The Idea A fandom Secret Santa -- we give each other stories, artwork, essays. Very simple -- Email (amethyst.sh@gmail.com) or PM me 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 your gift, 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 list of prompts and who did what. The Specifics 1. Anytime between now and October 27, 2011 email or PM 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 17. 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, 2013; at that time givers can post their work elsewhere, such as Gatchfanfic or DeviantArt, etc. 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 or 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 if 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. I'd really like to try and post a beta list for those who need/want a beta, so 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. Finally, please, if something happens that prevents you from fulfilling this obligation, let me know as soon as possible. I won't be asking for a gift, but will be a back-up if anyone has something that interferes with this obligation. 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. Hope everyone has a much fun as we did the last two years! Happy Holidays!

Yippee! Thank you for organizing this again, Ame! I will email you.

Whoo hoo! So excited!

I'm in!

woo Hoo!! Good for you K2, I'll be PM'ing as soon as I can decide what I actually want!

Yay! Hoping things will settle down enough really soon! I plan to join in so I can get back into the swing of things!

Just FYI, I'll be busy for most of tomorrow, and either sleeping or doing laundry on Sunday (maybe both). I've been pretty good about getting back to people to let them know I've got their requests, but will be a little slow this weekend. Please wait until about mid-day Monday before wondering if I got your message. By then I should have everything caught up. It is so nice to be able to think again, and fairly clearly, too.

Originally posted by amethyst It is so nice to be able to think again, and fairly clearly, too.

I am starting to feel that way right now as well ... 6 weeks into my new school year and I am feeling like I am able to raise my head and think about more than school and my class. Of course in the next few weeks I am going to be bogged down from report card writing and then parent teacher interviews, but getting these last few days to breathe and do things for myself have been a very nice feeling.

Glad to hear that, CD! It's strange how we taking thinking for granted until something blocks the process and prevents us from doing it.

NP, Amethyst- I totally get how hard it is to "come up for air" sometimes! So do we have several participants this year? Are there as many as last year?

I'll be participating, couldn't spare brain cells to decide what I want/will write until after the conference I'm attending ...

I'm in too! *Starts thinking up prompts....*

For those of you still deciding what you want, please try and get them to me sometime tomorrow or Sunday morning at the absolute latest. Thanks!

Okay, people, you heard the lady -- choose it or lose it!!!!

I think EW, is anxious for her prompt. Well, the soonest they will be out is Sunday evening, but if I've got a lot of decisions to make or get bogged down with laundry it will be Monday or later.

EW, here's an advance prompt for you, if you're eager to get working.... Small furry rodents invade a Galactor base. What will Katse do? Now go! I think you can handle this one.

Looking forward to receiving mine!!!

Just so everyone knows -- The prompts are out. They have been sent to you through email or pm depending upon how you sent your request to me. I'll be starting a beta list soon, if anyone who is not in the exchange is interested in being a beta reader, please contact me. If anyone has any issues with your prompt, please let me know. Thanks to everyone who is participating.

Got mine! I'll have to think a bit about this one. When are they due, again?

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Got mine! I'll have to think a bit about this one. When are they due, again?

By December 17th. If I get any early, I'll start posting on the 15th. I'd like to have them all posted by the 20th, so if anyone needs an extra day or two, I'm good with that as long as I know. It's the holidays after all, so I expect these due dates to be a little more fluid than traditional due dates.

I missed it !!!!!!

I'm sorry UW! Next year, I'll do a better job of keeping this thread bumped up.

Just a reminder, the gifts are due in 11 days. If anyone needs a few extra days or is really in a bind, now would be a good time to let me know. I've had a few gifts arrive already and they look great! I'll start posting them in 9 days. Thank you to everyone who is participating and helping. Any beta credit given in the gifts, I will be removing and will ask the gifters to credit their beta's (if used or on site) when revealing themselves. I don't want to dismiss the hard work our betas do, but sometimes the beta can unintentionally reveal the author.

Looking forward to seeing all the new creations ... and for me they will be coming at a time when I will most need something to take my mind off my real life teacher's protest situation.

Originally posted by clouddancer Looking forward to seeing all the new creations ... and for me they will be coming at a time when I will most need something to take my mind off my real life teacher's protest situation.

Oh, no. Is your union getting ready to strike? I hope things go well for both teachers and students.

Originally posted by amethyst Oh, no. Is your union getting ready to strike? I hope things go well for both teachers and students.

Yep! *** Warning only read further if you don't mind reading my rant about the battle between teachers and the Government in Ontario *** The Union has been fighting the Government since July because they took away our rights as listed in our collective agreement. In October we began "voluntarily" not doing after school activities (or selecting ONE of the many activities that some teachers have done.) On Tuesday I was shocked by the news, that starting next week, we are to begin Work to Rule - this seemed to come about much faster than I had anticipated. As well, there are 31 public school boards in my Province and I/we were informed that teachers from each board will be walking out on a one day strike some time in December. How long these "rotating strikes" and work to rule will continue, we have no idea. No wonder I have been coming home the last few days with a head ache, all this confusion, uncertainty and concern about my programming for my students is not healthy.

As if teachers really need any more stress. Hopefully this action will get things to settle more quickly and helps to avoid more drastic measures. Hugs!

You have to do what I do, CD: ignore the strike. The faculty union here has had strikes a few times over the years, and I always tell my students that I will ignore it and come to class. They come to class and appreciate my presence all the more. It actually takes the stress away, and I feel good about myself, because I am putting the students first. Of course, I don't belong to the union, and therefore have no obligation to strike... but that's another story. Anyhow, my point is, if it causes you MORE stress to go on strike/walk out, then don't do it. You need to do what's right for YOU.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Of course, I don't belong to the union, and therefore have no obligation to strike... but that's another story.

That's the one big drawback to unions, is having to deal with the strike even you don't agree with it. My father was a union man, and I think he even was a union rep for his store for a short time. I think he was more proud of me the day I joined the teachers union than he was when I graduated college. At first, I was not so sure, but after seeing conditions at the second school I was in, I quickly changed my mind and became active in the union. I still wonder if that worked against me with administration, but I don't regret leaving the school or the district. I just regret the timing of it left me jobless. Anyway, CD, if you don't have a choice, maybe give the students a choice: let them pick two or three fun activities that you can have ready as a sub plan if the school stays open, or apologize to your students and wish them a happy day off. Even young kids can be understanding if they are informed.

I wont have a choice about going on strike (I guess I do but I will be "sanctioned" if I do cross the line) but I really do support our union and the fight they are putting up for us. Taking away our sick days, gratuities, and right to negotiate and lastly taking away our right to strike, make it feel like we are working for a dictatorship and not a democracy. I am not concerned about the one day strike, what concerns me more is the Work to Rule. I can deal with the no after school activities (moving to a new school means I had not really involved myself in these) and no meetings - staff or committee. What I don't appreciate is the having to leave the school with in 30 minutes after the last bell and arriving at school 30 minutes before the first bell. I know it sounds like a lot of time, but in the long run it is not when one has to plan for the day, make photocopies, prepare the room, mark work, etc. It also makes it very hard to contact and set up parent teacher interviews since we can not meet before or after school hours - obviously most parents work during the school day so have a hard time meeting their child's teacher at those times. I could do phone interviews (and will have to do so) but really do not like conducting meetings that way because one misses so many visual (body language) cues and is not sure if the message is being received correctly.

Originally posted by clouddancer What I don't appreciate is the having to leave the school with in 30 minutes after the last bell and arriving at school 30 minutes before the first bell.

I wouldn't like that either. I usually arrived an hour before school, and usually stayed at least 15 to 20 minutes after the final bell, though sometimes it was much longer. Heck, in one school, I even went in on the weekends. One school I couldn't because my classroom was in a building, with an alarm that I did not have the code too. So I guess in that sense I understand having a time limit, but that 30 minute rule is too restrictive. Education is following all other business models: they want more for less. One day they will wake up and realize that education cannot be run like a business and test scores are not equivalent to a profit margin.

Ohmygosh, so many of you are teachers too! So to echo what was said above, I am also looking forward to reading all the new Gatch stories from the gift exchange.... This year I moved to an inner-city/high-poverty district and it is so much more stress than I expected... I love my job but I really got back into fandom as a way to have a hobby that's totally unrelated to school that I can look forward to. <3

CD...I totally understand what you mean...people always said how lucky we were to be off at 2:30- but none of us were really "off"... I was always there at least 2 hours after school every day making preparations. Believe it or not...I really miss teaching sometimes! Good luck with the strike!

I've noticed that people who have jobs that you truly leave behind outside of official work hours have very little understanding of people for whom the job never really ends. Have I mention I kind of envy them? (I'm not a teacher, though I've delivered adult professional training.)

Many supportive hugs to you, CD! You're right ... reading so many awesome contributions would be a great way to take your mind off things! That's why I love both the Gift Exchanges and the Bradbury's Jar! Now, I only wish I would have the opportunity to read, or see, all the contributions, real time! I already have to log off this very moment, without catching up completely with all the threads I've been absent from these last, couple of weeks! Both my Dad and my father-in-law are having contemporary health problems, and extra hospital visits, at which we have to attend and for which we definitely have to lend a hand! All this has been added to our already tight schedule, and personal health restraints, and I'm already panicking since I've been also thrown backwards as to my work related, and personal Christmas season baking ... not mentioning the house disorder, Christmas cleaning-wise! But, I so hope I'd be able to be totally present during the gift exchanges! I apologise already for my poor attempt of a gift from my behalf, but whoever receives it, please know that it comes from the heart!

Ouch gatchamarie ... you need to take care of yourself. Is there something that you can choose to set aside this year so you don't end up making yourself sick, and can enjoy your time with your family? Or things you can delegate (put the rest to work!)? Heh heh.

Marie, I'm sorry to hear that your family's health has worsened, and that things are busier for you. Please remember to take care of yourself as well.

Marie, sorry to hear you are having to deal with a worsening family situation. Just remember to take some time for yourself by enjoying the up coming gifts that will be posted. right back at you.

Marie, would it help you if I put the contributions in a Word Doc and emailed them (clean copied of course to keep the anonymity) so you can print and read them offline as you have time? I'll extend that offer to anyone else who has RL time crunch issues. Springie, I know you do, too, or do you want this as an excuse to get away for a few minutes?

Marie, I hope things ease up for you! In the meantime, keep this in mind: if it was okay for Jesus to be born in a barn, then you don't have to have everything "perfect" for His birthday! Don't push yourself too hard, and enjoy the time you have with family and friends.

Marie, I think EW put it perfectly: there's no need to try to have a "perfect" house, dinner etc for Christmas, just family and friends! I jope your family's health problems get better soon!

First of all, thanks to all ... again! Why am I blushing? Because, I seem to be writing this statement so many times, lately ... because, you're all such lovely souls, jumping selfless in whenever a word is uttered, and I'm so grateful to have you as friends, albeit my annoying you every now and then! Lots of to all! I consider myself very lucky as there are so many people around the world who realllly do need such support! CW ... I'm already choosing priorities! My kids normal life, and activities come first and foremost, as do our parents' needs when we can organise things! The thing is that I have one brother from whom no help arrives ... literally, and another one who's always committed with his work ... his wife does help by cooking some meals for Dad, but I try not to load her as she's the "I'm doing everything myself!" type with whatever she does, IYKWIM! But, I do appreciate her help a lot, honestly! She has her own family problems, and she's helping as she can, so I'm trying to forget some nasty attitude from the past! TJ and CD ... sending you lots of back! Cannot thank you enough for your personal support! Daniella ... you're so right, and thanks! EW ... you couldn't have said it better! I'm not aiming for perfection, this year, even if the thought of not being able to achieve every plan of mine still tickles me! I'd better be serene at heart, with my own family, instead of frustrating myself, hence frustrating others, in order to do justice to what this event really means! House decorations I do for the kids ... this weekend I managed to have only some bits and bobs here and there left! As to the Christmas parties I used to throw regularly for every brother, etc ... well, I have to slow my pace from this year onwards! Psst, TJ ... are you hearing?! I'm also cutting down from all the Christmas sweets and treats I used to do to give to everyone ... even those who didn't appreciate so much! "This year, to save me more tears, I'll give them ONLY to someone special!" *giggles* Phew ... I'm learning! I'm spending more money on painkillers, plus other medications, than I'm earning with my part-time, cake decorating job ... which, btw, isn't rendering so much this season (year), either! We seem to be entering, or better, have already entered as a country, into another difficult economical era! Amethyst ... I left you for last cause I cannot thank you enough! I've already replied to your kind email and accept your offer most gratefully! ... always if it wouldn't be so much of a trouble for you! I know how much your plate is already full! As I said, I'll do my utmost to maintain a steady pace with the contributions, but your sending me copies just in case would surely be of valuable aid and great peace of mind!

It is not too much trouble at all. It sounds like you have a good grasps of what you can and can't do this holiday season, but I know that cutting back even though it can save time and money, can be just as emotionally stressful. Please don't let that get to you. Most people will understand, and those who don't well let's just hope that is how their own issues are manifesting.

*hugs* Marie- family comes first...I hope everything improves for you quickly! We'll still be here for you when everything settles down! Amethyst- that would be great! My computer is in the middle of everything so being able to print it and take it up to my room (for some solitude) sounds awesome! I don't think I'll have much time to myself until after the New Year! Thank you fro offering!

Thanks again, Amethyst! You're right ... it's a bit of an emotional stress since I declare myself as a perfectionist, but now things have to really change in some way! There's a huge backstory, which I definitely cannot explaiin, since it would take like forever, but now is the time for change! Springie ... back to you! I'm sticking with this lovely bunch, some way or another ... you know you can find me whenever you'd need, also! And, yes ... family first and foremost!

Springie, it's not a problem at all. Marie, aim for smooth. If the Holidays go off smoothly with family and friends, then you can't get more perfect than that. Everything is just decoration.

Hi Ame, I just sent you my contribution!

Originally posted by amethyst Marie, aim for smooth. If the Holidays go off smoothly with family and friends, then you can't get more perfect than that. Everything is just decoration.

You couldn't have said it better!

I now have half of the gifts! I know one will be a little late. For those of you getting an email copy, I have the document started. It will coming as one document as a collection of short stories, with an index to make it easier if you want to print the stories up one at a time. This has been no trouble, mostly copy and pasting, and a little bit of reformatting (stuff I'm weird about enjoying, actually). However, if this one, may come on its own depending upon how late it will be. I'm assuming that the three I haven't heard from (and please no need to respond in thread, emails or pms are fine, if you need to) are too busy plugging away on their stories and will have them done soon. However, if there is an issue, please email or PM me and we can work something out.

Thanks again from my part regarding the email document, Ame! It will help a lot!

Looking so forward to a reading binge.

Hopefully, this will be my last update until I start posting sometime this weekend. Remember that Monday is the due date. For those who have asked for the Word doc, it will be emailed out Monday or Tuesday, sooner if the last few entries come in sooner. I've just been informed that the one entry I expected to be late, should be on time. So no one will know who, what, or why from me. Again, thank you to everyone involved in one way or another.

nearly time !!!!

Hooray! We'll be able to read them before the world ends on the 21st!

Okay, the first two gifts are up. The email for those that have asked for it, will be sent soon. The first gift is here: For KT The next is here: For TJ

Yaaay!

Ooh, off to read!

Ohhh, and I actually have time to do some reading at the moment .... lets hope it is long enough to get through them.

Since I'll be busy tomorrow morning, I'm posting two more, now. Hopefully, I'll get another one or two posted tomorrow night. For EW For Springie

I have to unwillingly log out this very moment, but wish to promise that I'll eagerly read all the gifts, and leave comments, the first moment I could! I managed to see the first piece of art, and catched up with the other unrelated threads so far, so I have to thank you, once again, Ame, as I think I'm going to rely a lot on your email document, which you so kindly sent me! Oh ... I cannot wait to read all the lovely gifts!

Yay! More gifts to open!

Originally posted by amethyst Since I'll be busy tomorrow morning, I'm posting two more, now. Hopefully, I'll get another one or two posted tomorrow night. For EW For Springie

Since I was out walking the Picket line this morning ... maybe now I will be able to find time to do some reading. That is if I don't get any banking or Financial phone calls.

CD

Thanks TJ ... my feet got very cold. If we have to do another day next month I am going to remember to wear winter boots - even if there is still no snow around.

One tonight... For DaniellaT

And for tonight: For K2P2

The last two gifts are up. Enjoy! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, etc! For Gatchamarie For Lborgia

Thank you Ame! So, can we start guessing?

I'm already guessing...

Oh, I love it! There are a few who have fooled everyone, and a few who have things pegged. But, I'm not telling who ....

Originally posted by amethyst Oh, I love it! There are a few who have fooled everyone, and a few who have things pegged. But, I'm not telling who ....

Amethyst, sometimes you can be a sadistically evil human being.

Originally posted by ElectricWhite

Originally posted by amethyst Oh, I love it! There are a few who have fooled everyone, and a few who have things pegged. But, I'm not telling who ....

Amethyst, sometimes you can be a sadistically evil human being.

LOL! I guess I have my moments, but I usually tend to be more masochistic. Guess you'll just have to wait for Boxing Day for those who choose to reveal themselves.

Originally posted by amethyst

Originally posted by ElectricWhite

Originally posted by amethyst Oh, I love it! There are a few who have fooled everyone, and a few who have things pegged. But, I'm not telling who ....

Amethyst, sometimes you can be a sadistically evil human being.

LOL! I guess I have my moments, but I usually tend to be more masochistic. Guess you'll just have to wait for Boxing Day for those who choose to reveal themselves.

Boxing Day, huh? Great. Now I'll have to look up Manny Pacquiao's phone number so I can call him to get his match schedule....

Happy Boxing Day, everyone. Not that anyone celebrates it anymore, or ever in the US. The name disappeared from our calendars many years ago, and before that it had UK in parenthesis. Congratulations to the three of you who have managed to stump everyone! You may all reveal yourselves whenever you choose. Sometime New Year's Eve/New Year's Day, I'll post the master list so we can see the everything.

thank you Ame, now I'm just onsidering whether I want to reveal my work or not!

Originally posted by amethyst Happy Boxing Day, everyone.

I'm pretty sure it's still celebrated in Canada. Looking forward to seeing some reveals!

Boxing Day is celebrated in Canada... with major sales! It's the 'Black Friday' of Canada.

Yes it is still celebrated here in Canada. In fact I was just out doing a bit of shopping, although not for anything major - only to replace a few grocery items we had run out of. The consumer researchers are watching to see if this year's Boxing day sales continue to "out sell" the Black Friday deals and sales that we can had this year in Canada.

Boxing Day isn't really particularly celebrated for its own name, here! It's only another day during the intense festive week between Christmas and the New Year, where parties are held at several places, being at some family member's house or a community thing! It's also a day when most people have heartburn after overeating on Christmas Day! Some good sales do start, though, albeit sales have become something which occur more frequently throughout the year, now, due to the bad economy because of the diminishing of purchases from shops!

We did get one major item (a new bed) through the Boxing Day (now Boxing Week, really) sales here in Canada. Hard to argue with 55% off. We had it scouted out last week when the fliers came out ahead of time. It helps that we live in a small town. The stores had regular traffic but weren't insane.

[unrecoverable text]

Hee hee hee, Ame... it looks like you have LB, Marie and I in an eternal triangle.....

Wow, took me a few moments to figure out who wrote for whom. But it is very interesting to see what everyone asked for.

You know, if you participated, you could make a request too, CD!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun You know, if you participated, you could make a request too, CD!

TJ, are you sure this wouldn't have been a bit more appropriate --

Originally posted by ElectricWhite

Originally posted by Transmute Jun You know, if you participated, you could make a request too, CD!

TJ, are you sure this wouldn't have been a bit more appropriate --

TJ has been trying to use those on me for a few years. I would love to participate but know I could never write something that would fit with somebody's prompt. Most of the time I have problems getting my own stories down, let alone trying to do something for another person and I really do not want to disappoint a person.

8. Participant: lborgia88 Gift To: Gatchamarie Gifter: KT1972 Using this as an example, but I'm a little confused... So this would have been what LB wanted as a gift.... and it was done by Gatchmarie..... but then amethyst would collect and forward to KT to send to LB?????? Therefore LB would know it wasn't done by KT but that would be the only thing she'd know till the end????

LB would produce a gift for Gatchamarie, and will know the recipiant of her gift once it's posted on the forum. Meanwhile I'm producing a gift for LB, but she won't know until either I reveal myself after Christmas, or Ame has posted the master list. does this help, or have I just made matters worse?

That is what took me a few moments to understand as well GG. KT: * I* think you explained it well, but then I now understand Amethyst's "code."

thank you KT.... I think I've got it now

CD, glad to know I wasn't the only one going

Didn't mean to make it so confusing I just used Gifter as short hand for Gift From in my form. Next year, I'll try to be mindful of that when I post next year. KT, that triangle was completely unintentional. I just try to match up the prompts with the abilities (for lack of a better word) as best I can, and though I do try to avoid giving people each other or repeats, as this goes on, and especially with it being done twice a year, that will get more difficult, unless we can persuade more people to join in. All, also admit to using what I know about a person to match up the prompts with not only what they have said they can do, but also what they would enjoy doing. It's not always easy, but it is a fun challenge in and of itself. CD, I can respect how hard it is to write to a specific prompt in a time limit. It is a definite challenge that is not for all writers. However, I've never seen anyone voice their displeasure at their gift. Yes, some are happier than others, but I think everyone respects just how hard this can be. Next year, if you want to give it a try, you can use me as a sounding board if you need to. I'm more than happy to help with prompt interpretation, idea checks, or whatever; just let me know.

Originally posted by amethyst CD ..... Next year, if you want to give it a try, you can use me as a sounding board if you need to. I'm more than happy to help with prompt interpretation, idea checks, or whatever; just let me know.

Ahhh, but that would mean saying yes in advance and then if I got a prompt I would not be able to do, then I would leave someone unhappy because they would not get a gift. Or, on the off chance that someone else could write it, me feeling very unhappy because I could not write the prompt.

Originally posted by clouddancer Ahhh, but that would mean saying yes in advance and then if I got a prompt I would not be able to do, then I would leave someone unhappy because they would not get a gift. Or, on the off chance that someone else could write it, me feeling very unhappy because I could not write the prompt.

Well, you don't have to make that decision right now. September or so, would be fine. I always keep myself in reserve in case real life interrupts and I'm needed to cover, fortunately that only happened the first year (and one of those was my goof). For a real life issue, I'd say don't feel bad about it, real life comes first and everyone else will understand. If it is an issue with the prompt, you can be as specific as you want with what you can or can't do, and I'll do my best to find the perfect prompt for you, but that depends on the other requests. I'm also willing to discuss reservations like this off the boards, and since I'm horrible about remembering to turn on Yahoo Messanger, but if you see me online and PM or email me, I'll remember to log on.

So we were all right about EW writing my gift! Sorry, EW, you can't hide!

Originally posted by Daniella T So we were all right about EW writing my gift! Sorry, EW, you can't hide!

Well, you've got to give me credit for trying! It's just not as much fun when everybody's got me pegged by the time they've read the third word of the fic!

Originally posted by amethyst A Big Thank You to Everyone involved this year. It was great seeing new art and reading new stories. Thank You!

A big THANK YOU goes to you, Ame! I can only imagine how hard it is to allocate each and everyone's gift proposition, having the same persons as recipients with their own requests! Especially in my case, when I kind of tied you with the restricted capacity of artwork for two, consecutive years! You do such a great job every time! As to the explanation, I got the gist when I reread the first part, hence understanding the whole picture you intended to provide us with, all at once!

Originally posted by gatchamarie

Originally posted by amethyst A Big Thank You to Everyone involved this year. It was great seeing new art and reading new stories. Thank You!

A big THANK YOU goes to you, Ame! I can only imagine how hard it is to allocate each and everyone's gift proposition, having the same persons as recipients with their own requests! Especially in my case, when I kind of tied you with the restricted capacity of artwork for two, consecutive years! You do such a great job every time!

I second that Marie. she's done a great job with it, and it's such fun participating too, even if we don't always think so when preparing our gifts. (or is that just me?)

Originally posted by KT1972 and it's such fun participating too, even if we don't always think so when preparing our gifts. (or is that just me?)

But, that shows how much of an altruist and a dedicated person you are, KT, and how much you try to give your utmost in providing the best to the other person expecting your gift! I always am so relieved when I hear the recipient's feedback once everything would be revealed, even though I always think I could have given more!

That's a very kind thing to say, Marie, thank you. And for the record, I don't think your gift could have been improved upon in any way.

Thanks, KT! It's most heartwarming, and relieving to hear so!

Originally posted by gatchamarie

Originally posted by KT1972 and it's such fun participating too, even if we don't always think so when preparing our gifts. (or is that just me?)

But, that shows how much of an altruist and a dedicated person you are, KT, and how much you try to give your utmost in providing the best to the other person expecting your gift! I always am so relieved when I hear the recipient's feedback once everything would be revealed, even though I always think I could have given more!

And that exactly sums up what I am trying to explain. About not feeling like I would give the requester my best (or their expected wish) if I were to participate.

Originally posted by ElectricWhite Well, you've got to give me credit for trying! It's just not as much fun when everybody's got me pegged by the time they've read the third word of the fic!

Now you know how I feel!

Originally posted by clouddancer And that exactly sums up what I am trying to explain. About not feeling like I would give the requester my best (or their expected wish) if I were to participate.

The first year we did this, someone posted afterward that they wished they had known who the recipient was when they wrote their gift, because then they would have tailored the fic more to the recipient. The answer to this (with which I fully agree) was that the recipient makes a request, and they specify what they want in that request. As long as you meet that request, you have given everything you can give. You can't read the recipient's mind and deep, dark desires... just address the prompt and you'll be fine. And... I should point out that I actually messed up EW's prompt. It specifically said that the Owl should be in charge... and yet I had Zark in charge. I knew I was changing the specifications of the gift, but in my mind I couldn't see such a story (of ranks completely switching) as anything other than humorous, and then the idea of throwing Zark into the mix was too irresistible to ignore! So I went with it, hoping the recipient would like it. I deviated from the prompt, hoping it would make a better fic. Even if it hadn't worked out to the recipient's satisfaction (although I *think* EW liked the alteration) I still put in my best effort, and in that sense I would feel that my work was appropriate for the exchange. Am I making sense or just rambling on? Or both?

Originally posted by clouddancer

Originally posted by gatchamarie

Originally posted by KT1972 and it's such fun participating too, even if we don't always think so when preparing our gifts. (or is that just me?)

But, that shows how much of an altruist and a dedicated person you are, KT, and how much you try to give your utmost in providing the best to the other person expecting your gift! I always am so relieved when I hear the recipient's feedback once everything would be revealed, even though I always think I could have given more!

And that exactly sums up what I am trying to explain. About not feeling like I would give the requester my best (or their expected wish) if I were to participate.

CD ... doing something for someone else is already doing your best, since it surely would be coming from your heart! Personally speaking, thinking and saying that I might have done better is my bad, since I'm the perfectionist type of person and I always find space to try and amend things or ameliorate in everything I do! Knowing that the person to whom I might have given the gift is happy is always the cherry on the cake, though! When I receive a gift, request totally fulfilled or not, I would already be full of gratitude because I know that someone has taken his/her time to do the effort! Not leaving out the myriad of positively unexpected aspects you'd find when receiving something from another person's point of view, even if we're talking about the same prompt! I'm also certain that, if you do decide to participate, whoever would receive your gift would be more than happy because (a) to the contrary of what you think, your writing is just superb, full of emotion and skill, and your imagination is just tremendously fertile, and (b) everyone knows the type of caring person you are, and that what you'd decide to do would surely be done with the utmost of effort and dedication!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun And... I should point out that I actually messed up EW's prompt. It specifically said that the Owl should be in charge... and yet I had Zark in charge. I knew I was changing the specifications of the gift, but in my mind I couldn't see such a story (of ranks completely switching) as anything other than humorous, and then the idea of throwing Zark into the mix was too irresistible to ignore! So I went with it, hoping the recipient would like it. I deviated from the prompt, hoping it would make a better fic. Even if it hadn't worked out to the recipient's satisfaction (although I *think* EW liked the alteration) I still put in my best effort, and in that sense I would feel that my work was appropriate for the exchange.

Yo, TJ, what part of "I think it's a work of evil genius" aren't you getting?!?! I know I said the Owl should be in charge, but that was because it never occurred to me to throw Zark into the mix. Anyway, I don't see anyone here getting upset if a gift piece doesn't seem completely, utterly, absolutely "perfect" -- care and consideration has been put into each word (or pen stroke, whatever the case may be). Also, each "imperfection" has only driven the readers (or viewers) to want more! ( You know who you are!)

Originally posted by gatchamarie I'm also certain that, if you do decide to participate, whoever would receive your gift would be more than happy because (a) to the contrary of what you think, your writing is just superb, full of emotion and skill, and your imagination is just tremendously fertile, and (b) everyone knows the type of caring person you are, and that what you'd decide to do would surely be done with the utmost of effort and dedication!

I believe that these words bare repeating! Well said, Marie! I believe it was George Lucas who said, "Films are never finished, they are only abandoned." And, IMHO, pointing to his original trilogy, sometimes they are better off abandoned and released, than to continue to tinker with them. This type of writing requires a different mind-set in that you are writing for a mystery audience and have a deadline. Some people freeze up at the idea of a deadline, some work better with it. Some people like more freedom than what a prompt provides. CD, I think all you are lacking is confidence, because it is surely not your writing skill, which is among the best in the fandom. Set yourself a challenge for the first part of this year. Every week, find a half hour to an hour, where you sit down in your favorite writing spot and write, use the Jar prompts if you want or your AU. Sit down with the mind set that whatever you write will need to be revised and the goal is just to write as much as you can in your time period. Your thinking quantity, not quality. Later, you can sit down and start revising. I think after a month or two you'll find two things are true: the original drafts are not as bad as feared, even if revision is needed, and your muse is being drawn out of hiding (remember they like to be fed). Then share when you feel like sharing. This doesn't just come from my experience with writing, though I need to start doing this myself, again, but from watching my students when I was teaching. My sophomores that took to heart their ten minutes to write one page every day, were far less afraid of the required writing samples because they'd already proven to themselves that they could form thoughts on a topic quickly and could spend more time on form and structure. The ones that blew off those ten minutes didn't do as well.

Marie, thank you for your kind, kind words. I suspect I am very much like you - a perfectionist. Never feeling like what I am doing is good enough or always seeing the errors in my work. I am not sure if that was always part of me, or if that is something that came about because of my up bringing and the criticism I received. "You could have done this better if only you had ...." Amethyst, thank you too for your kind words and praise of my writing skill. Again, probably because of the criticism, I really do not see my writing as being "among the best in the fandom." I feel like many others that I read are much more able to get their thoughts down much clearer and in a much more precise way than I can. Similar to what you suggested, about setting myself I challenge or goal, am going to I am going to try something I was doing this time last year. Which was to try to write SOMETHING every night. It might be only one sentence, it might be a page. As you said, if I am able to do something then perhaps more and more I will be able to start doing what I want WHEN I want, and that will lead to finishing a few of my unfinished fics.

Let me echo that your writing always leaves me wanting more, cloud. Trying to write every day is a great plan! You can make some great progress even if you just get down a sentence. I was nervous when I did the last gift exchange, but it was fun trying to spin something out of the given prompts. Every once in a while I'd look at the prompt again to remind myself of what was asked, since my brain likes to go off on tangents, and that helped me to keep the goal of the story in mind. We all know that we're rolling the dice when we put in our requests. It's a lot of fun to see what someone's muse coughs up in response. This time around I had to focus on my original stuff. Instead, I beta'd for the gift exchange, which was fun. Hopefully I'll have some spare time to participate next time.