Yuletide Letter - Blueinkedfrost on AO3
Oct. 24th, 2025 07:40 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
blueinkedfrostDear Yuletide Writer,
Thank you for writing for me! I hope you have a wonderful Yuletide. Our shared rare fandom is joy, optional details are optional, and please don't get eaten by bears. I hope that you and yours have a happy and safe season.
Things I like to read include: adventure, ghost stories, humour, horror, slice-of-life, worldbuilding, alternate universes, love, tragedy, suffering, hope, irony, drama, mystery, complicated characters, complicated relationships, character development, underexplored parts of canon universes, plot twists, banter, capable/competent characters, female characters having adventures and being central to the story, femslash, gen, het, slash, rare characters in the spotlight, unusual stories, being surprised, and many other things that hopefully cover what you enjoy writing. I'd love to read a story you want to write.
In general, I'd much rather read fic that went in a direction you liked writing than a story that stuck to a prompt that wasn't working for you.
Treats are welcome.
Fandoms
Mansfield Park - Jane Austen
A Jane Austen gem with an interesting heroine, shy but steadfast and conscientious even when those around her regard her as 'lowest and last', nuanced characters and conflicts, and one of the best fictional villains of all time in the form of Mrs. Norris.
Characters: Fanny Price, Henry Crawford, Mary Crawford
Source: Project Gutenberg
Happy for you to write about a subset of the requested characters (fine to include only one or two).
Henry and Mary: Incest prompt - I can read these two characters with just enough issues and dysfunction to be in an incestuous relationship with each other. They lost their parents at an early age and were raised in an environment of favouritism (the Admiral and his wife each having a favourite), marital dysfunction, misogyny from the Admiral, and teachings to value wealth and prestige and underrate ethical behaviour. Would like something in line with their book characterisation but with this dramatic twist.
Alternatively, write Mary and/or Henry making witty remarks with each other or with other characters, or maybe a story about their childhood. I love their verbal cleverness and how they're complicated, interesting characters who aren't villains or saints. Epistolary fiction about the Rushworth Divorce Case would also be neat.
Fanny: Anything about her! I love Fanny Price. A shy bookworm, told all her life that she's the "lowest and last" and must be grateful above all things to the wealthy family that took her in, and who turns out to have a spine of pure titanium when it's important. I love how Fanny's kind, contemplative, thoughtful, and stays true to herself even when all the circumstances and the people she loves are against her. I'd love to read how Fanny continues to grow and develop past the novel, taking up new responsibilities at Mansfield Parsonage, learning to love it, and her new adventures. Fanny somehow meeting Admiral Crawford would be hilarious! Fanny in a fantasy or science-fiction tale, or ghost story, would also be lovely. Fanny and her sibling relationships with William and Susan are warm and kind - watching them interact is great. Or alternative universe roleswap: Fanny Crawford is a shy bookworm spoiled and indulged by her father the Admiral, while Mary Price is a poor, vivacious foundling taken in by the wealthy Bertrams and her dreadful Aunt Norris - what happens?
Out of all of Austen's heroines, Anne Elliot probably wins "Best Educated", but I vote Fanny Price for "Most Nerdy". She'd rather practice astronomy than sing a glee!
Do Not Want: Fanny agreeing to start a romantic relationship with Henry.
Pride: One of the Seven Cardinal Sins - Eugene Sue
This sensational nineteenth century novel about how pride can be a virtue is, above all, fun.
The heart of the story is two couples who want to love and be loved for themselves, rather than wealth or a title or a pretty face, and that's a theme that never gets old. Along the way there's a lot of masquerading and mistaken identity and comical schemes, a cynical hunchback swordsman fairy godfather, wicked villains who get their comeuppance, and a housekeeper who really hates Napoleon.
You can learn a lot about history from this novel. Who can now fail to recall the unforgettable moment when Napoleon made his son the young King of Rome ride across the park dragged by the Pope in harness to tell Mamma Josephine that she was divorced?! I know I won't. :P
Characters: Any (Ernestine, Herminie, Olivier, Marquis de Maillefort)
Source: Project Gutenberg
I'd love to enjoy some more fun with these characters. Requested 'Any' because I like all the nominated characters, happy for the story to include/focus on a small subset of characters. This is a joyous, fast-moving novel about identity shenanigans, long-lost relatives, and lots of love to go around.
Ernestine: I love her sweetness and kindness and determination to go find out about the world for herself. She's not beautiful, charismatic, or especially gifted in any way, but she's a hard worker who's trying to find people who love her for herself instead of accepting the pit of vipers that her great wealth throws her into. I'd love to see her continue developing her inner strength and show capability/competence.
Herminie: Her pride is a virtue and a flaw, endearing but dangerous. I'd love to read about the double edged sword of Herminie's character traits, which are heroic and admirable but not always practical. I love her family relationship with her lost sister, the bond between her and Ernestine is very sweet. These sisters can even laugh in the face of danger as long as they're together!
Olivier: He's a solid bloke. Responsible and caring to his uncle and his housekeeper, generous and kind even to a poor unattractive embroiderer girl, hardworking and skilled. He's a great match for Ernestine. I'd love to see him and Ernestine enjoying some laughter as well as being conscientious.
Marquis de Maillefort: Without him the story would be about 900% less entertaining. This humpbacked master swordsman and professional cynic is probably the best character. He's definitely a man who's had some adventures in life, I'd love to know more about them! Anything involving Maillefort's duelling or brutal verbal takedowns would be great, or some more interaction with Madame Barbançon would be hilarious. In fact, any character interacting with Madame Barbançon would be hilarious.
Do Not Want: Ernestine/Herminie femslash, alternate universe set in modern Earth. Other alternate universes including what-if paths developing from characters making different decisions, fantasy, science fiction, historical time periods 50+ years ago, magic, dragons, etc. are welcome.
Paula Monti - Eugene Sue
Sensational nineteenth century novel about a murderous love hexagon with the obsession of four men and a psychotic lesbian for one woman, Paula Monti. It is melodramatic and over-plotted and utterly hilarious.
Characters: Any (Paula Monti, Iris, Bertha Raimond, Pierre Raimond)
Source: Project Gutenberg
General prompts: I love the melodrama of this novel! I'd love to read your take as reinterpretation, alternate universe or setting, crackfic, genderbending, adventure, murder, angst, or femslash. Gen, het, femslash and slash are all welcome, including pairing canon characters with original or crossover characters.
Here are some more specific character thoughts.
Paula Monti: the leading lady. I like Paula's character arc. She goes from a person who was innocent of the swirling obsessions around her, to a person who gives into corruption. When de Brevannes compromised her and triggered the duel with Raphael, Paula was asleep and didn't know about the trick he played on her aunt. When Iris tried to murder her husband, Paula had no idea what was happening. But when Iris proposes her final murderous scheme, Paula struggles with her conscience and finally gives in. Her husband doesn't love her any more, she feels herself wronged, and how bad is it really to connive at a little murder when it's not like you're going to be wielding the gun yourself and no jury in the world would hold you guilty? I'd love to read anything about Paula and her melodramatic adventures, whether gen focused or romance. Pairing wise, femslash with Paula/Iris or Paula/Bertha would be lovely, or even a lesbian harem centred around Paula.
Iris: the breakout star! As written, Iris is an unsatisfying creation who draws from racist and homophobic tropes, but I like her potential. She's the most intelligent character in this mess of a story and she deserved so much better. She's a complicated girl with so many abilities. Femslash prompts: Paula/Iris is obvious, but what about Iris/Bertha or Iris with an original or crossover character? Bertha is a much more well adjusted person and if Iris breaks free of Paula, she could live happily with another girl. Gen prompt: Iris comes to terms with her desires and changes as a person - whether by accepting that Paula will never love her the way she wants and giving in to darkness, or by breaking away and living on her own terms.
Bertha: our virtuous heroine. I think the way Bertha's written is a little too good to be true, she's not as interesting as the other characters. But, the way she deals with being trapped in an abusive relationship is relatable, she is prosy and preachy despite her best intentions, she's a hard worker, and there's enough to her to develop in various interesting ways. Femslash prompts: Paula/Bertha could be very interesting, or Bertha/Iris would be nice and probably happier for Iris. Alternatively, I'm fine with Bertha's canon love interest de Hansfeld.
Pierre: join your local union or else! The world needs more crusty old revolutionary socialist copper engravers. He's such a fun character and it would be great to see more of his adventures and experiences, such as during the revolution. I've read all of the English Project Gutenberg translations of Eugene Sue's Les Mystères du peuple and wouldn't mind something in this vein, the history is a fascinating topic. (Disclaimer - Sue's historical takes are pretty biased so I'm not asking for something exactly the same.)
Do Not Want: Alternate universe set in modern Earth. Other alternate universes including what-if paths developing from characters making different decisions, fantasy, science fiction, historical time periods 50+ years ago, magic, dragons, etc. are welcome.
Modesty Blaise - Peter O'Donnell
Modesty Blaise's earliest memories are as a nameless refugee child in the Middle East with no knowledge of where she came from. Struggling to survive, she adopted and protected a university professor who taught her and named her. As a teenager, Blaise took over an existing criminal gang 'The Network' and ran it to make immense profits from industrial espionage, theft, and shipping fraud, while staying away from drugs, prostitution, and British intelligence secrets. During this time she recruited Willie Garvin, a prodigious fighter with untaught but formidable engineering skills, who became inseparable from her. Blaise and Garvin are not lovers - their partnership is far too intimate for that.
After retiring from criminal activities with immense fortunes, Blaise and Garvin tried to settle down into a peaceful English existence, but found life boring. They then started helping British Intelligence on various adventure missions, endangering their lives across multiple continents with a good deal of bravery, ingenuity, careful planning, and improvisation.
Characters: Modesty Blaise, Willie Garvin
Source: Under copyright, available for purchase
I'd love to read some more of Blaise and Garvin's adventures! Whether they're fighting a dangerous killer, solving a low-stakes curiosity, testing a new gadget from Willie, into the fray on one of Tarrant's missions, or engaging in English village life, I'd enjoy reading them interact in their inimitable style. As an alternate/additional prompt, Modesty enjoying an f/f relationship with an original female character would be fun. I'm fine with a story based on the comics, novels, or both.
I haven't requested Dinah and Stephen Collier, so including them is completely optional, but I enjoy Stephen's quirky running commentary and Dinah's role as a female friend to Modesty with interesting psychic powers. Some other characters I enjoy from the book series include Lady Janet, with her resilience and moral compass, the threatening Simon Delicata, the golden master Mr. Sexton, and the extremely English pair of best-friends-with-benefits bisexual Beauregard Browne and nymphomaniac administrator Clarissa de Courtney-Scott.
Baldur's Gate (video game)
Fantasy adventure bildungsroman with a host of amazing characters.
Characters: Shar-Teel Dosan, Worldbuilding
Source: Beamdog.com
I'd love to read about an adventure with your favourite combination of characters. Baldur's Gate is the fandom I keep coming back to, because there are so many stories and possibilities and styles and twists and tangents to explore. Ghost story, swords and adventure, unjust suffering, friends and laughter, bizarre mystery, love.
I haven't played the extended editions, but I'd still enjoy reading fic about the characters/settings there as long as it has a lot of exposition. Nominated or non nominated, joinable companions or the weirdest minor characters, the strangest and most unlikely bedfellows or long-term canonical pairings, alternate universes, original characters - all welcome.
I picked Shar-Teel as a requested character because she's fun, but it's fine if your story doesn't include her. Exploring worldbuilding and the broader universe are also very cool. Some miscellaneous prompts: Shar-Teel sharpens Aerie's fighting skills; Xzar and Montaron reluctantly bring the party on an undercover mission to a Zhent-ruled city; Skie helps the group navigate intrigue in fashionable society in Baldur's Gate; Viconia and Shar-Teel bond (either romantically or platonically); Dynaheir survives Irenicus' dungeon and faces challenges in Baldur's Gate II; Jaheira and Khalid face a challenging Harper mission; Gorion reveals some of his adventures; the characters fall into a ghost story.
Thank you for writing for me! I hope you have a wonderful Yuletide. Our shared rare fandom is joy, optional details are optional, and please don't get eaten by bears. I hope that you and yours have a happy and safe season.
Things I like to read include: adventure, ghost stories, humour, horror, slice-of-life, worldbuilding, alternate universes, love, tragedy, suffering, hope, irony, drama, mystery, complicated characters, complicated relationships, character development, underexplored parts of canon universes, plot twists, banter, capable/competent characters, female characters having adventures and being central to the story, femslash, gen, het, slash, rare characters in the spotlight, unusual stories, being surprised, and many other things that hopefully cover what you enjoy writing. I'd love to read a story you want to write.
In general, I'd much rather read fic that went in a direction you liked writing than a story that stuck to a prompt that wasn't working for you.
Treats are welcome.
Fandoms
- Mansfield Park - Jane Austen (book)
- Pride: One of the Seven Cardinal Sins - Eugene Sue (book)
- Paula Monti - Eugene Sue (book)
- Modesty Blaise - Peter O'Donnell (comic series and book series)
- Baldur's Gate (video game)
Mansfield Park - Jane Austen
A Jane Austen gem with an interesting heroine, shy but steadfast and conscientious even when those around her regard her as 'lowest and last', nuanced characters and conflicts, and one of the best fictional villains of all time in the form of Mrs. Norris.
Characters: Fanny Price, Henry Crawford, Mary Crawford
Source: Project Gutenberg
Happy for you to write about a subset of the requested characters (fine to include only one or two).
Henry and Mary: Incest prompt - I can read these two characters with just enough issues and dysfunction to be in an incestuous relationship with each other. They lost their parents at an early age and were raised in an environment of favouritism (the Admiral and his wife each having a favourite), marital dysfunction, misogyny from the Admiral, and teachings to value wealth and prestige and underrate ethical behaviour. Would like something in line with their book characterisation but with this dramatic twist.
Alternatively, write Mary and/or Henry making witty remarks with each other or with other characters, or maybe a story about their childhood. I love their verbal cleverness and how they're complicated, interesting characters who aren't villains or saints. Epistolary fiction about the Rushworth Divorce Case would also be neat.
Fanny: Anything about her! I love Fanny Price. A shy bookworm, told all her life that she's the "lowest and last" and must be grateful above all things to the wealthy family that took her in, and who turns out to have a spine of pure titanium when it's important. I love how Fanny's kind, contemplative, thoughtful, and stays true to herself even when all the circumstances and the people she loves are against her. I'd love to read how Fanny continues to grow and develop past the novel, taking up new responsibilities at Mansfield Parsonage, learning to love it, and her new adventures. Fanny somehow meeting Admiral Crawford would be hilarious! Fanny in a fantasy or science-fiction tale, or ghost story, would also be lovely. Fanny and her sibling relationships with William and Susan are warm and kind - watching them interact is great. Or alternative universe roleswap: Fanny Crawford is a shy bookworm spoiled and indulged by her father the Admiral, while Mary Price is a poor, vivacious foundling taken in by the wealthy Bertrams and her dreadful Aunt Norris - what happens?
Out of all of Austen's heroines, Anne Elliot probably wins "Best Educated", but I vote Fanny Price for "Most Nerdy". She'd rather practice astronomy than sing a glee!
Do Not Want: Fanny agreeing to start a romantic relationship with Henry.
Pride: One of the Seven Cardinal Sins - Eugene Sue
This sensational nineteenth century novel about how pride can be a virtue is, above all, fun.
The heart of the story is two couples who want to love and be loved for themselves, rather than wealth or a title or a pretty face, and that's a theme that never gets old. Along the way there's a lot of masquerading and mistaken identity and comical schemes, a cynical hunchback swordsman fairy godfather, wicked villains who get their comeuppance, and a housekeeper who really hates Napoleon.
You can learn a lot about history from this novel. Who can now fail to recall the unforgettable moment when Napoleon made his son the young King of Rome ride across the park dragged by the Pope in harness to tell Mamma Josephine that she was divorced?! I know I won't. :P
Characters: Any (Ernestine, Herminie, Olivier, Marquis de Maillefort)
Source: Project Gutenberg
I'd love to enjoy some more fun with these characters. Requested 'Any' because I like all the nominated characters, happy for the story to include/focus on a small subset of characters. This is a joyous, fast-moving novel about identity shenanigans, long-lost relatives, and lots of love to go around.
Ernestine: I love her sweetness and kindness and determination to go find out about the world for herself. She's not beautiful, charismatic, or especially gifted in any way, but she's a hard worker who's trying to find people who love her for herself instead of accepting the pit of vipers that her great wealth throws her into. I'd love to see her continue developing her inner strength and show capability/competence.
Herminie: Her pride is a virtue and a flaw, endearing but dangerous. I'd love to read about the double edged sword of Herminie's character traits, which are heroic and admirable but not always practical. I love her family relationship with her lost sister, the bond between her and Ernestine is very sweet. These sisters can even laugh in the face of danger as long as they're together!
Olivier: He's a solid bloke. Responsible and caring to his uncle and his housekeeper, generous and kind even to a poor unattractive embroiderer girl, hardworking and skilled. He's a great match for Ernestine. I'd love to see him and Ernestine enjoying some laughter as well as being conscientious.
Marquis de Maillefort: Without him the story would be about 900% less entertaining. This humpbacked master swordsman and professional cynic is probably the best character. He's definitely a man who's had some adventures in life, I'd love to know more about them! Anything involving Maillefort's duelling or brutal verbal takedowns would be great, or some more interaction with Madame Barbançon would be hilarious. In fact, any character interacting with Madame Barbançon would be hilarious.
Do Not Want: Ernestine/Herminie femslash, alternate universe set in modern Earth. Other alternate universes including what-if paths developing from characters making different decisions, fantasy, science fiction, historical time periods 50+ years ago, magic, dragons, etc. are welcome.
Paula Monti - Eugene Sue
Sensational nineteenth century novel about a murderous love hexagon with the obsession of four men and a psychotic lesbian for one woman, Paula Monti. It is melodramatic and over-plotted and utterly hilarious.
Characters: Any (Paula Monti, Iris, Bertha Raimond, Pierre Raimond)
Source: Project Gutenberg
General prompts: I love the melodrama of this novel! I'd love to read your take as reinterpretation, alternate universe or setting, crackfic, genderbending, adventure, murder, angst, or femslash. Gen, het, femslash and slash are all welcome, including pairing canon characters with original or crossover characters.
Here are some more specific character thoughts.
Paula Monti: the leading lady. I like Paula's character arc. She goes from a person who was innocent of the swirling obsessions around her, to a person who gives into corruption. When de Brevannes compromised her and triggered the duel with Raphael, Paula was asleep and didn't know about the trick he played on her aunt. When Iris tried to murder her husband, Paula had no idea what was happening. But when Iris proposes her final murderous scheme, Paula struggles with her conscience and finally gives in. Her husband doesn't love her any more, she feels herself wronged, and how bad is it really to connive at a little murder when it's not like you're going to be wielding the gun yourself and no jury in the world would hold you guilty? I'd love to read anything about Paula and her melodramatic adventures, whether gen focused or romance. Pairing wise, femslash with Paula/Iris or Paula/Bertha would be lovely, or even a lesbian harem centred around Paula.
Iris: the breakout star! As written, Iris is an unsatisfying creation who draws from racist and homophobic tropes, but I like her potential. She's the most intelligent character in this mess of a story and she deserved so much better. She's a complicated girl with so many abilities. Femslash prompts: Paula/Iris is obvious, but what about Iris/Bertha or Iris with an original or crossover character? Bertha is a much more well adjusted person and if Iris breaks free of Paula, she could live happily with another girl. Gen prompt: Iris comes to terms with her desires and changes as a person - whether by accepting that Paula will never love her the way she wants and giving in to darkness, or by breaking away and living on her own terms.
Bertha: our virtuous heroine. I think the way Bertha's written is a little too good to be true, she's not as interesting as the other characters. But, the way she deals with being trapped in an abusive relationship is relatable, she is prosy and preachy despite her best intentions, she's a hard worker, and there's enough to her to develop in various interesting ways. Femslash prompts: Paula/Bertha could be very interesting, or Bertha/Iris would be nice and probably happier for Iris. Alternatively, I'm fine with Bertha's canon love interest de Hansfeld.
Pierre: join your local union or else! The world needs more crusty old revolutionary socialist copper engravers. He's such a fun character and it would be great to see more of his adventures and experiences, such as during the revolution. I've read all of the English Project Gutenberg translations of Eugene Sue's Les Mystères du peuple and wouldn't mind something in this vein, the history is a fascinating topic. (Disclaimer - Sue's historical takes are pretty biased so I'm not asking for something exactly the same.)
Do Not Want: Alternate universe set in modern Earth. Other alternate universes including what-if paths developing from characters making different decisions, fantasy, science fiction, historical time periods 50+ years ago, magic, dragons, etc. are welcome.
Modesty Blaise - Peter O'Donnell
Modesty Blaise's earliest memories are as a nameless refugee child in the Middle East with no knowledge of where she came from. Struggling to survive, she adopted and protected a university professor who taught her and named her. As a teenager, Blaise took over an existing criminal gang 'The Network' and ran it to make immense profits from industrial espionage, theft, and shipping fraud, while staying away from drugs, prostitution, and British intelligence secrets. During this time she recruited Willie Garvin, a prodigious fighter with untaught but formidable engineering skills, who became inseparable from her. Blaise and Garvin are not lovers - their partnership is far too intimate for that.
After retiring from criminal activities with immense fortunes, Blaise and Garvin tried to settle down into a peaceful English existence, but found life boring. They then started helping British Intelligence on various adventure missions, endangering their lives across multiple continents with a good deal of bravery, ingenuity, careful planning, and improvisation.
Characters: Modesty Blaise, Willie Garvin
Source: Under copyright, available for purchase
I'd love to read some more of Blaise and Garvin's adventures! Whether they're fighting a dangerous killer, solving a low-stakes curiosity, testing a new gadget from Willie, into the fray on one of Tarrant's missions, or engaging in English village life, I'd enjoy reading them interact in their inimitable style. As an alternate/additional prompt, Modesty enjoying an f/f relationship with an original female character would be fun. I'm fine with a story based on the comics, novels, or both.
I haven't requested Dinah and Stephen Collier, so including them is completely optional, but I enjoy Stephen's quirky running commentary and Dinah's role as a female friend to Modesty with interesting psychic powers. Some other characters I enjoy from the book series include Lady Janet, with her resilience and moral compass, the threatening Simon Delicata, the golden master Mr. Sexton, and the extremely English pair of best-friends-with-benefits bisexual Beauregard Browne and nymphomaniac administrator Clarissa de Courtney-Scott.
Baldur's Gate (video game)
Fantasy adventure bildungsroman with a host of amazing characters.
Characters: Shar-Teel Dosan, Worldbuilding
Source: Beamdog.com
I'd love to read about an adventure with your favourite combination of characters. Baldur's Gate is the fandom I keep coming back to, because there are so many stories and possibilities and styles and twists and tangents to explore. Ghost story, swords and adventure, unjust suffering, friends and laughter, bizarre mystery, love.
I haven't played the extended editions, but I'd still enjoy reading fic about the characters/settings there as long as it has a lot of exposition. Nominated or non nominated, joinable companions or the weirdest minor characters, the strangest and most unlikely bedfellows or long-term canonical pairings, alternate universes, original characters - all welcome.
I picked Shar-Teel as a requested character because she's fun, but it's fine if your story doesn't include her. Exploring worldbuilding and the broader universe are also very cool. Some miscellaneous prompts: Shar-Teel sharpens Aerie's fighting skills; Xzar and Montaron reluctantly bring the party on an undercover mission to a Zhent-ruled city; Skie helps the group navigate intrigue in fashionable society in Baldur's Gate; Viconia and Shar-Teel bond (either romantically or platonically); Dynaheir survives Irenicus' dungeon and faces challenges in Baldur's Gate II; Jaheira and Khalid face a challenging Harper mission; Gorion reveals some of his adventures; the characters fall into a ghost story.
