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[crack-in-everything]

December Prompt

A mysterious gift arrives. What changes as a result?

Any Star Trek Voyager character. Crossovers with other Treks are welcome. Any length.

If posting on AO3, please submit your story to the Voyager Writing Games Prompts collection and to this post.  Don’t forget you can use any of the prompts at any time.

[crack-in-everything]

WHY IS WRITING IS SO FUCKING HARD?

Ten types of fuckery that stop you from writing the thing:

1. Imposter syndrome

You think you're not good enough or everyone else is better than you and you're just winging it AKA ye olde imposter syndrome bullshit. Yeah nah you're fine. No really, you're exactly where you need to be right now, and you'll keep getting better and better so long as you don't stop. Chances are, if you're filled with doubt about your abilities it means you've actually improved to the point where you can really start to understand what makes good writing. It means you know where you wanna end up and goshdarn it you're gonna get there.

Read this: 4 tips to kick imposter syndrome in the face and also genitals

And also this: How to silence the inner critic

2. Fear of rejection and/or failure

Yeah, us too. It fuckin sucks. BUT. Not all rejections are equal. And rejection is a necessary part of the process. Sometimes it takes a rejection to realise that a story isn't ready. Sometimes a rejection is entirely subjective and has ZERO reflection on the quality of your work. But shying away from the very idea of possibly maybe hypothetically getting rejected is only going to hold you back from even trying. And knowing why you got rejected and how to learn from it is one of the most valuable writing skills.

Read this: The different types of rejection (and how to deal with 'em)

Then read this: How to cope with rejection

And also this: Writing lessons from Groundhog Day

3. Not enough planning / too much planning

Leaping into a new story with nothing but a glimmer of an idea is exciting as heck (and can sometimes be a great way to begin) but at some point you're gonna need some sort of outline or plan to keep you on track. HOWEVER. Planning your story to within an inch of its life can also sometimes be a hindrance - leaving you stuck in the hypothetical stage of the process where your story doesn't quite exist yet (and therefore avoiding the prospect of it sucking). The sweet spot is in the middle. Having just enough of a plan to know where tf you're going, but enough freedom and flexibility to let the story lead the way...

Read this: Planning vs pantsing

Then read this: Five plotting techniques

And also this: The perils of overplanning

4. Your WIP just isn't working

Sometimes things just fall flat. Sometimes you work on the same story for yeeeeears and then it just kinda... dies. Sometimes you have the best plans (see above) and the best intentions and things still don't work out. Sometimes it's just time to move on. And sometimes it's not! Sometimes a story can be revived, fixed or changed. Sometimes you just need time. Sometimes YOU'RE the one that's changed and this isn't the story you need to be writing right now. Many variables. Muchly personal. Read the things below for more advice cos this is a big question:

Read this: What to do when your WIP isn't working

And also this: Give it space - how to grow a story in your head

Or how about this? Editing 101

5. You keep deprioritising it

Ah the irony of writing being the thing you love/want to do most of all AND YET the thing you procrastinate over and avoid and shove to the very bottom of your to-do list all the freakin' time. Maybe it's the comodification of art destroying our freedom to create without pressure. Maybe it's late capitalism sucking up all our available time and energy. Maybe it's a lack of self-belief subconsciously telling us our 'little hobby' doesn't really matter. Maybe it's maybelline. Whatever it is, you have the power to reclaim and revalue your writing. To say, "I'm a fucking writer, goddamnit!" and mean it. To ringfence your creative time so nothing and nobody gets to interrupt it. To do that thing you love.

Read this: Prioritise your writing

Read this: How to write in 30 second bursts

6. Shiny Thing Syndrome

You know that feeling when you're just getting stuck into a writing project and then — SQUIRREL! — you get distracted by another, better, more shiny writing project? Or maybe you're deep in the editing phase and your current WIP just isn't feeling very shiny at all and pretty much ANYTHING seems more exciting? Or you simply can't decide which of the many squirrelly writing ideas to actually start? You, fine writerperson, may be suffering from Shiny Thing Syndrome (STS). But fear not! There are a few ways to combat it, depending on the cause, and most of them involve embracing the squirrel-brain and injecting a bit of fun into your writing, like so:

Read this: Shiny thing syndrome - a writer's malady

Aaaand read this: Get excited about your writing again

And also this: Write like a kid

7. Perfectionism/self-sabotage

Look. Writing is scary as shit. What if someone READS it? What if they don't like it? What if they see into your soul and gain a deeper understanding of you through your words? Writing your truth, being vulnerable, smearing your heart juice all over the page? No thank you. But also, that's where the good shit is, so actually yes please. Just make sure you smear responsibly. And rest assured, even the most 'successful' and experienced writers ALSO feel like this sometimes, so you're in good company. It's just part of the art, bruh.

Read this: Why writing is scary (and why that's a good thing)

Read this: Beginning a story - what stops us starting?

And also this: Get out of your own way

8. The dreaded blank page

Oh godddd the blank page. It should be an exciting palimseset of possibility but is somehow also the most terrifying thing known to humankind. You wanna write something but where to start? HOW to start? You type that first line and immediately delete it. You watch the cursor blinking at you—taunting you—until you just give up and shut your laptop again. It's probably tied up with a bunch of things we've already covered so far: perfectionism, imposter syndrome, fear of failure, maybe a lack of planning or faith in your story or whatever. But it doesn't have to be this way. A blank page IS exciting and full of possibility. We just have to get over ourselves and learn to embrace the unknown...

Read this: Don't fear the blank page

And also this: The moaning method

9. Not enough time/energy/motivation/gnuuuughh

Dude, same x 1000. But you don't have to get up at 5am, do hot yoga, drink a kale smoothie and write a thousand words before sunrise to be a Proper Writer. You don't even have to write every day. But what you can do is hack your writing brain and figure out when, where, how, and why you write most effectively. Then tweak your schedule, your habits, and your attitude to ensure you're making the most of your time. Productivity is a big ol' lie but finding the secret to getting in your own personal writing zone is actual MAGIC.

Read this: Maximise your writing time

And also this: Get in the writing zone

And also unto this: The Writers' HQ Guide to Productivity

10. You're just fucken stuck

Got the writing morbs? In need of some literary sudafed? Stuck as a pig in a poke? Writing is a whole puzzle of a process—and to be honest that's what makes it so fun and exciting and addictive, because your writing brain is hardwired to both create AND solve the wordy puzzles within your story. Sometimes the answer is time. Sometimes it's a second opinion or a fresh eye. Sometimes a totally different approach or just a hefty kick up the bum. But whatever the problem, there IS a solution. You just gotta keep going and trust that you'll find it...

Read this: Troubleshoot your writing - why are you stuck?

And also this: Break through the writing blockage

And also also this: Write yourself into a pit (and then dig your way out again)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alright, that's it for today. Now go write, you flithy animals.

(And if we missed anything, stick a question in our ask box or check out the rest of our shit here)

[crack-in-everything]

A Crack in Everything

STAR TREK FANDOM EVENT

May 1–15(ish), 2021

Master List of Fanworks

A HUGE thank you to everyone who submitted a fanwork to this glorious festival of misery and pain (and just a little light!), and the same to all the readers/viewers/supporters of the event – it’s been AMAZING, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s iteration! Without further ado, here are all the fanworks – share this post, check them out, and give them some love if you haven’t already!

May 1 You Have Loved Enough by @amoderngirl Star Trek Voyager, fanfic, G, Carla Johnson/Mark Johnson ——

May 2 Until the Sea Shall Free Them by @70thousandlightyearsfromhome (ShayneyL) Star Trek Voyager, fanfic & fanart, T, Harry Kim & Tom Paris, Harry Kim & B’Elanna Torres ——

May 3 At Least for Tonight by @curator-on-ao3 Star Trek Voyager, fanfic, T, Kathryn Janeway/Kes, Kathryn Janeway/Harry Kim, The Doctor/Kathryn Janeway Includes covers by @regionalpancake ——

May 4 And the break of day had nothing to reveal by @allthewians Star Trek Alternate Original Series, fanfic, M, Philip Boyce/Christopher Pike ——

May 5 The Lagoon by CAMIR Star Trek Voyager, fanfic, G, Chakotay/Kathryn Janeway ——

May 6 A Captive Breath by @theredheadedcaptain Star Trek Voyager, fanfic, E, Chakotay/Kathryn Janeway ——

May 7 After the Champagne by BlackVelvet42 Star Trek Voyager, fanfic, E, Ayala/Kathryn Janeway, Chakotay/Kathryn Janeway, Chakotay/Seven of Nine ——

May 8 I am not others by @jazzfic Star Trek Picard, fanfic, T, Enoch & Agnes Jurati, Agnes Jurati/Cristóbal Rios Includes cover by @regionalpancake ——

May 9 Crow’s Feet by @regionalpancake Star Trek Picard, Star Trek The Next Generation, fanfic & fanart, T, Hugh Third of Five, Bruce Maddox ——

May 10 If I Didn’t Have Your Love by Bizarra Star Trek Voyager, fanfic, E, Ayala/Chakotay/Kathryn Janeway The Dark Led Me to Light Again by StarTrekkin08 Star Trek Voyager, fanfic, G, Chakotay/Kathryn Janeway ——

May 11 Mine by @caladeniablue Star Trek Voyager, fanfic, E, Kathryn Janeway/Kashyk, Chakotay/Kathryn Janeway ——

May 12 Heart With No Companion by Servalan Star Trek Voyager, fanfic, M, Chakotay/Tessa Omond, Chakotay/Kathryn Janeway ——

May 13 Dance Me to The End of Love by @gluecookie​ (Monsterfisken) Star Trek Discovery, fanart, G, Joann Owosekun/Keyla Detmer ——

May 14 to follow the sun by @thelaithlyworm (Thimblerig) Star Trek The Next Generation, Star Trek Picard, fanfic, T, Kestra Troi-Riker & Thad Troi-Riker, Lwaxana Troi & Thad Troi-Riker Includes cover by @regionalpancake ——

May 15 Ring the Bell by @verobatto (BENKA79) Star Trek Voyager, fanfic, E, Harry Kim/Tom Paris ——

and ... May 25 True Places by @coffeeblack75 Star Trek Voyager, fanfic, G, Janeway/Chakotay —— *If I’ve made any mistakes or missed anything out in the above list, please let me know. See you next year! 👋

[crack-in-everything]

A Crack in Everything

STAR TREK FANDOM EVENT

May 1–15, 2021

We are just over half-way through this year’s festival of pain, oh yeah! 🥳

A HUGE thank you to all our entrants so far!

Don’t be shy – CLICK through and give these amazing fanartists some love for their submissions! MAY 1​​ You Have Loved Enough by @amoderngirl​ Fanfic Fandom: Star Trek Voyager Rating: Gen Characters: Carla Johnson/Mark Johnson

MAY 2 Until the Sea Shall Free Them by ShayneyL (@70thousandlightyearsfromhome​) Fanfic and fanart Fandom: Star Trek Voyager Rating: Teen Characters: Harry Kim & Tom Paris, Harry Kim & B'Elanna Torres

MAY 3 At Least for Tonight by @curator-on-ao3 Fanfic Fandom: Star Trek Voyager Rating: Teen Characters: Kathryn Janeway/Kes, Kathryn Janeway/Harry Kim, The Doctor/Kathryn Janeway

MAY 4 And the break of day had nothing to reveal by Wians (@allthewians) Fanfic Fandom: Star Trek AOS Rating: Mature Characters: Philip Boyce/Christopher Pike

MAY 5 The Lagoon by CAMIR Fanfic Fandom: Star Trek Voyager Rating: Gen Characters: Kathryn Janeway/Chakotay

MAY 6 A Captive Breath by @theredheadedcaptain Fanfic Fandom: Star Trek Voyager Rating: Explicit Characters: Kathryn Janeway/Chakotay

MAY 7 After the Champagne by BlackVelvet42 Fanfic Fandom: Star Trek Voyager Rating: Explicit Characters: Ayala/Kathryn Janeway, Chakotay/Kathryn Janeway, Chakotay/Seven of Nine

MAY 8 I am not others by @jazzfic Fanfic Fandom: Star Trek Picard Rating: Teen Characters: Enoch & Agnes Jurati, Agnes Jurati/Cristóbal Rios

Here’s to the next and FINAL week of angst!

[crack-in-everything]

A CRACK IN EVERYTHING

May 1–15, 2021

Annual Cohen in May Star Trek Fandom Event

Starts today/tomorrow! (Depending on your timezone ...)

Participants: 1. Post your masterpiece on your chosen date, tagging your Tumblr post with #a crack in everything. 2. If posting to AO3, please add to the “A Crack in Everything – Star Trek Fandom Event May 2021” collection, and tag your story “a crack in everything”. 3. Message this blog with the details of where your fanwork is posted. Any questions, message this blog. Getting excited for all the torturous angst and heartache!? I know I am! 

(And for those who remember me mentioning the follow-up hug fest waaay back when I launched the Cohen fest ... um, well ... due to RL, hug fest has been postponed for a few months – keep an eye out for its return!)

[crack-in-everything]

OK folks — just ONE date left now (May 6)! (Although, I will not turn anyone away ;) – I will do double-ups on dates if necessary once the last one is filled.) A huge thank you to everyone who has signed up already – it’s going to be a fantastic ... um ... angsty fest! :D

A CRACK IN EVERYTHING

May 1–15, 2021 Annual Cohen in May Star Trek Fandom Event FEST UPDATE

Dates are filling up!

Message me to secure your very own, and check out and follow this blog for more info. :) Remember, all types of fanwork/fancreation welcome! Theme is: an angsty fan work containing a little light (however you interpret that)! Sign-ups so far:

May 1. @amoderngirl 2. @70thousandlightyearsfromhome 3. @curator-on-ao3 4. @allthewians 5. 6. 7. BlackVelvet42 8. @jazzfic 9. @regionalpancake 10. @bizships 11. @caladeniablue 12. Servalan 13. @gluecookie 14. @thelaithlyworm 15. @verobatto

[crack-in-everything]

A CRACK IN EVERYTHING

May 1–15, 2021 Annual Cohen in May Star Trek Fandom Event FEST UPDATE

Dates are filling up!

Message me to secure your very own, and check out and follow this blog for more info. :) Remember, all types of fanwork/fancreation welcome! Theme is: an angsty fan work containing a little light (however you interpret that)! Sign-ups so far:

May 1. @amoderngirl 2. @70thousandlightyearsfromhome 3. @curator-on-ao3 4. @allthewians 5. CAMIR 6. theredheadedcaptain 7. BlackVelvet42 8. @jazzfic 9. @regionalpancake 10. @bizships / @startrekkin08 11. @caladeniablue 12. Servalan 13. @gluecookie 14. @thelaithlyworm 15. @verobatto

[crack-in-everything]

A CRACK IN EVERYTHING

May 1–15, 2021

Annual Cohen in May Star Trek Fandom Event

Dates are filling up!

Message me to secure your very own, and check out and follow this blog for more info. :) All types of fanwork/fancreation welcome!

May 1. @amoderngirl 2. @70thousandlightyearsfromhome 3. @curator-on-ao3 4. 5. 6. 7. BlackVelvet42 8. @jazzfic 9. @regionalpancake 10. 11. @caladeniablue 12. @gluecookie 13. 14. 15.

[crack-in-everything]

A CRACK IN EVERYTHING

May 1–15, 2021

Annual Cohen in May Star Trek Fandom Event

Following on from the exceptional Who By Fire: Merry Month of Cohen (2019) (AO3) and Caught in the Darkness (2020) (AO3), expertly run by @mia-cooper and @caladeniablue, respectively, is going to be a hard task – but I’m honoured and proud to take the reins of the Star Trek Cohen fancreation event for this year!

This fest is all about the angst, but this year I’ve decided to add a little twist. The theme is a phrase taken from Cohen’s song “Anthem”:

There is a crack, a crack in everything That’s how the light gets in

Your task: Produce an angsty Star Trek fanwork (fanfic, fanvid, manip, original artwork, etc. – all fanwork formats welcome!) with some light in there somewhere. That’s the only prerequisite – and how you choose to interpret ‘light’, and the extent of that light, is completely up to you.

Feel free to use any Cohen work as a prompt – the only requirement is a touch of light in your darkness!

Instructions

1. Pick a date from the event period: Saturday, May 1 to Saturday, May 15.

2. Message this blog with your preferred date and I will reply with confirmation.

3. Produce an angsty fanwork in which there’s a little ray of light.

4. Any pairings, relationships, friendships, ratings, etc. are welcome!

5. Cross-overs between Trek shows welcome – just no non-Trek fandoms.

6. Post your masterpiece on your chosen date, tagging your Tumblr post with #a crack in everything.

7. If posting to AO3, please add to the “A Crack in Everything – Star Trek Fandom Event May 2021” collection, and tag your story “a crack in everything”.

8. Message this blog with the details of where your fanwork is posted.

9. Hit me up with any questions and follow this blog for updates.