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arrow00Well, considering I spent painful hours writing about my own writing for my recent Fannish Year in Review, I felt it was only due justice to make the writers of some of my fave stories of last year squirm in equal embarrassment.
I'll start with dS. I don't have time to read that much (the problem with reading is you can't write at the same time. And right now Fraser is three-kinds-of-pining in my current; I think he's losing weight and everything.) So, it's funny that, even if a story is making me secretly flip the bird at my computer screen (usually the result of some character bias that makes one of the guys look like a complete asshole/wussy), I still almost always will continue reading until the bitter end, resulting in torment of the kind that makes me wish for a bright red bumpersticker: BAD FICTION HURTS.
But good fiction hurts much, much better. And in that spirit, I give you ten creations that definitely rocked my socks last year, and why. There were tons more that did--because jesus we have an excellent, prolific fandom--so this list is defiantly random (me poking through bookmarks.)
With no further ado:
Ten Stories/Vids of 2007 That Made Arrow Make a Wee
(in no particular order so don't get your panties in a bunch)
After by ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
spuffyduds (F/K, NC-17)
Admittedly this was a (very precious) gift to me, but that's not why I'm reccing it; it's just why I found it. The story has brilliant RayK headvoice with a loopy, sideways edge that still somehow manages to impart tremendous emotion at the same time. By the way, though this is a deathfic, it's uh, well. I won't give it away. But read it--you sure the hell won't be sorry.
In Which Tradition is Not So Stultifying by green_grrl (F/K, NC-17)
Because Fraser. In a kilt. In a *very* traditional manner. Throwing weights (and apparently, Ray) around. Terrific Ray voice, too ("man-purse"), making for a very hot, satisfying read.
Pour Some Sugar On Me vid by sdwolfpup (Fraser, rated hot)
This burned my brain a little, or maybe that frying sound was my gonads. Fraser looking about as hot as you can imagine; hot enough, even, to make me enjoy a Def Leppard song, for crying out loud.
Long Road (Long Ride Home) by brooklinegirl (F/K/V, NC-17)
I don't usually read trio stories because they always seem to end up with Fraser sent off to the dry cleaners while the Rays work out how sexy they find each other. But this one gives all three characters a terrific arc, and RayV's journey is so believable and painfully true. Think of RayV moaning about his suit, and that's how he goes about completely turning his life around--reluctantly and full of self-delusion about how much he hates it, but ultimately is so damned happy to. Anyway, I loved this story like a bottle of rich wine.
After the Nile by joandarck (F/K, NC-17)
The Nile is long and so worth the journey, full of delicious moments and a Maggie you just have to love spending time with. The guys are complicated and their relationship as a result is not simple, and there are crazed plots, and virtue, unspotted and otherwise, and table thumping, and it's just worth every word.
Dark is a Way and Light is a Place by j_s_calvacante (F/K, NC-17)
Because I learn so much about Ray that I wanted to, and he is cruel, but with reason, and Fraser is good--he's just dangerous enough for Ray to let him in.
Wind From the South by nos4a2no9 (F/K, PG-13)
This story tore me to pieces. Not for the faint of heart, but the sheer simple beauty of the scenes and the emotion will knock you on your ass. There is a balanced rightness to Fraser's pain and the ultimate resolution. The language is pure craft.
Scratch, Scratch by risacooper (F/K, PG)
It's Ray and a black T-shirt and whisky and...Lucky Charms? Ray made Fraser promise no more crazy shit but those yellow marshmallows will get you every time.
Out From Under by brigantine1 (F/K, NC-17)
A due South/Men with Guns crossover, and considering I don't even know what MWG is, I was pretty surprised to be wowed off my feet (I mean, brigantine wrote it so I read it, I'm not an idiot, but in general I don't go for crossovers.) Anyway, Ray here is so deliciously tough but broken, and Fraser is obstinate and fragile and deluded about it. Dief is a wonder. The plot is twisty and the voices are strong like a really strong thing--tension cable, maybe.
Decorating With Antlers Is Never a Good Sign by slidellra (F/K, NC-17)
Fraser is the best kind of oblivious in this long fic, and Ray! in eyeliner! is in the hysterical (crack!) denial. Hot (cuffed) sex and gut-funny banter/humor that is perfectly them. This story is like beef stroganoff or something. It can't be good for me.
Okay, that's it for now, except this post has really given me a taste for reccing (since it leads inevitably to the reading) so I think I'll keep doing it in future. Next up: Sentinel Recs.
I'll start with dS. I don't have time to read that much (the problem with reading is you can't write at the same time. And right now Fraser is three-kinds-of-pining in my current; I think he's losing weight and everything.) So, it's funny that, even if a story is making me secretly flip the bird at my computer screen (usually the result of some character bias that makes one of the guys look like a complete asshole/wussy), I still almost always will continue reading until the bitter end, resulting in torment of the kind that makes me wish for a bright red bumpersticker: BAD FICTION HURTS.
But good fiction hurts much, much better. And in that spirit, I give you ten creations that definitely rocked my socks last year, and why. There were tons more that did--because jesus we have an excellent, prolific fandom--so this list is defiantly random (me poking through bookmarks.)
With no further ado:
(in no particular order so don't get your panties in a bunch)
spuffyduds (F/K, NC-17)Admittedly this was a (very precious) gift to me, but that's not why I'm reccing it; it's just why I found it. The story has brilliant RayK headvoice with a loopy, sideways edge that still somehow manages to impart tremendous emotion at the same time. By the way, though this is a deathfic, it's uh, well. I won't give it away. But read it--you sure the hell won't be sorry.
green_grrl (F/K, NC-17)Because Fraser. In a kilt. In a *very* traditional manner. Throwing weights (and apparently, Ray) around. Terrific Ray voice, too ("man-purse"), making for a very hot, satisfying read.
sdwolfpup (Fraser, rated hot)This burned my brain a little, or maybe that frying sound was my gonads. Fraser looking about as hot as you can imagine; hot enough, even, to make me enjoy a Def Leppard song, for crying out loud.
brooklinegirl (F/K/V, NC-17)I don't usually read trio stories because they always seem to end up with Fraser sent off to the dry cleaners while the Rays work out how sexy they find each other. But this one gives all three characters a terrific arc, and RayV's journey is so believable and painfully true. Think of RayV moaning about his suit, and that's how he goes about completely turning his life around--reluctantly and full of self-delusion about how much he hates it, but ultimately is so damned happy to. Anyway, I loved this story like a bottle of rich wine.
joandarck (F/K, NC-17)The Nile is long and so worth the journey, full of delicious moments and a Maggie you just have to love spending time with. The guys are complicated and their relationship as a result is not simple, and there are crazed plots, and virtue, unspotted and otherwise, and table thumping, and it's just worth every word.
j_s_calvacante (F/K, NC-17)Because I learn so much about Ray that I wanted to, and he is cruel, but with reason, and Fraser is good--he's just dangerous enough for Ray to let him in.
nos4a2no9 (F/K, PG-13)This story tore me to pieces. Not for the faint of heart, but the sheer simple beauty of the scenes and the emotion will knock you on your ass. There is a balanced rightness to Fraser's pain and the ultimate resolution. The language is pure craft.
risacooper (F/K, PG)It's Ray and a black T-shirt and whisky and...Lucky Charms? Ray made Fraser promise no more crazy shit but those yellow marshmallows will get you every time.
brigantine1 (F/K, NC-17)A due South/Men with Guns crossover, and considering I don't even know what MWG is, I was pretty surprised to be wowed off my feet (I mean, brigantine wrote it so I read it, I'm not an idiot, but in general I don't go for crossovers.) Anyway, Ray here is so deliciously tough but broken, and Fraser is obstinate and fragile and deluded about it. Dief is a wonder. The plot is twisty and the voices are strong like a really strong thing--tension cable, maybe.
slidellra (F/K, NC-17)Fraser is the best kind of oblivious in this long fic, and Ray! in eyeliner! is in the hysterical (crack!) denial. Hot (cuffed) sex and gut-funny banter/humor that is perfectly them. This story is like beef stroganoff or something. It can't be good for me.
Okay, that's it for now, except this post has really given me a taste for reccing (since it leads inevitably to the reading) so I think I'll keep doing it in future. Next up: Sentinel Recs.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2008-01-09 07:23 am (UTC)I'm tickled pink.
Also, I know exactly what you mean about writing preventing reading. Many on my f-list watch a lot of media, new shows, multiple fandoms, etc. Me, no. I'm lucky if I can make it to the Saturday night chat and watch something I have here on DVD. I don't have time for that, I'm writing!
I'm so glad to hear that you are, too. Don't hurt Fraser too badly, okay? :)
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Date: 2008-01-09 08:14 am (UTC)<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
And you liked the Maggie! Yay!
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From:no subject
Date: 2008-01-09 08:02 pm (UTC)Looking forward to your Sentinel recs, now. Apparently, you've been reading in another branch of the fandoms - a branch where I've gotta go!
Love, max
(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2008-01-09 09:03 pm (UTC)And this? Made me laugh so hard: I don't usually read trio stories because they always seem to end up with Fraser sent off to the dry cleaners while the Rays work out how sexy they find each other.
Yes! I've noticed that crop up in a number of F/K/V stories, even the long ones. I guess the threesome math is hard to calculate, and the issues between the Rays really do need to get worked out in advance, or with Fraser firmly in absentia. I don't mean that as a criticism (it's worked in the stories I've read, particularly the trio of dSSS threesome fics from this year) but it's still a little sad that poor Fraser has to drop out of the picture for a while in order for the Rays to come together. Oh Fraser.
And thank you very much for the rec for 'Wind'! That one was going on the meme as toughest to write/biggest disappointment, actually, so it's nice to hear you liked it. I really need to get over this stupid writing angst.
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Date: 2008-01-09 09:39 pm (UTC)(no subject)
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