Models of the Shire

Last week: The girls flew to Auckland, New Zealand and immediately went on go-sees. Angelea impressed but Alexandra, Krista, and Alasia were all late getting back to the model agency. Nigel directed them in a shoot featuring a sheep. At panel, Krista wowed again while Alasia and Jessica fell to the bottom two. In the end, Alasia was sent back the 22  hours to America. Five girls remain—who will be sent back Stateside tonight? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

AUCKLAND! Raina congratulates them all for being in the top 5. Alexandra confesses she isn’t going to be friendly. She’s going to be on top. Jessica talks about being certain she was going to be sent home. Krista admires her picture back at the penthouse. Alexandra says that Krista looks like she’s in a tornado. Angelea says she and Krista are drifting as Krista drifts closer to Alexandra.

Jessica misses her family while the girls worry about a double elimination. Meanwhile, Jessica tries to make tacos and puts them on top of the toaster. They catch fire. And the girls are absolutely useless. They pretty much run around the kitchen, yelling. Find the damn fire extinguisher and put the damn fire out! It’s not rocket science, brainiacs! Someone throws a towel on top of the flames. Good start, guys, but you need to SMOTHER the flames to cut off the oxygen. In the end, the fire is put out and Jessica reveals her husband does most of the cooking at home. Alexandra and Krista pretty much call her a bad wife and mother because she doesn’t cook and say her child is screwed.

Because Jessica doesn’t cook? There are other stay at home moms who aren’t the primary cooks in the family.

TYRA MAIL! “Who says you can’t fit a square peg into a round hole?” Bwah?

Alexandra teases Raina for memorizing the Tyra mail. We flash back to Raina’s awkward phase. She loves New Zealand and decides that Krista and Alexandra aren’t going to…Was that a sign welcoming them to Hobbiton?

They meet Jay and apparently they are fans of the Lord of the Rings. Jessica freaks out when they realize that they are in Hobbiton. Jay introduces them to Sarah McLeod AKA Rosie Cotton from the movies. Remember, she’s the one Sean Astin married at the end? The girls flip out except for Angelea, who wonders if she’s the only one who hasn’t seen these movies.

Yes, Angelea, you are.

Sarah says that on a set—both as a model or an actress—they will be put in uncomfortable situations. She is 5’7 and had to crawl out of the Hobbit holes during the shooting of Lord of the Rings. Mr. Jay announces they will be doing a shoot—five frames in the Hobbit hole doorway. They will be modeling “World” designs. Alexandra goes first and uses the door to her advantage. Krista is next and Mr. Jay seems unsure of her poses. Krista focuses on showing Angelea she is competition. Jessica is third. Jessica is a Lord of the Rings fan…but I loved her first pose. Angelea follows Jessica. Mr. Jay likes her planes. Raina is last. She uses New Zealand as inspiration.

Alexandra: Did something different but more pin-up than fashion. Raina: Great face but not so great poses. Jessica: Standard poses. Angelea: Worked it. Krista: Used the space in a smart way. And the winner will get World merchandise. Sarah announces the winner as…

Top Model Lounge! Laura thinks Angelea did the best but Bianca is rooting for Krista.

HOBBITON! Sarah finally tells us that Krista is the winner. Angelea looks devastated. And she gets more merchandise because she was the first picture last week. They say good-bye to Sarah…

…And hello to Krista’s prize. Jessica says that Krista is the queen bee and a strong competitor. Meanwhile, Krista and Alexandra mock Angelea club walk at panel last week. They probably weren’t the only ones. We even get in flashback complete with music. And shots of Tyra and Andre looking like “Wha?” Krista says that if Angelea can dish it she can also take it as Angelea leaves the room. We see Angelea back in Cycle 12 where she tells Tyra she slept in Port Authority.

TYRA MAIL! “If you want to be a true top model, you might have to shadow one.” The girls try to figure out what that means. Jessica talks about missing her child, just like Anslee and Brenda did. Before they left.

Jessica’s a goner, isn’t she?

The next morning, Krista and Alexandra are sunbathing on the deck when Raina comes out to enjoy New Zealand and the morning. And to let the others know she’s enjoying it. This annoys Krista and Alexandra to no end.

The girls hop on their New Zealand bus and meet Mr. Jay at a barn. He comments on the gorgeous day and tells them they are at a New Zealand vineyard. He talks about how the growers plant the grapes so they can catch the suns. The models will be finding their light…amongst shadows. Because that’s where Tyra hides! The girls are excited. Mr. Jay tells the girls to pierce through to the lens as Tyra wants face.

The girls hit hair and make up while Tyra approves of wardrobe. She moves on to hair choices for the girls and is impressed by Raina’s poses. Angelea is nervous to have Tyra that close. Jessica says she doesn’t feel fierce enough and she looks dejected. She knows she has to do good on the shoot.

Back at hair, the girls get clay put in their hair. Alexandra goes first. She is on logs. Tyra tells her focus on danger, on secrets she’d never tell. Tyra liked shooting her. She fought through the shoot even though she needs a tissue. This makes Jessica even more nervous. Jessica hikes to a knoll. Tyra says she can’t believe Jessica has a baby and Jessica says she can’t talk to her son, he’s too young. Tyra wants her to not be pretty and to think out of the box. Tyra realizes Jessica can’t do ugly-pretty but she finds it again, which makes Jay happy. Raina is third to be shot and Jay tells her to find her love for the shoot. She’s practically naked in ropes. Tyra wants her to push though and Jay thinks she was a bit weak this week. Mr. Jay calls Tyra “Bankable Incorporated” as he brings Angelea to set. Tyra tells her to be “sexy tired.” She wants to show up Krista and Raina. Tyra calls her “sweet, soft and blah” until Tyra directed her to be dead. Krista is last. And she’s on gravel. Ouch. They are trying to beat the sun. Tyra calls her a cheetah. With a secret. Tyra says Krista gets it.

That’s a wrap!

Krista knows anyone could go home.

Skulls and crossbones! One day, a pirate should run in to read the “Tomorrow you will meet with the judges…” That would be interesting.

With a Maori introduction, the girls enter panel. There are prizes, there are judges, and the guest judge is Sarah McLeod. Alexandra is first to appear before the judges. Nigel compliments her appearance. And her shot. Sarah likes the contrast with the light in the eyes. Raina is next. Sarah can’t see her eyes and Nigel felt if they were in the light more, the picture would’ve exploded. Raina says that Tyra was very personable to work with. Tyra says Mr. Jay thinks Raina prefers romance. She needs to like all her shoots. The judges like Angelea’s outfit this week better than last weeks. Andre also loves her shot. But Nigel thinks the close up isn’t so great. He tells her to imagine she’s focusing on something she can’t see in the distance. Jessica follows and gets outfit praise as well. Sarah likes her eyes, Nigel thinks she’s searching for the truth. Andre is lost for words and Nigel picks up that profile isn’t her strong point. Tyra tells her to push past the shadows. Krista is last. Nigel loves her shot. Tyra praises her variety and understanding how to model. Time for the judges to deliberate!

The judges deliberate. Nigel thinks Alexandra is finally getting it. Andre doesn’t like her shot but Sarah does. Angelea’s shoulders are great but Nigel doesn’t like her eye contact. Tyra admits to struggling during the shoot. They don’t like Jessica’s shot but she has a great personality and a great mover. Andre says Krista’s shot could’ve been in the great French magazine Vu, back in the 20s and 30s. ELIMINATION! The first girl safe is Krista. She is surprised to get a third first picture. She is joined by Alexandra and Angelea. Jessica and Raina are in the bottom two. Jessica’s a goner. Jessica: So sweet, so pretty, so commercial. It’s a money maker not a career maker. But she could be edgy. Raina: She can do romance and couture, but falls flat on edge. So who stays? Raina. Told you Jessica was a goner. Jessica and Raina hug her. Tyra tells her that she was excited to shoot Raina but it wasn’t there that day. She should love everything she models. Jessica is told what we all know: “Commercial” is the kiss of death. But she is told to prove the judges wrong.

Jessica cries as she thanks Tyra for the opportunity. She says she’s glad to go home to her family and she’s going to become a top model.

America’s Next Top Model:

Alasia

Alexandra

Angelea

Anslee

Brenda

Gabrielle

Jessica

Krista

Naduah

Raina

Ren

Simone

Tatianna

Next week: The final four are told there will be a double elimination next week. And then the final two will walk the runway…NEXT WEEK’S THE FINALE? WHAT?

So Jessica’s going home this week. Sorry to the person who voted her “America’s Next Top Model.” I am feeling a bit sad that it ends next week. But I’m still hoping for a Raina-Angelea walk off!

So, who will be America’s Next Top Model?

A Guide to Fanfiction, Little Addendums

Ever take a test, write EVERYTHING you could possibly cram into your essay, read it over so many times the words run together until you are certain this is the best you can do and you cannot add any more information. You hand it in and then when you get back to your room/next class, you suddenly remember about five more things you could've written. Well, that happens to me after I post my Guide to Fanfiction posts. So I've decided to add some extra information to help the aspiring fanfic writer out there.

Characters, Canon

A helpful hint if you are unsure if you can grasp the canon character properly is to write it than ask someone else very familiar with the fandom to read it. If they feel you have kept them in character, then keep going. If not, listen to their suggestions or consider writing a character you can grasp. However, that doesn't mean you can completely ignore them if they are important characters. For example, there is a story I'm reading that is set after the War of the Ring. It shows all the major characters except for Eowyn. She is completely ignored even when the company moves to Rohan. The author has stated this is because she felt that she couldn't grasp Eowyn's character, but to not even mention if she is in the room is unacceptable for such a prominent and heroic character.

Characters, Original

So, unsure if your character is crossing into Mary Sue/Gary Stu territory? Have no fear! The good people who are sick and tired of reading Mary Sues created a test. Google the term "Mary Sue Litmus Test." There are a good number of them. I would trust the universal Mary Sue test for all your original character needs as it also has a section for characters in an original story. There are tests that deal specifically with one fandom. I know Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Buffy the Vampire Slayer all have their own tests. Use them. There is a checklist and they calculate a score based on how many boxes you have checked off. There is also a list of things that will lower your characters scores. From that test, adjust according. If you are safe, keep writing. If you are on the fence, tread lightly. If you are slightly over, do a personality operation. If you are writing a flaming Mary Sue, hit delete and try again.

Description and Setting

We all have trouble writing description when first starting out and we have all been guilty of telling, not showing in our writing lifetime. I'm guilty as well. I've left some of my early stories up instead of deleting them in shame like I should. You can see how I've matured as a writer that way. (I'll post my fanfiction.net account in the next part of the guide). Here's how I suggest you work on description. Take a piece of paper or drag your laptop to a window. Look out and describe what you see. The people walking by, the leaves on the trees, the cars, whatever is out there. Move around to different windows. When you feel stronger, start looking around when you don't have any paper around then try to write what you saw from memory. Then pick a place--not a very specific place like Times Square or Paris , a generic place like a park or a grocery store--and write what you want this place to look like. Also become a people watcher, watch the little quirks that separate you from the guy on the subway. Watch the kid across the cafeteria and how s/he behaves. Writing is like any other skill--you have to work to become good.

And another thing for setting, I CANNOT stress this enough: RESEARCH! It is no longer up, but there was a story that had me worried for a bit. The author wanted to send The Doctor to Disney World but had never been there before. She apologized in advance if she didn't get it right. Once again, you can write about places you've never been to, but try to research it to the best of your abilities. Walt Disney World (and Disneyland) are very easy places to right about if you've never been there as there is a treasure trove of information about them. There are tons of pictures and videos done by people who have been there let alone by the Walt Disney Company. The Travel Channel and the Food Network love to do specials on the parks as well. Now of course you may not know all the little things you might learn by going to the parks, like the bathrooms in that portal from the middle of Frontierland to the middle of Adventureland or where International Gate is in Epcot, but you will have a good understanding of the park overall.

And that story I mentioned? She took it down, mostly because the reviews were asking that she research Disney World and also because she could not accurately portray The Doctor. Also, if you decide to send your favorite characters to Walt Disney World, I would appreciate it if you realize it is called the Walt Disney World Resort and is made up of three other parks than the Magic Kingdom. Seriously, send them to Epcot, MGM (oh, wait, Hollywoodland. That's going to take some getting use to) and the Animal Kingdom.

Next up: Writing a decent plot.

A Guide to Fanfiction, Part Four

Here we are now, Part Four of this little (ha!) guide. I hope this is helping some of you would be writers out there. Today, we'll just tackle one entire subject:

Setting

Now, I'm sure there are people out there who are thinking "Why do we need to focus on setting for a fanfiction? It's already there!" True, but that's not even half the work. Remember how in the last section we discussed description? I mentioned that good description can make the setting its own character and used the example of Hogwarts. Naturally then, Hogwarts is generally the setting of many a Harry Potter fic. Likewise, Rivendell or Gondor or Rohan end up used as various settings for a Lord of the Rings story. However, just writing "The Fellowship was resting in Lothlorien" or "Harry and Ron were in the Gryffindor common room" isn't enough setting. Of course, the authors have described these places so RESIST the temptation to merely open up The Fellowship of the Ring or a Harry Potter book and copy what Tolkien or Rowling wrote word for word. That's called "plagiarism." It's illegal and can get you kicked off most reputable fanfiction websites. It is okay to open those books and read what the author wrote so as to make sure YOUR description is similar to the original vision. In fact, that would be preferable than to you redecorating the Gryffindor common room as long as it is in YOUR own words.

Just a few words to the wise regarding certain settings. In the Lord of the Rings, neither Rivendell nor Mirkwood have castles. Rivendell is NOT a city. It is located in a valley and is a haven. It is an outpost, just the Last Homely House. Likewise, Mirkwood is called so because it is mirky. It is being invaded by Sauron's darkness and spider attacks are common. For safety, the elves live in caves. So describing Thranduil and Legolas' living quarters in grand statements that would better suit Versailles is rather laughable amongst Tolkien fans. Now, that's not to say there AREN'T times when you can play with setting. There are places that aren't really expanded on in Lord of the Rings where you can't use a little creativity to describe. Ithilien is rebuilt by Faramir and Eowyn after their marriage--what do you think the city would look like? Also, what about where the Haradim live? What is Mordor like now that Sauron is gone? Also, Hogwarts in Harry Potter is a large castle that has many nooks and new passageways that Harry and Company never explored. Why not have them explore those now?

But setting isn't just the place your characters are located at the time. There is also an emotional setting. How do the characters feel? The setting of a dark woods, properly shown and not told, can inspire your readers to feel the fear your character feels. A well placed rain shower or thunderstorm can reflect the character's sadness or inner struggle. Sunshine or bright settings can evoke an air of joy and peace.

In conclusion: Just because you are writing a fanfic, don't think your work on setting is done. It is a greater challenge because you must describe some place in your own words someone else has already written about. Rise to it, get it right and the fans will be more appreciative.

Next up: Dialogue!

A Guide to Fanfiction Part 2

A continuation from the last post about this.

Characters (Cont)

So, we we've already discussed the canon characters and that it is best to keep them in character as much as possible. Now, it's time to discuss the Original Character. These are the characters we as authors create to interact with the established canon characters. What makes a good OC? Well, first, they should be well-rounded. They should have good qualities, such as being friendly or a strong warrior or smart as well as bad, such as being gullible or vain or painfully shy. A balance of these qualities helps create a 3D character that the reader can relate to and will not mind invading their favorite fandom. Remember though: The readers are coming for the characters they already know and love. They don't give a damn about your character in the beginning. It's your job to make them care about your character as much as the canon ones.

So, let's discuss how NOT to write an Original Character. You should avoid Mary Sue and her equally repugnant brother Gary Stu at all costs. There are various definitions for a Mary Sue, here's mine: a perfect female character who most likely has a tragic background of some sort, is introduced into the story and immediately takes it over. She may or may not be one of the following: an excellent warrior, royalty, magical, be the lone surviving member of a race or nation, etc. A Mary Sue is usually overly described which is sometimes the only description in the story. (More on good description vs. bad description will follow later). Let's use the Lord of the Rings most infamous Sue as an example. She is a girl from "our world" who lost her twin brother and was raped who falls into "Middle-earth," becomes a member of the Fellowship because she is a prophesized heroine, is falling in love with Legolas and vice versa while Boromir stands by and lusts after her. It is later revealed that she is the sole survivor of a lost country, royalty, magical and if she doesn't fall in love with Legolas Middle-earth is doomed. Here that? That's the sound of Tolkien spinning in his grave. Now this Sue also has no redeeming features: she is arrogant, rude and patronizing--all which the author mistakes as "wit" so she is often smiled at rather than chided. She is right now so powerful, the quest is virtually a moot point and she cannot feel the call of the Ring.

If writing in the Lord of the Rings section, DO NOT make your character immune to the call of the Ring. It is like Pandora's Box or the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. It is temptation and we all are tempted. Also, do not be afraid to let your character give into the Ring, like Boromir. However, like Boromir, don't forget to plan a good redemption arc. Everyone loves a good redemption arc.

More on these Sues will follow in the section entitled "Thou Shalt Respect Canon At All Times" since these girls often break many rules laid down in a certain fandom.

Tenth Walker

Hmm, this post seems to mostly be about Lord of the Rings. That's okay, I call it "Mary Sue Central" anyway. The "Tenth Walker" is a subset under the Mary Sues because more often than not, they end up being one--like our example Sue. For those who don't know, there were NINE members of the Fellowship of the Ring: Frodo (the Ring-bearer), Sam, Merry, Pippin, Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Boromir. That's it! Nine was the number chosen because there were NINE Nazgul or Ringwraiths. Symbolism and it comes in handy in case of a one-on-one fight with them. A good friend of mine over at Fanfiction.net has posted her own article regarding these characters and has let me post it here.

http://telcontar-rulz.livejournal.com/2392.html
Please do read this. She herself as written an excellent Tenth Walker fic that respects canon and brings a new twist to the story.