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posted by [personal profile] annerb at 09:19pm on 18/02/2009 under
I begged [livejournal.com profile] surreallis  to let me play. ;)

Writing:
I’m still amazed by writing and how completely it has taken over my life. Pretty much my every spare moment is spent writing, or thinking about writing, or chasing plot bunnies.  While I drive, while I shower, while I should be working. ;) In fact, I can’t quite remember what I did with all my time before I started writing.  And it really wasn’t all that long ago. I can trace it back to the day I posted my first fic (yes, I posted the first thing I ever wrote. Lol): January 2005.  Only four years. Wow. Feels like a lot longer!

I get really jealous when I hear people talking about having scribbled words from as early as they can remember.  Writing was always a school chore for me as a kid, and one of my worst subjects (grammar and I do not understand each other most of the time). I much preferred reading. And making up stories in my head that I never even thought to put down on paper.  That is why I love fanfic so much.  It’s a low risk environment that can foster people to try something creative that they never would have dared before. Plus, I used to read tons of crappy romance novels (seriously, you should see the bags under my bed) until I realized fanfic could be much better written and certainly cheaper!

Leverage:
I hope I can put into words what it is that I love so much about this show. In many ways it has the same elements that made me love Stargate.  It doesn’t take itself seriously most of the time, and even though there is always a plot tying everything together, it’s really about the characters and their relationships with each other.  Basically, take four criminals with disparate skill sets (a thief, a grifter, a computer hacker, and a kick ass soldier dude), who have always worked alone and on the wrong side of the law, people who don’t know how to trust anyone.  Add in a fifth man, an honest man who’s been screwed by the system he’s worked for, and you have the cohesive element that turns them into a team, for most of them, the only family they’ve ever had.  These are people who can fix what the law can’t, who can champion the underdog without pesky worry about wrong and right, or maybe just with a different set of wrong and right.  It lacks the broader playground of a scifi universe that Stargate has, but I love every character on Leverage, any of whom can be silly and drop dead serious within the same moment, kick ass and vulnerable.  Plus, as a shipwhore, the possibilities here are really endless.

Plus, there is Parker who is quite possibly insane, completely socially inept, and has a thing for jumping off of buildings.  And the way the entire team sort of encircles around her, it just hits all my buttons. And don’t get me started on Hardison, the unapologetic geek who really is the sort of glue that holds them all together.  He’s probably the only one who really sees the team for what it is: a family.

I guess I have a thing for misfits turned kick ass team. ☺

Europe:
Traveling is probably my second biggest hobby after writing, and actually is a lot like writing for me, something that the more I do it, the more comfortable I become, and the more addicted. Except unlike writing, I have been traveling as long as I can remember. From the womb, I like to say.  It’s the way my crazy family raised me.

As for Europe specifically, before a few years ago, I never really got the draw.  I was too busy running around Asia and South America to really get it.  But having revisited Europe a few times at this later point in my life, it really has snagged me.  I mean, I’ve only been back in America for three months at this point, but I am already feeling restless and dreaming of a perfect Tuscan afternoon, or a bike ride to my favorite bar in Bruges.  I’m still waiting for [livejournal.com profile] katcorvi  to hit the lotto jackpot and keep her promise to move us all to Italy where I will gladly be her personal fanfic slave (I’m not already?) in exchange for room and board.  But if you want to know what kind of traveler I am, I’m the one who tries to blend in with the locals the moment I set foot in a new city. I’m terrible with languages, but I will have the basics (especially pertaining to food) down in no time, mostly because I’m willing to try and not afraid to make as ass of myself.  I guess I see travel as a journey to somewhere unlike where you come from, otherwise what’s the point? Nothing peeves me more than the ugly American stereotype, people who so obviously have no real interest in the culture they are visiting, but instead just can’t understand why the whole world can’t be like America. 

You’ll have to ask [livejournal.com profile] pepper_field  if I’m totally an ugly American traveler or not. Lol.

Sam/Anyone not Jack
Oh [livejournal.com profile] surreallis , you are cruel one.  Lol.  It has to be a strange coincidence that I found myself reading and enjoying a Sam/Daniel fic the other day, right?  Yes, Jack was dead in the fic, why do you ask?  Snerk.  Anyway…  I know I am annoyingly OTP, but I do get where all these other pairings are coming from.  I see Sam/Daniel as two people who are so comfortable with each other and just get where the other is coming from.  It would be comfortable, and beautiful, and kind of quiet, I guess is how I see it.  As for Sam/Teal’c, they totally got together in Unending. I mean, come on.  I think the fact that I have no problem visualizing that is what makes Unending such a painful, painful episode for me, because I can see the Sam/Jack angst and then the Sam/Teal’c angst and Teal’c having to live alone with that knowledge, just….UGH, hurts so good. (Note to self: must finish writing that Uending tag one of these days.)  And then there is Sam/Cam which would be gleeful and full of laughter and teasing and just so easy, if it weren’t for the leaving behind of Jack issue. (Who was that who wrote that Sam/Cam fic that BROKE me? Pepper? I think it was you! *shakes fist*)  And Sam/Rodney would just be full of snark and fighting turned into making out and that’s always fun.  Hmmm…and Sam/Ronon…okay, I have to stop here.

-redacted- I managed to make the second half of this answer about Sam/Jack, so I had to delete it. Lol.

Space Pirates
What’s not to love about space pirates?  It might be a Firefly and/or Star Wars thing.  I love the idea of the Stargate characters in particular dumping all their baggage and rules and just taking off in a space ship to be pirates and do whatever the hell the want (probably be robin hood type guys).  I think this must connect to my obsession of seeing what happens to our characters when all those restraints they work under every day are suddenly gone (apocafic, darkfic, etc).  Space pirates is just the more gleeful happy side of that type of fic.  Vala would be happy to give them all lessons. Except Sam, because she doesn’t need lessons.  And Jack so needs to be a pirate, because being Head of Homeworld Security has to drive him nuts most days.

Also, did I mention the leather?


If there is anyone who has not done this yet that actually wants to, comment to this post and I will give you 5 subjects/things I associate you with. Then post this in your LJ and elaborate on the subjects given.


There are 23 comments on this entry. (Reply.)
ext_2131: picture of a fish with lots of green (Default)
posted by [identity profile] holdouttrout.livejournal.com at 05:52am on 19/02/2009
-redacted- I managed to make the second half of this answer about Sam/Jack, so I had to delete it. Lol.

I want this half of the answer! *g*

If you have things you'd like me to expand on at great, great length, please drop me a few. *g*

And YES about Leverage.
 
posted by [identity profile] annerbhp.livejournal.com at 06:46pm on 19/02/2009
Too bad I totally deleted it! I think I was explaining why I am not as much of a multi-shipper with Sam like most people. I get it that for a lot of people Sam is so awesome that they can put her with anyone. But as much as I love Sam, Jack is what brought me to Stargate and he's still my favorite character, the one I'm most comfortable writing and I wonder sometimes if this is why I am so deadlock OTP, because no matter all the arguments back and forth, I really don't think you can deny that Jack's feelings for Sam are canon, just way too obvious in actual eps. You can make an argument for Sam maybe not returning those feelings (I would still argue with you! ;), but Jack's have been pretty obvious. So, I don't ship Sam with other people because it almost feels like a betrayal (and no, not in a 'Sam is a whore for dating Pete' way. ARG.) or at the very least very sad for Jack, especially if she hooked up with a team mate. Does that make sense? Lol. I don't know, my brain is a tricksy place. ;)

Hmmm...topics for Trout.

-han/leia

-your personal bucket list

-The Movie

-teal'c/donuts

-writing smut/otx
 
posted by [identity profile] beanpot.livejournal.com at 11:15am on 19/02/2009
I want to snuggle with your comments on Leverage.

I wanna play!
 
posted by [identity profile] annerbhp.livejournal.com at 06:54pm on 19/02/2009
Thanks! I felt so much pressure. Jenn basically said "Leverage (convince me, bb!)" and I started panicking. I have to prove how awesome it is, once and for all! Snerk.

Topics for the Beanpot:

-All My Children
-Project Runway!
-First fanfic you ever wrote? Do you remember the first one you ever read?
-'Granola Vermont'
-Doggie Happy Hour
 
posted by [identity profile] http://users.livejournal.com/traycer_/ at 11:25am on 19/02/2009
Posting your very first fic in January 2005? Heh! I beat you by four months. :) And you know, we are all so very HAPPY that you decided to go ahead and post your fic. You are a fantastic author!! And yeah, I admit it. I'm one of your fans. :)

And Sam/Daniel rules right along with Sam/Jack!! I'm just saying...
 
posted by [identity profile] annerbhp.livejournal.com at 06:56pm on 19/02/2009
Hahah. You're just as much of a newb as me! ;) aw, thanks. *hugs*

Heheh. Yeah, I am so not a multishipper, but I love all these characters so much that I can see the appeal.
 
posted by [identity profile] katcorvi.livejournal.com at 12:48pm on 19/02/2009
I’m still waiting for [livejournal.com profile] katcorvi to hit the lotto jackpot and keep her promise to move us all to Italy where I will gladly be her personal fanfic slave (I’m not already?) in exchange for room and board.

And week after week the numbers don't cooperate. This is getting to be very annoying.

Ok, go ahead and give me 5 things. I can predict what at least three of them will be. *g*
 
posted by [identity profile] annerbhp.livejournal.com at 07:00pm on 19/02/2009
Stupid lottery. Obviously the lotto gods don't understand how much better the universe will be in general if we are allowed to live lives of leisure in Italy.

-earliest childhood memory of horses
-The essentials in life: beer and grits
-badfic
-the stupid cute OTP
-travel

Did I hit the three you predicted?
 
posted by [identity profile] katcorvi.livejournal.com at 11:56pm on 20/02/2009
Did I hit the three you predicted?

Wow, you didn't. You continue to delight and amaze. Ok, it took me a bit, but I did answer. Go over and see if it's what you expected.

ext_3314: Woman writing (Peculiar bent of my nature)
posted by [identity profile] pepper-field.livejournal.com at 12:49pm on 19/02/2009
Hee. Of course you're totally not an ugly American traveller! Neither of you. You are far more well-travelled and sophisticated and interested in culture than a lot of Europeans I know. And you're lovely. :D

I did write a Sam/Cam, but I don't think it was very good... perhaps Surreallis? I'm fairly sure she wrote one that just hurt.

And I'm with Trout - I want to hear the Sam/Jack part of your answer. *g*

I can hardly believe you've only been writing for four years. It's such a big part of my perception of you - and the depth and complexity of your mad writing skillz... how is that even possible? Although I guess it makes sense to me that you were reading a lot, and making stuff up in your head. That computes. ;)

I've not actually done this meme yet, so I'd love to join in!
 
posted by [identity profile] annerbhp.livejournal.com at 07:13pm on 19/02/2009
Hahah. Here was your chance to start accusing me of being an arsonist again! Lol. "Yes, that Annerb, absolutely refused to put mayo on her fries, and kept asking why everyone was talking so funny! And she mocked tea for God's sake!" :P And, no, you are the loveliest. No, YOU! *glomps you*

I sort of expounded upon the deleted Sam/Jack answer up above in answer to Trout's comment, if you are really interested.

Hmm...topics for Pepper... So much I would like to know.

-writing is fun, tru fax
-local wildlife
-Jack/Sara
-schmoop
-fangirl crushes

Edited Date: 2009-02-20 07:39 pm (UTC)
 
posted by [identity profile] katcorvi.livejournal.com at 12:50pm on 19/02/2009
Reading your explanation about Europe and the lure of travel finds me nodding in agreement. Without travel, life is pretty boring.
 
posted by [identity profile] annerbhp.livejournal.com at 07:14pm on 19/02/2009
TRU FAX
 
posted by [identity profile] pellucid.livejournal.com at 02:32pm on 19/02/2009
I keep hearing good things about Leverage, but always in the vague "oh, this show is good" kind of way. I think this is the first actual description of it that I've read, and it does sound compelling! Perhaps that goes on the list of things to check out once the current overwhelming onslaught of TV has passed.

And you sound like my kind of traveler! My favorite thing is to be asked for directions when I'm traveling. Often I can't answer the question (memorably, once in Salzberg I couldn't even remember how to say "I don't speak German" in German...), and if I can but my accent is wrong I get a funny look (this happens to me all the time in England), but I still feel like I have triumphed in some small way if I looked un-touristy enough to be asked in the first place. Obviously there are some places where I don't blend particularly well no matter what (my Spanish is pretty good, but no one in the Dominican Republic ever asked me for directions), but I still strive to be as un-touristy as possible. And I'm definitely all about finding the favorite bars and favorite neighborhoods and just hanging out in a new place, rather than just ticking off a list of "sights."
 
posted by [identity profile] annerbhp.livejournal.com at 07:19pm on 19/02/2009
Oh, I hope you will give Leverage a chance, and that you will actually like it, or I will feel quite dumb. Lol.

And YES! I *love* it when people ask me for directions. My second day in Italy an Italian couple came up to me and asked directions in Italian, which I understood, but had to answer back in English and hand gestures. I did get them where they needed to go, even though they were dubious at first. Lol. My Mom has always joked that I am impossible to lose, even as a child, no matter how hard she tried. I often find that the best strategy for travel is to always look like you know exactly where you are and where you are going, no matter how lost or overwhelmed you are. Looking too much like a tourist can be asking for trouble, or at least getting ripped off. ;) And yes to the local hangouts. I am much more of a experience the culture traveler than a 'see every important site in a few days' sort. I just take my time and always assume I'll be back some day. :) It sound like we would make good travel companions!
 
posted by [identity profile] a-loquita.livejournal.com at 03:14pm on 19/02/2009
Yay Leverage!!! I love that we got to finally meet Nate's ex this week. And OMG he never told her about the insurance money? And I loved both him and Sophie forcing themselves to think like other members on the team. *hugs new wonderful show*

I managed to make the second half of this answer about Sam/Jack, so I had to delete it. Lol.
Tee hee! I understand.

I've been avoiding this meme for various reasons, including the fact that I'm not sure I'm interesting enough for anyone to want to know my thoughts lol. But, perhaps I'll give it a shot-- 5 subjects please? :)
 
posted by [identity profile] annerbhp.livejournal.com at 07:26pm on 19/02/2009
Yay Leverage! Yeah, this week's ep was great. And yeah, the whole 'I asked myself, what would Parker/Hardison do?' Totally cheesy. But so AWESOME.

Sweet, got you sucked in too. ;) Here's your topics:

-Sanctuary
-Football
-Ballykissangel (I have no idea what this is, spill!)
-writing
-shipping
ext_962: (stock- coffee drink me)
posted by [identity profile] surreallis.livejournal.com at 03:19pm on 19/02/2009
Re: Leverage. OOOH! It's like the A-Team, but without the misogyny! This is the first explanation that actually told me what this show is about and made it sound attractive. Hmmmmm...
 
posted by [identity profile] annerbhp.livejournal.com at 07:28pm on 19/02/2009
Heh! I felt a lot of pressure to sell it! ;) I think Leverage is also like an escape. Maybe I will someday get super worked up like I do about other shows, but mostly I just enjoy watching. It's nice to have a show like that.
 
posted by [identity profile] gunhilda.livejournal.com at 04:14pm on 19/02/2009
I'd love to hear more about Asia and South America, and why you love them so much. Never been to either place, although I really want to get to Tokyo while my brother is still there. My nephew went in January, and I had a hard time suppressing my jealousy looking at all the photos he kept sending back.

Have you been to Nepal? Want to so bad...

Sam/Teal'c... yes, Unending was so painful. I rarely write on the same subject twice, but I couldn't get that one out of my system. Can't wait to see your take on it!
 
posted by [identity profile] annerbhp.livejournal.com at 07:32pm on 19/02/2009
I spent most of my college years obsessed with various Asian cultures and mythology and, well, food. I was lucky to get to study there for one summer, and then someone was crazy enough to pay me to work in Asia for a while, and I also have some family living in South East Asia. I haven't been back in quite a while now though, and there are many many places still on my list. I have not been to Nepal, sadly. But I would love the chance to go sometime. Tokyo is definitely worth a visit, even if just to see the mass of humanity, it's impressive! Plus, with a local guide like your brother, it will be way less overwhelming.

Sam/Teal'c, the heartbreaking ship to end all ships. Sniff. Hopefully I will get some of my Teal'c fics done at some point. So many fics, so little time! :)
 
posted by [identity profile] syxp.livejournal.com at 03:22am on 20/02/2009
I WANT TO PLAY TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
 
posted by [identity profile] annerbhp.livejournal.com at 07:41pm on 20/02/2009
Yeah, but you're boring. :P

-woodworking
-Nellie
-comment fic
-grammatical squicks
-badfic!!

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