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Yuletide Letter 2017
Dear Yuletide Author,
I hope you're as excited as I am at the start of this Yuletide journey of ours! Thank you so much for signing up and agreeing to write for one of the following little fandoms. I don't know what's in your head right at this moment - maybe you're bursting with ideas and impatient to get started, maybe you're feeling just the slightest bit lost. Obviously it's important that you do this exchange your way so if nothing in this letter strikes you, I hope you won't think twice about going with the story idea that's ~in your heart~. However, if you are feeling in want of inspiration, hopefully there will be one or two helpful things here. For each fandom, I've put down the things I like most about the original material, some of my favourite tropes that I think would fit, a few prompts - well, you know what goes into a Yuletide letter. Use these as much or as little as you wish.
Right then. Shall we get started? :D
To the Ends of the Earth Trilogy - William Golding
Characters: Edmund Talbot, Charles Summers
I love these books. Generally I love anything Age of Sail - as long as there's a big, beautiful ship and a crew to man it, I'm set. But these books are that and a whole lot more. I love the psychological insight Golding gives us into these characters living so close together on a long journey - what it does to them, how they grow (or otherwise), what breaks them. Edmund Talbot is such a wonderful creation. He's infuriating, yes, but in a way that seems real. He made my heart ache every time he did something awful because I could see that there was a good heart in him that just needed to realise itself. And I think, ultimately, it did. Edmund's friendship with Charles is one of the things that helps draw the goodness out of him. It is adorable to see him respond to Charles' upright honour and kindness. Not to say that Charles is perfect but he has the kind of decency that brings out the best in Edmund. So many of my favourite moments in the book are the moments between them. I would love to see more. (Their reconciliation at the end of 'Close Quarters'! My heart!)
I definitely like the idea of them being involved romantically but if that's not your thing, you needn't worry. I'm happy with anything about their friendship, or just something about either of them singly. If you do write Edmund/Charles, my personal headcanon is for Charles to be the one dealing with unrequited yearning, whilst Edmund remains oblivious. After that, I don't mind who makes the first move... Or maybe no one does and it goes unspoken. It would be nice, though, to have a happy ending for the two boys - Charles especially. He deserves a break! Rescue him from that fire, please? An AU of that kind would be so welcome. I am also absolutely on board for Marion Chumley being a part of the story if you want to set it post-book. A sweet, domestic ménage à trois would suit me down to the ground.
Tropey Goodness: Canon-divergent AU, magical realism AU, pining, unrequited love, friends to lovers, domesticity, costume porn, hurt/comfort, epistolary, fluff, crossover (any work from a similar period setting).
Prompts:
Do Not Want: Non-con, underage.
Quacks (TV)
Characters: Caroline Lessing, Robert Lessing, William Agar, John Sutton
This ridiculous show. These ridiculous people. I love the premise of this series, that in the early Victorian age of innovation and medical advancement, some of the great men (and women) could be egocentric, helpless screw-ups. I know this isn't exactly a realistic depiction of anything but I do like that it removes some of the romantic sheen from history in a very funny way. Not one of the main cast has it together. I'd like to see them continue to stumble through their modern world together. I'm hoping there will be a series two, and if you're worried about your work getting jossed then no worries, but there are interesting things to explore leaving off from the last episode. What happens with Caroline and Robert now? Is William really going to marry Mina? And John... well, he'll probably be the same as always, I suppose, but are there consequences after the whole Robert vs. Patrice DuPont fiasco?
I don't mind how you combine the characters. Pairings-wise, I think Robert/Caroline or William/Caroline/Robert are the only ones I've really considered but I'm happy to be swayed on William/Caroline or William/Robert or anything involving John, because John is a sweetheart really even if he's not so good at relationships. One thing I don't think we get to see in the series is what keeps the group together. We know they're friends, even if they have their differences, but why exactly? I'd like to see some sweet demonstrations of friendship (with some cringiness and dark humour thrown in, if that seems a bit too much of a tonal shift!). I'd also like to know how they all met. Is there a medical school back story? I'm happy for you to add OCs if you'd like, or any historical figures you think would fit into the story.
Tropey Goodness: Magic AU, modern AU, supernatural AU, vampire AU, epistolary, casefic (that is, patient-of-the-week style), crossdressing, forced bed sharing, hurt/comfort, ankle worship...
Prompts:
Do Not Want: Non-con, underage.
Jeeves - P. G. Wodehouse
Characters: Bertram Wilberforce Wooster, Reginald Jeeves
I turn to Wodehouse as my literary comfort food, and these two chaps are my absolute favourites. So of course I'd love anything that matches the original stories. My favourite part in any Jeeves story is at the very end, when equilibrium is restored, Bertie is rescued from the soup and Jeeves is rewarded. Even better if Bertie has been really put through it and Jeeves makes sure the young master is happy and comfortable at last. What can I say? I have strong feelings about Bertie's well-being. That said, I have read quite a few fics in the Jeeves fandom that are less than sunshiny and I've enjoyed many of them. If you'd like to deal with some darker subject matter I am entirely open to that. A happy ending would be preferred but is not required!
If you don't want to write gen, fear not, because Bertie/Jeeves has been my OTP basically since forever. I'll read anything about these two, though the soppier the better. I can't think of anything else to add - I will read literally anything and lap it up.
Tropey Goodness: Domesticity, costume porn, hurt/comfort, schmoop, fluff, retirement, epistolary, magic AU, detective AU, crossover (any of Wodehouse's other works or something from a similar period setting - I would love a crossover with Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day!)
Prompts:
Do Not Want: Non-con, underage.
Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day (2008)
Characters: Guinevere Pettigrew, Delysia LaFosse, Michael Pardue, Joe Blomfield
Miss Pettigrew is the sweetest, most wholesome film. It never fails to perk me up if I'm feeling down. Like so many of my favourite things, it's set during those inter-war years where the enjoyment of peace is marred by economic instability and international tension, making things very bittersweet. I feel for all Guinevere's struggles and adore her unaffected goodness. I think Delysia is the most adorable creature on film and, although I do not like to admit to any of her imperfections, Michael makes a perfect foil for her. Joe is just a decent chap who understands Guinevere and makes her happy, which is all that could possibly be asked of him. Everyone is precious, truly.
I'm open to gen, het, femslash, whatever. (I would say slash as well, but who would you be slashing in that line up?) Master/servant relationships are my jam so I'm keen as mustard for Guinevere/Delysia. Show me a world where Guinevere continues as Delysia's Jeeves and looks after her through thick and thin! Michael and Joe can be involved too, or not, as you wish. I love Delysia/Michael and Guinevere/Joe too. I would also love anything about any of the characters individually, and I don't care whether it's pre- or post-film or a missing scene within it.
Tropey Goodness: Canon-divergent AU, magic AU, modern AU, forced bed sharing, domesticity, recipe fic, pretend couple, epistolary, hurt/comfort, crossover (anything from a similar period setting - as I said before, Jeeves would be particularly wonderful).
Prompts:
Victoria (TV)
Characters: Victoria, Lord Melbourne, Albert, Dash
Not that I ever lost love for this show, but I am full of renewed enthusiasm now we're coming to the end of series two! What am I to do with my Sunday nights once it's done? Guess I'll just have to fill the gap with fanfiction... Just in case you're behind, I won't be too spoilery, but my favourite episode so far is 'The Green Eyed Monster' (for deeply personal, Ada Lovelace related reasons), and of course 'Warp and Weft' broke my heart. The last episode, in Scotland, was ridiculous, but that bit at the end with Victoria and Albert by the fire was so sweet. I embrace all of the cheesy, soap-opera magnificence of Victoria wholeheartedly, as well as the truly lovely character moments. That said, I definitely have a bias against the downstairs part of the show (as you can probably tell from my choice of characters). I've nothing against that element, it's just that none of the characters particularly interest me - which is odd because I usually gravitate to maid characters and the like.
Series two has definitely made me whole-heartedly 'ship Victoria and Albert - the cheerleader and the nerd, as I tend to call them. I love how their personalities clash and come together, and the intense love and need underneath it all. Also it's hard not to warm to two people who find each other so attractive that they can't seem to stop having babies. I like this romanticised version of them - I often find the real Victoria and Albert very difficult to like, so I don't mind how historically inaccurate you want to make things.
All that being said, I still love Victoria/Melbourne like mad. And I would definitely not be adverse to taking all three characters and smooshing them together to make Melbourne/Victoria/Albert. Add a dash of Dash for cuteness and I will be happy forever.
Tropey Goodness: Canon-divergent AU, magic AU, pining, fluff, epistolary, holidayfic, supernatural (e.g. ghosts), costume porn, curtainfic or any other domesticity that fits in with ruling a country.
Prompts:
Do Not Want: Non-con, underage.
I'm so sorry I've taken such a long time on this. I hope it's still of some use to you. And I hope you have a fantastic, fun Yuletide!
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Tibby
I hope you're as excited as I am at the start of this Yuletide journey of ours! Thank you so much for signing up and agreeing to write for one of the following little fandoms. I don't know what's in your head right at this moment - maybe you're bursting with ideas and impatient to get started, maybe you're feeling just the slightest bit lost. Obviously it's important that you do this exchange your way so if nothing in this letter strikes you, I hope you won't think twice about going with the story idea that's ~in your heart~. However, if you are feeling in want of inspiration, hopefully there will be one or two helpful things here. For each fandom, I've put down the things I like most about the original material, some of my favourite tropes that I think would fit, a few prompts - well, you know what goes into a Yuletide letter. Use these as much or as little as you wish.
Right then. Shall we get started? :D
To the Ends of the Earth Trilogy - William Golding
Characters: Edmund Talbot, Charles Summers
I love these books. Generally I love anything Age of Sail - as long as there's a big, beautiful ship and a crew to man it, I'm set. But these books are that and a whole lot more. I love the psychological insight Golding gives us into these characters living so close together on a long journey - what it does to them, how they grow (or otherwise), what breaks them. Edmund Talbot is such a wonderful creation. He's infuriating, yes, but in a way that seems real. He made my heart ache every time he did something awful because I could see that there was a good heart in him that just needed to realise itself. And I think, ultimately, it did. Edmund's friendship with Charles is one of the things that helps draw the goodness out of him. It is adorable to see him respond to Charles' upright honour and kindness. Not to say that Charles is perfect but he has the kind of decency that brings out the best in Edmund. So many of my favourite moments in the book are the moments between them. I would love to see more. (Their reconciliation at the end of 'Close Quarters'! My heart!)
I definitely like the idea of them being involved romantically but if that's not your thing, you needn't worry. I'm happy with anything about their friendship, or just something about either of them singly. If you do write Edmund/Charles, my personal headcanon is for Charles to be the one dealing with unrequited yearning, whilst Edmund remains oblivious. After that, I don't mind who makes the first move... Or maybe no one does and it goes unspoken. It would be nice, though, to have a happy ending for the two boys - Charles especially. He deserves a break! Rescue him from that fire, please? An AU of that kind would be so welcome. I am also absolutely on board for Marion Chumley being a part of the story if you want to set it post-book. A sweet, domestic ménage à trois would suit me down to the ground.
Tropey Goodness: Canon-divergent AU, magical realism AU, pining, unrequited love, friends to lovers, domesticity, costume porn, hurt/comfort, epistolary, fluff, crossover (any work from a similar period setting).
Prompts:
- Edmund's life in Australia post-book.
- Charles and Edmund at a ball.
- Edmund plays Emma Woodhouse and tries to match-make for Charles. Charles is not comfortable with this.
- Charles' career in the Navy before the events of the book.
- On dry land, Edmund gets to have a proper bath. Maybe Charles shares it with him?
Do Not Want: Non-con, underage.
Quacks (TV)
Characters: Caroline Lessing, Robert Lessing, William Agar, John Sutton
This ridiculous show. These ridiculous people. I love the premise of this series, that in the early Victorian age of innovation and medical advancement, some of the great men (and women) could be egocentric, helpless screw-ups. I know this isn't exactly a realistic depiction of anything but I do like that it removes some of the romantic sheen from history in a very funny way. Not one of the main cast has it together. I'd like to see them continue to stumble through their modern world together. I'm hoping there will be a series two, and if you're worried about your work getting jossed then no worries, but there are interesting things to explore leaving off from the last episode. What happens with Caroline and Robert now? Is William really going to marry Mina? And John... well, he'll probably be the same as always, I suppose, but are there consequences after the whole Robert vs. Patrice DuPont fiasco?
I don't mind how you combine the characters. Pairings-wise, I think Robert/Caroline or William/Caroline/Robert are the only ones I've really considered but I'm happy to be swayed on William/Caroline or William/Robert or anything involving John, because John is a sweetheart really even if he's not so good at relationships. One thing I don't think we get to see in the series is what keeps the group together. We know they're friends, even if they have their differences, but why exactly? I'd like to see some sweet demonstrations of friendship (with some cringiness and dark humour thrown in, if that seems a bit too much of a tonal shift!). I'd also like to know how they all met. Is there a medical school back story? I'm happy for you to add OCs if you'd like, or any historical figures you think would fit into the story.
Tropey Goodness: Magic AU, modern AU, supernatural AU, vampire AU, epistolary, casefic (that is, patient-of-the-week style), crossdressing, forced bed sharing, hurt/comfort, ankle worship...
Prompts:
- What's the real story behind Robert's... um... marital issues?
- Caroline reads a marriage manual and becomes so enraged she decides to write her own. Or an option with more femslash potential: Caroline meets the Mrs. Beeton-esque female author of a marriage manual. They have an initial clash but eventually join forces to write a new book with a more positive approach to female sexuality.
- Waking up at John's place, the morning after the night before.
- William writes anonymous love letters to Caroline. Robert reads them, mistakenly believing they are intended for him. Robert tries to find out the identity of his secret admirer.
- One of the characters somehow becomes agony aunt for a local paper. Either the others join in handing out terrible advice or they, not knowing the agony aunt's identity, write in.
Do Not Want: Non-con, underage.
Jeeves - P. G. Wodehouse
Characters: Bertram Wilberforce Wooster, Reginald Jeeves
I turn to Wodehouse as my literary comfort food, and these two chaps are my absolute favourites. So of course I'd love anything that matches the original stories. My favourite part in any Jeeves story is at the very end, when equilibrium is restored, Bertie is rescued from the soup and Jeeves is rewarded. Even better if Bertie has been really put through it and Jeeves makes sure the young master is happy and comfortable at last. What can I say? I have strong feelings about Bertie's well-being. That said, I have read quite a few fics in the Jeeves fandom that are less than sunshiny and I've enjoyed many of them. If you'd like to deal with some darker subject matter I am entirely open to that. A happy ending would be preferred but is not required!
If you don't want to write gen, fear not, because Bertie/Jeeves has been my OTP basically since forever. I'll read anything about these two, though the soppier the better. I can't think of anything else to add - I will read literally anything and lap it up.
Tropey Goodness: Domesticity, costume porn, hurt/comfort, schmoop, fluff, retirement, epistolary, magic AU, detective AU, crossover (any of Wodehouse's other works or something from a similar period setting - I would love a crossover with Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day!)
Prompts:
- Twelfth Night. Bertie decides to make Jeeves the master for the day, much to Jeeves’ discomfort.
- Costume party. So much potential for mistaken identity! Also, costumes. Which means undressing from costumes…
- Bertie accompanies Jeeves on one of his fishing trips.
- Bertie celebrates his birthday at the Drones Club. Jeeves has to take care of him and his hangover the next morning.
- Bertie tries to get to grips with one of Jeeves' improving reads.
Do Not Want: Non-con, underage.
Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day (2008)
Characters: Guinevere Pettigrew, Delysia LaFosse, Michael Pardue, Joe Blomfield
Miss Pettigrew is the sweetest, most wholesome film. It never fails to perk me up if I'm feeling down. Like so many of my favourite things, it's set during those inter-war years where the enjoyment of peace is marred by economic instability and international tension, making things very bittersweet. I feel for all Guinevere's struggles and adore her unaffected goodness. I think Delysia is the most adorable creature on film and, although I do not like to admit to any of her imperfections, Michael makes a perfect foil for her. Joe is just a decent chap who understands Guinevere and makes her happy, which is all that could possibly be asked of him. Everyone is precious, truly.
I'm open to gen, het, femslash, whatever. (I would say slash as well, but who would you be slashing in that line up?) Master/servant relationships are my jam so I'm keen as mustard for Guinevere/Delysia. Show me a world where Guinevere continues as Delysia's Jeeves and looks after her through thick and thin! Michael and Joe can be involved too, or not, as you wish. I love Delysia/Michael and Guinevere/Joe too. I would also love anything about any of the characters individually, and I don't care whether it's pre- or post-film or a missing scene within it.
Tropey Goodness: Canon-divergent AU, magic AU, modern AU, forced bed sharing, domesticity, recipe fic, pretend couple, epistolary, hurt/comfort, crossover (anything from a similar period setting - as I said before, Jeeves would be particularly wonderful).
Prompts:
- Delysia and Michael's life in New York. Do they see Guinevere and Joe again? Does Delysia write to Guinevere?
- Guinevere and Joe only have a small wedding but Guinevere considers it the most beautiful day of her life.
- Delysia moves into a new flat and she brings Guinevere with her. Decorating. Housekeeping. Waking up in the mornings together. (Would also work for Delysia/Michael.)
- Delysia is sick and Guinevere takes care of her. Or Delysia is sick and Michael takes care of her. Or either vice-versa. (...I'm starting to worry about my fixation with hurt/comfort. I've mentioned it for every fandom without even thinking about it.)
Victoria (TV)
Characters: Victoria, Lord Melbourne, Albert, Dash
Not that I ever lost love for this show, but I am full of renewed enthusiasm now we're coming to the end of series two! What am I to do with my Sunday nights once it's done? Guess I'll just have to fill the gap with fanfiction... Just in case you're behind, I won't be too spoilery, but my favourite episode so far is 'The Green Eyed Monster' (for deeply personal, Ada Lovelace related reasons), and of course 'Warp and Weft' broke my heart. The last episode, in Scotland, was ridiculous, but that bit at the end with Victoria and Albert by the fire was so sweet. I embrace all of the cheesy, soap-opera magnificence of Victoria wholeheartedly, as well as the truly lovely character moments. That said, I definitely have a bias against the downstairs part of the show (as you can probably tell from my choice of characters). I've nothing against that element, it's just that none of the characters particularly interest me - which is odd because I usually gravitate to maid characters and the like.
Series two has definitely made me whole-heartedly 'ship Victoria and Albert - the cheerleader and the nerd, as I tend to call them. I love how their personalities clash and come together, and the intense love and need underneath it all. Also it's hard not to warm to two people who find each other so attractive that they can't seem to stop having babies. I like this romanticised version of them - I often find the real Victoria and Albert very difficult to like, so I don't mind how historically inaccurate you want to make things.
All that being said, I still love Victoria/Melbourne like mad. And I would definitely not be adverse to taking all three characters and smooshing them together to make Melbourne/Victoria/Albert. Add a dash of Dash for cuteness and I will be happy forever.
Tropey Goodness: Canon-divergent AU, magic AU, pining, fluff, epistolary, holidayfic, supernatural (e.g. ghosts), costume porn, curtainfic or any other domesticity that fits in with ruling a country.
Prompts:
- A few of those diary entries that were destroyed by Princess Beatrice.
- An AU where Princess Charlotte survives childbirth and so Victoria is further down the line for the throne. Where does she fit in at court? Do she and Melbourne still meet? How does it effect her upbringing and her character?
- Anything with Victoria and Melbourne dancing together. Maybe Victoria convinces Melbourne to try a new waltz with her. I adore anything where one person teaches the other to dance.
- Albert tries to inspire a passion for engineering in Victoria. Lengthy lectures and diagrams may be involved.
- Albert makes little gifts of his inventions for Victoria.
Do Not Want: Non-con, underage.
I'm so sorry I've taken such a long time on this. I hope it's still of some use to you. And I hope you have a fantastic, fun Yuletide!