pronker

I'd been a Star Wars fan for quite some time and love the worldbuilding, the characters, the themes .... and then Andor came along. This showcases ordinary folks in the Star Wars galaxy accomplishing astonishing feats without the Force. There's perhaps a 0.00002 percent of Force references in the show, and this is a selling point for many who bypass the entire idea of a "mystical energy field." So, I encourage folks to give the award-winning series a try and to start, here's a Funny Tropes in Andor to ease the way into enjoying a fantastic show.

I appreciate Lanny, whose generous program gifted me a laptop when mine expired two years ago. He loaded the new one with my old stuff, showed me its new-to-me ways, and it's worked well ever since. Lanny, I do not know your full name: maybe it's Roland "meaning: from the renowned land" or perhaps Laurence "meaning: bay tree" but I do know you were Sir Lancelot "meaning: spear" of Arthurian fame when you came to my aid. Thanks for allowing 10x greater access to fandom. Included in this post of gratitude is Priscilla, who introduced me to Lanny.

This is the original for the moodboard, a colored plate from a fairytale storybook from childhood, illustrating Beauty and the Beast following Beast's transformation back into human form, artist unknown. I love the colors, the joyful mood following an ordeal, the garden, the castle, the whole schmear. :) It's my desktop. :D

And now, my effort for the challenge:




With a Barbie pink background, Beauty voices her heartfelt plea to Beast to never, never change what he is inside because that would just be too weird.

Fandom extra, because it's Penguin Awareness Day ... the wittiest, most fun interpretation of penguins from the TV series Penguins of Madagascar ...

My creative process for fics often involves dreams, or half-awake speculation right upon awakening. At night I am too sleepy to even wish to think about fics, either reading them or writing them. Upon posting a review, generally *99 percent* on fics I read, mostly "I enjoyed your story. I especially enjoyed the part where X happened" or sometimes "Your imagery is lovely!" This is when I'm typing on a laptop; when hunting and pecking on a tablet, the review is shorter with less capitalization. :)

At one point when inspiration runs wild, I sit with eyes closed and pound away regardless of errors or double checking ideas. Everything comes out onto the rtf, yes I use rtf for ficcage; when beginning to write online back in 2006, I stuck to about 1100 words per chapter because that is what each screen held and editing is much easier when there's no scrolling. For a long story, I use outlines and spreadsheets to coordinate the timeline.

But there are other aspects to fandom than reading and writing. When I made my Star Wars wind chime, the plastic figures suggested various characters, many from Jude Watson's Jedi Apprentice and Jedi Quest YA series and a few from comics.

For drawing fanart, sources include favorite cartoons, mostly one panel newspaper cartoons such as Garfield or Family Circus. It's easy to transfer basic tropes into a Galaxy Far, Far Away or Central Park Zoo. I'm in awe of cartoonists.

Perhaps the most profound fandom item I've created is my lightsaber made from clay, carved with mystic symbols and then shellacked. This is way before friends and family gifted me with lightsabers from Disneyland. The clay lightsaber holds a special place in my heart, along with holding loose papers down as a paperweight.

Hereupon appended is my list of ten favorite WIP fics, glorious reads in so many of my fandoms:

Rebellions Eat Their Own by Hera_Cass holds a Star Wars: Andor fic featuring so much delectable plot, action, and characterization that I'm flabbergasted in the best way. Characters abound that are gleaned from Star Wars: Rebels, the Original Trilogy, other Star Wars-ery, and of course from the show that took the fandom by storm, Andor. Updated regularly, it's a true pleasure to rec this story.

A Reason To Leave by Crystal Volcheck. Penguins of Madagascar fics vary from canon actual birds to AU humanized versions of the cast, and Crystal Volcheck remains a favorite in the humanized aspect. The fic showcases the ongoing romance of Skipper and Marlene while adding in the complication of Hans' return. Hans needs Skipper's help immediately, and Marlene simply must deal with it.

an island in your arms by wildcard_47 explores the pairing of Lane Pryce and Joan Holloway, whose attraction leads to a strong drama filled with Mad Men characters, an OC or two, and much glorious period detail. EAD: Ooops this is complete.

Remember Me Like This by shady-swan-jones delves into Haladriel, the Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power Halbrand/Galadriel pairing that piques the imagination. Author's summary: "A short story about their stay in Eregion, my take on why the rings were made. It starts with a kiss, but how does it end?"

Disassembly by NoFootprintsInSand takes on the Star Wars: Andor daring pairing of Orson Krennic and Dedra Meero as Orson pushes boundaries and Dedra dares them, too.

GH-325 by Skyson guides Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D from mid-season 1's ending in which Coulson rescues Skye from Ward; the AU contains lovely plotting and characterization from Coulson, Skye, Melinda, Gemma, Leo, Antoine, Billy and Sam Koenig, and Nick Fury.

Happily Ever After by MRSTJ1, a Dark Shadows fic delivering a charming OC who used to be a vampire's thrall, but she got over it. Visit Barnabas Collins and Julia, Quentin Collins, Roger Collins, all the Collinses and their close associates who somehow wind up living in the vast, mysterious Collinwood manor, sometimes for years at a time. :) Nicholas Blair works his somewhat honorable deviltry, and the story barrels right along with regular updates.

Indomitable Heart by Kihvod works fic magic in the Star Wars: Bad Batch 'verse with Tech marooned away from his closest clone brothers in a POW camp. How he survives and even thrives form the basis of a good story.

The Ominous Thing: Part 4 of What All This Love Is For by Kark in the world of Dark Shadows holds fascinating lore regarding luckstones and lich stones that flavor this immersive epic with lore I'd not heard of before (hey, that rhymes!) Author crafted a series of tales holding all your favorites, Willie, Roger, Julia, Maggie, and so on, living out lives in the tiny seaport of Collinsport. Spooky happenings abound, but did we expect anything different? :D

Legacy-VI by ruth baulding holds a special place in my fic-loving heart because the writing in all 98 of her Star Wars stories give fullness to the characters of Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, Dooku and so many rich OCs that there's a little shrine to her stories in the back yard. Upon fleshing out Jude Watson's Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice to applause, ruth next explored the Jedi Quest 'verse, and Legacy-VI is the last bit, unfinished as it is but we live in hope. Here's the shrine with its plaque that says: In memoriam r.b. dedicandum est hoc diem et perpetuam. 

And now I cheat with two authors whose oovers contain only completed stories:

Inverse Alchemy, Part 6 offers NPI_IDK's latest works in a summary like this: "A collection of unrelated, random and even contradictory one-shots inspired by the album "On Every Street" (1991) by Dire Straits, set in the world of "The Penguins of Madagascar". A humble homage. *** Aug.2025-Sep.2025." For sheer originality, this series is hard to beat because the blend of music and literary works always make me gasp.

Tzu-ology is the latest story by Random Guise, whose works span vast numbers of movies, books, and even the game of Pong. Every time I read a story, Author makes sure that even if I've not read or seen the source, I'm up to speed on plot and character within a paragraph or two. For instance, I've not seen the film Breakfast Club, yet this fic holds all the teen moods and wild imaginings, not to mention craftiness, that anyone could wish.

[][]

I hope you recognize that WIPs contain larval forms of lovely fic-butterflies, and that larvae such as a tobacco hornworm contain a sort of beauty.

2025 proved a banner year for discovering websites in my old movie fandom! Beginning with Movies Silently, which delights in Fritzi's witty reviews of silent films each Sunday and tells you where to find them, the whole year contained wealth beyond imagining.

Moving on to sound film, goodies abound at Poseidon's Underworld as Jon dives into luscious movies with copious film stills and posters appended. There's a taglist right side of the page to search for your favorite performer!

Next comes Pre-Code films, those sound films released before the Production Code ruled Hollywood about 1934-1968, and Danny serves up his personal reviews in posts loaded with vintage reviews of the film, stills, and news about which pre-codes that Turner Classic Movies airs each month.

Finally, Travalanche covers film, nightclub artistes, and many other topics that pique one's popular culture interest. Travis is quite the guy: "The observations of actor, author, comedian, critic, director, humorist, journalist, m.c., performance artist, playwright, producer, publicist, public speaker, songwriter, and variety booker Trav S.D.". :D

I hope one of these tickles your fancy. *sigh* Fandom is such darn fun, Snowflakes.

Will an idealized pet suffice? This perfect drawing is of the rare and precious saola, the "Asian Unicorn" that we hope and pray roams the Annamites still. I dream of claiming one as a pet, sponsoring its survival, and perhaps one day visiting it in Laos or Vietnam. The drawing arrived as a Christmas gift from LiveJournal's generous Motetus way back in 2013. Fannishly, the name turned up in my long Star Wars fic As Clear As Mud Chapter 1, a star wars fanfic | FanFiction :) with the ungulate called an "aloas." :D

Title: Looky-Loo

Author: pronker

Characters: Kleya Marki, Luthen Rael, an OC or three

Setting: Coruscant, at the corner of 5,803,623rd and Elm

Genre: Fluff

Summary: At sixteen Standard, Kleya needs socializing so Luthen puts her in cheer.

A/N This is an entry for theForceDAHTNET'S 2025 Fanfiction Olympics Tennis Match, 100 or more words dialogue-only. Identification of speaking parties cheerfully given! I'll do my best to make them clear.

IOIOIOIO

"I don't want to."

"You must, Kleya. You need socializing skills. You and I cannot be all in all to each other."

"I feel stupid in this uniform."

"You're to be a flyer, Sissy promised."

"Everyone will look at me."

"Good practice."

"Why?"

"We just moved here. You're in school, we bought the shop and I need you to help me sell. I can't teach you manners all by myself."

"So this is what you call networking? Cozying up to Sissy Manu, who comes to our Shop By Starlight Night every Taungsday when we stay open late? The one who picks up every single fragile piece, nearly drops it and buys nothing? That one, the looky-loo?"

"Networking was necessary when I was an army regular. Our lives depended on each other. Now I only have you. Don't let me down."

"Here she comes."

"Madame Adoz! How goes it this fine evening? I was just telling Kleya that natural surfaces are hard to come by on Coruscant and here we are, standing on actual grass."

"I'm well, thank you for asking. And it's Mistress Adoz."

"Call me Luthen."

"Very well, and I'm Sissy. Your girl will fit right in, I'm certain of it. The rest of the squad is a bit late, I'll have to speak to them about that. Oh, I see five girls at the far corner of the field, they'll be here momentarily. They take large steps."

"Kleya, say hello to Sissy."

"'Lo."

"She's shy, how sweet! We'll appoint her Flyer-in-Training, here, let me smooth your ruffles and hair bow, stand still, dear."

"She'll do what she's told, isn't that right, daughter?"

"I will n- wait, are those Keredians?"

"Good eye, Kleya! You're the only human on our prize Novice Squad of all-Keredians, the first in the galaxy that I know of. Soon you'll learn to fly, tick tock, spot, and hit zero in all the competitions. Federal District High School will be proud of you! Luthen, are you certain you signed all the release of liability forms?"

"Y-Yes. Sissy, each girl looks to outweigh Kleya four to one - "

"And most importantly, the next of kin notifications form?"

"Sissy, perhaps this may take more thought - "

"Luthen, I'll be all right."

"And so says your girl, Luthen. Let her grow. I realize it's difficult being a single parent because I'm one, too. We must let them be free at some point. And relax! You don't think I'd allow anyone else to be injured, do you?"

"What - who is Kleya replacing, Sissy?"

"Ahah, here is the squad! Girls, say hello to our newest flyer, Kleya Rael."

"I'm Kleya Marki, Coach."

"Oh."

"I'm Pola. Put 'er there, Marki."

"I'm Tiny. Up you go, Marki!"

"Girls, girls! Easy, she's new to cheer, don't - "

"Sissy, she'll never be a, a base for a pyramid, will she?"

"Luthen, I promised you she'll always fly. We'll treasure her, oh look, she's getting into it already! See those stiff knees, no wishy-washy first days for her. I can tell you've not been a hovercraft parent, good for you."

"I'm having fun, Luthen!"

"She appears all right - well. She needs this, Sissy. Fitting into school when you're new is always difficult. You must remember your school days."

"No, I've always lived on Coruscant and attended Federal District High myself."

"Oh."

"You look well-traveled, on the other hand. We must get together sometime and compare our pasts."

"I'll look forward to it, when time permits. I'm busy setting up the shop at the moment."

"Of course."

"Bye, Luthen! See you at home, Tiny and the team invited me for herglic ice cream floats after practice. Bye!"

"Put your wallet away, Luthen, I chaperone and pay for everything. Your girl will be fine. May I say that it's wizard to find a father willing to get involved with the squad? We see mothers with their offspring at every practice and you're the first father. I rather like it."

"I suppose you'd like me to drive them to tournaments if they do well. My vehicle is at your disposal. It seats twelve."

"Wizard! Twelve Keredians?"

"Erm, no. But six Keredians, three humans and a BD-1 unit would work."

"I'd love a road trip with you, Luthen. I'm sure that six months from now, we'll be seeded for the cheerleading championships in Monument Park. Wizard!"

"Yes. Wizard."

IOIOIOIOIO

The End.

IOIOIOIOIO

2024 contained exemplary episodes of joy, so I'll stick to a fannish one: I "cut the cord" to cable TV in September. This made me grumpy and mourning the loss of Turner Classic Movies, in particular. I DVR'd sooo much from that station, researched the films and especially the silent films offered every Sunday. But onward to joy ... Tubi! Since Nephew gifted me Roku that contains Tubi, I've discovered its glories and therefore the joy was truly unexpected. :)

I happily add this to my pinterest saves as a kind of reblog: the film "Two Weeks To Live" derived from the Lum 'n Abner old timey radio show. It's a rural comedy about the folks in Pine Ridge, Arkansas, especially the customers of the Jot 'Em Down Store. There's a gen-u-wine museum devoted to them in the town and its residents voted in 1936 to rename their town Pine Ridge from the original Waters, Arkansas.

Can a greater expression of fandom exist? Do we expect citizens of New York City to rename it "Spidermantown"? We do not.

Another example of fandom furor arose in 1941, when Gene Autry, Oklahoma came into being, renamed from Berwyn, Oklahoma. Another inspiring example of true fandom. :) Anecdote: on a cross country driving trip, I demanded a visit to Gene Autry, Oklahoma. It was as fun as it sounds.