IWRY Marathon *Reviews & Feedback*

Mrs Gordo

Mrs Gordo

Bangel extremist...
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Jul 11, 2017
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Black Thorn
Tomorrow begins the IWRY Marathon

From LJ "The IWRY Fic Marathon was the brain child of leni_ba, who began it in 2004 to mark the anniversary of the 'Angel' episode, "I Will Remember You". The idea was to post one B/A story every day for the month of November."

The fics will be revealed one by one throughout the month of November. On AO3: I Will Remember You | Archive of Our Own

I will also try and post the stories as they are published (which likely won't be every day because we will have less than 30 stories).

Join us as we discuss these stories as they are published. Some items of discussion are:

1. How good of a job has the author done in capturing the voices of the characters in the story?
2. How effective is the writer in capturing the Bangel relationship dynamic?
3. What are some of the greatest strengths of the fic?
4. What is some construction criticism you would have for the writer?

Please remember that it is much easier to be a critic than to create so let's be respectful when providing our feedback. Some of the fiction writers in this marathon ARE members of the boards. And I'm fairly certain that none of us are Joss. The point is to encourage our writers to improve and to keep writing for the fandom! 😀

Similarly, if you are the writer, I invite you to share with us your thought process on your writing of the story.

Happy reading!
 
Not sure if I can participate, seeing how much reading I have to do for school. I'm still planing on reading ''Phoenix burning'', but this is also awesome! I love the Bangel fandom 😀
 
Mrs Gordo
Mrs Gordo
Completely understand! I will tell you most of these are pretty short - so just some food for thought :)
I’m really excited for this!! It’s the perfect opportunity to read more Bangel fanfics. I’ve only ever finished 2 lol.

This reminds me I should post my favorite (yes, ridiculous given I’ve only read 2 lol but I honestly love it!) in the rec thread eventually...
 
The first fic has been unveiled, and it is "Drift" by @Grace! This is her first time participating in the marathon.

1. How good of a job has the author done in capturing the voices of the characters in the story?

I could definitely hear the actors' voices as I read! 🙂

2. How effective is the writer in capturing the Bangel relationship dynamic?

The powerful longing, the quiet understanding, the way neither time nor new relationships dim what's between them...that's what I'm here for.

3. What are some of the greatest strengths of the fic?

These were really good ideas for missing scenes. I particularly liked that Buffy didn't get outwardly angry with Joyce, and I liked the way she delved deeper with Angel's reasons for leaving.

4. What is some construction criticism you would have for the writer?

I'll have to see more of her writing before I can really make that kind of assessment. 😀
 
Yay @Grace ! You are the very first one!

**********

1. How good of a job has the author done in capturing the voices of the characters in the story?

I think you do such a good job of objectively conveying the voices of the characters. I think you did such a great job with Angel who I always find is tricky in fics.

2. How effective is the writer in capturing the Bangel relationship dynamic?

What I love the most is that you capture a beautiful restraint between them two. Its understated but yet it is so powerful because we know that there is some much shared between the two. It's these little moments. These conversations that tell us so much about this love story. It's a beautiful snap shot of their love story.

3. What are some of the greatest strengths of the fic?

You know I'm already such a huge fan of your writing. You have a beautiful way with words. The imagery you create with your words is beautiful. I love this line: "And part of her wanted to cry and rage at her mother, to slice through the calm concern with the still-jagged edges of her heart"

This line really hit me in the feels: "She looked into his eyes, and for a few precious beats there was nothing cryptic about them at all. She knew then, in the deepest and truest way, that they were still fighting together. They had never stopped."

4. What is some construction criticism you would have for the writer?

The only criticism I have is I want more! 🙂 I hope you will continue to write for us.
 
1. How good of a job has the author done in capturing the voices of the characters in the story?
A very good job! None of them are OOC

2. How effective is the writer in capturing the Bangel relationship dynamic?
I love how you've captured their never ending love and longing for each other.

3. What are some of the greatest strengths of the fic?
Buffy and her mom; and this beautiful image: ''He pressed a kiss into her hand and drew her back into his arms, holding her quietly as the stars began to dim.''

4. What is some construction criticism you would have for the writer?
Please give us more 😀
 
Grace
Grace
Thank you!
This was wonderful to read and I didn't want it to end.

1. How good a job has the author done capturing the voices of the characters in the Story?
Very well.
2. How effective is the writer in capturing the Bangel relationship dynamic?
Very effective. From reading this I got that the author understands the Bangel relationship very well.

3. What are some of the greatest strengths of the fic?
The visual and lyrical wording the author incorporated. I could see the whole scene in my mind and the dialogue was so natural to the characters themselves. It was almost like reading poetry without the Rhyming.

4. What is some constructive criticism you would have for the writer?
Keep writing. You have a real talent for it. It would be a shame if you didn't keep writing, broadening your subjects, and content. Please keep writing more fanfics because I want to read more from you.



 
Grace
Grace
That's so lovely of you to say. Thank you so much!
"Another Minute".

I tried to read this one while at work and had stop because I started getting super emotional so I came back to it when there were less people around to hear me being a weirdo sniffling in my office. This is an exceptional story and my favorite story of yours to date. It is an incredibly creative side story - how you have Angel and her recreate the sewer talk, Angel obviously going through the motions of the conversation they had earlier. It was so emotionally charged. Your Buffy voice is so on point. Angel's grief is palpable. I love the ending. Given how hard she tried to have that normalcy with Riley, to live in the sun with him its a beautiful thought that Buffy was trying to pay tribute to what Angel had sacrificed for her.

Other bright points:

Hahaha I was laughing so hard at this: "Well, she'd show that orange-bespangled-midriff-baring moron..."

LOL @ "Ohio right?"

I love the bit about the Ring of Amara, how she held on to some hope of what that might mean if that might change anything.
 
Grace
Grace
So glad you liked it! Thank you!
1. How good of a job has the author done in capturing the voices of the characters in the story?

This is some top-notch Buffy-speak narration. 😀

2. How effective is the writer in capturing the Bangel relationship dynamic?

I absolutely love how Buffy was able to appreciate that Angel leaving was as hard for him as it was for her. The bit about how all of her gifts to him have cost him dearly was so painful. Their situation is so brutally unfair.

3. What are some of the greatest strengths of the fic?

The way Buffy's thoughts in the main timeline mirror her dialogue in the IWRY timeline is brilliant. Bonus points for incorporates stuff we didn't get to see about Buffy sending Angel the Gem of Amara. Willow rescuing the card for her before it could get thrown out is such a great little character detail.

4. What is some construction criticism you would have for the writer?

Same as before, I just want more of this!
 
Grace
Grace
Thank you! I'm so happy it worked for you!
I have just read Drift and wow @Grace something clicked for me here. I am here for this!!

1. How good of a job has the author done in capturing the voices of the characters in the story?
So good! It really felt like the characters from the show, even Joyce! I didn't get any OOC feeling from the dialogues and that's the one thing that usually turns me off in fanfiction so I'm impressed.

2. How effective is the writer in capturing the Bangel relationship dynamic?
Very effective. The dynamic I love was there. The longing, the simple words and silences between them who means so much. I was definitely seeing the prolongation of that scene in my head as a I read... and btw it's my favorite Bangel scene so thanks!!!

3. What are some of the greatest strengths of the fic?
It fitted perfectly in the narrative and was true to the characters and the ship's dynamic. I really love when fics (or comics) add to already canon scenes/stories from the show too and your fanfic made me wish it was canon so props! I also have to mention the rhythm of the writing. I don't really know how to explain it but it's such a pleasant text to read. It has a poetic feel to it.

4. What is some construction criticism you would have for the writer?
I really don't know what to say here because I honestly adored this from start to finish. And as someone who hasn't read much fanfiction I don't really feel like I've read enough to give any criticism that might help the writing. I'll just say (like many others did) that you should keep writing because it is the best way to get better and I selfishly want to read more from you!
 
Grace
Grace
Thank you, Mylie! It's my favorite Bangel scene, too, so I really loved thinking about what might happen next.
I liked "Who Are You?" I thought it hit the right beats and that the last line was particularly effective.
 
Playing catch up! I'm ashamed to admit this, but, it's the first time I'm actually reading the IWRY marathon. Looking forward to it.

Drift by Grace:
1. How good of a job has the author done in capturing the voices of the characters in the story?
Very good. I haven't read a ton of fanfic but it's very easy for people to overdo the buffy-speak and cutesy slang, but you did a great job at capturing B's voice.

2. How effective is the writer in capturing the Bangel relationship dynamic?
Very well, understated but clear devotion and longing.

3. What are some of the greatest strengths of the fic?
I thought you really captured the emotion of that time. The little Buffy jingle joke made me smile, and the line "never the word, but always goodbye" was heartbreaking and beautiful.

4. What is some construction criticism you would have for the writer?
I'm so not qualified to hand out any sort of criticism. 🙂

On to the next.....
 
Another Minute by Grace

Oh man, I really really liked this one. @Grace you are seriously good at capturing Buffy. I liked the Willow and Oz mentions; especially Willow pulling the card from Angel out of the trash.
 
Grace
Grace
Thank you, brinkster! So glad you liked them!
Catching up now!

@Grace Great stuff! I really liked how much attention you gave to the Gem of Amara stuff with regard to Buffy's thoughts in "Another Minute" because we got so little of it in the series. (As an aside: I notice you have other fics written, so I'll definitely have to check those out 🙂)
 
Thanks, @Jam! The other stuff I've posted is all just quick scenes. I'm working on learning to plot now! I've started a few longer stories that I hope to finish in the coming weeks/months.
 
Another Minute by @Grace

1. How good of a job has the author done in capturing the voices of the characters in the story?
You could be an official writer. You know how to keep them in character, while still offering something new to the table.
2. How effective is the writer in capturing the Bangel relationship dynamic?
100% effective
3. What are some of the greatest strengths of the fic?
"I know what I said earlier, Angel. But it was just wishful thinking," she said. "I'll never forget."
"What?" he whispered hoarsely, sounding almost horrified. She hurried to explain.
"This morning. I said I would start forgetting. Remember? But I'll never forget."
4. What is some construction criticism you would have for the writer?
Which criticism? I love how you fill in the unseen moments and how easy it is to consider them canon.

 
Who Are You by xspike4evax

1. How good of a job has the author done in capturing the voices of the characters in the story?
Buffy's thoughts are believable and definitively not OOC.
2. How effective is the writer in capturing the Bangel relationship dynamic?
Well, I love seeing Buffy's reaction in more detail. It's heart wrenching, but also beautiful to witness.
3. What are some of the greatest strengths of the fic?
Which such a small amount of words, the fic still hit me right in the feels!
4. What is some construction criticism you would have for the writer?
write more chapters 😀
 
Grace
Grace
Thanks for the kind words!
It's so neat to see you all making a thread like this! I wish we had always had one of these.

For now, I'm just popping in to wave a pom pom. Looooove Grace's two fics, just sad the Grace part of the marathon is over already.
 
Grace
Grace
This thread is a dream! I've been walking on a cloud for days. Thanks again for your help!
Story #4 is up and its by @WillowFromBuffy

I Pray for Half an Hour - WillowFromBuffy - Buffy the Vampire Slayer [Archive of Our Own]

*Please note the rating on this fic and proceed accordingly*
 
Interesting story! I thought the re invented scenes from Becoming were interesting. I like that Giles is present and presses her to close the portal.

I noticed that you used "Angel" throughout instead of "Angelus" throughout the Becoming arc. What was your thought process on this. From your perspective is there a distinction between the two? I did feel Buffy's frustration very real and genuine in the first arc. How difficult of a decision it was for her to make. It felt so much like Buffy from The Gift where she didn't want to sacrifice Dawn.

It's always fun to visit Angel and his dad issues. I liked that the idea that Angel reliving his time as Angelus is his own personal hell. And all of the ramifications of Buffy joining him in this hell. I feel like Angel would never be able to forgive himself for this.

The following message is rated R:
I couldn't help but giggle that Buffy went an awful long way all the way into hell just to get laid but at least it seemed like it was a good time, so good for her. Another interesting bit is that in all of the many B/A sex scenes I have read in my years in the fandom (and there have been tons) I believe this is the first time Angel has so rudely finished before Buffy. It almost seems OOC for him haha. 😉

Steamy little fic. It was a fun read!
 
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