Twi Network

2011-06-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

Twi Network has a new home on Wordpress!

Our new URL is http://twinetwork.wordpress.com

All the posts have been transferred from here to there. However, we aren't deleting any of the posts we made on blogger, so if you've linked to a review/etc. on the site, and don't want to update the URL, it will still work.

Iron Pen Winner - Fugitive by @Twilitedaddict

2011-05-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

Iron Pen: Twiliteaddict

Challenge Date: May 7
Time Given: 30 minutes
Entries Received: 6

* Original, un-beta'ed version.

"Damn, I hate the smell of manure in the morning," Jasper grumbled from atop his horse. No one was around for him to hear.

Just wide open space for as long as the eye could see - until it ran into the sharp uprising of the mountains. Big sky territory his pappy called it.

But Jasper fancied the thrill of war instead of herding long horn cattle. It was 1848 and the Mexican-American War raged just a few days ride away. He knew he had the shootin' skill to make a worthy soldier.

However, as the oldest of two boys, Jasper knew his father, Carlisle, needed him. Jasper's mother had died giving birth to his younger brother, Edward. Though Edward was now 15 years of age and growing stronger by the day, Carlisle relied on Jasper to make the 200-mile cattle drives every year. Carlisle was getting too old to handle the grueling trip on horseback.

So Jasper continued to keep quiet his love/hate relationship with the 600,000 acre Ranch Esme the shores of Lake Tahoe, nestled high in the Sierra Nevada. He knew they were lucky to own such timber-rich land and large number of livestock, but somehow Jasper felt confined.

The cattle moved slowly. Oozing across the landscape, grazing and making a general mess of the land.

To his surprise, he saw something else moving on the horizon. The waves of heat distorted the image. Like metal to a magnet, he was drawn to it. It was pulling him.

At first he rode slowly toward it, but soon picked up speed, spurred by his curiosity.

Within minutes, he closed in. It was a woman, slouched over her horse. Her dress covered in grime and dust. Her short dark hair matted to her head.

Jasper dismounted, grabbed his water skin, and ran to catch the reins of her horse.

Easing her off, he raised the water container to her parched mouth. Some of the water ran over her face to reveal creamy flawless skin. She was a vision of purity to him.

She sputtered and awakened. Her blue eyes brought him into focus.

"Please, help me. I need shelter from my husband. He is very cruel. I suffer great indignity at his hands. Please help me."

"I will. What is your name?"

"Mary Alice."

Leaving Edward in charge of the herd, Jasper rode back to the ranch with a weak Mary Alice clinging to waist as she rode with him.

"Carlisle!" Jasper called to his father upon his return entering the house with all haste, leaving Mary Alice in the stable to rest upon a mound of hay.

"Jasper, my son, I am glad you have returned. The sheriff has asked for assistance. There is a woman wanted for murdering her husband in cold blood." The sheriff stood holding up the wanted poster, complete with a drawing of the woman with short dark hair and blue eyes.

"Have you seen her, Jasper? She will be hung for her crimes."

Jasper knew his answer would change his life.

"No," he responded.

Completed Story - Ride by @krisalvador

2011-05-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

Ride
by Kris Salvador
Twitter: @krisalvador
Rating: NC17
Genre: AH
Contains: Fluff
Characters: Bella and Edward
Chapters: 18

Published: August 19, 2010
Completed: May 6, 2011

Summary: Bella wanted to fulfill a fantasy - to be groped inside a crowded train. She gets her wish and more, when a sex-starved ex-convict decides she's fair game. ALLHUMAN. Mature but with plot.

Completed Story - The Ride by @Aylah50

2011-05-10T07:16:00.000-07:00

The Ride
by Aylah50
Twitter: @aylay50
Rating: NC17
Genre: AH
Contains: Angst
Characters: Bella and Edward
Chapters: 29

Published: March 23, 2010
Completed: March 25, 2011

Summary: Bella and Edward meet at a concert as teenage strangers during the height of grunge in the 90's. When their paths cross 14 years later, Edward is stuck in the past while Bella is fleeing from hers.

Completed Story - Washington by The Joker's Daughter (@jokersdaughter3)

2011-05-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

Washington
by The Joker's Daughter
Twitter: @jokersdaughter3
Rating: NC17
Genre: AU
Contains: OC
Characters: Bella and Carlisle
Chapters: 26

Published: October 13, 2010
Completed: April 25, 2011

Summary: A 23 yo Bella is back in Washington, but is exhausting herself with her precariously balanced life. When she returns, she finds herself drawn to a certain blond doctor. The only concern? She has a 4 yo daughter with Dr. Cooper.

What Are We Reading Now? - Hide in Plain Sight by @FangMom

2011-04-30T02:04:00.000-07:00

Hide in Plain Sight By @FangMom
Review by SwedenSara

Have any of you ever crushed on an actor when you were a teen, dreaming about meeting him and having him fall in love with you? Yeah, I guessed so. Next question: how many of you has done that as a grown up? Yeah, I guessed I’m not alone in doing that… I’m well over 30, and have this silly infatuation with an actor who’s about 10 years younger than me, maybe even more. I think you can all guess his name, right?

Hide in Plain Sight allows me to indulge in those fantasies without making me feel like a creep. This is a story where a middle-aged Bella, only a couple of years older than me, meets the young, hot actor Edward, known from the Zombie Killers movies.

Edward Cullen has been thrown into the life of a huge celebrity without really being prepared for it. In the beginning of the story we meet him as a tired, overworked and confused young man with an increasing addiction to pills. Edward can’t sleep, he misses his family and friends in England, and he’s constantly hounded by fans and paparazzi. He’s stuck in a relationship of convenience with Jane, his co-star in Zombie Killers, and he doesn’t have much of a social life. He spends his days working, and rarely meets people other than his body guards, Emmett and Jasper, his personal assistant, Alice, and Jane and her personal assistant, Rosalie.

“Deodorant, hair spray, hair gel, hair wax, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, blemish cream (how did I still manage to get zits at 27?), five bottles of cologne, eight bottles of perfume, moisturizer – why the hell did we need all this crap anyway? Life was so much simpler before Hollywood – a bar of soap and a stick of deodorant was all I had needed.” (Edward Cullen)

Bella is living her life as a house wife and stay-at-home mom. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Jacob Black, and the mother of their seventeen year old daughter, Claire. She is expected to play the part of a corporate wife, a well groomed and perfect hostess, tending to her husband’s and daughter’s needs. Over the years she has adapted to her role, suppressing her own self and moulding into a shape that pleases her husband.

“I glanced down at the tank-top and cut-off denim shorts I was wearing. No, Jake definitely would not approve of this outfit. I kept it, and a couple of others like it, stuffed in the back of a drawer and only wore it when he was away.” (Bella Black)

Jacob, on the other hand, is rarely home. He is busy with very successful career as a financial advisor, and has a helpful hand in his personal assistant Leah who follows him everywhere. Jacob has a habit of inviting his clients to barbecues and dinner parties, which he expects Bella to organize. When Jacob manages to seal the deal as Edward Cullen’s financial advisor, he gives him a standing invitation to stay with his family whenever he needs time away from his hectic life. Edward takes the offer, and joins the Black’s for a weekend.

“When we had eaten our fill, Jake rose from the table and suggested that he and I adjourn to the living room.

"Let's leave the ladies to their cleaning up, eh?" he said, winking at me.” (Edward Cullen)

When Bella and Edward meet, they have an instant connection, and a friendship starts to grow between them. They are both stuck in a life they don’t particularly want, and the relief of having someone to confide in brings them closer. As time goes by it gets harder for them to ignore the depth of their feelings, but with Bella being married, and Edward busy with filming, will they ever be able to admit their emotions and give full expression to their passion?

FangMom does an amazing job in portraying both the life of a hunted celebrity, and that of an isolated house-wife. She manages to spice it up with well thought out snippets of reality: events and things we recognize from Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart. The famous Stoli tee makes a very welcome appearance. Her writing is impeccable with an easy flow and lovely details.

FangMom manages to make the fantasy of an actor falling in love with a slightly older woman plausible. She allows us to dream a little more, and imagine that maybe; just maybe, it can happen to us, as well.

Iron Pen Twilight Challenge: Japan Edition Fundraiser

2011-04-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all the voters during this Iron Pen Challenge round! In total we're donating:

3200 yen to a local Japanese charity

Staff Involved: Lulu M, smexy4smarties, and solareclipses

Voters
Kitsushel RachelxMichelle Laura mcc101180 sister lizzy Lezlee mcgt itsyblue1214 Barburella LyricalKris IcelandGirl812 Rosalie'sRevenge SassyK missrebecca Leanne GoLightly Fairusa DarcysMom Le Crepuscule earthprincess4

Completed Story - Rubbish by Belladonnacullen (@BellaDCullen)

2011-04-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

Rubbish
by Belladonnacullen
Twitter: @BellaDCullen
Rating: NC17
Genre: AH
Contains: Fluff, Romance, Comedy
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 52

Published: February 21, 2011
Completed: April 13, 2011

Summary: Trash. Dirty. Filthy. Late nights. Early mornings. Finally open your eyes to see Edward staring back. It's hard to remember to take out the trash when you're a high-class hooker. Do you need help cleaning house? Let the garbage collector do it.

Completed Story - Blind Intentions by @SammieLynnsMom

2011-04-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

Blind Intentions
by SammieLynnsMom
Twitter: @SammieLynnsMom
Rating: NC17
Genre: AH
Contains: Angst
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 31

Published: September 19, 2010
Completed: April 10, 2011

Summary: When Edward & Bella's son, Nathan, goes missing it turns their lives upside down. This is the journey they take to find him, & in the process realize everything isn't what it seems. M for language, themes, & future lemons EPOV E/B Eventually NO CHEATING!

What Are We Reading Now? - First and Ten by @Nolebucgrl

2011-04-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

First and Ten By @nolebucgrl
Review by eli-21

Here I was in the big time, and I was about to take my first steps into the locker room to interview the one and only Edward Cullen.

I’m going to give you some advice: ignore that quote. Why? Because this story starts with what would work perfectly as a one-shot, but then goes back to where it all began. A.k.a The most interesting part. I’m not sure the author said this at first, but I would have liked to know before I went to read chapter two and she said, “So we're going back in time a couple months to show how Edward & Bella first met.” Yeah, I would’ve liked to start there. I mean, we know they’re (probably) going to end up together, but I’m one of those readers who skip the prologue because it shows something I don’t need. Or maybe it’s just me? Anyway, I’m just saying… if you want to start at the beginning, skip chapter one. If you’re looking for a hot O/S read it, and whenever you’re ready for a long-chaptered story, go to chapter two. Easy, right?

Now let’s get to it!

I love sports-related fics. First & Ten starts with a romance that leads to the moment when Edward, “hottest quarterback in the league”, and Bella, who’s “stuck covering high school sports and stat checking” for the Arizona Republic, meet in a crowded club. Of course, that night doesn’t end very well, but the next day starts way better.

What I really like about this story is its main characters, Edward and Bella. He’s not your typical man-whore quarterback, and she’s not the usual weak and fragile or traumatized girl. First & Ten runs in both points of view, which gives us a good opportunity to know both characters and the way they interact with the others.

Author Nolebucgrl uses another character in the most intelligent way. Emmett is usually the best friend of the reader, the guy who everyone loves, and First Ten’s Emmett is no exception. He’s so hilarious, calling Edward names. And not just any names. “For every photo shoot and fawning article, Emmett managed to find yet another nickname for me. Besides those two—Heisman and Most Beautiful—, I was GQ, Cosmo, Playboy (though of course it was Playgirl that wanted me to pose, I'd shot that down right away), Harper's Bazaar… you name it, Emmett was on top of it. I think he subscribed to every magazine that might print my picture just for fodder.” Like I said: hilarious.

So the point is to follow the story and reach the scene in Chapter 1 again, but in the opposite point of view, then continue with the story. There’s also an Emmet-take at the end. Good fun! Enjoy this story, and don’t forget to review and tell Nolebucgrl I sent you.

Iron Pen Winner - Margaritas and Weddings by @tellingmelies

2011-04-18T13:39:00.000-07:00

Iron Pen: tellingmelies

Challenge Date: April 3
Time Given: 30 minutes
Entries Received: 10

* Original, un-beta'ed version.

I stood outside the church, wringing my hands together. This was a stupid idea. What the hell was I thinking? Well, I knew what I was thinking. I was in love with him. So desperately in love with him.

The bell above the church chimed, 4:00pm on the dot. A man in a black tux began to close the doors, waking me from my fretting. I quickly ran up the steps and slipped inside right before they closed completely. The air-conditioned room was a welcoming change from the blistering heat outside and I took a few moments to cool down and catch my breath.

"Miss, are you here for the wedding?"

I looked up and saw an older man peering at me above the rim of his glasses, standing before the next set of doors which I assumed led into the chapel. He looked confused, like he was unsure of what to do with me. I glanced down and realized I was wearing jeans and Led Zeppelin t-shirt – definitely not wedding attire.

"Miss?" the man asked again.

I was about to turn around and run out, never looking back and just live my life knowing that I let the best thing I've ever had slip through my fingers. I had even begun to turn back towards the main doors when I heard my best friends' voice in my head and I was suddenly back in our earlier conversation.

~A few hours earlier~

"Bella? Did you hear me? Edward's wedding is today."

I looked everywhere else but where she was sitting. I knew about the wedding, of course, but I was still in shock. Not my Edward. I swallowed my margarita trying to think of something to say.

"Well, it's been a year," I choked out.

Rose rolled her eyes. "Don't give me that shit," she said, flipping through her tour book of Japan.

"What do you want me to do Rose?"

"Be honest with him. Look, he told you that he loved you and wanted to spend the rest of his life with you and you just bailed. And don't pretend for a second that you don't regret it. I know you."

I glared at her and downed my margarita, signaling to the waitress for another. "And I ask again, what do you want me to do? He's getting married. You want me to just bust in there shouting 'I object!'?"

"That's exactly what I want you to do," she said flippantly. My mouth fell open and I just stared at her. "What? Don't act like that thought isn't appealing."

Two margarita's later, and that thought was very much appealing. I stood up suddenly, throwing my chair back.

"I'm going to go!"

"Good girl!" Rose shouted, toasting me with her glass. "Ganbatte!"

I paused mid-motion. "Huh?"

"Ganbatte! It means good luck or something like that." She held up her book. "Gotta get the language down if my work wants me to actually do any business there." I shook my head, grabbed my jacket, and hi-tailed it out of there.

~Present time~

That's how I found myself here – completely sober since I ran the six blocks to the church. The old man must have gotten tired of waiting for me because he was nowhere to be found. This allowed me to quietly open the door and sneak in, taking a place somewhere toward the back. Minutes later, the doors reopened and the wedding march began. I didn't even look back, my eyes instead trained on the beautiful man standing up at the alter.

Edward.

He looked perfect, not that I was surprised. And he was smiling. He looked happy. All of the sudden I needed to get out of there. My heart rate was picking up and I was pretty sure I was going to start hyperventilating. Something to my right caught my eye and I turned seeing his future bride for the first time. I couldn't stop the tears that came to my eyes. She was just a perfect as he was. I was a fool.

I waited until she had passed by me completely before trying to escape, mentally hitting myself for even listening to Rose. But of course I was me, and the three margarita's I had earlier didn't help my poor coordination and my foot caught on some pink poofy thing and fell flat on my face, taking down a flower pot with me. The music cut off abruptly and I heard commotion as people turned in their seats. I wished I could sink through the floor, but I began to push myself up, my face burning.

"Bella?"

I froze.

"Bella? What…what are you doing here?"

I turned around into a sitting position and found myself staring into those deep green eyes that I missed.

"I-," I began, not even knowing where to begin. But staring at him right there, right in front of me, I knew I had to saw it. "Edward, I'm so sorry. You know this isn't like me, I'm not this type of girl. But I had to come. I had to let you know. I lied." His brow wrinkled in confusion.

"Edward, what the hell is going on?" his bride-to-be was standing behind him, her hands on her hips.

He held up a hand to silence her, never taking his eyes off of me. "Bella, what do you mean 'you lied'?"

My eyes flitted from the two of them, settling on Edward. "I lied when I said I didn't want a future with you. I was scared and everything was moving too fast and you were too perfect. And part of me didn't want to believe that you wanted me – no, couldn't believe. I've regretted it every day. And I know that this is horrible timing, but I was with Rose and there were margaritas, and that's just too much information. But I love you. I love you so much and I just had to tell you. But this is not right and I shouldn't be here."

I stood up quickly, brushing my hands on my jeans. Edward stayed bent down on one knee, looking at the ground. His bride-to-be was glaring at me and I couldn't blame her. I backed away, heading toward the door.

"Umm, sorry everyone. Carry on," I mumbled before turning and running out of the church.

The moment I was outside, I collapsed onto the nearest bench and burst out into tears. I was an idiot and know half the town knew it, and if Edward had any feelings left for me they were probably negative. I pulled my knees to my chest and just cried until I felt empty.

"Bella?"

My head snapped up at the sound of a voice. A voice that I knew couldn't be here.

Edward was standing before me, his tie loosened and his jacket slung over his shoulder. He slowly reached up and with the pad of his thumb wiped away my fallen tears. He smiled down at me and that smile took my breath away. It was our smile, the smile that he only showed me.

He held his hand out to me. "What do you say we get out of here?"

Completed Story - The Chimera Project by @LisaDawn75

2011-04-14T08:02:00.000-07:00

The Chimera Project
by LisaDawn75
Twitter: @LisaDawn75
Rating: R
Genre: AU
Contains: Angst
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 21

Published: July 23, 2010
Completed: April 10, 2011

Summary: Bella and Edward are just back from their honeymoon and are attending Dartmouth so that Bella can remain human for a while longer. But, when Renee is diagnosed with a terminal illness, Bella will do anything to try to save her - including taking her Biophysical Chemistry education to a whole new level. She asks Edward for his help and begins experimenting to try to find a way to save Renee's life - and in the process, comes face to face with mortality and her own ethical conflicts.

Completed Story - The Burning of Lucius Demetrius Flavius by Leanne GoLightly (@angel_eyes1_uk)

2011-04-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

The Burning of Lucius Demetrius Flavius
by Leanne Golightly
Twitter: @angel_eyes1_uk
Rating: NC17
Genre: Canon
Contains: Extreme Violence
Characters: Demetri
Chapters: 30

Published: August 21, 2010
Completed: April 9, 2011

Summary: Demetri's history and companion piece to "Red Eyes and the She Wolf," starting from his human life, his life with the Volturi, and leading up to the moment he meets his match in a she-wolf. *MATURE CONTENT*

Completed Story - 100 Hours by @wytchwmn75

2011-04-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

100 Hours
by wytchwmn75
Twitter: @wytchwmn75
Rating: NC17
Genre: AH
Contains:
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 20

Published: May 5, 2010
Completed: March 17, 2011

Summary: Bella has a 4.0 GPA & volunteers at the hospital. Edward is pierced & has tattoo's & has to serve 100 hours community service at the hospital. What happens when the bad boy finds out the good girl has a wild side? ExB, AH, OOC, Rated M

Completed Story - Pen Pals by @wmr1601

2011-04-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

Pen Pals
by wmr1601
Twitter: @wmr1601
Rating: NC17
Genre: AH
Contains:Angst, Fluff
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 43

Published: May 18, 2010
Completed: March 31, 2011

Summary: Bella and Edward have been pen pals for years, but never met. Now, Bella's getting married, and they're meeting for the 1st time. When there's a problem the night before, who's there to pick up her pieces? Edward, of course! AH, lemons in later chapters.

Author Spotlight - @solareclipses

2011-03-30T21:04:00.000-07:00

Sins of the Piano Man
by @solareclipses

Main Characters: Bella Swan/Edward Cullen
Genre: Romance/Drama
Rating: M
Summary: A reclusive vampire's swan songs for the victims he regrets draw in a young woman struggling with her father's illness. As fate brings them together, Edward's dark past threatens to tear them apart. AU.

Author solareclipses (God, her name is long. Four syllables!? Let's just stick with "Solar" from now on) and Twi Network staff member Justine spend way too much time talking about nothing as is. So when it came time to post this month's Author Spotlight, they were all too willing to discuss Solar's fic for the blog.

Well, okay, Justine was willing. Solar just showed up.

Solar: Will you have to censor my foul "mouth"?

Justine: Okay, guidelines.

1. We're supposed to be funny. So try to be as much of a troll as possible, I guess? 

2. No fucking swearing, says the boss-lady. TwiNet pimps smut but is a family blog (lolol). 

3. I know we'll ignore number two. 

4. If you don't reveal something horribly embarrassing, we have to start again.

Solar: Right-o.

Justine: So given your propensity to go against the crowd (Conversations involving "my Edward has to give Bella a hipster flower" come to mind), what led to your involvement in the Twilight fandom?

Solar: Well, it was actually going against the crowd, haha. Two of my closest friends found Edward's characterization to be "creepy," and I argued that it sounded like your typical paranormal fantasy story. They assured me Twilight was the demise of feminism or some such B.S., so I decided to read it for myself. I found the books to be okay; each had pretty major pros and cons for me, but Breaking Dawn just left me frustrated on multiple levels. I knew about fan fiction, so I wanted to see if anyone had done a better job of Breaking Dawn or continuing the saga.

I started writing here to practice my technique more. Lovers In Disguise (Solar's first fic) was just a big exercise for me, and mostly without an outline, so I don't like its flaws. I didn't really expect so many to read it.

Justine: Are you kidding? A realistically characterized Aro who isn't the manifestation of evil itself—do you know how hard that is to find in this fandom? I was ALL over that.

Solar: Lol! Oh, you so should read "Cauchemar Vivant." (By LunarSiren) I can't wait for her to finish, so you'll read. You'll love her Aro. He's amusingly bad. Like...just unhinged.

Justine: On purpose?

Solar: Yes.

Justine: All over that then, too.

When reading many of your works, and specifically "God's Will Be Done," one notices a lot of religious themes and commentary woven throughout. Anyone who knows you well is aware you're not one to shy away from the taboo (Understatement of the year goes to...), but did you specifically set out to approach these topics? Has there been a lot of backlash?

Solar: I think I try to bring in God/religion to a lot of my writing. Though I'm not religious, religion still affects my life and society at large, and I think too much writing (even published work) ignores it. It's uncomfortable to talk about it sometimes, to consider the possibility that there may or may not be something beyond us, to realistically view how many things good and bad have been done in the name of some deity, that we may only be worm food when we get stuck six feet under. I've read too many things that pretend either that religion doesn't really exist or that there's no confusion over it.  

As for backlash... I think the only backlash I've gotten is just people being too afraid to read! I joke that I've written the most unpopular one-shot in the fandom, because though "God's Will Be Done" has been up for nearly a year, only 150 people have even looked at it, hahaha.

You will fix my typos, yes? Yes. Yes, you will.

Justine: All of them but one. Just so you can stare at it.

Solar: Hahaha, I hate you.

Justine: So you may have written the most unpopular one-shot, but in terms of your current WIP, you're becoming something of a BNA, hmm? (lulz)

Solar: (MEGALULZ)

It hasn't paid a bill yet or gotten me laid by anyone really hot, so I don't care.

Maybe when I "publish" it.

Justine: For those who don't know, Solar writes "Sins of the Piano Man," which shall be entitled "Mistakes of a Musician" when she publishes.

Solar: That's hot.

Justine: So you don't deny it's popularity, it just hasn't changed that much for you?

Solar: It's more popular than I thought it would be, but I think a pretty big reason for that is that it's longer. I started getting a lot more reviews after chapter fourteen or so, and I think some of that just had to do with its continuing to have updates and getting mentioned over time. And I don't think it really changes anything for me. I went into writing here for the purpose of learning, and I'll leave that way and be happy or at least my usual level of moodiness.

Justine: You exaggerate. You're always very chipper and have a GIF on hand to brighten anyone's day.

Solar: http://rknetwork.tumblr.com/post/4200375190 Oh, God, this is so creepy and...adorable?

Justine: What is it?

Solar: I think a baby octopus?

Or a booger.

Justine: I don't want to look at that! I eat those.

Okay, the former. Not the latter.

Solar: Suuuuure.

Justine: You caught me. It's my secret fetish. Write me a fic.

Solar: One where Edward likes the smell of Bella's snot? Hey, if we can have him all over her period, surely boogers aren't too taboo?

"SO CRUNCHY, BELLA."

Justine: "GOLDEN BROWN DELICIOUSNESS."

Solar: LOL.

Justine: Tradition dictates that I ask you about fandom pet peeves. If I go get a cup of coffee, will that leave you enough time?

Solar: Just grammar pet peeves, or can I talk about how much I hate the nickname "angel"? It's a passionate, deep hate, mainly because I hate hearing Edward use it all the time, as if Bella no longer has a name. "I love you, angel, you and your chocolate brown orbs of innocence and beauty and angelic angelicness."

I meant to add "baby" at the end of that, because I hate it, too.

Justine: You forgot to talk about her mahogany waves that glow with the halo that's surely hidden underneath them.

Solar: I'm sure that was coming up next, just after Edward rips off his other nut.

Basic grammatical errors (its/it's, your/you're, etc.) annoy me, but I can overlook a number of little technical things if plot and characterization are good. (I guess it's worth noting that there's not usually a huge disconnect between all these things, so often poor grammar = poor story, but not always.) An extreme amount of "telling," instead of "showing" will get me to flounce a fic quickly.

Justine: You're pretty good in your writing about leaning away from most of the clichés the fandom swoons for (I repeat: Solar does things like a hipster), and you manage to crank out a chapter every two weeks or so. We all envy/hate you. Does this come down to your writing process, something particularly inspirational, etc?

Solar: I was a hipster before the memes came out.

I purposely try to rip out clichés and overused concepts (e.g., Edward will never save Bella from some drunkards in an alley in SotPM). I kind of hate myself when I go back and see where I wrote something very clichéd. It hurts.   Maybe it helps that I write to music, too, and--like a boss hipster--listen to a lot of OBSCURE STUFF THAT NO ONE'S EVER HEARD OF. I think it influences my writing quite a bit, really, especially the accompanying art I make.

Justine: Whiiiiich we'll be linking to, because your art is fantabulous. (Please see below.)

Solar: Daww.

Justine: Now I have to ask you about SotPM and your reasons behind writing it aside from the creative exercise. It's not just some fluffy work without a theme for you to practice your prose on.

Solar: Because I'm silly and wanted to prove a point? I didn't originally think I'd write anything else for the fandom after "Lovers in Disguise," but hanging around... I saw a lot of people talking about how they no longer read canon and AU fics, because there wasn't anything else that could be written on the subject--as in, it had all be done, so "shut up about it." I like remix art a lot, and I don't know... Maybe I'm a jerk, but my initial reaction to comments like those are "Well, maybe you're not creative enough to think of something new, but..." Etcetera.   Then, when writing it, I just don't think I can write much and not take it seriously. I love to write. I did long before I did anything in this fandom. It'd feel wrong to put out something that I didn't put a lot of effort into.

Justine: So to paraphrase, fandom: you all pissed her off into staying. Please continue to do so, and maybe she'll write a new fic.

Solar: LOL. I do so many things to prove a point. It's silly, because no one but me realizes this usually. So...it's...pointless? I think.

If it was about reviews, I'd put in a lot more sex. And unrealistic BDSM scenarios.

Justine: I'm trying to fit BDSM into your story now. But dammit, your having real characterizations is making it difficult.

Solar: At least some blood play.

Justine: Snot play first, please.

So, it feels silly to even ask, knowing that I could just link the readers to your fantastic OCD rec list (which I will), but is there anything particularly tickling your fancy? You've mentioned "Cauchemar Vivant."

Give the people something to read, oh mistress of the AU.

Solar: Let's go with "Distractions" by windchymes, because it's probably my favorite fic. And also "Getting Warmer." It's a great example of how you don't have to compromise plot or characterization for the sake of sex; you can have it all. I really want "Getting Warmer" to be recognized more. I can't believe how much it's ignored.

Justine: I've read those. *whine*

Solar: For you, I don't know what to rec. I went through, like, twelve stories...to no avail.

I'm back to reading books more for a while, to give my brain a break.

Justine: Hahaha. That says something sad.

Solar: It was that are starting cutting. The writers, not myself.

*or

star

JESUS

start

I HAVE ONLY HAD TWO DRINKS.

Justine: I think I'll leave that one in as my mistake of choice.

Now. Down to the final nitty-gritty questions that attempt to make you seem more approachable even though you're a big-ass BNA. Anyone you want to thank, love on, explain that you have an intricate plan to kill them via anthrax in the mail?

Solar: Honestly, I've been so lucky to have the betas/pre-readers I have. I've learned so much by looking at SotPM from their points of view. Aleea is amazingly creative and has helped me flesh out pretty pivotal plot points in SotPM, as early as in the first chapters. Duskwatcher keeps me from looking awkward and helps me keep my eye on the big picture, as much as the details, which I tend to get bogged down by sometimes. GreatChemistry makes me question EVERYTHING I DO, but in this good way that only makes me hate myself a little and makes the story a million times better.

So lots of inappropriate groping goes out to them.

Justine: Okay, let's wrap this mofo up. Please say something pretty and all-encompassing that makes us like you. In three sentences or less. And use the words "monkey" and "bicycle."

Solar: You know I'm doing this now, right?

Justine: I would think less of you if you didn't.

Solar: I take my writing seriously, but I don't take the absurdities of the fandom that way, and I wish fewer would. They'd have more fun that way (and I wouldn't have to listen to their whining, which would be a bonus). Any time the fandom makes someone upset or angry, I just wish they'd remember this: http://i.min.us/imtWpw.gif

I cheated, but there you go.

Thank you, Solar, for taking the time to mentally scar us all with images of "snot play."

If you haven't been traumatized by this interview and would like to read more of Solar's work, check out her FanFiction profile. She's also a talented artist and maintains a list of canon/AU recs.

What Are We Reading Now? - Step Right Up by @FoxxyJ73

2011-03-25T20:49:00.000-07:00

Step Right Up By @FoxxyJ73
Review by shelikesthesound

Ah, you'll get used to seeing that and more. Magic is a regular fixture here, the only thing that changes is the chick that's hanging off him.

Bella is content to live with her father, hiding from the world while it passes her by. After trying and failing to find a job, she is forced to join the circus. At first, she is resentful that she has to travel with her overbearing mother—something she did as a child. However, a few friends from back home, as well as a new acquaintance, make circus life bearable. One night, she discovers the resident Magic man, Edward. His prowess with the ladies is legendary, and she witnesses it firsthand. She knows that he’s the type of guy she should avoid, but the strange pull she feels toward him is hard to deny.

I have to admit, a story that has Edward and Bella involved with a circus was hard for me to pass up. I mean, really, the potential of Edward in tights was reason enough. Yet, as I began the first chapter, I found out there was so much more to this story. FoxxyJ has created characters that everyone can identify with. You want to be best buds with Jake, hope James gets eaten by a tiger, and wish you could tell Renee off. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes when the crowd isn’t present, and it’s like you have an all access pass to the madness.

The unresolved sexual tension is palpable and very well written. You can almost feel Bella’s innocent frustrations as she tries to understand why she feels so drawn to Edward, even though he’s content to be with a different woman every night. Bella is determined to fight the strange attraction between them, however difficult it may be.

The topic is researched well, and it shows. The author paints a vivid picture of what it’s like to be a performer in the circus, mostly from the perception of the trapeze artists. The difficult maneuvers they have to perform are explained in great detail, and it’s almost like you’re watching it as it happens.

If you aren’t already reading this story, you are missing out. It has romance, drama, and two characters you can’t help but hate. It’s hard not to feel bad for Bella as she tries to figure out her feelings, but watches as Edward whores around. Yet, as she becomes more confident, you can’t help but cheer her on.

So, the burning question is—does Edward finally pull his head out of his ass and notice Bella? Will they get together and have their happily ever after? I know, but I’m not telling. You’ll have to go read it and find out for yourself.

Iron Pen Twilight Challenge Sign Up

2011-03-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

Date: Sunday, June 5
Secret Ingredient Tweet: 2:00pm PST

Time Starts: 2:15pm PST
Time Ends: 2:45pm PST

Voting Ends: June 17
Winner Announced: June 18

How It Works

You will get thirty minutes and a secret ingredient. The secret ingredient won't be given until 15 minutes before the start of the thirty minutes.

Within the thirty minute time frame, you must write a complete One Shot of any genre, pairing, length etc. of Twilight FF.

Winners will be determined by a public vote and point system. Entries will be anonymous.

What Will the Secret Ingredient Be?

Who knows...Maybe a phrase. Or a specific character saying a line. Or a place. Or a description. Or an article of clothing. Something that will be easily identifiable.

1. You must use the Secret Ingredient at least once in your story.

How to Play

1. The Entry Form URL will be emailed out to all Challengers at sign up and the day before the challenge.

2. On the day of the challenge, the link to the secret ingredient will be tweeted 15 minutes before the actual start of the challenge.

3. You have fifteen minutes to brainstorm before the thirty minutes begin.

4. You may submit your entry at any time within the thirty minute time frame. Any entries submitted before or after, will not be accepted.

5. The entries will then be up for a public vote on TwiNet's FFn Account.

The Point System

1. Every time you mention the secret ingredient in a way that makes sense, you will get 2 points. Random spouts of said secret ingredient do not count.

Example: If the secret ingredient were: I love hot dogs!

Acceptable:

"What would you like to order, Emmett?" Rosalie asked.

"I love hot dogs!" Emmett screamed. "I want one of those!"

Not Acceptable:

Bella's intense gaze was locked onto mine. This was the moment of truth. I had just thrown the ball into her court. She would either respond happily, and I would walk away a happy man, or not so happy, and I would leave crying. Her lips opened, and I held my breath, waiting for her to speak.

"I love hot dogs!"
2. You may not name a person, place, or thing, after the Secret Ingredient. If you do, you will not get any points for it.

3. You may use the Secret Ingredient in the narrative or as a dialogue.

4. Every vote you get in the public vote is worth 1 point.

The Prize

1. The title: Iron Pen.

2. A banner made by Rachel Michelle's Banners.

3. A feature on the Twi Network blog.

4. Your OS edited in a timely manner by 2 Project Team Beta Moderators.

5. Bragging rights!

Requirements

1. You don't need to be an author of TwiNet, but you do need to be following our Twitter account. The link to the secret ingredient will be tweeted at exactly 2pm PST.

2. There is no word count minimum or maximum.

3. Obviously we aren't looking for perfectly beta'ed pieces, but there is a thing called Spell Check and copy & paste.

4. If you aren't 18 years or older, your entry must be PG13 or lower.

5. Collaborations are accepted...if you can write a collaboration piece in thirty minutes, major kudos to you!

6. Pre-writes are not allowed! When you come to the challenge, you must start off with a blank slate.

* Emergency Beta Services will be standing by during the Challenge to answer all your grammar and plot questions!

Tips for Winning

1. Come with some sort of plot in mind. Don't just show up and have no idea what to write. You only get thirty minutes!

2. Make sure said plot is somewhat open. You won't know what the secret ingredient is, so an open plot where you can easily slip the secret ingredient in, is a plus!

3. Formatting does not show up when you submit your entry. If you have italics or such in your story, offset it using * or something of the such, so that you don't waste any time in the end.

Think you have what it takes? You could be the next Iron Pen Twilight!

Fill out an Application.

Iron Pen Winner - Deadline by @branchirps

2011-03-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

Iron Pen: branchirps

Challenge Date: March 6
Time Given: 30 minutes
Entries Received: 21

* Original, un-beta'ed version.

I enter the coffee shop like any other Sunday afternoon. The fresh beans assailing the tip of my nose; I inhale as the scent wafts through the tiny fibers of hair, housed within my nose. I travel the familiar trail towards the counter and my interactions with the barista are typical—the same every Sunday for me. Interactions mirror my contemplative mood all nonsensical, rote in execution. I don't have time for inane encounters, which so many people today seem to bathe in. I am focused. I am driven. I continue in my customary fashion seeking a seat on the long wall; with an outlet and extended table to spread out my paraphernalia. It is empty; just how I prefer it.

I tug out my shiny silver laptop and set up camp. Placing the tiny buds, which provide much needed musical distraction, into my ears; I select a random mix. Opening a blank document, I feel my fingertips twitch with anticipation. Then I begin. Inspiration seemingly easy to come by and my fingers glide staccato and fluidly, in an odd juxtaposition, across my keyboard. The bases are loaded in the proverbial sense as I race across my keys, my mind a circulating at lightning speed to cross home plate. Unnoticed and undistracted; I sit and write amongst the quiet chaos. Time passes, my coffee turning cold. My mind is busy and my fingers are sprinting to keep up.

Then he sits—at my table.

I don't look. His scent overwhelms the roasting beans, forcing me to inhale a sharp hit of his distracting scent. My mind is interrupted momentarily, as it tries to label the individual notes and subtleness of the new aroma; Lemongrass and leather, spicy? I remain fingers glued, but motionless, to my keyboard, and I feel his eyes on me now. The raw leathery, spicy citrus not only fills my nose and fogs my mind, but serves as a severe distraction. The impending knowledge of my deadline and my metaphorical bases seemingly loaded; my fingers are still unmoved, as I begin to wonder about the passage of time. Has it only been a brief instant, or a long silent moment? Breaking, finally, under the intensity of his disturbing unique scent; I glance up through the soft falls of my dark chocolate hair. Wholly unprepared for what I see.

Soft pink lips turned up in a zigzagged, authentic, smirk. The angular lines and slight stubble along his jaw line assist in the complexity of the live art, sitting across from me now. I take in every detail I can before his zigzag morphs and begins to incorporate his eyes in a wide encouraging smile, so beautiful. My eyes retract instantly and are now glued to my keyboard; willing my fingers to regain movement upon the keys—nothing. Silent energy fills the thick air and I am at a loss for words… Words for him… Words for me… Wordless. Here I sit the bases are loaded and I am currently struck wordless.

I have never been in a situation like this before, no one notices me…ever. I am plain. I am every girl; I blend into the background, brown hair brow eyes, small fragile frame. His eyes the exact opposite of plain, they hold such verdant depth and green distinction. They were looking at me? I would have doubted even that simple fact, except I chose this location in the corner of the long table with no one beyond me. Those eyes, his eyes, are focused on me.

Prying my fingers from the security of their unmoved position, hovering above the keys, I fidget with my cold cup of coffee. Taking a swallow from the recycled paper cup my nose twitches at the repulsive temperature of the brewed concoction. Longing for some sort of distraction, I decide a walk to the counter for a refill would be necessary. As I try, gracefully, to obtain a piping hot refill, I stumble on my own footing. I recover quickly and glance instinctively in his direction. His smile, refreshing and kind is unnerving. He is simply beautiful and distracting.

I return, steam rising in front of my face, to my seat. Before I can sit he speaks…to me.

"Hi."

"Hi." I mutter as I take my seat.

"Are you writing?"

"Huh?"

"I mean you don't have any other materials present. I noticed your fingers moving rapidly then suddenly slowing to a halt. It happens to me all the time. You are rushing it's the home stretch and the bases are loaded." His eyes are questioning me, and I notice his fingers glide up through the bronze hair that compliments the leafy quality of his eyes perfectly. Orange and green are complementary colors, on the color wheel; his hair and eyes fall into the respective categories accordingly.

"You, are a writer?" I question.

"I suppose. And you?"

"Oh umm….not published…I umm…just…" Now his complementary, God-given, color scheme is affecting my speech.

"Every writer, poet, artist has a beginning. A point at which they know this is the passion, that they will acquiesce to and none other."

"Oh."

"I've seen you here before." He states.

"You have?"

"Yes, Sundays."

"Oh."

"You come in on Sundays; your fingers fly across the keys, and your coffee grows cold untouched—on Sundays."

"You come in on Sundays and watch me?"

"You are exceptionally unobservant, when your fingers are busy, and your coffee is growing cold."

"Oh."

"What are you writing about?" He questions me.

"Umm…" His genuine interest, in my drabble, is curious but intimidating.

"It must be something inspiring. For the past seven Sundays I have tried and failed to gain your attention, until today." His plush pink smile softens the angular structure of his face; his lips are begging to be sucked upon, tasted, and savored. He is distracting. I am plain.

I blush; at his words and my thoughts.

"I have some theories… I write about theories mainly." There is a deadline for a contest I have entered, and now I have a distraction I didn't expect.

"You have captivating brown eyes. They seem laden in theory. What are your theories?" He doesn't wait for an answer, but continues instead. "I'd like to hear your theories."

"My theories… Are… boring, plain, predictable."

"You do seem like a creature of habit, but somehow I sense you and your theories are anything but boring."

"What do you write about?" I should return to my writing, the deadline looming, but my attention is diverted.

"Details." He reveals the same smile; the one I noticed when I first looked up at him today. Is he flirting with me? "I enjoy the details. You are always perched upright and lost in, and amongst, your world of theories. Your rich espresso hair always begins piled atop your head, in a messy array. As time passes and your fingers speed across the keys in front of you, your hair begins slowly spilling out, and down, framing your face. The dark, roasted bean, vibrancy of your hair is a stark contrast to your creamy complexion. Your tongue darts across your bottom lip often and it is distracting."

"You watch me?" I blurt out. He speaks about my tongue and I envision his. I imagine our lips touching and mingling, whilst coffee essence is traded between us.

"I notice things, details… I write about the details. I am fond of your details." I am memorized by his details. He is leaning back comfortably in the upright wooden chair, and everything about him exudes casual charm.

"Oh." I am stunned by his admission. This never happens to me. I don't know what to say. Wordless again… A wordless writer up to bat, waiting, and the bases are loaded. I might strike out.

"Your fingers must be adverse to stillness. They are in motion, even now, without your keyboard to receive the movement. You have delicate fingers." I glance down at his hands instinctively now; long fingers that compliment the rest of his lithe frame.

"Are you suggesting I fidget?"

"I suggest nothing. I just notice…the details. I like your details." His voice is smooth. "I write about your details. For seven Sundays now, I sit and watch and write…about your details."

"You write, about me?"

"I guess… I do. Is that odd?"

"Oh umm…" My brow knits together and I'm wordless. He is distracting.

"My name is Edward." His enchanting smile returns.

"Bella." I'm wordless still, although I somehow remember my own name.

"Your name perfectly emulates your details—Bella." His voice trails and our eyes lock. He is distracting and I am plain; but through his eyes I am so much more. One simple unexpected, exchange has rendered me speechless. The bases are loaded and I simply smirk. The contest can wait. He is distracting.

What Are We Reading Now - Lost Cause by @bonnysammy

2011-03-11T20:42:00.000-08:00

Lost Cause By @bonnysammy
Review by SwedenSara

The sound of liquid dripping onto leaves leaked into my consciousness, waking me from what felt like an extremely deep slumber. My head was heavy and foggy. I was confused and disoriented. I opened my eyes to find myself lying prostrate on the leaf-covered ground of a very wet, very green forest. I scoured my brain for some recognition of my surroundings, but I wasn't in a familiar place. Of course, the haze and drowsiness filling my head didn't help illuminate my current situation.

One day, a woman wakes up alone, lost in a forest. As she slowly regains conscience, she realizes she is not only lost in the literal sense, but also figuratively. She has only two recollections: one being her name, the other being her age. After hours of wandering in circles, mysteriously finding herself coming back to the same place over and over again, she finally gives up and settles on the ground, crying and waiting for the lonely death she is sure is approaching.

After a while – I was not sure quite how long, but my tears had run dry and my sobbing had turned to strained whimpers – I heard a soft voice, an angel’s call, chime from the forest.

"Hello . . . Is anyone there?" The female voice sounded like a cherub, a pleasant and musical soprano.

The woman in the woods, Bella, is found and saved by Alice, Carlisle and Esme—but is it merely by accident, sheer luck or maybe something else? They take her home, care for her and offer their house and help to find out who she is.

As this story unfolds we realize this is a much more complex and intricate web than it seems. The author carefully sets the stage for the story, keeping some things strictly canon and some loosely based on it. The characters are well developed, and even though Bella is a mystery, she is incredibly easy to take in. She is trying desperately to grasp her past, as she also learns that the things she always thought were nothing but fairytales and legends are actually true. Her confusion is palpable as she discovers some facts about herself that she doesn’t know how to handle.

Bonnysammy’s writing is excellent, and her story is something as rare as it is is intelligent, different and innovative, yet very much in canon. For me, reading “Lost Cause” creates a need to find out more, to see where Bella comes from and where the story takes her.

Completed Story - Family Ties and Guarding Hearts by @kas90_

2011-03-07T08:48:00.000-08:00

Family Ties and Guarding Hearts
by kas90
Twitter: @kas90_
Rating: NC17
Genre: AH
Contains:Angst
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 34

Published: November 26, 2009

Completed: March 5, 2011

Summary: What do you protect, your family, your career, your heart? Edward Cullen and Bella Swan were never more than simple acquaintances in high school. Besides some common classes, the same lunch period, and walking on the same stage during graduation, Edward and Bella never crossed each other’s paths. How deeply rooted are the demons from their past? Will loving each other be enough to bring them out of the suffocation? It all starts with a reunion…

Completed Story - The Secret Changes Within Bella Swan by @SwedenSara

2011-03-07T08:43:00.001-08:00

The Secret Changes Within Bella Swan
by SwedenSara
Twitter: @SwedenSara
Rating: NC17
Genre: AH
Contains:Angst
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 29

Published: February 25, 2010
Completed: March 1, 2011

Summary: Bella, who has been married to Edward for a few years, finds herself being someone she doesn't want to be. She wants this to change and takes a journey whithin herself to find the girl she used to be and the love she used to feel for Edward.

Iron Pen Twilight Challenge Vote!

2011-03-06T17:26:00.000-08:00

Voting Ends: May 19
Winner Announced: May 20

The Secret Ingredient

The location -- a ranch

Vote Today!

Iron Pen Twilight Challenge

2011-02-19T13:35:00.000-08:00

Is Writer's Block killing you? Your words just not making sense? Take a break from your WIPs and stretch your writing muscles. Open your minds and maybe you'll find that bit of inspiration you were looking for.

Join Twi Network's Iron Pen Twilight Challenge! Win the title: Iron Pen, a banner made by Rachel Michelle's Banners, a feature on our site, your entry edited by 2 PTB moderators, and the ultimate prize...Bragging Rights like no other.

Do you have what it takes to be the next Iron Pen Twilight?

Author Spotlight - loss4words (@loss4words81)

2011-02-16T18:16:00.000-08:00

The Underside of Earth
by Loss4words

Main Characters:
Bella Swan/Edward Cullen
Genre:
Romance/Drama
Rating:
M
Summary: What happens when two separate souls find each other when they aren't looking? Will Bella be able to overcome all that has happened to her and learn to trust fate and love again?
Get up close and personal with Anna, a.k.a. loss4words, author of The Underside of Earth. Always wanted to know her trade secrets? This is your chance to learn more!

Amelie: This is Amelie Gray on behalf of Twi Network, here with the lovely Anna, a.k.a. loss4words to discuss her story The Underside of Earth. Congratulations on being in the spotlight, Anna.

Anna: Thank you.

Amelie: First of all, how did you get into the fandom?

Anna: Well, I found a Facebook group that had pictures of all the Twi stuff and they had a discussion area, and I saw someone post a link to Wide Awake. I had honestly never heard of fanfiction, but I clicked on it because the story got such praise. I was hooked from then on!

Amelie: So you'd already read Twilight, then?

Anna: Oh yes. My daughter needed a prescription filled and I saw the book, but I ignored it. I had seen Edward Cullen flair all over Facebook and I was getting annoyed by it. LOL I had to go back for another prescription for her the next day and I finally bought it. I was hooked. It was about 3 weeks before Twilight came out in theaters.

Amelie: So how did you make the leap from reading fanfiction to writing fanfiction?

Anna: Well, it's odd, because I didn't think I'd ever actually write something. I simply read for quite a while, and then I started reading The Fallout by OCD_Indeed, and I got an idea. So I started writing and posting. But I pulled that story because that was before I found a beta...yikes. I've always enjoyed writing, but it was more poetry that I wrote than fiction.

Amelie: So the story you're currently writing, The Underside of Earth...What made you come up with the idea?

Anna: Well, with The Underside of Earth...which I need to get back to because I've started another fic that is almost finished up, I was just kind of hit with an idea about a woman who has lost literally everything and doesn't realize that she can live again. But someone helps her see that after she begins to fall apart, and she slowly begins to develop a relationship not only with a man, but with other people as well. She has to overcome all of her feelings of guilt before she can truly move on in her life.

Amelie: I can really feel how broken Bella felt when she lost her husband.

Anna: Thank you! I really need to get back to it. She was horribly broken. She felt like everything was her fault.

Amelie: Was there any personal background in this story, or just an idea that stemmed from out of nowhere?

Anna: Surprisingly,no. Well, I guess the loss part is all me, but not in that way. I've lost a lot of people in my
life and I guess that I wanted to try and express the emotions people go through when they lose a loved one.

Amelie: Is there a particular character in your story that you identify with the most?

Anna: Yeah, Bella for sure, but not in the specific ways that I wrote. Pain can be crippling and I wanted to touch on the ways that it can affect people. I certainly have never had the types of dreams Bella has, but there have been times when certain memories tend to flood me and kind of make me useless for a day.

Amelie: What do you like to do to get yourself in the writing mood? Any particular music?

Anna: I really need to buy a tape recorder, because I ALWAYS get my major ideas when I'm driving, which is like, the worst time to get an idea because I can't write it down. I have to be listening to music that I won't sing to, because otherwise I'll sing rather than brainstorm. I can't listen to music while I write though; it's too distracting for me.

Amelie: So does your family and friends know that you're in the fandom?

Anna: A little bit, but they don't all quite know the depth. I mean, I do the TFN stuff which keeps me busy and I help out authors on some other things. My sister knows and my cousin knows. My fiance knows because he sees it everyday, but he just rolls his eyes...go figure. I don't disclose a lot about what I do in the fandom to my family though. I know that they wouldn't get "it" and I know many of them wouldn't understand my passion for it. But it isn't necessarily only about the stories. It's the people too. The people in this fandom are absolutely amazing.

Amelie: Okay, who in this fandom inspires you? The people that you can't write without, betas, etc? Any shoutouts, basically?

Anna: Okay. I have to say SweetVenom69 first, because she helped me SERIOUSLY dip my feet into the fandom and Twitter. She's my girl and I love her to death! I also do a LOT of writing with Risbee and HeatherDawn. They keep me on my toes and we seem to have a really great writing bond. besides that, they are just super awesome ladies! I also have LAliCat who prereads all of my stuff and I bounce pretty much all of my ideas off of her. She kind of does an interview with me and asks me a gazillion questions which is REALLY great when developing a story. And Aylah50 is someone I found around June-ish. She is a sweetie and I"m lucky to call her my friend. There are seriously so so so many others. Just because I didn't mention more names, doesn't mean I don't love them, because I do!

Anna: Shit, KASSIAH! I would marry Kassiah. She has a great rack and she's pretty, and you should quote me on that.

Amelie: I know exactly what you mean. I have a major girl-crush on her, and the fact that she can do so much.

Anna: Me too.

Amelie: Okay, Kassiah love fest aside... What's your pet peeve in the fandom?

Anna: Ugh. Well. I hate the meanness. I won't even mention it, but we all know about it. All I can say is someone puts something on FFN or wherever else, it's their choice to take it down. At the same time, warning would be nice. People need to be nice. If you can't give constructive criticism, then shut up. Why hurt people, you know? Life is too short to be an asshole to people. And I get really sick of the typical descriptions in fics. Yeah, we get it, chocolate eyes you could swim in.

Anna: Seriously, I cringe when I read the word "tresses" anymore. What's wrong with plain 'ole hair?

Amelie: Okay, so any fics that you think totally need mentioning?

Anna: For sure. I have to say The Ballad of Love and Hate by Risbee, not because she is such a good friend, but because I love that story so much. I'm constantly razzing her to write it! I love it. I also started reading Branching Inward by Life In The Snow and I love her Bella and Edward. There are more, but I could go on for hours. My favorite list is scary.

Anna: Oh man, I have so many on there that I haven't started. But, if someone mentions something that sounds interesting, I add it so I don't forget it. So my list is a bit daunting of stuff I want to read. I think some of them on there may have even been pulled. I need 8 more hours in my day.

Amelie: Okay, anything else you want to add/confess? wicked smirk

Anna: Well, can I talk about my aliens for a second...as in AlienWard.

Amelie: Of course! I was about to ask you about that.

Anna: Ask away!

Amelie: So AlienWard. Tall, dark, handsome and...out of this world?

Anna: YES! Hahaha. And I voice record every chapter. Because they speak a bit like snakes they carry out their S's. And you know....the men carry the babies through pregnancy. WORD.

Amelie: So what's the storyline?

Anna: Well, Bella is an astronaut. She is on Mars and can't make it back to her ship. She is out of oxygen and on the brink of death. Then, she is whisked onto a Pod out of nowhere. Enter the Cul-len Clan. They are aliens from the planet Sisla. Their planet that is light years and galaxies away from earth. They bring her back to health and Ah-lissss announces that the mating is decided and Bella is like Wha? Huh? She doesn't meet Edwaird right away, but oh, when she does, funky things start happening. And when she gets to Sisla, so many things change.

Amelie: You know that's at the top of my TBR right now.

Anna: YAY! The story has just blown up. I'm so amazed and honored. I had no idea people wanted sci-fi like that. I owe it to Kassiah. She knew of my idea and so she bought me for FGB. I love writing this story so so much!!! And people have been reccing it which makes me want to kiss their feet. Seriously, I have no qualms about feet.

Amelie: Well, the idea of being mated to Edward - no matter where he comes from - is kinda hot and AlienWard is...kinky.

Anna: Dude, Chapter 6. All I can say. I blushed when I recorded it. The chapter title is "About Freaking Time", if that tells you anything.

Amelie: That definitely should set off some alarms. Okay, so anything else you want to add? Thank the Academy or anything? Advice...confessions of undying love...but I think you did that already.

Anna: clutches trophy I just want to say thank you to people for reading my stuff. I feel honored. Really, because I am always SO unsure of everything I write. So it means a lot. And yes, I totally like, virtually kissed peoples feet. But also. I want to say for the love of ROB, please people, be nice. We are all so very different and even the smallest things can be hurtful. And, I love you all ;) You are my happy place.

Completed Story - A Man of Few Words by @McGee_42

2011-02-15T04:36:00.000-08:00

A Man of Few Words
by McGee42
Twitter: @McGee_42
Rating: PG13
Genre: Canon
Contains:
Characters: Charlie
Chapters: 25

Published: January 15, 2011
Completed: February 8, 2011

Summary: In 2500 words, the saga from a different point of view-Charlie's. Canon

Special Note: Banner made by the lovely, solareclipses, as recruited by Lulu M. Huge SQUISHES coming your way! So proud of you!

Completed Story - Parachute by @KitsuShel

2011-02-08T06:30:00.000-08:00

Parachute
by KitsuShel
Twitter: @KitsuShel
Rating: NC17
Genre: AH
Contains:
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 38

Published: June 8, 2010
Completed: February 3, 2011

Summary: After finding an abandoned child on the streets of Seattle, Bella Swan raises him for five years as her own. What happens to their life when his biological family is found? AU/AH

Completed Story - The Practice of Love by @BellaDCullen

2011-02-08T06:25:00.000-08:00

The Practice of Love
by belladonnacullen
Twitter: @BellaDCullen
Rating: NC17
Genre: AH
Contains: Angst, Fluff
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 38

Published: May 24, 2010
Completed: February 7, 2011

Summary: When the disarmingly handsome Edward Masen turns up as a new patient, the life Dr. Isabella Swan has carefully put together will be shattered forever. What will it take to put the pieces back together again? What does it take to heal? AH/AU, canon parings

Completed Story - Dear Bella by @wytchwmn75

2011-02-08T06:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Bella
by wytchwmn75
Twitter: @wytchwmn75
Rating: R
Genre: AH
Contains: Angst
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 25

Published: February 15, 2010
Completed: February 1, 2011

Summary: After being betrayed by the man she thought she loved, Bella vowed to never let anyone in again. Until she met Edward Cullen. Is he truly the perfect man for her, or will he break her heart beyond repair? BxE,AH/AU,OOC,Rated M

Completed Story - Hidden by Kagome Hanyou (@kaghanyou)

2011-02-03T11:31:00.000-08:00

Hidden
by Kagome Hanyou
Twitter: @kaghanyou
Rating: NC17
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 25

Published: August 12, 2009
Completed: January 28, 2011

Summary: There are more secrets to the ‘new girl in school’ than even a family of vampires could have foreseen. What could the irresistible Bella Swan be hiding? There is more to the golden eyed girl than anyone could have expected.

Author Spotlight: @MimiLove4Ever

2011-01-31T05:15:00.000-08:00

Identity
by Mimi-Love-4Ever
Main Characters: Edward and Bella
Genre: All Human, Romance, Humor, Friendship, Family
Rating: T

Summary: Bella Swan's mother, Renee, works for a dangerous corporation; the Volturi. After a mysterious information leak within the company, Renee convinces her daughter to move in with her father in Forks. Bella must keep her identity a secret until her mother's company can restore order. An unusual encounter with a green-eyed stranger leaves her more confused than ever and soon he's all she thinks about. Little does she know that the very friends Bella is so hesitant to make are the very friends that have the most ties with her. As she goes along she finds the keeping her identity a secret from the ones she loves is easier said than done.

1. How did you come up with the idea of your story?

It came up rather suddenly, actually. I had a minor case of Writer’s Block one night, so I just sat down and wrote whatever came to mind. About 15 minutes later, I had the Prologue written and I actually liked what I wrote. From there, it just came together.

2. What is the biggest struggle you have with writing your story?

Hmm… I would have to say, writing what you have in mind and having it be the way you want it. Sometimes the words don’t seem to come out right or a certain scene just doesn’t have that emotion you want it to have. It’s super frustrating.

3. Is there a particular character in your story that you identify with the most?

There’s no particular character I identify with the most, oddly enough. I can relate with all of them, though, in one way or another. Whether it’s Bella with her independence or Edward with his protective streak, even energetic little Alice.

4. Is the story all planned out or is it write as you go?

It’s a little bit of both. I usually try to outline each chapter before I start writing it so I don’t get lost, but I usually end up improvising anyway. The ending, though, I have all planned out. It’s the middle part that I’m not too sure about. I know where I want it to go, but the characters sometimes like to write themselves into situations. *laughs*

5. Do you have a particular process when it comes to your writing? Mood? Specific Environment? What do you do to get in the writing mood?

Ahh, now that’s a million dollar question right there. The simplest answer to that is: I just write. Music certainly helps. On certain occasions when I really can’t write anything, I start cleaning and voila!

6. Have you got any other projects going on? Any planned for the future?

I seem to have a lot of things going on, it seems, and at the risk of making this super long I will cut it short. I am currently working on my story, Identity, and some new stuff too. I can’t say too much just yet, but I guess I can say the titles. My two most important projects underway, besides Identity, are Amor Gitano (Gypsy Love) and Always Ours, which I’m co-writing with a good friend of mines (ohmyitsv). As for future projects, well, I can certainly say that something will come up.

7. Are you out of the closet with your Twilight love? Or do your RL friends and family know about it?

Yes and no to that. My whole family and friends know I love Twilight, and all of them do too, particularly the female side. Do they know I write fan fiction? No. I don’t know if I could have them read my stuff, it’s weird.

8. Do any FF authors inspire you?

Oh, sure! There quite a lot of FF authors that inspire me. I think too many to name them all personally, but there are a couple that inspire me on a day-to-day basis. There is SydneyAlice, TwilightCakes, katmom (Guardingkatmom on Twitter), Shirley007 (Shirley_007 on Twitter), Ohmyitsv, SorchaCullen and my little buddy, Antevorte.

9. What is your FanFic Pet peeve?

Well, there is one particular FanFic Pet peeve that really gets me. When people have this amazing plotline and they really get you hooked, but the grammar and stuff is … um … less than okay. I mean, I don’t really care if it’s perfect or anything, but I don’t want to think that a 6 year old wrote it. No offense.

10. Do you have other writing experience besides fan fiction?

Yeah. I started writing since I was 11 years old, which was about 9 years ago. I started out writing Poetry and original fiction stories. I still write it, but FanFiction has taken up most of my life and I’m quite proud of that. All my other non-fan fiction projects are hidden away in a folder on my desktop. I’m too shy to show anyone, except a couple of people and even then.

11. Shout out to your betas.

Ah, yes, my betas! First of, there’s kejce who is just an amazing beta. Then there’s ohmyitsv who is just amazing as well. There’s also Shirley007 and SorchaCullen who are incredible as well.

12. Any fic recs? (please include links & no more than 3)

Only 3? Okay, okay. Hmm…

1. Fairytale by Twilight Cakes (Rated M)
2. Bella Hale by JulesSC (Rated T)
3. Everlong by Sydney Alice (Rated M)

13. Anything else you want to add?

Nothing much except … what?! Me, author spotlight? Wow! Um, I believe that’s it. I just had to get that out. Phew!

Completed Story - Evening the Score by @DiamondHeart78

2011-01-28T04:56:00.000-08:00

Evening the Score
by DiamondHeart78
Twitter: @DiamondHeart78
Rating: NC17
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 20

Published: July 7, 2010
Completed: January 16, 2011

Summary: Bella is a relationship-weary sports journalist. Edward is a playboy, ex-pat American soccer player in London. When they meet, will they connect or kill each other?

Completed Story - Taste of Innocence by @Nolebucgrl

2011-01-16T10:33:00.000-08:00

A Taste of Innocence
by Nolebucgrl
Twitter: @Nolebucgrl
Rating: NC17
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 29

Published: September 30, 2009
Completed: January 4, 2011

Summary: Edward Cullen longs to taste the blood of an innocent. He meets Bella Swan. Will desire for her override desire for her blood, or will he take both? Rated M for language, lemons, some violence.

Completed Story - A Love Like This by @mw138

2011-01-16T10:27:00.000-08:00

A Love Like This
by mw138
Twitter: @mw138
Rating: R
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 11

Published: February 17, 2010
Completed: January 4, 2011

Summary: Alice Cullen, an aspiring fashionista, longs for the love she sees in the fairytales, even though it has always eluded her. When a handsome stranger arrives in town, Alice's world is turned upside down. Could Jasper Whitlock be her Prince Charming?

Completed Story - Captured by Kagome Hanyou (@kaghanyou)

2011-01-16T10:17:00.000-08:00

Captured
by Kagome Hanyou
Twitter: @kaghanyou
Rating: NC17
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 15

Published: October 16, 2009
Completed: January 14, 2011

Summary: What if Victoria had gotten a hold of Bella in New Moon? What was she planning to do to her? What if what happens to Bella changes her life and the Cullens' lives forever?

Completed Story - The Man Who Can't Be Moved by @JennyB0719

2010-12-20T23:30:00.000-08:00

The Man Who Can't Be Moved
by JennyB0719
Twitter: @JennyB0719
Rating: NC17
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 46

Published: October 28, 2009
Completed: December 14, 2010

Summary: Bella Swan is personal assistant to 'The Sexiest Man Alive', Edward Masen. Their natural chemistry has them giving into temptation, but will Edward's fame tear them apart? Or bring them closer together? Rated M for language and future lemons. AU/AH/OOC

Completed Story - From the McCarty Files: The Poisoned Cup by @javamomma0921

2010-12-20T23:23:00.000-08:00

From the McCarty Files: The Poisoned Cup
by Javamomma0921
Twitter: @javamomma0921
Rating: PG13
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 6

Published: August 7, 2010
Completed: December 3, 2010

Summary: A FGB short story for HMonster4. Emmett is a PI with a history. Rose is accused of murder and comes to him for his help. Can he solve the mystery of the Poisoned Cup?

Completed Story - The Lady's Champion by @javamomma0921

2010-12-20T03:26:00.000-08:00

The Lady's Champion
by Javamomma0921
Twitter: @javamomma0921
Rating: NC17
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 3

Published: September 17, 2010
Completed: November 9, 2010

Summary: Sir Edward of Aquitaine is the newest member of Lord Cullen's cavalry. He is bewitched by the warlord's lovely, sad bride, the Lady Isabella. Will she return his love? Will his love be enough to save her in the end? FGB novella for Belli486

Completed Story - Finding the Way Back by @sweetishbubble

2010-12-20T02:35:00.000-08:00

Finding the Way Back
by sweetishbubble
Twitter: @sweetishbubble
Rating: NC17
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 43

Published: January 3, 2010
Completed: November 17, 2010

Summary: Four years ago, Bella and her brother vanished. This is a story of finding your way back to happiness after your world has been torn apart. Mainly told from Bella and Charlie's POV.

Completed Story - There Will Be Blood by johnnyboy7 (@johnnyboy1029)

2010-12-20T02:27:00.000-08:00

There Will Be Blood
by johnnyboy7
Twitter: @johnnyboy1029
Rating: NC17
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 48

Published: July 7, 2010
Completed: December 3, 2010

Summary: Edward Cullen,25,the son of a Chicago mob boss. He is second-in-command, cold and dangerous. Bella Swan,18,small town girl who has just enrolled as a freshman at Northwestern. A story about how love can survive in the cruelest of worlds.Very OCC.Rated M.

Completed Story - Fire Becomes Ice by Kelsismom (@Waalewmama)

2010-12-20T02:20:00.000-08:00

Fire Becomes Ice
by Kelsismom
Twitter: @Waalewmama
Rating: PG13
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 31

Published: February 14, 2010
Completed: November 19, 2010

Summary: One werewolf, one vampire, one curse. In this Freaky Friday take on Twilight,Jacob and Edward are transformed into each other's bodies, forced to live each other's lives. Come see what happens when fire becomes ice. AU ExB During Eclipse

Completed Story - Red Eyes and the She Wolf by Leanne GoLightly

2010-12-17T03:23:00.000-08:00

Red Eyes and the She Wolf
by Leanne GoLightly
Twitter: @angel_eyes1_uk
Rating: NC17
Characters: Leah and Demetri
Chapters: 26

Published: May 3, 2010
Completed: November 9, 2010

Summary: FORBIDDEN LEMONS CONTEST WINNER - Vampires and wolves just shouldn't happen, but damn it he was slick. What can I say? I was a sucker for his accent and the way he spoke Italian. Leah neglects her pack duties to get it on with a vampire. Lemons/Angst

Completed Story - Paper Heart by hexpixie

2010-12-17T03:16:00.000-08:00

Paper Heart
by Hexpixie
Twitter: @hezpixie Rating: NC17
Characters: Edward and Bella
Chapters: 14

Published: March 19, 2010
Completed: October 25, 2010

Summary: Bella and Edward fall in and out of love over the course of 5 years. We begin at the end, we end at the beginning, and somewhere in the middle, we realize just how easy it is to lose each other along the way.

What Are We Reading Now? - Ride by kris salvador

2010-12-17T03:08:00.000-08:00

Ride By kris salvador
Review by ssarrahh

I'd satisfied a craving, a curiosity. I'd had a fantasy fulfilled and it was good. So good I didn't think anything or anyone could ever top it. But for all its worth, I didn't think I was going to repeat the experience. Once is enough.

I didn't know how wrong I'd be…

I just want to start out by saying that I am a huge sucker for an awesome Badboyward and Straightlacedella, and kris salvador’s Ride definitely delivers.

Bella is the good girl. She is the apple of her police chief father’s eye and plans to follow in his footsteps in a career of criminal law. After a completely lackluster love life with Jacob Black and a recounting of an incident where her roommate, Rosalie, gets groped on a train, Bella finds herself fantasizing about what it would be like to be the object of a complete stranger’s affection in a crowded carriage.

Edward has spent his entire life as an outsider in the elite of upper society. Bored with life and grief stricken by his mother’s death, Edward turns to the world of crime. With the help of his best friend, Jasper, they both slowly build up an empire of selling stolen cars. However, when Edward falls in love with an undercover cop, his world falls apart, and he is sent to prison for eight years for two of his robberies.

The way Edward and Bella meet is one of the greatest I’ve ever read. A train encounter that makes it impossible to not love the sexy fun times these two share. I’m not even going to lie. This story is hot and definitely not your grandmother’s fanfiction. Even after the first chapter, the author writes the sexual tension so thick that you’re hoping these characters release that tension quickly and do they ever!

Kris salvador was able to hook me from the summary alone. The author’s superbly written words have me craving for the next chapter, and I’m totally intrigued to see how Bella and Edward can have a relationship under such unusual circumstances. Will Bella be able to oversee Edward’s criminal background, and will they start a happy life together? Will Edward the bad boy break her heart? Or my favorite scenario, will Bella join in on Edward’s criminal ways?

There are so many different directions the author can take this story, and I’m so thrilled to see where she takes it.

I can honestly say I have no complaints about this story. It was extremely well written and a plot that leaves me begging for more. Kris salvador is definitely an author to keep on your radar. I know I surely will!

Author Spotlight: Aylah50

2010-12-17T02:38:00.000-08:00

The Ride
by Aylah50
Main Characters: BxE
Genre: AU/AH Romance/Drama/Angst
Rating: NC-17/M

Summary: Bella and Edward meet at a concert as teenage strangers during the height of grunge in the 90's. The event sends their lives reeling into opposite directions. When their paths cross in a very unlikely place 14 years later, Edward is stuck in the past while Bella is fleeing from hers. Will they be able to rekindle the passion that sparked between them?

1. How did you come up with the idea of your story?

My inspiration for ‘The Ride’ came while I was taking a spin class. I started thinking about how great it would be if, for once, there was a story where Bella could really kick some butt! I also imagined what Bella and Edward would be like if they were my age; would they look back on the 80’s and 90’s as a time they loved?

The idea of Edward and Bella meeting during the height of grunge, dressed in flannel shirts and converse sneakers, listening to Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Líve really appealed to me, so I started fleshing out the storyline.

2. What is the biggest struggle you have with writing your story?

The biggest struggle I’ve had so far is not being swayed from my original outline because of pressure from reviews. I have had the entire storyline planned out from when I first came up with it, and it’s hard not to want to deviate from it when your reviewers are begging for a certain part to happen. But I knew if I changed the story I wouldn’t be happy with it, so I’ve stayed true to my plan.

3. Is there a particular character in your story that you identify with the most?

I identify with both Bella and Edward in different ways.

Since Canon Edward spent a lot of time feeling like there was no point to his existence, I wrote Grungeward as a 30-something who was bored with his job, regretting choices he made in his youth and looking back on his 20’s as a time where he felt free and alive. I definitely feel that way now and again, as do many of us.

Without giving away too much of the story, I can say that Bella has been through something traumatic, something that too many of have been through ourselves, so I identify with Bella on that level. Like her, I also use exercise to work out my aggression, and that can become addictive.

4. Is the story all planned out or is it write as you go?

Well the outline is but each chapter isn’t; there are generally new things I come up with as I’m writing each chapter that I hadn’t thought of a month ago. But the entire story is pretty much already planned.

5. Do you have a particular process when it comes to your writing? Mood? Specific Environment? What do you do to get in the writing mood?

I generally write in WC’s with a few friends, but sometimes ideas will hit me in random places and I’ve just got to get them down. I always carry a notebook around with me, even to the gym because I often get ideas there. I have to write in quiet, although I generally brainstorm with music. And honestly, I *have* to make the bed in order to get into the writing mode. If I know it’s unmade, it just taunts me.

6. Have you got any other projects going on? Any planned for the future?

Well I just wrapped up a different multi-chaptered fic called ABC Countdown, and am in the process of writing outtakes and coming up with a sequel for that. I do have some other ideas running around in my head for one shots as well.

7. Are you out of the closet with your Twilight love? Or do you RL friends and family know about it?

Most of the people who are important to me in RL know about it. My husband is extremely supportive, even getting involved in the fandom now and again.

8. Do any FF authors inspire you?

I find this entire community inspiring; I love what we’ve done with these characters, what new and different worlds we put them in. It would be hard to pin down a select few that inspire me because there are so many, but if I had to pick one I’d say TheLadyinGrey42. The way she writes “Our Lives Unbound” is so beautiful and poetic, so deep and emotional and sexy all at once; I’m really in awe of her talent.

9. What is your FanFic Pet peeve?

I hate it when people publically (via twitter or blogs or what have you) trash another story, and I can’t stand drama in the fandom. I get really upset when people cause trouble in a community I love so much.

10. Do you have other writing experience besides fan fiction?

I’ve been writing since I learned how to hold a pencil, and have a B.A. in Creative Writing and Literary Criticism.

11. Shout out to your betas.

Brits23 and Awesomesauce76 have been with me since the beginning. Kyla713 occasionally betas and pre-reads for me, as does Lazykatevamp.

12. Any fic recs? (please include links & no more than 3)

My drop everything and read fics:

Our Lives Unbound by theladyingrey42

The Cullen Campaign by Belladonna1472

Stranger Than Fiction by Masenvixen

13. Anything else you want to add?

Thanks so much for interviewing me! ☺

What Are We Reading Now? - The Trick Is To Keep Breathing

2010-11-06T00:32:00.000-07:00

The Trick Is To Keep Breathing
by McGee42
Review by: idealistic4ever

"When I'm not sure what I'm living for, I see a flash of your brown irises across my mind's eye and I am tied to this existence once more."

"My heroine, my heroin, you have never seen yourself clearly; please allow me one final time to tell you how perfect you are."

Have you ever been told that there are two sides to every story? This is one of the most important things we can understand—the context in which we live, the choices we make, the challenges we face, it’s all about perspective. Self-inflicted or not, shared experiences are never articulated word for word by multiple voices. This is never truer than for Bella as she tries to muddle her way through the trials and tribulations of dealing with a single choice—a choice she had no control over.

“I almost died today, and the last thing I thought about was you, goddamnit.”

Set just after Edward leaves Bella in New Moon, author McGee explores the idea of a single choice from multiple perspectives in The Trick is to Keep Breathing. While we all know the story backwards and forwards, McGee’s unique overhaul gives readers access to short, intense bursts of reality as a result of Edward’s singular vision of making his decision for Bella, for the greater good.

While we know that Bella breaks down physically and emotionally after the Cullens’ mass exodus, McGee’s beautifully written words, edged with a certain darkness, really drives this visual home.

“When I sleep, I dream of you in the forest; inching your cool hand down my cheek, kissing me softly, and then turning from me and leaving. Again, and again, every damn time that I close my eyes.”

In order to understand the full extent of the pain, sorrow, and eventual path to recovery, it is important to step outside of the choice and observe. This is exactly what McGee does through letters and emails written, even text messages and notes, to and from various characters that are directly and indirectly impacted as a result of Edward’s choice. Angela knows there is something really wrong but Bella won’t budge. Alice puts all the pieces together and she’s angry. Charlie and Renee are struggling with how to deal with the new hollow version of their daughter.

“I'm worried about her…It's like she died and became a zombie or something.”

“I don't blame Jasper for what happened...I blame you…”

“I'm worried about our baby girl.”

The Trick is to Keep Breathing is concise in length, but full of intensity, humor and heartbreak. Bella discovers that life does in fact move on, and while she never stops thinking of Edward and the Cullens’, that small period of time in her short human life never fades.

If the ties that bind are any indication of Edward being bound to Bella, albeit from afar, McGee goes for broke in her deeply moving and heartbreaking story. Some might call it a tragedy, but this reader holds to the beauty of observing the story from all sides, in essence understanding the story behind the tragedy.

“Your happiness was the reason for my existence…I am free.”

What Are We Reading Now? - Breathe

2010-10-30T01:23:00.000-07:00

Breathe
by cocomama101
Review by: MsRobPattzMasen

“Of course I wanted to see Edward again—the thought of not seeing him again was almost too much to bear—but I was afraid . Afraid that I wanted him so much more than I should. Afraid of becoming addicted to the sense of awakening he gave me when it could only become a fleeting reality. The dreams had been safe, controlled. But these feelings were so real and intense that it felt like I was in danger of losing that control. I would be at the mercy of him if I let him anywhere near my heart, and I just couldn't do it. I couldn't tolerate one more ounce of heartache. I could not lose the small semblance of control I had left in my life.”

Edward Cullen’s life is far from perfect—dysfunctional family on a whole new level, messed up friends, and a reputation of shame—but that is all about to change. He’s about to start a whole new life this fall at college in New York. Edward’s counting down the days 'til freedom, when tragedy strikes, turning his whole family’s life upside down. He ends up stuck at UW, just a few hours from home, and is cast into the life he hoped to leave behind.

Bella Swan’s life with her mother and step-father is less than ideal. No child should ever have to live walking on eggshells, but it’s the only life she’s ever known. After years of pain and suffering, it comes to the final head, crashing her world even more than before and sending her to live in Forks with the father she’s never known.

While Edward tries to find a light and a diversion in his life, all Bella wants to do is try and find her "new normal." From the first time they meet, they are both stricken with longing for one another, but Bella’s past makes her keep him at arm’s length.

Cocomama101 –besides having one of the best pennames ever- is an artist at writing angst. Even though I write fluff, my preferred reading comes with a tissue warning, and >Breathe is no disappointment. It has loads of heart clenching moments and how she adds tiny moments of humor I’ll never know, but it just works! I’m a sucker for a good Edward POV, and hers is fantastic. I just want to hug him. He is highly misunderstood by the world around him, making him hide behind a cocky exterior. As an outsider, you might view him as a jerk, but his mind tells a different story of a broken, caring soul.

I know angst is not everyone’s cup of tea, but I am shocked that more people don’t read this story. These characters warm your heart even as it breaks with them.

Will Edward be able to let his cocky wall down long enough to show Bella his true soul? And if he does, will Bella be able to let the past go and give him a chance? I sure hope for both of these things, and I hope you continue with me and this wonderful author as we find out.

P.S. It also has one of the most awesome Alices EVER!

Author Spotlight: TwilightCakes

2010-10-30T00:46:00.000-07:00

Love This Pain
by TwilightCakes
Main Characters: Seth
Genre: Romance, FriendshipX
Rating: M

Summary:

Seth Clearwater is a 27 year old police officer and werewolf extraordinaire in Forks, Washington who is just biding his time and waiting...for her.

He had always hoped to imprint, but after over a decade of waiting he has lost all hope after not finding the one meant for him. He watches as his friends and pack mates meet their imprints and move forward in life, happy and content. Meanwhile, Seth is stuck, frozen in time as he waits for girl that will make everything worth it. Lonely and losing patience, the only thing he could do was continue on with his life, working with Charlie Swan as a cop during the day and patrolling at night with his pack.

Suddenly, is life is turned upside down when sixteen year old Regan comes to stay with Seth's mother Sue and his step-father, Charlie. Regan is Renee's niece, and has had a rocky past as a wild child in Phoenix. When she meets Seth unexpectedly, she can't figure out why he is so drawn to her, and her to him.

1. How did you come up with the idea of your story?

I wanted a mature Seth fic. He’s a wonderful character that I wanted to know more about. I read Breaking Dawn and fell in love with his character after Edward says to Jacob,

"He has one of the purest, sincerest, kindest minds I've ever heard," Edward murmured when he was out of sight. "You're lucky to have his mind to share."

That spoke volumes to me. I found myself so curious about Seth and the rest of his story, and I couldn’t find anything out there that quenched my curiosity about what could have happened to this amazing, kind hearted character. When I saw Booboo Stewart in Eclipse, my mind was made up. Both Booboo and Seth are wonderful, but far too young to write the type of story I was searching for. So, I imagined the character older and a bit wiser, but as close to his original personality as I could. So, 27 year old Seth was brought to life.

As for his imprint Regan…she just sort of came to me. As nice as it is for the wolves to meet imprints who are their age or close, I couldn’t see it all being that easy. Seth is 27 when the story begins and Regan is 16; nothing is going to be simple for these two. I wanted conflict; I wanted problems to arise, and I didn’t want Regan to do or say things that people wanted her to say. Let’s face it; normal teenagers aren’t who we want them to be. I wanted to challenge Seth’s happy-go-lucky attitude by making him wait for an imprint for over a decade. I also wanted to challenge him by giving him a troubled little teenager to deal with in the meantime.

2. What is the biggest struggle you have with writing your story?

Honestly, I have several. First, it’s getting people to read a Seth story – especially one that involves him imprinting on a teenager. Most people read the summary and think, ‘ew’. Not that I blame them – imprinting, if not explained right, can be creepy. When Love This Pain was first submitted to Twilighted, it was rejected for being unrealistic and ‘plot not plausible’. I think the underlying worry was the fact that it dealt with the potential romantic relationship (even though there isn’t one) between a 27 year old and a 16 year old. However, I plead my case and continue to do so when asked about the storyline. Those who read it every week I think agree with the fact that it’s not about a romantic/sexual relationship – yet. Regan does age, and meanwhile Seth is still frozen in time. My critics also argue that Seth would look too young to ‘appear’ to be 27. However, we can all remember when Taylor Lautner almost lost his role as Jacob for New Moon for not looking old enough or being big enough. A lot of people forget that when the wolves phase, they also all age to look like they’re in their twenties. So, in my mind, Seth would appear to be about 22 or 23, even though realistically he’s 27, almost 28.

Another thing I get in trouble for with some reviewers is Regan’s behavior. Most importantly, I want to point out that Regan and her personality and behavior is all modeled after both my teenage years and those of a few close friends around me. Something tragic happens to her before coming to Forks, and she acts out – plain and simple. She’s a teenager who doesn’t know how to get positive attention, so instead she gets it in negative ways. I’ve had people criticize me for writing her as such a reckless little mess. Sure, most teens don’t have problems like that, but some do. A huge them for this is just because someone has been damaged in their own eyes doesn’t mean that they aren’t worthy of someone’s love and affection. People can heal. While Regan does do some things that make readers want to shake her and give her a good slap, I think she’s pretty real. Teenager screw up – especially ones that don’t have strong parental figures in their lives, which she does not.

The main feel of the story for now at least, is friendship. Seth is in a lot of ways very ideal for Regan because he is slowly becoming her support system. I think some of the strongest relationships come from strong friendships. Seth is there for her because he wants to be. He won’t abandon her when she needs him the most because she is his imprint, and let’s face it – teen years would have been a lot easier for all of us with an older, wiser friend around who was there to save us when we needed it, right? Seth is definitely that for Regan, and hopefully someday more. But for now, he’s just there to help her out when she needs him and lend a friendly ear and a shoulder to cry on when Regan needs it.

I also write a version of Claire that not many people have seen before. I get so many reviews that are ‘Oh my GOD CLAIRE! ULGH! What a B*TCH!!! A lot of people have a hard time getting used to her, but I had a hard time (in real life) getting used to the person she’s based on…and now she’s one of my best friends : )

3. Is there a particular character in your story that you identify with the most?

Regan, hands down. She is modeled after myself as a teen. I never could really do or say the right thing, and I think that is Regan’s biggest issue. I was always kind of awkward and shy, which she definitely suffers from a little bit. I just wanted to fit in and survive my teen years the best I could, so I identify with her a lot that way. Although sadly I did not have a hunky wolf there to help me sort things out ; )

4. Is the story all planned out or is it write as you go?

Love This Pain is all planned out. The ending is still a bit foggy in my mind, but I know what has to happen in the story. I have all the chapters planned out to a ‘T’.

5. Do you have a particular process when it comes to your writing? Mood? Specific Environment? What do you do to get in the writing mood?

Well, I scribble notes and ideas that come to me during the day on post-its that hide under my keyboard….oops. When I get home, I write like a mad woman. I don’t have to be in any mood really – I can sit down and write and I rarely have writer’s block. I have too much to say! I’m really lucky to have the words come to me that easily, and I’m super grateful. R

6. Have you got any other projects going on? Any planned for the future?

LTP is first in a series that I’ve named ‘Love vs. Misery’. They are all intertwined and while the timelines for each of the fics do cross, but I try to avoid re-writing the same events from different POVs. My main focus for now is Love This Pain, which is Regan and Seth’s story. However, in January I will be starting Embry’s story. He imprints on a girl that’s a little older, but she’s got a whole other set of problems. A lot of people who read LTP also hate my jerky version of Brady, and I wanted to give him a chance to tell his side of things. Finally, I will be writing Quil and Claire’s story. Whew!

7. Are you out of the closet with your Twilight love? Or do your RL friends and family know about it?

I am not, sadly. My parents do not know, nor do my friends. They know I enjoy the books and movies, but that’s about it. I finally let my boyfriend in on the secret about three months ago, and it was like huge weight off my shoulders. He wants to read my stuff, but it feels too personal. I keep it to myself, but he knows now and is very supportive.

8. Do any FF authors inspire you?

Anyone who does anything different. While I love Edward and Bella, I feel like their story has been told…and told…and told. I am a horrible Bella/Edward writer, but it doesn’t really bother me because Edward and Bella have been done, and there are far better authors who can write them better than I ever could. I just have a lot of respect for authors that try anything out of the ordinary. A storyline with a twist, a non canon pairing, a story about a minor character, etc. Just anything we haven’t seen a million times really.

9. What is your FanFic Pet peeve?

Forced dialogue. Sadly, a lot of people suffer from it, myself included. I try to imagine my characters so that they say things that they really would say – not what I would want them to say. Sometimes people say things that make you go ‘What?!’ but that’s real life. People don’t always do or say the things we want them to, and such is life. I really try hard to have my characters reflect that. R

10. Do you have other writing experience besides fan fiction?

I do….um…*hides face* I used to write for uh…another fandom once upon a time. When I was twelve, I fell in love with Hanson and I wrote ‘hanfic’ for about four years until I was sixteen and erm…developed a life of my own. I took a break from writing til I discovered Twifics.

11. Shout out to your betas.

My first beta was Rain-It-Shall, and she betas ‘Untouchable’ (my first twific, a Jake/Ness fic) and my canon series of one shots, ‘Immortal’. She is a sweetheart and I love her to death because she will often ignore her homework to beta for me, and she is simply wonderful. We’ve become really good friends, and I love talking to her about waiting in line to see R-Patz movies : )

My other beta, mama23keiki betas ‘Love This Pain’ and ‘Fairytale’. She has also agreed to beta Embry’s story, the sequel to Love This Pain. I made a shout out on Twitter about six months ago that I was in search of a beta for a wolf fic, and her friend let me know that she wanted to beta something. I took a chance on her, and I’m glad every single day that I did because she is wonderful! She really encourages me to write what I feel should happen and she makes what I crank out legible. Another totally awesome person that I was very lucky to meet. I love both of my betas, you girls rock!

12. Any fic recs?

One of my favorite fics – I’ve read this one almost three times now – is Vanity and Patience by Achelle131. It is a beautiful take Rosalie and Emmett’s start.

Another one of my favorites is a fic called Vicissitudes by Twilightzoner. I stumbled across it one day and it’s normally not what I read, but….it’s an amazing alternate take on Breaking Dawn, minus one of my favorite characters, Renesmee. I LOVED BD unlike a lot of ppl - I didn’t think I would like it, but I ended up falling in love with it and have read it several times because it is so beautiful. Try it – I promise, Pro BD or not, you’ll love it.

13. Anything else you want to add?

If you like Love This Pain, stick around for Embry’s story, ‘Taking Chances’, as well as the rest of the series. I have big plans for these characters – they’re not going away any time soon.

Guess that Banner Winner 10/8

2010-10-23T12:45:00.000-07:00

October 8 Round

Answer: Rock Star Groupies by LollipopWhispers

Winner: Kagome Hanyou

Banner made by MsRason

What Are We Reading Now? - Identity

2010-10-23T01:55:00.000-07:00

Identity
by Mimi-Love-4ever
Review by: sbsp92

“Incident. The mere word had me cringing in fear. All of the nerves that been fluttering around in my stomach turned into something much deeper than that. I had a bad feeling. I knew whatever the incident was, it would get bad really quickly.”

Renee sends Bella to Forks to live with her father, Charlie, because people are searching for them after someone leaked information from inside the Volturi Corporation. Bella receives a few things to keep her safe while with her dad like a high protection car, an untraceable cell phone, and an ominous message: "Do not compromise your position or hers". When Bella first arrives at her new home, she is very timid and cautious, trying to keep her identity a secret. The first person she runs into in the sleepy town is none other than Edward Cullen, and the chemistry is almost instant. Soon Bella is faced with another problem— keeping her identity a secret from her new close friends: Rosalie, Alice, Emmett, Jasper, and Edward.

Author, Mimi-Love-4ever, first captured my attention with the suspenseful preface and peaked my interest more with each chapter. I love the way Bella and Edward meet because I've never read them meeting in this way before or found one as funny at the same time. When reading each chapter of Identity, I look forward to multiple things, whether it's a certain character or where the end of the chapter will take the story. I'm also looking forward to reading when the people catch up to Bella.

Will Bella be able to keep her identity from her friends? Or will the truth destroy the friendships she has made?

WC 10/21 Teaser Post

2010-10-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks for awesome first WC! All of the authors that participated were absolutely fabulous, and it was so much fun! You all rock my socks off! - Monika

Parachute by KitsuShel
Rising Star by HopeReborn
Untitled by ajsilentvoice
Chance by AmoreBella88
Chase by smexy4smarties
Neutral Buoyancy by ThePiedPiperOSIB
Zombie Killer of the Week by Lulu M

Other authors that didn't post a teaser: mostlyalurker and Antevorte

KitsuShel's Teaser from Chapter 22 of Parachute

After Esme had disappeared up the stairs, Tanya turned on Bella with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Okay, so now that we're alone, tell me all about the walking God among men!"

Bella blushed furiously and bit her lip.

"Just so you know, I'm right behind you."

Both girls spun around to see Edward standing behind them with a small smirk on his face. Tanya flipped her hair over her shoulder and leveled a disinterested stare at him.

"I was talking about your father, dude."

Edward's eyes widened and his mouth opened, before closing again in surprise.

"Um, okay. Eww." Edward shuddered before smiling at Bella. "Do you think that I could speak with you for a moment?"

She nodded and walked with him to the bottom of the stairs. "What's up?"

"I just wanted to say goodnight and tell you that I wanted to kiss you very badly, but I wasn't sure how you'd react in front of anyone."

He gave her a bashful smile and her heart melted. Taking a step closer, Bella placed her hands on his chest and leaned up on her toes to place a small kiss on his lips. He smiled and gently moved his in time with hers. When the kiss ended, he leaned his forehead against hers and took a deep breath in through his nose.

"Goodnight, Bella," he whispered.

"Goodnight, Edward," she responded just as quietly.

He pressed his lips to her forehead and squeezed her hands before making his way upstairs. Bella stood frozen to the spot until she felt Tanya sidle up to her. She turned her head and looked at her friend, who was smiling softly.

"You really like him, don't you?" she asked quietly. Bella responded with a nod.

"Good. He seems like a nice guy and you deserve that, but if he hurts you, there won't be enough left of him for the dogs to find."

Bella nodded solemnly, knowing that Tanya was not kidding one bit.

Tanya took Bella by the arm and pulled her slightly to the stairs. "Come on, let's go talk about boys in privacy. All I need now is for the good doctor to walk in on me telling you about how I want to hump his leg."

HopeReborn's Teaser from Rising Star

“No, Seth. I’m okay, but I really appreciate your offer. How is your mother? She still worried about me and Leah?”

“You really don’t like to read minds, hum? Don’t worry about my mother, she’ll be okay. She’s like Leah, except she’s more controlled. Dude, I still don’t believe about you and Leah. My sister has a mate, this will be a scandal.”

I frowned. The imminent meeting with Sam’s pack was my most urgent problem. I needed to control my temper, doesn’t matter what would happen. To be near Sam would not be easy. “Well, I would like to know what will be the biggest scandal, if your sister imprinted or if I’m a super-freaking-genetic-mutant.”

ajsilentvoice's Teaser from Untitled

“Get back in the car, kids. We got this one,” he said . Bella and Edward both nodded their head, holding each other tight, and moved away so that a sea of forest green could swarm the area. Sirens were wailing and men were shouting, but little did they know that there was no one alive to hear them.

Charlie's radio was going off on his shoulder. The terminal tower was informing him that they couldn't halt the plane's take off without doing harm. The all looked left as it sped down the tarmac and coasted effortlessly into the air. Charlie swore loudly and joined the team that surrounded the vehicle.

Officers were already signaling EMT's to the body on the ground and shuffling their feet warily as they tried to ascertain if there was anyone left in the vehicle. When they decided it was clear, another set of EMTs came in. Edward and Bella watched as they drew out white sheets to cover the body on the ground, and they draped another sheet of the one hanging out of the passenger side. They pronounced them DOA and stepped back to let the forensic team record the scene.

AmoreBella88's Teaser for Chance

I kept it up, resetting the machine every time the program ended. I was on fire. My lungs burned, my mind was blank, my eyes clenched tightly shut so that I didn’t get sweat in them, my legs screaming at me to just stop and let them rest for one fucking minute.

But I didn’t have a minute.

I didn’t even have a second.

Because I felt like there was someone watching me, chasing me, trying to get me.

And I couldn’t let that happen.

I willed myself to go faster, to get farther away from whoever was after me.

Smexy4smarties' Teaser of Chase

I was not nearly drunk enough for this shit. Edward had said he'd brought vodka, I was sure, and it occurred to me how easy it would be to go and get it; he wouldn't have thought to take it with him. It would be so, so easy and smooth and painless—my morphine.

I needed it.

The bottle was open inside the paper bag, a swig or two of vodka gone; I could measure on sight. I'd done the route of straight-from-the-source once or twice before.

My mind became frantic as it realized it was forgetting important things—when had I been drinking from this bottle? The depths of my memory produced no images, but the evidence was here in front of me. I only remembered the beer that I'd opened before Alice arrived, and I'd thought I hadn't even finished that. If so, it should still be on the dresser in my room, practically full.

I didn't have the heart to check.

There was so much color, so vivid, and I knew the vodka would end that, but I couldn't touch it. I backed away from the counter and realized it didn't look right. My cabinets were cheap and white; these were a dark, but still familiar, stain. The floors were cherry wood, not snap-together linoleum tile. This wasn't my kitchen.

ThePiedPiperOSIB's Teaser of Neutral Buoyancy

However, overnight my subconscious started playing tricks on me. Once I got back to the boat and safely in my cabin, I felt saturated by her presence. I swore I could smell her on my clothes and hear the echo of her sweet voice. When I did fall asleep, I dreamt about her in the most sinful way. When I woke up, I could feel the ghost of her lips and body against mine. This is why I needed to get out and run, but here I was back where it all started. Seeing the evidence of our scuffle in the sand proved it was real, and that I wasn’t hallucinating last night. Could I now resist knocking on her door? If I did knock, what would I say?

Lulu M's Teaser of Zombie Killer of the Week

As her vulnerable moment passed and a hard look passed through her eyes, she picked up her machete and hunted down the very same creature that turned her world better and worse. I could only watch as she cut away the limbs of the dead, slicing through bone and muscle as if it were, for lack of a better simile, butter.

Blood rained down on the corpses and her, melding into her long dark hair as it swung with her movements, dripping down the rivulets of scars, like water flowing through a canyon, and splashing away from her face as if she were crying away all her sorrows. And perhaps she was.

So if one day you cross paths with a girl who’s face you cannot ignore, don’t be frightened by her appearance, and know that she is just as damaged as you are. Some scars are internal rather than external. Befriend her if you can, but remember, she will choose life over death, and should it come down to it, your body could end up with the hundred of zombies she has already killed. Emily Young isn’t ZOMBIE KILLER OF THE WEEK for nothing.

TwiNet WC!

2010-10-17T19:12:00.000-07:00

When: Thursday, October 21
Time: 6:00PM PST

Schedule
6:00-6:15 - Introductions
6:15-7:15 - Writing
7:15-7:30 - Sharing

Authors can choose to send in a teaser. All will be posted in a blog post on Twi Network and tweeted about.

All are welcome to join, Network Authors and Non Network Authors. So tell your friends!

Sign up and how to gain access to the WC chat room will be emailed to you.

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Completed Story - The Hardest Thing by Scorp

2010-10-16T01:16:00.000-07:00

The Hardest Thing
by Scorp112
Twitter: @Scorp_112
Rating: NC17
Characters: Edward, Bella, Angela
Total Chapters: 2

Published: August 19, 2010
Completed: October 1, 2010

Summary: Sometimes there are no easy answers. Sometimes, no matter what decision you make, someone will get hurt. Edward must choose between his wife and a new, passionate love.

Completed Story - The Trick is to Keep Breathing by McGee

2010-10-16T01:09:00.000-07:00

The Trick is to Keep Breathing
by McGee
Twitter: @McGee_42
Rating: M
Characters: Bella
Total Chapters: 27

Published: February 26, 2010
Completed: October 13, 2010

Summary: What if Edward kept his promise and never came back? A series of communiqués tell what happens next.

Reading Rendezvous: The Trick is to Keep Breathing by McGee

2010-10-16T00:51:00.000-07:00

The Trick is to Keep Breathing

Rating: M
Genre: Angst, Hurt, Comfort
Main Characters: Bella
Status: Complete

Summary: What if Edward kept his promise and never came back? A series of communiqués tell what happens next.

Read Along: Monday, October 18 at 5PM PST or 8PM EST

Reading Rendezvous Forum

Author Spotlight: tiffanyanne3

2010-10-16T00:23:00.000-07:00

You Should Know
by tiffanyanne3
Main Characters: Edward and Bella
Genre: AH, Romance, Comfort
Rating: NC-17

Summary: Bella's life changes completely when she is unceremoniously dumped by Jacob. Broken-hearted and searching for new meaning to her life, Bella finds a close friend and calming influence in the form of Edward.

1. How did you come up with the idea of your story?

I had a flash of a scene come to me when I was working in the dark room during my photography class (a little hint about a future chapter maybe? lol). The main plot was inspired by a couple of song lyrics.

2. What is the biggest struggle you have with writing your story?

Getting into Bella's head. She can be so stubborn sometimes! I've also learned a lot about showing, not telling.

3. Is there a particular character in your story that you identify with the most?

Hmm... This is an interesting question. I haven't really thought of this before. Actually, I can see bits of myself coming out in all the characters. Bella's stubbornness and anxiety, Rose's overreaction, Edward's protectiveness, Alice's artistic side...

4. Is the story all planned out or is it write as you go?

I'm not one for outlines. I write as I go.

5. Do you have a particular process when it comes to your writing? Mood? Specific Environment? What do you do to get in the writing mood?

I usually do my best writing at night with a glass (or two or three...) of wine. But there are also days when my best writing comes from sitting outside at a coffee shop with my earbuds plugged in. I sort of get lost in my own little world. WCs are particularly inspiring. I love the support and encouragement I get from my WC buddies.

6. Have you got any other projects going on? Any planned for the future?

I'm working on a short Alice/Jasper story that I'm in love with right now. It will be five chapters, and will be sweet, funny, and a little sexy. Other than that, I'm working on some original fiction that I'm really excited about.

7. Are you out of the closet with your Twilight love? Or do your RL friends and family know about it?

Trust me, anyone who knows me knows how much I love Twilight. Only a few know that I write and read fanfiction, though.

8. Do any FF authors inspire you?

Wow. There are so many. Some I love especially are SunKing, m7707, MDealsWithIt, quothme, tkegl, CescaMarie, JeesieChreesie...there are so many others whose writing I really admire as well. The list could go on and on.

9. What is your FanFic Pet peeve?

Authors who have a total disregard for grammar and spelling, yet they still thank multiple betas in their author's notes. Yeesh. I also loathe copycat stories.

10. Do you have other writing experience besides fan fiction?

I've been writing for as long as I can remember. I only discovered fanfiction a few years ago. I recently made the foray into freelance writing as well.

11. Shout out to your betas.

I cannot say enough great things about nowforruin. Seriously, she makes my chapters so much better. She's taught me a lot about getting into my characters' heads and showing emotion in their body language, etc.

12. Any fic recs?

The ones I'm in love with right now are:

Dead on My Feet by CescaMarie
The Violet Hour by MDealsWithIt
Beyond Time by Tkegl (I'm lucky enough to beta this one!)

13. Anything else you want to add?

I'd just like to say that I'm very grateful for the great friends I've made through this fandom! It's been awesome to get meet so many lovely ladies in person and have friends all over the world.

What Are We Reading Now? - Someone Like You

2010-10-15T15:26:00.001-07:00

Someone Like You
by KekahJ
Review by: Lulu M

I know this is wrong. I know we shouldn't be here. But do you know how long I've been waiting? Do you know how long I've been looking for someone like you?

He was a doctor about to marry his childhood sweetheart. She was a writer who moved away from her home for a boy. Both involved in relationships where they thought they couldn’t do any better. Until they met one another under unlikely circumstances.

It was supposed to be one of the happiest times in his life. Edward Cullen has proposed to his long time girlfriend, Tanya Denali. Though he is convinced he loves her, as he should considering how long they’ve been together, he can’t help being repulsed by her strawberry lips and callous attitude.

An affluent freelance writer around Phoenix, Bella Swan has been with her boyfriend, James Denali, since they had crossed paths in college. Not knowing any better in her young life, she tries to suppress her yearnings for the green landscape of home in favor of James’ selfishness.

In a chance encounter, fate decides to bring Edward and Bella together where a dangerous attraction occurs.

Author, KekahJ, captures a certain sort of desperation in our two antagonists—desperation to remain true to their significant others, desperation to live what their lives have brought them, and desperation for one another. KekahJ guides us through a series of events that lead Edward and Bella toward a downward spiral into alcohol for one, and a sense of freedom for the other. Her characters grow and change according to their experiences and who they are, which KekahJ never loses sight of.

The angst is palpable. KekahJ thrusts it into your heart and makes you ache till tears fall from your eyes. It’s hard to breath around the fear and anxiety as we watch Edward and Bella’s world fall apart. Even as one life is bettered, it is still hard to catch our breath as we watch the other fall into black oblivion.

As Edward and Bella start this new part of their lives, their need for each other never diminishes, and four months after their fateful first meeting, they find one another again. But the hurt that has lived in their hearts for so long is enough to keep them from wanting to take that leap.

Should they decide to get together, will that be the end of their angst? Or in true KekahJ fashion, will it grow beyond control?

Apple of Our Eye - Dodgeball! by Tiffaninichole

2010-10-11T03:30:00.000-07:00

Dodgeball!
by tiffaninichole
Rating: NC17
Genre: AH, Noncanon Pairing

Apples:

Monika says:

I will admit, I'm not the biggest Non Canon fan out there. I'm a die hard Edward and Bella devotee, and I can count the number of non canon pairing stories I've read on one hand. However, my eyes were definitely opened with Dodgeball.

I first found my way to tiffaninichole via her PTB Smut University's Yearbook submission, Drunk Sex, where I was first introduced to her delightful world of Jasper and Bella. In this OS, Jasper and Bella are best friends who end up, after a night of guzzling liquor non stop, creating sexy times in an alcoholic haze. Suffice to say, I was compelled to read more of her work.

Surrounded by red balls, Jasper and Bella's rivalry is known far and wide by anyone who competes in Dodgeball. On and off the court, they often try to best one another. Their underhanded practical jokes are the driving force behind their continuing feud. Both are too stubborn to give up, and so their pranks are often held as revenge.

I plug in my blow dryer, set it on high, point it towards my head and turn it on full blast.

"AAAAAAAAGH! What the hell?" I scream. I quickly drop the dryer and blink my eyes, trying to see what's going on. What the fuck? Something's coating my throat, making me gag and spit and cough like crazy. I can't see, so I walk like a mummy with my hands out, trying to feel for the sink. When I find it, I turn on the water and rinse my eyes out. I look around, blinking my eyes rapidly to rid them of the tears, trying to figure out what happened when I see Alice and Angela doubled over in silent laughter, gasping for breath.

"What the fuck's so funny?" I spit.

"Jasper... Put... Powder... In your dryer!" Angela heaves out before crumbling to the floor, laughing maniacally.

"Oh GOD, Bella! That was... The funniest shit E-VER! One minute you're just standing there and the next, you're in a cloud of white dust!" Alice yells as tears of laughter roll down her face.

"BELLA!... Your... Hair... Is... ASHY!"

At this point, everyone's come into the room to see what's going on and my whole team breaks out into hysterics. Fucking Jasper.

On championship night, it's the inevitable, Bella's team versus Jasper's team. Bella's team takes victory after she wins her revenge shot with a ball straight toward Jasper's face. However, it is hardly the highlight of the night as we find our character's later creating sexy times in a bar bathroom.

What's to follow are even more sexy times, even crazier practical jokes, and an impossible relationship we tried to see coming but was only deterred by the prolonged supposed hatred of each other, which I suppose is what kept drawing me back and wanting to read the next chapter.

I knew Bella and Jasper's intimate and affectionate relationship was inescapable, but I wasn't quite sure how they would each surpass their own stubbornness. The ride toward girlfriend/boyfriend status was bumpy, both Jasper and Bella manipulating the other into admitting their feelings not only to themselves but to each other, and despite their growing attraction, the witty and hilarious dialog and narrative between the two is not lost.

Tiffaninichole does an excellent job in remembering who her characters are, and just because they are now fornicating, she doesn't lose sight of what made this story great in the first place: her humorous characterization.

Of course we aren't left with a simple HEA. Jasper and Bella are both to hard headed and fearful of what they have to ride off into the sunset together. Tiffanichichole does a good "eye bulging, OMG, did that really just happen?" momentous scene. Of what? That I won't spoil, you'll just have to read the story to find out.

I gave Dodgeball! by Tiffaninichole four out of five apples. The sexy and funny times award it its high rating.

Dodgeball! is definitely a fun read for both canon and non canon fans alike. If you didn't like Jasper and Bella pairing before, you will after you read this. It doesn't change or influence our choices of fan fiction. It just adds to the long list of what we already love. I know the next time I see a non canon pairing sitting on my to be read list, I will give it more than just a passing look.

Reading Rendezvous!

2010-10-09T03:51:00.000-07:00

This is our version of a read along. Rather than read a story in one night, we are giving you all a week to read!

1. A topic will be made in the TwiNet Forums, where all comments should go.

2. We will choose stories for the Rendezvous from people who are active in the Twi Network community.

3. How can you be active? Retweet TwiNet tweets. Retweet Network Authors tweets. Comment on story postings under the Genre category in the forums. Comment on the blog postings. But most importantly, you must have participated at least somewhat in previous Reading Rendezvous topics.

4. For the first Reading Rendezvous, October 16, we want you to vote which story you want to read!

5. Requirement: The story must be part of Twi Network.

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What Are We Reading Now? - Sins of the Piano Man

2010-10-08T03:03:00.000-07:00

Sins of the Piano Man
by solareclipses
Review by: smexy4smarties

Try as I might to memorialize my innocent victims, my efforts were inadequate in the end. They were still dead. The music didn't bring them back from the dirty, makeshift graves I'd given them.

Edward Cullen tried so hard to give to society. He drank the blood of the despicable, the criminals, the perverse. He subjected himself to their thoughts and did a service to mankind as he drained the life from those who didn't deserve souls. So it was fair to say that one night a month, he should get a break—the twelfth night of every month. On this night, he wouldn't seek out the worst, but instead the best, the innocent. He would get his reward.

At least, that's how he rationalized it to himself.

One girl, a flash of blue eyes and wild wisps of brown hair, changed everything for him. Her thoughts were flighty and sweet and perfect. She would be his. He had her alone, and she was more than willing; she was too distracted to care how obviously inhuman he was. He didn't mind that she was oblivious . . . until her thoughts touched on the cause of her unease. Renée Swan was pregnant. He couldn't kill a child.

But he almost had, and that alone was enough to bring a familiar fact to the forefront of Edward Cullen's mind—he was, without doubt, a monster. And he couldn't do it anymore. He would find some other way.

Twenty-one years later, Isabella Swan is falling apart. She jobless, hopeless, and possibly soon to be parentless. She'd given up the idea of Renée being her parent long ago, but now, Charlie has cancer, and the reality of her being alone in the world is becoming imminent.

Edward's in Seattle hoping to teach another musician how to play a piece he's composed for a past victim. Bella's newly twenty-one and just got fired—alcohol in Seattle with the girls doesn't seem like such a bad idea. Her blood is undeniably tantalizing and her mind is silent to him, but can Edward afford to have another life on his conscience?

Sins of the Piano Man by solareclipses is possibly one of the most poignant AUs currently being written. The author's ability to weave an interesting plotline while still leaving time to dissect the faults and motivations of each character bears the mark of a true storyteller. She doesn't only focus on Edward and Bella, which is refreshing to see; even characters such as Lauren—the stereotypical mean girl in most fan fiction—are depicted as real people, with both flaws and redeeming qualities intact. Everything about solareclipses' writing style draws the reader in.

Edward's not yet sure if he's merely following Bella or hunting her, but she intrigues him to no end. How will he react when he finds that this girl was the catalyst in his quest to be better, that this girl was the reason he began to atone for his sins?

Guess that Banner Winner 9/24 Round

2010-10-08T00:09:00.000-07:00

September 24 Round

Answer: Finding the Way Back by sweetishbubble

Winner: javamomma0921

*Resized via HTML to fit in blog.

Banner made by MsRason

New Network Page Forums

2010-10-05T00:31:00.000-07:00

We have a new format for the Network page that we are going to try out. Cross your fingers and hope for a success! Rather than a simple listing, we have placed the directory onto a forum.

We have also decided that Network members will be required to sign up for the forums. Though we aren't going to reject your story if you don't, we hope you will use this opportunity as another resource to get your story out there, as well as check out other Network Author's stories.

Forum Link >>> http://z15.invisionfree.com/Twi_Network/index.php

Differences:

1. Bragging rights will now be user uploaded. Rather than filling out a Network Accomplishment form, you will create a new post under your name.

* All new posts will be validated, so they won't show up until a moderator has approved of it. Moderators will look to be sure your bragging right is valid, and that you didn't break any posting rules.

2. Besides having an author listing, stories will now be separated by Genre. This will also be user uploaded. It will be up to the author to post their story under the correct genre. Moderators will not do this for the author.

* All new topics will be validated. You may place your story in as many genres that fit (example: AH and Slash), but the Moderators will check each post to make sure stories and genres match. The only story you may not post twice are One Shots. Those may only be posted in the One Shot Forum.

3. Though you can't see the Bragging Rights off of first glance, you will be able to decipher how many accomplishments an author has by looking to see how many replies they have to their Author Posting. So if TwiAuthor1 has 4 replies, they have 4 Bragging Rights to their name.

* Remember: Replies = Amount of Bragging Rights Author Has

Forum Categories:

1. Network Authors - All authors will have a post created by a moderator for their name which will list all of their stories that are in our Tweet Me program. Please check out your post and make sure all is working well. We had to create 98 posts at once in our switch, and it is quite possible a mistake or two were made. If there is a mistake for your author posting, email us and we'll fix it. You must be logged in to give a reply. Only Moderators can create a new topic.

2. Genres - Please read the Rules and Guidelines in the specific genre forum before posting your story or your reply may be rejected. If you would like to see a category that isn't posted, please email us. You may post your OS' along with your WIPs. You must be logged in to post a topic. Moderators and authors alike can post topics.

3. Community - This is for general talk. So far there is only one forum posted along side a Contact a Staff Member forum. If you would like to see another forum, please email us.

Completed Story - ABC Countdown by Aylah50

2010-10-04T02:49:00.001-07:00

ABC Countdown
by Aylah50
Twitter: @Aylah50
Rating: NC17
Characters: Edward and Bella
Total Chapters: 6

Published: July 15, 2010
Completed: September 30, 2010

Summary: With only twenty-six days left of school, second grade teacher Bella is supposed to be running her classroom ABC Countdown. However, all she can think about is her sexy co-worker Edward, and the much naughtier version of the ABC Countdown he inspires.

Completed Story - When Betas Begin to Write by Great Chemistry

2010-10-04T02:49:00.000-07:00

When Betas Begin to Write
by Great Chemistry
Twitter: @GreatChemistry
Rating: T
Characters: All
Total Chapters: 25

Published: May 5, 2010
Completed: July 31, 2010

Summary: One beta's attempt at The Twilight 25.

Author Spotlight: SwedenSara

2010-10-01T04:14:00.000-07:00

The Secret Changes within Bella Swan
by SwedenSara
Main Characters: Bella/Edward
Genre: AH, Angst, Romance, Lemons
Rating: M/NC-17

Summary: Bella, who has been married to Edward for a few years, finds herself being someone she doesn't want to be. She wants this to change and takes a journey within herself to find the girl she used to be and the love she used to feel for Edward.

1. How did you come up with the idea of your story?

This story is something I had been wanting – or maybe needing is a better way of putting it - to write for quite some time. For me, writing this story is therapeutic. I had some issues in my life and marriage that I needed to deal with and make sense of. Needless to say, a lot of it is autobiographical. I tried writing this in Swedish many times, but it never felt right. After countless hours of reading fanfic, I started to think in English, and the words suddenly felt natural. One night I heard Bella’s voice in my head, so I sat down and wrote the prologue.

I was a bit worried at first about writing in English, since it obviously isn’t my first language, but now it feels almost as natural as writing in Swedish. In some ways I feel it’s easier for me to express myself in English, and I often feel that the Swedish language lacks the proper words for the things I want to show the readers. The help provided by the betas at Project Team Beta has been invaluable and it has helped me improve immensely.

2. What are some of your favorite things reviewers have said about your story?

The reviews that mean the most to me are the ones where people tell me how my story applies to their lives as well. It makes me feel like I’m not alone in this. To know I help people with the things I write is awesome. I also get all giddy when readers tell me how my words make them feel. I still can’t believe that my words evoke feelings in other people.

3. Is there a particular character in your story that you identify with the most?

Of course, Bella is basically me. And yes, Edward is based on my husband (poor guy). Writing Edward actually forced me to see things from his point of view, which was helpful and sometimes very hard.

4. Is the story all planned out or is it “write as you go”?

In the beginning I just wrote. I had nothing planned out at all, except for some sort of general idea of where I wanted it to end. I kind of followed the timeline of my life. When I realized I only had a few chapters left, I felt the need to outline them. The weird thing is that outlining also made it harder to actually get it written. Since the foundation of my writing up until now has been to go with what I feel I need to express, having the outline kind of kills my mojo.

5. Do you have a particular process when it comes to your writing? Mood? Specific Environment? What do you do to get in the writing mood?

I write sitting on my couch, mostly while my husband is watching TV. During summer vacation I wrote a lot at night, when I had trouble sleeping. In the beginning, the story was constantly on my mind. I kept a notebook with me, and wrote everything down as it came to me. Phrases and dialogues popped up in the weirdest situations, and if I didn’t write them down I forgot. The first chapters I wrote to music – the Twilight soundtrack.

6. Have you got any other projects going on? Any planned for the future?

My other WIP – Smutiversity – is a collab with my beta Netracullen. We post under the penname Smutsisters. It’s a crackfic about us trying to write better smut, and the idea came when I whined to my betas about not being able to write lemons. I needed to practice, and writing Smutiversity gave me that opportunity. Funny thing is that after our first chapter was done, PTB started Smut University. That was amazingly helpful as well. I also took part in PTB Smut University’s Yearbook “Summer of Smut”.

I recently started a blog with some fic friends, entirely dedicated to slash – Twisted in Slash http://twistedinslash.blogspot.com/. We post pretty boylovin’ pictures and review and recommend fics.

My plans for the future are to write either a prequel to TSCwBS, or possibly some outtakes. There are things in Bella’s past that I need to address, but they don’t fit in the storyline. I also have an epilogue planned for Vanishing, the one-shot I won a Judge’s Pick for in the Beyond the Pale contest.

7. Are you out of the closet with your Twilight love? Or do you RL friends and family know about it?

I’m out of the closet entirely. My mother and sister love Twilight as well, and my husband has read all the books and Midnight Sun. I’m the only one who’s into fanfiction, though. Only a few people know I write, and even fewer actually read my stories. I try to keep my writing a secret, since I’m a teacher and I’m afraid some of the things I write wouldn’t sit well with my colleagues and bosses… My parents aren’t allowed to read it, my sister reads some, and my husband reads everything. He felt a bit weird reading the slash one-shot I wrote for Bellabee66, but he did it anyway.

8. Do any FF authors inspire you?

I’m inspired by a lot of authors, and I love reading. I love when I find new phrases or expressions that I haven’t thought of myself. If I’m to name names… my biggest inspiration comes from AngstGoddess003. Wide Awake was my first real fanfic crush, and I love her Company Loves Misery. I also adored Poughkeepsie, and have saved the review reply I got from Mrs.TheKing once. I’m such a fangirl…

9. What is your FanFic Pet peeve?

I don’t like when people hold their updates hostage until they get reviews. If you are to beg for reviews, at least do it in a funny way.

10. Do you have other writing experience besides fan fiction?

No, I only write instructions or fact sheets for students.

11. Shout out to your betas.

First of all I’d like to thank everyone from PTB who has worked with me. I’ve learned so much. LuluM is my comma queen, I’ve asked a million questions and she always answers them. I still can’t get it right though, we use commas differently in Swedish…

Jill has been so supportive and nice to me. We’ve spent hours and hours chatting on Facebook, and I feel like I really know her. I miss her now that she’s had to take a step back from duties, but I’m happy we keep in touch anyway.

Netracullen is awesome; I know she’s always ready to put on her finicky bitch beta hat for me. I can always count on her, I know she tells me like it is. She makes me better. I admire her so much, she’s incredibly talented.

Lately I’ve had a lot of help from other people as well. FangMom is my stand-in beta when Jill not’s able to help out, and I’m forever thankful for that. Lattecoug, Edbrella and McGee_42 have volunteered to beta some one-shots on short notice. Erinbatt offered to beta my contest entry for In the Closet contest, and it gave me so much. I’m amazed that this fandom has so many helpful people.

12. Any fic recs?

First of all… have y’all read Raw and Rosy by tuesdaymidnight? It’s not only incredibly hot Edward/Jasper slash, it’s also a spank!fic. I can’t help it, I’m drooling all over that one.

My second rec will have to be Million Dollar Baby by clpsuperstar. Once again a very hot fic, but this one is Bella/Edward. Edward buys Bella to be his sex-slave/companion/stand-in girlfriend for five years, and yeah… Lot’s of yumminess.

The third one is a fic that is only six chapters in, but I fell in love with it from chapter one. Pressed for Time by chele681 and Twanza is beautifully written. It has a depressed and angry Edward and a mute peep-show Bella, and it’s awesome.

13. Anything else you want to add?

Well, when I look at the fics I recommended I seem like quite the pervert. Peep-shows, sex-slaves and gay spankings. Ah well, I guess I am…

What Are We Reading Now - Take A Chance

2010-10-01T04:04:00.000-07:00

Take A Chance
by blindedbythesun134
Review by: idealistic4ever

"Don't leave now; I haven't gotten the chance to talk to you yet."
"I don't make it a habit to give away personal information to a complete stranger."
I wished that I could throw caution to the wind and take a chance with Edward. I wished that I could act on the irrational feelings I had for him.

Some people just grow up knowing what they want to do in life. They have a plan and they execute it. For Bella Swan, becoming a doctor is her plan—it’s the plan and it defines everything about her.

A decision that she made at the end of her high school career led Bella through six years of college and medical school. Now that her classroom training is complete, it’s time for her to get a little more hands on as she prepares to take on her medical residency.

Bella knows that her already busy life is about to get busier. The life of a first year resident leaves little time for socializing let alone enough time to just hear your own thoughts. Days before she is to begin her residency, Bella is already mentally prepping herself for social isolation. Little does she know that her plan is about to get revised.

Edward has recently gotten the brush off by one of the most amazing women he has ever met. He thought they had a connection, but when she doesn’t call, he can’t hide his disappointment and confusion. Little does he know that his phone number was thrown away to avoid the temptation of calling him.

Take a Chance is a sweet, unsuspecting story about a girl who meets a boy. It’s a journey of discovery as Bella finds that meeting Edward wasn’t a case of right place at the wrong time, rather it was the right place at the right time. She just needs a little help making that discovery, and Edward is all too willing to help her with that task. Author blindedbythesun134 has taken a simple story and woven her own unique twist as she plays with some of our fandom’s most beloved characters.

Life isn’t completely linear; there are bumps and twists and turns that keep us constantly on our toes. It is often cause for making the last second decision to turn right instead of left. For Bella, the first day of her residency is one of those instances. Will she choose to go right toward her plan, or will she go left and take a chance?

Review Team Openings

2010-09-28T18:28:00.000-07:00

Do you want to join the TwiNet Review Team and help us review stories from TwiNet members?

How is it done?

1. Each week one TwiNet story will be displayed in our WHAT ARE WE READING NOW? section.

2. That story will have been reviewed by a TwiNet member.

Questions?

1. What if there is a particular story I don't want to review? Once you pass the test, you will get to pick whatever story you want to review off of the TwiNet Network page.

2. How long do I have to write the review? When you are accepted as a reviewer, we will contact you and set up a date for when your review is due.

3. What if I'm not 18 yet? We will only accept reviews from you that are between the ratings G-PG13.

Requirements:

1. You must be a member of TwiNet in order to be a reviewer. Meaning you have submitted an application and have been accepted into Tweet Me.

2. You must pass a review "test." All you have to do is a write a sample review. TwiNet staff reserves the right to accept or reject any reviewer applications for whatever reason.

3. If you sign up for a date, you must adhere to that contract. If for whatever reason you are unable to complete a review by that date, you must contact the TwiNet staff.

Application Process:

Fill out the application and we will send you more information on what to do next.

By filling out an application, you agree to all the requirements stated above.

Agree | Decline

Guess that Banner Winner 9/10 Round

2010-09-24T01:44:00.000-07:00

September 10 Round

Answer: Fade Into You by RCD-Alice

Winner: ange de l'aube

Banner Made By Ms Rason

Retweeter of the Week - kaghanyou

2010-09-24T01:31:00.000-07:00

Author of Captured, Hidden, Rabid Wolves, and Shhhh!

Never heard of Twilight until I saw the movie, then I became a total addict. I've read the saga twice and starting on it for the third time. I've made several wallpapers which you can get at my website. I am totally in love with the saga, as if my fasination with vampires couldn't get any worse...boy was I wrong.Twilight is my major passion now besides my family, reading, crafts, anime, and manga.

My stories are also on fanfiction.net under the penname: KagomeHanyou, but both sites are at the same chapters at the moment.

I am a 28 yo with 2 children, 3 if you count my husband. Even my oldest is reading Twilight and loves writing stories, definitly takes after me.

PLEASE, don't anyone ask where I come up with my ideas. They basicly start out as me thinking "What if..." or "I wonder..." and the stories write themselves.

Soo many readers have asked me the same question. Am I planning on redoing NM, E, BD? The answer is YES! I already have a lot of book 2 - Full Moon, planned out. Sorry if it takes too long between chapters, I have to wait for my Beta-reader to approve them, but believe me...I AM WRITING!

If you want to follow the progress of my stories, follow me on Twitter. Name is: kaghanyou.

ENJOY!

NOTE: ALL OF MY STORIES ARE BELLA/EDWARD (CANNON PAIRINGS). No Bella/Jasper, Bella/Emmett, Bella/Carlisle...ALL CANON, any other pairings creeps me out.

Story of the Week - Fade Into You by RCD-Alice

2010-09-24T01:22:00.000-07:00

by RCD-Alice
Rating: NC17
Characters: Bella and Edward

Summary:A different kind of message in a bottle. More like a letter in a Starbucks comfy cushion. Is it fate? ExB AU/AH Canon. Slight OOC M to be safe *wink*

Dear…Whoever happens upon this,

I don't know who you are, and I assume I never will. Actually I sort of hope we never meet as I'm about to whine away on this piece of lined paper for you to see.

You likely have already stopped reading, but I just feel the need to tell somebody, anybody really, the things that eat away at me day after day. Perhaps that will satisfy my overactive brain for a few minutes so I can at least get a few minutes of much needed sleep.

Now you're wondering why I don't tell my friends, my family, my significant other, or even my pet and leave you the hell alone, but that's just simply impossible.

I'm painfully shy. Even if I did have all of those aforementioned relationships (which are few and far between in my case) I would die before bringing my insecurities and problems up to the forefront for them to do with as they please. This right here is problem number one. I'm shy, insecure and plain. That's how I would describe myself. Boring and plain. Plainly boring, if you will.

I can't count on two hands (as there are far too many) the amount of missed opportunities that have breezed past me in my lifetime.

I am your average, plain, boring twenty two year old college student, who has yet to go on a date, or even kiss a boy. I don't blame it all on my inability to initiate things. That would be the coward's way out. The rest of that blame goes to the fact that I am simply uninteresting, and I assume unattractive, as I've never had the words 'you're pretty' uttered to me. That's right. Never once.

I'd like to find love someday. I want to find that spark, that magnetic pull that suspends time and gravity. I do. It just doesn't seem to be in my cards.

I wonder if you're still reading this. If you are, I apologize. You really don't have to.

Are you in college? Because I am. It's so demanding and difficult. Even more so when you're damn near invisible. I hate say that I envy people that have the ability to speak up, make themselves known, but I do. It doesn't matter what they say, it is definitely about whom you know not so much as WHAT you know. I've realized that when a professor is grading papers he or she will give more attention to names they know whether they are known for good or bad reasons. It's a subconscious thing. Therefore, the professor comes across my paper, sees a name that doesn't even register. He skims, gives it an average mark and moves on. This means that I have to work twice as hard as someone else, just to receive that slightly above average grade.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying I'm a genius or anything. Far from it I'm sure. It still sucks.

Still reading? I know, I know. But to be fair, I did say I was going to whine. And life sucks. There's an awful lot to whine about. There's no way to sugar coat it, it just plain freaking sucks.

My parents died last year. They were in a car accident on their way to visit me at school. I don't want pity. It's just another way that life sucks.

They were both only children, their parents long gone, and I as well an only child. That left me. I'll live though. And unlike most people, I don't blame myself for that accident. Even though they were on their way to visit me, I was not the truck driver who fell asleep t the wheel on the highway. No, no. I place all the blame on him.

Speaking of trucks, mine is a piece of shit. Honestly, some days it doesn't even run at all. Makes me feel so much better when that happens. Yeah, I just rolled my eyes as I wrote that.

Sucky truck.

When I was in high school, I was anorexic. I'm not anymore…I don't think so anyways. I mean, I eat. Not hoards of food or anything, but I eat. And it isn't often that it comes back up. Actually, I can't remember the last time it did.

It just occurred to me that I'm pretty much just randomly jotting stuff down here for you to read. No rhyme, no reason. That's how my life feels. My brain works a million miles a minute with no rhyme or reason. No reprieve either. That's kind of the point of this exercise. I'd be mortified if I was saying this out loud, or even if I had to watch you read it, right there in front of me.

But the thing is, I need to sleep. I haven't slept a full night in so long that I just might die of shock if or when it actually happens. I just can't seem to turn my brain off long enough to get a decent REM cycle on the go.

God, do those words even make sense?

I do believe I've taken up more than enough of your time…that is if you didn't flounce five words in. I hope I haven't ruined your day…

Sincerely, Me

What Are We Reading Now? - Beyond the Seventh Circle

2010-09-24T01:11:00.000-07:00

Beyond the Seventh Circle
by Amelie Gray
Review by: SwedenSara

“He felt drunk, weaving back and forth as the very floor seemed to stagger beneath his feet. Her blood was much better than any wine; more potent and drugging, and utterly addictive. Even though he had just been at her neck, letting his teeth tear effortlessly through her silken skin, and felt the endless stream of ambrosia wetting his lips, he still felt the hunger.”

Beyond the Seventh Circle by Amelie Gray began as a prompt fic. YellowGlue provided the sentence that spun off an utterly captivating tale of a dark and evil Edward, and a frail and silent Bella.

When this story begins, Bella is a human part of the wolf pack. Using her as bait they lure vampires in to capture and kill. She is unhappy with her shielded existence and Jacob’s plans for her life. Edward is a blood-drinking member of a coven, lead by a much unexpected version of Jasper. The coven is leading a dark, secret existence, deep below the surface of the world known to man.

The first time they meet, Bella is waiting for Edward in a darkened staircase. She is ready to sell him her blood and let him feed from her, while her wolf family waits in the dark to make their move. Edward’s first taste renders him unable to pull himself away from her sweet pulsating blood, and he’s captured and imprisoned. His mission from then on is evident: to escape and take the silent girl with him, to bring her down to the hell where he lives.

“He was going to learn everything about her…and then, he was going to crush in that little skull so those brown eyes wouldn't open again.”

Amelie Gray doesn’t give us the background and personalities of her characters at once. She is painting their portraits little by little, and it’s completely stunning. Every chapter gives us a snippet of information, and raises new questions that keep me reading, caring and wanting more. Her carefully chosen words create a beautiful web that draws me in entirely.

This story has one of the darkest Edwards I’ve ever seen, and I find myself strangely addicted to him - like my own personal brand of heroin. If you give him a chance, you’ll see what I mean…

Guess that Banner

2010-09-21T04:33:00.001-07:00

Winner of 10/22 Round: Kagome Hanyou

October 23 Round:

Winner will receive a story graphic made by the lovely Ms. Rason

1. Only Network members are eligible.
2. Winner gets the choice between a banner or button.

Contest Ends November 6

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2010-09-21T04:31:00.001-07:00

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2010-09-21T04:30:00.001-07:00

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2010-09-21T04:29:00.000-07:00

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Pen Name: Lulu M

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That's What She Said: I'm a poor post-grad with a major in Elementary Education, so you may want to start homeschooling your kids now...just sayin'. I actually live in the Pacific Northwest (the only one of the staff :P) and love to correct stories that get the details wrong. And yes...the rumors are true...We love coffee. My dream, besides meeting RPatz and having some fun schmexin', is to open a coffee shop amongst the gazillion that are already in business.

Pen Name: McGee42

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That's What She Said: I like bread AND I've got legs. West coast transplant living on the right coast. I am a huge geek about books, food, and proper grammar usage. Dreams one day of combining all three and helping people put together their own cook books. For now, I bake by day and read (and write) by night.

Pen Name: nowforruin

Fanfiction.net
Twitter

That's What She Said: I'm a self-confessed workaholic and rambler extraordinaire. Poor grammar and lack of spell-check make me twitch. I may be a New England girl at heart, but I love me some West Coast. Oh, and jaunts across the pond work out well too. I'd love to take Rpatz to the bar, get him good and trashed, and listen to him ramble on. We have that in common, you see.

Staff

Pen Name: Rason

Fanfiction.net
Twitter

Job: Story Updates

That's What She Said: I put the red in redneck hillbilly and the trash in trailer trash. You think I'm joking, but I'm totally not. I am proud to say that I have all my teeth, though. I'm usually known as the class clown, you can never take me too seriously. I spend my free time telling my child to pull her pants up or by chasing the neighborhood kids out of my yard with a big stick in my hand, waving it frantically over my head, while chanting different spells I learned from reading Harry Potter. My goal in life is to become the crazy cat lady on the street. I'm failing at that miserably seeing how I only have one cat, and he stays far away from me. My daughter and I are convinced he's a secret agent that's out to get me. Oh, and I would totally blow as a beta.

Pen Name: ssarrahh

Fanfiction.net
Twitter

Job: Story Updates

That's What She Said: Hiya! I’m Sarah, ssarrahh, or you could always just call me Cliff. I've lived in the south my entire life but have always had an intense hatred for anything honky tonk. I’d much rather get down to some old school ‘Bump n Grind’. Most of my free time is spent online. I’m a full time reader, regular beta, and occasional writer. I’m a college kid that has no grasp on what I want to do with the rest of my life. On top of my twific fixation, I have a crazy obsession with ‘The Office”, horror flics, and Michael Cera. Live long and prosper babes!

Pen Name: smexy4smarties

Fanfiction.net
Twitter

Job: Review Team Supervisor

That's What She Said: Born'n'raised cowgirl run away to the Greater Vancouver area to pursue her schooling and escape a life working in the oil fields. I promised my parents I'd think about earning my History degree and then getting a real job, but so far, I'm still leaning towards becoming the Canadian Batman . . . or being a full-time grammar snob. Same difference, really. Despite living in this place "under a near constant cover of clouds and rain," I have yet to meet, fall in love with, and forget to breathe around Edward Cullen. WTF, Stephenie?

Pen Name: solareclipses

Fanfiction.net
Twitter

Job: Story Updates

That's What She Said: According to a degree I don't use, I'm a social scientist, but I'm just a geeky girl--no, really. I'm very geeky. I'm into most things dealing with computers: digital design/development, video gaming, occasional trolling for my amusement. I write twific against my better judgment and happen to be a Grammar Nazi / beta. I'm a canon and AU girl, because I love me some vamp/sci-fi/fantasy. I like indie music and films and am a nerd when it comes to copyright law. I'm honest and jaded, yet mostly approachable. Oh, and Robert Pattinson seems like he'd be a good conversationalist, on top of being unnaturally, absurdly h4wt.

Pen Name: sweetishbubble

Fanfiction.net
Twitter

Job: One Shot Special

That's What She Said: I work and play in the cold tundra that is Minnesota. I have an unhealthy obsession with Peter Facinelli, Billy Burke and Gil Birmingham. I've met both Peter and Gil, and am on the hunt to meet Billy. This WILL happen one day! I love dark fics and any fics I can find that center around Charlie, Carlisle or Billy - which aren't many. I have an Associates Degree as a Paralegal and currently have a crap-tastic job doing criminal background checks. When I'm not beta-ing or writing, I spend time with my husband and two kids who have turned my hair gray at age 30.

Review Team

Pen Name: SwedenSara

Fanfiction.net
Twitter

That's What She Said: I'm SwedenSara, a math/science teacher, wife, and mother of two, who spends way too much time on reading and writing fanfiction. And yes, I am Swedish. I live in Stockholm, which is pretty awesome when it's not winter. I do occasional beta and pre-reading jobs, mostly for friends, and mostly when I'm supposed to be writing on my own stories. Procrastination is my middle name. Don't tell my bosses, they haven't found out yet...

Pen Name: eli-21

Fanfiction.net
Twitter

That's What She Said: Hola! I'm Elisabeth. I live in Barcelona (Spain). I'm a sports fan, but I'd rather watch than play. I love everything about movies and tv series, from the technical aspects of it to the psychological. I study psychology in the University of Barcelona, by the way. I find human behavior very interesting, and it's also very fascinating how our perceptions depend on the way human brain works. I'm introverted, I don't like people in general, but I like those who have an intelligent sense of humor, and I enjoy reading and writing, because it gives me the oportunity to be in other people's shoes.

Pen Name: shelikesthesound

Fanfiction.net
Twitter

That's What She Said: I’m a wife, and mother of three, who loves all kinds of music—except country. “He’s cheating, and I’m crying in my beer” songs are the stuff of my nightmares. Oh, and I can make a playlist that’s appropriate for any situation. I live in the Great Lakes area where no one can say the word “wash” properly. It’s possible I can’t either, but I try. I’m one of those people that probably weren’t meant to discover Twific, let alone write it, but I did anyway. Imperfect Edwards own me, most Alices irritate me, and I love it when I find a good angst fic.

The Network

2010-09-21T04:20:00.000-07:00

A - F | G - K | L - P | Q - Z

One Shot Special

2010-09-21T04:17:00.001-07:00

Is your One Shot feeling lonely and forgotten about? One Shot Special is designed to bring a little life back into them!

One Shot Special is only available to Network Members. It basically works the same as Tweet Me, only these stories will be tweeted out every Wednesday.

How It Works

1. Authors who update on Wednesdays will be sent One Shots from the Network members instead of the WIPs to tweet about on their personal account.

2. Depending on how many authors who update, your story may not be tweeted about every week.

Guidelines

1. You must in Tweet Me in order for your application to be accepted.

2. You may submit as many One Shots as you want.

3. If your story is no longer active in Tweet Me (ie. your story was completed, etc.) your OS will not be sent out until you apply for Tweet Me again with a new story.

Requirements

1. You must have an active Twitter account.

2. You must be following our Twitter account @Twi_Network.

3. Your story must be of good quality, meaning a thorough edit has been done. Project Team Beta offers beta services for multi-chaptered fics. Emergency Beta Services provides quick beta help with grammar, summaries, and/or insignificant plot points.

4. Your story must be located on either Fanfiction.net or Twilighted.

Application

It may take a few days before you receive the Welcome Letter and are added to the Network Directory.

We reserve the right to reject stories for whatever reason. We want to maintain a positive and fun atmosphere here at TwiNet, and if we feel that your story or yourself could compromise this in anyway, we will not accept your story into Tweet Me.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please email twi.network1@gmail.com.

Agree | Decline

Tweet Me

2010-09-21T04:15:00.001-07:00

The point of Tweet Me is to help author's stories get known by EVERYONE chipping in. We know there are some great stories out there, just nobody knows about them. So we're here to help.

How is it done?

1. Your story updates will be tweeted on our Twitter account.

2. When we receive a story update from you, we will email you three premade tweets about other Twi stories (from people who have also signed up for Tweet Me).

3. You must then tweet those stories on your personal Twitter account.

* This means that your story will be tweeted several times from Tweet Me participants.

Guidelines

1. We only accept WIPs. With the way we run our system, already completed stories do not work with it.

2. You must tweet your three pre-made tweets within 5 days. If you do not, you will be sent a Warning Email. From there you have 2 days to tweet. If you still do not, we will remove your story(s) from our program.

3. Underage authors (17 years or below) will only be sent stories rated between G-PG13. In return, Underage authors may only submit stories between the rating G-PG13.

4. You may submit multiple stories into Tweet Me as long as they are WIPs.

5. Authors may give their preferences on what kind of stories the do NOT want to tweet about it. Please be very specific when filling out the form. If at anytime you receive a story you do not want to tweet, you may exchange it for another one.

Requirements

1. You must have an active Twitter account.

2. You must be following our Twitter account @Twi_Network.

3. Your story must be of good quality, meaning a thorough edit has been done. Project Team Beta offers beta services for multi-chaptered fics. Emergency Beta Services provides quick beta help with grammar, summaries, and/or insignificant plot points.

4. Your story must be located on either Fanfiction.net or Twilighted.

Completed or on Hiatus Stories

1. Once a story is completed it will no longer be tweeted out, since the author will no longer be updating and won't be tweeting about other stories. However, completed stories will be added to a special page and that page will be tweeted about every day.

2. Authors that have not updated after a month will receive an automatic email of pre-made tweets to tweet out on their account.

Application

It may take a few days before you receive the Welcome Letter and are added to the Network Page.

We reserve the right to reject stories for whatever reason. We want to maintain a positive and fun atmosphere here at TwiNet, and if we feel that your story or yourself could compromise this in anyway, we will not accept your story into Tweet Me.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please email twi.network1@gmail.com.

Agree | Disagree

Retweeter of the Week - sbsp92

2010-09-17T00:34:00.000-07:00

Author of They Won't Believe You and Life of a Goof

If you don't know what my name means it stands for Spongebob Squarepants. Yeah I know its weird but I really liked spongebob when I was in elementary school.

I love photography, writing, and reading. I absolutely love Twilight. Some of my friends actually remind me of the characters, it's really weird. I am shy but I can talk to anyone with a common interest(Twilight is a big one).

All my stories are on The Writer's Coffee Shop (FYI-They are more edited over there)

Reviews would be amazing! (If you need any story suggestions PM me. I have A LOT on my story alert.)

Recently I've found that crackfics make a crappy day a lot better =)

Artists I listen to: Taylor Swift, Metro Station, The Fray, Linkin Park, Paramore, Hinder, Carrie Underwood, Katy Perry, Saving Jane, Green Day, All-American Rejects, Rascal Flatts, Blue October, Secondhand Serenade, The Spill Canvas, The Click Five

Books: Eragon trilogy, Twilight, Eclipse, Tuck Everlasting, Freaky Green Eyes, The Host, Inkheart (aka the book I was madly in love with until I read Twilight), Holes, and many many more

When I have time I listen to the temptation twilight podcast and I watch the Allen and Craig Show on youtube

I made a banner for TWBY http://sbsp92.livejournal.com/

They Won't Believe You was nominated for a Silent Tear Award

Story of the Week - 100 Hours by wytchwmn75

2010-09-17T00:31:00.000-07:00

100 hours
by wytchwmn75
Rating: NC17
Characters: Bella and Edward

Summary: Bella has a 4.0 GPA & volunteers at the hospital. Edward is pierced & has tattoo's & has to serve 100 hours community service at the hospital. What happens when the bad boy finds out the good girl has a wild side? ExB, AH, OOC, Rated M

Bella Swan did not babysit. If she did, she would've picked that as her community service project, but she couldn't stand kids. They cried, pooped in their pants, and puked all over the place with no regards to the cashmere sweater you were wearing. Quite frankly, they scared the ever loving shit out of her. That was also why, at seventeen, she was possibly the only girl in the junior class at The Volturi Academy that was on the pill and made the boys suit up; there was no way she wanted to end up pregnant, twice, like Lauren Mallory.

So why is it, she wondered, I'm expected to babysit some delinquent teenage boy? It's not her fault that he got caught doing God knows what and landed himself one hundred hours of community service here at Forks Community Hospital. Bella loved volunteering at the hospital, and wasn't too happy that, what had become one of the bright spots in her week, would be marred by a stupid boy who didn't know how not to get caught.

She was aware most people considered her a geek, or a nerd, but she never gave much thought to what the populace had to say. Besides, there were only a few privileged people that knew the real Bella Swan. If her love of volunteering or her place as student body President didn't get her an all access pass into the world of lepers, then her 4.0 GPA and Chief of Police Daddy status cemented it. Bella, though, was sure she'd have the last laugh. That GPA and list of extracurricular activities would get her into any school she applied to, and she most certainly would not be applying to any schools in Washington. As for her Daddy, Charlie, the Chief of Police? What most people didn't know was that he and his wife Renee were hippies once upon a time. Although they didn't wear patchouli or burn incense, they had a very lax attitude towards their only child. She was more of a friend than a dependent.

Charlie and Renee had one basic rule for Bella: she could do what she wanted as long as she was open about it and let them know what was going on. It worked well since the topic was introduced on her eleventh birthday. She never took much advantage of this rule, knowing that her parents trust was something she cherished. When she turned fifteen and wanted to go on the pill (because everyone else was), she explained in great detail to her parents the pros and cons of the decision. The next day, Renee took her to the doctor and Bella went on the pill. On her sixteenth birthday she wanted to try smoking, Charlie bought her a pack and watched in amusement as his daughter choked then promptly decided smoking was disgusting and not for her. Basically she could come home and say she wanted a tattoo or to get pierced and she would have her parents' approval. Bella treated her freedom with respect and would never endanger it. Most adults saw her as trustworthy and she knew it was because of her parents and their unconventional parenting skills.

Mrs. Cope, the supervisor for all the volunteers, loved Bella. She wasn't like the other teenagers that volunteered; she actually worked. Many nights she would be found on the geriatric unit reading to some of the patients or just sitting and talking to some lonely soul. There was always a smile on her face and she was the first person everyone asked for if something needed to be done. Mrs. Cope had even joked with one of the doctors about possibly cloning her.

It was with a heavy heart that Mrs. Cope was asking Bella to keep an eye out for the new volunteer. She knew Bella would see it as some sort of punishment when in reality it was quite the opposite. In fact, Dr. Cullen had specifically asked that Bella be the one to oversee the training of his teenaged son. He was hoping that she'd be a positive influence on Edward. The boy needed to be opened up to things other than smoking, drinking ,and defacing public property. Dr. Cullen had no doubt in his mind that these were activities that Ms. Swan never partook in. If it weren't for the fact that Dr. Cullen was an upstanding citizen and a brilliant doctor, he was sure that Edward would have been locked up. Thankfully he managed to convince the judge that he would personally supervise his community service and would never appear in front of Judge Demetri again.

As Bella sat at the reception desk on that first Saturday morning of February, a storm was brewing in her head and she had a hollow feeling in the pit of her stomach. Absentmindedly she was playing with the corner of her lip, which many could tell you was a sign that she was worried. However, before she had any time to contemplate this, someone was standing in front of her, clearing their throat. Not bothering to look up from the computer screen in front of her, she greeted the visitor.

"Welcome to Forks Community Hospital. How may I help you today?" Her voice sounded enthusiastic and only the most astute person could pick up on the annoyed undertone.

"I'm here to see Mrs. Cope, and some ass kisser named Isabella Swan." Edward was showing off and could only hope that this girl was not friends with Isabella Swan.

What Are We Reading Now? - Let Him In

2010-09-17T00:19:00.001-07:00

Let Him In
by Lezlee
Review by: MsRobPattzMasen

He gasped. "You're not afraid?" He was shocked.
"I am," I answered, sincerely. I was still trembling, even though I had no idea what was happening.
"Do not be afraid of me," he said. "I will not hurt you. I am sorry."
Then he ran away, up the stairs and out of sight.

In Let Him In, Bella Swan has a never changing life. It’s comfortable. Days of grey, weekends of fun. She lives in a routine. One night, on a spring of chance, her routine falters. What happens then you might ask? She has a freak encounter with a stranger in a dark alley. He is intent on becoming her doom, but out of the blue stops. All of a sudden her captor seems to feel remorse and shame.

Same as it would any normal person, Bella is shaken mentally to the point of insanity. Her fear takes over her and her routine. Just when she feels she can’t break much further, there is a visitor at her door one fateful night… In her mind it seems like the end, but maybe it’s only the beginning.

I leave my summery discreet because I don’t want to ruin the toss and turns this amazing journey of a story beholds. LezLee is a true talent to behold. She tells an AU farfetched story, which somehow seems realistic. It shows, what I believe to be, canon Bella at an older age, and a different Edward, yet with his same charm.

From the beginning to end I was addicted; read fourteen chapters in one day. It has such a way of pulling you in and taking you through the ups and downs. I found myself jumping in excitement, getting goose bumps in fear, oh, and yelping at a certain –cough- moment.

I would highly suggest this story to anyone looking for something new. It's an idea I haven’t ever heard told this way, or this good.

Who’s at the door? What will it mean for Bella? And, more importantly, will it be her doom or true beginning?

Author Spotlight: Amelie Gray

2010-09-17T00:19:00.000-07:00

Beyond the Seventh Circle
by Amelie Gray
Main Characters: Edward (‘Hadesward’) and Bella Swan (‘Mutella’)
Genre:
Rating: M

Summary: "He looked down and watched as her toes curled nervously in their rainbow-striped socks, and he knew right away he shouldn't trust her." The scene is laid. The innocent girl, at the mercy of a dark creature with an uncontrollable blood lust. But is it really that simple? Rated M for subject matter, language and (hopefully) some future encounters of the citrusy kind.

1. How did you come up with the idea of your story?

It has a sort of interesting background – well, at least to me. Earlier this year, I was on Twitter, bored with nothing to do and looking for a new idea to give my writing a jump start. I sent out a tweet asking for anyone to send me a prompt of some sort – a word, a picture or even a few song lyrics – and in return, I’d spin it out for them as their very own gift!fic.

It was kind of presumptuous, considering the fact that I hardly knew anyone at the time. Surprisingly though, YellowGlue – an author I had met through the Black Balloon Contest, after she was one of the only people who reviewed my (less than impressive) entry, Ophelia – answered back with the single sentence that begins the first chapter of BTSC:

“He looked down and watched as her toes curled nervously in their rainbow-striped socks, and he knew right away he shouldn’t trust her.”

I’ve always been an angst h00r from the moment I made the transition from reading fanfiction to writing it – even though I found my way into the fandom through some of the more smutty classics, notably LolaShoes’ LYLS and ALE. However, I feel that because of YellowGlue and her beautiful sentence, I found my true calling. Darkward.

It really is more beautiful in the shadows.

Besides that, this gift!fic has been the beginning and blooming of a beautiful bestie relationship with YellowGlue. What more could I ask for?

2. What are some of your favorite things reviewers have said about your story?

This took some consideration. I honestly squee (out loud, and embarrassingly squeaky) over every review that finds its way to my box – no matter how small or simple.

The reviews that are dearest to my heart are from the person that the story is written for, YellowGlue. She always manages to make me laugh, like my favorite review from her to date:

La la la
I love this story
la la la la la
I love when Bella signs. Love it.
La la la la la la la
I love that you said the words "dead baby chick essence". Disgustingly hardcore of you :)
la la la :)
this is my song for you, do you like it?
La la la la
I'm SO happy you've got so much more planned for this and I am beyond excited to see where you take it.
La la
love you :)
la la la la
think I'm done singing yet?
La la la la la la
nope.
La la la
this: "I didn't dare mention his name, even though it curled my fingers, trying to make its way out." maybe my favorite Bella image, like... Ever.
La la la la la
most people, I don't like their Bellas, but yours...
La la la
shawty you the hottest
love the way you drop it
brain so smart could'a swore you went to college :)
la la la
That was some T.I. for you lol
la la la la la
you're awesome carebear, keep up the good work :)
la la la
la
la
la :)
There are familiar names that keep coming back chapter after chapter, and I enjoy seeing their comments – particularly TwiCharmed and FL95, both of whom have gone above and beyond the call of duty in trying to bring Hadesward out into the fandom. You girls rock my socks, seriously.

One thing that makes me laugh in reviews – but in a good way – is the fact that a lot of people seem to be shocked by the fact that I’m only eighteen. Apparently, I sound older. Not sure if that’s good or bad, but I appreciate the honesty and giving me the chance to prove myself, despite my age.

3. Is there a particular character in your story that you identify with the most?

With every story I write – original or derivative – I manage to put a little bit of myself and the people around me into the characters.

I feel a lot for Bella; stuck in a family where she is kind of the odd duck out, unable to protect herself by brute strength, but rather by cunning and trying to keep one step ahead of the predators she lures in. She has a lot of my uncertainty – albeit for completely different reasons – and I like her because she doesn’t surrender, not to Jacob and his aggressive proposals, and definitely not to Hadesward, even though she knows that he holds her life in his hands.

Hadesward… sometimes I feel as though he’s my alter-ego. He has a lot of bitterness and tries to mask it over with arrogance and a heady sort of confidence that both draws and repulses Bella from him. He swears and gluts himself and doesn’t have any morals – none of which is, fortunately, any of my traits. Basically, he’s the guy that you love to hate, and maybe I feel for him simply because of that. Even villains have their reasons for existing.

4. Is the story all planned out or is it write as you go?

I do have a loose outline of events that have to happen. It’s changed a few times since I originally began the story. I first planned it out completely – chapter by chapter – to the very end, but I didn’t really like where it left Bella or Hadesward, so I had to revise. I now have the ending in place, and a few certain plot twists that need to happen. The rest of it is just thrown in as I go along.

5. Do you have a particular process when it comes to your writing? Mood? Specific Environment? What do you do to get in the writing mood?

I’m one of those people who can’t go through the day without writing on something. Writing is my way of venting out what I’m feeling. I can write in any mood, but it takes a particularly bad day for me to get really fired up for Hadesward POV. I mean, that guy has a lot of pent-up aggression to let out. I don’t need a specific environment – just make sure no one interrupts me and let me stream my favorite music, and I’m ready for the pen.

6. Have you got any other projects going on? Any planned for the future?

Fandom wise? I have two FGB WIPs – Imperfection Squared (an Emmett/Carmen one-shot turned novella for HMonster04) and Curiouser and Curiouser (an Alice in Wonderland/Twilight crossover featuring MadHatterward for bookjunkie1975) – another WIP undergoing rewriting (Closed), as well as my first fanfiction, Wanted, that is still going through a lot of development. I’m also a bit of a contest h00r – give me a good challenge and I can’t resist.

One of my recent contest entries is Little Foxes (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6224602/1/Little_Foxes), written for the Beyond the Pale contest. I have so many things planned, and so many premises promised for people – I can’t list all those out.

Original fiction wise, I’m currently in the process of writing an original novel that I’ve been planning out for the last four years. (Yes, I’m a bit of a perfectionist) I also have another idea ready for this year’s NaNoWriMo.

7. Are you out of the closet with your Twilight love? Or do you RL friends and family know about it?

It’s complicated. From my family, only my sister knows because I know the rest of them would not approve – like, ‘you’re a disgrace’ label me as a black-sheep not approve. I told my RL best friend once, but she didn’t understand my obsession with writing that didn’t pay. At least she tries to support me when I attempt to interest her in my stories. My sister thinks it’s a complete waste of time and I’m being an idiot over Edward Cullen.

8. Do any FF authors inspire you?

SO MANY. First of all, I never would’ve gotten this far in the fandom if it hadn’t been for my admiration of LolaShoes, AngstGoddess003, and all the other wonderful authors I read during my ‘reader’ period of being in the fandom. I admire Kassiah for being my first fandom friend, and writing beautiful angst that makes me tear up every time – and for inspiring me towards OJward.

Of course, the girls in the dark are the authors that have the most effect on me – Lambcullen, Nitareality (one of my besties, an amazing author and wonderful pre-reader) and of course, my sweetie YellowGlue, whose story The Worst of Weather still makes me catch my breath and stop to think at least a hundred readings later.

9. What is your FanFic Pet peeve?

Um – anonymous flames. It’s such a pansy thing to do. Also, when you have an excellent fic on your hands, and flounce the fandom simply because you aren’t getting as many reviews as you wanted, or just lost interest. At least hand it off to someone who can finish it with the honor it deserves. And grammar. Don’t get me started on grammar.

10. Do you have other writing experience besides fan fiction?

As I mentioned before, I am currently working on a novel, and preparing for NaNoWriMo, which I participate in every year. I’m involved in a local writing group, and have had a few experience in my younger years published in childrens’ magazines. I hope that I’ll be able to publish this novel someday.

11. Shout out to your betas.

Without YellowGlue, I’d be nothing. She’s the Bonnie that inspires my Clydette, and her writing brings me nearly to tears every time I read it. She talks me off so many ledges, in fandom and RL dramas, and I can’t imagine not having her there to joke around with and swoon over Darkward – or write hilarious, smutty one-shots about Mr. Cullen and Fruity Pebbles.

I love you, pop tart.

So much.

I also couldn’t be able to write without the guidance and love of Nitareality, who has graciously agreed to being my pre-reader. She’s a wonderful, hilarious person to talk with, and she’s always there when I need her the most. I am in complete awe of how strong and beautiful this woman’s spirit is, and it’s a shame if you aren’t reading her writing.

You mean so much to me. I say it all the time, but I truly do mean it.

12. Any fic recs?

The Worst of Weather by YellowGlue

Bloody Choices by Nitareality

Tines by PortiaKhalo

13. Anything else you want to add?

Hadesward wouldn’t be anything at all if it wasn’t for the people who support me – YellowGlue and Nitareality, the readers, javamomma0921 and her lovely WCs, bookjunkie1975’s endless support, and of course the ‘Deviant girls’ Lambcullen, Aleighy and MzEll (PortiaKhalo). You guys all mean so much to me. Always.

CONTEST - Twi-Rewrite Contest

2010-09-12T02:48:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered if you could have written the TwiSaga better? Well, here is your chance. TwiNet is hosting a Twi-Rewrite Contest where you will be able to rewrite a chapter in one of the books.

How It Works

In order to enter the contest, you must fill out the form on the TwiNet site. You will then be given the book and chapter that you are to rewrite.

You can rewrite the chapter as you see fit, however, it MUST follow the same plot as the original. Therefore, no new characters or events can be included.

The only person in charge of the entries is Victoria.

Entries will be posted the Twi-Rewrite Contest FFn Page.

Judges

1. Justine
2. Meredith
3. Erinbatt

Guidelines

1. This will be an anonymous contest.

2. If you under the age of 18, you can only submit ratings betwee G-PG13

3. Entries will be accepted from Sept 30 until Oct 31st.

4. Voting will begin on November 5th and go until November 12th.

5. Winners will be announced on November 16th.

6. You do not have to be an established fic author OR a member of TwiNet to enter. Everyone is welcome!

7. All entries need to be between 2000 and 10000 words.

8. A limit of 2 chapters per author.

9. Collabs are welcome.

10. Your entry MUST be sent through a beta. No exceptions. If you don't have a beta, check out Project Team Beta.

Judging

1. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places will be chosen by an anonymous vote.

2. Our judges will also chose their favorite. (Judge's Choice)

3. The winners will receive a banner, be tweeted by TwiNet and mentioned on TwiNet's site and MsRason's blog.

Application

I agree to the guidelines, and will keep my entry anonymous from the public.

Agree | Decline

If you have any questions, comments or concerns do NOT email the TwiNet Admin account. Email Victoria at victoriab44@live.com to keep things anonymous.

Guess that Banner Winner 8/27/2010 Round

2010-09-09T23:08:00.000-07:00

August 27 Round

Answer: Legacy by Autumn Dreamer

Winner: Hope Reborn

Banner Made By Ms Rason

New Staff

2010-09-09T23:07:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all of you who applied for a position here at TwiNet. It still amazes me how many people support what we do.

Out of the many applications we got, it was very hard to pick just two, but we did. So everyone say a big hello to:

Sarah and Justine