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clawofcat
11 May 2008 @ 05:25 pm
Stick a fork in me...  
cause I am DONE, baby!! Yeah. I finished my last ever undergrad paper early this afternoon, and it felt damn good. And a relief. 10 minutes after I merrily sent my paper off to my prof I gathered all 26 of my library books - those were from my thesis and my two other final papers - and proceeded to get them out of my sight by dropping them off at the various campus libraries. I am very happy to report that they no longer are blighting my floor. It's a relief. A big fucking relief.  

Tomorrow I'll be going in to work for the first time in a month. Last time I was there I had just returned from my awesome business trip to Tampa. I'm sure I'll have tons of catching up to do. Packing up all my shit is also on the to do list. Tonight after I have dinner with my dad, he'll drop off some boxes to me, so I can jump on it. 

Gus should also be buying our roadtrip car this week, which means this weekend I need to start practicing my driving again. I used to drive in high school and early college, but quickly got of the habit since I really don't need to in NYC. It's been about 3 years since I've been behind the wheel. This should be interesting... but I think it will be fine. I was a fine driver before and totally PWNED! parallel parking. Gus will also have to do the day-by-day itinerary break down, so that I can begin to make reservations for camp grounds in state parks. I can't tell you how excited I am about this trip though. A whole month of America. It seems sort of grand and wonderful!

Now that I no longer have my academic yolk keeping me down, I'll try to do some work on fanfiction. My first priority is finishing up my In Dreams fanged four drabbles, and then after that is anyone's guess. I have all sorts of things I could work on, it's just a matter of what bites me. [info]only_passenger, I'm totally writing a far future post-nfa Spawn fic in the line of what we discussed sequel-wise for Truth Discovered. Get the bib ready. I want you to drool. Also Spectator won at S&B because of your delicious challenge, so thank you, love.

Also, when I wasn't looking, I snagged some awards at this round of Spark and Burn Awards and [info]forbiddenawards. A Spectator Sport, Tea for Two, and In the Details all pulled in some pretties. I'm honestly surprised about how much award attention Tea has received. It's very satisfying since I love it, but who would have thought Spike/Tara, you know? Many, many gropings and snogs to my wonderfully talented flist, who all received awards for their fantastic efforts.

 
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clawofcat
06 May 2008 @ 05:00 pm
Oh god...  
Oh god. ohgodohgodohgodohgodohgdohgod. I finished the thesis. It's gone... I didn't sleep for 24 hours until the 4 hour nap I took just now, but at least it's done. And decent. What I handed in, at least, wasn't embarassing. Not great, but I can live with that. Because it was so late, my other two papers are going to be extremely late, too. I have until Friday to get all of my coursework in or else I don't walk for graduation. So... yes. Anyone think I can write a 12 page paper in a day? Hm? Anyone? Cause I'm going to have to. About trauma and mind-body therapies. Super fun material that.

Chained to my compurer, crying and swearing is going to be my life for the next 4 days. It sucks. I just wanted to let you know that I haven't had time to reply to comments yet, which I see have piled up into quite a little mound. I promise to get back to all of you this weekend when I'm not dying. Also, if there was something that you say, oh... wrote for me or mentioned my name in the author's note, chances are I"ve read it. I just don't have time to leave my ever-thoughtful f/b. But you'll get it eventually. I haven't been ignoring you! 

In my time of almost-there, I need all the "You can do it!" vibes y'all can heave at me. *hugs the cheerleading squad* You guys rock. I shall resurface come Saturday. And I feel as though this post is incredibly disjointed and incoherant. That just might be the state of my brain though. All my eloquence... gone.   

ETA: Oh, and lest I forget, I also won a pretty for my Spike/Tara ficlet Tea for Two at this round of the Sotha Awards. I still really like that story. It makes me feel like mush whenever I reread it. It's Tara. Tara is love. I should write more Tara. Thanks to whoever is responsible for nominating it, the judges and artists, and a hearty congrats to all the people I know that won, too. There be a lot of you. Yeah, my flist is talented like that *nods sagely*

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clawofcat
03 May 2008 @ 01:49 pm
A Thought...  

In a recent discussion about 'ships and the Spuffy pairing over at girlpire's journal, I mentioned that Buffy isn't an "enjoyable" character the way that Spike is. This got me thinking. In RL, would you ever actually be friends with any of the characters in the Jossverse? Even though Spike is the sex, if I knew someone like him in RL I'd probably find him a little creepy and stalkerish. I might gravitate toward Willow because she's an intellectual type, but at the same time she's wildly insecure about herself and I don't generally surround myself with people that lack confidence to that extreme. Tara is a dear, but I'm afraid she'd be so damn quiet and introverted at a social gathering, i'd just pass her right over. Faith is a hoot, but I think her partying ways would probably intimidate me, as well as the devil-may-care attitude. 

So, who does that leave us with? Oz and Giles seem like possibilities. Oz is a musician, laid back and non-plussed. I could see myself enjoying that sort of calm. He would be a good confidant. However, his lack of talking could get old fast. And Giles seems like an interesting person. He reminds me a bit of my best friends father who's a professor. i could see sort of tagging along wherever he went, waiting for him to impart some advice or little bits of knowledge. Admiring his self-assuredness, good looks, and hidden depths (again, another musician). 

Of the AtS cast, I'd say Fred and Lorne would be the most likely candidates. Fred is also so charmingly sweet and brilliant, I could easily see myself being a bit in awe of her and swapping horror stories of academia. I bet she would make an awesome best friend and know how to have a good time when happy hour roles around. And I have a friend who's just like Lorne, except not a green empath demon. A little fruity, flamboiant, snappy dresser, and pop-culture enthusiast? Yup, I think I would love spending time with him!

When you think about it, most of the characters are far too fucked up to live functional, non-self destructive lives outside of the context of demon fighting. They're dark and guarded with lots of baggage, which could make it very difficult to connect to them and form healthy relationships.
 
Who would be your RL Jossverse friend?    

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clawofcat
03 May 2008 @ 12:28 am
In Dreams ~ Drabble (2/4)  

We continue on with part two of the series. This time William dreams...


Title: In Dreams (William)
Author: ClawofCat
Timing: Pre-Series
Rating: PG

 
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clawofcat
02 May 2008 @ 12:28 pm
Reader's Choice Poll  
Hey, guys. The Reader's Choice poll for the Kate/Riley round over at [info]the_jossverseis now up. My Kate/Angel fic Call it Closure is up for all four categories. If you enjoyed, head on over to vote and check out the other nominees. Thanks! 
 
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clawofcat
30 April 2008 @ 04:19 pm
In Dreams ~ Drabble (1/4)  
It was suggested to me that I experiment with my style, so this is an exercise in doing just that. This drabble is the first in series of four that will each focus on a member of the Fanged Four and what they dream of when they think of possession. The idea was partially inspired by Neil Gaiman's Sandman. 

Title: In Dreams (Drusilla)
Author: ClawofCat
Timing: Pre-Series
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Drusilla/Angelus
Warnings: non-explicit torture 

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clawofcat
30 April 2008 @ 12:06 am
First Line Meme!  
I'm jumping on board the first line meme. Snagged this from [info]eowyn_315. I've got a good selection to pick from, so I'm posting 15 of the juiciest first lines I've got. What fun!

The following are some first lines from my fic. If you want to play, pick whichever one tickles your fancy, write a ficlet or a drabble with the same first line and leave it in my comments. (And if the muse strikes, I might even drabble back at you.) Feel free to take as many liberties as you wish. 

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clawofcat
29 April 2008 @ 12:28 pm
Panic  
That's what I feel right now. I have a presentation this afternoon that I'm preparing for and then after class it's right back to my thesis. And it feels daunting. I know I can do it and that it will get done. But it has me panicked. I was sitting typing and all of a sudden I felt like I couldn't breathe and my heart was hammering. I assume that's what a panic attack is, but I've never had one. It was scary. I had to call my dad and calm down. It doesn't make any sense that I'm a writer, but when it comes to papers I get so stuffed up and blocked over them. I can write 8 pages of fanfic no problem, but when it comes to academia, those 8 pages feel like torture to me and it takes such an excrutiatingly long time. Probably because it takes careful thought to make an argument and support it. It dosen't flow like fiction. There is no "muse" of academia, no creative force. It's just you, your brain and the library books. And it sucks.  
 
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clawofcat
28 April 2008 @ 04:26 pm
The Formative Years ~ When were you first corrupted?  
Lets set the record straight, ladies. When were you first corrupted? If we're all honest with ourselves, children aren't as innocent as we make them out to be. They're curious, just like us, and for many of us that curiosity never quite goes away. [info]mere_ubumade a post earlier today requesting Victorian porn recs, which made me reflect on my earliest introductions to erotica. I'll admit, I was always a rather precocious child, sticking my nose into everything, and rather well-versed in the basics of sex and reproduction before I graduated elementary school. Bless the NYC public school system for that boon. 

I can't honestly remember the absolute first time I encountered explicit sex in literature, but I know it was certainly part of my literary intake by the time I was 12. Orwell's 1984 gave me one of my first taste of illicit, dirtybadwrong or the thought police are gonna get ya sex with dear Winston and Julia. Judy Bloom's Forever also didn't spare much detail when it came to young love and blossoming sexuality either. It was also around this time that I started first reading fanfiction in the Batman fandom and was taking in much dirtier slash and het fics with my favorite superhoes Batman, Catwoman, Nightwing, and Oracle. I very clearly remember printing off a fantastic story by Jody Revenson called simply "Nightwing and Oracle", bringing it to school, and circulating it around to my pals with eager relish. Yeah, I was that kid. I also clearly recall finding a busted up and well-worn copy of Lawrence's "Lady Chatterley's Lover" tucked into a bookcase in the summer house we rent in Cape Cod. There were many a covert evening where I slunk low on the coach devouring the tale of prissy Connie and darling Mellors. Actually, now that I think about it, that relationship was somewhat analogous to Buffy and Spike's. Hm...
 
Once I got to high school, I remember falling love with the "free love" Heinlein portrayed between Mars-native Valentine Michael Smith in "Stranger in a Strange Land." His follow-up "Time Enough For Love" with eternal Lazarus Long also spared no detail to his numerous affairs with the many women in his life, including his own mother and progeny. When I was 15, a friend of mine bought me Anne Rice's "The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty" triology. That definately raised the bar from erotic love and sex to full on kink, check your consent and safe words at the door, please. And after that, I was never the same... Or more accurately, soon I started reading fiction in the Buffy fandom and we sure do like our smexing here, don't we? 

So, I've shown you mine. Wanna show me yours? What erotica, literature, or other media ushered you into the land of the perverse?      
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clawofcat
25 April 2008 @ 08:12 pm
Acts of Contrition (aka only_passenger's bedtime story)  
Title: Acts of Contrition
Author: ClawofCat
Timing: Season 7
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Spike/Buffy
Summary: Set in the aftermath of “Showtime.” Spike realizes that all of his sacrifice has not been in vain. He’s given his pound of flesh for Buffy, but what gift can she give him in return?
 
A/N: This fic was written as a bedtime story for [info]only_passenger, who I read an unfinished version of this piece to aloud on the phone. Love you, girl. I hope you enjoy the ending. It also is a companion piece, of sorts, to Beneath Us. Thanks, as always, to [info]eowyn_315for the beta.    

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clawofcat
21 April 2008 @ 03:42 pm
The Best Plot Bunnies You've Never Seen  
So, I thought we'd do something fun. I always get a bit antsy during finals since I barely see the light of day, so I need you, my flistees, to keep me company. Answering the writing meme from yesterday made me think about a few epic plots of mine that "got away" so to speak. I'm sure all us writers have 'em. Don't worry, I'm not asking you to divulge your staunchly guarded bunny secrets. What I want to know is this: what are the best plot bunnies you've never seen written? Any particular pairing you've been hankering for, scenario unexplored, kink unwritten, or plot you've been chomping the bit all your time in fandom to see? Well, share them!

I have more than enough ideas floating around to keep me busy for awhile, but I'm always curious what sorts of ideas have been percolating in my fellow fandom members heads. Also, it's no lie that I do occasionally write requests and birthday fics. *g* And you never know, another writer might see this post and make it happen, which would be mighty cool. 

So have at it! I especially want to see secret plot yearnings from just the readers on my flist too. I know you have them... 
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clawofcat
20 April 2008 @ 05:03 pm
Writing Meme + Faith/Angel Sneak Peek  

Took a break from my Trauma research paper to answer the writing meme that's been circulating. I thought it was pretty interesting. The highlights of my responses include me talking about some of my non fanfic writing, a few OCs I created, and a couple of more epic plots that I thought up but never got off the ground. If listening to me wax on about my writing bores you, skip to the last question for a sneak peek up an upcoming Faith/Angel shot I'm working on. It's mad angsty!

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clawofcat
16 April 2008 @ 12:23 pm
Goodbye to You ~ R.I.P. Grandma  

Lately, I've been really busy because I have two and half weeks left of my final semester and I need to finish my thesis and two research papers. Yay, 55 pages! Some of you might remember I was in a similar situation last semester and as a result developed Carpal Tunnal. That was fun... So I'll try to be good to myself, not overtax my poor wee wrist, wear my brace, and keep the naproxen on hand if any inflammation starts up. As such, I'll mostly not be around for the next few weeks. I've seen some awesome fics and manips I'd love to review, but those are going to have to wait a bit. Apologies for delays on answering comments, as well. I'll get to everyone's response to my What is Romance? post shortly. For those who didn't see it, but would like to throw in their two cents, please do! 

Because I didn't post yesterday, happy belated birthday to shapinglight. You're wonderful Deb and I hope you had a blast with the S and whoever else you may have celebrated with. 

 
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clawofcat
12 April 2008 @ 07:14 pm
Meta Post: What is romance?  
So, the other day I was chattin' with [info]hello_spikeyand our conversation about how one designates sexual versus romantic pairings in fics inspired me to wonder, "What does romance consist of in fics?" Need there be the word "love" exchanged, flowers and chocolates given, and stupendous orgasms received for it to be romance? Does sex need to be involved? Are there other "criteria" that you find necessary? 

Share your opinion. What sort of "romance" is your favorite to read/write? Be as broad or as specific as you like. When you read a pairing fic, do you expect sex only or a romantic connection, however you personally choose to define that? 

Personally, I have grappled with this question the last few days. My characters don't usually get "happy" or "romantic" endings or endings at all, really. No "I love yous" are said. I like to show the depth of emotion characters feel for each other through their actions. Often times, that is expressed through sex. Certainly, there is nothing traditionally romantic in what I depict. Have any other writers on my flist wondered about this in their own work as well?

As always, if there is anyone you think that might have an interesting response or would find this discussion engaging, point 'em my way!
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clawofcat
11 April 2008 @ 11:14 pm
Mooching off WiFi  
That's what I'm currently doing...from Tampa... in a Sheraton. Ha. I am pleased to announce that I am currently on my first business trip! I'm working at the Convention Center this weekend in downtown Tampa for the MSA show, which is for exhibitors that market or produce products bought for and sold in museum stores/gift shops across the world. I've worked at trade shows before, the most recent one in February in NYC at the Javitts Center (yay, 12th! No public trans anywhere!), but this one specifically is geared toward what I do: namely, work with museums. 

I flew in at around 7:30PM. There was a bit of a delay getting out of Newark on account of the fog, but we got to Florida on time. It's a gorgeous 65 and should be in the 80s tomorrow. When I left NY, it was cold and dreary and drizzely. F that. I got to my hotel no problem and had a very enjoyable chat with the cab driver. It's a thing. I really like talking to cabbies. I'll almost always start conversations with them. They tend to have lots of interesting stories to tell. Got to my hotel room around 8:30 and checked in. My co-worker is at a college reunion tonight, so she's flying down tomorrow morning to meet me and we'll set up our booth then. Since I'm hooked up with the corporate AmEx, I went and had dinner at the restaurant in the lobby, which was excellent. A cup of lobster bisque soup and a salad with pears, goat cheese, craisins and grilled salmon all for a very affordable $20. While I chowed down, I looked out the huge windows onto the river that the hotel overlooks. It was quite a breath taking view. I entertained notions of dipping into the pool, but there was no one in it, so I thought it would be sort of weird of me to go in by myself at 10PM. Instead, I hung around on the deck overlooking the water and made a few calls to my pals to clue them in and get the scoop on their lives. 

A lot of stuff has been going on in my personal life for the last week, namely the death of my grandmother, of which I will dedicate a separate post to. I have also snagged a few more awards at Fang Fetish this round. I'm always so, so impressed by the amazing work the graphics team does on the award banners, so I invite you to take a look and oggle the pretties for By A Thread and Tea for Two. 

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clawofcat
09 April 2008 @ 02:24 pm
Award News ~ Judges Like Faith & Angel  
Hey, kids. Shades of Grey Awards just announced the winners for Round 23 and I won two awards for my Faith/Angel shots. I know, Part III is supposed to be "Coming Soon..." and the soon part hasn't arrived yet, but eventually I'll get back to their arc because I love those two to death. I have another series of shots featuring them as well that I've been working on. I'm going to wait until I have them completely written before I post them though. To recap, Unsung Heroes won Runner Up for Best Het and By A Thread was the Winner for Best Angst.   

I also extend my congrats to [info]eowyn_315, [info]only_passenger, [info]snowpuppies, and [info]athenewolfefor their wins. 


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clawofcat
08 April 2008 @ 03:03 pm
Learning Curve (1/1)  
I'm happy to present to you a new fic and a new pairing. I'm pretty familiar and comfortable with writing Faith at this point, but this fic marks my first time writing Xander in a starring role (or, really, any role). I'll leave it to you guys, especially the Xanderphiles [info]sevendeadlyfunand [info]snowpuppies, to tell me if I did him justice.  

Title: Learning Curve
Author: ClawofCat
Timing: BtVS Season 3
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Faith/Xander
Warnings: Het sex, rimming, dirty language
Summary: Set during “The Zeppo.” So, how did Xander’s first time really go down? Step inside to find out how hard Faith worked him. 
 
A/N: Thanks to [info]eowyn_315for her beta efforts. This fic was written for [info]feedmykink’s Random Rimming challenge. I’ve never written Xander before, so doing a fic from his POV was both different and fun. Also, I got to make with the funny. 

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clawofcat
07 April 2008 @ 07:08 pm
Gus Does Spike/Buffy/Angel (Tryst)  

Hey all! It's that time of the week again. After last week's generous comments to Gus' "Ecstasy, Pleasure, Booty" banner, he decided to take angelswilliam's suggestion and create a Spike/Buffy/Angel piece. The way he described this particular drawing was "take skinny season 6 Spike, season 5 fat!Angel, post-NFA Buffy whose had time to eat a little something, stick 'em in a graveyard in Italy and this is what you get."

Gus also asks: "One. Does anyone have a plot bunny for this? And, two: Has anyone ever done this?"

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clawofcat
04 April 2008 @ 10:08 pm
How Many Blonds Does it Take to Screw in a Light Bulb? (1/1)  
Title: How Many Blonds Does it Take to Screw in a Light Bulb?
Author: ClawofCat
Timing: Season 6
Rating: PG
Pairing: Spike/Buffy
Summary: Set sometime around “Flooded,” Buffy struggles to reintegrate herself into the realm of the living. Luckily, the undead is willing to lend a helping hand.
 
A/N: Written off the cuff for [info]louise39’s birthday on a prompt that asked for Spuffy and the word “ladder.” I hope you enjoy this! It has a decent helping of fluff. 

 
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clawofcat
04 April 2008 @ 10:47 am
Happy Birthday!  
Before I'm off to work, I wanted to give a quick birthday shout out to [info]louise39. In my estimation, you are one of the most active Spuffy commenters that I know and it's gals like you that keep the fandom alive and its writers fed. From one New Yorker to another, even though it's a rainy day, I hope you're able to find the silver lining and celebrate as though the sun was unerringly shining.  
 
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