My fic & art review of 2011

[bluespirit]

This is a little late, but I wanted to do my usual annual round-up.

2011 wasn't a great year for me in terms of my health - & unfortunately that did impact on my creativity (a lot).  I had two cancer scares, a major surgery & I'm still trying to cope with an on-going issue that had me in hospital as recently as last week.  I really, really hope that 2012 is better! :)

Anyway - here are the stats:

Stories: 22
Words: ~ 15,000
Manips: 23
Cartoons: 2
Icon sets: 3
Fandoms: 5

My personal highlights:
That's actually a tough one, though I suppose that I should feel happy to have managed to create anything considering how I've been feeling.  I did have a lot of fun with my American Romance Library, & I'm also really proud to have organised (& taken part in) 8 art challenges during the year.  I was also thrilled to be nominated for (& to win) several GateFic Awards. :)

Disappointments:
+ I'm disappointed not to have written more.  I wrote over 90,000 words in 2010 but only managed 15,000 in 2011. 
+ I commented in my 2010 review about feeling disconnected from fandom, & I'm afraid that I still feel that way.  It's great that so many new people have come into SGA, but they seem very focussed on their own thing & I feel a little like a dinosaur.  I was also quite hurt by the response from some people when I branched out into writing H5O as well as SGA.
+ As I've created more art this year, I've been disappointed to see how often art seems to be viewed as something less than fic - as just a precursor.  It's great if art can inspire a story to be written, but it can simply be a standalone piece to be enjoyed on its own merits, too. It can be disheartening to an artist to be repeatedly asked 'where's the fic?' without even a comment for the art that has been worked on for so long.

Moving into 2012:
To be honest, I'm not sure.  I really hope that I can rekindle my muse.  I actually have so many stories that I want to write (& that play out daily in my head), but I just can't seem to commit them to paper (well, keyboard/monitor.)  To try & get through this, I've signed up for the McShep 'Still in love' challenge because everything does come down to John & Rodney for me - &  if anyone can get me writing again, it will be those two. ♥

I'd like to thank everyone who has helped & supported me during this really difficult year - especially my wonderful team of betas - I really, really appreciate your friendship & thoughtfulness.
*hugs*
Thank you. ♥

So, onto the fic & art:

+ Stargate Atlantis

Fic

Pairing: McKay/Sheppard

Shorter stories:

What lies beneath Rodney just wants to relax. PG-13
Best foot forward Rodney rants. John's in love. And there's mud. Lots of it. G
Once upon a time Rodney rants, Radek's tearing his hair out – and John's Prince Charming. Kinda. G
No alternative An earthquake and a declaration. PG
TLC John needs a little TLC. G

Longer stories:

Touchdown John gets kidnapped. PG-13 (~6,000 words)

Additions to existing series & universes:

In the summertime Hammocks are made for napping. G (Beach house 'verse)

Art

Pairing: McKay/Sheppard (+ the odd bit of Team)

Digital manipulations:

Love's old sweet song
Guide you home
Second Time Around
The Dandy Highwayman or You Can Take The Boy Out Of The 80s...
Home for the holidays
New Day
Full Throttle (American Romance Library)
Shot to the Heart (American Romance Library)
Safe Surrender (American Romance Library)


Cartoons:

'McShepguins - trick or treat'

Icons:

McShep - Shore leave icons (x20)
McShep - Love hearts



+ Hewligan

Art:

Pairing: Brendan Dean/Emmett

Digital manipulations:

Makai  (Thoughtcrimes/Boa vs. Python)


+ Hawaii Five-O (2010)

Fic

Pairing: McGarrett/Williams

Shorter stories:

Around the block Just another lazy Sunday morning in paradise. PG
Ain’t nobody gonna get hurt It's Gracie's first date. G
Not in Hawaii anymore Danny isn’t certain what’s happened. PG-13
One thing to say There's something going on with Steve, & Danny's determined to find out what. PG
A man in uniform Danny has a thing for Steve's dress uniform. NC-17
In a galaxy far, far away Danny discovers another of Steve's 'faces'. G
Cold light of day It's the morning after the night before, & Danny's worried. PG-13
Time out Danny's trick knee is causing problems again. PG
Covert op possessive!Steve is possessive. Rawr. PG
Smooth operator Danny Williams: smooth operator. PG
Security Blanket Steve's on high alert. G

Longer stories:

Say my name Danny likes it when Steve gets a little non-verbal. NC-17
Back to pink Life has a way of coming full circle. G (+ podfic version)

Art

Pairing: McGarrett/Williams

Digital manipulations:

The Private Journal of Lt. Commander Steve McGarrett (aged 34 & a half) (The Glitter Pen Chronicles)
Danny's Top Secret Notebook (No SEALS Allowed!) (The Glitter Pen Chronicles)
The Ghost & Detective Williams
Aloha!
Not Another Word, Steven
Wonders of the Universe
On Thin Ice (American Romance Library)
The Doctor's Dilemma (American Romance Library)
Making Waves (American Romance Library)

Icons:

Some Steve & Danny lovin' from ep 1.15 Kai e'e (icons)



+ NCIS

Pairing: Gibbs/DiNozzo

Art

Digital manipulations:

Frozen
Two wolves
Tying the knot
The Unexpected Legacy (American Romance Library)

Cartoons:

'NCISguins - A little TLC'


+ Lord of the Rings RPS

Pairing: Bean/Mortensen

Fic:

A dark... and stormy night (a pair of drabbles telling one story) It was a dark and stormy night... PG-13


If anyone wants to subscribe to my stuff over at AO3. I'm bluespirit. (You'll need to log in to see the subscribe button.) I'm adding my new stuff as I post & am sloooowly adding my earlier stuff, too. :)

+ Awards

(Thanks again to everyone who took part in the awards process. I'm really, really touched. ♥)


So, I just want to say a final thank you for reading & viewing throughout the year.  And special thanks to everyone who has taken the time to comment (at LJ, via email or at AO3.)  Please know that it means the world to me (especially when things haven't been going too well) & that every comment is gratefully received & cherished. ♥
*hugs*

Comments

[xanthelj.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't worry too much about the fic word count - look at the year you've had! And your artwork as been absolutely outstanding.

I completely understand about the disconnect - funnily enough I said almost the exact same thing in my 2011 round up post about my 2010 post. And those feelings got worse for me too, as they did for you.

I guess having major real life health and other issues didn't help either of us with those feelings. I also branched into a new fandom and yes, there can be negativity which is a shame as we can't stay, creatively, in the same place forever, and you didn't exactly abandon SGA! As you say, you are still very inspired by John and Rodney. But at the same time, we both know from experience that we won't be in the same fandom forever. I can't imagine writing the same pairing when I'm 70 that I'm writing now for example! LOL! And surely it wouldn't be reasonable for people to expect that?

I'm delighted your stories won awards and recognition - much deserved.

I just hope 2012 is a much better year for us both, health-wise, and that we get inspired creatively - by something, no matter what it is! You deserve the very best for all you've given fandom over the years - you're such a fandom treasure and give so much pleasure with artwork and arranging art fests, as well as your fantastic writing - and also the fact you provide episodes of shows for people to download and lots of chatty links and info. You certainly ARE a star! A pink, sparkly one!

Lots of love and hugs!

[bluespirit-star.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for your support - you've been an absolute rock for me (despite all of your own problems this year.)
*hugs*

Yeah, I just feel adrift from fandom, & it's not like I haven't tried, but I just feel a bit misplaced at the moment. I do try & share eps & vid clips, etc as well as squee (when I can) but it does feel a bit like as my creative output has declined, so has some people's interest. (Not everyone, of course, I have some fabulous, supportive folk on my flist.)

you didn't exactly abandon SGA
That's it - & what really hurt was that the negativity came just after I'd spent most of December posting all that stuff for my Advent, too.

But I totally agree - we both need this brand new year to be so much better - no more hospitals for either of us, please, & lots of lovely writing mojo! ♥
*hugs*
The pink & sparkly girls take on 2012! *g*

[tingreca.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you said 70 - that gives me exactly 9 more years!

[sanguine2.livejournal.com]

Hi! We don't 'know' each other that well but I just want to say I'm so sorry you've been dealing with such scary health issues. I can't believe you've managed to create what you have!

It's a shame when something we do for a fun escape turns around and creates angst. I just hope the pleasures have outweighed the yucky for you.

Happy HEALTHY New Year and hope your muse kicks into high gear! ♥

[bluespirit-star.livejournal.com]

That is so kind of you - thank you.
I really appreciate it.
*hugs*

And yes; I really hope I can get back to my writing - I do love it so much. :)

[jimandblair.livejournal.com]

[[[bluespirit_star]]]

I think that your productivity has and is awesome. There's a lot of fic and art listed above.

I agree with xanthlj and sanguine2. I don't understand why people would be hurtful just 'because' you ventured into another fandom. Your creativity is your creativity, you can't force it. And giving you grief goes against the ethos of fandom to be brutally frank; we do this for fun, not-for-profit and to share.

Here's to a better 2012 for you: Salute!

[bluespirit-star.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much, hon.
*hugs*
You've been so great & I really appreciate your contributions to the fannish_advent.

Yeah, I've never been able to force my creativity. I just write (or make art) for what is burning up inside of me & has to come out. I do feel fortunate that, despite not being able to concentrate enough to write, I have still been able to manip.

Yeah, let's hope 2012 is a good one! :)

[thady.livejournal.com]

Sometimes the life off-line gets precedent, that's ok.

As I've created more art this year, I've been disappointed to see how often art seems to be viewed as something less than fic - as just a precursor. It's great if art can inspire a story to be written, but it can simply be a standalone piece to be enjoyed on its own merits, too. It can be disheartening to an artist to be repeatedly asked 'where's the fic?' without even a comment for the art that has been worked on for so long.

Really? That's so stupid. Art takes as much thought and work as fic.
I was really bad at comenting this year (I wasn't really feeling well), but I liked looking at your art. *hugs*

[bluespirit-star.livejournal.com]

It's not everyone, of course - but I certainly noticed a trend. It doesn't make an artist feel great, I can tell you. (Well, not this one!)

I do hope you feel better - let's hope 2012 is an improvement for us both!
*hugs*

[sherry57.livejournal.com]

Sweetheart, I think you're very courageous to have written anything and created artwork this year...at all!! You have been very very productive in my opinion considering the serious health problems you've had to cope with.
As for people being critical of you writing H5-0 stuff, personally, I'm delighted being a fan of both but your creativity belongs to you, not to us the readers. It's up to you what you write and we are just the lucky ones who get to enjoy your creation. It's not our right to censor, direct or criticise what fandom you chose to write in!!! I'm shocked at the bad behaviour of some people having the audacity to criticise you for writing stories other than SGA!!
But most importantly hon, I wish you all the very very best of health in 2012...you really deserve a good healthy year.
So may 2012 be a great healthy year, a wonderfully creative year and a happy, fun year for you hon. Thanks for all the great enjoyment you give me as a reader...I really appreciate it!
Good luck hon....I'll be thinking about you xxx

[bluespirit-star.livejournal.com]

You don't know how much this means to me - thank you so much. That's really kind of you.
*hugs*

Yeah, I can't just turn my creativity - or its direction - on or off at will. The heart wants (to write *g*) what it wants, with me I'm afraid. Currently, my mind is full of McShep stories that I really hope I can knuckle down & write. ♥

[sgamadison.livejournal.com]

I can tell you from personal experience that it is hard to feel creative when you feel crappy. I can only imagine how much worse it is when you are seriously worried about your health as well.

Cut yourself some slack here. Remember too, a period of lying fallow can often bring renewed growth in the spring! Give Buddy a scritch behind the ears and (weather permitting) take him for a walk. (I just let H interrupt me here for a prolonged period of "Save the Green Squeaky Frog!")

I see what you mean about people discounting artwork as somehow not being on the same level of effort and creativity as fiction. I have nothing but the utmost respect for artists--having dabbled with the wrong tools and come up with dreadful results that not even I would share! I think the problem with art may lie in the fact you guys make it look so easy! Without knowing artists personally, or danceswithgary's step by step reveals, I'm sure the average person in fandom hasn't a clue what goes into the production of a single piece of art. Not fair, but true. However, like danceswithgary's icons, or vida_boheme's fanmixes, your fandom art graces my walls (and mugs, and calendars) and brings joy to my life every single day. Fic doesn't do that! Not on the 'daily appreciation' level. For that, I thank you greatly!

Just look at your end-of-year list here! That's pretty dang impressive! Especially all those shiny awards banners at the end here!

[bluespirit-star.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Mads - yeah, I know you're right. I just feel sad that I didn't manage to tell the stories that I wanted to last year. Hopefully, this year will be better. :)
*hugs*

Hee! I do love that Mr H! And frog rescues are Very Important Business, you know! How's little Frodo doing? I hope Kenya is still recovering well, too.
Bud & I are out every morning - no matter the weather! It was blowing a gale & tipping it down yesterday (I was soaked even with a long waterproof coat) but we don't let it stop us. (I always think of the US Mail motto! *g*)

A lot of people are very kind with their art comments - but there does seem to be a growing trend of the 'but where's the fic?' kind, too which is a bit disheartening (to say the least.) Thank you for your kind words - I really appreciate it. ♥
*more hugs - because I can*
:)

[sgamadison.livejournal.com]

The nice thing about stories you didn't get to tell is that they are still there--waiting their turn. :-)

K is doing well enough (and the weather is mild enough) that I'm going to try walking her for a half hour this afternoon and see how she does.

Yes! Dogwalking is very much like the US mail--except we don't take holidays every month!

I do think *some* of the 'where's the fic' comments is in reaction to such a lovely piece of art--the feeling is that surely it must prompt someone to write a story to go with it. I know that several of your Harlequin covers (and blurbs!) were so engaging, I viewed them thinking, "Damn, now I want to *read* this!" It is not meant as a slight at all--more as a testament to the power of the piece itself!

Hugs accepted at will today--it's been that kind of day already today. ;-)

[starbuckssue.livejournal.com]

Bearing in mind the year you've had I think the list above is very impressive. I've loved your H50 stories and have been meaning to read your SGA ones (having recently got into the fandom...and yes it took me long enough and I so wish there was more than five seasons, thank goodness for fanfic is all I can say) so thanks for this reminder post. I'm heading over now to do some reading, I have definitely fallen in love with John/Rodney and I hope writing for the challenge will inspire you, you really do write them so well!

I also think you do some fantastic artwork, it's not many people who can tell a whole story just with a picture but you do it so well, thank you so much for sharing it.

Finally, I really hope that 2012 is a better year for you.
Hugs
Sue

[bluespirit-star.livejournal.com]

That's so sweet of you, Sue - thank you. That means so much to me.
*hugs*

I'm so glad that you've 'discovered' SGA & are enjoying it so much! There's a lot of really great fanfic out there for you to immerse yourself in! :)

Let's be dinosaurs together!

[gloria1.livejournal.com]

Well I for one am officially impressed with the quality of your output this last year and even more so in light of your RL challenges. As for the quantity: if its 100 words or a million, 1 piece or art or a gallery full - what matters most as far as I'm concerned, is that you always pick just the *right* words and just the *right* images. Which makes me happy - and grateful for your talent and your craft and work.

{hugs}

Re: Let's be dinosaurs together!

[bluespirit-star.livejournal.com]

Oh, A - you're so kind. I don't know what to say! Thank you so, so much.
*hugs*

[doylebaby.livejournal.com]

Like you I have had major health and other issues in 2011 and writing just didn't happen as much as I would have liked. So I know exactly how you feel!

I hope that 2012 will turn out to be heaps better health- and otherwise for us, then the rest will benefit from it as well. :)

*hugs*

[bluespirit-star.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much, hun. I agree - 2012 needs to be better for us both!
*hugs*

[tingreca.livejournal.com]

I fortunately didn't have any personal health issues - but I did lose several members of my furred family, so I know how worry and distractions can be ... err ... distracting. (Gee - no wonder I didn't write much - I no longer can!) I hope your 2012 is AMAZING for you - and you do what you wish rather than get pulled and tugged around.

[bluespirit-star.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry for your loss, T.
*hugs*
And thank you - I hope that we both have a happier new year. :)

[sonicbookmark.livejournal.com]

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

[bluespirit-star.livejournal.com]

Aw, this just made me smile so hard!
Thank you.
*hugs*

[d_odyssey.livejournal.com]

You are amazing. I can't believe how much you've done with the health problems you've had in 2011. I think the quantity is great but the quality is fantastic. I love your work. I admire your fighting spirit and attitude. Thank you for all the joy and beauty I've received from your work.

I was thrilled and overjoyed when I saw that you were writing and doing artwork for H50. Double the pleasure - John/Rodney and Steve/Danny for the win/win! I'm so sorry to hear you took flack for that. I'm very grateful to have you in both.

I hope that 2012 brings you much joy, health, happiness and prosperity. May the new year be your best one yet! *hugs*

[bluespirit-star.livejournal.com]

Thank you so, so much. That really means so much to me.
*hugs*
I love to interact with folk over a fic or piece of art, & it's just so lovely to know that you've enjoyed what I've done.
*beams*

I know that everyone won't be into every fandom, but I do have to create what my heart tells me to - I can't be creative to order.

Thank you again - & I hope that 2012 is a wonderful year for you, too!

[springwoof.livejournal.com]

I, for one, deeply appreciate the fantastic whirl of fannish activity that you produce. I adore your art and the fests that you run, and the fic that you write, and just everything!

It's sad that folks disrespect your muse. You were one of the folks who drew me into H50 fandom & that's a very happy thing! You're always doing good stuff & making people happy.

I wish you better health in 2012. You deserve the best!

[bluespirit-star.livejournal.com]

You're just so kind & thoughtful - thank you!
I really do appreciate your lovely comments - & the amazing fannish_advent that you set up!
*hugs*

[blackrosetat.livejournal.com]

I am totally blown away that you would have any negativity from readers for venturing into a new fandom. Personally I loved your Steve/Danny fics while still relishing your McShep work. I know I don't usually comment, although I may have under "witchy_kat" (what can I say my daughter found my LJ - stay out of my porn kiddo!) but I think you are a wonderful writer and I have always looked forward to reading anything you've done. Also, your art, especially the American Romance Series, is nothing short of amazing. What I didn't realize is that by commenting that I'd like to see the fic you didn't feel the artwork was as appreciated as it should be and I apologize for that sincerely. It is, obviously, very wonderful and very much appreciated.

All the best for a happy and healthy 2012!

[bluespirit-star.livejournal.com]

Ah, I remember witchy_kat! Nice to 'see' you again. :)

Thank you so much for your kind words - it makes me really happy to know that you've enjoyed both my 5-0 & SGA stuff. I perfectly understand that not everyone will be interested in a new fandom - I was just taken aback by the negativity. (Personally, I can not share someone's new passion without needing to harsh their squee.) And it would be a boring old world if everyone liked the same thing!

Thanks also for your lovely comment about my art, but please don't think that commenting on wanting to see the fic upsets me. It's comments where people make no reference at all to the art & just stamp their feet & say 'where's the fic?' that are so disheartening. You have nothing to apologise for & I want to thank you for your comments. I love interacting with folk over a fic or piece of art. :)

So, thank you again - & a happy 2012 to you, too!
*hugs*

[xanthelj.livejournal.com]

Go here - it's a little gift for you!

http://www.xanthe.org/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=360

[bluespirit-star.livejournal.com]

Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
I absolutely love it! Thank you so, so much!
A podfic for meeeeeee! \o/
You've done a fabulous job with it. I wanted to leave a comment over at your site but couldn't see how to do it. (I did login but couldn't see a 'comment' button - I'm probably being very dim! *g*)
But anyway - thank you here for now!
*hugs*

[xanthelj.livejournal.com]

Yay! Glad you liked it! There's no place to leave a comment there so you're not being dim - that's just an upload space for it at the moment until Jacci wakes up and I figure out how to do it properly! LOL! I just wanted to make you something and I can't send anything by email because of the dead Outlook on the Mac, so...I did it this way!

[bluespirit-star.livejournal.com]

Oh, cool (I thought it was me!)
That's brilliant - I'll leave a review once it's in the correct place.
*beams*
Thank you again.
*dances dance of podfic joy*

[foxrafer.livejournal.com]

I think you've produced a lot in 2011, and while I understand how not meeting our own expectations can be a downer sometimes what you've done is wonderful. I'm also still so pleased that you participated in the VigBean exchange/roulette. If the mood strikes you this year, you will be more than welcome. *hugs*

As for some people's responses to art (expecting, or preferring to see, fic) or how some reacted when you started writing in the Hawaii 50 fandom, I don't know what to say. I imagine they maybe thought they were showing you how enthusiastic they were about your writing and art in Stargate Atlantis but it sounds very rude to me. I'm sorry that people said things that upset you. I may not be in either of those fandoms, but I always enjoy seeing people having fun with their fandoms and that giddy excitement when there's new news about their favorite actors. I'd never want to harsh your squee or try and steer you away from that. Keep on keepin' on, as they say. :-)

[bluespirit-star.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much - we seem to view fandom in a very similar way. I'm always happy to see someone enjoying something, too - even if it's not 'my' fandom or interest.
*hugs*

And thank you again for organising the exchange/roulette. I always enjoy taking part! :)