Meme: Stories that never were

[rabidsamfan]

From rubynye, who inspired me to give this a try: (If nothing else, it might break the writer's block.)

Give me the title of a story I've never written, and feedback telling me what you liked best about it, and I will tell you any of: the first sentence, the last sentence, the thing that made me want to write it, the biggest problem I had while writing it, why it almost never got posted, the scene that hit the cutting room floor but that I wish I'd been able to salvage, or something else that I want readers to know.

Any fandom you've seen me write before is fair game. I'll try to come back with at least three of the possibilities.

Comments

[janeturenne.livejournal.com]

Oooo, this is FUN *rubs hands with glee*

Hmmm. Well, you know me. That hiatus-era fic you never wrote in which Lestrade and Mary saved the day--at the cost, for her, of the case of pneumonia which took her life and, for him, of that twisted foot we hear about in BOSC (never mind that BOSC is pre-hiatus. Watson screwed up with his references)--will always live on in my heart. The extensive research that went into describing the obscure disease from which they were saving Watson, and the sinister figure of Moran lurking, glimpsed in shadows but never spoken of, behind the dastardly plot, made the whole thing so vividly real. But of course, it was the characterization that made it all so exquisite. This part, I'll never forget:

"I can't tell you not to worry, Mrs. Watson. I'm worried myself, if it comes to that. But I swear to you, I and the Yard will do everything we can. Your husband is one of us, and we never abandon our own."

She looked up at me then, as neat and proper and womanly as ever, but her lips were set and her eyes were hard.

"I appreciate your dedication to my husband, Inspector Lestrade; your sentiments are very kind. But if you suppose that I intend to remain here with hands folded while John wastes away, you have misjudged me sorely. I am a soldier's daughter and a soldier's wife, and I have no talent for sitting helpless and idle when I might be doing something useful."

She stood and smoothed her skirts. I recognized that look of hers. The piercing gaze that Dr. Watson had not managed to pick up in all the years of his friendship with Mr. Holmes, his wife seemed to have learned.

"Tell me everything you know."

It's a good thing Mary died in the end, really, or else you know I'd be begging you for a sequel!

[dreamflower]

Oh, I loved "Return to the White City" so much! What a fun look at Sam's visit to Gondor, with Rose and Elanor in tow! It was just delightful! Rose's reaction to the news she was expecting again was so in character; I loved Sam's worry and Rose's practicality-- and the letter to young Frodo explaining their delay in returning home was very hobbity. You do such a marvelous "Sam-voice"!

I think the most fun however, was seeing Bergil all grown up, and Elanor's little crush on his son! Sam and Bergil were both wise fathers, and handled the situation with diplomatic aplomb, and without any seriously broken hearts ensuing.

And the crowning touch was little Tolman, who made his appearance into the world so abruptly, and captivated everyone.

[lame-pegasus.livejournal.com]

Hmmmm... I vividly remember Bilbo's Mirror - not only because it was so wonderfully written but because you actually participated in my Before I go to sleep-universe. It makes me smile that I gave my share by sending you that list of mathoms (toys he might have given the little hobbitlings on his famous 111th birthday), how you described him wrapping up all those small treasures (and for whom), and that we finally found out why Bilbo decided to give Lily Proudfoot a mirror.

Sorry for the edits; I should quit making up things before I had my first coffee. *grins*

Well I Never

[calccarbonate.livejournal.com]

A story built on the premise that everyone has an unexpected talent is utter and complete genius. I mean, really. I never thought that Lestrade would even have time for a hobby (his work seems to be his life), and Watson...how could he be an expert on fishing? Holmes is always sending them to land-based cases! Or is it escapism? Hopkins had me rolling, but Bradstreet was like the big, cuddly surprise in the box.