Gabriel Big Bang - Round four now open! FAQ and schedule.
It’s that time of year again! Round Four of the Gabriel Big Bang is officially open!
Gabriel Big Bang: Schedule
All dates given are on a 'as long as it's still that day somewhere in the world' basis.
Sign-ups begin: September 19, 2013
Writer sign-ups end: November 24, 2013
First check-in: December 30, 2013
Second check-in/post a snippet: January 26, 2014
Completed drafts and summaries due: March 2, 2014
Art sign-ups end: March 4, 2014
Art claims: March 5, 2014
Art drafts due: April 6, 2014
Posting begins on: April 11, 2014
***NB: There have been a few changes to the FAQ for Round 4. Please read thoroughly so that you know what will be expected throughout the challenge.
Gabriel Big Bang: General Requirements
For writers…
1. Stories must be a minimum length of 15,000 words. There is no maximum, but it must be a completed story at the time of posting.
2. Stories may be slash, gen, or het.
3. Stories must be beta’d.
4. You may not post your story, either as a completed fic or a WIP, anywhere on the internet prior to your assigned posting date. Teasers or samples may be posted, but these should be as short as possible.
5. Your story should be posted on you own journal or website on your assigned posting date. A header and links should be posted to the community.
6. The central story element must focus on Gabriel or Richard Speight, Jr.
7. On the day of artist claims, please wait until the mods have confirmed the author/artist pairings before contacting your artist to begin your collaboration.
8. AUs and crossovers with the French Mistake ‘verse or the CW RPF ‘verse are permitted, as are fusions. All other crossovers by negotiation with the mod.
For artists…
1. You are required to create at least one piece of art that falls into one of the following categories:
Manips, Artwork or Digital Artwork - 500x500px minimum dimensions
Fanvids - 1 minute minimum duration.
2. The central element of the artwork must focus on Gabriel or Richard Speight, Jr.
3. Icons, spacers, wallpapers, and fanmix covers do not count toward your obligation, but are of course allowed in addition to items listed above.
4. Artist claims will be on a first come/first serve basis. You will be allowed to comment on your first choice and an alternate. Once all stories have been claimed, the mods will reveal the pairings and you will have an opportunity to contact your author.
5. You may not post your art or vid anywhere on the internet prior to your assigned posting date. Teasers may be posted, but not completed work.
6. Your artwork should be posted on you own journal or website on your assigned posting date. The link to the post should be provided to your author to include on the header they submit to the community.
Important Note for Authors and Artists
Some people find it more convenient to post their Big Bang work as a locked entry (or series thereof, as the case may be), which allows author and artist to better collate the links between story and artwork prior to submission to the community on the assigned posting date. This is perfectly acceptable, so long as both fic AND artwork are unlocked at the same time.
As of this year, the mods will check all entries to ensure that all aspects of the work are unlocked before the post will be allowed. Therefore, if there is any foreseeable reason why author and artist may not be able to post or unlock their respective aspects of the big bang work at the same time, please notify the mods as soon as possible.
Gabriel Big Bang: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to have an LJ account to participate?
For artists, no! Just contact the mod to sign up (gabrielbb_mods at yahoo dot com). For authors... ideally, yes, as it would be easier for all concerned. However, if you want to participate and only have a tumblr or AO3 account, talk to the mod (or to whitmerule on tumblr) and we'll see what we can work out.
Can I make art as well as do a story?
Just as in previous years, we’re asking that initial sign-ups be for one or the other, not both. However, as of this year, authors who wish to also sign up as artists may do so if and only if they submit a complete story draft and artist claim summary to the mod e-mail account before the end of artist sign-ups. To that end, artist sign-ups will be allowed for a day after completed drafts and summaries are due.
Again, if the mods haven’t received your completed story draft and summary by e-mail before the deadline, you will not be allowed to sign up for double-duty as an artist. We will keep anyone interested in doing art in mind for pinch-hitting if an author drops out.
What about the support people? Can I sign up to be an alpha/beta/cheerleader as well as signing up to be an author or artist?
We definitely encourage anyone willing to sign up as support for our authors and artists to do so, especially if they’re also participating and want to cheer on fellow authors and artists. Just be aware that authors are not allowed to beta their own work.
Can I submit the completed version of a WIP that I've been posting in my journal?
No. You may finish something from your WIP folder that you've only shared with alpha/beta readers for the bang, but if you’ve posted any part of the story to your journal/a community/AO3 or the like, you cannot use it for this challenge.
The exception to this rule is teasers: if you’ve posted a few lines of the story on your journal for something like a WIP meme, that doesn’t count for the purposes of this rule. This rule pertains to multi-part fics of which you’ve posted one or more chapters.
Can I submit a sequel to a story I've already posted?
Yes, so long as the new story can stand completely on its own. (NB: when preparing an artist summary for such fics, please use something akin to “This is a continuation of an established ‘verse” instead of a link to the prior fic or ‘verse masterpost in the summary. You can link the artist to the prior works after author/artist pairs have been confirmed by the mods.)
Can I do a remix of another person's story if it hasn't been posted before, won't be a WIP, etc.?
No. This story needs to be unique to you.
Are RPF/French Mistake ‘verse fics allowed?
Yes, provided that Gabriel (SPN character) or Richard Speight, Jr. is the main focus of the story.
Are crossovers or AUs allowed?
AUs will be allowed, as will crossovers with the French Mistake ‘verse or CW RPF ‘verse. Crossovers with any other fandom are not currently allowed. Also, please be aware that even in an AU, SPNxFMV or SPNxRPF, the SPN character Gabriel or Richard Speight, Jr. must be the main focus of the story.
Can I write a pairing that does not include Gabriel or RSJ?
All pairings and moresomes are welcome, as are gen fics. The only caveat is that no matter who is paired off with whom, Gabriel or Richard must be the main focus of the story.
E.g. Gabriel rekindling his relationship with Kali while goading Dean and Sam to get their act together about Castiel = good.
Richard coming to realize just how much he cares for Jensen or Jared or Misha or Mark and the romantic hijinks that ensue = good.
Gabriel coming back from the dead to help the Winchesters save the world while no one gets laid = good.
Richard and Jeremy Carver taking advantage of the power vacuum left by Kripke’s death in FMV to bring Gabriel back into the “series” and the mischief, mayhem and possible romance that follows= good.
Gabriel only popping in for a couple snarky one liners while Dean, Sam and Cas do the rest of the heavy lifting in the fic: not good.
Can I use original characters?
As necessary for the plot, yes, but Gabriel or Richard must be the main focus of the story. (Are you sick of hearing that answer yet? ~_^ )
Can an author turn in more than one story?
Yes, provided that both stories are completed by the due date. If only one draft is completed on time, the mods will only post the completed draft’s summary for artist claims.
Can an artist make art for more than one story?
If there is a deficit of artists to authors, then artist claims will be opened for a second round so that those artists who wish to work on more than one story may select one of the unclaimed summaries. You may not select more than one story for your initial claim. Please bear in mind that your artwork drafts for both fics must be completed by the due date.
Can writers collaborate on a story?
Absolutely, but that decision needs to be finalized and noticed to the mods before author sign-ups end. If the authors decide to collaborate before signing up, then simply make that clear in your sign-up comment. If you decide to collaborate after placing your initial sign-ups but before author sign-ups end, please edit your sign-up comment AND contact the mods by e-mail.
Can an artist do more than one piece of art for a story?
An artist can do as many pieces of art for their assigned stories as they want to once the main piece is finished.
Is there a maximum story length or size limit for artwork?
No. The sky’s the limit once your artwork or story meets or surpasses the minimum requirements (15,000 words for fics, 1 minute for fanvids, 500x500px for other art).
Can I post a soundtrack for my story?
Yes, definitely! However, the cover art made by your artist to go with it may not be the only art your artist creates to go with your story.
Do fanmix covers count as art?
No. You must do a piece of graphic art (original illustration, photo manip, etc.) or vid to go with your author’s story. If the author has a fanmix or soundtrack that you are doing cover art for, it must be in addition to your other art.
Can I post art or fanmix covers that I or someone other than my artist has done when I post my story?
Not before the end of the posting period. Once all of the big bangs have been posted and the mods have closed this round of the challenge, you may post additional fanwork that goes with your fic.
Can I give my artist direction on the art?
We encourage authors and artists to communicate as much as possible and for authors to provide their artists with as much feedback as they can during the production of the art. If an author has a specific request of the artist (i.e. icons, dividers, specific scenes to be turned into an image or used in a vid), that should be brought up during the art creation process and equitably considered between both parties. However, the final call regarding what art is produced for the challenge is up to the artist.
What if the artwork I’m inspired to create for the story doesn’t involve Gabriel or Richard Speight, Jr.?
We mods understand the whims and whispers of muses quite well, so we know that sometimes you can’t control what sparks it the most. But since this challenge is about Gabriel and the actor that plays him, the primary artwork for the challenge (and therefore the work that should be given priority for completion) should be focused on that character or person. If the scene your muse sparks to doesn’t specifically contain Gabriel or Richard, but their presence is strongly felt in an emotional context, that’s a gray area.
Therefore, if the artwork you are primarily inspired to create for the challenge doesn’t specifically contain Gabriel or RSJ, please contact the mods ASAP to discuss the matter with us, and make sure to cc your author on the e-mail so they know what’s going on. Artwork that doesn’t meet the challenge guidelines will not be accepted for posting.
Can I turn my story in before the deadline?
Of course you can! Send an email with your story as an attached file (.doc, .rtf or .txt files only, please) to gabrielbb_mods@yahoo.com. Please also remember to include your final title and the summary to be used for artist claims. Please do not send your story in the body of the e-mail.
My story/art/vid journal is usually f-locked. Do I have to unlock my big bang posts?
The point of this challenge is to share your stories. They must therefore be posted in a way that is available for anyone to read, irrespective of whether or not that person is on your LJ f-list. If you have an account on a site like AO3, deviantart or YouTube, you may post the story or artwork there if you prefer not to make an unlocked entry on your LJ. If not, you must unlock the LJ entries related to your big bang.
What happens if I miss a deadline?
While the mods are generally understanding about the need for extensions in certain cases, they will not be granted by default if a deadline is missed. If you have not contacted the mods with an extension request and you miss a sign-up or submission deadline, you will be considered dropped from the challenge. Pinch-hitters will be found for any artists that drop out.
I'm not going to be able to complete my art or story in time. What do I do?
Contact the mods! We will work with you on an extension if possible, and will determine how to proceed if you ultimately cannot complete your aspect of the challenge.
Am I required to use one of the alphas/betas/cheerleaders from the sign-ups here?
No. The A/B/C sign-ups are there if you need them, but if you already have an established relationship with someone as an alpha, beta or cheerleader, you may continue to use them for your challenge work.
Will betas be assigned to us if we don't have one of our own?
No. It is your responsibility to locate a beta for your fic. The A/B/C sign-ups are there to provide you with a list of available persons to ask for help if you don’t know anyone who can/will help you. You can go through the A/B/C sign-up post or ask the mods to e-mail you a copy of our A/B/C sign-up list, but we will not assign betas or contact potential betas on your behalf.
Will you be archiving the Big Bang submissions anywhere?
No. While we do require authors to submit copies of their completed drafts, that is for verification that the artist will have a complete story to work with and that the story meets the challenge requirements. We do not expect the drafts submitted to us to be the final drafts, and so would not use them for archival purposes. We do, however, have a Gabriel Big Bang collection on AO3, which we'd love you to list your works in!
Each post made to the community will contain links to the stories and related artwork, and a master list of those posts will be compiled at the end of this round of the challenge.
If you have a question that hasn't been answered here, please comment to this post and we will answer as quickly as possible! Otherwise, head on over to the sign-up pages to join in!
Authors sign-ups | Artist sign-ups | Support sign-ups
Gabriel Big Bang: Schedule
All dates given are on a 'as long as it's still that day somewhere in the world' basis.
Sign-ups begin: September 19, 2013
Writer sign-ups end: November 24, 2013
First check-in: December 30, 2013
Second check-in/post a snippet: January 26, 2014
Completed drafts and summaries due: March 2, 2014
Art sign-ups end: March 4, 2014
Art claims: March 5, 2014
Art drafts due: April 6, 2014
Posting begins on: April 11, 2014
***NB: There have been a few changes to the FAQ for Round 4. Please read thoroughly so that you know what will be expected throughout the challenge.
Gabriel Big Bang: General Requirements
For writers…
1. Stories must be a minimum length of 15,000 words. There is no maximum, but it must be a completed story at the time of posting.
2. Stories may be slash, gen, or het.
3. Stories must be beta’d.
4. You may not post your story, either as a completed fic or a WIP, anywhere on the internet prior to your assigned posting date. Teasers or samples may be posted, but these should be as short as possible.
5. Your story should be posted on you own journal or website on your assigned posting date. A header and links should be posted to the community.
6. The central story element must focus on Gabriel or Richard Speight, Jr.
7. On the day of artist claims, please wait until the mods have confirmed the author/artist pairings before contacting your artist to begin your collaboration.
8. AUs and crossovers with the French Mistake ‘verse or the CW RPF ‘verse are permitted, as are fusions. All other crossovers by negotiation with the mod.
For artists…
1. You are required to create at least one piece of art that falls into one of the following categories:
Manips, Artwork or Digital Artwork - 500x500px minimum dimensions
Fanvids - 1 minute minimum duration.
2. The central element of the artwork must focus on Gabriel or Richard Speight, Jr.
3. Icons, spacers, wallpapers, and fanmix covers do not count toward your obligation, but are of course allowed in addition to items listed above.
4. Artist claims will be on a first come/first serve basis. You will be allowed to comment on your first choice and an alternate. Once all stories have been claimed, the mods will reveal the pairings and you will have an opportunity to contact your author.
5. You may not post your art or vid anywhere on the internet prior to your assigned posting date. Teasers may be posted, but not completed work.
6. Your artwork should be posted on you own journal or website on your assigned posting date. The link to the post should be provided to your author to include on the header they submit to the community.
Important Note for Authors and Artists
Some people find it more convenient to post their Big Bang work as a locked entry (or series thereof, as the case may be), which allows author and artist to better collate the links between story and artwork prior to submission to the community on the assigned posting date. This is perfectly acceptable, so long as both fic AND artwork are unlocked at the same time.
As of this year, the mods will check all entries to ensure that all aspects of the work are unlocked before the post will be allowed. Therefore, if there is any foreseeable reason why author and artist may not be able to post or unlock their respective aspects of the big bang work at the same time, please notify the mods as soon as possible.
Gabriel Big Bang: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to have an LJ account to participate?
For artists, no! Just contact the mod to sign up (gabrielbb_mods at yahoo dot com). For authors... ideally, yes, as it would be easier for all concerned. However, if you want to participate and only have a tumblr or AO3 account, talk to the mod (or to whitmerule on tumblr) and we'll see what we can work out.
Can I make art as well as do a story?
Just as in previous years, we’re asking that initial sign-ups be for one or the other, not both. However, as of this year, authors who wish to also sign up as artists may do so if and only if they submit a complete story draft and artist claim summary to the mod e-mail account before the end of artist sign-ups. To that end, artist sign-ups will be allowed for a day after completed drafts and summaries are due.
Again, if the mods haven’t received your completed story draft and summary by e-mail before the deadline, you will not be allowed to sign up for double-duty as an artist. We will keep anyone interested in doing art in mind for pinch-hitting if an author drops out.
What about the support people? Can I sign up to be an alpha/beta/cheerleader as well as signing up to be an author or artist?
We definitely encourage anyone willing to sign up as support for our authors and artists to do so, especially if they’re also participating and want to cheer on fellow authors and artists. Just be aware that authors are not allowed to beta their own work.
Can I submit the completed version of a WIP that I've been posting in my journal?
No. You may finish something from your WIP folder that you've only shared with alpha/beta readers for the bang, but if you’ve posted any part of the story to your journal/a community/AO3 or the like, you cannot use it for this challenge.
The exception to this rule is teasers: if you’ve posted a few lines of the story on your journal for something like a WIP meme, that doesn’t count for the purposes of this rule. This rule pertains to multi-part fics of which you’ve posted one or more chapters.
Can I submit a sequel to a story I've already posted?
Yes, so long as the new story can stand completely on its own. (NB: when preparing an artist summary for such fics, please use something akin to “This is a continuation of an established ‘verse” instead of a link to the prior fic or ‘verse masterpost in the summary. You can link the artist to the prior works after author/artist pairs have been confirmed by the mods.)
Can I do a remix of another person's story if it hasn't been posted before, won't be a WIP, etc.?
No. This story needs to be unique to you.
Are RPF/French Mistake ‘verse fics allowed?
Yes, provided that Gabriel (SPN character) or Richard Speight, Jr. is the main focus of the story.
Are crossovers or AUs allowed?
AUs will be allowed, as will crossovers with the French Mistake ‘verse or CW RPF ‘verse. Crossovers with any other fandom are not currently allowed. Also, please be aware that even in an AU, SPNxFMV or SPNxRPF, the SPN character Gabriel or Richard Speight, Jr. must be the main focus of the story.
Can I write a pairing that does not include Gabriel or RSJ?
All pairings and moresomes are welcome, as are gen fics. The only caveat is that no matter who is paired off with whom, Gabriel or Richard must be the main focus of the story.
E.g. Gabriel rekindling his relationship with Kali while goading Dean and Sam to get their act together about Castiel = good.
Richard coming to realize just how much he cares for Jensen or Jared or Misha or Mark and the romantic hijinks that ensue = good.
Gabriel coming back from the dead to help the Winchesters save the world while no one gets laid = good.
Richard and Jeremy Carver taking advantage of the power vacuum left by Kripke’s death in FMV to bring Gabriel back into the “series” and the mischief, mayhem and possible romance that follows= good.
Gabriel only popping in for a couple snarky one liners while Dean, Sam and Cas do the rest of the heavy lifting in the fic: not good.
Can I use original characters?
As necessary for the plot, yes, but Gabriel or Richard must be the main focus of the story. (Are you sick of hearing that answer yet? ~_^ )
Can an author turn in more than one story?
Yes, provided that both stories are completed by the due date. If only one draft is completed on time, the mods will only post the completed draft’s summary for artist claims.
Can an artist make art for more than one story?
If there is a deficit of artists to authors, then artist claims will be opened for a second round so that those artists who wish to work on more than one story may select one of the unclaimed summaries. You may not select more than one story for your initial claim. Please bear in mind that your artwork drafts for both fics must be completed by the due date.
Can writers collaborate on a story?
Absolutely, but that decision needs to be finalized and noticed to the mods before author sign-ups end. If the authors decide to collaborate before signing up, then simply make that clear in your sign-up comment. If you decide to collaborate after placing your initial sign-ups but before author sign-ups end, please edit your sign-up comment AND contact the mods by e-mail.
Can an artist do more than one piece of art for a story?
An artist can do as many pieces of art for their assigned stories as they want to once the main piece is finished.
Is there a maximum story length or size limit for artwork?
No. The sky’s the limit once your artwork or story meets or surpasses the minimum requirements (15,000 words for fics, 1 minute for fanvids, 500x500px for other art).
Can I post a soundtrack for my story?
Yes, definitely! However, the cover art made by your artist to go with it may not be the only art your artist creates to go with your story.
Do fanmix covers count as art?
No. You must do a piece of graphic art (original illustration, photo manip, etc.) or vid to go with your author’s story. If the author has a fanmix or soundtrack that you are doing cover art for, it must be in addition to your other art.
Can I post art or fanmix covers that I or someone other than my artist has done when I post my story?
Not before the end of the posting period. Once all of the big bangs have been posted and the mods have closed this round of the challenge, you may post additional fanwork that goes with your fic.
Can I give my artist direction on the art?
We encourage authors and artists to communicate as much as possible and for authors to provide their artists with as much feedback as they can during the production of the art. If an author has a specific request of the artist (i.e. icons, dividers, specific scenes to be turned into an image or used in a vid), that should be brought up during the art creation process and equitably considered between both parties. However, the final call regarding what art is produced for the challenge is up to the artist.
What if the artwork I’m inspired to create for the story doesn’t involve Gabriel or Richard Speight, Jr.?
We mods understand the whims and whispers of muses quite well, so we know that sometimes you can’t control what sparks it the most. But since this challenge is about Gabriel and the actor that plays him, the primary artwork for the challenge (and therefore the work that should be given priority for completion) should be focused on that character or person. If the scene your muse sparks to doesn’t specifically contain Gabriel or Richard, but their presence is strongly felt in an emotional context, that’s a gray area.
Therefore, if the artwork you are primarily inspired to create for the challenge doesn’t specifically contain Gabriel or RSJ, please contact the mods ASAP to discuss the matter with us, and make sure to cc your author on the e-mail so they know what’s going on. Artwork that doesn’t meet the challenge guidelines will not be accepted for posting.
Can I turn my story in before the deadline?
Of course you can! Send an email with your story as an attached file (.doc, .rtf or .txt files only, please) to gabrielbb_mods@yahoo.com. Please also remember to include your final title and the summary to be used for artist claims. Please do not send your story in the body of the e-mail.
My story/art/vid journal is usually f-locked. Do I have to unlock my big bang posts?
The point of this challenge is to share your stories. They must therefore be posted in a way that is available for anyone to read, irrespective of whether or not that person is on your LJ f-list. If you have an account on a site like AO3, deviantart or YouTube, you may post the story or artwork there if you prefer not to make an unlocked entry on your LJ. If not, you must unlock the LJ entries related to your big bang.
What happens if I miss a deadline?
While the mods are generally understanding about the need for extensions in certain cases, they will not be granted by default if a deadline is missed. If you have not contacted the mods with an extension request and you miss a sign-up or submission deadline, you will be considered dropped from the challenge. Pinch-hitters will be found for any artists that drop out.
I'm not going to be able to complete my art or story in time. What do I do?
Contact the mods! We will work with you on an extension if possible, and will determine how to proceed if you ultimately cannot complete your aspect of the challenge.
Am I required to use one of the alphas/betas/cheerleaders from the sign-ups here?
No. The A/B/C sign-ups are there if you need them, but if you already have an established relationship with someone as an alpha, beta or cheerleader, you may continue to use them for your challenge work.
Will betas be assigned to us if we don't have one of our own?
No. It is your responsibility to locate a beta for your fic. The A/B/C sign-ups are there to provide you with a list of available persons to ask for help if you don’t know anyone who can/will help you. You can go through the A/B/C sign-up post or ask the mods to e-mail you a copy of our A/B/C sign-up list, but we will not assign betas or contact potential betas on your behalf.
Will you be archiving the Big Bang submissions anywhere?
No. While we do require authors to submit copies of their completed drafts, that is for verification that the artist will have a complete story to work with and that the story meets the challenge requirements. We do not expect the drafts submitted to us to be the final drafts, and so would not use them for archival purposes. We do, however, have a Gabriel Big Bang collection on AO3, which we'd love you to list your works in!
Each post made to the community will contain links to the stories and related artwork, and a master list of those posts will be compiled at the end of this round of the challenge.
If you have a question that hasn't been answered here, please comment to this post and we will answer as quickly as possible! Otherwise, head on over to the sign-up pages to join in!
Authors sign-ups | Artist sign-ups | Support sign-ups