Round 2 FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bigbang?
There are many different types of bigbangs, all varying slightly, but generally a bigbang challenge is where over a period of 3-4 months (some are longer) authors write a complete (10,000, 15,000, or 20,000 words) story and artists then claim that story to make customized art for.
How do I sign up?
When sign-ups start, there will be one post for authors and one for artists where you can sign up for the challenge.
~Writing Requirements~
What type of requirements are there for a fic?
Your fic must be at least 15,000 words long and, preferably, beta-read before the posting date. It must focus on or revolve around the Sherlock Holmes world.
I've already been writing a Holmes story -- can I use that?
You are allowed to use a WIP in this bigbang, but half the words in the fic must be entirely new and unseen for it to qualify. Furthermore, you are not allowed to post updates to the story (since its now for the challenge).
What genres/fandoms are allowed?
All genres are allowed and any incarnation of the Sherlock Holmes world.
I've got two ideas in my head ... can I write both?
Yes you can, as long as you think you'll be able to finish both stories by the deadline (if you submit two stories we will do our best to make sure there is a good amount of time in between the posting of each fic).
Can I write with someone else?
Yes, you may co-author your bigbang if you want to. The word minimum however for co authored works is 20,000.
~Artist Requirements~
How do I know what I'm making art for?
When the writers turn in their rough drafts, we'll make a claims post. In this post we'll include the story summary, the pairing as well as any warnings the author gives. You can choose which fic you'd like to create art for, and then that person's fic will get crossed off the list.
What are the requirements for art?
You can make whatever kind of art you feel like, in whichever medium. Drawing, painting, digital, manips, anything you can think of. We just ask that you put some time into it, as our authors have.
You are also required to make a minimum of two pieces of art for the story you claim.
How do I make a claim?
Claims are done on a first come, first serve basis. We will be putting up a f-locked post and the artists will reply to it with the story they claim to do art for (so make sure you are a member of the community)
What happens if the number of authors doesn't match up with the number of artists?
We will do several rounds of claiming so that EVERY fic has an artist. In the event that fics outnumber artists we will allow artists to make a second claim. If it's the other way, we may open up the fics so that more than one artist is assigned to the same fic. Either way, everyone who wants to participate will get to participate.
~Schedule~
What kind of timeline will I be under?
Author sign ups open - March 25th, 2011
Author sign ups close - April 25th, 2011
Checkpoint #1 - April 15th, 2011
Checkpoint #2 - May 20th, 2011
Checkpoint #3 - June 24th, 2011
Rough drafts due - July 11th, 2011
Artist claims up - July 16th, 2011
Artist checkpoint - August 8th, 2011 (MANDATORY)
Final fic and art due - August 22nd, 2011
Posting schedule up - August 27th at the latest
Posting starts - September 1st, 2011
What's a checkpoint?
These aren't mandatory. They're something to give you a feel on where a typical author should be at in their writing process. They're used for encouragement and motivation only.
Will artists get checkpoints?
Yes, the artist checkpoint will be to make sure they are working on the art and are in contact with their author. This checkpoint is mandatory for artists and will be open for a week, if artists do not comment or respond to any of the reminder emails to do so they will be removed from the story they claimed and a pinch hitter will be assigned.
What should my rough draft look like?
It needs to be at least 10,000 words, or 80% of your fic. You do not need to have your fic finished by this time however, you may still work on it and get it beta-read until your final fic and art is due. We just need to be able to reasonably verify that you are going to be able to post on your assigned date.
Can I have an extension?
We will be granting extensions on a case-by-case basis for rough drafts as long as your final fic or art is in by the due date. We would hope, however, that you use the checkpoints and all your available writing time to it's fullest.
If you think at anytime you need an extension (whether fic or art) contact a mod right away so we can begin working it out with you.
~Community Requirements~
Can I join this comm?
Absolutely! Feel free to join and watch the comm even if you aren't signing up, if you ARE signing up you need to join the comm ASAP. Some important reminders and post will be members locked.
~Posting Requirements~
What types of requirements are there for me to post my fic?
You must include a header with all regular information on it. This includes warnings. Not all of our readers like the same thing, so you are required to warn them. Besides that, you must include the fandom you're writing in, as we have multiple here at this bigbang.
Here is an example header, with the things you could include.
Title:
Fandoms:
Pairing:
Word Count:
Rating/Warnings:
Beta:
Summary:
You also must include the art made for you in your masterlist.
Can I post it to my journal a few days early to show my friends?
Yes you can post your fic in advance but not to show your friends, the first time you show your fic for this bigbang must be on your reveal day. If you post in advance please lock the post for your eyes only.
My fic exceeds the character limit for a single post, what do I do?
Most people choose to break their fic up into 2 or more parts (whatever is best for you) and then create a master post that links to all the parts, the art, and the mix from one place. You may also post your fic to Archive of Our Own or Dreamwidth if you prefer that.
Where can I upload my graphics?
Tinypic is recommended for images or .gif files, along with Photobucket. Both have their pros and cons.
How will I get my graphics to my author?
We will provide you with contact information once you are committed to an author. From their you can contact them to find out more about their interests, or simply send them the links to your final mix/art.
We would like to encourage you to be in contact with them and to share what you make for them.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to ask them below or contact a mod. The moderators for this challenge are chosenfire28, 3whiteroses, and crystic
What is a bigbang?
There are many different types of bigbangs, all varying slightly, but generally a bigbang challenge is where over a period of 3-4 months (some are longer) authors write a complete (10,000, 15,000, or 20,000 words) story and artists then claim that story to make customized art for.
How do I sign up?
When sign-ups start, there will be one post for authors and one for artists where you can sign up for the challenge.
~Writing Requirements~
What type of requirements are there for a fic?
Your fic must be at least 15,000 words long and, preferably, beta-read before the posting date. It must focus on or revolve around the Sherlock Holmes world.
I've already been writing a Holmes story -- can I use that?
You are allowed to use a WIP in this bigbang, but half the words in the fic must be entirely new and unseen for it to qualify. Furthermore, you are not allowed to post updates to the story (since its now for the challenge).
What genres/fandoms are allowed?
All genres are allowed and any incarnation of the Sherlock Holmes world.
I've got two ideas in my head ... can I write both?
Yes you can, as long as you think you'll be able to finish both stories by the deadline (if you submit two stories we will do our best to make sure there is a good amount of time in between the posting of each fic).
Can I write with someone else?
Yes, you may co-author your bigbang if you want to. The word minimum however for co authored works is 20,000.
~Artist Requirements~
How do I know what I'm making art for?
When the writers turn in their rough drafts, we'll make a claims post. In this post we'll include the story summary, the pairing as well as any warnings the author gives. You can choose which fic you'd like to create art for, and then that person's fic will get crossed off the list.
What are the requirements for art?
You can make whatever kind of art you feel like, in whichever medium. Drawing, painting, digital, manips, anything you can think of. We just ask that you put some time into it, as our authors have.
You are also required to make a minimum of two pieces of art for the story you claim.
How do I make a claim?
Claims are done on a first come, first serve basis. We will be putting up a f-locked post and the artists will reply to it with the story they claim to do art for (so make sure you are a member of the community)
What happens if the number of authors doesn't match up with the number of artists?
We will do several rounds of claiming so that EVERY fic has an artist. In the event that fics outnumber artists we will allow artists to make a second claim. If it's the other way, we may open up the fics so that more than one artist is assigned to the same fic. Either way, everyone who wants to participate will get to participate.
~Schedule~
What kind of timeline will I be under?
Author sign ups open - March 25th, 2011
Author sign ups close - April 25th, 2011
Checkpoint #1 - April 15th, 2011
Checkpoint #2 - May 20th, 2011
Checkpoint #3 - June 24th, 2011
Rough drafts due - July 11th, 2011
Artist claims up - July 16th, 2011
Artist checkpoint - August 8th, 2011 (MANDATORY)
Final fic and art due - August 22nd, 2011
Posting schedule up - August 27th at the latest
Posting starts - September 1st, 2011
What's a checkpoint?
These aren't mandatory. They're something to give you a feel on where a typical author should be at in their writing process. They're used for encouragement and motivation only.
Will artists get checkpoints?
Yes, the artist checkpoint will be to make sure they are working on the art and are in contact with their author. This checkpoint is mandatory for artists and will be open for a week, if artists do not comment or respond to any of the reminder emails to do so they will be removed from the story they claimed and a pinch hitter will be assigned.
What should my rough draft look like?
It needs to be at least 10,000 words, or 80% of your fic. You do not need to have your fic finished by this time however, you may still work on it and get it beta-read until your final fic and art is due. We just need to be able to reasonably verify that you are going to be able to post on your assigned date.
Can I have an extension?
We will be granting extensions on a case-by-case basis for rough drafts as long as your final fic or art is in by the due date. We would hope, however, that you use the checkpoints and all your available writing time to it's fullest.
If you think at anytime you need an extension (whether fic or art) contact a mod right away so we can begin working it out with you.
~Community Requirements~
Can I join this comm?
Absolutely! Feel free to join and watch the comm even if you aren't signing up, if you ARE signing up you need to join the comm ASAP. Some important reminders and post will be members locked.
~Posting Requirements~
What types of requirements are there for me to post my fic?
You must include a header with all regular information on it. This includes warnings. Not all of our readers like the same thing, so you are required to warn them. Besides that, you must include the fandom you're writing in, as we have multiple here at this bigbang.
Here is an example header, with the things you could include.
Title:
Fandoms:
Pairing:
Word Count:
Rating/Warnings:
Beta:
Summary:
You also must include the art made for you in your masterlist.
Can I post it to my journal a few days early to show my friends?
Yes you can post your fic in advance but not to show your friends, the first time you show your fic for this bigbang must be on your reveal day. If you post in advance please lock the post for your eyes only.
My fic exceeds the character limit for a single post, what do I do?
Most people choose to break their fic up into 2 or more parts (whatever is best for you) and then create a master post that links to all the parts, the art, and the mix from one place. You may also post your fic to Archive of Our Own or Dreamwidth if you prefer that.
Where can I upload my graphics?
Tinypic is recommended for images or .gif files, along with Photobucket. Both have their pros and cons.
How will I get my graphics to my author?
We will provide you with contact information once you are committed to an author. From their you can contact them to find out more about their interests, or simply send them the links to your final mix/art.
We would like to encourage you to be in contact with them and to share what you make for them.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to ask them below or contact a mod. The moderators for this challenge are chosenfire28, 3whiteroses, and crystic