockets Out of Control

Another one!

Yeah !!!! Off to read.

And this evening's gift is for Little Wolf: Gift

I'm really enjoying all of these gifts! Of course, it's fun reading the fics and seeing the art, but I'm also enjoying the guessing game... I *think* I know who's done what so far, but you never know what's coming next... which might blow all of my theories to pieces!

Originally posted by Transmute Junbut you never know what's coming next... which might blow all of my theories to pieces!

You know, I think I know what I am putting up tomorrow night, but not tomorrow morning.

Whatever it is, I'm sure it will be great! Everything so far has been wonderful!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Of course, it's fun reading the fics and seeing the art, but I'm also enjoying the guessing game... I *think* I know who's done what so far, but you never know what's coming next... which might blow all of my theories to pieces!

Same here!

Originally posted by amethyst And now a gift for Daniella Episode Rewrite: Rockets Out of Control

Thank you thank you thank you!

And this morning's gift goes to.... Garnet! Adeste Fideles

Wow, they just keep getting better and better! In a way, it's like these are gifts for all of us. Certainly we are all enjoying them!

Our second gift for today is for Dragonsbain Christmas At Home

Today's gift is for Springie: Blast from the Past

Off to read!

Today's gift is for lb: You Can't Choose Your Family

Another family background fic... awesome!!!!!!

... I'm so increasingly loving this seasonal "Gift Exchange"!

I am as well! It's so much fun seeing all of the gifts, and the effort everyone puts in!

The last gift for this year is for TJ: Magic Moves I hope everyone is enjoying their gifts. Have fun guessing who did what. Remember, please do not make any revelations until Boxing Day.

Ooh, I've been waiting for this one!

Can't believe we've seen all the gifts already, some wonderful stories and fabulous artwork!! Looking forward to the revealing, since (with the exception of Springie) I can't work out who did what!!

I have been enjoying all these stories and artwork that have been posted. We have some very creative people on this board.

Originally posted by KT1972 Can't believe we've seen all the gifts already, some wonderful stories and fabulous artwork!! Looking forward to the revealing, since (with the exception of Springie) I can't work out who did what!!

KT, that is the fun of it. Like CD said, we have some very talented people here. Some write, some draw, some do both. I can say that some of our artists wrote stories this year, and some of our writers did art work this year. Other than that, about the only other thing that I can say, is that while Springie is also one of our multi-talented people, she did not write a story this year.

Awww...thanks, LB! I think next year I should probably write a fic instead of drawing so that I can be incognito...

Originally posted by Springie I think next year I should probably write a fic instead of drawing so that I can be incognito...

LOL! You have no idea how close I came to saying something to that effect; although, then we'd lose out on some more of your beautiful artwork. I'll have to make a note next year to give you a more open ended prompt and you can do whatever tickles your fancy.

I think I have a good idea of who did what... for the most part. But I'm not 100% on some of them! You're right, Amethyst, a lot of the fun is in the guessing!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I think I have a good idea of who did what... for the most part. But I'm not 100% on some of them! You're right, Amethyst, a lot of the fun is in the guessing!

Same here, again! I'm looking forward to see all the revelations so that I could determine where I could have been wrong at guessing or not! So many talented persons around! I'm almost sad that with this last fic the "Gift Exchange" of this year would be over! Thanks again to you, Amethyst, for making this another extra special season for us!

I'm playing catch up! Many stories to read and art to look at.

Originally posted by Dragonsbain I'm playing catch up! Many stories to read and art to look at.

You're in for a treat, Dragonsbain!

I'll put forth some of my guesses here as to who-wrote/drew-what... I'll guess that UW wrote the "Rockets Out of Control" rewrite and that Daniella wrote "Adeste Fideles"?

Hmm, so either I'm wrong or no one's 'fessing up yet... Regarding art, I'll guess that Littlewolf drew the art for UW, and that gatchamarie drew for Dragonsbain.

Originally posted by lborgia88 I'll put forth some of my guesses here as to who-wrote/drew-what... I'll guess that UW wrote the "Rockets Out of Control" rewrite and that Daniella wrote "Adeste Fideles"?

But we're supposed to wait until Boxing Day to say who wrote what, right??? So...see you all then!

Can't wait, Sooo exciting!!!

Yep, I think we're supposed to guess now, and reveal later...

Ok, here goes.. I think TJ wrote Adeste Fidelis!!

Daniella, you are right, please wait until Boxing Day to confirm any guesses. However, please enjoy guessing and if you are so inclined, give a little misdirection or two. It's all done in fun.

UW -Rockets out of Control Garnet - Blast from the Past LB - christmas at Home Danielle T - You can't choose your family Dragonsbain - Old before I die Gatchamarie - Collage Springie - gift Littlewolf - Magic Moves (Hope I haven't missed anyone!)

Originally posted by KT1972 (Hope I haven't missed anyone!)

Psst: TJ

Originally posted by KT1972 Ok, here goes.. I think TJ wrote Adeste Fidelis!!

no I didn't.. just hadn't got all my info together at the time!!

Okay, here are some of my guesses: Garnet - Can't Choose Your Family for LB UW - Rockets out of Control for Daniella LW - Collage for UW Gatchamarie - Ken/Jun/Family art for Draginsbain Springie - Joe and Ryu art for LW

Originally posted by KT1972

Originally posted by KT1972 Ok, here goes.. I think TJ wrote Adeste Fidelis!!

no I didn't.. just hadn't got all my info together at the time!!

My apologies, KT. I really should practice scrolling more.

OK, here's some of my guesses (I'll stick to the fics, which I know better than the artwork): UW -- Rockets out of control LB -- Blast from the past TJ -- You can't choose your family LW -- Magic moves That's all I can think of for now...

Another guess... Dragonsbain -Magic Moves

So... are we confirming guesses, then?

It is Boxing Day. I'll get in some last-minute guessing here... Garnet -"You Can't Choose Your Family"

Originally posted by Transmute Jun So... are we confirming guesses, then?

Please feel free to confirm guesses or just outright out yourself. I'll post all prompts and such either Saturday or Sunday.

You guys called it on Rockets Out of Control. The prompt was for an episode rewrite or a fic about Anderson. I found a way to do both.

That was a good episode to pick -he's more involved than usual in the events of the episode and it really works well to see it from his POV.

Originally posted by Daniella T LB -- Blast from the past

Right you are -just like last year, my gift turned out to be for Springie.

Originally posted by lborgia88 Right you are -just like last year, my gift turned out to be for Springie.

Oh, my. I'll have to watch that for next year.

Originally posted by lborgia88

Originally posted by Daniella T LB -- Blast from the past

Right you are -just like last year, my gift turned out to be for Springie.

And I am so lucky!!!

Originally posted by UnpublishedWriter You guys called it on Rockets Out of Control. The prompt was for an episode rewrite or a fic about Anderson. I found a way to do both.

That was for meeeee! Thank you once again, UW! Now, for my fic, as LB guessed, it was "Adeste Fideles" for Garnet! The prompt was "it is the last Christmas before the team's first mission", and I hope you enjoyed reading it, because I certainly enjoyed writing it! And who knows, maybe I'll write a follow-up on Anderson and Sarah Happy New Year!

My prompt was - lesser used characters - Nambu/Anderson, katse/Zoltar, RI/Cronus and/or others UW hope you enjoyed them! Got a bit carried away so I included a bit of a mixture, there was not meaning behind anyone I did, other than I was experimenting with styles and I like how they ended up looking, so I included them all.

This year I opted to do art instead of writing a fic like I did last year, and I think I can say that as LB has rightly guessed I drew "Christmas at Home" for Dragonsbain! The prompt was "The pairing that I like the most would have to be Ken and Jun, but am open to anything." ... something which I really enjoyed myself doing since my favourite couple is Ken and Jun also! I really wanted to keep it innocent, and make it reflect the holiday spirit we're in! I so hope I've been able to meet Dragonsbain's expectations! Congrats to all!

Well I seem to have fooled some of you, but I'm pretty sure my recipient knew immediately that I was the one who had written for her. I wrote Old Before I Die for Marie. Which means that by total coincidence, I wrote two fics for Marie, since my Christmas Left Alone fic was also for her!

Okay, 'fessing up here. I wrote "You Can't Choose Your Family". I wish it had turned out a little longer than it did. I hope you liked it, lb.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Well I seem to have fooled some of you, but I'm pretty sure my recipient knew immediately that I was the one who had written for her. I wrote Old Before I Die for Marie. Which means that by total coincidence, I wrote two fics for Marie, since my Christmas Left Alone fic was also for her!

So ... it was really you! I knew it! But, I didn't want to spoil anything, since I thought I could also have been mistaken like I'd be many a time! Honestly, my thoughts were split between you, TJ, and LB, but more inclined towards you! You just read through my mind, and know so well how to give me what I want! Infinite "thanks", TJ! ... for both fics, and for everything! You're a great friend!

Marie, you were so specific with your request that I couldn't help but give you what you wanted! Now I have to admit... my knowledge of Gatchaman Fighter is lacking. I have the series, but of course it is in Japanese and I have no idea what anyone is saying. I just have to guess. So I spent a long time with this fic trying to puzzle out exactly what everyone was saying... and eventually had to give up. I made up the dialogue as it would fit into the times they were speaking... if that makes sense. In any case, I hope the dialogue I wrote wasn't too far off from the actual episodes, and that it worked for you! I will admit, I was a little worried about that...

Originally posted by Springie

Originally posted by lborgia88

Originally posted by Daniella T LB -- Blast from the past

Right you are -just like last year, my gift turned out to be for Springie.

And I am so lucky!!!

Thanks! I had a hunch that the prompt I received was from either you or TJ.

Originally posted by Garnet Okay, 'fessing up here. I wrote "You Can't Choose Your Family". I wish it had turned out a little longer than it did. I hope you liked it, lb.

I did! I love how you combined defection to Spectra (a la Donald Wade -something that we know from canon does happen) with Princess losing her parents and also, it seems, her ending up in the G-Force program (another "family," really, that she didn't get to choose). Great twist too that her father apparently thinks he killed his daughter too, and has "burnt all his bridges." Some hints of possible bitterness/regret there -It'd be great to know, some day, what might happen if he were to find out that his daughter's not dead, or if she were somehow to encounter him...

Originally posted by Garnet Okay, 'fessing up here. I wrote "You Can't Choose Your Family". I wish it had turned out a little longer than it did.

Garnet, I think you have a great start to a potential series with this story. As your muse cooperates, there is one story that you have to write for us, the teaser with the huge file. I'm sure you probably already have some of this in your head and just need to write it out.

Thanks for the encouragement, guys. I'm hoping that the muse decides to spend a little more time with me sense I'll have an empty house in 2012. Just me and the animals. I do have a bit of an idea about that other file. I have a lot of writing things to work on and I really want to get some of them done, including, possibly, more on this piece.

Originally posted by Garnet Thanks for the encouragement, guys. I'm hoping that the muse decides to spend a little more time with me sense I'll have an empty house in 2012. Just me and the animals. I do have a bit of an idea about that other file. I have a lot of writing things to work on and I really want to get some of them done, including, possibly, more on this piece.

I'd love to see a follow-up to this fic, Garnet! And the ambiguous ending leaves room for it

Garnet, you've created such an interesting beginning! I'd love to see more as well!

Originally posted by Garnet I'll have an empty house in 2012. Just me and the animals. I do have a bit of an idea about that other file. I have a lot of writing things to work on and I really want to get some of them done, including, possibly, more on this piece.

Solitude has its perks -I know I get a lot more writing done when I've got time to myself. Here's hoping you will too -sounds like you've got good ideas to work with!

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TJ. I'm very happy that you liked it. A bit of explaination. First, the showers. I was figuring that it is a locker room set up. Imagine a row of showers along one wall with the last one having a changing area attached for Jun. Second, the song. I chose the song "Heaven can Wait" for a reason. Here is the link to it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wugr0u6bjs&feature=youtube_gdata_player Please, have a listen and tell me what you think. I was going for what Jun and Joe mean to each other. Third, the rest of the story. Everyone is going to have to grant me some time. The Dr.Who project that started it's life as a fan fiction piece now has become so much more. The final contract is going to be a novel with an option for Moffat to film it. My cowriter and I are deep into the rewrite now. Spoiler Alert.....( I can share a little. I trust everyone here that we can keep this hush, hush. We already had to deny the rumors running around England.I wanted to share because without all the TLC I have gotten here this story could have never come about.) For any Whoovians in this group. It starts with the Singing Towers. If the Universe is with us and it gets filmed the Towers will be singing this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYZ67BEAWZk&feature=youtube_gdata_player Yes this is what the Doctor breaks to. We are going to be fixing this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUE5-pw5Gbw&feature=youtube_gdata_player It ends 12 days later with a little girl being given a second chance at life, a very happy Doctor and books getting loved again. Much love and happiness to all.

Dragonsbain, I really enjoyed your fic! I'm still hoping that you will continue it, and we'll here more about what's happening with Joe and Jun! I was so excited reading it, and now I'm thinking about what could happen next.... I'll wait patiently as long as you will be doing it! And yes, the song is very appropriate! I can see that you put a lot of time and effort into this. Thank you!

Originally posted by Dragonsbain We are going to be fixing this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUE5-pw5Gbw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Best of luck with the rewrite -it sounds like exciting this are afoot! I'm not really up on any of the newer Dr. Who incarnations, but that's a very moving and powerful scene there -I can tell that I'm really missing out by not having kept up with the series. Some day, I will get it from Netflix and watch it all...

TJ: I promise that I will finish the story. Hopefully, it will be worth the wait. Iborgia: Jon Pertwee was my first Doctor. I've kept up ever since. Doctors 8-11 have been through a lot. River Song is the most complex character ever conceived for Dr. Who. http://tardis.wikia.com/wiki/River_Song This video gets the basics of their relationship. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9svsIFA2F5U&feature=youtube_gdata_player And this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d6LLYT7dUc&feature=youtube_gdata_player Enjoy.

Originally posted by Dragonsbain TJ: I promise that I will finish the story. Hopefully, it will be worth the wait.

Thank you, Dragonsbain! I'll try to be patient!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Now I have to admit... my knowledge of Gatchaman Fighter is lacking. I have the series, but of course it is in Japanese and I have no idea what anyone is saying. I just have to guess. So I spent a long time with this fic trying to puzzle out exactly what everyone was saying... and eventually had to give up. I made up the dialogue as it would fit into the times they were speaking... if that makes sense. In any case, I hope the dialogue I wrote wasn't too far off from the actual episodes, and that it worked for you! I will admit, I was a little worried about that...

TJ ... you needn't have to worry, at all, since your dialogue was very much close to that I hear when watching the Gatch F episodes in question! If I didn't come to know that you made most of the dialogue up, I would have believed that it was a very good translation from the Italian version I'm used to listen! And, you having said this I can understand how much time, effort and dedication you must have spent over writing this fic of me ... there aren't enough words to thank you again!

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Garnet and Dragonsbain ... I'm looking forward to read the continuation of both of your fics! They really do have a lot of potential!

Marie, I'm so glad the dialogue worked for you! I was trying to put it in context, so it seems as if it worked out. Phew!

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Looks like most of my guesses were close... Thanks so much for organizing this, Amethyst! I had a lot of fun, and really loved my gift. I'm pretty sure that I could say the same for others as well!

My guesses too. I think this year was a little bit easier, guessing-wise, perhaps because there was more art and that is something where an individual's style is more immediately apparent than with writing.

Originally posted by amethyst 4. Participant: Springie Request: According to James, the Gatchaguru, there are early notes from Tatsunoko hinting that they had a plan for Jun's origin story (although it was never explored in the series). Evidently, her father was a scientist (specializing in explosives?) who died in a lab accident. I would like to see this idea more developed. What happened to her mother? How did she end up in the orphanage? Did her father work for the ISO? Did Dr. Nambu know her family? This one would probably need to be Gatchaman fic...however, with a little creativity it might be adapted for BOTP? Gift: I'll be happy to do another picture- although my style is a dead giveaway! (No slash, please!) Gift To: LW Gifter: LB

It was the citing of James, here, (as well as the focus on the Swan) that had me pretty convinced that I was writing for you, TJ, or for Springie!

Originally posted by amethyst It has been suggested that an exchange happen in the Spring/Summer. I've got other plans for something a bit less involved that I'll be putting up later tonight or tomorrow.

Looking forward to seeing what you've got in mind!

Originally posted by Dragonsbain River Song is the most complex character ever conceived for Dr. Who. http://tardis.wikia.com/wiki/River_Song This video gets the basics of their relationship. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9svsIFA2F5U&feature=youtube_gdata_player And this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d6LLYT7dUc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

How beautiful and tragic! Thanks for the links -they explain a lot.

Thanks again for organising the gift exchange, Amethyst!

Originally posted by lborgia88 My guesses too. I think this year was a little bit easier, guessing-wise, perhaps because there was more art and that is something where an individual's style is more immediately apparent than with writing.

Originally posted by amethyst 4. Participant: Springie Request: According to James, the Gatchaguru, there are early notes from Tatsunoko hinting that they had a plan for Jun's origin story (although it was never explored in the series). Evidently, her father was a scientist (specializing in explosives?) who died in a lab accident. I would like to see this idea more developed. What happened to her mother? How did she end up in the orphanage? Did her father work for the ISO? Did Dr. Nambu know her family? This one would probably need to be Gatchaman fic...however, with a little creativity it might be adapted for BOTP? Gift: I'll be happy to do another picture- although my style is a dead giveaway! (No slash, please!) Gift To: LW Gifter: LB

It was the citing of James, here, (as well as the focus on the Swan) that had me pretty convinced that I was writing for you, TJ, or for Springie!

Hahahaha...I gave myself away here, too? It was neat seeing what everyone asked for!

So I guess now we can publish the stories on other websites?

Originally posted by amethyst I would love feedback on how the overall challenge went, as I set up files and such for next year (so that I'm not rushing to do this last minute). Was there anything in the directions and such that could have been worded better or clearer, etc?

This was the first time I participated in a similar exchange, and, I must say, I loved it So, as far as I'm concerned, don't change anything! On the other hand, considering the Spring/Summer exchange, if no-one has already volunteered, I could take on the organisational aspects. I'm not sure which members are more familiar with Gatchaman and which with BoTP, but I guess we can ask people to state it when offering a gift, like Amethyst asked us to do.

Yes, the stories and artwork can now be posted on outside sites. Please make sure to state that the story was a gift for whomever received it. You can also feel free to post links here and/or in the gift thread, too. Daniella, no one has stepped up for Spring/Summer, so if you want it, it is yours. I'll be happy to send you my master documents to help guide. Adaption will need to be done for dates and to fit your own organizing style. As for the incarnations, yes, I ask people to state the team they want (SNT, BotP, GoS, or ER). I also ask that those who ask for GoS or ER as a primary to ask for a second team, just in case I can't match someone with one of them. GoS is a bit easier to fudge in some ways, but having options is always better and not every writer is comfortable trying to adapt a lesser known incarnation. I'll get this sent off to you later today. Thanks!

Originally posted by amethyst Yes, the stories and artwork can now be posted on outside sites. Please make sure to state that the story was a gift for whomever received it. You can also feel free to post links here and/or in the gift thread, too. Daniella, no one has stepped up for Spring/Summer, so if you want it, it is yours. I'll be happy to send you my master documents to help guide. Adaption will need to be done for dates and to fit your own organizing style. As for the incarnations, yes, I ask people to state the team they want (SNT, BotP, GoS, or ER). I also ask that those who ask for GoS or ER as a primary to ask for a second team, just in case I can't match someone with one of them. GoS is a bit easier to fudge in some ways, but having options is always better and not every writer is comfortable trying to adapt a lesser known incarnation. I'll get this sent off to you later today. Thanks!

OK, great, I'm looking forward to organising this!!!

Oooh, a Spring/ summer challenge!! how exciting Good luck with it Daniella, I'm sure all participants will give you their full support!

I'm looking forward to the next challenge!

Count me in!

Again, thank you for everything, Amethyst! Your organisation was just superb, and I wouldn't change anything! Evidence of this is how everything worked out smoothly to the utter satisfaction of everyone! Daniella ... good luck with the next Spring/Summer challenge! It's so nice of you to take such a job in your hands! I'd love to join in even in this, but I'd really have to see whether I could do so since during the period in question I'd usually be very busy ... yes, awkwardly enough, work related, even busier than during the Christmas season, not leaving out other family commitments! I would really try to make an effort, though, since I was never disappointed when participating in both the past Gift Exchanges! Thanks again!

Looks like I missed a lot while I was away. Not all my guesses were correct but I got a good number of them. It was great to see who requested what and then WHAT it was they requested. Once again thank you for organizing this Amethyst and I look forward to finding out what you have planned next. (I have not gotten to that thread yet as I am still trying to catch up.) It would be nice to see another exchange or something similar in the Spring or Summer.

Originally posted by clouddancer It would be nice to see another exchange or something similar in the Spring or Summer.

WB, CD! I think Daniella is going to take on the Spring/Summer exchange. I sent her what I use, but I imagine that she is tweaking it to fit the season and her own style. As for next Christmas, it will pretty much be just fine tuning, no major changes.

Originally posted by amethyst WB, CD!

What is WB mean? Sorry I am not up on the short hand lingo and this is a new one for me. All I can think of is Warner Brothers.

Originally posted by clouddancer

Originally posted by amethyst WB, CD!

What is WB mean? Sorry I am not up on the short hand lingo and this is a new one for me. All I can think of is Warner Brothers.

Oops, sorry. Welcome Back!

LOL, Thank you Amethyst. It is nice to be back in the fold again. Although I do love being with my parents and getting lots of parental love and attention.

Regardless, it's good to see you back here, CD! We missed you!

Thank you TJ.