::Team Twilight:: Fan Fiction Friday

Everybody wants something, every cell in your body calls for it, craves it, sings out loud for it. Some people know exactly what they want and just ask for it, taking without shame. Others hide what they crave behind closed doors or under desks, in dark corners where no one will find them. I know what a lot of you hide because I hide it sometimes too. We understand each other, which is why it’s important that I tell you this, there is a blue door behind the Love Shack, if you knock the beats from The All-American Rejects song “Dirty Little Secret” and give the password “Writers”, Lab Tech Andi will take care of the rest. Be Safe!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Since the rumors have been floating around for a while now that Edward's doppelganger, Rob, was signing on to be in a film adaptation of the book "Cosmopolis", Bella and I decided to take a quick break from fan fiction to check this little book out.

"Oh my God! Just how many times can this guy get laid in a single day?" Bella shouted at her Kindle, rolling her eyes. I put my hand over my mouth trying to uselessly stifle my giggle.

"Are you near the end yet?" I asked her.

"Almost," she told me, never looking up from her screen. "At least he finally had sex with his wife, but I'm curious if she only did it to shut him up. He’d been pestering her about it all day."

"Oh just you wait until he gets on his tirade about 'Nancy Babich'" and I laughed out loud this time.

She rolled her eyes again and glanced back at her book. As she read, I thought how funny it seemed, to sit here reading a published story instead of my authors' stories, but I guess you have to try something different every once in a while, even if the traditional literature wasn't my drug of choice.

In all honesty, the only real difference between my authors and those commercial authors was how they got paid. Commercial authors earn royalties when people liked their stories. The common currency of the fandom is feedback. Word of mouth and reviews are all my darling authors ever ask for in return for their commitment. It's such a thankless job sometimes, as they shamelessly peddle their words to the fandom. I was doing what I could, but I felt like there should be some way to do more for them.

Alice flashed into the room and then sat down beside me, "Andi, you have got to stop all this back and forth, it's giving me the biggest headache!" I looked at her slightly confused so she turned to face me. "Just make up your mind to do it. Get all the pieces in place; you have a week to get ready. It will be fine." Realizing she was talking about the fan fic reading challenge I'd been pondering, her gaze fell out and back into focus with a sigh. She leaned back against the pillows, speaking only a single word with her breath, "finally".

“Well, okay then,” I sat there for only a second longer before I walked over to my desk to get started on the million things running through my head. "I'll get you some ibprofen in a few minutes," Alice called from her seat. At least now I knew a headache was certain in my furture, and laughed at myself.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Because our authors teach us things about ourselves, modify the universe with a single thought, and make us see more than what’s on the surface, all the deals I’m peddling this week have authors in them. I know a few of them will make you say “WHAT?”

My first author was discovered in a beautiful, alternate universe canon tale called "Stranger Than Fiction" by MasenVixen. It's been six years since Edward left Bella in the woods, making her barely a whisper of the person she used to be. However, when Edward told her that it would be as if he never existed and hid all material traces of himself, the one thing he couldn't remove was the phantom of his existence from her mind which has haunted her every day since. Bella knew she would never be able to survive in this life Edward had forced her into, so as she began to create a new world around herself, she slowly breathed his essence into the pages of a bestselling novel about a girl and a vampire who loved her. Likewise, Edward has also lived a tortured existence since his departure, knowing this hell is of his own making. He's not sure just how much longer he can live this non-existence without her, when he is suddenly haunted by visions that are so familiar, visions of a life he had with her that he squandered. He's just sure that this is some punishment God has decided he's deserved, until he learns of the book. Now, he knows he can't live a second longer without her, he has to know if she'll forgive him, if she still loves him too. Can they have the happily ever after or is it way too late?
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5634545

My next author stumbled out of this incredibly well written comedy titled "Cullen, Unscripted" by FL95. Since the deaths of his parents, Edward Cullen has cruised through life on a whimsical string of luck. Got into college, discovered writing, discovered other people liked his writing, and even won a competition with his writing, which ultimately landed him as an entry level intern writing for his Uncle's TV Station. Sure his uncle offered to hire him outright, but Edward wouldn't even hear of it. He was a hard worker and he wanted to earn his way, prove himself to his peers, and let life teach him a lesson or two. What he didn't count on was her, and he was pretty sure that the lesson he was currently learning from the inside of her closet was one that was long overdue. As stated by the man himself, "maybe when I had decided to rely on fate to take care of everything for me, I should have allowed for karma to fit into that equation too." I'm warning you now, that this one will have you doubled over with laugher, just sayin'.
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5901030

My next author was found hiding in this amazing little fix called "A Form of Escapism" by flubbed. It wasn't always like this, he used to love her. It's difficult sometimes, but Bella can remember when James loved her. Of course, that was before he slipped that ring around her finger and they were still in college. Now, he's all about appearances, insisting that Bella keep a pristine house, making his job sound way more impressive than it is, and out at the pub every night. She might have thought about leaving him once, but since her parents are no longer living, where would she go? So instead wallowing in her prison of a marriage, she finds solace in the romance novels of one E.A.M. Cullen. That is until the day her new neighbor moves in. This is an excellent story of discovery and strength of character, but it's a dark journey and I'm am on pins and needles waiting to know what Bella's going to do next.
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5924184

My last surprising author was peeking around a painting in this mysterious little one-shot that I know you will have to read more than once called "Asymmetrical Hues" by StarlightSuccubus because it's just that good. I wake up at exactly 7:05 a.m. every day. I take a shower with cold water, dry with a black towel, dress in grey suit and white shirt, eat oatmeal and grapefruit juice for breakfast, and at exactly 7:43 a.m. I grab for my car keys every day. This is my routine, I like my routine, I'm comfortable in the predictability of my routine. I have a perfect wife, who write erotica in her spare time and because she loves me, she also fits into my routine. I love that we fit so well together. Although, the morning the phone rang, every part of my routine was thrown off and it has been slightly off ever since. It was my lazy, unpredictable brother. He is a brilliant painter on drugs, but that doesn't matter because success comes so easy for him. He needs my help and I smile a little to myself at his failures even if I always know I'll help him in the end. He is my brother and that's what's expected from me.
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5739268

Now to go along with these fics, I’m giving you two suggestions: first get a nice bottle of White Zinfandel because Edward always likes the way Bella blushes and second make the Lemon Drizzle Cake from “A Form of Escapism”. It’s all in UK measurement, but it wouldn’t be too difficult to convert. Here’s the link for the recipe: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5944897

While I get everything ready for January 30th, Tweet (FanFicDealer), Message me on Facebook, or email (fanficdealer@gmail.com) if you want to talk shop.

The deal has been made. ;)

::Team Fan Fiction:: Did somebody order this Fan Fic Reading Challenge?

Ok, so I’m sittin’ here in the lab, minding my own business when “BAM!” I’m smacked in the head with an idea. So, now you’re probably thinking, “why is that a problem?” It’s a problem because I need some SERIOUS help! And again you’re thinking, “We already knew you were crazy, this is not news, Andi!” Actually, it IS news because I NEED input from YOU!!! Now, before you go calling those men in those nice white coats, unless those men happen to be Cullen’s in those coats, let me lay out the details and you can let me know what you think.

Well, on Sunday my lovely blog sister, Denise, announced to the shack that she was participating in the 2011 Goodreads Reading Challenge. Her goal is to read 10 books this year, which I know is seriously going to cut into her fan fiction reading time, but that’s her battle. Personally, it was a big stretch for me to fit in the four books I managed to read last year. So, she’s a better woman that I. ANYWAY… she lamented that there wasn’t any such challenge for fan fiction and that got me thinking… What would a fan fiction reading challenge look like?

I'm so GLAD you asked! Let me tell you what a fan fiction reading challenge might look like...

Introducing the 2011

"Million Word Read & Review Fan Fiction Challenge"

Rules:

1. You have until December 31, 2011 to read one million words of any fan fiction you choose.

2. To get credit for the words you've read from a story you must submit a review to the author for each chapter of the fic that you’re claiming.

3. And since I’m neither a mind reader nor psychic, I will create a story post on ff.net where I will re-post the rules for this challenge. Each participate will submit a review to that story post, simply stating the story title, author, and chapter(s) they reviewed so that I can find out the number of words to add to your total. If you reviewed chapters 11-15 of a story then all of that info can all be submitted to the challenge in one post. All story reviews must be from the current year to qualify.

4. I thought I would post the word count totals for those participating each Sunday. It would simply be listed as a story update on ff.net that way people can see where they are.

5. Since this is not a contest, I’d love to be able to offer an incentive for all of those who actually complete the challenge; however I’m not sure what that incentive will be yet. Sorry, ideas?

So here are my ponderings...

~ Is a whole year too long?
~ Should we break it up into shorter blocks of time? If so, how long?
~ I don’t think reading a million words is completely out of reach for a whole year, it’s only about 20 minutes a day. Thoughts?
~ Who would be like to participate?

Lastly, do you have any questions for me? I don’t want to put together a challenge that’s full of holes, so let me know if there’s something that doesn’t make sense.

Ok, I guess that’s it. You have my grand plan. If we have interest, I’d like to start it on Sunday, January 30, 2011. That doesn’t give us long to knock out the bugs, but I’m hoping this will be fun for everyone. I’m going to hide under a blanket with my fan fics, now. :)

:: Team Roboswki :: International Trailer for Water for Elephants

Hey Shackers... Check this out. I was lurking around on Twitter this morning and came across a tweet from MTV Hollywood Crush about an international trailer for Water For Elephants.

I took a peak and WOW!!! It did contain a few new seconds worth of new footage from the 1st trailer we got. I've read the book and I recognized the scenes so needless to say... is it APRIL 22nd YET?????

So, click on the link below and watch a "new" trailer. The trailer is in English.

http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/water-for-elephants/international-trailer

Source: MTV Hollywood Crush website and Trailer Addict website

::Team Twilight:: Fan Fiction Friday

As the adrenaline from the holidays begins to wear off, I know you're gettin' twitchy. It's okay to admit it because I have a plan. I've heard a rumor that Lab Tech Andi is dealing out adventure that will leave you tingly all over. So when you have a chance to escape to the blue door of the shack, knock the drum beat of "Strange & Beautiful" by Aqualung and the password is "Cabin Fever". Be Safe!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I stood there amidst a sea of unknown faces all staring at the monitors before us, flashing CANCELLED – CANCELLED – CANCELLED. My phone vibrated in my pocket, so I pulled it out to answer it, seeing Alice’s pixie face smiling back at me. I rolled my eyes.

“Alice! Please tell me this was not your plan.” I nearly begged into the phone.

“Andi, calm down,” she said in a very controlled tone. “It’s all perspective, now step away from the monitors and go back to the authors. You need to mingle; I’ll call you in a little while with phase two.”

“This was only phase one???” I shouted into the speaker, but the line had already gone dead. I pressed the palm of my hands into my tired eyes, thinking about how we all ended up here.

The lab had been so unproductive lately, authors were just blinking at their screens, pecking at the keyboards like elementary school children first learning how to use a computer. It was a sad state of affairs and I wasn’t sure how to break them out of this funk. That’s when Alice and Jasper decided to come to our rescue.

They burst through the door trying to keep in as much of the heat as possible, but while Alice didn’t even pause before appearing beside my desk, Jasper looked as though he’d just run into a thick fog and couldn’t see ten inches in front of him.

“Damn, Alice! I thought you were exaggerating.” Jasper exclaimed blinking at the both of us.

“Hey Baby, I warned you it would be heavy in here.” Alice responded to him. Then she turned to me, “the authors need an adventure to get inspired and blow off these post-holiday blues, so here.” She threw a very thick envelope down in front of me.

I picked up the envelope to examine it and looked up to her face, “What’s this?” I turned it over and pulled out the contents. In my hand were several tickets to San Juan, Puerto Rico. “ohmygod ohmygod OHMYGOD!” I sprang from my chair and threw my arms around her and she laughed. I knew we were all suffering a cross between cabin fever and absolute boredom, so this would be the greatest adventure ever.

“You and the authors are all flying out on the red-eye so go pack, and then Jazz and I will get you guys to the airport.”

While I ran to get my things and share the news, it didn’t even occur to me to check our route. As it turns out we would have two layovers; the first one was in Denver, CO, but the second was in Atlanta, GA, which was where I currently found myself, surrounded by a thousand other travelers all stranded in the airport by a freak ice-storm. My phone vibrated in my hand and Alice’s face lit-up my screen once more.

“So, how many phases am I going to have to be subjected to before we get to San Juan?” I asked sarcasm heavy in my voice.

“Actually, I only promised you an adventure, I never said that adventure would be somewhere tropical.” She spoke gently into the phone. “So, are you ready to hear phase two?” she now sounded very excited about her plans and it made me curious.

“As long as it gets me out of the airport, I’m ready for anything.” I responded with a sigh and settled back into the seat as she told me about the resort she’d booked for us to stay in while we were here and I smiled to myself.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

After swapping stories with wayward travelers it made me think about our adventure. I knew Alice hadn’t been surprised by the storm, but just a simple change of scenery can change your whole perspective on things and add that little bit of spice back into your life. So this week my deals are presenting an adventure, something to shake things up and be someone bold.

The first adventure I found was not far from the resort, in a little tale called “Baggage Claim” by Sparkly Jul. It’s the end of finals and by some crazy stroke of luck Bella, Alice, and Rose find themselves the winners of a radio contest, where the prize is an all expenses paid, two week long trip to the Bahamas. Needless to say, the girls are ecstatic and are ready to begin their vacation the second they step into the lobby, except their room isn’t ready when they arrive, so they stash their bags with the desk clerk and hit the bar. Meanwhile, other guests are also checking in and storing their bags with the front desk. Hmmm… with so many bags up there, I wonder if everyone will end up with the bag they brought. And if Bella let Alice pack her bag for her, just what would be in said luggage. You’ll have to check out this fun fic to find out.
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6230465

My next adventure is so lovely, it will simply sweep you away, titled “Tangled Up In Blue” by TxBirdie. Bella is a housewife with two adorable children and a husband who is her very best friend, but somewhere along the way, Bella lost who she was. Before the children were born, Bella wanted something amazing and passionate, but after the girls were born she was simply too tired for passion and she let her identity slowly slip away as she became someone’s wife and someone’s mother. But the embers of who she used to be are still smoldering deep within her soul, all she needs is a gentle breeze and a little bit of kindling to turn those embers into a roaring flame once more, restoring her passion and her own identity. Can a trip to a conference bring with it the spark she’s looking for? http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5945379

My next adventure comes from one of our favorite authors and doesn’t venture too far from home. It’s a sexy little one-shot called “Vestibule Style” by feathersmmmm. Bella Swan is a successful writer for the New Yorker, but she is bored out of her mind. Living in New York should be exciting, but being successful sometimes means sacrificing your free time, ultimately one’s own excitement. But not this night, tonight she was going to live like a New Yorker and do something exciting, be what she wrote about for once. So when she stops at an ATM to get cash for her night out on the town and the lights go out, locking her in with someone else, is her exciting night over or just beginning? What if that someone else just happened to be her biggest crush from her hometown?
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5083023

My last adventure is a fast paced story, titled “Nature of Love” by drotuno. Hiking through the Appalachian Trail is a very long journey, but Bella, a photojournalist is committed to capturing it on film. Before she even begins, she finds herself unintentionally traveling with two brothers, one of them desperate to leave something that’s haunting him behind. Will he finally be able to find solace there amongst the wilderness? It doesn’t always matter the distance you’ve walked to say you’ve traveled a great journey; the journey of the heart can be a far more difficult path to travel, made all the more meaningful when you don’t have to do it alone.
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5990724

So to go with all these adventurous deals and being blind-sided by Alice, I’m recommending a little something called “What The Hell”

Ingredients
1 oz. Apricot Brandy
1 oz. Gin
1 dash Lemon juice
1 oz. dry Vermouth

Mixing Instructions
shake and then strain into a lowball glass

Until the ice melts, Tweet (FanFicDealer), Message me on Facebook, or email (fanficdealer@gmail.com) if you want to talk shop.

The deal has been made. ;)

:: Team Edward :: A new movie for our Favorite Cullen?

 

Are you wondering what's next for some of the Twilight Cast after Breaking Dawn wraps in March sometime? 

We know that shortly after completion of Breaking Dawn, Robert Pattinson will be on a media tour and premiere for Water for Elephants (in theaters April 22) but guess what else I found out? 


According the my favorite source of news, Twilight Examiner, according to an article on Deadline Hollywood, Rob will taking part in another book to movie called Cosmopolis by author Don DeLillo. 




EXCLUSIVE: Robert Pattinson has booked his first major lead for when he completes The Twilight Saga. Pattinson will star in Cosmopolis, the Don DeLillo novel adaptation that David Cronenberg wrote and will direct. Pattinson, will play Eric Packer. A financial wunderkind, Packer risks his entire fortune to bet against the yen on a tumultuous day. His deed puts him in the crosshairs for assassination in a drama that is a study of capitalism in a slightly futuristic metropolis. Most of the scenes in the book take place in the limousine that transports Packer from place to place. Marion Cotillard and Paul Giamatti are also reportedly doing the film, but those same reports had Colin Farrell poised to take the lead role.

As Pattinson and his Twilight Saga castmates plan their careers after the series is completed--Bill Condon is directing the final film right now, Pattinson is following a path based on strong filmmakers and tasteful source material. He took the role because he is a big fan of Cronenberg's work and an admirer of DeLillo's books.


I have read the first 50 pages on my ibook and patiently waiting for the book to arrive on my door step and let me tell you... RATED R!!!!!! LOL

It also looks like he is headed back to New York to possible film this one since the setting is New York based however, the entire book takes place in a limo... hmmmmmmmmmm

So, there ya go... Go get the book and let me know what you think! 

Source: Twilight Examiner and Deadline New York (article)
http://www.deadline.com/2011/01/robert-pattinson-stars-in-david-cronenbergs-cosmopolis 

::Team Twilight:: Fan Fiction Friday

Happy New Year my Sparkly Fic Addicts! I hope you've recovered from the holidays and made one important resolution: to set aside more time feed your addiction! To help you out with that resolution, Lab Tech Andi has a few fics worth your time. So skip, dance, or fly to the blue door behind the shack, knock the melody for "Hey, Soul Sister" by Train, and when they ask, the password is "âme soeur". Be Safe!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I sat in the lab, papers scattered all around me. I was supposed to be examining tests from the lab but my eyes couldn't focus on the words in front of me. Instead, a velvety voice floated through the room making other images appear in my mind.

"Why weren't we given an immortal soul?" the little mermaid sadly asked. "I would gladly give up my three hundred years if I could be a human being only for a day, and later share in that heavenly realm."

"You must not think about that," said the old lady. "We fare much more happily and are much better off than the folk up there."

"Then I must also die and float as foam upon the sea, not hearing the music of the waves, and seeing neither the beautiful flowers nor the red sun! Can't I do anything at all to win an immortal soul?"

"No," her grandmother answered, "not unless a human being loved you so much that you meant more to him than his father and mother. If his every thought and his whole heart cleaved to you so that he would let a priest join his right hand to yours and would promise to be faithful here and throughout all eternity, then his soul would dwell in your body, and you would share in the happiness of mankind. He would give you a soul and yet keep his own. But that can never come to pass."

"Daddy, I don't understand." Renesmee gave her father a quizzical look. "You loved Mommy when she was human, why would her grandmother tell her it was impossible for a human to love her?"

"Because not everyone sees beauty the same way and I suppose her grandmother most likely thought humans were shallow,” Edward explained to his daughter.

“Did you have a soul before you married Mommy?”

“Your Mother always believed I had one but I wasn’t so sure.” Edward smiled at his daughter now and glanced at me for a second at if asking for help. I giggled softly and shook my head.

“Did Mommy give you part of her soul then?” She continued to question.

“You know, I think she just might have.” Edward smiled down at her and then asked, “Would you like for me to continue the story now?”

“Oh yes, I want to know if she ever got a soul.” Renesmee beamed at her father and he continued on with the story.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As I listened to Edward recite the original version of “The Little Mermaid” by Hans Christian Andersen I began to wonder about souls for our beloved Cullen’s. Edward attempted every way possible to preserve Bella’s soul and it makes me wonder if it wasn’t only her blood that sang to Edward. So all my deals this week are soulful tales that will warm the mind, heart, and soul.

This beautiful and very soulful tale is titled “Hello” by katinki. In this amazing one-shot, Bella has done something she fears is the worst mistake of her life. All she wanted was a little relief from all her insecurities and now what’s to become of her. If death really is the end and there’s nothing to look forward to, how with he ever know. But what about true soul mates, is there something waiting for them? I'm just sure you’ll enjoy this as much as I did.
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5974158

Next, I found a soul in need of repair in “The Unaccompanied Soul” by JMCullen09. Summer break has just started and Alice manages to talk Bella into socializing with some classmates by exploring an old, dilapidated hospital residing in the outskirts of Forks, WA. It’s been there untouched for so many years that the people have said it’s haunted by a young man. Will Bella be able to uncover its secrets?
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5746842

My final soul appeared in a little tale called “Your Voice Was All I Heard” by twimamma. In this story, Bella has a secret past that she’s trying very hard to hide from, letting everyone think she’s dead. However, it’s that same past with Bella that Edward, singer in the hit band ‘Midnight Sun’, can never seem to put behind him. He just feels like everything he’s been told is a lie, but there’s no way to prove it. Worst thing about it, is that Edward knows his father is behind it all. What will Edward do to find out the truth? I know you won’t want to over look this one.
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5888382

So to go along with these fics, I think we need something light and sweet, something I call a “Soulmate”

Ingredients
1oz. Irish Crème
1/2 oz. butterscotch schnapps
1/2 oz. chocolate liquor
3 oz. Milk

Mixing Instructions
Shake in a shaker with ice until frothy and pour in a glass.

I know this post may be small, but the deals are powerful, so here's hoping you get snowed in somewhere. Tweet (FanFicDealer), Message me on Facebook, or email (fanficdealer@gmail.com) if you want to talk shop.

The deal has been made. ;)

::Team Twilight:: Fan Fiction Friday

And so we say goodbye to another year of tears and laughter, calm and chaos, love and heartbreak, but before that last bell tolls we celebrate the year because good or bad it has made you who you are. So, for this final post of 2010, Lab Tech Andi has tabulated your favorites, the ones you couldn't keep quiet about, the ones that made you want to reach out to the author. Tread lightly as you make your way to the blue at the back of the shack, knock the beat of "I got a feelin'" by the Black Eyed Peas and the password is "Auld Lang Syne". Be Safe!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The sunlight shattered into a million different colored beams of light as it filtered through the raindrops that uselessly attempted with every last molecule to cling to the window of the lab. Each beam was then reflected back a million times, scattered around the room, dancing on the walls as I moved. Strong hands wrapped around my waist, lifting me high into the air, and I laughed. I raised my arms to reach for what I desired and as my fingers nimbly plucked it from high above me, it sent down a shower of stars, and again I laughed.

“Wow! Andi, you have tinsel and glitter all over you!” Bella exclaimed as she reached out for the ornament in my hand.

“It wasn’t my idea to put extra glitter on the garland,” I responded with a smile. “But now I sparkle like you!” Jasper gently set me down on my feet again and I ruffled his hair, sending more glitter into the air like pixie dust.

Bella laughed. “Yes, I suppose you do.” Then she taped up the box and dashed out of the room with it.

“Hey, Alice! We’re leaving the lights out, right?” Emmett asked from the other side of the room. He and Rose were taking down the tree and where that marvelous tree once stood, now there were only a few boxes of ornaments beside a bare evergreen.

“Yes, we’re reusing the lights for New Year’s Eve. So, just put them some place safe and we’ll get to them in a little bit.” Alice answered him, all the while her fingers continued to tap away on the keyboard at my desk.

“So, Alice, what are you researching anyway?” I asked her as I started walking towards the computer.

“Well, we’ve never had so many humans around before during the holidays and I know there are a lot of New Year’s Day traditions that people celebrate, so I want to make sure we’re prepared.”

I sat down in the chair on the other side of my desk, “The only traditions my family ever observed was to put money in your shoe and eat cabbage.”

“And what’s that supposed to do?” asked Jasper as he sat on the corner of my desk.

“Cabbage is supposed to represent paper money,” Alice answered him. “It’s supposed to bring wealth into the New Year, but I haven’t seen anything about money in your shoe. Is that for wealth too?”

“I guess so; it’s just something my dad did. He would put a hundred dollar bill in his sock, under his foot; that way he was walking on money all day long. He said it was good luck.” I said with a shrug.

“That sounds really silly.” Emmett added and then flashed over to join us.

“Actually, it seems there are a lot of traditions like that. Such as the tradition of the ‘first footer’, this is the first person to enter a home after midnight. Snopes.com states that the first footer will influence the kind of year you’re about to have. That this person should be a dark-haired, tall, and good-looking male, and should come bearing gifts such as a lump of coal to represent warmth, a silver coin to represent wealth, a bit of bread to represent abundance of food, a sprig of evergreen to represent longevity, and some salt to bring prosperity. Blonde and redhead first footers bring bad luck, and female first footers should be shooed away before they bring disaster down on the household. Aim a gun at them if you have to, but don't let them near your door before a man crosses the threshold.” Alice laughed as she read the last line and Emmett was doubled over from watching Rosalie’s face.

Jasper walked over to Emmett and playfully punched him on the arm, “So, I guess you’re our designated first footer.”

“I guess so!” Emmett straightened up. “That’s pretty cool. So, what other traditions are there?”

“The Dutch believe that eating donuts will bring good fortune because they are commonly in the shape of a ring which symbolizes coming full circle.

“There’s also a Sicilian belief that lasagna is the lucky food and that all other noodles are bad luck.

“In Spain and Peru, they eat one grape for each of the 12 months in the year ahead, but the Peruvians add a 13th grape to further ensure their luck.

The Chinese believe red is good luck and put all knives away for the day, so that no one cuts themselves, thereby cutting the family’s good luck for the coming year.”

Jasper broken in, “Maybe we should ban paper too.” Alice rolled her eyes and turned back to the monitor.

Alice continued, “In Denmark, on New Year’s Eve, people throw old dishes at the front doors of their friends’ houses to show they care. So if they wake up to a large pile of broken dishes at their door, it’s a sign that they are blessed with many friends.”

Emmett looked over at Bella, “Hey Bells, do you think Charlie would let that one fly here?”

“No way,” she shook her head, “the town would completely freak out.”

“Ok, Alice, so what about the ones for the United States?” Emmett asked, impatience tinting his voice.

“Let’s see,” Alice scrolled up and down the screen. “Besides, cabbage, there’s collard greens and black-eyed peas for wealth.”

“Black-eyed peas, really?” Emmett asked looking very confused and maybe even a little disgusted.

“Yep, supposedly they’re lucky if you eat them.” Alice answered.

“How would anyone know, they’re still human aren’t they?” Emmett asked lowering his voice. Then Rosalie smacked the back of his head.

“Not THE Black-Eyed Peas you boob! A black-eyed pea is a bean that people eat.” She told him and then walked away. Emmett just stood there rubbing his head.

“How was I supposed to know?” He asked the back of Rose’s head and then turned back to us. “I don’t eat beans.” We all laughed and Bella and Jasper went back to disassembling Christmas with Rose; Emmett followed.

“You know, this has really been a pretty good year.” I mused aloud to no one in particular.

“Yes, it really has,” Alice responded and then added, “but just wait until you see next year.” And the small smile told me she wasn’t going to share any more.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

So, here we are once again, standing on the doorstep of a New Year just waiting for father time to open the door and let us in. And while we stand here and ponder the year gone-by, why not bide our time by re-reading a few of your favorite fics that have been featured at the shack. I’ve taken the time and crunched the numbers for over 140 tales, trying to put all these fics on level ground and here are my results:

Overall Favorites

Master of the Universe by Snowqueens Icedragon
Edward Wallbanger by feathersmmmm
Tropic of Virgo by In.a.blue.bathrobe

~*~~*~

Favorite One-shots

Art Model by dollegirl
On the Double by MasenVixen
Once Bitten by NoMoreThanUsual

~*~~*~


Favorite Parody

Attention, WalMart Shoppers by sillybella

~*~~*~


Favorite Jasper Story

A Lesson In Release by Lillie Cullen

~*~~*~


Favorite Carlisle Story

Past and Present by GiveUsAKiss413

~*~~*~


Favorite Emmett Story

Nosy Neighbors TwiGirl Revolution Submission by dirtybrat

~*~~*~


Favorite Alice Story

Yoga Master by mskathy

~*~~*~


Favorite Rosalie Story

Nosy Neighbors TwiGirl Revolution Submission by dirtybrat

~*~~*~


Favorite Vampire Tales

Bonne Foi by Amethyst Jackson
Dirty Dancing with the Devil Herself by JayJayHale
Past and Present by GiveUsAKiss413

~*~~*~


Favorite Dadward Story

Bella Swan: Kidnapper by Kambria Rain

~*~~*~


And just like the gifts of the ‘first footer’, here is my ‘Twilight Recipe to Ensure Good Fortune in the New Year’:

An apple to ensure good health
A feather to encourage passion
Honey to bring sweetness to life
A log to burn away evil
A candle to light your path
And eggs to ensure nourishment for growth

Until next year! Haha! Tweet (FanFicDealer), Message me on Facebook, or email (fanficdealer@gmail.com) if you want to talk shop.

The deal has been made. ;)

:: Team Jasper :: 100 Monkeys rock House of Blues New Orleans

Yet again, I had an oppuritnty to see Jackson Rathbone... twice in one month!!

His band, 100 Monkeys, played the House of Blues in New Orleans last night. And they rocked my socks off! I only knew one song, Wings on Fire, (Thanks Anna) but in all they were really good. They made up two songs for the evening, Show me your Beads and Fake it till you Take it. LOL

So here are some pics of Jackson Rathbone aka Jasper Hale with his band 100 Monkeys!!

Enjoy!

:: Team Roboswki :: NEW Water For Elephants Trailer

lll


Okay ladies... hold onto your seats... This morning a new trailer was releaved on Twitter for Water For Elephants!

I. AM. DED. That is all! BY THE WAY... THE DATE FOR THE RELEASE OF WATER FOR ELEPHANTS HAS CHANGED.... APRIL 22, 2011 IS THE NEW DATE... MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

This one contains a HECK of more shots and far more that we saw in the first Trailer and what I saw when it rolled in front of the Black Swan movie!

So enjoy and is it April 22 yet??????

Source: YouTube via RobstenDreams blog

::Team Twilight:: Fan Fiction Friday

Ok Shacksters, you need to run home, put on your comfy clothes, and then head over to the shack asap. Lab Tech Andi's passing out candy canes, fics, and just for today she'll be reading a very special version of "Twas the night before Christmas" that I know you won't want to miss. So when you get to the blue door at the back of the shack, knock the tune of "Santa Baby" and the password is "Merry Christmas". Be Safe!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the Love Shack
Not a creature was sleeping, can you imagine that?
The lab had been decorated from ceiling to floor,
Guarantying that, for the holidays, it looked nothing like before.
Alice and Bella came to set out some food,
While Edward played Christmas carols to get us in the mood.
The authors were all dressed up in their holiday attire,
I'm sure to gain the attention of their favorite vampire.

When out in the back we heard an earthshaking sound,
I threw the door open and looked all around.
The waning gibbous moon shining down from the sky,
Gave the splendor of twilight to the forest nearby
And what to my curious eyes should I see,
But Emmett waving down to us from high in a tree.
"Oh, silly vampire, what are you doing up there?"
Rosalie turned to me and said "He thought he smelled a bear."
I smiled and told her, "Then we should all go inside"
Pointing up at Emmett, "Don't you think that I've tried?"
"Come on Rose, let's leave him; he'll come in when he's ready
If he doesn't find the bear, I'll give my teddy."

The music had changed by the time we walked in,
And she laughed when she looked at me with a small grin.
By the glow of the twinkling lights on the tree,
Everybody was dancing where the desks used to be.
Suddenly there was a thud overhead,
When the roof began to crackle, I started to dread.

Faster than cheetahs, Alice raced through the room,
Moving everyone before the roof gave away with a boom.
Among all the rubble sat Emmett looking quite pleased,
Despite that his clothes were shredded from his head to his knees.
His eyes -- how golden! His dimples -- how snappy!
"I got that bear Rosie! Now I'm so happy!"
"But look what you've done to the roof of this place!"
Rose yelled at him while the smile dropped from his face.
Alice trying to calm Rose with her fairy-like charm,
She placed her tiny hand on Rose's arm.
"Oh Rose! It'll be fine. Jasper's on his way.
I sent him out to get lumber today."

It wasn't much longer before Jasper arrived
And he helped clean up the damage that we'd survived.
We turned up the music as Jasper and Emmett worked,
And little by little Rose looked a little less irked.

In just a few short hours the roof was all mended,
That's when we noticed that Carlisle's shift at the hospital had ended.
So when the door flew open without any warning,
We cheered because this party would go until morning,
Now that Carlisle and Esme had finally come in
We laughed as we shared what a night this had been.

Then Alice called our attention to look outside
She flashed to the door and threw it open wide;
Excitedly she exclaimed as we watched the flakes of white
"Merry Christmas to all, and for all it will be a good-night."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

With the holidays still upon us, I know time is precious, so I only have two angel-like stories to share.

My first angel was discovered in a beautiful little fic called “The Holy Dark” by KayRayLovesLove. For 3000 years, Edward and Bella have been apart from each other, two halves of the same whole, being each other’s guardian angel when it’s their turn to roam the earth. Except this time, she’s just so beautiful and he simply can’t spend another lifetime without her. He knows the reason why they aren’t together, why they trade places in the heavens each lifetime, but he still has freewill, the power of choice. What will he choose and what consequences come with that choice? You’ll have to read to find out. **Update - The author of this story passed away before this story could be finished. What she did write is beautiful and I love it even if it was incomplete. Just thought you'd like to know. **
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5972130

My second angel is also a guardian, but he’s here to help in a tale called “The Greatest Gift” by les16. For a very long time, Edward Cullen, has not been the nicest of people. As the CEO of Cullen Publishing, he had a successful company, a beautiful, loving wife, and more money than he could spend in 10 lifetimes, so he really didn’t think he needed to be nice. However, a fateful plane ride with a mysterious flight companion will make this man re-think everything he’s done in his life. But first Edward will need to fix his relationship with his wife, Isabella, if he’s even going to scratch the surface towards righting the wrongs of his past before it's too late.
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6458894

So to go along with these tasty little slices of heaven, here’s an excellent recipe for “Divinity”:

Ingredients
2 2/3 cups white sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions
Cook sugar, corn syrup, and water in a 2-quart pot over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved. (On humid days, use 1 tablespoon less water.) Cook, without stirring, to 300 degrees on candy thermometer (or hard ball stage).

Beat egg whites in 1-1/2-quart bowl until stiff peaks form. Continue to beat while pouring hot syrup in a thin stream into egg whites. Add vanilla; beat until mixture holds its shape and becomes slightly dull. (Mixture may become too stiff for electric mixer). Fold in nuts (if you choose).

Drop from buttered spoon onto waxed paper. Let stand at room temperature, turning candy over once, until outside of candy is firm--at least 12 hours. Store in airtight container.



I hope you enjoied my little holiday tales and Happy Holidays where ever you are. Tweet (FanFicDealer), Message me on Facebook, or email (fanficdealer@gmail.com) if you want to talk shop.

The deal has been made. ;)