One shots

One shots are a fantastic way for an author to clear the mind of small ideas. These short stories tantalise the tastebuds and sometimes they even pave the way for a continuation.

The response to a one shot is just as important to the author as the response to a multi chapter fic, but alas some one shots are either ignored or worse, read but not reviewed.

I would like to take the oppurtunity to rec a few one shots that deserve your attention and your review and I promise, there's something for everyone in here.

Enjoy and don't forget to review and of course, to rec to others.

Lost in the Wildflowers by AcrossTheSkyInStars
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5792005/1/Lost_in_the_Wildflowers
Entry for "A Very Sexy Un-Birthday" contest: Lost meets Castaway meets Twilight. Forty-four days, eighteen strangers, sun, surf, sand, and Bella's twenty-third birthday. This is what you get. Rated M for mature themes and lemons.

AcrossTheSkyInStars wrote an absolutely beautiful one shot here. In 10,324 words she manages to set the scene, introduce the characters - star players as well as background - and delve into their brief history and reason for being in their current situation. She gives us an occasion, angst, fluff and a drizzle of lemon. I was hooked from the start with the plot reminding me of 'Lost' but with our favourite Twilight characters.

Tourbillon by inside_the_disarray
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5404067/1/Tourbillon
For the Love of Jasper Contest O/S entry. After a whirlwind romance, Edward is left picking up the pieces when Jasper leaves. But when Jasper has a change of heart, he decides to give Edward a call—a call that will change both of their lives forever.

I cried with this one shot and anyone on the FFA group will know I hardly ever cry at fanfiction. The relationship in this fic is surprising and moving and heartbreaking. I can't say too much because that may spoil the beauty of this oneshot.

Footfalls Echo in the Memory by inside_the_disarray
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5395696/1/Footfalls_Echo_in_the_Memory
For the Love of Jasper Contest O/S entry. Alice finds a man on a deserted Moroccan street; he doesn’t know his own name, but for some reason he hears muffled footsteps in his mind. Back in Boston Bella waits for the man she loves, but will he return?

I didn't know how I wanted this one to end. You think you do, but it changes your mind. You will too because in this fic only one person wins.

Last Request by Claire Bloom
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5404851/1/Last_Request_For_the_love_of_Jasper_contest
James & Jasper are best friends, but James is ill and has a last request. Will Jasper be able to help his friend both before and after his death? AU-Human, Rated M for bad language. One shot entry for "The love of Jasper contest"

Yes thats right - I rec'd my own one shot! And I haven't stopped there, I have 2 more to add! Don't judge me, my review count is low, my hits are poor yet I think you may enjoy. Last Request was rec'd by AG on her TLYDF blog and she even made a banner under her 'Wonderfully Weird' category (to view the banner go visit my Spellbound thread on Twilighted) yet it has 11 reviews only. How can AG be wrong? The answer is, she isn't. It's awesome. Go read and review!

Free from Desire by Claire Bloom
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5289698/1/Free_from_Desire_Summer_of_Smut_One_shot_contest
Bella is hurt by her long term love, so throwing caution to the wind she decides no more Good Bella, only Bad Bella can capture the eye of the sexy scuba instructer. Rated M for explicit language and sexual scenarios. B/E AH AU OOC

I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of writing this one shot. It has humour and lemons and slash and Edward in a speedo! What more could you ask for?

Bitter Sweet by Claire Bloom
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4920619/1/Bitter_Sweet
There's no wrath like a woman scorned. Rosalie Hale had sought out the men who had destroyed her. Her revenge would be bitter sweet as she finally closes the door to her human life. A 1 shot chpt for "Make it count" comp. Fic in 1000 words or less

This was my first one shot and contest entry and I'm incredibly proud of it. I even considered developing it into a multi chapter fic but the tiny response dented my pride. There, I admitted it - I'm a review whore!!

Tempt not a Desperate Man by Glitterglue
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5715080/1/
What if you were too late too save the one you loved? When events in Volterra go awry, Bella's world is changed forever. One-shot, AU. Entry for the 'To Kill A Cullen' one shot contest.

To kill a Cullen - It sounds like blasphemy, especially with the particular Cullen who's murdered in this one shot! It stunned me and New Moon will never be the same again. I thought this one shot could develop into a few more chapters because it left me reeling yet craving more.

Russian Roulette by readingmama/vampiremama
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5600408/1/Russian_Roulette
FIRST PLACE WINNER 'Kill a Cullen Contest'. Six Friends sit in a room and pass around a gun, who will make it out alive?

Again, to kill a Cullen - I need to wash my mouth out, it hurts to even say it! So, first place winner, it should have hundreds of reviews, right? Wrong! This little gem has only 28. How can this be legal? I was on tenter hooks reading this one, wondering with each turn who would be the Cullen to die. I needed a stiff one afterwards and I'm refering to a drink (for a change). Amazing!

Tryst a collaboration by Sassenachwench & GreenPuma
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5595269
My name is Carlisle Cullen. I am a doctor, a husband, and a father. My family—my wife and children—are my world. They inspire me to be the best man I can be. Like all men, I have failings—weaknesses that torment me. For me, it's sex.

Ok 'Wow' is the only word I can use to describe this. Its rated 'M' for a reason and man oh man, that rating is milked for all its worth! Absolutely un-freakin-believable. Yet it has just 16 reviews? The under appreciation of this one shot leaves me flabberghasted. Anyone who reads past this link and doesn't click to read and review should be ashamed of themselves! Don't ignore it - R&R it!

Incomplete by readingmama/vampiremama
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5531553/1/Incomplete#
Pastor Swan visits a man on death row only to find more than she bargained for.

In such a short space of time readingmama/vampiremama gives us a moving insight into the desolation of a tried man. He is lonely and awaits his impending execution. She has been informed of his crime and knows she should pity him but the pity sparks empathy and soon Pastor Swan finds herself conflicted. Very moving and beautifully written.

Mrs Prodigal Son by KatKennedy
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5785245/1/Mrs_Prodigal_Son#
After the passing of his beloved wife, Carlisle is a broken man in search of revenge. Bella is the only one left to blame. Seeking to take out his bitter anger and frustration on her, he finds his first moment of peace and comfort since Esme's death. CxB.

Carlisle is desperate for revenge and Bella yearns for death. But a need for something they've both been missing overtakes all other desires. I felt Carlisle's eagerness as he rushed to find his prey and make her pay. This one shot is a perfect insight into the fathomless depths of an empty man.

I hope you all take the time to read and review these little gems. The authors wrote from the heart and the only payment they want is to hear of your thoughts, emotions, passions, and comments that their literature invoked in you.

Share those with them and remember to come over to FanFicAholics Anon daily, because Obsession never sleeps!

Claire x

Fic of the week - Edward Masen - Hitman by MissSCullen

This weeks fic choice is loaded with raw sexual tension, fast paced action, drama, suspense, thrills and a Bella we can all get along with.

She smokes, back chats her parents and hates her sister. When she meets the mysterious Edward Masen she is drawn towards his brooding persona, and in return, Edward finds himself entranced by the strange girl next door. He struggles to maintain distance, but one awful day finds Bella banging on his door searching for salvation. Will he open the door and allow her into his home, as well as the deadly secrets of his life and the emptiness of his heart?

The fic is six chapters in and I've been hooked from the first paragraph. Check it out, it will keep you on the edge of your seat.

MissSCullen also has a thread over at Twilighted.net under AU-Human.

Interview with Silverspoon author of Buffy Fic "Hell's Playground"

For those of you that rushed like good ficsters and read Silverspoons Hell's Playground, you will no doubt be itching to find out the logic behind the great Buffy fic!
For those of you that haven't read it yet, be sure to jump, backflip and stick a stake in this story, coz it's got some smokin hot action and a fantastic story line to boot!

Hit the link and be sure to review!!!! It's the best way to pay for your entertainment! Sure beats spending $50 at the cinema just to watch some overdone romantic comedy that's similar to the last one you watched, while you suck down a small coke and the 2 skittles you managed to afford with the change from your ticket!
HUGE thanks to Silverspoons AKA Samantha for taking her time out of her busy schedule to answer these Q's!


Q)What is your favourite band?
A)I absolutely adore music in all forms so you would think this would be a difficult question but in a heartbeat I can say Evanescence. I find Amy Lee’s voice just so beautiful and haunting, and their lyrics are intelligent and full of metaphor. I love having to search for a deeper meaning in something.

Q)What is your favourite book?
A)I would like to be original here and come up with something so obscure no one has ever heard of it let alone read it, but I am afraid I am going to be boring and say Twilight. Yes, I know, shoot me for my lack of imagination!

Q)Who is your role model?
A)To be honest, I don’t really have a role model and don’t believe it does you much good to. People are people, everyone is flawed, and to want to base yourself wholly on another person only means you would inherit their flaws too. I prefer to look at each one of my family and good friends, and to pick one inspirational quality they possess. Then I aim to be more like them in that particular way.

Describe yourself in 3 words?
1) Obsessive
2) Generous
3) Eccentric

Q)What is the quirkiest fact about you?
A)Hmm that’s a tough one. Nothing very ‘quirky’ is springing to mind. I read Tarot cards for people and am apparently very accurate. Does that count?!

Q)What gave you the idea for the basis of Hell’s Playground?
A)I absolutely loathed the way that the series’ of both Buffy and Angel ended. For a die-hard fan it was just so disappointing. There was no resolution and it kind of felt as if the story was unfinished in some way. I decided to finish it and thought what better place to pick up from than L.A. I drafted a complete story arc and then after some research into mythology etc. I set about writing my baby.

Q)Apart from being a fan, why Buffy? What draws you to her story?
A)I have always found Buffy to be a likeable character and someone to aspire to be to an extent. I can identify with her for having to grow up quickly, shoulder responsibility, and yet still somehow manage to turn herself into a functioning adult. I think it’s important to be able to see yourself in the characters you observe. I would have liked to have been as witty, intelligent, strong and confident as her, and also surrounded by friends who loved her so much they would die for her in a heartbeat. Perhaps living in constant peril and killing demons for a living was not the most believable part of the story, but at the core Buffy was simply a guide to growing up.


Q)How many chapters had you written before you decided to post?
A)I wrote the very first chapter (which is fairly short) and posted immediately. I am very impatient that way! I know that a lot of authors prefer to bank up some chapters before posting but for me receiving reviews and monitoring traffic is the best motivation around to keep going.

Q)How many chapters does Hell’s Playground have before it is complete do you think?
A)Honestly, only time will tell. I have the general outline of where I am taking the story and what events will unfold but their sequence of occurrence is not set in stone. I can say with confidence that we are over half way there but at a total guess I would say to expect at least fifty chapters before you spot the words ‘Les Finis’. So that is around another fifteen!

Q)Was the part Spike plays in HP a conscious decision or something that came to you later on?
A)Definitely conscious. I wanted Spike and I wanted him bad! The faithful readers will already know that Spike’s existence is sort of integral to the storyline but I also have a deep fondness for the character. He’s sexy, witty, smart, and also capable of incredible love. That is what I really wanted to reflect in HP- the softer side of Spike.

Q)Do you have any other Buffy fics or otherwise in the near future, if so would you mind sharing your ideas?
A)I have one other Buffy fic at the moment which is entitled The Christmas Angel. It’s a short story set obviously at Christmas that shows a young mother driving home from tree shopping being attacked by a group of vampires. It is pure fluff with a dash of action but I really like it. I wrote it last Christmas for a little light relief from HP! It’s complete and the link is available via my FF profile. In future depending on my readers’ reactions, I may consider a sequel to HP.

Q)Dawn’s 'surprise', planned from the beginning or something that came up later?
A)Oh this was planned! (Evil laugh) I think I did quite a good job of hiding that fact though until later chapters when I gave out some pretty huge hints. Even then I only had one reader guess the nature of the surprise! I think that with plot developments such as this one, if you don’t plan then they end up turning out unrealistic and that makes people lose interest pretty quick.

Q)How's the fan reaction been to Dawn’s surprise?
A)I have to admit I was expecting flames. I posted the chapter where Dawn’s surprise is revealed and then it took me twenty four hours to pluck up the courage to check my email inbox! The response was actually overwhelmingly positive. Only one reader guessed it would happen and so I think the others liked the element of shock. I think half the battle of fic writing is choosing plot twists that can’t be easily guessed. Many readers hate to know what is just around the corner, myself included. Most of my readers were sad about the nature of the surprise since they had been expecting something else but they assured me they were sad in the good way so I was fairly happy and relieved.


If you could describe your fans/reviewers in 3 words they would be...
1) Patient (I am such a naughty little updater due to real life commitments)
2) Supportive (so far they like most things I have done)
3) Intelligent (well, they are reading my fic… lol… no, I seem to receive a lot of well thought out reviews which I appreciate immensely)

Q)Have you watched EVERY episode of Buffy and Angel?
A)Guilty. I have watched every episode of both series’ and probably watched every episode of Buffy at least six times. It really is one of the best shows of our generation.

Q)You say you have written poetry and had it published, what kind of poetry do you do and where do you draw your inspiration from?
A)Oh so many moons ago when I was but a lowly high school student! I haven’t actually gotten round to writing any poetry lately at all but it used to be such a release for me. My inspiration was the happenings in my day to day life. I favoured non-rhyming verse and just used to write whatever flowed really. I had at least three that I can recollect published and I do hope one day to reawaken that side of my creative brain.

Q)If your life was a book what would it's title be and why?
A)Cleaning Up The Mess, lol. Because I always seem to be doing that whether figuratively or literally. With a household of four there is some pretty hefty housework to deal with but from a more metaphorical standpoint, I have had a fairly interesting life in many ways full of little ‘messes’ that have needed cleaning. Some have been my own, many have belonged to other people. I’m everyone’s counsellor you see as well as their maid, lol!

Q)When you were 6 what did you want to be?
A)I don’t actually remember having a specific career goal. I have never really been one of those children. All I seem to recall is a desire to be a child forever- an immense fear of growing up and responsibility. As a child, everyone takes care of life for you. However, having said that, I did run out to my mum one day in the garden when I was three and tell her I wanted to be a stripper. She was suitably horrified but she still has no clue where I learned the word. Definitely not from Sesame Street!

Q)How do you juggle motherhood, married life and writing fanfiction?
A)I’m still working it out! Not all the kinks have been ironed out in this set up, lol. I only ever write when my children are sleeping and thank God they are great sleepers! My husband is also fantastic. I deal with the majority of housework but when he is present he is happy to sift through a basket of ironing for me so I can work on a chapter. He once joked that this was because he lived in fear of my readers battering down the door with flaming pitchforks!


Q)You're sitting at a table in a nice cafe somewhere, 2 waiters come to you at the same time, both holding a napkin each with a note.
Both notes read "care to join me for a drink?" one is signed Angel the other is signed Edward. What would you do?
A)Use their napkins to staunch the flow of my tears as I realise I am married. Gosh darn it…


3 things you never leave home without?
1) My children (if there’s not two of them I know I‘ve cocked up somewhere)
2) The change bag (full of nappies, wipes, snotty tissues, snacks, etc etc oh the joys)
3) My compact mirror (did I mention I can be as vain as a budgie?!)

Fic of the week - The Affair by readingmama

The pick of the week for fic of the week, is a beautifully told tale of second chance at love, regrets and forgiveness.

Its Twilight based and Bella is married to a Cullen, but not the Cullen we expect. She believes she loves her husband, but soon meets another who sets her soul alight and despite knowing her attraction is wrong, she falls into his arms, only to stumble when her lover walks away making her believe she was a toy in his game of revenge!

Her friends are cool, fun and understanding and I still believe James to be in the closet. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of passion and love.

It really is a must read, its funny, intriguing, blush worthy and endearing and more importantly, its complete!

Claire Guyan aka Claire Bloom

Fic of the week - Hell's playground

Hell's playground is a piece of fantabulous fanfiction based on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and is written by Silverspoon; our very own group officer, Samantha.

It is poetic yet dark, with excellent visuality and plenty of chapters to keep you going.

Go read, review and enjoy

Happy reading Fellow Ficsters

Claire aka Claire Bloom aka Edward's Love Rod! (Wellif the officer's can have nicknmaes, why can't I?)