Dear Yuletide writer
Oct. 23rd, 2022 15:34![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
mimmDear Yuletide writer,
It's been a while since I did Yuletide but here we are again! I tried to give as much information as possible in my sign-up details so there wouldn't necessarily be a need for a letter - especially when there's the app with nifty bookmarking - but here's one after all.
This is mostly a copy & paste of my sign-up with a bit of extra. No previously unmentioned surprise DNWs, though, I promise!
I'm![[archiveofourown.org profile]](https://p.dreamwidth.org/b164c54b26e4/-/archiveofourown.org/favicon.ico)
Mimm on AO3 as well. I've allowed gifting and I adore treats. ♥
I know I keep saying I'm fairly easy to please but it's true. :) Just pick a prompt and go, or twist the prompt to your liking and make it better. Or ignore the prompts and go for a like! Or if you have a great idea of your own you feel fits the characters and you think I might be into it, then just avoid the DNWs and you're good to go. I read a variety of genres so even if I fail to prompt for a specific type or trope it doesn't necessarily mean I'm not into it. Fluffy, angsty, dark, heartwrenching, porny, moody, adventurous, introspective, silly, it's all good as long as it avoids my DNWs. I generally prefer a hopeful ending over a totally bleak one, but I like sad and bittersweet things too.
I've requested some of these before, so you could check my AutoAO3App for stuff I haven't added in previous letters. You can also check out my "dear writer" tag if you feel like it.
DNW:
Unrequested noncon between ship characters, domestic abuse between ship characters, daddy/mommy kink, pregnancy, focus on children, explicit sex involving <16s, highschool/band/coffeeshop/etc. AUs that drastically change the setting (unless it's a parallel universe that's part of the plot), A/B/O, bestiality, scat
I love m/m, so my likes and prompts tend to lean heavily towards shippiness and romance in general. Because there's no guarantee you're into m/m or romance, I'd also love strong friendshippiness. :) But in that case, please don't focus on other ships featuring my requested characters. Mentioning/referring to canonical ships is fine, of course, as long as they're not the focus. Also, please don't have the characters explicitly state that they'd never be into each other as more than just friends.
None of my DNWs are triggers, just things I'm not into, or I'm picky about them and don't want you to stress trying to figure out the exact way I like them.
LIKES:
Getting together, pining, first times, new experiences, new feelings
Touching, esp. if it's not intended as sexual/romantic at first, intentional or accidental
Complicated feelings/relationships, inner conflict, themes of guilt or shame, trust and reassurance
Friends/enemies to lovers, enemies joining forces to fight a villain/common enemy
Road trips, camping/hiking, everyday bonding moments
Emotional and physical hurt/comfort, forced closeness, casual intimacy
Tropey things like a convenient amnesia, snowed/caved in, undercover as a couple
Time loops, time travel, parallel stories (esp. fond of the Peggy Sue kind second chances)
Lighthearted and funny or darker and angsty or anything in between (yes, even during the holidays!)
Horror elements like ghosts, possessions, haunted things and places
These are ship-heavy, but you're welcome to take them into a gen/friendship direction as needed. I like all tenses, all POVs, all ratings for either sexual content or level of violence.
I have more specified likes & freeforms in my previous letters, but these are the gist of it.
These are in no particular order. Whatever spot it is or however short/long the section is, trust me when I say I want these all equally.
Bright (2017): Nick Jakoby, Daryl Ward
The Limehouse Golem (2016): George Flood, John Kildare
St. Elmo's Fire: Kevin Dolenz, Alec Newbarry
Matthias & Maxime (2019): Matthias Ruiz, Maxime Leduc
Hiacynt | Operation Hyacinth (2021): Arek Krajewski, Robert Mrozowski
Bright (2017)
Nick Jakoby
Daryl Ward
Jakoby <3. I did not think I'd ever end up thinking an orc is sweet but he so is! Basically, if he's in the fic, I'm happy. Ward's interesting too, once he stops being such an asshole, and I enjoy seeing them finding a way to work together.
But yeah, Jakoby's my fave, I can't lie. :D You'd think he should be this brutal, aggressive guy, but he really isn't. I love the detail about him being able to read humans and our tells, and how he just gets so enthusiastic he can't shut up when he should. And it broke my heart to see him having to listen to all the bashing and hatred and clearly being upset.
I view him as sort of bi/pan, so shipping him with Ward? Great! Him pining after some other guy (open to all races, go with whatever you think fits the canon and him)? Also great! Maybe there's a race that's nonbinary by nature and he falls for someone like that. Jakoby and Ward just learning how to be partners? Awesome! You could also lean in on some worldbuilding aspects as much or as little as you want. (Clarification that didn't make it to the sign-up: If you go for a ship that's Jakoby with someone who's not Ward, I'd still like Ward to be around as a friend/work partner, but in this case I don't expect heavy focus on him.)
I just unironically love this movie, no matter how much some people mock it. I went in wondering wtf's going on, what is this, am I watching a modern AU LotR fic or what, but then I just went with it and found it unexpectedly entertaining. Feel free to add or use any fantasy elements you want! LotR or otherwise. I think I saw a dragon there, and that one police had to be a centaur. :D
As for the timeline, I'd be happy with anything. It could be something pre-movie, before the incident with the kid. Or maybe some missing scenes from the movie, a casual, quiet moment. Or something post-movie, either right after or a bit later or even a few years later. I'd just really love a chance to visit this world and their life for a while longer, whether it's magical or mundane.
Maybe there's a stakeout, maybe they're drowning in boring paperwork, maybe it's a night off and one goes cruising and things either go great or terrible. Maybe one or both of them stumble onto a conspiracy, or one or both go undercover for a case and get in trouble (or save someone else from trouble). Insert magic as necessary.
The Limehouse Golem (2016)
George Flood
John Kildare
Two of my favourite moments between these two: Flood tells Kildare he's "on Kildare's side", and Flood tries to reassure Kildare by putting his hand on Kildare's. He's just so open and trusting and sweet, almost worryingly unafraid of showing who he is. I love the contrast between this eagerness to show kindness and Kildare's very restrained and cautious demeanor.
I'd love more of these moments, ones where their personalities clash. Maybe Flood's openness gets them in trouble, maybe it saves them (or just Kildare from doing something stupid when he thinks no one in the world would care).
I have a fondness for very closed-up and restrained people eventually breaking and admitting they in fact do need other people and physical desire is normal and They Are Worthy. Repressed characters too. They're great for all the heartwrenching stuff! And kind of relateable too?
At the end of the film, it looks like Flood's on a date with a guy, and Kildare's almost startled to see them. Who is the guy and are they really together? What goes on in Kildare's mind? Is he shocked by the openness, annoyed, a little jealous, somethingelse? Does he pull away even more, does he act grumpy?
Flood and Kildare work on another case together, whether by choice or because they're forced to.
Flood gets in trouble, either by total accident/misunderstanding or by trusting the wrong person, and now Kildare has to try and save him/clear his name.
Bonus crossover prompt: On the teeny tiny off chance you know The Alienist, I like the idea of these two canons crossing paths, with or without any needed time tweaking. Maybe Laszlo has read about the Golem cases and offers his theories (whether accurate or way off) via letters, maybe Kildare needs the help of an alienist he's read about or met, or whatever reason you can think of for either couple crossing overseas.
St. Elmo's Fire (1985)
Kevin Dolenz
Alec Newbarry
My fondness for the 80s is endless, and this has been one of my faves for ever. I don't even know why, it's not that amazing, some parts make me cringe, it really is just... very 80s. But it has several of my fave 80s actors, it's charming despite its weaknesses, and the main group are all really sweet, and I just want good things for that slightly dysfunctional group.
I'll be honest, every single time I've watched this, I've wanted Kevin/Alec to be an actual, canonical thing. Maybe you can make it happen? It's one-sided and sort of heartbreaking? Great, that'll do! Mutual? Now you're spoiling me. :D Not a thing at first but once the concept has been brought up, maybe..? Yes, I'll take it! Maybe Kevin has a thing for both (because Kevin/Leslie is adorable, messy as hell but adorable) and it's complicated. For a non-shippy take, anything with the two of them spending time together in some capacity would be great.
Something during canon, an alternate take/canon divergence? Post-canon meet-ups a year later, five years later, ten years later? A day in the (later) life of one guy, and suddenly he bumps into a familiar face? A pre-wedding party, a wedding, a funeral? Or something about them trying to bond again after the rift between them, with Leslie gone. Or Kevin's a journalist who's been asked to write about Alec's case.
I know I'm pretty m/m and male focused but when I say I love this entire bunch, I mean it, so any of them showing up would be great. I'm especially fond of Jules and I'd love her to have nice things in her future.
Matthias & Maxime (2019)
Matthias Ruiz
Maxime Leduc
I watched this again for the nth time, and even when I know exactly how the movie's going to go I still die a little when they kiss. Every time. Honestly, it's one of the hottest kisses I've seen in a movie in years, and it feels so damn earned too. The heartwrenching struggle before they get there, aaaagh.
It's funny how a movie in which the main couple spend a lot of time apart, which should make it feel super frustrating, the distance makes them feel more like a couple by the end. If only we'd gotten more of it!
I love Matthias's journey from being kind of oblivious to trying to fight his feelings because it doesn't make sense and it's inconvenient, and then finally giving in because resisting hurts more. And Maxime, oh no, his life is awful, but he has the best friends and a wonderful support system. He's the total opposite of Matthias - who has a great career, a great girlfriend, a great future, while Maxime is still looking for all of those things - but they feel so great together. The bond is real. <3 (And little Matthias knew it even before adult Matthias understood it. Aww.)
I'd love something post-movie! What's the next half an hour like when they go to the airport, their goodbyes? Does Frank know or do they tell him? Maxime's supposed to be away for two years. Is he, or does he come back earlier, or does he stay in Australia? How's his life there, does it work out or is it a struggle? Does Matthias go and visit him? Do they have a long distance relationship, can they make it work, or do they date others before inevitably drifting back together?
Their friend group is such a joy so anyone would be welcome to join. Maybe they throw a huge party when they know he's coming back, maybe they go and surprise him and spend an entire week on the beach getting sunburnt.
Note on covid: Considering the timing and the fact that Maxime goes abroad, covid would probably have become a huge issue if this was real life. I'm fine with either covid existing in this universe as well, or not existing at all. I don't want Maxime or Matthias or any of their friends catching it. But if it causes some sudden changes to travel plans? I won't mind as long as it's only a background setting.
Hiacynt | Operation Hyacinth (2021)
Arek Krajewski
Robert Mrozowski
This movie, omg. The first viewing kind of floored me because I was expecting a mediocre movie I'd watch and then move on. I didn't expect one that would cater to me in such specific ways, like someone managed to crawl inside my brain and pull out tons of random things I adore and then put them together in a way that actually makes sense. To think I nearly skipped this because it looks so modest and a little miserable.
There's the curiosity/openness about a sexuality that isn't your own. The inner conflict and fighting it, then giving in. The undercover aspect with stakes that get higher. The interrogation scene(!!!) for oh so many reasons. The willingness to go with your gut and what feels right, even when it might cost you everything. All those and lots more. It's such a satisfying combination of everything and I wouldn't change a thing.
Except the end, because the damn thing ended! How dare you end such a thing? I want more. So much more. Give me post-canon. What happens, how long will it take, can they ever make it work and where, when, how? Or focus on Arek, give me glimpses of his POV and how everything is for him, during the movie, pre-movie, post-movie. Missing scenes between them would be lovely too. I just want them together, somehow, one day. Maybe in another country altogether? Or it could be a present-day fic too that looks back.
Fandom-specific DNW: ACAB discourse. Yes, you can portray the asshole cops as assholes. No, I don't want ACAB commentary in a fic I'm trying to enjoy.
It's been a while since I did Yuletide but here we are again! I tried to give as much information as possible in my sign-up details so there wouldn't necessarily be a need for a letter - especially when there's the app with nifty bookmarking - but here's one after all.
This is mostly a copy & paste of my sign-up with a bit of extra. No previously unmentioned surprise DNWs, though, I promise!
I'm
I know I keep saying I'm fairly easy to please but it's true. :) Just pick a prompt and go, or twist the prompt to your liking and make it better. Or ignore the prompts and go for a like! Or if you have a great idea of your own you feel fits the characters and you think I might be into it, then just avoid the DNWs and you're good to go. I read a variety of genres so even if I fail to prompt for a specific type or trope it doesn't necessarily mean I'm not into it. Fluffy, angsty, dark, heartwrenching, porny, moody, adventurous, introspective, silly, it's all good as long as it avoids my DNWs. I generally prefer a hopeful ending over a totally bleak one, but I like sad and bittersweet things too.
I've requested some of these before, so you could check my AutoAO3App for stuff I haven't added in previous letters. You can also check out my "dear writer" tag if you feel like it.
DNW:
Unrequested noncon between ship characters, domestic abuse between ship characters, daddy/mommy kink, pregnancy, focus on children, explicit sex involving <16s, highschool/band/coffeeshop/etc. AUs that drastically change the setting (unless it's a parallel universe that's part of the plot), A/B/O, bestiality, scat
I love m/m, so my likes and prompts tend to lean heavily towards shippiness and romance in general. Because there's no guarantee you're into m/m or romance, I'd also love strong friendshippiness. :) But in that case, please don't focus on other ships featuring my requested characters. Mentioning/referring to canonical ships is fine, of course, as long as they're not the focus. Also, please don't have the characters explicitly state that they'd never be into each other as more than just friends.
None of my DNWs are triggers, just things I'm not into, or I'm picky about them and don't want you to stress trying to figure out the exact way I like them.
LIKES:
These are ship-heavy, but you're welcome to take them into a gen/friendship direction as needed. I like all tenses, all POVs, all ratings for either sexual content or level of violence.
I have more specified likes & freeforms in my previous letters, but these are the gist of it.
These are in no particular order. Whatever spot it is or however short/long the section is, trust me when I say I want these all equally.
Bright (2017): Nick Jakoby, Daryl Ward
The Limehouse Golem (2016): George Flood, John Kildare
St. Elmo's Fire: Kevin Dolenz, Alec Newbarry
Matthias & Maxime (2019): Matthias Ruiz, Maxime Leduc
Hiacynt | Operation Hyacinth (2021): Arek Krajewski, Robert Mrozowski
Bright (2017)
Nick Jakoby
Daryl Ward
Jakoby <3. I did not think I'd ever end up thinking an orc is sweet but he so is! Basically, if he's in the fic, I'm happy. Ward's interesting too, once he stops being such an asshole, and I enjoy seeing them finding a way to work together.
But yeah, Jakoby's my fave, I can't lie. :D You'd think he should be this brutal, aggressive guy, but he really isn't. I love the detail about him being able to read humans and our tells, and how he just gets so enthusiastic he can't shut up when he should. And it broke my heart to see him having to listen to all the bashing and hatred and clearly being upset.
I view him as sort of bi/pan, so shipping him with Ward? Great! Him pining after some other guy (open to all races, go with whatever you think fits the canon and him)? Also great! Maybe there's a race that's nonbinary by nature and he falls for someone like that. Jakoby and Ward just learning how to be partners? Awesome! You could also lean in on some worldbuilding aspects as much or as little as you want. (Clarification that didn't make it to the sign-up: If you go for a ship that's Jakoby with someone who's not Ward, I'd still like Ward to be around as a friend/work partner, but in this case I don't expect heavy focus on him.)
I just unironically love this movie, no matter how much some people mock it. I went in wondering wtf's going on, what is this, am I watching a modern AU LotR fic or what, but then I just went with it and found it unexpectedly entertaining. Feel free to add or use any fantasy elements you want! LotR or otherwise. I think I saw a dragon there, and that one police had to be a centaur. :D
As for the timeline, I'd be happy with anything. It could be something pre-movie, before the incident with the kid. Or maybe some missing scenes from the movie, a casual, quiet moment. Or something post-movie, either right after or a bit later or even a few years later. I'd just really love a chance to visit this world and their life for a while longer, whether it's magical or mundane.
Maybe there's a stakeout, maybe they're drowning in boring paperwork, maybe it's a night off and one goes cruising and things either go great or terrible. Maybe one or both of them stumble onto a conspiracy, or one or both go undercover for a case and get in trouble (or save someone else from trouble). Insert magic as necessary.
The Limehouse Golem (2016)
George Flood
John Kildare
Two of my favourite moments between these two: Flood tells Kildare he's "on Kildare's side", and Flood tries to reassure Kildare by putting his hand on Kildare's. He's just so open and trusting and sweet, almost worryingly unafraid of showing who he is. I love the contrast between this eagerness to show kindness and Kildare's very restrained and cautious demeanor.
I'd love more of these moments, ones where their personalities clash. Maybe Flood's openness gets them in trouble, maybe it saves them (or just Kildare from doing something stupid when he thinks no one in the world would care).
I have a fondness for very closed-up and restrained people eventually breaking and admitting they in fact do need other people and physical desire is normal and They Are Worthy. Repressed characters too. They're great for all the heartwrenching stuff! And kind of relateable too?
At the end of the film, it looks like Flood's on a date with a guy, and Kildare's almost startled to see them. Who is the guy and are they really together? What goes on in Kildare's mind? Is he shocked by the openness, annoyed, a little jealous, somethingelse? Does he pull away even more, does he act grumpy?
Flood and Kildare work on another case together, whether by choice or because they're forced to.
Flood gets in trouble, either by total accident/misunderstanding or by trusting the wrong person, and now Kildare has to try and save him/clear his name.
Bonus crossover prompt: On the teeny tiny off chance you know The Alienist, I like the idea of these two canons crossing paths, with or without any needed time tweaking. Maybe Laszlo has read about the Golem cases and offers his theories (whether accurate or way off) via letters, maybe Kildare needs the help of an alienist he's read about or met, or whatever reason you can think of for either couple crossing overseas.
St. Elmo's Fire (1985)
Kevin Dolenz
Alec Newbarry
My fondness for the 80s is endless, and this has been one of my faves for ever. I don't even know why, it's not that amazing, some parts make me cringe, it really is just... very 80s. But it has several of my fave 80s actors, it's charming despite its weaknesses, and the main group are all really sweet, and I just want good things for that slightly dysfunctional group.
I'll be honest, every single time I've watched this, I've wanted Kevin/Alec to be an actual, canonical thing. Maybe you can make it happen? It's one-sided and sort of heartbreaking? Great, that'll do! Mutual? Now you're spoiling me. :D Not a thing at first but once the concept has been brought up, maybe..? Yes, I'll take it! Maybe Kevin has a thing for both (because Kevin/Leslie is adorable, messy as hell but adorable) and it's complicated. For a non-shippy take, anything with the two of them spending time together in some capacity would be great.
Something during canon, an alternate take/canon divergence? Post-canon meet-ups a year later, five years later, ten years later? A day in the (later) life of one guy, and suddenly he bumps into a familiar face? A pre-wedding party, a wedding, a funeral? Or something about them trying to bond again after the rift between them, with Leslie gone. Or Kevin's a journalist who's been asked to write about Alec's case.
I know I'm pretty m/m and male focused but when I say I love this entire bunch, I mean it, so any of them showing up would be great. I'm especially fond of Jules and I'd love her to have nice things in her future.
Matthias & Maxime (2019)
Matthias Ruiz
Maxime Leduc
I watched this again for the nth time, and even when I know exactly how the movie's going to go I still die a little when they kiss. Every time. Honestly, it's one of the hottest kisses I've seen in a movie in years, and it feels so damn earned too. The heartwrenching struggle before they get there, aaaagh.
It's funny how a movie in which the main couple spend a lot of time apart, which should make it feel super frustrating, the distance makes them feel more like a couple by the end. If only we'd gotten more of it!
I love Matthias's journey from being kind of oblivious to trying to fight his feelings because it doesn't make sense and it's inconvenient, and then finally giving in because resisting hurts more. And Maxime, oh no, his life is awful, but he has the best friends and a wonderful support system. He's the total opposite of Matthias - who has a great career, a great girlfriend, a great future, while Maxime is still looking for all of those things - but they feel so great together. The bond is real. <3 (And little Matthias knew it even before adult Matthias understood it. Aww.)
I'd love something post-movie! What's the next half an hour like when they go to the airport, their goodbyes? Does Frank know or do they tell him? Maxime's supposed to be away for two years. Is he, or does he come back earlier, or does he stay in Australia? How's his life there, does it work out or is it a struggle? Does Matthias go and visit him? Do they have a long distance relationship, can they make it work, or do they date others before inevitably drifting back together?
Their friend group is such a joy so anyone would be welcome to join. Maybe they throw a huge party when they know he's coming back, maybe they go and surprise him and spend an entire week on the beach getting sunburnt.
Note on covid: Considering the timing and the fact that Maxime goes abroad, covid would probably have become a huge issue if this was real life. I'm fine with either covid existing in this universe as well, or not existing at all. I don't want Maxime or Matthias or any of their friends catching it. But if it causes some sudden changes to travel plans? I won't mind as long as it's only a background setting.
Hiacynt | Operation Hyacinth (2021)
Arek Krajewski
Robert Mrozowski
This movie, omg. The first viewing kind of floored me because I was expecting a mediocre movie I'd watch and then move on. I didn't expect one that would cater to me in such specific ways, like someone managed to crawl inside my brain and pull out tons of random things I adore and then put them together in a way that actually makes sense. To think I nearly skipped this because it looks so modest and a little miserable.
There's the curiosity/openness about a sexuality that isn't your own. The inner conflict and fighting it, then giving in. The undercover aspect with stakes that get higher. The interrogation scene(!!!) for oh so many reasons. The willingness to go with your gut and what feels right, even when it might cost you everything. All those and lots more. It's such a satisfying combination of everything and I wouldn't change a thing.
Except the end, because the damn thing ended! How dare you end such a thing? I want more. So much more. Give me post-canon. What happens, how long will it take, can they ever make it work and where, when, how? Or focus on Arek, give me glimpses of his POV and how everything is for him, during the movie, pre-movie, post-movie. Missing scenes between them would be lovely too. I just want them together, somehow, one day. Maybe in another country altogether? Or it could be a present-day fic too that looks back.
Fandom-specific DNW: ACAB discourse. Yes, you can portray the asshole cops as assholes. No, I don't want ACAB commentary in a fic I'm trying to enjoy.
