Day 4 of 5: Slash Meme
Dec. 15th, 2011 12:03 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
stormkeeper_lovedorisNow we move onto slash pairings from literature. I know that certain factions of the LGBT community don’t appreciate fictional gay male couples written by straight women (or, for that matter, fictional lesbian couples written by straight men or straight women), so I am going against the grain with these last two pairings.
Oh, and I don’t have an icon of this pairing, so I’ll just pick the “next in the rotation” icon.
DAY FOUR: GARETH/JOHNNY (THE SEVENWATERS SAGA BY JULIET MARILLIER)
How did I first get into this pairing?
I was reading the 4th book in the Sevenwaters saga (“Heir to Sevenwaters”) and saying to myself how much I loved the series but that I sure wished there would be a character who was attracted to others of the same sex. And then, lo and behold, one of the lead characters mentions to another that Johnny and Gareth are more than friends. It’s a complicated scenario for Sevenwaters because Johnny is heir to this chieftainship and once he takes over, he will be expected to produce an heir of his own. Johnny and Gareth are both important characters in this book and its follow-up (“Seer of Sevenwaters”) although the books definitely aren’t centered around them. As soon as I read about them though, I liked the pairing a lot. The author portrays them well.
Have I written about them?
No because I feel a little weird about writing about characters who aren’t part of a huge, big-money franchise but rather belong to one, lone author. The other reason is there’s just not much of a fandom for these two and when I write, I do want someone to read it. Having said that, a fierce plot bunny has been toying with me for the past few days. Maybe if I could find even one other person who would say they’d read it….
What I do like about them?
The author really conveys that they are soulmates - both men are warriors, lovers, and best friends. They are also a good contrast – whereas Johnny is a leader and heir to Sevenwaters, Gareth is more affable and easy-going. It’s enjoyable to read about.
Where’s the fandom at nowadays?
Unfortunately, not anywhere that I can find. The author has plenty of fansites, official sites, and there’s some good discussion on her works out there, but not much on these two characters specifically. I did locate a Gareth/Johnny fanfic on LJ and left the author some nice feedback but didn’t hear from her. That one fanfic is all I have found. I was surprised that there’s no section for this series or writer on ffnet. And even worse, the author has gotten some flack (on goodreads.com, and perhaps from other sources per an email reply she sent me) for including a same-sex couple in this saga, a fact which I vented about during an earlier post. I did find some positive responses to the pairing on a fanboard for Marillier, but I’m pretty much shipping these two alone.
Also, a sixth book in the series in due out in November 2012, though unfortunately the author told me that Johnny and Gareth aren’t in it. She did say that she hasn’t ruled out the idea of writing about them again someday. I can dream.
Oh, and I don’t have an icon of this pairing, so I’ll just pick the “next in the rotation” icon.
DAY FOUR: GARETH/JOHNNY (THE SEVENWATERS SAGA BY JULIET MARILLIER)
How did I first get into this pairing?
I was reading the 4th book in the Sevenwaters saga (“Heir to Sevenwaters”) and saying to myself how much I loved the series but that I sure wished there would be a character who was attracted to others of the same sex. And then, lo and behold, one of the lead characters mentions to another that Johnny and Gareth are more than friends. It’s a complicated scenario for Sevenwaters because Johnny is heir to this chieftainship and once he takes over, he will be expected to produce an heir of his own. Johnny and Gareth are both important characters in this book and its follow-up (“Seer of Sevenwaters”) although the books definitely aren’t centered around them. As soon as I read about them though, I liked the pairing a lot. The author portrays them well.
Have I written about them?
No because I feel a little weird about writing about characters who aren’t part of a huge, big-money franchise but rather belong to one, lone author. The other reason is there’s just not much of a fandom for these two and when I write, I do want someone to read it. Having said that, a fierce plot bunny has been toying with me for the past few days. Maybe if I could find even one other person who would say they’d read it….
What I do like about them?
The author really conveys that they are soulmates - both men are warriors, lovers, and best friends. They are also a good contrast – whereas Johnny is a leader and heir to Sevenwaters, Gareth is more affable and easy-going. It’s enjoyable to read about.
Where’s the fandom at nowadays?
Unfortunately, not anywhere that I can find. The author has plenty of fansites, official sites, and there’s some good discussion on her works out there, but not much on these two characters specifically. I did locate a Gareth/Johnny fanfic on LJ and left the author some nice feedback but didn’t hear from her. That one fanfic is all I have found. I was surprised that there’s no section for this series or writer on ffnet. And even worse, the author has gotten some flack (on goodreads.com, and perhaps from other sources per an email reply she sent me) for including a same-sex couple in this saga, a fact which I vented about during an earlier post. I did find some positive responses to the pairing on a fanboard for Marillier, but I’m pretty much shipping these two alone.
Also, a sixth book in the series in due out in November 2012, though unfortunately the author told me that Johnny and Gareth aren’t in it. She did say that she hasn’t ruled out the idea of writing about them again someday. I can dream.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2011-12-15 07:22 pm (UTC)I know how it is to be, seemingly, the only shipper...LOL. It is hard to find many stories that are centered around Karen Traviss' Republic Commando novels...
Should you ever write this pairing, I'd read it...and probably then go out and have to read the books...
no subject
Date: 2011-12-15 07:46 pm (UTC)It is lonely when you ship something alone, huh? I've never heard of these novels but I hope more fans will get into them so you're not alone.
Should you ever write this pairing, I'd read it...and probably then go out and have to read the books...
Really? Because the plot bunny keeps calling me, and I would be happy if just 1 person would read it. I have some time off next week, so hmmm...
no subject
Date: 2011-12-22 09:20 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-12-22 09:38 pm (UTC)Thank you for asking! I appreciate it.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-22 09:39 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-12-22 11:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-12-22 11:47 pm (UTC)Btw...check out the new artwork on the AzRi DA. It makes me wish I spoke Russian
no subject
Date: 2011-12-23 12:07 am (UTC)P.S.
Date: 2011-12-23 12:09 am (UTC)Re: P.S.
Date: 2011-12-23 12:11 am (UTC)And yes! Amazing new artwork. I was thrilled.
Re: P.S.
Date: 2011-12-23 12:14 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-12-15 08:18 pm (UTC)So if you decide to use this plotbunny that tries to get your attention for some time now, I might read the fic :D
I once written a fanfic that I wasn't sure people actually read - though I've written it mostly for myself because it felt good to show them some appreciation. It was for my unpopular HP pairing (when I was still into HP, that is). It took some time to actually find out that there were people that ended up reading it anyway, even if the pairing wasn't their cup of tea XD There's ALWAYS somebody who would read, even if they don't comment.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-15 08:32 pm (UTC)So if you decide to use this plotbunny that tries to get your attention for some time now, I might read the fic :D
I tell you, the series is incredibly good. In fact, just from what I know of your tastes in fanfic, I think you'd like it.
And thank you on the fanfic...I may very well give this plot bunny a spin. It won't be too long of a fic.
I once written a fanfic that I wasn't sure people actually read - though I've written it mostly for myself because it felt good to show them some appreciation. It was for my unpopular HP pairing (when I was still into HP, that is). It took some time to actually find out that there were people that ended up reading it anyway, even if the pairing wasn't their cup of tea XD There's ALWAYS somebody who would read, even if they don't comment.
I'm glad that people did read it - it must've been good! It sure is hard to know that people are reading stuff if they don't comment though.
no subject
Date: 2011-12-15 08:48 pm (UTC)Well, I don't know if it was good, I got only one comment from a person who isn't familiar with HP, but at least I had fun writing it *lol*
no subject
Date: 2011-12-15 09:16 pm (UTC)Well, I don't know if it was good, I got only one comment from a person who isn't familiar with HP, but at least I had fun writing it *lol*
I guess that is the most important thing then - that you enjoyed writing it!
no subject
Date: 2011-12-16 08:01 pm (UTC)Yup :D I love writing for my unpopular pairings. I keep hoping that people who ship them too will find them and we'll have fun squeeing together!