machshefa: (tree pose)
It's about time I did one of these, I think. :)

I write in two fandoms. Harry Potter and BBC Sherlock.

My Harry Potter Stories (archived elsewhere):

My author pages at
Fanfiction.net, The Petulant Poetess, and Ashwinder. Some of my HP stories can also be found at An Archive of our Own (AO3).

My Sherlock stories can be found on fanfic.net, and
AO3 as well as here, on LJ.

The Evidence Series (on LJ):

Evidence
Resonance
Vigilance
Incandescence (not technically part of the series, but takes place in the same universe. John's POV)

(The series is not yet complete but each installment can stand on its own.)

Surfacing (written for [livejournal.com profile] holmestice, Spring, 2011)

Just Like Magic (written for [livejournal.com profile] sherlockmas, Spring, 2011)

Touchstone (written for [livejournal.com profile] holmestice, Winter, 2011)

Podfic: I am very open to the podficcing of my stories. If you want to make a recording of something I've written in either fandom, you have my permission. I would appreciate it if you would let me know so that I can share the link with others. 
machshefa: (j and s silhouette)

Title: I leave a trail of breadcrumbs to show you where I've been
Characters/pairings: John/Sherlock
Rating:PG
Spoilers: S2, Reichenbach Fall 
Warnings: a moment of gore, apparent character death
Summary: John sees him every single time he closes his eyes.
Author notes: This story is set in the Touchstone universe found on AO3 or LJ. To understand this story best, I recommend reading 'Touchstone' first.  I plan to revisit this universe to retell the three episodes of Series 2 through the 'Touchstone' universe's lens.

This ficlet demanded writing first, so here it is.

Beta thanks to [livejournal.com profile] pyjamapants, [livejournal.com profile] sc010f, and [livejournal.com profile] bethbethbeth.



I leave a trail of breadcrumbs to show you where I've been )

machshefa: (j and s silhouette)

I heard this song yesterday and knew that the words were meant to go with these images. Endless thanks to [livejournal.com profile] distortedenigma who created the image set and so graciously shared it with me. My adoration to Leonard Cohen whose words unerringly pierce through the layers to find the truth beneath.

As for me, I just try to weave words and imagery into whole cloth.


Reichenbach spoilers below the cut.

A Thousand Kisses Deep )
machshefa: (Zen stones)
Lestrade: "Sherlock Holmes is a great man. And if we're really lucky, one day...
spoiler under the cut… but wow )


This illustrates what I was trying to say (badly) in the prior entry.

A picture is worth a thousand words, yes? Graphic by Sherlox on Tumblr.
machshefa: (j and s silhouette)
For me, it's always about the relationships.


more rambly thoughts )

There's a story swirling around set in the 'Touchstone' 'verse. I'm ambivalent about writing it, but I may not have a choice.
machshefa: (Sherlock John from back)
Title: Touchstone
Recipient: CathedralCarver
Characters/Pairings: John/Sherlock
Rating: R
Warnings: none, unless magical realism requires a warning…
Summary: On John Watson’s sixth birthday, his mum gave him a flat wooden box to hold his wish stones.

Touchstone )


machshefa: (adore)
OMG OMG OMG.

Go read it now. Seriously, guys. If you like Sherlock and you want to read fantastic characterization, gorgeous writing, and snappy, spot on voices/dialogue, go go go.

I love gift exchanges.

Zero Hour is miiiiiine. But I share nicely.

Unlike Sherlock.

machshefa: (The Essence of Sunset)
It's been so much fun to look at the reveal list and see everybody's posts about their gifts, given and received.

First and foremost, thank you to [livejournal.com profile] ferporcel for the incredible, intricate, evocative (and perfectly titled) art that she created to accompany my story, "King of Swords." If you haven't seen it, you must run, now, and take a look. It's incredible. King of Swords was my first (and only) WIP (now complete) and feels to me like a reflection of my own exploration and growth as a writer. To have a piece of art that depicts such a crucial scene is a powerful gift for me, more than you may have even realized, Fer. Thank you.

"Chasing the Darkness Away"

*glomps Fer.

Second, I can now publicly own up to writing "The Essence of Sunset" for [livejournal.com profile] dickgloucester, who wrote one of her prompts with me in mind. Thanks to the mods for saying "yes" when I requested to be assigned to her. *smooches you all*

To say that I was blown away by the reception to the story would be a massive understatement. I can't tell you all how much it means to me to see the way that people engaged with the story. The questions you asked, the observations you made, the speculations, the conversations in comments, and your emotional reactions kept me glued to the computer and leaping regularly from my seat (hard to do both, simultaneously, y'know?). It's the greatest gift anybody can give a writer: to be such engaged and emotionally available readers. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I am incredibly fortunate to have a veritable Quidditch team (if you include reserve players... ahem) of alpha readers, beta readers and cheerleaders.  I simply could not have written something of this scope without them, and they deserve so much credit for making this story work. Each one brought a unique point of view or expertise to the process and helped me immensely as I groped my way through the world-building and character development and searched for plot. (I'm always searching for the plot. Just ask them.)

So, here goes. :)

First of all, thanks to Dicky for writing such an intriguing, brilliant prompt and for being awesome in general... I was highly motivated to write something that would be deserving of her as a recipient. *squishes her

Massive hugs to [livejournal.com profile] subvers, [livejournal.com profile] lady_rhian, and [livejournal.com profile] bluestocking79 for alpha reading/cheerleading and general "yes, this works" all the way through. You were my rudders.

Giant hugs to [livejournal.com profile] lifeasanamazon for her detailed and insightful Britpick and for gobs of encouragement at a time when I really needed some. 

Thanks to the mods and especially to [livejournal.com profile] scatteredlogic for making sure the complex coding worked on this monster of a story. *hugs

Immense thanks to [livejournal.com profile] drinkingcocoa and [livejournal.com profile] juniperus for close reading for content, consultation about the Middle Ages, illuminated lettering, and canon characterizations and millions of other details that they wouldn't let me get away with faking. 

Enormous gratitude to [livejournal.com profile] annietalbot, [livejournal.com profile] sc010f, and [livejournal.com profile] pyjamapants for helping shape the spreadsheet that allowed me to keep the universes straight and clarify the elements that shaped each one, for reading draft after draft, beta reading, close reading, listening to the moans and groans about world-building, and generally reassuring me and guiding me all along the way. You guys deserve medals. Really. Big medals.

Finally, [livejournal.com profile] juno_magic wrought her incredible magic in two massive ways for this story. First, she did the coding (which took days) that created the gradient color background that gave the story its visual punch. She also did the most in-depth editorial read that I've ever experienced. It was massive, detailed and absolutely invaluable not only for the story, but also in pushing me as a writer. I don't think there are enough words to express my gratitude to her. Juno, you humble me. 

Ladies, you all humble me. 

*standing ovation to the alpha/beta/cheerleading team
machshefa: (runs with lightsaber)
*runs in, waving lightsaber...

Wheeee!

I'm a bit overwhelmed, but there are Good Things!

1. The [livejournal.com profile] holmestice Exchange is posting... Do you read Sherlock fic? Do you love character study and romance and adventure? Do you love creative and beautifully written stories? Well, what are you waiting for? Get over there. I've been refreshing the page endlessly so that I can read the two new stories posted each day. There are already ten or twelve up there to enjoy.

and more good things! )

That is all.

<3


machshefa: (Default)
Name: A Great Man
Author: [livejournal.com profile] machshefa
Pairing: none
Rating: PG
'Verse: BBC
Warnings: none

Written for [livejournal.com profile] thegameison_sh Round 2.

***

Read the ficlet here... )


machshefa: (Sherlock)
Written for  [livejournal.com profile] thegameison_sh (my first challenge round!). The challenge was: Undercover

Title: (un) Masked
Author: [livejournal.com profile] machshefa
Rating: PG
Pairing: John/Sherlock
Verse: BBC
Word count: 543
Warnings: None

(un) Masked )
machshefa: (adore)
*flails

My gift for the [livejournal.com profile] sshg_exchange just posted and I was home and online when it did! WOOOOT!

Run, don't walk, and see the unbelievable drawing I received from an amazing artist. (I LOVE getting art.)

The drawing is from a scene in "King of Swords" (one of my very favorite scenes) and has such depth and detail and nuance. It simply sings.

*adores mystery artist 

Chasing the Darkness Away

I mean it! Go, see!

*dances


machshefa: (Default)
Do I have time to write for [livejournal.com profile] holmestice?

Last round, I did a pinch hit. I also signed up for [livejournal.com profile] thegameison_sh each month (500-750 words, only, so that's not too bad, right?).

And this, after saying I was done writing to deadlines.

*whimpers at my utter lack of self-control

It takes me forever to write... I can't just whip something out (usually), even if it's short. It's a painstaking process. 

But, but, but.

*sighs

*drags self away from [livejournal.com profile] holmestice com for now

machshefa: (tree pose)
What follows is my attempt to make sense of some currently shapeless thoughts and feelings by thinking 'out loud', so to speak. Feel free to skip the navel gazing and wandering in circles and go right to the questions at the end. I'd LOVE to have lots and lots of discussion here if people are interested in the topic. Or, skip the whole thing and enjoy your evening. :)


Read more... )Read more... )
machshefa: (patronus)
Hi everybody,

First of all... HUGS.

I'm in awe of this group and the love and power of the community. T is
thrilled and grateful to everybody and asked me to convey her thanks
and to tell you how much it means to her. Also, she does so love
having all the enthusiastic effort sent in her direction -- we giggled
over how much she enjoys that. So nice to see her smile.

the long and rambly summary )

*hugs and thanks again to everybody for their healing energy and support

machshefa: (Zen stones)
My apologies for linking to an flocked post earlier today. (Irons hands)

Below is the text cut and pasted from Ari's journal. I was in session all day with no break and this is my first opportunity to repost it (with Ari's permission, of course). It contains wonderful, thoughtful advice.

*hugs Ari

Ari's advice )
machshefa: (tree pose)
Hi everybody.

First, I want to extend hugs and thanks to everybody who has reached out, sent healing energy and loving wishes to Mis_T and to the fangurls who were in Chicago to hold her during this frightening time. The power of this community is awesome. 

T has embarked on a journey now, and those who plan to accompany her (from near and far) must support one another and manage the sadness and anxiety that is bound to come up. I will try to continue to check in and post links for stress management and coping. If anybody is having a particularly difficult time, please do let me know and I'll try to help hook you up with support. In the meantime, 
[info]ariadne1  posted a fabulous set of suggestions for how to care for the caregiver here.

ETA: You might find that this crisis has brought up memories and feelings from crises in your own life and/or family. This is to be expected, though it can, in and of itself, be stressful. Even though this crisis has to do with T, give yourself permission to think about or talk about the crisis you or a family member experienced. This situation gives you an opportunity to work through another layer of the previous loss or trauma. It in no way detracts from your concern for T and her family.
 
Today, I'm linking to a list of 
articles on general stress management from a holistic healthcare site. 

More specifically, I want to share a link to a breathing technique that is extremely helpful in managing anxiety and stress and improving focus. It's a Pranayama Breathing technique (related to yoga).

(No laughing, AV).

Alternate Nostril Breathing


Why does this help? I already know how to breathe.

Yes, you do... sort of. But not really.

Any sort of breathing exercise is helpful b/c it increases the oxygenation of the blood, which tells the brain that you are safe. When people are anxious or stressed, they tend to breathe shallowly or even hold their breath. (Pay attention; you'll be surprised.) This reduces the oxygenation in the blood just a tad and tells the brain, "DANGER", which leads the brain to pump the heart faster, which leads to light headedness, tingling, nausea... and in the most extreme case, a full-out panic attack.

So, paying attention to your breathing will make a difference in how your body feels, which will also make a difference to your thought patterns. 'Thought patterns,' you say? 'What does this have to do with my thought patterns?'

When your body is wired, jittery, anxious, the mind says, "what's wrong?" (beyond the obvious in this situation), and searches for something to hang the anxiety on. And then you're distracted, preoccupied, maybe even ruminating (thinking anxious thoughts over and over again).

It's a vicious cycle between mind and body (which are, of course, connected).

So.

Breathe, everybody.

*hugs


Feel free to repost this if you think it would be helpful to others not on my flist.
machshefa: (tree pose)
Hi everybody.

I just got off the phone with Miss T. 

She said that she is overwhelmed (in a good way) by the incredible support she is receiving and is so appreciative of the response. Those of you who know how to contact her via phone are welcome to do so, and she, (to quote) is "welcome to not pick up the phone" if she's not feeling up to talking. She's doing a lot of dozing and said she knows that nobody will take it personally if she's not up for a conversation. :)

Also, something her husband told me last night was clarified in my conversation with her today and it's wonderful and important. 

medical details under the cut )
Also, she said that she cannot read (don't know if that's permanent or not), so let's get going on those podcasts! She's excited for them. 

Thanks to all of you for the tremendous response to this news, for the good wishes and positive energy you all are sending her way. This is such a wonderful community.
machshefa: (patronus)
Hi everybody.

I wanted to give you all an update on T. I spoke with her husband not long ago and the news is not good. He said that T was awake and groggy and that everything the doctors told him has been shared with her. He has given permission for all of this information to be shared with the community. Please do boost the signal so that the entire community is aware of what is going on. Thank you all. 

The news )
What we can do as a community. )
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