randomness

[permetaform]

Found a most hilarious post on A/L today written by lannamichaels (as pointed out by twinkledru in a further post here)

The FotR recap is more of a straightforward A/L scene-by-scene breakdown. But in the TT recap...

They see Gandalf. Aragorn kneels, Legolas stands, Gimli is gruff. Aragorn, by the way, looks delightful on his knees, which is why he kneels later for Theoden. Or maybe that's just to blow him. We all need a little lovin' sometimes.

::grins:: ah me ah my but I love the snark.

(Incidentally, I've always found the "You're late and you need a bath" scene where Aragorn comes back as snark between guy friends...)

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widget285 makes a good point about the fluidity and translucence of truth...

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hesychasm discusses the use and role of subtext (does sex simplify complex relationships into something easier to understand and control?)

I'm not sure what my response to the stated question is, but (in response to a point raised in the entry) I think that one can't just leave the subtext alone. Or perhaps more clearly, *I* can't leave the subtext alone: I have too much of an urge to prod the thing like an open wound. I have too much love for trying to seek out others who may see the same subtext, if nothing else than to just convince myself that no, I'm not just seeing things because I want it to be.

Skimming out the subtext is a huge part of the fun, for me, in watching movies or reading stories.

I think this might have a great deal with how I *adore* a finely written bit of denial and unspoken plot/backhistory, I'm so used to skimming out the subtext of my media that reading anything straightforward now seem shallow and one-dimensional.

And I'm not even talking specifically about *pairing* subtext either. For instance:
Surface(HP) is a marvelously layered tale with tons of *characterization* subtext.
Sparrow(PotC) has an entire *plot* as subtext, smooshed into a trim and effective 50 words.
Into the Dark(OUaTiM) is one where bare and simple words and sentances weaves around each other into a suprisingly *emotional* gut-punch of a fic.

I wonder how much of my love for reading and writing a story that tells itself sideways is due to how all stories have been told. To write an original story, at this point, I think we're near forced to tell a story in pauses, like how a song is made stronger with it's downbeat, like how a hammock is 85% air and a cat's cradle of string.

Comments

[guede-mazaka.livejournal.com]

Sometimes subtext seems to work better as subtext for me. For example, I just can't get into Buffy/Xander fic, because the whole attitude of 'White Knight' that Xander has toward Buffy works much better on an unrequited love level. On the other hand, if the slash/het/whatever fanfic simplifies the relationship, then I think it's the writer who's at fault. For me, the fanfic that pushes my buttons, that keeps me awake at night and colors my days, is the fanfic that uses the sex to make things even more complicated.

As for origfic, I'm writing that again as well as fanfic, so I have to say that they're still not comparable worlds. On the one hand, I don't have to worry over canon. On the other, now I have to paint and dabble and just swipe the color all over; I can't just sketch anymore and expect the reader to fill in the blanks.

[niqaeli]

*skimming friendslist* *pauses for a moment* *scrolls back frantically* *stares*

I'm honoured and pleased that you think well enough of my little half-drabble to have used it as an example!

[permetaform]

I see what you mean on the Buffy/Xander thing, and you have a point on the sex-as-complicator part (which, btw, your fic does admirably and wonderfully and brain-meltingly well...)

As for the origfic, the advantages and drawbacks you've mentioned make sense, tho from assumption more than from experience because I've never written origfic before.

[permetaform]

*I'm* glad to have such a great example to point to...I remember that you were thinking of expanding on it? I'm totally looking forward to it, and in fact would *love* to extend beta-ing services or brainstorming services or researching services if you wish it ::prostrates self at your feet::

[guede-mazaka.livejournal.com]

your fic does admirably and wonderfully and brain-meltingly well...

*mad grinning*

Speaking of, just can't seem to let FDTD drop the curtain after the...ah...honeymoon night. Am writing more right now. Erk.

[teardrop69.livejournal.com]

I always absolutely adore the "best of the best" I always find in your journal.

... uh... not much else to say, but I thought I'd let you know I like what you post.

[permetaform]

::glomps:: aww, thanks. I always wonder a bit if they're useful to anyone. thank you for letting me know...