Fic Clique Explorers Challenge

[minnarr]

I posted an interest check in the Fic Clique discord, but here's a more formal writeup.

So: first to introduce this idea. In the process of talking about fics, Fic Clique ends up talking a lot about what makes these stories tick. This, in turn, makes me both want to read more and write more—to think about these ideas by trying them out with more fic. Also, while I love exchanges and bangs and all the stuff I've been participating in the last few years, I miss challenges that are just that: setting a specific challenge and seeing the various ways people tackle it. 

So that's what I hope you'll do with me: explore fic through the lens of FC discussions. I'll set a few prompts with references to specific Fic Clique episodes, and we'll all take it from there. The first challenge runs March 1st, 2023 through May 31st, 2023, and if all goes well, the next one will post June 1st, 2023. That doesn't mean you can't return to challenges after their original run time though! I welcome contributions after the fact, and the posts and AO3 collection will remain open.

A little housekeeping: rules and structure.

Structure 

In response to the posted prompts, you have the option of writing a fic, bringing a fic for discussion, or podficcing a fic. You should be able to articulate how a fic fits the theme, but it doesn't need to be a perfect match. More on the way this will look when the challenge posts, but right now I'm thinking discussion in a dedicated place in the DW comments, and fics or podfic can be linked in the DW comments and/or added to an AO3 collection. Does that work? Does anyone have better ideas? 

Rules

1. In keeping with Fic Clique's generally joyful and generous approach to fic, please keep discussions of fic generally positive unless someone has specifically stated they're open to constructive criticism. Even in the context of criticism, you should be working with an author to tune a story you both enjoy, not tearing anything to shreds.
2. When posting fic or podfic in the comments, please put the title in the subject line of the comment and any applicable warnings at the top of the comment. Please do warn for anything that would usually merit an archive warning on AO3; warnings for other sensitive topics are appreciated, but do what feels right. 
3. All fandoms, ships, and topics are welcome.
4. The only exception is that obviously we are going to be good to each other and not bring anything that espouses bigotry.
5. You do not need to be a fan of Fic Clique to participate (though if you've found this, I hope it piques your interest!)
    

Anything I missed? Neat ideas? 

Comments

[shadaras]

idk what Fic Clique is but I'm certainly looking at this with interest!

[trobadora]

I was just about to say the same thing!

[minnarr]

Replying to you both, it's a podcast where the hosts discuss fics book club style! It's a fun time and they really dig into what makes the fics enjoyable and there's a lot of really insightful conversation and also goofs. Lots of fandoms covered but you really, really don't need to know the fandoms to enjoy.

The upshot for this challenge is that it makes me think a lot about trying new things in fic, and the challenge would be very much in that spirit!