The Gallifrey Film Society Presents....

Hello there! I'm becky_monster and you are an awesome person as you are (I hope!) going to be writing for me as part of the 2015 round of yuletide.

Before I get onto the nitty gritty of requests etc, I just want to say one thing. Ahem...

All I ask is that you have fun writing your story. If you had fun, then it will show and I will love it. That's a promise. As much as I love getting fic written in fandoms that I love, for Yuletide, I love the creation aspect just as much as getting more fic to read. If that's the same for you - we're going to be aokay.

If you are here because you're a pinch-hitting superstar or something I've said urged you into writing a treat then - you are utterly AWESOME and I hope that you gets lots of kudos for that.

Now I've said that - I've asked for:

Sunshine (2007)

The Matrix (Movies)

Solar System (Anthropomorphic) and

Some Like It Hot (1959)

Before I get into the business of why I love each of my nominations, a word from our sponsors regarding things I like and Do Not Like. I'll start with the Do Not Like list - it's shorter.

Do Not Like - Character death, kink, humiliation, partner betrayal, character bashing (especially women characters) porn minus plot, dark themes. Fluffy monster is so *fluffy* you're gonna die (Despicable Me quote ftw!)

Now for the Likes list - Plot, character-led stories, friendships, alternative realities where one thing changes, different povs, hugs/cuddling, women characters being awesome and competent, teams equaling families, happy(ish) endings, conversations, films, kisses, laughter, humour, science, Space, exploration, nerdiness, teamwork, adventures, slice of life, dancing, joy, life...

I would say to have a look around my LJ but it's been one of *those* years when I have been anywhere but here. Even so, still have a nosey - I ain't changed that much;) also the following might be helpful:

AO3 - Beckymonster

Twitter - becky_monster

Tumblr - Movie-Watching-Monster (mainly because somebody beat me to 'Beckymonster' or variants of;))

So on with the show!

The Matrix (movies)
Characters - Trinity, Morpheus, The Oracle, Neo/Thomas Anderson
I utterly adore this film and (unpopular opinion ahoy!) love the sequels too. As the character list chosen reflects the first film, please feel free to concentrate on that, oh most awesome writer, if that's your heart's desire. If you'd like to bring in the sequels too - go right ahead! I won't say no;)

I've loved this movie since I first saw it in 1999 - I saw it again at the cinema last year (2014) and it still is utterly wonderful. I adore the Wachowskis (although I haven't had a chance to watch Sense8 yet), and love their way of looking at things.

Okay - ideas! Is now a good time to note that Trinity is one of my all-time favourite lady characters ever? Yes? Good! So long as Trinity is front and centre, I'm good;)

Ideas for considering - what if Trinity was 'The One' instead of Neo? How would have the film played out instead? Meetings between her and the Oracle (who was always awesome, in either body) perhaps? Her relationship with Morpheus - she tells Neo (towards the end of the first film) that he means more to her than he does to Neo, I've always seen this as non-romantic but there are ties that bind these two. What was her life like while she was still plugged into the Matrix?
What was her training like with Morpheus once she was freed?

Or conversely - throw all of that out of a window and go with some world building. Why did the Machines choose the end of the 20th Century? Do something with the idea of 'residual self image'...

In short - as Morpheus would say 'free your mind'!


Sunshine (2007)
Characters - Robert Capa, Corazon, Cassie, Mace
This is my perenial request - I ask for it now for two reasons. One - I'm too bloody minded to give up. Two - I live in hope that this might be *the* year I finally get fic about this wonderful film!

So - I would lovelovelove to see Corazon and Cassie being awesome and good friends as well as having a Bechdel Test passing conversation. There were at least two opportunities where this could have happened but didn’t.

I also adore Capa and Mace – we shall not discuss the crush the size of a small *moon* that I have on Cillian Murphy, nor that I’ll quite happily watch Chris Evans in nearly *anything* and have done. Ditto Michelle Yeoh, who I have loved since she wiped the floor with the bad guys back in Tomorrow Never Dies.

Other ideas - How do they deal with things like touch hunger and lonliness and being a long way from home? What are their coping mechanisms?

Or give me a what if - what if they hadn't found the Icarus I - completed their mission and returned home. They've saved the solar system - now what? How do they adjust to real life and to the fact that they're (regarded by everybody else as) heroes?
If you'd like to draw correlations between these guys and the astronauts of the Apollo missions, knock yourself out. I'm a bit of space nerd, so it would be quite wonderful to read.

As I have already stated - I love this little film and would love to read all the fix-its and 'happy-ish endings' for Icarus II's crew.

Or again - if you want to go off on a real tanget - what if the Icarus II was sentient?


Solar System (Anthropomorphic)
Characters - Earth, Pluto, New Horizons, Charon

Cards on the table - this is one of those fandoms that I always looked at in the tags list and would go 'Really?!' before thinking that it would be both awesome to write and read crack of the highest order about the little system we call home. This is my first year of asking for fic for this fandom as the New Horizons mission and it's results are just too good to pass up...

Poor Pluto - how must it feel to be 'kicked' out of the 'family' by that SOB Earth... only for Earth to send New Horizons out to see it as it did this year. How does Pluto feel about this?

And what about the names Earth has given it? It gets all the doom and gloom (mostly) while Charon gets the nerdy ones (see - io9 - We're Actively Creating the Geekiest World in the Universe) - what's their opinions on this?

Honestly, that two of the greatest lady characters in Film SF (Princess Leia and Ellen Ripley) are being used to (possibly) name parts of Charon is one of the best things I've heard all year.

In short - go nuts;) Be as mad as you like here. It's the one fandom that practically begs for it!


Some Like It Hot (1959)
Characters - Osgood Fielding III, Jerry 'Daphne'

Let me preface by saying that this film is one of my all time favourite films EVAR! It's up there with Star Wars, Beauty and The Beast ('91), Casablanca, Raiders of the Lost Ark, etc. as being one of my knock 'em down favourites. So, whatever you do is good.

Needless to say, that last line is one of the best (if not the best) closing lines in film.

And yet... what happens next? What happens to Osgood and Jerry/Daphne? Do they go they try to make something of what they had? After all, they seemed to be having a fine ol' time on their date - so there is a spark. So what do they do with it? If they do make something of it - how does it pan out? I'd like to think that they'd make it but what do I know?

Also - if you want to talk more about that date - please feel free. Dancing is always a good thing in my book. Go - have fun with this one.


And there you have it! The main thing to keep in mind, dear yuletide writer, is have fun and enjoy crafting your story. Whatever it is, I'm sure I'm going to have fun reading it!

Despite evidence to the possible contrary... I'm still here!

I don't know what else to say (other than the cat is trying to help me type this!) but I'd thought I'd at least say *something* as proof of liff.

Also as it's getting to that time of year again (yay! Yuletide!) so, with luck, this might not be a one off...

Does anyone know where I can find an Aussie-picker? Add this to the list entitled 'Things I Have Researched For Fic'.

I know I should make life easIER on myself by using the canon British Character as the main voice but... there you go.

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In related news... Casting has been announced for the Fifty Shades of Grey movie.
Call me utterly *crazy* but given the 'quality' of some of the names that this project is attracting - this might be okay. I'll explain my reasoning...

From what I've read of the book (I didn't get far at all - the whole 'inner goddess' schtick got very old, very fast!) it needs the same thing that Tolkien needed (and I can hear torn_eledhwen and celandineb sputtering all the way over here;)) - a damn good editor who's prepared to fillet out the crud and keep the good stuff.

Tolkien had that in Jackson, Boyens and Walsh for the trilogy. The Prestige is only half the book that Christopher Priest wrote and it's (arguably) one of Christopher Nolan's finest films. So - I'm a *very* long way off of 'cautiously optimistic' but I'm not writing it off yet.

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For those of you who may have missed this - some of the 'new' rules for Yuletide' have been (thankfully) scrapped. Leading to much rejoicing in the land.

FWIW - I'm thinking of nominating the following: Alien (1979), The Wolverine (2013), Sunshine (2007). There may be a 4th, but I can't think of it right now. These are my definite *wants*.

* * *

File under 'useful to someone' - Bleeding Cool is reporting that Agents Of SHIELD will begin showing in the US on 24/9 and the UK on 27/9 - which is a Friday. How this will work out in the long run is *anyone's* guess.

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One class done - (seemingly) 500 still left to do!;)

Continuing with the yearly repost of everything I wrote for the seasonal fic exchanges. This time, it's the stories I wrote for yuletide. For the first time, I not only wrote my assignment (which I'll post in the next day or two) but not one, but TWO treats. Which still surprises even me. Both can be considered as being 'crack', which might actually explain a thing or two;)

Title - Baby Please Come Home

Fandom(s) - Arthur Christmas (2011) and X-Men Movieverse (2000-)

A Gift For - littledust as part of the 2012 yuletide challenge

Disclaimer - This is a work of fanfiction. No profit is being made from this story. All rights belong to their respective holders.

'Baby, Please Come Home' can also be read at AO3

( On Christmas Eve, during his first year as Santa, Arthur finds out that he’s not the only one who can make people happy at Christmas. )

Sounding off...

mini_nanowrimo - pledge: 100 words a day. Written: 2801 words. Yes, I know that's practically my entire word count for the month in one day. I'm surprised too! But it does mean that my secret_mutant story (or at least the first draft of it!) has been completed!

secret_mutant - 6,274 words for the 1st draft in the bag. One day I'll get back to the habit of brevity in my writing. Today is *not* that day.

yuletide - ahahaha... next silly question?! No, really! Still zero words but re-aquaintance with the canon is in my future.

xmenbigbang - 27327 words and counting. As for the rest of it? Let's discuss something else. It's my own damn fault, mind. One day I will learn *not* to write about the women that canon sweeps under the carpet; today is not that day.

I think I have about another two - three *big* scenes to write and then the epilogue. Getting the first draft in before the end of the month is still achievable. After all, stranger sh*t has happend!

* * *

So that's me. How are you guys?

mini_nanowrimo pledge: 100 words. Written: 815 words. My xmenbigbang story won't write itself, y'know!

Talking of which - it is possibly the 'longest' story I've ever written as of today. Nearly 20,500 words written. Obviously, I'll call it when I finally post it but there is still a ways to go.

* * *

Some of you may be wondering what that great disturbance in the Force is.... The yuletide assignments went out and... although I was *not* expecting to be matched on the fandom I have been... I think I'll be able to do it justice. Although I reserve the right to flail like no one's business between now and hand in.

IF YOU, OH WONDERFUL YULEGOAT ARE READING THIS my letter is here and remember, whatever you write, I am bound to love it, so long as you've enjoyed creating it. Remember - optional details are optional!

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So, that's me - how are you guys?

Dear Awesome Person

Hello!

How are you? I hope this letter finds you well. Can I just start off by saying that you are an awesome person with impeccable taste? You're writing me an X-Men First Class story, therefore *awesome*!

Just before we get to the nitty-gritty, just be aware that whatever you write, so long as you've enjoyed it's crafting, I am bound to enjoy it too. So, no pressure on you;)

I'll talk you through my likes and dislikes before getting into the prompts themselves. If this seems kinda familiar... I copied and pastaed stuff from my yuletide letter. Even so, the sentiments are still the same.

The 'Yes Please!' list includes - Plot, character-led stories, friendships, alternative realities where one thing changes, hugs/cuddling, women characters being awesome and competent, teams equaling families, happy(ish) endings, conversations/banter, films, kisses, laughter, humour, science, teamwork, adventures, slice of life, dancing, joy, life...

Fandom Specific - I love the (what I refer to as) The Silver Knights as much as the Celtic Hotties versions of Charles And Erik, so if you're hearing Sir Patrick and Sir Ian - go right on ahead. I love and adore Raven, so if she turns up to snark and generally hang out, I'll be very happy. If you want an OT3 with the three of them, I'd be overjoyed. Also, found families, mutant rights/politics, Alt Universes...

And did I mention that I'm very much a denialist about the Beach Divorce? As in It Did Not Happen (or at least it might have been a separation?) If that goes against your beliefs, writer, then I don't mind them being separated, so long as there is a chance of reconciliation? As I said - fluffy monster is fluffy.

If you want to go down the sexyteims route - sensuality is key as is emotional engagement and consent among adults too. My strongest leaning is towards m/m, quite happy with het but I'm afraid that f/f does nothing for me. Be far happier with female friendships, if that's okay with you.

The 'No Thank You' list - Character death*, kink, humiliation, partner betrayal, character bashing (especially women characters) porn minus plot, dark themes. Yes, I am a fluff monster of epic proportions - plays havoc with the upholstery.

*Shaw is fine - everybody else isn't!

And Now A Quick Word From Our Sponsors Re Ratings - If you, awesome writer, can’t ‘do’ romance (het, slash or poly as the prompt suggests - or not) I would lovelovelove (more than cake!) Gen fic.

Okay - onto the prompts:

1) - Date Night At The Movies - what can I say? I'm a movie buff - go period specific ('Dr No' - aka the first Bond film came out in April '63 in the US, for one) or more up to date if you're skewing older. What do they go see? What does everyone else think? Is it a date or just two friends going to see a film and hang out?

2) - On the World Bromance Tour (aka the recruiting trip) Charles (by complete accident) telepathically 'hears' Erik call out his name while he's masturbating in the shower. What does Charles do?
This idea intrigues the hell out of me, unfortunately, I can't write porn to save my *life*. Charles seems to be very much intent on keeping his promise to stay out of Erik's head, but what about the things he can't 'help' but hear. Is he shocked? pleased? burdened with angst? tries to ignore it? How does Erik react?

3) - Bond! AU. Either Charles or Erik as 007 and the other as their kickass accomplice. Fill the other characters in as needed but world saving shenanigans please!
- Hi! I'm Beckymonster and I'm a Bond nerd. My Bond geekiness is on the upswing at the moment what with the release of Skyfall which is freakin' awesome! If you haven't seen it, do. Highly recommended. If you want to make either Charles or Erik into Q, then I will love that a hell of a lot. He's a character I've always loved and the new version is just a delight.

4) - Dancing - This is the Gen prompt (if it wasn't completely obvious) and all I can say is if you choose this - go nuts. I love ballet, modern dance, Strictly Come Dancing (in the UK) jumping around to a song on the radio - you name it, I love it. Who does, who doesn't and to what music.

So - I hope that's given you *something* to work with! If not, talk to the mod about getting (anonymously!) in contact to ask for further intel. More than happy to oblige!

You don't need to be a telepath to realise what I'm about to say next do you? Just insert your favourite Granny Weatherwax quote here.

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Fair warning is fair. Skyfall opens in the UK tomorrow and well, I'm currently on one of my biyearly Bond kicks. We shan't speak of the fact that's it's about two years overdue. After seeing all 22 of the films in six weeks in '09, I think I can be forgiven.

So, there will (most likely) squee but I promise no spoilers. Especially as it doesn't open in the States until 11/9 (or 9/11, depending on what way you look at it). Just so y'all know.

* * *

On the subject of fair warnings.... I er... have signed up for both yuletide and secret_mutant again this year.

So far, so 'normal'. if not for the fact that I'm 156 words off of 17500 words on my xmenbigbang story.... I think I'm at the 65/70% range of the tale - which is frightening and exhilarating for a number of reasons. Not least for ah... 'historical' reasons!

All I am saying in my defence is that sanity was never my strongest point.

So, fair warning for all the whining imaginable as to deadlines and muses misbehaving that will be headed in your general direction in the not too distant.

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So that's me (with a snoring cat at my elbow) - how are you guys?

Dear Awesome Person

Hello!

How are you? I hope this letter finds you well. Can I just start off by saying that you are an awesome person with impeccable taste! How do I know this? You have volunteered to write in one of the teeny fandoms that we both love. Ergo - awesome.

Just before we get to the nitty-gritty, just be aware that whatever you write, so long as you've enjoyed it's crafting, I am bound to enjoy it too. So, no pressure on you;)

And if you're here because you are a pinch-hitting superstar - then the above goes for you with bells on.

This is my 3rd time on the Yuletide train, you can find my previous letters Here (2010) and Here (2011) in case you're interested. If you do, some of what I say may seem a tad 'familiar'; if I keep asking, one year, I'll get lucky;)

Please feel free to have a nosey around my journal. As all my requests are films - you may find the Movies tag of some use. Also my Films Watched In... posts too, although when I get an hour, I'll update the 2012 one because I am *woefully* behind on that one.

I'll also add relevant detail to each request where needed.

Okay - onto the Likes and Dislikes portion of the letter.

The 'Yes Please!' list includes - Plot, character-led stories, friendships, alternative realities where one thing changes, hugs/cuddling, women characters being awesome and competent, teams equaling families, happy(ish) endings, conversations/banter, films, kisses, laughter, humour, science, teamwork, adventures, slice of life, dancing, joy, life...

If you want to go down the sexyteims route (and given that at three of my fandoms have some of the most beautiful people on the planet - knock yourself out!) - sensuality is key as is emotional engagement and consent among adults too. My strongest leaning is towards m/m, quite happy with het but I'm afraid that f/f does nothing for me. Be far happier with female friendships, if that's okay with you.

The 'No Thank You' list - Character death*, kink, humiliation, partner betrayal, character bashing (especially women characters) porn minus plot, dark themes*. Fluffy monster is so *fluffy* you're gonna die (Despicable Me quote ftw!)

*With Prometheus feel free to give yourself some wiggle room, although, please, no darker than the film went as that was just about to hit my limits in places.

A Quick Word From Our Sponsors Re Ratings - Note – if you, awesome writer, can’t ‘do’ romance (het, slash or poly as the prompt suggests - or not) I would lovelovelove (more than cake!) Gen fic.

I hope that makes some kind of sense - if not, ask the mods (or a hippo!) to ask me for more intel.

The Fandoms:

( Details and Waffle for Arthur Christmas (2011), Prometheus (2012), RocknRolla (2008) and Sunshine(2007) )

And that is that. Obviously - these are just suggestions - if you, awesome writer, have a bunny that’s currently feasting on your ankle that you want to write then... fire up the word processor, draw yourself a beverage and WRITE! I’m sure I’m going to like it!

So - to conclude - have fun and I hope that your fic is as awesome as you are!

Signed

Beckymonster