stormkeeper_lovedoris | What’s going on with me lately

What’s going on with me lately

- Lately looking at the computer screen has really been making my eyes sore. Not good since I basically look at one all day at work.

- I’ve also been re-reading my looong X-men fanfic and really getting into X-men, especially the Northstar/Iceman pairing. However, reading this fic after work is not helping my eyes much.

- So I have fallen behind on my emails to people. Sorry. I will try to rest my eyes and catch up.

- I am thrilled to see a pretty active Northstar/Iceman following on LJ though. There are sooo many fanfics I need to catch up on reading. I know it's silly but I think of myself as one of the first fanfic writers to pair these two up (I might be wrong on that, but still) and now there are LJ communities dedicated to them and lots of fanfic as well.

- Oddly, I’m not as into Spiderman as I was just a couple weeks ago. When I think of writing fanfic now, I think of writing more X-men again instead of Spiderman. Weird.

- The X-men fic I want to write is basically a re-write of my long X-men trilogy. I
want to do it, but what’d be the point? I feel that I should cover new ground, but then again I do have some cool ideas for my re-write so it might be worth it.

- One sad thing is that I haven’t been reading much lately, other than fanfic. Normally I’m in the middle of 2 or 3 books at a time. I put 2 library books aside that weren’t hooking me and am slowly reading a really boring book that I bought, and nothing else now for days. That’s unusual for me. I guess it’s mostly because my eyes are sore, I don’t have much free time, and I’m reading X-men stuff now. I’m sure I will get back into reading again.

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Hey, I remember Northstar from Alpha Flight - goodlooking go fast Canadian, yes? And he came out some time after I stopped reading regularly as well? I'm so happy that you're thinking writing thoughts again, whatever the fandom!

Ouch about your eyes - and that pull between wanting to read and to rest them.

And I hear you about reading fewer paper books. I've mostly been reading litfic and non-fiction for so long that it was a revelation when I read a couple of Elizabeth Bear's novels and remembered how wonderful it is to read something which was written with entertainment as its prime objective. Something other than fanfic, I mean. *g*

You got it, on Northstar. He was one of the first superheros ever to come out. Thanks for your encouraging words on my writing. :)

And I hear you about reading fewer paper books. I've mostly been reading litfic and non-fiction for so long that it was a revelation when I read a couple of Elizabeth Bear's novels and remembered how wonderful it is to read something which was written with entertainment as its prime objective. Something other than fanfic, I mean. *g*

We all deserve a bit of entertainment in our lives. It won't harm us and may even be good for us. :)

Pardon me whilst I proclaim: well, damn. I was looking forward to some well-written Spiderfic - and potential slutty (smutty/slashy) fic, no less - but damn also if I don't feel yer pain. It's all good.

Really? So if I wrote some, you'd read it? I think part of the reason why I'm less gung-ho on writing Spiderfic is that the fandom is so quiet. It doesn't seem to have much of a presence on LJ at all. And I have to admit that I do like to get feedback when I write. But if you'll read it, then I should go ahead and write my Peter/Harry fic - I have an outline done!

I heartily second they you writing more X-men fanfic. But then I'm hopelessly biased :)

One the rewriting of a story - I've read many stories that have been rewritten, and overall I normally find I prefer the 1st version. It has more honesty somehow. But I'd be interested to find out what you ideas are.

If you're interested in X-men fic:

for R&R x-men fic, then I have to recommend this trilogy. Its one of my all-time favourites (and Valerie started writing again last year after a 5 yr hiatus. I was ecstatic.I literally bounce every time she updates :)). Not only does it have a great Rogue and Remy, but a fantastic Bobby. And I even like this Scott :) In order: Looking at a women (http://www.gambitguild.com/library/lori_mcdonald/looking_at_a_woman.html); Thick as Thieves (http://www.gambitguild.com/library/lori_mcdonaldvalerie_jones/thick_as_thieves.html); and then Blind sight (http://www.gambitguild.com/library/valerie_jones/blind_sight.html)

for Bobby/J-P, the one I enjoyed most of late is Caffeine and Saccharine (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1910216/1/Caffeine_and_Saccharine)

I heartily second they you writing more X-men fanfic. But then I'm hopelessly biased :)

Thank you. It's kinda neat to contemplate writing more X-men after 4 years off.

One the rewriting of a story - I've read many stories that have been rewritten, and overall I normally find I prefer the 1st version. It has more honesty somehow. But I'd be interested to find out what you ideas are.

You know, I'm sure you have a good point. And there are lots of things that I did get right the first time. I wouldn't want to make any major revisions to how I handled Rogue/Remy or Storm/Wolverine. Some ideas I do have are though -

1. Eliminate the arc about Rogue having been sexually abused as a child. I just don't think it added anything to the storyline and the fic already covered sexual abuse extensively.

2. Have Jubilee realize that she prefers being single; I need less of the sentiment that everyone's life is made complete by having a partner. But having said that, I really do want to keep showing how much joy there is in having a soulmate (I can speak from my own experience now).

3. I have some crazy ideas about making major changes to how the X-men left earth and where they went, including eliminating An'zhina and replacing it with a new idea. I've even toyed with the idea of eliminating the torture FOH did (and just having FOH have *threaten* to do what they did before Bobby is able to rescue them). I also want to replace their strategy of liberating mutant camps with something more effective, and not have most of Alpha Flight dead (I have some crazy ideas about Alpha Flight-Xmen interactions and how the teams first meet), and more.

My above comment got long, so I split it. I also wanted to add that I will definiately read your fanfic recommendations above!

And I even like this Scott :)

*mouth drops open*

P.S. again - another idea I am toying with is writing a sequel. So rather than a re-write, just writing book 4 of the series. I may need to ret-con some of what I wrote in the Epilogue though.

Plotbunnies:

1. Eliminate the arc about Rogue having been sexually abused as a child. I just don't think it added anything to the storyline and the fic already covered sexual abuse extensively.

I don't know about this one - it did explain a lot about her behaviour prior to the start of your fic. It went to explaining why she was so emotionally and physically unavailable. Given the other abuse in your series, yes, maybe it was too much. But as background, I thought it was appropriate.

2. Have Jubilee realize that she prefers being single; I need less of the sentiment that everyone's life is made complete by having a partner. But having said that, I really do want to keep showing how much joy there is in having a soulmate (I can speak from my own experience now).

Actually, this would make a nice focus of a short Epilogue fic. Its a nice contained plot bunny, that you can use to build around. It would be nice to set this in the future (maybe 5 yrs) and show some of Aurora development as well (like how did she cope without a father figure, how did Wolvie and others play a role, questions on her father). you can build in info about the other couples too in this way - their children would be friends with her. I think the combo could be nice. Hmmm... I feel plotbunnies invading my garden... :)

3. I have some crazy ideas about making major changes to how the X-men left earth and where they went, including eliminating An'zhina and replacing it with a new idea. I've even toyed with the idea of eliminating the torture FOH did (and just having FOH have *threaten* to do what they did before Bobby is able to rescue them).

Actually, Ive got to say. Don't touch those opening chapters!!! :) Unless its minor tweaking. These chapter set the tone for the entire series. They pack the punch that left me crying one night, and so moved that I had to write to you. I know, reading back on it, it probably feel so violent and excessive, and you want to make it "nicer". But the sad thing is that this world isn't always nice, and that there are people (like me) living in situations/countries where that level of violence is a everyday reality. And thats what I loved about your fic, is it showed the ugliness possible in humanity (whether it was the abuse/torture/rape, the hate, the homophobia or the xenophobia) and paired it with the otherside of courage, hope, perseverance and all that is good.

1. Eliminate the arc about Rogue having been sexually abused as a child. I just don't think it added anything to the storyline and the fic already covered sexual abuse extensively.

I don't know about this one - it did explain a lot about her behaviour prior to the start of your fic. It went to explaining why she was so emotionally and physically unavailable. Given the other abuse in your series, yes, maybe it was too much. But as background, I thought it was appropriate.

You know, your replies to this post made me realize how much I miss bouncing ideas off of you! (No slight intended to the great Jem and Firefly betas I've worked with since you).

I see what you mean on the comment above. And although I covered it in the fic, I don't think I overly dwelled on or hit on it either. So maybe it's ok as is.

Actually, this would make a nice focus of a short Epilogue fic. Its a nice contained plot bunny, that you can use to build around. It would be nice to set this in the future (maybe 5 yrs) and show some of Aurora development as well (like how did she cope without a father figure, how did Wolvie and others play a role, questions on her father). you can build in info about the other couples too in this way - their children would be friends with her. I think the combo could be nice. Hmmm... I feel plotbunnies invading my garden... :)

Ditto. :) And I do think my fic got to be just a bit couple-focussed. And I can totally see Jubilee getting to be a mature adult and realizing that she doesn't necessarily want to be tied down to one person for the rest of her life. She's always been a free spirit.

Actually, Ive got to say. Don't touch those opening chapters!!! :) Unless its minor tweaking. These chapter set the tone for the entire series. They pack the punch that left me crying one night, and so moved that I had to write to you. I know, reading back on it, it probably feel so violent and excessive, and you want to make it "nicer". But the sad thing is that this world isn't always nice, and that there are people (like me) living in situations/countries where that level of violence is a everyday reality. And thats what I loved about your fic, is it showed the ugliness possible in humanity (whether it was the abuse/torture/rape, the hate, the homophobia or the xenophobia) and paired it with the otherside of courage, hope, perseverance and all that is good.

Wow, thank you. I am again amazed at the impact the writing had on people.

What if I were to do not a re-write but a different take on it? Like, leave the original alone but do an AU. (Can someone do an AU on their own fic or is that too egotistical?)

You know, your replies to this post made me realize how much I miss bouncing ideas off of you! (No slight intended to the great Jem and Firefly betas I've worked with since you).

Well, if you decide to start writing x-men fic, you know where to send it :) I liked beta-ing for you. It fun :) You let me play with the bunnies :)

Afraid, can't really help with Jem. I'd be better with Firefly cause I have watched the series and movie a couple of times (warning: I like Jayne :P But then i like all the characters. Joss needs a new series!!!)

What if I were to do not a re-write but a different take on it? Like, leave the original alone but do an AU. (Can someone do an AU on their own fic or is that too egotistical?)

Nah, if its done in cano, I take that as a president you can follow. If you feel so inspired, do it. :) It would be interesting to read.

Well, if you decide to start writing x-men fic, you know where to send it :) I liked beta-ing for you. It fun :) You let me play with the bunnies :)

Seriously? Despite how busy you are with your job? I'd love to take you up on that offer, if I do write again. Needless to say, you were both crucial and influential to my X-men trilogy. I don't know if I could've finished it if not for you.

Afraid, can't really help with Jem. I'd be better with Firefly cause I have watched the series and movie a couple of times (warning: I like Jayne :P But then i like all the characters. Joss needs a new series!!!)

FF was so awesome! I don't care for Jayne but love all the others. It was such a great show. Joss rules!

I'm making lists of different fanfic ideas I have, lists which I may post soon.

Sorry for the delay in response. Developed someother bug that has kept me in bed for the w/e and a bit. Thankfully it seems to have almost burnt itself out (was lucky I didn't get it sooner, all my friends and collegues have had it).

Seriously? Despite how busy you are with your job? I'd love to take you up on that offer, if I do write again. Needless to say, you were both crucial and influential to my X-men trilogy. I don't know if I could've finished it if not for you.

Sure - I'm busy, but I shall make the time. :)

I hope you feel better soon!

And thank you again for betaing.

I also want to replace their strategy of liberating mutant camps with something more effective,

It always saddened me that they had to give up, couldn't do more. Maybe you could touch on further liberation efforts that they have made. Maybe they quitely amassing there own army of warships (they do have resourse and hank, and a knowledge base. They don't need to be relient on the An'zhinians to supply one. Dammit, if I know the X-men, they'd start building there own!)

and not have most of Alpha Flight dead (I have some crazy ideas about Alpha Flight-Xmen interactions and how the teams first meet), and more.

Hmmm... maybe you can build a different story based on a join Alpha flight/X-men interaction...

You know what you inspired me to do, read my own fic again :) I ran accross it when I was searching for links to the stories I recommended. (lol, I didn't even realise why I was recognising the title till I saw my name next to it :) )

It actually wasn't as bad as I remember it being. In my mind I'd remembered it as... well, awful :)

It was like discovering an old friend, but with totally new perspective. I was actually upset when I got to the last chapter and it wasn't finished, and wished there was another chapter (and then realised I'd have to write another chapter if I wanted it, and I have no clue of where I was going with it anymore. I did have a story outline at some stage...)

On the recommended Fic:

And I even like this Scott :)
*mouth drops open*

yip. I do. He's well written. even when I didn't like him like him in the series, then I thought he a good character. It was only in the 3rd installment where he developed into a character I liked as a person. And the 2nd story has amazing Bobby and Remy. Must, Must read them. (and her betrayal series is just as fantastic! I'd queue that one up too :) )

It always saddened me that they had to give up, couldn't do more.

In terms of rescuing mutants on earth, they really had 4 years of spinning their wheels and making drop-in-the-bucket rescues that freed only a couple hundred people. It wasn't until the very end that they went back to earth in force after it had been plundered by Dagron and the Cetians.

Hmmm... maybe you can build a different story based on a join Alpha flight/X-men interaction...

Maybe that's the term I meant to use in my previous comment...just make it into an entirely different story rather than a re-write.

You know what you inspired me to do, read my own fic again :)

I loved your fic. The little of it there was to read. You had such a way with words! I do hope you may write again someday.

What about Scott in the fic rec made you come to like him? How'd they develop him?

I started reading Caffeine and Saacharine (sp?) and am really loving it. She's a great writer!

Edited 2008-03-07 18:57 (UTC)

I loved your fic.

Thanks :)

What about Scott in the fic rec made you come to like him? How'd they develop him?

Well, firstly the writers are really good (arc is written by 2 writers 1st story by Lori, second story in conjunction and third by Val), so they really take time to develop the character and show motivations and just make them robust. I probaby started really liking Scott in the series when he started behaving more humanly (less "good soldier") and what more began to realise that about himself, that their was more to the world and what was ging on than his perception of it, than his schedule. He treats other with more understanding. Yet, he still remains Scott. I can feel his growth and can sympathise with him.

I started reading Caffeine and Saacharine (sp?) and am really loving it. She's a great writer!

Cool. Glad you're liking it. I actually started reading it because i like the way you paired them, and so the pairing caught my attention. And then the writing was good as well, so it made it into my favourites, even tho' I'm really selective with my fanfic these days.

That's cool to hear about Scott. And I know you're shaking your head at me, but I still like the guy and always have. Sometimes I can't even say why. Maybe because he is so flawed partly because, paradoxically, he wants to be perfect.

Cool. Glad you're liking it. I actually started reading it because i like the way you paired them, and so the pairing caught my attention.

I am most flattered!

Do you think I'm full of myself when I wonder whether my fanfic inspired Marvel to write that arc where JP had a crush on Bobby? (Yeah, I know - I'm fulla shit).

That's cool to hear about Scott. And I know you're shaking your head at me, but I still like the guy and always have. Sometimes I can't even say why. Maybe because he is so flawed partly because, paradoxically, he wants to be perfect.

or maybe you identify with him. Maybe the reason I dislike him so intensly is because I have a little (a lot) of "do it my way" in me :) I do however think I'm a lot more flexiable in how I do that (aka - if people don't listen to oders, I manipulate them into doing it my way :P)

Do you think I'm full of myself when I wonder whether my fanfic inspired Marvel to write that arc where JP had a crush on Bobby? (Yeah, I know - I'm fulla shit).

Maybe the reason I dislike him so intensly is because I have a little (a lot) of "do it my way" in me :)

Me too. I'm probably more similar to Scott than most of the others.

There's one other thing I wish I could change about the trilogy. You're going to kick me for this one, but I think I made Scott too homophobic. I can definitely see him being uncomfortable and even him thinking that heterosexuality is better in general, but I think I made him too much of a jerk once or twice. JMHO. (I did also have a few people write to tell me as much).

Its my day to shock you, but in retrospect, i kinda agree. I'd keep the homophobia - but make him deal with it better. Todd (it was todd right?) had the outright homophobia covered.

Although, i did like the tension it brought in - especially between him and Bobby (and how Bobby coming out changed his friendship with him). So maybe somewhere between "uncomfortable" and where he was written...

Dang you've got a good memory! (It was indeed Todd).

I did think of a few other things I'd change about the fic (if I haven't bored you to tears already).

-- One, the sub plot where Bobby, Wolverine, and Gambit get kidnapped by the Cetians. I didn't feel like it added much to the overall storyline, though obviously the Cetians become important at the very end.

-- I never did much with Mark. It was kinda cool to show how a nice normal guy can become an FOH solider, but other than that, what was the point of him?

-- A few other subplots also needed more of a point - Jubilee and Storm asking Wolverine if he wanted to sleep with Jubilee (did show that Storm was trying to keep Wolverine away from her heart, but still), and that colony of Endarians who were into the X-men (remember them? hopefully neither does anyone else).

Do you have any sense of where most X-men fans go when they want to read fanfic? Is ffnet still king?

Just planning ahead in case I write more?

FF.Net is still the most popular general fanfic site I know. Trying to think of others, but blanking.

I sent you a note through LJ's system but in case it doesn't get through...I have an outline. Would you be willing to take a look at it? I need some Rogue/Remy ideas.

Send, send. I'll email you my new email address. My old one still works, but I check this one more often, and its easier to use online.

Oh, I forgot to ask: what type of monitor are you using? CRT (old big clunky ones) or LCD? CRTs have a bad glare, which causes a lot of eye fatigue. You can get anti-glare screens for them that help a lot (used to have one at work before I got a LCD)
Also, try reducing your brightness level.
What we software geeks often also do is invert to colours on our applications. Make the backgrounds black and the text light yellow/cream/white. This is easier on the eyes when reading lots of text. Some applications let you set this under their customisation, but if you change it in Windows Display settings it does it for all applications. If you want to try, right-click on your desktop, Select “properties” Go to the Appearance tab and select “advanced” button. On the dialog, select Window from your items dropdown and select the colours you want to try. One warning, sometimes this has strnge effects on applications were they have only half customised there settings (you should either set the colours of everything or nothing) e.g. they explicitly set the font of a label to black, but leave the background to be controlled by user settings, and if the user changes the background to black, you can’t see the label. If this happens. You either need to change this back or change the background to blue.

(it seems to be my day of long cmments :) )

Last, but not least, try doing eye exercises. One of the reason that your eyes get sore is because you are staring at the same focal point all day. Its always about the same distance from you eyes, and you don’t shift your eyes over a large area. Our eyes weren’t meant to stare at one thing so long. Try this: Turn so you facing a relatively open area (doesn’t have to be big, just significantly bigger than the space between you and your PC). Pick a focal point far away from you, stare at it for about 5-10 seconds. Then pick one mid way. Stare. Pick one close to you. Stare. Really close to you stare. Look all the way to the right (don’t move head). Stare. Slowly move to all the way to the right in the same fashion (there should be 5 stare points in total from left to right). Repeat this over a few times. Speeding up a little (but not so fast that you don’t focus properly at each point). Mix it up a little too. Right, far forward, nose, mid left, , far left, etc, etc. The bigger the area you can scan, the better. Do this a few times a day. Being near a window helps a lot, cause you can just spend 5 minutes actively scanning/watching the outsides world and feel refreshed (my favourite is to count and classify cars – it helps me work through problems too. Lets my subconscious find the answer will I’m focusing on a menial task. Works for me somehow.).

And finally take breaks from the PC if eyes start feeling strained. Even if its just a walk to get a cup of coffee.

Hope these help. Cause I can feel your pain (literally, also had to much PC time today). It’s a big problem in my line of work we’re slaves to the PC (or Mac  ).

Thank you for all the great ideas! I'm going to give them a try and will let you know how it goes.

So I just had to tell someone (who actually might care :) ).

Seeming I went to the trouble of turning on my home PC, and using it for something other than charging my ipod, I browsed through my folder from my old PC. And what did I find? Half of the next chapter to my fic (really rough) and the notes for that chapter and the next! Yay! I remember where I was going next (not overall :( ) So that mystery solved. :D

Yes!!! So...can I look forward to more fanfic from you? Please please please??

Maybe. That all I'll promise. But I am sitting here, in front of my PC nibbling on homemade frozen yoghurt (yum!) and staring at Chapter 6, trying to find my "voice", and contemplating not going to bed tonight cause I probably won't be tempted to write tomorrow (I'm sure the bed, a book and or some other leisurely non-effort inducing pursuit will win).

You can make yoghurt? That's pretty impressive. You still have all those dietary restrictions, right?

Well, please do keep me posted and I dearly hope you write more.

You can make yoghurt?

Yes, I can. But I actually meant just the frozen part (used bought yoghurt). Making yoghurt is long process, and IMO not worth the hassle when I can pop down to the store and gab whatever I want (and to the delicatessent/health store if I want it to be homemade or organic). Make my own ice-creams and sorbets too.

You still have all those dietary restrictions, right?

yip, and always will I'm afraid. It's tough at times (mainly when at parties or visiting parent because temptation abounds. But I'm making it a life-style. It realy boils down to a low-GI, hi-protein, low-medium fat diet (I actually have to increase fat compared to normal recommended diets because I basically can't get enough calories from the carbs (have to severly limit them given the effects of sugars on my body) to sustain my exercise levels). But it is difficult because most food these days, esp prepared meal, has high amounts of processed food in it. And even the "sugar-free" foods aren't actually (they're sucrose-free). Or they contain chemicals (like aspertame) which I'm over-sensitive too (esp since I started eating so organicly)

Thats actually why I started making my own ice-creams etc, because I could buy one, even from the health store that fit my requirements. I've done that with a lot of foods. But cooking/baking has always been a big part of my life (my mom being into SugarCraft- does wedding cakes etc) and my grandmother was a caterer. So I've been baking and cooking (and even on occasions been dragged into doing the odd wedding) since, well, forever.

I actually real miss baking a lot. I love to bake (anything) or make desserts. I used to bake for fun, and just invent stuff, quite a bit. But given that basics like flour are big no-nos for me, I'm a little limited in that regard, and while I have invented substitutes, what can I do with a whole cake when I can't eat more than a slice?

I've been joking that I should give up my job and be a baker, so that I can bake to my hearts content and the food doesn't go to waste :)

(Actually seriously considering trating myself to the Lindt Dessert Cooking course for my June holiday :) )

Thanks for the update. I'm sorry to hear that the dietary restriction will be forever for you and it does sound so severe. But it sounds like you've gotten used to it and I'm glad you've gotten used to making your own foods that you can have.

And I agree that parties and visits can be tough because of all the temptation. I often eat beforehand - that helps a bit.

Oops, In my lammenting about the goodness of baking, I forgot to tell you. I did manage to write a first draft of Chapter 6 before going to bed on friday.

Woke up 2 hrs later with a 40C (104F?) temperature about 2hrs later, which put an end to my intentions of proofing it as soon as I woke up the next morning. But I'll try doing that and sending it through to you (if you are willing to give it a read :) ) sometime this week.

Love to!!

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What’s going on with me lately

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P.S.

Last comment, I swear :-)

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Continued....

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One other thing I'd change

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Good lord, she's still not done...

General fanfic question

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Would you beta?

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Monitor-fatigue continued :)

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Last comment of the day, I swear :)

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