Fangirling since 1983

Wow, I've been absent lately

respoftw — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 14:31:27 GMT

It feels like I've been largely absent from my little corner of fandom for a while now. Fandom activities (mainly writing) have always been an escape for me but I've lost the keys to that escape hatch lately and I really wish I could find them again.

I posted a while ago about not getting a promotion at work and it's honestly ridiculous how much that has knocked me. I think it's probably because I have a lot of my own self-worth tied into my professional life which has always been the one area that I was confident in my abilities and felt like I had a good handle of and while I foresaw the possibility of not getting the job, I never foresaw the possibility of not getting the job hitting me quite so hard. It's been tough. Which is ridiculous. I'm fully aware of that. That doesn't mean that I can snap myself out of my funk.

I kind of feel like my fire has gone out a little bit? I *have* been writing, a few hundred words here, another 50 there, but it's not flowing and I think it's because my confidence in myself is shot to pieces. I'm trying really hard to get it back but just so you know, that's why I've not been around lately. A couple of you have very sweetly contacted me privately to ask if I'm ok and make sure that there wasn't anything horrible behind my absence which is weirdly gratifying. I don't have a lot of real-life friends so I really appreciate the thought.

I have still been a passive fandom member though. I'm devouring fic more than ever, I even got into a new fandom! (Reddie from IT and holy hell I am here for all the wonderful, wonderful fix-it fics that writers are churning out). SGA and McShep still has (and will always have) my fandom heart though and I hope to be back joining in with this fandom again soon.

Ok, enough maudlin self pity!

- Peace, love and lollipops, Ashleigh

Everyone has that one fanwork....

respoftw — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 17:24:12 GMT

So, one of my most popular posts on tumblr is a lament about that one fic that we all have that we wish more people had read, the one that we’re proud of that just didn’t get it’s fair due.

(I’d link the tumblr post but tumblr has still got my blog flagged as adult and it doesn’t show up in search results: have I mentioned how bitter I am about that?)

Anyway, it got me thinking that maybe DW would be a good place to expand on that post and ask people to share the fic (or art, or any other kind of fanwork) that fills this space in their heart. Call it a meme and post it to your own blog or just share it in the comments below; whatever! All I know is that those works that we poured our heart and soul into deserve the chance to find a wider audience!

Mine is It Can’t Rain All The Time which is a fusion between Stargate Atlantis and Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series with John in the role of the second incarnation of Dream and Rodney as the mortal he falls in love with.

I mean, I don’t know if it’s super confusing to anyone who doesn’t know Sandman (although the few do,Kent’s have suggested not) but I have this special place in my heart for this fic and I wish more people had read it. It has 520 hits at this particular time and date and I think about 100 of them are mine from rereading it!

So, what’s your “I wish this had reached a wider audience” fic?

2018 In Fic

respoftw — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 16:37:20 GMT

It's time for my yearly look at the statistics page on AO3.....

First Up, I know there are inherent issues with using the AO3 statistics page by year (any fics that were updated in more than one year show up in the year they were last updated which does affect 2018 stats for me since 'Three's Company' straddled both years) but I'm going with it for ease.

So, without further ado...here's some stats from my 2018 fics - Under a cut because this is genuinely of no interest to anyone but me!

50 fics posted
108,624 words written
5,303 kudos received
794 comment threads
412 bookmarks
116 subscriptions
46,282 hits - a kudos/hits ratio of 11.45%

These stats are waaay down on 2017 but my work life was full on this year due to a temporary promotion. I'm hoping 2019 will be better!

Most Hits, Kudos, Comment Threads and Bookmarks
Three's Company at 5,230 hits, 342 kudos, 182 comment threads and 47 bookmarks

Least Hits
The Interrogator at 354 hits

Least Kudos
Time Pressure at 28 kudos

Least Comment Threads
Last Memories at 3 comment threads! Interestingly, this is the only fic I posted that isn't SGA.

There are 4 fics with zero bookmarks:
The Interrogator and Time Pressure which are linked above along with Trust Issues and Refuge

Kudos/Hits Ratio
Taking the multichap fics out (because of skewed hits) my least successful fic was The Accidental Consequences of Converting with only 5.28% of the hits generating a kudos (it's really depressing so that's fair!)

My most successful, with 22.62% of hits generating a kudos was my Star Trek fic which had the least comments.

Finally, my own personal favourite fic that I wrote this year:
Proximity

SGA 2018 Rec List - Part 4 (Oct - Dec 2018)

respoftw — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 16:07:53 GMT

You Can Find Part 1 of this list, covering January - March 2018 here and Part 2 (April-June) here and Part 3 (July - September) here

On to the final quarter of the year:

Title:Love On The Radio
Author: ami_ven
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 2,338
posted date 08 October 2018
description:John is a Fireman-Paramedic and Rodney is a doctor (or, the Emergency! AU that nobody asked for).
why this should be read: It's adorable. Idiots falling in love without meeting face to face is everything.

Title:Stone Heart
Author: esteefee
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 17,764
posted date 20 October 2018
description:Rodney makes the strangest friends. This one has a heart of stone.
why this should be read: An instant classic with gorgeous art by mific.

Title:Acting Your Truth
Author:squidgie
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 62,537
posted date 01 November 2018
description:Academy Award winning actor Rodney McKay is cast in a new movie bast on a short story he'd written, and is cast opposite action-movie hero John Sheppard. He's not happy about it.
why this should be read: A really great Actor!AU

Title:Area 51
Author:melagan
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 7,786
posted date 03 November 2018
description:Rodney is an FBI Agent assigned to Area 51. John is the proprietor of the local Alien Emporium. They meet when John calls in a mysterious sighting and Rodney is sent to question him.
why this should be read: Quirky and fun, just like the accompanying art!

Title:Ghost with a Beating Heart
Author: Shaddyr
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 5,283
posted date 06 November 2018
description:Forever is a long time.
why this should be read: Angsty but with a happy ending, this is beautifully written.

Title:Longitude and Other Problems
Author: mific
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 11,888
posted date 10 November 2018
description:At a high-stakes card game in unsavoury company, John tries to win so that his ship, the Pegasus, can be repaired after a storm. But Rodney is playing a game of his own, one that will change both their lives and drag them and their friends into conflict with one of the most dangerous villains in Europe.
why this should be read: The world building in this is fantastic and it's a super fun read!

Title:The Man With The Clockwork Heart
Author: danceswithgary
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 6,967
posted date 17 November 2018
description:"I must warn you. This machina I've fashioned will always beat the same, can never beat faster when he's frightened or in flight. He'll never experience the flush of desire or love - only the calm, even beat of this clockwork heart." (Never a Stargate AU)
why this should be read: This is inspired by the same art as the above fic. The fics are very different but both are wonderful.

Title:The Suite Life
Author: CartWrite
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 28,161
posted date 02 December 2018
description:But then Rodney would stand close to him, or be unexpectedly kind, or do something stupid and heroic, and John’s entire body would shout him, that one, Rodney McKay, him. Like the world was a candy store where John could just point and say I’ll have the genius with the big blue eyes and Rodney would be his with a bow on.***** John did not ask to sprain his ankle, to be reassigned to the best quarters in Atlantis, or for Rodney McKay to become his new neighbor. But that’s what happened. Post-series.
why this should be read: This just might be my favourite SGA fic of the year. It made me squal with delight and kept a smile on my face the whole way through.

Title:Once More, With Feelings
Author: Brumeier
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 637
posted date 07 December 2018
description: LJ Comment Fic for Memory prompt: Stargate Atlantis, John Sheppard/Rodney McKay,
I just want to stay
I just want to keep this dream in me
You're losing your memory now
(Ryan Star)
In which Rodney starts to lose his memory...again.
why this should be read: Packs a hell of a punch in very few words - I think I've read this one about ten times now!

Title:Looking For Atlantis
Author: callunavulgari
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 4,632
posted date 21 December 2018
description: Hey Rodney, the postcard reads. Go see a movie.
why this should be read: Made me cry at the start and then fixed me whole again by the end. What more can you ask for?

Title:A Sheppard's Christmas Carol
Author: Brumeier
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 7,641
posted date 23 December 2018
description: 'Twas the night before Christmas, and John is feeling miserable and hating the holiday. Luckily for him, an old friend and three unique ghosts are on hand to show him the error of his ways and give him a chance to have a Merry Christmas and a much happier life.
why this should be read: Another SGA secret santa fic that made me cry! In a good way though.

Title:Over My Head
Author: nagi_schwarz
Pairing:: Rodney/Evan
word count: 20,566
posted date 25 December 2018
description: Written for the AU comment_fic prompt: "Stargate Multiverse, any ensemble, the roadie crew for a singer or band." After leaving the Air Force, Evan joins the road crew for a band he knows nothing about. Better to not be distracted than be a fanboy. He gets in over his head with Rodney, who he thinks works for the stage crew.
why this should be read: Nagi has killed it this year but I have a special fondness for the way she writes Evan and Rodney together and this was a stellar example of how soft she makes them together!

Title:Rocks Fall
Author: mific
Pairing:: None
word count: 5,471
posted date 25 December 2018
description: On a disastrous mission, Teyla and Ronon work with Carson to save their teammates - but if Evan Lorne can't pull off a risky maneuver, all may be lost.
why this should be read: McShep still reigns supreme in SGA land but it's been an awesome year for gen fic as well. I loved the focus on a supremely capable Teyla in this one (plus, Rodney whump which is like catnip for me).

And that's it! This is just a small snap shot of the fantastic fic that was posted this year! Is your favourite on the list? Feel free to shout at me in the comments about all the amazing fic I've missed or forgotten to include! AND HERE'S TO ALL THE AMAZING FIC THAT 2019 WILL BRING!

Happy New Year 'Gaters!

As a bonus: see below the cut for the fics I wrote in the last quarter of 2018:

Title:Refuge
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 735
posted date 28 October 2018
description: Written for hc_bingo square: captivity. Rodney’s mind used to be his refuge.

Title:Proximity
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 10,867
posted date 02 November 2018
description: Written for sgareversebang and my favourite fic I wrote this year. John and Rodney really don't mind the side effects of their latest brush with an Ancient device.

Title:Better Together
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 3,297
posted date 02 November 2018
description: Written for hc_bingo square: dungeons and part of sgareversebang. Rodney woke to the screaming of his legs, the pounding of his head and the strangely pleasant counterpoint of someone else’s fingers tangled with his own.

Title:Burning Love
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,006
posted date 09 November 2018
description: Written for hc_bingo square: hostile climate. John was never going to make fun of Rodney’s homemade sunscreen again.

Title:Seeing
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 866
posted date 10 November 2018
description: Written for hc_bingo square: substance addiction. Rodney saw it immediately.

Title:So Hard To Bear
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,231
posted date 17 November 2018
description: Written for hc_bingo square: septicemia/infected wounds. A fevered, injured Rodney puts a strain on John.

Title:The Interrogator
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: None
word count: 937
posted date 24 November 2018
description: Written for hc_bingo square: interrogation. John caught sight of himself in the mirror and grimaced, moving quickly to finish up at the sink and escape his reflection.

Title:A Good Death
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 895
posted date 24 November 2018
description:Written for hc_bingo square: Mercy Killing. You brought me to those caves to die.

Title:Tandem
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,354
posted date 28 November 2018
description:Written for hc_bingo square: forced to hurt someone. The Wraith tag Rodney with a tracker, John needs to cut it out.

Title:Coping
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 539
posted date 08 December 2018
description:Written for hc_bingo square: corporal punishment. Rodney had gotten used to sleeping on his front.

Title:Time Pressure
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,100
posted date 11 December 2018
description:Written for hc_bingo square: Deadline/Time Bomb. “You work better when I badger you,” John grinned. “Badgering and time crunches. That’s when you do your best work.” **MAJOR CHARACTER DEATH**

Title:Learning The Lines
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,132
posted date 18 December 2018
description:Being posted to Atlantis in the second wave was a lot like joining the cast of a play where everyone knew their lines and cues except for you. At least that’s how Lorne felt.

Title:Making Up
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,518
posted date 22 December 2018
description:I was lucky enough to get a chance to pinch hit for sga_secretsanta. Rodney's pretty sure that John just broke up with him. Spoiler alert: he didn't.

Tumblr - this might be the last straw

respoftw — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 20:37:10 GMT

So, apparently tumblr has flagged my blog as explicit and you can’t even access it through the internet anymore. Sigh.

2018: 52-0

respoftw — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 16:38:11 GMT

What is it about the week between Christmas and New Year that seems to last an entire month?

I only worked one day this week. We were supposed to close at 1pm on Monday but the heating and hot water in the office wasn't working so we closed early at 10.30. Unfortunately, I had just sent off instructions to the bank for some money transfers and had to wait around in the freezing office until the bank phoned me back for the security check. Still, I got home by noon so it wasn't too bad. George and I spent the rest of Christmas Eve watching Christmas films and cuddling on the couch which was lovely.

Christmas Day was a day of two halves. I had a relaxing day with George; we opened our presents, visited his parents, cooked and then stuffed our faces with food. It was awesome. Then, I went to my Mum's in the evening where everything was loud and very focussed (as it should be) on my three year old niece.

Present wise, I did pretty good. Mostly skincare products from family (can you tell I'm in my mid-30s and only now realising that I should probably take better care of my skin?) and money. My Mum got my ticket for the Strictly Come Dancing tour in February which will be fun. We usually go every year but missed out on tickets last year. George got me 2 (yes, 2) Nightwing statues. My shelf of Nightwing merch will officially need to expand now. He also got me the Frightened Rabbit cross necklace. Scott Hutchison's death hit me hard and 75% of the proceeds for the cross is going to the mental health charity his family are setting up in his memory which is a really nice idea. The crosses have sold out (George managed to secure one from the actual site thankfully) and are being sold on ebay for stupid money which makes me really mad.

George went back to work on Boxing Day while I was off for the rest of the week. I read somewhere once that the week between Christmas and New Year should be spent doing absolutely nothing and I've really embraced that! With the exception of a trip to the hairdressers on Friday I've barely left the house. I caught up on all the SGA Secret Santa fics (still have one more to read) and watched all four series of Schitt's Creek on Netflix.

I'm back to work on Thursday next week and get to spend Monday/Tuesday with George which will be nice. Wishing you all a happy 2019 when it comes!

Zero writing done. But I have plans for 2019. First up is to finish the personal trainer John fic that has been sitting in my wip folder for months, after that I might go back to Three's Company... I'll be posting my 2019 writing goals soon. Sadly, I didn't accomplish all of my 2018 goals (30k word count, why do you elude me?) but I got most of them so I count that as a win!

SGA 2018 Rec List - Part 3 (Jul - Sep 2018)

respoftw — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 15:54:34 GMT

You Can Find Part 1 of this list, covering January - March 2018 here and Part 2 (April-June) here

On to the third quarter of the year:

Title:Running Interference
Author: Liketheriver
Pairing:: None
word count: 18,409
posted date 05 July 2018
description:When something goes terribly wrong on a mission, the team learns that sometimes thing can't be fixed...but sometimes they can, if someone is willing to run interference.
why this should be read: This fic broke my heart in the best way. I LOVE LOVE LOVE fics where one person thinks the other person is dead...I have a problem.

Title:Field Trip
Author: AlephNullCats
Pairing:: None
word count: 12,598
posted date 08 July 2018
description:Part of the Science Departament sees Rodney McKay in a completely new light as a trip offworld takes an unexpected turn for the worse.
Set rather early, first season I'd say.
why this should be read: Another Gen gem, this one focussing on Rodney, which is my kryptonite.

Title:I better read between the lines, in case I need it when I'm older
Author:buckybunnyteeth
Pairing:: Rodney/Ronon
word count: 5,051
posted date 22 July 2018
description:Ronon gives Rodney a Cat. Rodney, promptly and logically, falls in love.
why this should be read: Ronon/Rodney is one of those ships that I really wish more people wrote and this fic is super sweet :)

Title:What Could Go Right
Author: Brumeier
Pairing:: Evan Lorne/John Sheppard
word count: 13,483
posted date 04 August 2018
description:John and Evan are a Sentinel-Guide team sent to rescue one of the SGCs top scientists, Rodney McKay. Rodney turns out to be John's soulmate, an arrangement no-one wants but which turns out to be more important than anyone could guess.
why this should be read: I love fics exploring platonic relationships and the idea of platonic soulmates really resonates with my somewhat asexual outlook on life. Plus there's awesome art by mific here

Title:Discreet Arrangements
Author: Brumeier
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 6,911
posted date 16 August 2018
description:It was just supposed to be a way to earn enough money so that John and his daughter didn't have to struggle so much, but John's online arrangement with Rodney turns into so much more.
why this should be read: I love this fic, it's so fun! John signs up to an app for sugar daddies looking for someone to spoil and, lucky us, he gets paired with Rodney. Spoiler: they fall in love.

Title:You & Me & The Pegasus Galaxy
Author: CartWrite
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 29,047
posted date 03 September 2018
description:When John Sheppard finds Rodney McKay's very explicit ads on the Atlantis hook-up board, he feels pretty weird and kind of loses his mind.
why this should be read: An Atlantis hook-up board is such a fantastic idea and I loved the twists and turns this fic took.

Title:On The Same Page
Author: DraconisWing24441
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 34,386
posted date 04 September 2018
description:John's been in love with his best friend for years but he's never done anything about it. First he didn't dare what with DADT, then when that was repealed, Rodney was dating Keller. Now Rodney's getting married to Keller and wants John as his best man. Now John has to deal with the troubles that come with living in Pegasus and helping Rodney with wedding planning while also keeping a lid on his own emotions. As it turns out, he's not too good at that last one.
why this should be read: I actually just stopped making this list and re-read this again, that's how great this fic is. I smiled all the way through it (again) and, seriously, the bit where John finally tells Rodney how he feels....there was so much squealing. Such a feel good fic.

Title:A Wraith's Feast
Author: squidgie
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 802
posted date 13 September 2018
description: Written where Rodney was taken instead of John during the episode "Common Ground" and fed upon.
why this should be read: I'm a sucker for Rodney whump, ok? And having Rodney take John's place in this episode is one of my favourite canon twists ever. There needs to be more fic of it!

The final rec list can be found HERE

As a bonus: see below the cut for the fics I wrote in the third quarter of 2018:

Title:An Issue of Supply
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 2,066
posted date 01 July 2018
description: “One of my soldiers came to see me today. About the Daedalus resupply. Or, what was missing off the Daedalus resupply.”

John has an awkward conversation with Carson and learns something new.

Title:Words to Live By
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,226
posted date 06 July 2018
description: Written for hc_bingo square: abandonment issues. In the aftermath of 'Epiphany', John has some abandonment issues.

Title:Thunderstorms
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 937
posted date 13 July 2018
description: Written for hc_bingo square: de-aging. Part of my Dorian series of fics. Thunderstorms aren't scary; they're science.

Title:Three's Company
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 25,942
posted date 24 July 2018
description: Radek is Rodney's Guide. Their bond is no less real because of its platonic nature. How does John fit into that? An AU season 1 - I fully intend to do season 2 in 2019.

Title:Anima to Anima
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 2,209
posted date 28 July 2018
description: Written for hc_bingo square: forced soulbonding.

Title:The Accidental Consequences of Converting
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep and John/Teyla but no happiness for either
word count: 725
posted date 04 August 2018
description: Written for hc_bingo square: accidental mating for life. Iratus bugs mate for life

Title:Less Talking
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,620
posted date 07 August 2018
description: Written for hc_bingo square: cuddling. Post-Shrine, there are some things John misses.

Title:Home Fires Burning
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,082
posted date 12 August 2018
description:Written for hc_bingo square: Fire. John notices that Rodney is struggling to adjust so he tries his best to help

Title:Identity
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 3,562
posted date 18 August 2018
description:Written for hc_bingo square: Loss of identity. “You think I’m a clone?” Rodney said, wriggling under the marines hold. “I’m not a clone. I’m me. Dr Rodney McKay, twice a doctor actually, two PhDs. I’m the smartest man in two galaxies, Canadian and am deathly allergic to citrus.”

Title:Only In The Pegasus Galaxy
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,766
posted date 24 August 2018
description:Written for hc_bingo square: Tentacles. During his long military career - and especially since he’d joined the SGC - he’d thought he’d seen just about every form of holding someone captive possible, some that would have looked more at home in a hard core bondage porno than a hostage situation but he’d never seen anything like this before.

Title:Suffer A Witch To Live
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 2,747
posted date 31 August 2018
description:Written for hc_bingo square: Witch Hunt. The people of MX5-4TG were suffering from a blood borne virus that caused seizures and hallucinations in its carriers. In their great wisdom, the people of MX5-4TG thought that the affected members of their village had been cursed by witches.

The people of MX5-4TG were idiots.

Title:Someday
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep (kinda) and John/Evan
word count: 1,945
posted date 07 September 2018
description:Written for hc_bingo square: Unrequited love. It had been the longest two months of Rodney’s life. Longer than his wait for his college acceptance letter; the idiots at Stanford dragging their heels over the decision to let a 13 year old kid matriculate. It even felt longer than the interminable two months they had spent waiting for the IOA to pull their heads out of their asses and allow Atlantis to finally return back to the Pegasus Galaxy.

Of course, it had been more than two months of waiting really but knowing how close he was to finally getting everything he had been waiting for these past 7 years made those final two months feel like a lifetime. But it was done. Finally. DADT was no more.

Title:woke up hurting
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 557
posted date 08 September 2018
description:Written for hc_bingo square: Nightmares. Nightmares were a part of John's life

Title:Just Right
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: Rodney/Ronon
word count: 753
posted date 11 September 2018
description:Written for fandomgiftbox Sheppard didn’t listen enough, Teyla listened too much but Rodney? Rodney was just right.

Title:Trust Issues
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: Rodney/Caldwell
word count: 1,104
posted date 14 September 2018
description:Written for hc_bingo square: Trust Issues. Hermiod’s plan worked perfectly. The Goa’uld that had been masquerading as Colonel Steven Caldwell was gone, incinerated in the Daedalus’ hyper drive, and the entire city of Atlantis was celebrating a job done well.

Steven didn’t feel like celebrating.

Title:Always
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 511
posted date 21 September 2018
description:Part of my "30 prompt OTP challenge" Always doesn’t necessarily last forever

SGA 2018 Rec List - Part 2 (Apr -Jun 2018)

respoftw — Sat, 29 Dec 2018 14:05:18 GMT

You Can Find Part 1 of this list, covering January - March 2018 here

On to the second quarter of the year:

Title:Intense
Author: Brumeier
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 2,758
posted date 03 April 2018
description:When Sheppard gets dosed offworld, Rodney has to step up and take charge. But John makes it up to him later.
why this should be read: BAMF, Capable Rodney for the win.

Title:Two Worlds Collided
Author: nagi_schwarz
Pairing:: None
word count: 9,549
posted date 07 April 2018
description:Thellas and Evan are still working on recovering from Evan's terrible plans, and after two months on an incredibly rigid schedule of time divided, they start being more flexible with each other - and themselves. Including other expedition personnel's strange hobbies, the eternal Kirk-Picard debate (Janeway!), and dancing.
why this should be read: This is part of a larger series that deserves to be read. Evan shares his body with a Tok'ra named Thellas. This series really captures the struggle that it would take to accept that.

Title:hits like a drum
Author: callunavulgari
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 3,507
posted date 15 April 2018
description:“Believe it or not,” Rodney tells him, hissing in pain when one of the crystals zap him. He pokes back at it vindictively, sticking the injured digit into his mouth. He mumbles the rest around his thumb, only half squinting in John’s actual direction. “Having something with sharp teeth breathing down your neck is not actually conducive to one’s thought process.”

John barks out a loud, abrupt noise that might be laughter, his breath tickling the hairs at the base of Rodney’s neck. “I’d have thought it would be good motivation.”
why this should be read: Wraith!John! 'Nuff said.

Title:Seeking and Finding
Author: LadyShelley
Pairing:: None
word count: 6,758
posted date 16 April 2018
description:Building a new team is harder than it looks, especially when the entire base is willing to give you (unwanted) advice.
why this should be read: This is the first part of a really excellent set of season 1 set gen fics exploring the friendship of the team. I don't often read gen but this series, which is now almost 300,000 words long is really well done.

Title:Julianna: The Beginning
Author: Goddess47
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 9,027
posted date 16 May 2018
description:Of course it was both John and Rodney... it was them and Pegasus... chaos was the rule.
why this should be read: Here be mpreg people. A not so secret guilty pleasure of mine. I feel kinda like I'm cheating by reccing this one as parts of it have been on the interweb prior to 2018 but this is the first year it was all posted together so....MPREG!

Title:The Hot Phlebotomist
Author: Punk
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 3,695
posted date 26 May 2018
description:There's the usual business with the alcohol wipe and the stretchy bit of tubing, then the hot guy in the lab coat tells Rodney to make a fist.
why this should be read: Fun and cute and, come on, it's by punk!

Title:Light the Corners
Author: blackchap
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 14,253
posted date 12 June 2018
description:Set right after Trinity, and this is the usual Rodney should probably move to China story with a slight twist. I have no idea why I was so mean to John. This story has sat on the back shelf for years, but I thought I should finish it just for closure. I miss this show!
why this should be read: I'm pretty sure that the squeal of delight I made when I got the notification that blackchaps had posted a SGA fic could be heard around the world. And it's POST-DORANDA FIC!

Title:Friday, I'm in Love
Author: mattygroves
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 3,476
posted date 17 June 2018
description: Rodney begrudgingly agrees to spend a week with the Fab Five. It's not terrible.
why this should be read: It's a cross over with Queer Eye (which was one of my favourite TV shows of 2018). And it's super, super cute!

Title:Love In Four Dimensions
Author: Brumeier
Pairing:: OT4 - Ronon/Teyla/Rodney/John
word count: 2,453
posted date 18 June 2018
description: AR-1 plans an offworld trip just so they can have some quality time alone together, and sexytimes ensue.
why this should be read: The comment I left Bru: "Ok, hold up.

So, not only did you give me porny OT4 but you also gave me loved, cherished and accepted ace!John?

Bru, I think I love you xxx"

Title:Schrödinger Might Disagree
Author: Skitz_phenom
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 14,046
posted date 20 June 2018
description: A mission goes wrong, the natives are a bit beyond restless, and Rodney really hates being the guy that gets hit by the projectiles. And there's definitely something about a cat...
why this should be read: A truly delightful hurt/comfort fic.

Title:Colorblind
Author: blackchaps
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 20,674
posted date 20 June 2018
description: Everyone wears a collar of some color, but Rodney hates his, and he's about had enough of bowing to stupid social mores.
why this should be read: A BDSM-world AU fic with a twist.

Part 3 of my 2018 recs is here and the final part is HERE

As a bonus: see below the cut for the fics I wrote in the second quarter of 2018:

Title:Huh
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,023
posted date 03 April 2018
description: Written for getyourwordsout prompt: "Autobiographical" Rodney comes to a realisation.

Title:Back In The USSR
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,283
posted date 05 April 2018
description: Written for genprompt_bingo Rodney goes back to Siberia. John goes with him.

Title:The Burden of Leadership
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,438
posted date 06 April 2018
description: Rodney learns what it is to be a true leader.

Title:No Regrets
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 2,233
posted date 11 April 2018
description: Written for whatif_au challenge 12: Stranded/Lost AU Rodney gave up on trying to fix the jumper on day thirteen. John caught him staring through the broken innards of the engines with a blank look on his face and knew, on a guttural, deep down level, that there was no getting out of this one.

Title:It's All Grant's Fault
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis and Traders
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,962
posted date 20 April 2018
description: There were two of them.

John’s brain needed a second to process the sight of two Rodney’s and a couple more seconds after that to talk his dick down as the possibilities of exactly what could be done with two Rodney’s started to play out in glorious technicolour in his recently rebooted mind.

Title:Tender
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,105
posted date 25 May 2018
description: Rodney is in a bad mood. John is responsible.

Title:Pride
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 2,136
posted date 02 June 2018
description: Rodney felt ridiculous. The black tee with the rolled up sleeves that had made his arms look almost good in the mirror of his apartment now felt dull and dreary and who the hell was he kidding thinking his arms looked good in it.

Hastily, he unrolled the fabric, smoothing it flat over his upper arms and hoped desperately that nobody had seen. Not that anyone would be looking at him when there was so much eye candy about, all of it glistening with body oil and coloured like the rainbow.

What in the hell had convinced him that coming to the annual PRIDE parade was a good idea?

Title:Phobic
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,275
posted date 23 June 2018
description:Written for hc_bingo square: Phobias. Phobia was one of those overused words that people attributed to their mild aversions or petty fears, not fully understanding the extremity of a true phobia.

Title:The Sound of Silence
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,851
posted date 25 June 2018
description:Written for hc_bingo square: Loss of voice/Forced silence. John had always associated Rodney’s voice with safety.

That’s what made the whole thing so damn cruel.

Title:A Badge of Honour
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 870
posted date 27 June 2018
description:Written for hc_bingo square: Branding. There was no honour in this.

Rodney reaches breaking point.

Title:Sleep, Sandwiches and Steven Caldwell
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: Rodney/Caldwell
word count: 659
posted date 29 June 2018
description:Post-Siege, Rodney wants sleep and the biggest sandwich he can find. Caldwell wants answers.

SGA 2018 Rec List - Part 1 (Jan-Mar 2018)

respoftw — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 17:00:30 GMT

As is traditional (three years makes a tradition, right?) I humbly present a rec list of wonderful SGA fics that were posted in the past twelve months.

I am still wowed and amazed by the talent that this fandom still has to give. So, without further ado:

Title:Mixed Results
Author: nagi_schwarz
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 2,012
posted date 09 January 2018
description:Written for the resolutions comment_fic prompt: "Stargate Atlantis, John Sheppard, he resolves to be a bit more forthcoming with his feelings, with mixed results."
why this should be read: This is hilarious and super cute. John's distaste of talking about his own feelings is so canon, I really can't blame everyone for the, ah, mixed results.

Title:I Know You
Author: Ellana17
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,669
posted date 16 January 2018
description:“So, how long did it take you guys to realize it wasn’t me?” John asked, half-jokingly.
why this should be read: It's very sweet and John's little speech to Rodney about how he would have been able to tell it wasn't Rodney made my heart melt.

Title:I Believe
Author: Brumeier
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,603
posted date 25 January 2018
description:Rodney folded once under torture, he refuses to do it again. Not when so many lives are at stake.
why this should be read: ANGST! Whump! Brave Little Toaster Rodney! I love this (and not just because it gifted to me).

Title:World of Fire
Author: melagan
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 6,265
posted date 29 January 2018
description:In the face of an extinction level event, John and Rodney find a unique way to save the city of Atlantis.
why this should be read: Because it should have been an episode, it's just that good.

Title:What A Wonderful Bunker You Would Make
Author: McShipIt
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 50,448
posted date 10 February 2018
description:Summary in simple words: Rodney is recluse and John has a kid.

Summary in not so simple words: Rodney McKay has given up on the world, living a simple life up on a mountain devoid of people. He likes it that way, at least he did until a kid with a full head of dark hair ambled up his dirt driveway and changed his sequestered life forever.
(AU - Set during SG1 & Pre-SGA timeline.)
why this should be read: Hermit Rodney meets adorable kid and falls in love with kid's father while they're accidentally locked in a bunker together - - - it's such a fun idea!

Title:Can You Feel My Heart Beating?
Author: nagi_schwarz
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 10,030
posted date 14 February 2018
description:Written for the comment_fic prompt “Any, any/any, rings that let you feel your partners heartbeat from anywhere in the world.” Rodney McKay inherits a partner ring but doesn’t find out who his soulmate is until the day his soulmate’s heartbeat stops.

Set pre-series through 38 Minutes.
why this should be read: Beautifully written soulmate fic

Title:Husk and Howl
Author: MyDoranda
Pairing:: None - GEN
word count: 40,591
posted date 15 February 2018
description:Everyone’s disaster has a backstory.

Rodney’s had involved someone tugging on his arm. “You’re a scientist," she’d said. “Are you not curious about this?”

Well, of course.

Because Rodney had been both of those things.
why this should be read: This is a powerful fic. Heed the tags, it's not for everyone but the way MyDoranda has approached it is so unique and it deserves to be read.

Title:Unexpected Developments
Author: mific
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 14,364
posted date 18 February 2018
description: Detective John Sheppard after Vegas (S5E19). His near-fatal wound's slowly healing and he's got his old job back, but then someone turns up unexpectedly who's a greater mystery than any of the cases on John's desk, and John has to make some hard choices.
why this should be read: This was the first Vegas AU fic I read all the way through and it was good enough that I went hunting for more!

Title:Turn The Tide
Author: Brumeier
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 13,651
posted date 24 February 2018
description: LJ Comment Fic for Pet-Related prompt: any, any, a world where mermaids are kept as pets

The SGC needs to establish communication with merfolk in order to have a successful expedition to Atlantis, and Rodney is the one they put on the job. He thinks the idea is stupid, of course, but as he gets to know the merman he's working with everything changes, and Rodney finds much more than he even knew he was looking for.
why this should be read: Merman!John! 'Nuff said.

Title:Reluctant Angel
Author: melagan
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 10,034
posted date 01 March 2018
description: Angel Rodney has been sent to Earth to protect John. He's never had a human body before. It takes some time getting used to.
why this should be read: Angel!Rodney! 'Nuff said.

Title:Your Face Sketched On It Twice
Author: nagi_schwarz
Pairing:: McShep, Rodney McKay/Evan Lorne
word count: 7,813
posted date 03 March 2018
description: McKay wakes in a field with no memory of how he got there or how to get home. As his memories unfold, he makes his way back, but he's not sure the place he gets to is home.
why this should be read: because it tore my heart apart and I want everyone to feel that too! Not a McShep fic..

Title:No Such Thing As Pon Farr
Author: ami_ven
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,992
posted date 12 March 2018
description: “Are you telling me we’ve been exposed to alien sex pollen!?”
why this should be read: SEX POLLEN.

Title:Devil at the Door
Author: Brumeier
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,837
posted date 17 March 2018
description: LJ Comment Fic for Poem Lines & Titles prompt: Any, any, Raw With Love by Charles Bukowski

In which Rodney gets taken off the Grandpa Killer case and has to find other ways to re-connect with John.
why this should be read: This is the second part of a series that was started in 2016 featuring serial killer John and FBI Agent Rodney. The whole series (now finished) may be my very favourite fic from 2018.

Part 2 (April - June) can be found here and Part 3 is here and the final part is HERE

As a bonus: see below the cut for the fics I wrote in the first quarter of 2018:

Title:Anywhere But Here
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,000
posted date 12 January 2018
description: Written for picfor1000 Rodney had started playing ‘anywhere but here’ when he was six years old.

Title:ZPMs and Curtains
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,316
posted date 17 January 2018
description: Written for trope_bingo Rodney and John explore Atlantis

Title:Walls and Defenses
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,609
posted date 19 January 2018
description: Part of my "30 prompt OTP challenge" Rodney used to have walls and defences.

Title:Watch The Skies
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 768
posted date 25 January 2018
description: Written for tic_tac_woe and apocalypse_kree John and Rodney watch the sky and wait for it to fall.

Title:Five Times John Saw Rodney Naked
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 6,746
posted date 14 February 2018
description: Written for romancingmcshep This fic does exactly what it says on the tin.

Title:Diving In
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,561
posted date 17 February 2018
description: Part of my "30 prompt OTP challenge" The thing about near-death experiences was that they temporarily rewired your brain. At least, that was Rodney's excuse for how he had come to find himself on a boat in the middle of the ocean, watching as someone demonstrated how to breathe oxygen through a flimsy tube

Title:Reasons To Be Afraid In The Pegasus Galaxy
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 1,199
posted date 24 February 2018
description: Dialogue prompt: "Why are they afraid of you?"

The marines are afraid of John. Rodney wants to know why.

Title:Last Memories
Fandom: Star Trek Discovery
Pairing:: Culmets
word count: 1,445
posted date 28 February 2018
description: It had never occurred to Paul that Hugh's last memories of him may not have been good ones.

Title:Of Cakes and ZPMs
Fandom: Stargate Atlantis
Pairing:: McShep
word count: 2,919
posted date 31 March 2018
description: An AU where Rodney is a scientist and John is a baker, featuring cakes, ZPMs and Miko in very spiky high heels.

2018: 51-1

respoftw — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 17:32:34 GMT

Another 4 day week at work this week. Progress was made on mynto do list though so it was more productive than last week, thank goodness. I had my annual appraisal at work and my boss is really happy with my work which is always nice to hear. She also mentioned that they are considering creating a second manager position for the department seeing as the current manager is coming back from maternity on reduced hours....something to think about. I’m 99% certain that if it happens I’ll apply but we’ll see.

It was a four day week because I had Monday off. George and I went to the cinema to see Spiderman: Into the Spider verse which was completely amazing. I loved it so much, it was funny and heart breaking and uplifting.

It’s been a quiet weekend, all my Christmas stuff is sorted except for picking up our rump of beef for Christmas dinner which I’m doing tomorrow. It’s weird to think that when I update this journal next week, Christmas will be over! I’ll also only be working one day next week because we close between Christmas and New Year. Hopefully I’ll get some last minute writing done to boost my 2018 word count.

Two fics posted this week, one of which was a pinch hit for the SGA Secret Santa so it’s still anonymous. I usually love reading the fics while they’re still anonymous (it’s fun to see if I can recognise anyone’s style and guess who wrote it) but I haven’t had a chance to read ANY of them yet! Some of them sound so good so I guess it’s something to look forward to!

That’s me logged off tumblr in advance of the 24h log off protest

respoftw — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 20:09:29 GMT

I’m not sure yet whether I’ll continue on there. I do like the format a lot, it works well for my needs but I guess we’ll see what happens. ::shrugs::

2018: 50-2

respoftw — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 18:45:20 GMT

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! We got our first bit of snow yesterday, although it’s gone everywhere but the hills already. Apparently a white Christmas is not on the cards...oh well.

Work wise, I was only in 4 days this week and most of those 4 days were taken up with meetings and putting out fires so it wasn’t very productive...I’m trying my best not to stress over how much I still have to get done before we close for the holidays on Christmas Eve!

That being said I took Friday off to go through to Glasgow where George went to see Paul McCartney play (apparently he was phenomenal) and I decided to go to the nearby IMAX cinema to see Aquaman. I had a bit of a fit over how much the ticket was (£17.10!) but the IMAX 3D was really impressive. Apparently it’s the biggest IMAX screen in Scotland which is cool. I hadn’t ever been to an IMAX before and the seat I initially chose was waaaaay too close so I had to shift back like 6 rows when the film started so I could see everything without moving my head about!

I really enjoyed the movie. It was fun, Jason was really great and Mera was so damn badass, I love her! I was slightly bummed there wasn’t any kind of nod to the whole Stargate Atlantis connection (even a really subtle one that only the hardcore SGA fans would get) but I did squeal when Colonel Ellis (Michael Beach) showed up!

I met up with my Mum and sister tonight for an early tea and to exchange Christmas presents. We’ve all promised to try and make an effort to do this more regularly next year. My niece was there too, she’s becoming such a pistol! We went to a family style restaurant that has a play area and she absolutely refused to leave, just kept climbing higher on the soft play and waving goodbye when we threatened to leave. Of course, when we pretended to follow through and actually leave, (going so far as to hide behind the doors so she couldn’t see us) there was a meltdown.

It reminds me why I am absolutely not cut out to have kids, lol!

Tattoo update: it scabbed over in a few places but they’ve all gone now. It’s still pretty wrinkly and shiny looking but the interweb assures me that’s normal until all of the layers of skin are healed. Unfortunately, it looks like I might have to get a couple of bits touched up where the ink is slightly patchy or has lifted. They say it’s best to wait until it’s fully healed to do that though so it won’t be until the new year when I look into that.

I’m off work tomorrow which is making me stress but I had way too much time built up and it was take a day or lose it so I’m gonna try and put the pile of tasks waiting for me out of my mind and enjoy a day with George.

I finished my h/c Bingo Card! Blackout! Woooo! I’m hoping to get some fluffier fics written over the next couple of weeks before figuring out what my 2019 writing goals are!

I’m thinking about doing a big round up post linking all my 2018 fic, not that there’s been much of it.

Dumplin’ : where was this movie when I was 15?

respoftw — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 20:42:02 GMT

I watched Dumplin’ on Netflix tonight and I think I pretty much cried my way through most of it.

This film has so much heart, it has so much love and positivity and is just everything that 15 year old me wanted to see represented on film. To see fat characters - three of them in one movie - each of them different, each of them strong, brave and loving and being loved in return......15 year old me needed that. Hell, 35 year old me needed that.

The part of it that really got to me, like really choked me up, was the relationship between Willowdean and her Mum. Ive felt like a disappointment to my own Mum for so long for the way I look, never mind that I did well in school, found someone who made me happy, got a good job. Those are all things that mothers are supposed to want for their kids but all I’ve ever felt like is a disappointment because I’m not thin.

Watching Willowdean and her Mum come to an understanding, watching Willowdean realise her Mum loved every inch of her was amazing. I still don’t feel like I have that with my Mum, I might never get there, but damn it was good to live vicariously through them.

Excuse me while I go and cry some more ugly tears about how damn wonderful this film was.

I Finished My Hurt/Bingo Card

respoftw — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 20:59:57 GMT

Hurrah! 25 ficlets and 35,000 words filled with misery!

Find them here if you are interested.

Almost all of them are McShep. There's a couple of gen fics thrown in and one McKay/Caldwell just because I love that ship so freaking much and there's practically zero fic out there for it.

Normal levels of angst will now resume!

2018: 49-3

respoftw — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 19:37:45 GMT

I can’t believe there’s only 3 weeks left of this year. That also means there’s only 3 weeks left of my maternity cover promotion at work and I’m kind of relieved that it’ll be over soon to be honest. I’m hoping taking a step back down will leave we with a bit more free time in 2019.....here’s hoping!

Anyway, this week was good. I got my third tattoo on Monday and I love it so so much! It’s been 17 years since I got tatto 2 and 19 years since I got my first one. I forget I have those two because they’re on my back and I never see them. This new one is on my arm and much more visible which has taken some getting used to - I keep looking at my arm and startling, lol - but I’m getting used to it. The healing process is one I haven’t really saw properly before with both of my previous ones being on my back so there’s been a lot of googling to see if what’s happening is normal but everything seems good so far! The dreaded itchy phase should start next week....

George has been full of the cold this week so we haven’t done much with our day off together. I’m hoping he feels better for next week (and hoping I don’t catch it) as he’s off to see Paul McCartney and he’s been looking forward to it all year. I am not going to see Paul McCartney but we’re making a weekend of it in Glasgow anyway. My current plan while he’s at the concert is to go the nearby IMAX cinema to see Aquaman! Gotta support my SGA cast :)

Remember when I wanted to have my hurt/Comfort Bingo fills done for December? Lol, yeah, that hasn’t happened. Still, I got a small fill done this week and I only have one left to write.

Full disclosure, I was talking to George about it and he came up with a spin on my idea that made me go: “Oh my god, you’re EVIL! I love you so much!”

::evil laughter::

New Tattoo

respoftw — Sat, 08 Dec 2018 14:09:37 GMT

Look what I did Monday past....

It doesn't look quite as good as that at the moment as I'm in the midst of the peeling, flaky skin stage of healing but I love it so so much. Anyone else got a fandom tattoo?

2018: 48-4

respoftw — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 16:41:41 GMT

I’ve been off work this week and it’s been fantastic. I haven’t done much of note at all which is exactly the kind of week off I needed! I posted all the Christmas cards that need to go overseas, finished off the Christmas shopping, we put the tree up, ordered our Christmas roast, watched some Christmas films and had some nice meals out.

December is pretty full on at my work (when isn’t?) so I’m glad I got this week to unwind. It’s been really nice going to sleep with George every night and waking up next to him every morning. I’ll be very glad when he drops one of his nights next year.

Oh, and I also booked a tattoo appointment to finally get my Stargate tattoo! I’ve wanted the gate symbol for Earth (unoriginal, I know) for ages now and after George scoffed that I would never get it I went and got the ball rolling! It’s like that comic that I see going about tumblr where all it takes is one person saying you can’t or won’t do it to make you get off your butt!

Technically, this will be my third tattoo but as my last one was done 17 years ago I feel like my tattoo virginity has grown back! Hopefully I won’t make an idiot out of myself :)

I did intend to have my hc Bingo Card done this week but I still have 2 fills left to do. Ah, well, gonna get on it and try and get them both done next week! And then maybe some Christmas fluff?

2018: 47-5

respoftw — Sun, 25 Nov 2018 15:27:24 GMT

It’s been a hell of a week at work. Lots of things needed finished by Friday as I’m off work next week and I lost half a day because I had to go through to Edinburgh to carry out an investigation on some money that went missing at one of our offices. It did mean I got to see the adorable Christmas penguin at the train station though!

Still, I got everything done and am now off for the next week. George is off too and we don’t have any plans beyond finishing up the Christmas shopping, putting up the decorations and watching some Christmas films! I can’t wait.

Two more hurt/Comfort fills posted, only 3 to go. Its getting to that time I need to start making some resolutions for next years writing goals. I feel like I haven’t written anywhere close to how much I wanted to this year. :(

2018: 46-6

respoftw — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 18:09:56 GMT

I spent a couple of days in Crieff this week for a work conference which wasn’t as much fun as it sounds. (If it sounds fun at all, lol). Some of the workshops were interesting, the food was good and my team came joint second in the quiz during the evening entertainment so it wasn’t all bad. My hotel room was creepy af though and I did struggle to sleep ecause of it!

The rest of work was good. We secured a private placement funding loan which should help out with the cash flow and make that task not quite as nerve inducing as it has been lately. My boss on maternity has confirmed she’s definitely coming back in January but on reduced hours. I’m not convinced that will work without someone (ie me) picking up the extra slack (at presumably no extra cost) but we’ll see!

Today was nice. George and I went for breakfast, did some Christmas shopping, some pokemoning and enjoyed looking at the Christmas lights in town. There’s so many Netflix Christmas movies coming - they were my favourite things in the world last year - and I’m trying really hard to wait until December proper to watch them but it’s hard!!

I had aimed to post two Hurt/Comfort Bingo fills this week but only managed one due to a severe case of can’t be bothered on Friday. George is going out with some work friends tomorrow so I’m going to try and get some writing done then. Only 5 left to blackout and I want to have them done by December!

2018: 45-7

respoftw — Sun, 11 Nov 2018 15:36:23 GMT

I had a small anxiety attack on Saturday this week which wasn’t fun. I think the stress of work is getting to me. Things are piling up all at once and there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get through everything. At least, that’s what I’m blaming the attack on. It was fairly mild and I was able to get myself out of public and into the privacy of the car fairly quickly but it’s the first one I’ve had in months and it’s knocked me a bit.

Still feeling a bit wrung out today so I’ve taken advantage of the rainy weather to just curl up with my book.

Next week promises to be just as hectic at work, with the added bonus of being away overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday to attend a conference. Lots of networking to be done which I hate but it’s necessary. Sigh.

I posted two Hurt/Comfort Bingo fills this week and am feeling semi confident that I’ll meet my self imposed goal of achieving blackout by the end of the month (only 6 to go).

I also reached 300 fanworks on my AO3 account! Over half of which are Stargate Atlantis. I genuinely didn’t think I’d still be playing in this sandbox but I’m not ready to leave yet. Or maybe ever!

One fanwork away from 300

respoftw — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 17:06:03 GMT

Oooo, my next fanwork will be the 300th one I’ve posted to AO3.

I do so love a milestone!

2018: 44-8

respoftw — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 17:19:08 GMT

The clocks changed last Sunday; that combined with the sudden drop in temperature is making it feel a lot more close to winter! I had to scrape the ice of my car a couple of mornings this week and it’s dark when I leave work now. I love this time of year. Sometimes it feels like I have the opposite Seasonal Affected Depression than most people do!

I’ve even made a start to my Christmas shopping. Not that I have a lot of people to buy for but I don’t like feeling rushed at the last minute so I’m pleased to have started.

Work was hectic as usual. Lots of meetings, including one with our biggest founder which is gonna be a bone of contention at the committee meeting next week, and lots of deadlines, all of which I miraculously managed to meet. I’ve cleared my schedule as much as I could to help out my boss with her to do list next week so that’ll be fun.....

Today was a perfect autumn day, sunny but crisp. We went out for breakfast, headed into town to do some errands (I had clothes to return, why does nothing ever fit right?) and then headed out to St Andrews for a walk along the beach/cliffs. Sadly, Starbucks are no longer doing their Pumpkin Spice lattes but George has discovered he likes the gingerbread ones just as much so he’s not mourning them too much!

He’s having trouble at work again, it seems like his managers are out to get him, accusing him of leaving his section in a mess and saying he has only x amount of cages to put out when it’s actually more than that. He’s going to start taking photos of his section before and after he’s done as well as videoing the number of cages which is a ridiculous thing to have to do but better to do it and not need it than have them pull him up for discipline with no backup to refute them. It sucks that he works for such a shitty company. :( he’s still thinking about dropping a night next year which I think will have huge benefits for him but psychologically I think the shift from full time to part time hours isn’t sitting well with him. It’s a tough situation.

I’m loving the influx of new SGA fic following the start of the posting period for SGA Reversebang. I got my own two contributions posted for it but haven’t had the time to do any new writing this week.

Fingers crossed for this week! I want to have my hc Bingo Card blacked out by the end of the month!

2018: 43-9

respoftw — Sun, 28 Oct 2018 17:20:18 GMT

We went to see David Byrne in his American Utopia tour on Monday night and it just might have been the best concert I’ve ever been to. Everything about it, from the staging to the band was incredible. We have one more concert this year but there’s no way it will beat that.

On the Tuesday morning, we were sitting at breakfast after checking out of the hotel and talking about who was still on our bucket list to see. We both agreed that the Cure were the top of our ‘want to see’ list but figured we’d have to travel at least to London to see them. That same day I got an email saying they were playing the Summer sessions in Glasgow next August. Tickets went on sale this Friday and we got some! I’m so excited to see them!

Despite the amount of gigs we go to I’m not much of a music fan, not really, but there’s just something about live music!

Work was busy, I really shouldn’t have taken the two days off but I managed to survive. My colleague with cancer is back on Monday so that should relieve some of the pressure although she will be going off again soon for four months to get chemo. I also don’t know how ready she is to come back, she’s the type to push herself to come back too soon so next week will be interesting. Thankfully, it does mean I can push off the staff disciplinary issue that I’ve been fretting about to her seeing as it’s one of her staff members. It’s been a tough year at work, I’ll be glad when the finance manager is back from maternity in January. I mean, I’ll miss the extra cash but getting some of the responsibility taken off me will be welcome!

That’s both of my sgareversebang fics done. Phew! I’ll get those both posted later next week - hopefully posting instructions will go up soon.

Next week is gonna be pretty full on at work so I doubt I’ll have time to write this week but I’m gonna go back to my hc Bingo Card as soon as I can.

2018: 42-10

respoftw — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 15:10:31 GMT

The less said about work this week the better. The actual work part went fine, it’s the people part that’s getting me down. Do you ever do that thing where you just assume everyone works as hard as you do because, you know, that’s what they’re paid to do, but then it becomes apparent that they don’t? I’m temporarily line managing my sick colleagues staff and, bloody hell, they’re hard work! I’m having to walk a fine line between not stepping on my colleague’s toes but also having to do something about the blatant poor performance that she’s let slide. I am terrible at those sorts of conversations, I hate confrontation so much but it’s part of my job and I have to do it and I’m trying to psych myself up for it. Ugh.

I worked late every night this week trying to get ahead of myself because past Ashleigh thought taking Monday/Tuesday next week off was a good idea. Past Ashleigh is an idiot. But past Ashleigh also booked trains and a hotel room so present Ashleigh is going to have to deal with it, lol. On the plus side, we get to see David Byrne so I’m not too mad about it!

Saturday was pretty relaxed, George was off work that night because he swapped it for his usual Monday off but he napped most of the day so I got some things done in the house. I went to visit my Gran as well which was nice.

Today was Community Day on Pokemon Go. The sun is shining now but it was pouring down for most of the three hours of the event so it wasn’t the most pleasant day but I got three shinies and went from having no third evolution of Beldum to having 4 so I’m happy. I love that it gets us out and mingling with other people too. It’s nice to run into other groups of people all doing the same thing of you and helping each other out with raids and the like.

Who said Pokemon Go was dead? ;)

Despite working late every night, I pulled my finger out and made sure to write during the week because the deadlines were starting to scare me! Thankfully, I managed to get my first sgareversebang fic finished on Friday and edited on Saturday. It’s even been beta-ed (thank you otherearthsoutthere).

I’m feeling much more confident about getting my second story written for the same challenge. (even if I am rethinking my plot bunny for it). That’s the focus for this week. In an ideal world I’d like to have it finished for next week...wish me luck!

10,365 words later....

respoftw — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 17:47:57 GMT

The first draft of my first reverse bang fic is done! I have no idea how much editing it will need, not even gonna look at it again until tomorrow but hallleluja, I have a draft!!

Feeling much more confident about getting fic # 2 done in time now!