Last edited by author: Fri January 26, 2007 09:53:00   Edited 1 time.
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• My hug scene - off the top of my head. -- Theresa, 02:29:58 01/27/07 Sat
  • Inside... -- Theresa, 02:33:15 01/27/07 Sat
  • Oh, this is lovely, Theresa. You avoided the cliche phrases and focused on the emotion of the moment. Makes me want to read the rest of the fic. :) (NT) -- Pixie, 10:51:35 01/28/07 Sun
    • Thank you. I wonder if you could do the same with your scene. How explicit a scene is the story asking for? And yes, the story will ask for it's own scene. Do you have to go intense and passionate? Can you go with poetic innuendo? Is it really important to name body parts or positions? Sometimes it is very important, sometimes it isn't. What might be helpful is to categorize the love scene. Is this making any sense? My breakfast hasn't kicked in yet. Email me if you want and we can talk in more detail. (NT) -- Theresa - who has written more than her share of steamy scenes., 13:19:38 01/28/07 Sun
      • Check your email, Theresa. :) (NT) -- Pixie, 14:42:18 01/28/07 Sun
• Sorry, Pixie, this isn't the requested scene, but my two cents on the topic. See inside ... -- TK, 08:28:16 01/27/07 Sat
  • Most of the time, breaking a scene down doesn't work for me, either. (inside) -- Pixie, 10:57:37 01/28/07 Sun
• Not the requested scene -- usmgrad, 09:07:27 01/27/07 Sat
  • LOL! Glad I could help. And as to this part "I find it difficult to put these scenes in my head into words that someone else could read and understand..." I absolutely agree. And it's the same problem I've been fighting. Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone. :) (NT) -- Pixie, 10:58:58 01/28/07 Sun
• Discarded a few as too hackneyed - not so easy to write on demand. Funny, though, working from the prompts was so easy. I guess I'm not one of the "break it into small pieces" writers. Once I start, it just "writes itself" (most of the time). (NT) -- janlaw, 10:21:03 01/28/07 Sun
  • Not so easy to write, period. "Too hackneyed" is the problem exactly. I've felt like everything I was writing had been said a million different times and a million different ways and how the heck could I expect to make it new and fresh? (Inside) -- Pixie, 11:02:27 01/28/07 Sun
    • I have always been intrigued by the writer that can write about something familiar but not in the familar way. -- usmgrad, 17:53:07 01/28/07 Sun
• Okay, two hugs for one (sort of). A combination of Pixie's desired scene, the January HBX challenge and some gorgeous shoes Catmom emailed me about have coalesced. Inside. -- janlaw, 22:04:59 01/28/07 Sun
• Couldn't get this challenge out of my head, so here is my contribution ... -- TK, 07:59:19 01/29/07 Mon
  • *happy sigh* Thanks, TK. That's lovely. :) (NT) -- Pixie, 08:37:36 01/29/07 Mon
    • I wasn't at all sure, so I'm glad you approve. (NT) -- TK, 12:14:09 01/29/07 Mon
• I think the problem with writing love scenes-- and not make them read like sex scenes-- is that we are trying to put into words something that should render our characters speechless if they are doing it right and with the right partner. So to capture what they feel in words is almost a contradiction. That is why I agree that focusing on emotions keeps me in a scene I'm reading more than a description of body parts and sensations. Good authors find the right mix somehow and I marvel at their ability. I don't write many love scenes, but I like the hug challenge, and it gave me an excuse not to do my other work...lol. It was fun to read what everyone came up with! Here's my attempt-inside... -- manette, 16:54:10 01/29/07 Mon
• This has been an interesting discussion, lots to think about. Inside for my attempt at a hug between Harm and Mac. -- usmgrad, 23:56:46 01/29/07 Mon
  • Awww...This was nice. I especially like the next to last sentence. Sums them up nicely, I think. :) (NT) -- Pixie, 08:46:46 01/30/07 Tue

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• I was at a writing workshop for today, one for teaching expository writing to kids. One strong suggestion they made, and one that works for me, too, is to let it sit a bit ("a bit" was not defined) before editing or revising. This is helpful for revisions, but also for finding your own mistakes. For most people, when they read it right after they write it, they tend to see what they meant to say, not what they actually said. (NT) -- Deemus, 16:57:56 01/19/07 Fri
• I'm one of those that says once a story is finished, it's finished. I've made the same experiences with story writing as I have with papers for uni. I fiddle while I write. I mull over sentences, erase what I don't like, consult the thesaurus all the time, read and reread what I've written over and over again. (Inside) -- Colie, 17:47:23 01/19/07 Fri
• I usually post a story roughly ten minutes after I finish it. There are a few mistakes, but basically it's not too bad. I'll give it a few read overs, and that will be that. (NT) -- Theresa, 20:15:46 01/19/07 Fri
• I prefer to come back to a "finished" chapter or story after a day, proofread, edit, re-edit ....up to the deadline (self-imposed or Pixie-imposed). This may be because a great deal of my work involves editing and revising my staff's reports etc. - it's something I'm used to. If I post too quickly, I find errors or typos later. Everyone has to find her own comfort level. (NT) -- janlaw, 20:50:26 01/19/07 Fri
• I write and rewrite things as I go, so things only need minor tweaking when I'm done. If it's a short story, I'll probably finish it all at once, proofread it once or twice, and then post it right away because I can't wait! LOL If it's a longer story. I may take a few days to reread and make adjustments and make sure I don't have any continuity problems. I'm always anxious to get it posted, though, so I don't like to wait too long once it's done. (NT) -- JAG Junkie (Ronda), 12:15:43 01/20/07 Sat
• Of all the many, many papers I did at university, including grad school, I never had a paper finished a day before it had to be handed in. So I didn't have the luxury of letting it sit. I'd finish typing, do a quick proof read and edit, and run it off while I was dressing to leave. Somehow that worked. I'm definitely a person who needs a deadline, and I use every minute up. Same thing with fanfic (sorry Pixie!) Without a deadline that I commit to, I rarely write at all. (NT) -- Last minute Cece., 19:05:57 01/22/07 Mon
  • I guess that makes you a lot like Harm. You just need a deadline! LOL! (NT) -- JAG, 23:12:31 01/23/07 Tue
    • Oops! That would be me, JAG Junkie. (NT) -- JAG Junkie (Ronda)--hit enter too soon!, 23:13:17 01/23/07 Tue

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• I think any story that dealt with the personalities as we knew them and was an honest well written piece where they reacted believably within their characters to that given set of circumstances makes a good story. One that comes to mind is Soliels last story. Sorry cant remember the name and never got to read it all but she had H/M separated after We the People and coming back together nine years later. If thats what youre referring to I would find it acceptable. However I do not buy new actors as Kirk and Spock. They should leave it alone. (NT) -- Karen, 19:27:48 01/18/07 Thu
  • The story you mentioned is called "Someone You Once Knew;" it can be found on fanfiction.net. It's beautiful, but apparently was never completed, unfortunately. (NT) -- Colie, 10:03:44 01/19/07 Fri
    • Thanks a bunch. I loved that story and only saw a few chapters. I didnt think it had ever been finished. (NT) -- Karen, 22:21:15 01/19/07 Fri
• Several fan fiction stories have been written with Harm and Mac are retired. That story line is believable to me, I could see them pursuing other careers together. I could also see a story line that is the pre-JAG. The back story of each character before they were introduced to JAG. (NT) -- usmgrad, 22:31:10 01/18/07 Thu
• well- since I've written a few things that took in a somewhat alternat universe, I don't object to AU but I hated to shift too far from the characters we knew. I remember a story where Mac found herself transported back to the civil war era and Harm's ancestor was SO Harm even though he wasn't an ex-pilot, lawyer. It takes a good writer to pull off the 'essence' of the character in an odd situation. (NT) -- clk, 09:39:02 01/19/07 Fri
• I'll take any good story AU or not, that doesn't deviate from the established characters. (NT) -- Theresa, 20:21:26 01/19/07 Fri

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• My favorite opening line to a chapter, "Is that Bob Eubanks?" from Valerie's Sail Away. Later, H&M are talking about trust issues & Mac's past; Mac finishes the conversation with "the answer is yes, I will love you with all my heart, forever........even if right now I'm not quite sure how to get there." (NT) -- Melissa, momentaily popping out of lurkdom, 19:41:13 01/11/07 Thu
• I recently read a story that had a line that just hit the bullseye for me. Mac is speaking to Harm and it's crucial moment in their relationship. She says," . . .love me or leave me, but stop making me live in the middle. . .I can’t take it. My heart can’t take it anymore.” That line sums up so much of the actual show. What other scenes or lines caught you and wouldn't let go? (NT) -- Theresa, 12:54:43 01/12/07 Fri
  • Ooo, I remember that one. Great line! But I can't remember which story or author. Who was it? (NT) -- JAG Junkie (Ronda)--And I just can't think of any great lines right now. Maybe tomorrow when I've had time to detox from work. LOL, 19:29:14 01/12/07 Fri
    • It's "Love is the antidote to instincts" posted on FF.net (NT) -- Theresa, 04:29:57 01/14/07 Sun
• I tend to like stories for there overall affect. I rarely remember single lines. I also rarely go back and read old fanfic, but the ones I have are Darkness Descending by Vivian, Sail away by Valerie, Doing what you have to do by witezon, and one you wrote whose name escapes me and for which I'm still waiting for the sequel. When the show was still on i'd reread sherri's stuff, and manette's but I really don't read the fanfic anymore (NT) -- clk, 17:00:13 01/13/07 Sat
  • You named one I've enver read. Where is "Doing What You Have to do"? (NT) -- JAG Junkie (Ronda), 17:54:34 01/13/07 Sat
    • It's a mac centered story and I absolutely love it - even - if it is VERY unrealistic. And you don't have to be in the military to realize that. It's by witezon - according to Janlaw it's on the legacy archives. When I read it was either on exlibris or between the lines- I liked it so much, I printed it out and bound it and would take it on plane rides with me. LOL (NT) -- chris k, 21:11:45 01/13/07 Sat
      • Thanks! I'll check it out. (NT) -- JJ (Ronda), 21:38:56 01/13/07 Sat
  • What sequel are you waiting for from me chrisK? What's the story about? (NT) -- Theresa, 04:32:08 01/14/07 Sun
    • its the first story by you I ever read. the one where Harm can't have children - you told me you thought of a sequel some day where if I remember correctly, they adopt a little girl. Always thought that would be interesting. (NT) -- clk, 13:46:45 01/14/07 Sun
      • Oh, that's "Just to have you". Yeah, a sequel is still in the planning stages, but I'll get it done some day. Not sure if they will still be adopting or whatever it might be, but I'll work it out. I'm glad you liked it. (NT) -- Theresa, 23:32:09 01/14/07 Sun
• The one I keep coming back to is Silent Night - it's the setting and the lack of words that get me every time. In a story it's not really lines that I remember but feelings, I guess that's why I love Soleil stories and the one by Slippin' Mickeys. There's one that takes them throught their enter life to the end, I know what's coming but cry every time. I'll never be able to write like that, but I love to read it. (NT) -- usmgrad, 19:01:06 01/13/07 Sat
• IMO, anything by Aerogirl and Against the Wind by Sooz are the best fan fics out there. (NT) -- HF, 21:04:54 01/15/07 Mon
  • I forgot sooz wrote one about annapolis that I read more than once. (NT) -- clk, 22:00:42 01/15/07 Mon
• My very favorite fanfics are generally ones that "spoke" to me on an emotional plane as a whole rather than just lines or passages, but I do have a few: (1) Karen's Mobius Strip - Harm and Mac reconnect nearly 20 years after they parted in Dec 04: she asks him if he'd been truly happy and as he answers her his thought is "he couldn't tell her that he'd missed her friendship most of all." And, at the end of the story, after they connect/connect (y'all know what I mean) his thought - God help him, she was always the one he'd wanted the most. (2) Theresa's "Just to have You" - the final exchange between Mac and Harm - Mac: "I'd give it up (dream of having his child) 'just to have you.' and (inside due to overlength) -- janlaw, 22:47:38 01/15/07 Mon
• Whew! I do love this site! Not only do I pick up clues to stories I may have missed but I find confirmation of my own favorite choices. Some of these fanifics pierce my heart with sweet arrows. (NT) -- Peggy, 22:36:10 01/17/07 Wed

• Guessing at this: (used to know a United Airlines Captain many, many years ago--in a church setting!) My guess is that it's similar to addressing a college professor who's earned a PhD--professors with such credentials are usually addressed "Dr." only in conjunction with their area of expertise. In all other regards, it's "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Ms.", or "Miss", depending on the professor's personal preference. I can't imagine why it would be any different for airline pilots! (NT) -- highplainswoman, 06:32:49 12/24/06 Sun
  • Thanks HPW thats kind of what I thought too but if I was wrong I didnt want to offend any pilots or spouses of pilots when I use it. (NT) -- Karen, 14:27:18 12/24/06 Sun
    • Not really. We get lots of mail addressed to Captain and Mrs. It's a courtesy--it takes a lot of years to earn those stripes. It's the same as military officers off base. It's a courtesy to use someone's rank, especially if they are an 05 or over. Same with retired. They are still (senior officers) addressed by their rank--although most, in all cases will say, "Call me Joe." (NT) -- CM>^.,.^<, 15:56:20 12/24/06 Sun
      • If you can give me an example, I can tell you what would be more "correct." (NT) -- CM>^.,.^<, 15:57:29 12/24/06 Sun
      • Just re-read the question. If they're in uniform, it would be down right insulting to call them Mr/Miss/Ms. I've also never "gotten" why a PhD isn't "doctor" outside of work when an MD is. They spend as many years getting the degree, they are entitled to the respect it garners. I guess it's just one more way the for the "plain speaking" sorts to put down those they consider the "elites" (and they are not using the term as a compliment). (NT) -- CM>^.,.^< equally proud of her three "Doctor" bros, one PhD and two MD's, 16:07:48 12/24/06 Sun
        • Agree with you, by the way!! Think maybe the attitude goes back to the days when medical doctors were regarded almost like gods, ya think??? There might also be the matter of keeping social confusion/etticute (sp!) down to a minimum, maybe. Just theories. Don't really know! (NT) -- highplainswoman, 20:37:30 12/24/06 Sun
        • I used to live in a college town. All PhD's were called "Dr", on and off the job site. Unless they requested you call them by their first name. I think they felt they'd had as much education as a medical doctor so should be afforded the same courtesy. Or maybe it's because no one is more arrogant than a professor. LOL!! (NT) -- NanaSue, 17:53:43 12/29/06 Fri
          • It really depends on the particular institution and the geographical location. I have been at some colleges where all Ph.D's were called "Doctor" and some where none were addressed as "Doctor." For what it's worth, it seems like the farther south it was, the more likely it was that people were to be called "Mr." or "Ms." rather than "Doctor" unless they had a medical degree. (NT) -- Ann, 12:32:34 01/15/07 Mon
• Thank you both for the input. It was easy for me to apply incorect logic to a situation when I simply didnt know. Ive only been associated with two airline pilots and both were work related situations where the 'artificial friendliness' of the job required first name address. Exactly what I wanted to avoid was stepping on toes in my ignorance. I think I have what I need and thanks again (NT) -- Karen, 15:42:25 12/25/06 Mon

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• I wouldn't consider myself a reader whose primary interest is the 'shipper aspect, so I don't know that I fall into a particular "lover" category. Harm/Mac makes the most sense to me given the particulars of the series. I'm not particularly against specific parings so long as the characters are treated respectfully. (NT) -- BCKemp65, 08:05:07 01/12/07 Fri
• I consider myself the former....the shows canon was Harm & Mac, it ended with a declaration & proposal....Like BC said some *other* pairings don't bother me as long as the characters are treated with respect. I don't mind Harm/Jordan/Annie or even Mac/Webb/someone else as long as in order to achieve the pairing the other isn't hosed. Inside... -- Jennifer, 12:24:14 01/12/07 Fri
• I'm a harm/mac lover. They are the team. They come as a set. Which is why none of their other pairings on the show worked out. Everyone knew of their connection. It never made sense if someone is a Harm fan to bash Mac. Harm loves her, that is disrespectful to his character to bash her. And vice versa. I don't have to only reader stories with pairings though, some stories are pretty interesting just being case oriented. (NT) -- Theresa, 12:47:23 01/12/07 Fri
  • Sorry, that should be *read* not *reader* duh! (NT) -- Theresa, 12:48:37 01/12/07 Fri
• Concur with Theresa. the 'DD" are just that. (NT) -- janlaw, 11:47:07 01/13/07 Sat
• JJ: "Doing What You Have To Do" is by Witezon; it's on legaciesarchive.com. It's an excellent, albeit unrealistic, Mac-centric story (NT) -- janlaw, 20:32:20 01/13/07 Sat
  • Sorry - on the wrong thread! (NT) -- janlaw, 23:09:45 01/13/07 Sat

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• I don't know of any other site where LRM's stories are archived, but a friend recently forwarded all 4 parts of "These Arms of Mine" to me. If you'll email me I'll forward them to you. (NT) -- janlaw, 15:50:49 01/05/07 Fri
• LRM's stories -- dea, 11:41:38 01/06/07 Sat
• If it's not so much trouble I'd like to have them too (NT) -- Lucy, 01:43:45 01/11/07 Thu

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• inside -- lurker, 22:42:36 12/29/06 Fri
  • thanks, you actually answered two questions for me, but you're obviously more like me- you know the boat sinks!! LOL (NT) -- clk, 23:16:48 12/29/06 Fri
• Don't you know that the only stupid question is the one you don't ask?? Just teasing. If the author is one whose work I've enjoyed, I'd buy the book she writes. It might be hard, initially, to mentally separate the JAG fanfiction characters the author previously wrote about from the new original work, but I'd buy the book to read what she wrote and how she wrote it. Buying the book is based on my opinion of the author's talent as a JAG ff writer. I'd buy a second book by the author only if I enjoyed the first one. (NT) -- janlaw, 23:43:05 12/29/06 Fri
• I agree with lurker (above) that the reason for reading JAG fanfic is to linger a bit longer in the now-lost world of JAG. Therefore, a formerly JAG-based story that was "de-JAGged," so to speak, would not be interesting to me. However, if that author whose work I enjoyed wrote another book, with original characters, I'd very likely buy it. (NT) -- Deemus, 20:43:54 12/30/06 Sat
• You bet I'd read it! As someone who loves to write (and wishes I had more time to do so) I would love to see how the author goes about successfully de-fanficing the story and making it publishable on it's own. I don't care if I know how the story goes. I know how my favorite singer sings, and how my favorite song ends too, but it doesn't stop me from playing it over and over. (NT) -- Theresa, 02:00:17 12/31/06 Sun
• "Amen" to that, Theresa! (inside) -- highplainswoman, 07:00:34 12/31/06 Sun
• No, most likely not. Actually, I remember someone doing this in another fandom, with a story I had really enjoyed. The second version (posted online) was well-written, but the connection to the characters that had made the original story special was no longer there. I think that the elements that make a good fanfic don't necessarily add up to a good story, generally. There's a lot of characterization groundwork that a fanfic author can rely on, which a general fiction author would have to create from scratch. (NT) -- lska, 17:35:57 12/31/06 Sun
  • You're absolutely right - in order to use the same plot line -an author has to recreate a believable beginning. That's why fanfic is so much easiser than real fiction - the characters are already there with all their little nuances. All you have to do is tell a story. (NT) -- clk, 19:40:28 12/31/06 Sun
• No I wouldn't buy it unless the writer was a personal friend. Then I'd buy and read it out of loyalty, and as all my personal friend writers are great, then I'd probably enjoy it. However... (inside) -- Cece, 18:31:02 01/01/07 Mon
• If I really liked the author e.g. I would consider buying a book even with the JAG characters removed but the new characters would have to be written in such a way that I would become as invested in them as I did H & M. I wouldn't rule it out. (NT) -- svh, 13:56:25 01/07/07 Sun
• If I was the author of the FF, I'd call a lawyer who specialized in intellectual property rights. (NT) -- clr, 20:33:33 01/08/07 Mon
  • I think the post was talking about an author doing this to their own story. (NT) -- kjj, 20:59:02 01/08/07 Mon

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• Hi, you can find it on the Legacies archive under the name LRM. In case you don't have the link to the Archive, the direct link is ( or should be^^): http://www.legaciesarchive.com/Stories/Permanent/onightdivine/onightdivine01.htm (NT) -- Samartyne, 12:53:38 12/11/06 Mon
• reply to Samartyne -- dea, 14:15:38 12/11/06 Mon
• another question -- dea, 14:23:32 12/11/06 Mon
• Yes, LRM used to have a website, but either it was moved or taken down, as the url I have in my bookmarks, does not work anymore. But it was "http://members.shaw.ca/pigeonlakenews/JAG.htm" Maybe you'll recognize it. :) Oh, and I think there are more stories by LRM on Legacies. But better check it out for yourself. :) (NT) -- Samartyne, 14:32:35 12/11/06 Mon
• thanks (NT) -- dea, 15:44:52 12/11/06 Mon
• LRM's stories -- Ninjababe, 07:09:44 01/03/07 Wed

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• well - one of my favorites is actually the one that started a near cyber war - It was a temporary Harm/jen fic and the reason I loved it is because it was such a challenge trying to figure out how to make them do something so extremely out of character and still stay mostly in character. Of course - the happy shipper sequel was fun too. - I think my favorites seem to be linked with ones I had more fun writing. I loved the Times of his Life - I had so much fun changing things around and playing ups Buds interest in Star Trek. I loved That was then this is now, it was fun working with my friend's wonderful ideas.... (NT) -- clk, 09:12:01 12/14/06 Thu
• Wow, didn't realize so many people would be shy about their stories. Especially when I know we would jump at the chance to say how proud we are of our kids. This isn't much different. My favorite and the one I'm most proud of as a stand alone story is "Truths". I think I'm most proud over all, of the 50 Ways series, just because I actually finished it. LOL (NT) -- Theresa, 03:28:41 12/15/06 Fri
  • that brings to mind an entirely different class of stories- the thank God I finally finished this thing!!! I had a couple of those that I often stopped halfway and thought this just stinks- LOL - someone would encourage me on - and kicking and screaming I'd drag the rest of the story out from somewhere . Two that come to mind that were like that was Shadows from the past and Second Degree- and interestingly enough they seemed to get some of the biggest fan response. as a matter of fact, I think one of those was voted to legacy or for a fanfic award or something and it seriously almost never got finished it was so hard to write. LOL (NT) -- clk, 09:44:47 12/15/06 Fri
• Tough question. For sheer fun, I guess I'd say "Garden Party." But the story that is probably the one I'm most proud of is "How I Spent My Summer Vacation," partly because I heard from several people who had lived with PTSD and loved the story, saying that it had really had an impact on them in a positive way. (NT) -- Ann, 13:08:21 12/15/06 Fri
  • Ann, I love your stories. All of them. I think my favorite is, "What Were You Thinking?" This was the best wrap up of the Paraguay mess that I've read. You handled all the characters fairly and consistently, and wrote an exciting story as well. Great job. Are you still writing Jag fan fic? (NT) -- Harmfan, 17:18:22 12/15/06 Fri
    • Thank you so much for the kind words. I have written a few short stories in the past six months. I wrote for the first ficathon and I wrote one in the Christmas ficathon. Unfortunately, my jobs have been so demanding lately that I don't have much time to write. (NT) -- Ann, 12:13:33 12/16/06 Sat
• I guess my favorite would be "Keep the Home Fires Burning." It's the longest I've written and I really enjoyed writing it--so much that I'm thinking of tweaking it some more. I wrote it over a year ago and I think (I hope) I'm a better writer now than I was then. I had some bad habits that I'd like to go back and fix. Plus, I recently had some additional scenes come to me that I'd like to incorporate--including more scenes with Keeter. (NT) -- JAG Junkie (Ronda)--maybe after the holidays I'll have time to tackle it., 20:59:49 12/15/06 Fri
  • Some of my other favorites are Valentine Surprise and The Substitute, which I recently tweaked and sent to Cece to archive. Cece, I know you're busy and far behind, but let me know if you didn't get it. (NT) -- JJ (Ronda), 21:04:39 12/15/06 Fri
    • JJ, I didn't get your stories. That's weird, as I've never had a problem with your email. They might have gone straight to spam. Sorrrrwwweee. (NT) -- Cece, 07:45:34 12/20/06 Wed
      • I just sent it to your shaw.ca address. Is that the right one? I had to dig to find an address because I lost part of my address book when my main hard drive crashed. Let me know if you still didn't get it. (NT) -- JJ (Ronda), 08:07:19 12/20/06 Wed
• I have a few favorites but I guess my first favorite is Mobius Strip. Written at a time when there didnt seem any way out of the mess it seemed to me to be a reasonable alternative solution and it let me play with a character so many admire but few write into their stories. It also afforded me the reason to visit Annapolis twice...for research purposes of course. (NT) -- Karen, 22:25:59 12/15/06 Fri
• Ever since this post has been up, I've been trying to figure it out, but I can't say - I've only written a few stories (nothing really long and involved), and only started writing about half a year ago, so I'm still sorta in that stage where I look at my stories and think, hm, did *I* really write that? I tend to like the most recently finished story the most, but I guess overall, I'm still lacking some distance to my stories, and am unable to judge them objectively towards their quality (as far as one can judge one's own work objectively). (NT) -- Colie, 16:56:21 12/16/06 Sat
• I 've been trying to decide if a personal favorite should also be what I'm proud of; of if "pride" should be linked to readers' reactions. Then, I hve to sort out stories co-written with highplainswoman and those I wrote myself! Like Colie, there aren't that many posted; more are WIPs or still in my head. I'm not sure a favorite can be something as yet unwritten (in the sense that fingers haven't touched keyboard)! (NT) -- janlaw, 18:28:56 12/16/06 Sat
• This is hard--but I'll say Dumb Luck for silliness--or Fallback Guy...for short things-- Long Gone --one of the HBX challenges. (NT) -- manette, 13:53:22 12/17/06 Sun

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• Here it is: http://www.voy.com/207917/ (NT) -- Ann, 20:17:09 12/16/06 Sat
  • thanks!! (NT) -- skyred, 13:12:22 12/17/06 Sun

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• Thanks for all that you've done, Pixie. The stories are wonderful, even better than the first ficathon (and I thought those were pretty good!). We'll be glad to read 'em as you post 'em. (NT) -- Deemus, 20:54:23 12/12/06 Tue
• No need to apologize, Pixie. Not to worry, we'll read'em as you post 'em, whenever you post'em. Legacies too. (NT) -- janlaw, 21:19:27 12/12/06 Tue
• Pixie, if anybody doesn't understand seasonal demands at this time of year, among other things, said individuals are "insensitive"--and that's the kind word for it!! (NT) -- highplainswoman, 05:39:46 12/13/06 Wed
• I think I like it better this way Pixie. It adds to the anticipation! Take your time girl, you're doing this all as a favor for us, and we appreciate it. (NT) -- Theresa, 12:16:39 12/13/06 Wed
• One a night is just fine. Any more and I couldn't keep up! (NT) -- JAG Junkie (Ronda), 19:58:42 12/13/06 Wed
• Pixie - please don't apologize! The many things you do for us fans is beyond words! (NT) -- Peggy, 13:15:54 12/14/06 Thu
• I appreciate all your hard work. I was concerned about you and am glad to know its seasonal demands and nothing more sinister. (NT) -- Hollyjp, 18:08:40 12/14/06 Thu
• Please don't worry. You are doing a wonderful work. Thank's (NT) -- GRa, 19:21:10 12/14/06 Thu

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• Inside... -- Laurie, 02:32:19 11/26/06 Sun
• Moving on to other things (inside) -- Laurie, 02:34:12 11/26/06 Sun
• A final few ramblings -- (inside) -- Laurie, 02:37:56 11/26/06 Sun
• I will say up front, I did not know what story was being referred to below, and I don't know your story. (Inside.) -- Cece, 04:47:01 11/26/06 Sun
  • Sorry, I mispelt "approbation." It was a typo, and not done out of ignorance. (NT) -- Cece, 04:48:25 11/26/06 Sun
    • Shoot, I misspelt, misspelt....LOL. Or I should do it the American way, "misspelled." (NT) -- British Cece, 04:49:54 11/26/06 Sun
• Laurie, I appreciate you addressing this issue. Inside... -- Theresa, 15:30:02 11/26/06 Sun
  • Theresa, this response is the best so far, on the topic. I think you've covered it all, particularly with your point about the synopsis. (NT) -- Cece, 17:29:43 11/26/06 Sun
  • I'm with Theresa and Cec. INSIDE -- CM>^.,.^<, 12:46:26 11/29/06 Wed
  • Speaking personally.... -- Heather Aster (aka, The Chief), 10:28:11 12/13/06 Wed
• If you hadn't told me you were a Harm fan I wouldn't have been able to tell it from this story. The things you conjured up to subject him to were much worse than anything Mac ever did to him on the show. It seemed more about your disdain for her character than love for his and that's fine if it's what you want to write. I just wish author's would be honest --instead of hiding behind the We love Harm banner write under the We hate Mac one and that way everyone knows what to expect. (NT) -- Robbie, 18:11:26 11/26/06 Sun
• I feel as if I'm in a somewhat silent minority on the topic of this story in particular and warnings in general (more inside) -- TK, 12:29:00 11/27/06 Mon
• Laurie, I read this story, and yes, it was disturbing, but after all, it's fiction about fiction - inside -- wolfeylady, 13:03:17 11/27/06 Mon
• I don't care that much about warnings. I'm quite capable of deciding if I want to read a story by myself..but your sarcasm (your words) about readers who want them so they don't waste their time got my attention. INSIDE -- manette, 14:00:54 11/27/06 Mon
  • No, I didn't mean to imply that I'm owed an expenditure of time from a reader because of the time I choose to put into a story. (going inside) -- Laurie, 22:44:46 11/27/06 Mon
• I agree with what TK & Wolfeylady said. Laurie, you are an excellent writer. I wish you would not let a few comments to discourage you. (inside) -- Sunset, 00:22:12 11/28/06 Tue
  • I generally try to stick to the show's canon and therefore don't sit down and write a story with the intent to 'bash Mac' as one poster suggested. (NT) -- Laurie, 18:40:35 11/28/06 Tue
    • Where in the show's cannon does it suggest Mac would do these things to Harm? Let's see no where. You may not believe they belong together or Harm deserves better, but doesn't mean she would do such awful things. There are times I don't think Harm deserved Mac, but since he grew up late in life he turned his life around enough to deserve her. Even then I wouldn't believe he would do evil things to her. You and Vid should get together to write a story. OOC and bashing is your both best techniques in writing. (NT) -- Annoymous2, 12:25:56 11/29/06 Wed
      • "OOC and bashing is your both best techniques in writing." This was out of line, Anonymous2. I realize you feel strongly about this, but we don't attack authors here. You don't have to agree with what Laurie's done, but that doesn't mean she doesn't have the right to write it. As far as whether or not she stays within canon, she's said that she tries, and since, in her trying, she's being true to *her* interpretation of canon, I don't see that it's fair for you to judge whether she's accomplished her goal or not. (NT) -- Pixie, 13:49:00 11/29/06 Wed
        • Can you tell me where there is any basis for what she had Mac do in her story in show cannon? The show showed exactly the opposite. She would put herself in danger to keep Harm safe. Unless someone can prove to me her "cannon" is believable. It is undoubtedly way out of character and bashing because no one who likes a character would have them do those things. (NT) -- Annoymous2, 16:33:59 11/29/06 Wed
          • I think you've missed my point. I didn't mean to imply that I agreed (or disagreed for that matter) with Laurie's interpretation of canon. I only meant to say that if *she* believes she's within *her* perception of what canon is, then it's not for us to argue. After all, we don't live inside her head. ;) (NT) -- Pixie, 17:25:30 11/29/06 Wed
      • Do you always post as Anonymous2? Or only for this topic? I hope you didn't change your name just for this issue. If so, that doesn't seem quite right. (NT) -- Laurie, 20:30:11 11/29/06 Wed
        • Can you prove your point? Where in canon does it show this evil violent Mac side? I don't think you would recognize me under a different name anyways. (NT) -- Annoymous2, 09:06:52 11/30/06 Thu
        • Apropos of nothing, Annoymous2 isn't posting as "Anonymous." I misread the name also. (NT) -- Cece...intrigued by the name., 02:55:25 12/02/06 Sat
          • Annoymous the first one isn't me, and I didn't want anyone to think we were. I wouldn't anyone to think I'm some other poster. It would not be nice to the other person who I agree with on many points. (NT) -- Annoymous2, 10:59:08 12/04/06 Mon
• It never ceases to amaze me that people ignore warnings, read stories that upset them and then blame the author for their decision to keep reading. Why not just close the page and move on? I happen to think that this author is a talented story teller, who researches exhaustively. Some of her stories are more to my liking than others, but she's got the right to write whatever she likes. We can all make the individual decision to read or not. (NT) -- Harmfan, 17:42:54 11/28/06 Tue
  • Does that apply when the warning is not sufficient, and the violence comes quickly and shockingly in a story that is for the most part not violent? (NT) -- Theresa, 21:23:19 11/28/06 Tue
    • Sure. If the violence comes "quickly" as you say, then you have the good fortune of not having invested much time in reading the story. Simply click and close the page. Like a grown up. Take responsibility for your own choices. Don't dictate to others what they can and can't read. In point of fact, I think this particular warning was abundantly clear. Violence, character death. All clearly labeled before you access the story. (NT) -- Harmfan, 00:21:44 11/29/06 Wed
      • Actually the warning didn't say any of those things, so you must not have read the warning as you claim. It said she writes angst & doesn't feel it's her job to warn people. The violence comes at the 'END' of a very 'LONG' story, so there isn't a chance to 'get out' without investing 'much time.' And NO I'm not one of those who complained to Pixie, but I did comment on the post below. (NT) -- Anonymous, 07:48:04 11/29/06 Wed
        • Here's what it says before you open the story. I would consider this a very thorough warning. "A very angsty story with a character death and lack of a happy ending, so beware." It's AO,as well. You need a password to access the story. I consider this to be adequate. If you choose to read, you should accept the consequences. You can always close the page! (NT) -- Harmfan, 11:45:56 11/29/06 Wed
          • The warning you're quoting wasn't from the author, but from the submitter to the Legacy site (why do I think that's you?). The author's warning was as I listed above. I unfortunately read this story on a yahoo site not knowing what I was getting into & the author's warning was far from adequate. As for the AO, that was changed after all this hoopla--the story was originally posted to the general site. Maybe you should the posts from below to 'get up to speed.' (NT) -- Anonymous, 11:53:16 11/29/06 Wed
            • That's true. The warning and password protection came after all of this. The authors warning simply says she doesn't think she has to do a warning and it's angsty. And what I mean by the violence coming quickly, wasn't that it was close to the beginning of the story, rather that it happened at a fast and shocking pace when it did occur. There were very few if any warning signs that something like that was going to happen. I don't remember dictating anything to anyone. I asked a simple question. Maybe you should get all the facts before you post. And stop taking cheap shots at others about being a grown up. (NT) -- Theresa, 13:29:24 11/29/06 Wed
              • Minor correction, Theresa. The warning was part of the nomination and posted with the nominee from the very beginning. It's only the rating that was changed. The person who submitted the nomination evidently felt that more warning was needed than what the author chose to include and acted accordingly. (NT) -- Pixie, 13:57:41 11/29/06 Wed
                • Sorry. I only meant to point out that the warning was not posted by the author, so it's not relevant to what we're discussing here, as we're talking about warnings being posted or not being post in the author's notes by the author when a story is published. Sorry for the slight error. (NT) -- Theresa, 14:14:25 11/29/06 Wed
                  • No worries. I was just setting the record straight. I appreciate your point of view on the issue. I've just kept quiet because I can see both sides of the discussion. :) (NT) -- Pixie, 14:33:31 11/29/06 Wed
      • I think that by "quickly" she meant "suddenly", instead of early in the story, since that is the way the story unfolded. At least, that's how I interpreted it. (NT) -- JJ (Ronda), 08:01:35 11/29/06 Wed
        • So.... when you come to the part of the story that offends or bothers you in some way.... do you just keep reading to exercise your sense of ire? I read the story a long time ago, didn't remember exactly when the violence occurs, but still make the same point. Don't read what you don't like. The author owes us nothing. We haven't paid for this, and she's not compensated in any way. Don't read the story if you don't like it, but don't whine about it if you access an AO story with warning about angst and character death and get exactly what was promised. (NT) -- Harmfan, 11:50:37 11/29/06 Wed
          • Again, it was only put in the AO section after all of this came to light. Many people read the story before it was ever put on the Legacies website, and it had no real warning, except the author saying she doesn't believe in warnings. The points we are make are right and valid as those of us who are responding read the story before there was a warning issued. The only person I see whining is you. The author owes us nothing but common courtesy as fellow human beings. It's not courteous to post a story for others to enjoy without a warning. If she doesn't want to post a warning it's her perogative. Just as it's ours to say that we don't appreciate no warning. (NT) -- Theresa, 13:36:45 11/29/06 Wed
• Response to "Three Sisters" -- highplainswoman, 19:34:43 11/28/06 Tue
• I'd like to publicly concede on one aspect of all of this. Going back and looking at what information I provided about the content of 'Three Sisters' I should have included 'exteme violence'. I'm apoloize for not doing so. It likely would have saved you, me, us a lot of turmoil. I am going to append that clarification to the version of the story posted at my website. (NT) -- Laurie, 20:39:36 11/29/06 Wed
  • Arghh! That's 'extreme' not 'exteme'. (NT) -- Laurie, 20:41:20 11/29/06 Wed
  • Go inside for what I ended up putting on my website version. -- Laurie, 20:55:07 11/29/06 Wed
    • Laurie, you have shown a lot of integrity by updating the warning to your story based on constructive criticism. That takes guts and maturity. Kudos to you. You seem like a decent and creative person, so I wish I had an interest in this type of drama so I could get to know your writing better. I won't be reading this story, but if you had one that was "action" as opposed to "violence" I might be interested. (NT) -- Heather Aster, 10:38:52 12/13/06 Wed

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• Hi Samartyne :) Please check your email. The answer to your question should be there now. :) (NT) -- Pixie, 18:25:57 12/10/06 Sun
  • Thank you very much, Pixie! You're the best! :) (NT) -- Samartyne, 12:31:50 12/11/06 Mon
• Hey, Samartyne! That would be me! Click my name to e-mail me... (NT) -- Heather Aster, 09:53:52 12/13/06 Wed

Last edited by author: Sat November 18, 2006 20:33:59   Edited 1 time.
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• Several years into the series, I was accessing the RL Navy JAG website for work and "somehow " stumbled into an episode guide, from there I followed links ....lurked for years ...the rest is history/herstory. The Rose Garden site is where I first read fanfic, as I recall. I "wrote" for years in my mind before putting fingers to keyboard. (NT) -- janlaw, 20:36:55 11/18/06 Sat
• I don't remember my first FF but the first sites I went were Exlibiris, underc0vers and BTL. I was searching for easy things to read and learn regular English vocabulary. When I discovered FF my passion for Jag was deep stuck with me so FF in English+ Jag= win/win situation.Today FFs are a way to enjoy reading. I was an eager reader from my childhood. I did read comics, books of old English literature, novels, the better of Spanish literature too but the last years the good but easy FFs were for my stressed mind. (NT) -- GRa, 21:36:59 11/18/06 Sat
• I remember vividly, because it was only a few months ago: I still hadn't seen the series finale and was desperately trying to find out what happened, when I stumbled across fanfiction.net (I didn't even know such a thing as fanfiction existed - under what rock had I been living?!) and was hooked immediately. The first story I read was Second Wind (waves to Janlaw & Highplainswoman: Thank you, it was fantastic!!). And only two weeks later, I had an idea and thought I'd give writing a shot, so my first little shipper story was born. I've been addicted ever since!!! (NT) -- Colie, 05:11:12 11/19/06 Sun
• First exposure to fan fiction (inside, please!) -- highplainswoman (Smile), 06:41:56 11/19/06 Sun
• The first stories I read were the "revisited episode" stories at the old Rose Garden site. I was immediately hooked. Then, while there, I stumbled across the 2002? or 2003? fanfiction awards list and went searching for more. I read Valerie Jones' "Sail Away" and I was blown away! Then, using that awards list, I searched for the authors who had won a lot, and devoured everything they had written: aerogirl, daenar, Valerie Jones, Kim Knipp. I've been obsessed ever since! (NT) -- JAG Junkie (Ronda), 12:55:57 11/19/06 Sun
• A story by Dancer was the first thing I read. I'd never heard of fanfic before, but I was intrigued with the idea. Thanks, Dancer! (NT) -- manette, 16:39:29 11/19/06 Sun
• I have no idea what the first story was that I read. I knew about fanfiction from other fandoms and went looking for JAG fanfiction. The first places I went were Fanfiction.net, BTL, Ex Libris, and yahoo groups. I started writing at about the same time, mainly because I couldn't find enough Mac centered stories. I had written for another fandom before JAG. (NT) -- lobsterdoc, 12:14:12 11/20/06 Mon
• I think I started reading fanfic about four years ago. Adrift 1 had aired on USA (back then I couldn't get CBS!) and I was left wondering is Harm would make it.... Inside for the whole story -- Hollyjp, 19:30:04 11/20/06 Mon
• I got started on stories by authors who were also writing in another fandom I was reading. It was Jean Helms' "Cor Ad Cor Loquitor" first, soon followed by Spider's stories. They're still some of my favorites. (NT) -- lska, 23:36:44 11/20/06 Mon
• I'm not sure if it was the first ff I read, but one of the earliest was the "Can't Fight This Feeling" series by Tracy M. (now Tracy Jean). That's what reeled me in. (NT) -- C.J., 11:21:54 11/21/06 Tue
• I think I first started reading on fanfiction.net, cuz I was already familiar with that site. Don't remember what I read, but I remember that I thought most of them were out of character and had Mac crying in every scene. Lucky me, cuz the first fic I really remember reading is Sooz's Shadowland. It's long, dramatic, romantic and well written. It's a story I've reread many times, and it's still one of my favorite fics. And after I had devoured pretty much everything on BTL, I found the Harmyboard and its archive (which still is the first site I check when I turn on the computer). And eventually I found Legacies, which I absolutely adore. (thank you Pixie!) (NT) -- Ava, 16:38:36 11/24/06 Fri
• The first FFs I read were pretty bad works. I won't tell whose it was out of respect for the author, but Pixie probably recalls what I mean. ;) What really got me hooked were stories by my favourite authors, like Daenar, AG, Siamese Cat etc. Oh, and of course the VS, which is how I discovered Pixie's stories, I think. :) I have high standards with stories, but those people met them. And there are more that I really enjoy, too, of course! :) (NT) -- Samartyne, 14:29:10 12/11/06 Mon

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• For me, it definitely depends on the story. When I write vignettes, it's usually because a scene popped into my head but didn't bring along any plot buddies. :) On longer stories (especially those based on historical events, like "Flashpoint"), I tend to do a lot of research. (NT) -- Pixie, 09:57:16 12/03/06 Sun
• A short piece, especially one based on an episode, generally just plays out in my mind before fingers touch keyboard. A longer, multi-chapter story also is substantially completed mentally before being written. However, there's a downside - I've found that when I take an inordinate amount of time to mentally "perfect" a scene or some dialog before hitting the keyboard, I've forgotten some of the detail I'd previously decided on! Inside due to overlength. -- janlaw, 14:23:42 12/03/06 Sun
• I'm the same as janlaw. Most things work themselves out in my head before I ever get them down on "paper". I'll come up with some great dialog while driving, taking a shower, etc, and, unfortunately, I'll forget some of it before I can get it down. With longer stories, I tend to write down an outline and fill in scenes or dialog as they come to me. That way I can work on any part of the story in my head and then write it down long before I actually get to that part in my writing. (NT) -- JAG Junkie (Ronda)--hoping that made sense. I didn't sleep well last night., 14:39:48 12/03/06 Sun
• Mainly scenes pop into my head, sometimes fully formed. For longer stories, I often try to fit a story around a few of these scenes that come out of nowhere. Wish it was more controlled and meticulous. I don't have time to do much research so I stay away from topics I don't know anything about. (NT) -- lobsterdoc, 17:54:48 12/03/06 Sun
• Re-read Flashpoint, Pixie - great story! Theresa, a major "thank you" for the post that began this thread - I continued to reuminate over my response after logging out and while making a Commissary run, particularly how I try to set stories in places I'd been, utilize cases I'd worked ...all of a sudden - in my head - there was a fully formed sub-plot I need but hadn't been able to come up with for use in the sequel (alas, still being outlined mentally) to Second Wind! (NT) -- janlaw, 19:01:33 12/03/06 Sun
  • Glad I could aid in your inspiration. Can't wait to read it. (NT) -- Theresa, 20:53:11 12/03/06 Sun
• I've finally realized I'm a total "pantser". That is, I write by the seat of my pants. (Inside.) -- Cece, 15:17:56 12/04/06 Mon
  • Inside Cece... -- Theresa - Who needs food., 16:05:56 12/04/06 Mon
    • Pantsters is actually a common term in the writing world - there are pantsters verses plotters. The plotters rely heavily on some type of storyboarding and the pantsters sit down and start typing. Though I couldn't tell you off the top of my head which best selling authors are pantsters - I can say there are an awful lot of them. I just read a Scottish historical called a Thief in a Kilt by Sandy Blair - it's the third in a series and she's a pantster - I too am a pantster - I get an idea what if... and then start writing and am often amazed at what happens to my characters!! LOL (NT) -- clk, 09:41:19 12/06/06 Wed
      • Thanks for the info clr. I didn't know how to spell it and now I do. I only just heard of the term a few months ago, from manette. I'm hoping that I'll be able to write more, now that I see that my expectations of being a plotter, have held me back. I'm hoping my typewriter keys will show me where to go. Of course, I might just crash and burn....lol. (NT) -- Cece, 14:49:14 12/06/06 Wed
        • I think some of the best stories I've ever read are from pantsters. Because the characters lead them, and the anticipation the author has is as real as the reader. No one knows what's going to happen until the end of the story. (NT) -- Theresa, 15:09:01 12/06/06 Wed
• I'm a pantser with a bit of plotter thrown in as I get deeper into a story...but I never have the whole thing worked out ahead of time. That's why sometimes it feels like jumping off the diving board and not knowing if there is any water in the swimming pool...lol (NT) -- manette, 15:26:55 12/07/06 Thu
• I'm a super plotter. In my wide (two stories!) experience, I found I did lots of thinking and figuring in my head, but the first things I wrote were scattered ideas, then a timeline. I added details, and had the whole line all plotted out before I typed a word of actual text. Of course, whether it actually worked well is debatable.... (NT) -- Deemus, 17:09:14 12/08/06 Fri

• Haven't heard from her since an email on Tuesday; she'd said she planned a story a day - maybe 2 a day for the holiday ficathon; also, legacies didn't have any new nominees yesterday (Wednesday). PIXIE -- where art thou - hope Tinkerbell didn't sprinkle pixie dust and make you invisible?? Perhaps power is out or computer is down. (NT) -- janlaw, 10:56:12 12/07/06 Thu
  • I just got my Internet back. They're laying new water line down at the corner and somebody cut the cable. No phone, Internet, or cable tv for 18 hours. Yeesh! Look for a new ficathon story early this evening, Legacies (hopefully) this afternoon. (NT) -- Pixie, 12:13:11 12/07/06 Thu

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• I'm 99.9% sure the answer is no. Because in What It, H/M got together after Sydney, and they never went to Paraguay. Therefore, he never got fired from the CIA and worked as a cropduster, therefore never meeting Mattie. (NT) -- JAG Junkie (Ronda), 06:40:42 12/04/06 Mon
• It depends on what you mean by Mattie being with Harm in "What If?" - if you mean was she in his vision of what would have happened if he and Mac had gotten together in Sydney, no, she wasn't in his daydream. She was in his custody at that point, however. (NT) -- Ann, 07:13:56 12/04/06 Mon
  • Thanks!! The last part of your answer is what I was looking for!! (inside) -- jhighplainswoman, 18:38:16 12/05/06 Tue

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• I'm still waiting for a few stories to come in. My intention is to start posting them either tomorrow (Sunday) or Monday. Watch for announcements here and on the HBX. (NT) -- Pixie, 12:54:16 12/02/06 Sat