Revenge of the Exchange Bears

[rheasilvia]

I have now identified the five characteristic phases of my fanworks exchange experience. The process has been the same in all documented cases, so I consider it established fact.

Phase 1: False Confidence.

This seems doable! Sure, so far I have no ideas (and no time to write, either). But, hey! What could possibly go wrong?

Phase 2: Mad Writing.

Annoyingly, time keeps on passing. But no worries: I have an idea! And who needs sleep, anyway. It will work out - it's going to be a short story, after all.

Phase 3: Dramatic Despair!

WHY IS THIS NOT A SHORT STORY. WHYYYY.

Phase 4: A New Hope.

New plan: We're going with an entirely different story! And this one will be short!! Honest! I really mean it this time! (*insert crazed laughter here*)

Phase 5: Ohmygod Look At The Time.

It is done!! Is this story fit to be read and enjoyed by human beings? I have no idea! Is it short? Uhm, kind of? Where will I find the time to edit it? Muahahahaaaa!


Does this sound familiar to you? Or are you among those enviably organized creators who master exchanges with minimal BEARS, and might even juggle several exchanges at the same time?


(This post brought to you by the fact that my sundial_exchange assignment is due on the 18th - this Saturday! Fortunately, I should be able to edit it for another week after I've added it to the AO3 collection, so the situation isn't as dire as it could be. But still.)

Comments

[xparrot]

My Sundial story is actually not too far off from my projected wordcount (like, it should be less than double it? that's amazing for me!)...so far. Seeing as it's not quite done yet...

Fortunately, I should be able to edit it for another week after I've added it to the AO3 collection,

The hope upon which all my ambitions rest, at this point! ^^;;; How is it already Tuesday!? How are these characters still talking!?

[rheasilvia]

Less than double the intended length is definitely right on target! That's only the expected natural expansion of a story in the wild. ;-)

I (more or less) hit that target with my second story, too. And yay, I just finished the first draft - which is definitely calming, considering how Story#1 just would. not. stop.

The hope upon which all my ambitions rest, at this point!

They do talk a lot!! And all that *thinking*... and then they turn the mood on their author suddenly! And insist on being angsty and serious even in a cracky fluffy story!

BUT YES! There is still time! :-) :-)

[xparrot]

That's only the expected natural expansion of a story in the wild. ;-)

Glad we all understand how this works! 😁

Yay for reaching an ending, always a triumph! Though now I'm hoping you might find an ending for the first story too. Fluffy crack that goes serious is one of my favorite things!

[rheasilvia]

Glad we all understand how this works!

I hear that there are some species of stories that actually shrink in the wild, but I have yet to encounter one of these exotic specimen myself.

Indeed, making it to the finish line is something not to be taken for granted... I hope your story's ending is right around the corner, and will be reached forthwith!

BTW: The characters who insisted on bringing the angst into my fluffy crack are actually in the second story. ;-)