The Promptfest Post-Partem Depression Hits Now

[teddy_radiator]

I just want to thank all the participants of this season's sshg_promptfest. It was a terrific fest, full of new authors and artists, and some of us older guard. SSHG is my OTP, and I do love it. I do not exaggerate when I say that it changed my life, and I defend it and champion it and want it to continue to thrive for many years to come. Special thanks to iulia_linnea for her mind-bending mod work to make it all happen with the smooth precision of swiss clockwork.

I had an absolute pants-squeeing fun time writing my fic, The Witchhiker's Guide To Beltane, for jenidralph. As always, stgulik, the Queen of betas, was so instrumental in making this a story I could be proud to submit. She is my partner and my right arm; I cannot express adequately how important she is to me. Thank you, Jules, for all your tough love, your hilarious asides and brilliant suggestions.

As with any story of any length, it becomes a learning experience, and this was no exception. It taught me that I could work under pressure to finish, and I could self-edit when I needed to. Jules is gradually teaching me that I don't have to be so flippin' verbose. I'm not there 100% yet, but at least I'm starting to recognise when to shut up and let the character alone.

We are also planning on starting the sequel to Droxy's Folly this year, and I can't wait. Working together with Jules is a blast in any capacity, but creating a new story together is so much fun it shouldn't really be legal.

I was also gifted with two incredible works as well, which delighted me to no end. lemonade8 rendered the delicious Sultan Snape, which made lights go off inside my head. The details in the art are just so sensual and exotic and evocative, and Snape is so bad he makes me shiver (OMG he's holding a Whip! Be still my flaming knickers). She and I are planning another illustrated story this year, and I'm looking so forward to that.

Also, the too-gorgeous-to-be-believed celestialbeing1 sent the rest of my underclothes up in smoke with her outrageous Talk Dirty To Me, a story so tailor-made to my kinks and perversions it was as if she downloaded my own personal toy closet from my brain. It was love told in my language, and I enjoyed every word of it - several times.

By the way, I am finishing up my sshg_newbies gifts in the next day or so, and hope to get those out to my patient recipients. And I truly haven't forgot, christev, that I owe you a story. I'm at the point where I've earned my three-way badge in Perv Scouts and I'm ready to make this one work.

And the final word on Prompfest: There were so many amazing stories and art that completely floored me and thrilled me. PLEASE go and give these talented creators some comment love. Let them know how much you love SSHG, and how much you appreciate them. Our beautiful ship is still the pride in these waters, and we who sail on her are in their capable hands.

Comments

[jenidralph.livejournal.com]

I can't thank you enough for my fic (and so much more)!! You are a dear friend to me. Even though it may have taken me a while to be able to read and review all chapters, I was enthralled!!

I love you, Teddy!!

[teddyradiator.livejournal.com]

Oh, sweetie, I love you to bits! I'm thrilled that you enjoyed it. It was a joy and a privilege to write it for you, and I'm so happy you liked it.

Psst! Hey! Would you like to do a vault reading of Chapter 25? I'm about to put it there this evening! ;)

[delphipsmith]

It was a great fest with lots of wonderful fanworks, and well-run as always. Am still kicking myself for missing the signup deadline this time around -- you can bet that won't happen again!