fic challenge: let us insert each other!

[shadowbrides]

As far as I know, self-insert fics are generally considered the worst kind of fanfiction. But then I had an idea and it was too much fun to ignore; how about we insert each other? This could include both making your LJ (or other participants, really) friend into, say, a born and bred Gondorian, Sindar, Haradrim or what have you character or finding

Comments

[aliana1]

What a fun metafictional idea! I'd be willing to give it a go.

On a related note, I tend to disagree when people use "self-insert" as a negative term, as you mention. Obviously, a lot of stories that use a self-inserted character in its purest form can come off as self-indulgent and narcissistic, particularly if they're done poorly. But I think every time we write any character, we are writing a self-insert in some sense, since we have to draw at least a little bit on our own experience and perceptions.

[shadowbrides]

Yay! I hope there will be enough participants. :D

I definitely have read some great fiction that was probably self-insert! It was more of a comment on its general reputation (and I have to admit there is an abundance of bad examples, probably because it is often the first thing young writers try, consciously or not). Hmm, I suppose you are right, in a sense. But in my case, for example, I am nothing like the characters I write about. My version of Andreth, for example, is nothing like me, I just find her situation fascinating (and when I say nothing I really mean nothing; I can't hold a good grudge for more than a few weeks and have never even really fallen in love. While I empathize strongly, we are almost opposites and I have never experienced her kind of trouble). In many cases I draw more on my perception of other people and the only self-insert I add is in details like a ridiculous fear of a young girl afraid of possible future laugh lines forming. But I suppose that kind of detail may actually be more personal after all, hah!

[clodia_metelli]

Does it count if I already did this?

[shadowbrides]

Hah! You did? Please tell more. :D

[clodia_metelli]

Tales of Older Days. ;)

[shadowbrides]

Really! That is still my favourite fic by you, actually. I had no idea it had any kind of insert. Who exactly did you insert? Let me guess, it was the urchin?

[shadowbrides]

Good! :D

[engarian]

This could be interesting. I'd be willing to give it a go...

- Erulisse (one L)

[oloriel]

I might already be writing a secret story in which a fandom friend plays a minor role, but shhhh.

Sounds like a fun idea! Do you have any fixed time frame in mind, or is it rather a prompt/challenge anyone can pick up whenever they feel like it?