About not writing and zines

[byslantedlight]

For the first night in ages I've barely B&D-d at all, and I definitely wrote no fic! Need a break after the week-that-didn't-go-anywhere. Well, it did, but its gonna take a lot more than that to get it done right. So I shall post it next halloween perhaps ; ) Well, at least I shall get on with some of my others and come back to it later...

What I did do tonight - no, not work, sillies - was compile a list of zine recs from replies made by the lovely people over at ProsLit. enednoviel and I have both been trying to figure out which zines to splash out on, cos there are just so many to choose from... and even saying things like "Anything from Doghouse Press" doesn't help hugely cos the list is lo-ong. The various rec sites are great and helpful, but I'm the greedy type I guess - I want more information! So if anyone out there on my flist has any recommendations it'd be really appreciated too *grins hopefully*. (With big thanks to minesapint for the many excellent ideas already contributed, btw...) And if anyone else is interested in seeing the zine rec compilation when its done, then do let me know, I'm happy to share!

And now - Heat Trace beckons...


My Alaska news is that tonight we are dipping below 0 degrees Farenheit, which is about -18C! Coldest its been yet, and I could really feel it walking home tonight - my metal framed glasses were very cold on my nose! It does get to the point where something like that starts to ache on your face, and I nearly took them off (I'm not all that blind) but then the cold hits your eyeballs instead, and you scrunch your eyes up. I suppose the solution is plastic frames, when I can afford them! And yes, I did wish I'd brought a scarf to pull high around my nose! Someone asked me if you need anything special to breathe: not unless unless you're expecting to be outside for extended periods, working perhaps. The best things are - not popularly with the more "civilised world" - things like beaver fur, which have special hairs that act as guards to keep the animals (and people) warmer. I must say, I don't have a problem using skins and furs up here, because they really are the most practical things. Not that I can afford them! But just getting from one place to another is fine. I used to walk 20 minutes to school at -40ish (which is about the same in F and C) and although I kept my face covered with a hat and scarf, that was all. Of course you should always be prepared for car breakdowns and things... this place *does* kill people. Often people who got drunk and careless at -40...

Comments

[londonronnie.livejournal.com]

What I did do tonight - no, not work, sillies - was compile a list of zine recs from replies made by the lovely people over at ProsLit

Aha! I didn't realise that was you! So much for my powers of deduction, eh?

I've got a whole shedload of fav zines that I could recommend but I suppose it all depends on what kind of stories are to your personal taste. Light and fluffy, dark and depressing, AU, CI5-based - there is such a wide variety in Pros, probably more so than in any other fandom I've come across.

You mentioned 'Heat Trace' - is this the sort of story that you prefer? Or can you give us the titles of some stories that you've read that have really had that special something for you?

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Darn, I'd just written a really detailed reply, hit the wrong button and it all vanished in a puff of... well, me swearing actually. So, start again:

Aha! I didn't realise that was you! So much for my powers of deduction, eh?
Yes, I thought this would let the cat out of the bag! Ah well, apparently I will never make a good undercover agent... I blame all those people at yahoo who were using up all the variations on "slant of light" that you can think of!

You mentioned 'Heat Trace' - is this the sort of story that you prefer? Or can you give us the titles of some stories that you've read that have really had that special something for you?
Well, I am thoroughly enjoying Heat Trace, but I must admit that I can't see so far why its a love it/hate it fic, at least so far. Although I am wishing that Doyle was in CI5. Maybe he will be later. Don't tell me!!

Okay, have just realised that I'm about to write a huge rambling amount about my preferences, so I'm going to make it a posting instead, under an LJ cut, if you don't mind! But the short version is that I like many many completely differing things! Anything except AUs and crossovers really, although there are even exceptions to that "rule" of mine! Okay, lemme get more detailed up above...

[justacat.livejournal.com]

I have some more specific thoughts about what specific zines are worth purchasing (I also have inside knowledge of which zines are mostly on the archive! *g*), but I'm about to run out the door ... I will get back to you on this, though, if you're still interested ... It really isn't helpful to say "any Gryphon Press zines!"

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Oh yes please would love to hear your thoughts when you get the chance!

[enednoviel.livejournal.com]

And if anyone else is interested in seeing the zine rec compilation when its done, then do let me know, I'm happy to share!

Me. But you know that already. *grin*

[probodie.livejournal.com]

I'd be interested in seeing the compilation too. However, for zine recommendations, if you like anthologies, the Motets for B&D are top notch, all the stories are excellent, be they first timers, established relationships or episode based.

If you like long novels and first times, then Injured Innocents, by O Yardley and Fruit of the Spirit are both excellent (by Peartree Press, I believe).

I hope this is of SOME use to you - and if you want a synopsis, then I can elaborate further if you email me :-)

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

If you like long novels and first times, then Injured Innocents, by O Yardley and Fruit of the Spirit are both excellent (by Peartree Press, I believe).
Yes, I like both those things - I'm on an eternal search for the neverending Story... oh wait, is that Pros fandom I see?! My quest is finally at an end! :) I've heard good things about these 2 where ever I look, so they are definitely on my list!

if you like anthologies, the Motets for B&D are top notch, all the stories are excellent, be they first timers, established relationships or episode based
I haven't seen any of the Motets yet, but I've been disappointed by the two anthologies I have seen, so its put me off a bit. If you'll promise me that its good writing though, then I'm in!

Thanks for this : )

[probodie.livejournal.com]

What anthologies have you read so far? because I bought one at the beginning of my zinequest, and was so disappointed in it - it was almost ALL gen, despite being sold as a slash zine.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Chalk and Cheese 10, which just has some really bad writing in it. Or at least that's how it struck me. I dunno, I've just flipped through it again to see if I'm being unfair. Maybe I should read it again properly to double check. But.. hmmmn. And it does have some good too - my fave HG.

No Holds Barred 2, which actually wasn't so bad but was really mostly AU which I'm not fond of. And I wasn't keen on the premise of a couple of the stories, but that's just personal preference, I think. The Kitty Fischer and HG made up for it a bit though.

[probodie.livejournal.com]

I just got HG collected 1, and thats very good, and some of the C&C are good, some are barely average. I can honestly say that the Motets are fantastic, though. There isnt one story in the 3 I have that I dislike, which is unusual in itself.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Right - they're on the list!

[probodie.livejournal.com]

If you hate them, you have my permission to RENOUNCE me publically on your LJ :-)))

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

lol - but... wouldn't I have to give back the icons if I did that... they're mine I tell you, mine! *g*

[probodie.livejournal.com]

Weelllll...I guess I could be magnanimous and let you keep them...lol

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

PS - great picture on your icon, where ever did it come from? Its not from an ep, is it?

[probodie.livejournal.com]

No, it's not - it looks rather like a boys night out, to me. And I cannot remember where i got it from, to be honest. Sorry!

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

it looks rather like a boys night out, to me
It does, doesn't it? That's why I liked it - nice to know Lew and MS did get along!

[probodie.livejournal.com]

By all accounts, they got on VERY well ;-))

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Oh, do tell me more, cos I know what *I* think...????? Please!!

[probodie.livejournal.com]

*winks* well...there have been rumours abounding about them for years...I think you know where I'm going with this without me saying anything more hehehe

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

oh, nononononono! Email me immediately with further details and evidence of said rumours. In the interests of research.

[minesapint.livejournal.com]

Hey, I thought this 'rumour' was only known to a selected few - like me! Does everyone know about it?

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Gaaaaargh! Please tell me about this! Is this a solid rumour with any kind of info behind it at all, or is it just airy-fairy-floaty-we-wish kind of rumour? My email is still in the posting under this one if you don't want to post the gossip! So-o-ome-one puh-lease tell me!

[probodie.livejournal.com]

I dont think everyone knows, no... but just who does, I have no idea ;-)

[minesapint.livejournal.com]

ooooh, go on then, show me yours and I'll show you mine! What *is* this rumour then? Let me guess, Martin Shaw is bi....? With Anthony Andrews? He looks the type, Andrews, not Martin, although I don't know....

[probodie.livejournal.com]

Well there are various rumours surrounding Mart and Lew ;-))

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Okay, that's it - if you ain't gonna disclose solid info, then cease and desist with the tormenting!

[probodie.livejournal.com]

Email me!!! I'm saying NOTHING on a public LJ hehehehe

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Would love to mate, but I don't have your email! Mine's in the posting under this one, from yesterday!

[probodie.livejournal.com]

Oh fuck, I just realised - I did reply to you the other day, but missed the .com off the end, so i resent it! You should have it by now...or if now, at least soon :-)

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

lol - well that explains all the teasing! I shall await the little *ping* of messenger!

[probodie.livejournal.com]

Hope you get it soon - if you dont, let me know and I'll resend for a third time lol

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Aha - got it, thanks!

[probodie.livejournal.com]

So I see :-))

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

email me if you'd rather - slantedlight at hotmail! But I need to know!

[enednoviel.livejournal.com]

The pic was in the Annual of 1984. :)

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Thankyou! So much!

*resists urge to rush to ebay and bid on every single annual that I owned as a youngster and got rid of during travels*

*is unsuccessful in resistance*

[probodie.livejournal.com]

Ahhhh right - well, I knew I'd seen it somewhere...LOL

[paris7am.livejournal.com]

I'm trying to make a dent on all of the LJ I've missed recently, going backwards and making a mess of it, too! I would *love* to see your list of rec's - I'm in the same situation. Thanks :)

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

No worries. It might take me another day or so now, cos I slightly expanded my original brief..!

[minesapint.livejournal.com]

Well, as the self-proclaimed, unofficial, president of the Helen Raven Fan Club I'm thrilled to see that Heat-Trace beckons, but I thought her AU's had put you off her a bit? Believe me, if you're in the right frame of mind you'll appreciate this work. A superior piece of writing, in my humble opinion.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Well, her AUs did, but I checked Heat Trace again and saw that it didn't look like an AU and decided to give it ago. I actually managed to print the whole thing out. I've had to restrain myself over reading it, cos my eyes are starting to cross with all the computer stuff I've been doing, but I'm up to about Chapter 9, and enjoying it so far. Its still not 100% the boys to me - how could Doyle *not* want to join CI5?! (Maybe he does later in the book, don't tell me!) Anyway, its gonna be my treat for tonight.