#allsovacant

[cupidford]

the old songs by allsovacant

Johnlock Love Letters #2320

Sherlock vanishes after John and Mary's wedding. Five years later, John receives a text message from Sherlock asking for a chance to talk and clear the air between them.

[calaisreno]

May Prompts 2024

Dear Writers:

It's nearly May! The month of merry little thoughts, divine mistakes, and frivolous whims.

Time to set aside that fantasy trilogy that's been stuck in the mud all winter, the six-act tragedy in blank verse you've been labouring over--and write some random bits and bobs!

Visit your mind attic. Pull open the drawer where you hide your terrible ideas and scenes that are waiting for the right story. (I know you have such an attic and such a drawer because I do as well 🙄) Dig around— not with the idea of spring cleaning, which will only produce an empty drawer and a tidy attic— but because it's a treasure hunt.

Dust off the lawn furniture, put on your sandals, take your laptop outdoors. New environs, new inspirations.

The point is this: Last year* some of us wrote and shared a month of little daily fictions. There were drabbles and 221Bs and flash-fiction and mini-epics. There were prompts, which some of us used as a starting place, and sharing of minifics amongst ourselves, which led to more inspiration. 

Wanna see some more?

I've been hoarding ideas since last year and am now opening that drawer. I plan to write a short something every day in May, and will share my words with whoever wants to be tagged. If you'd like a daily prompt, I will be supplying that. 

No pressure. While some structure creates opportunity and creativity thrives within structure, this exercise is not meant to create anxiety or trigger your inner completionist. (My internal taskmaster is taking the month off.)

No judgement. No prizes for reaching 31, no awards for creativity, no certificates of participation. Just cheering one another on.

No rules. Use the prompt or don't. Write 100 words or 1000. Any fandom, any characters, any headcanon. Or your own original creation. Write every day or whenever an idea strikes. Share or don't. 

No guilt. Fail gleefully, write terribly, get out of the boat and swim.

Correction. One rule: write some words. 

*Credit goes to @notjustamumj for last year's inspiration. Eternal thanks for that idea!

Please reblog! I'm tagging a few people who participated last year or expressed interest, but I’m sure I’m leaving someone out. Let me know if you'd like to be tagged for prompts and sharing.  

@raina_at @lisbeth-kk @keirgreeneyes @allsovacant @totallysilvergirl @meetinginsamarra @jrow @elwinglyre @bertytravelsfar @helloliriels @gregorovitchworld @peanitbear @mydogwatson

[coversbyallsovacant]

From the story:

She lays the sage bundle down in one of his seashells, avoiding the label. How he loved cataloging natural items. That sharp mind of his so naturally tended to the sciences, and she’d taken great joy in encouraging him all his life. All the first thirteen years of it. The last year has been entirely different.

His hand lies just outside the white comforter. When she touches it, the chill of his skin sends a shiver down her spine. His lips move, his voice as soft as dead, dry leaves.

“What’s that, love?” she says.

“In the trees,” he says, his eyes still closed. “Is it John there in the trees? I think he’s waiting for me.”

Viola turns her gaze out the window and to the closest tree, a resplendent cherry in the throes of autumn. In the branches there, for just a second, she thinks she sees it: a black bird, feathers gleaming in the sun.

[inevitably-johnlocked]

JL Fic Rec: Beauty and Madness by allsovacant

allsovacant said: Here's the link to beauty and madness: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16382783 I [...] Beauty and Madness isn't MCD. 🤍 Well, there is the idea of John thinking Sherlock was dead — until he rescues him. And thank you so much. 🤍

------

beauty and madness by allsovacant (M, 21,316 w., 10 Ch. || Post TRF, Hurt Sherlock, Graphic Depictions of Violence / Torture, PTSD Sherlock, Sexual Foreplay, BAMF John, Angst, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Pain, Love Confessions, Hopeful Ending) – For almost two years since Sherlock died, John tried to move on and live his monotonous life—until one call from Mycroft changes everything.

------

AGAIN, sorry for how long it took me to post this, oof. I’m so behind in my DMs AND asks, and I promised to post thiss weeks ago. SO SORRY!!

Everyone please go check out this old, lesser known fic by a lovely author!! <3

[stephdrawsjohnlock]

Hello, Steph. I just want you to know that there will be people who will judge your work and make you feel bad but there will also some who'll praise you and appreciate you for real.

I love your johnlock art because they look unique. They actually remind me of those X-Men comics my sister owns. Nostalgic. 🤍

(referencing this post)

Hey Lovely!

Ah, it’s all good! Nonny was only saying things I already have been trying to work on for awhile, so I’m not bothered, LOL. You can’t please everyone, and there’s always room for improvement, so I just take it all in stride. But thank you! Yeah, I want to develop a flat-colouring style, I just feel like I can’t make it look nice like everyone else. I’m constantly comparing my art to others and the cycle continues. C’est la vie, LOL. I do love the old comic book styles too <3 

Thank you so much <3 This is very kind of you to say! <3

[anindoorkitty]

presented by @podfixx on AO3!  

A magical, lovely story by @cwb now being podcast by @podfixx

If you haven’t read it, do so. But also treat yourself to something special by letting one of the best podcasters in fandom perform it for you. 

Beautiful artwork cover by allsovacant

and also a Sherlock Author Showcase 2018 story

[helloliriels]

NEW SHERLOCK AUTHORS 2020-2021

Go ahead, check 'em out! Works posted under Sherlock (TV) in the past YEAR only!!!! Any guesses?? 7,448 Found (6,161 posted in English)

12 New/Active authors I'm reading (post-S4 beginnings) for 2021:

Calais_Reno (@calaisreno) 2018-2021

Ohlooktheresabee (@ohlooktheresabee) 2021

WritingOutLoud (@writingout-loud-blog) 2019-2021

Randomwordsonpaper (@randomwordsonpaper) 2020-2021

ArwaMachine (@arwamachine) 2020-2021

reveling_in_mayhem (@reveling-in-mayhem) 2019-2021

saintscully (@therealsaintscully) 2020-2021

Imjohnlocked87 2019-2021

KittenKin (@kitten-kin) 2018-2021

Elldotsee (@elldotsee) 2018-2021

Silvergirl (@totallysilvergirl) 2019-2021

allsovacant 2018-2021

and then me, posting anything that pops into my head!

helloliriels (@helloliriels) 2020-2021

Join in with your AO3 name and @handle if actively posting Sherlock TV or johnlock fanfic on another site! Love to see more!

[ohlooktheresabee]

I have been blocked from all FB groups just now until Sunday - someone must have reported something I posted to FB. As I don't post anything bad or against community guidelines, I'm thinking it was probably malicious. ALL my posts are gone - my fics and the lovely reader comments, my fic and podfic recs and links for other people, the artists I promote, my FTH posts to raise money for charity... It's all gone, and I'm not going to lie - I'm gutted. Hours and hours of labor - gone. Are they pissed about my auction entries? Who knows, but now I can't promote on FB until AFTER it is closed. There's nothing I can do aside from ask for you to help - please reblog my links here on Tumblr so these nasty people don't win 😭💜

Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/users/ohlooktheresabee/pseuds/ohlooktheresabee

FTH auction:

@inevitably-johnlocked @khorazir @helloliriels @heyblinken @discordantwords @blogstandbygo @sherlockedcarmilla @freedomattack @alifetimeaheadtoprovethat @johnlockpodficclub @podfixx @7-percent @elldotsee @allsovacant @late-to-the-party-221 @bertytravelsfar @nio-bee-um @1-800-i-ship-it

[cupidford]

It's not the end of spring yet, but I've read a crazy amount the last few months so here we go with twenty amazing reads!!

I've got so many more in the arsenal to share with yall!

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Light by Vanimedla4

Battling his addiction and depression, Sherlock moves to a lighthouse where he plans to end his life. He is stopped by John, a ghost. ~102k

🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡

The Q-Axis by Calais_Reno

Assassin John leaves a stalled train and attempts to find his way to the surface. Once above ground, he begins to notice puzzling discrepancies in the world around him. He calls this new reality the Q-axis. Meanwhile, detective Sherlock Holmes tries to solve a series of puzzling murders, all of which seem linked to a man who doesn’t exist. ~81.5k

All This Time by stopthat

“We share a life,” John says, eyes searching. “Have you ever wanted anything more from me?” ~3.5k

💛💛💛💛💛

Matchmaking for Solitary Animals by ArwaMachine

Following Sherlock’s return from the dead, he entertains gentlemen callers, a fact that seems to make John irrationally angry. Intent on proving that he’s not a dick, John makes it his mission to find Sherlock a boyfriend. Switchlock, ish toplock. ~72k

On an Eyelash by stopthat

Sherlock returns from the dead, but he and John don't talk about it. Until slowly they do, and between Christmas and Sherlock's birthday wishes really do come true. ~5k

The Art of Putting Up Shelves by Amyreadsandstresses

S3 fix it. Sherlock meets Adrian at a Chip Shop. They start a romantic relationship amongst the events of S3. Painful but lovely, and not Johnlock! ~19k

The Force of the Interaction by CorvidCordelia

Five Times John Thought About Sex and Sherlock and His Brain Broke + One Time It Didn't. Warning there is AdLock. ~17k

💚💚💚💚💚

A Christmas Stroll with Sherlock Holmes by aquileaofthelonelymountain

Sherlock offers a Christmas Stroll experience as a contribution to a local dog charity auction. The auction winners? None other than John and Rosie Watson. ~12k

Blue Plaques by JRow

John’s engagement is off, and he is back at the place he feels most at home — 221B Baker Street. In the process of solving a mystery, will John accidentally reveal a secret of his own? Asexual Sherlock. ~36.5k

noise complaint by simplyclockwork

One loud upstairs neighbour and three days of non-stop party music lead Sherlock to an unexpected meeting. Unilock, switchlock. ~85.5k

💙💙💙💙💙

Paper Men by Lurikko

Sherlock becomes obsessed with John having sex with women. John wonders if Sherlock is running an experiment or flirting? And after they start having sex themselves, are they actually in a relationship yet, or what exactly is going on? ~13.5k

You Have Demons (I Do Too) by wannabesir

ACD. Sherlock is fresh out of rehab and assigned community service thanks to his ever-spying brother Mycroft. At the theatre, he meets a blonde army doctor, turned actor, suffering from a PTSD flashback. ~105.5k

The Slow Dance and Death of a Carbon Copy by batslikepastel

After Mary's death, John starts spiraling. He starts mistaking Sherlock for Mary, the first sign of delusion, and Sherlock starts pretending to be her. 15.5k

the old songs by allsovacant

Sherlock vanishes after John and Mary's wedding. Five years later, John receives a text message from Sherlock asking for a chance to talk and clear the air between them. ~4.5k

Found by Callist

Life goes on in Baker Street, and it's time for a remodel to fit Rosie. As the project grows, John and Sherlock find something else growing between them. 11.5k

💜 HONORABLE MENTIONS 💜

body and soul by simplyclockwork

Established relationship. Sherlock knows himself as a man with refined tastes. In his opinion, John Watson is artwork of the highest calibre. ~3k

Meet Me on the Ice by consult_this_prick

Sherlock grows fond of the figure skater he sees before his hockey practices. ~6k

Places in the Mind by Calais_Reno

Post HLV. S3 fix it. John rescues Sherlock in Serbia after he is wounded. ~4.5k

Demitasse by oorsprong

Victorian ACD. We found ourselves at Pagani's upon nearly every successful completion of a case in unspoken celebration. ~1.5k

Community Service by Accident, Hobbitsfeet, Tindomerelhloni

Forensics Medical Examiner John H. Watson is forced to set up an office Christmas party with Sherlock Holmes. ~12.5k

[johannadc]

Sherlock Fic Calendars

Bless those writers doing December fic calendars, with daily updates. 

“Two Turtle Doves” by WritingOutLoud https://archiveofourown.org/works/27746104 John gives Sherlock a gift every day. G-rated, 221B format, parentlock, with Rosie. 

“Christmas at Baker Street” by reveling_in_mayhem https://archiveofourown.org/works/27830707 Based on a prompt word list. G-rated, parentlock, with Rosie.

“All Roads Lead Home at Christmas” by reveling_in_mayhem https://archiveofourown.org/works/27818818 Same author (bravo!), different prompt list. T-rated, a bit more angst, as Sherlock is thought to be dead, and John gets a dog. Promised happy ending.

“The Christmas Notes” by Enterthetadpole https://archiveofourown.org/works/27820837 Following the same prompt word list as the first r_i_m above. T-rated. Sherlock leaves notes for John. 

“the second advent” by allsovacant https://archiveofourown.org/works/27802246 Same prompt word list. E-rated! Lengthy chapters. 

“One Fixed Point” by mydogwatson https://archiveofourown.org/series/2035588 Separate story every day, odd days are modern, even days Victorian. T-rated, as both couples finally come together.

Happy holiday wishes to them and their readers! 

(Any others I should know of?) 

[coversbyallsovacant]

wrote a 221b ficlet today! This is an achievement already because the last time I was able to write one was 2020. Wow.

[inevitably-johnlocked]

I don't want to hide my identity... I've been in this fandom going four years this year. But I've been feeling this way lately. I never voiced it out though. But lately, I'm feeling envious that my fandom friends comment on the fics of others but not on my fic. It makes me wonder if I AM the problem or they don't really like my works. I even try to write fluff (which wasn't really my forte—because of my childhood trauma, I carry demons probably .1 % of Hell—if that exists)—in the hopes that someone from them would finally read my works. But still, not the people I was hoping to see. To be honest, it hurts, because I've always been supportive to them and to their works in any way that I can. I drop everything (even my own pile of TBR) and read their works once I receive the email. But why can't they do the same? Can you Steph, or anybody give me advice in what i should do? It's really doing things in my anxiety and at night it makes me go down the well of depression. At the moment I distract myself (like I always do) in making covers from the fan fictions that inspired me and gift them to the author to show my appreciation. But even that seems to fail. Thank you so much if ever you'll see this. And I apologise in advance if it's bringing down any festive mood anybody was in. I really don't want this to be the reason I leave the fandom—johnlock means a lot to me. And I owe them part of the reason I'm still here. But I feel like I'm barely holding on...

Hi Lovely *HUGS*

First off, I am SO sorry that you are having a rough go getting your stories out there... that said... PLEASE DO TELL ME which fics of yours you’d like me to promote!! I completely forget which of my lovelies write stories, and I see you all the time on here and I feel so bad after reading this that I don’t think I’ve ever recced any of your fics; so honestly, it could just be some people don’t KNOW you write!! <3 <3 So PLEASE, let me know which stories of yours you’d like feedback on, and I’ll help you out! <3

THAT SAID: it’s not you, Lovely. I have the same problem with my art... I feel like no matter how hard I try, I can’t “break it” in the art community, and it hurts, you know? I have a few artist friends who are so Lovely and support me when they can, but sadly anything online is all about “luck” and who you know. This is for any fandom, and medium, and any website. I mean, why the FUCK is Jake Paul relevant but some of these thoughtful and respectful youtubers not? It’s all about luck. It sucks.

Even the most successful authors in the fandom have struggled for years, but they do it because they LOVE writing.

And I think that’s what’s most important. Once you start doing your craft for YOU and not because “you want to be popular”, you’ll find that it doesn’t feel like a chore / pointless anymore, in my humble opinion. You’re writing the stories YOU want to see. I think that should be enough.

BUT, the people who do love and support you, you are also doing it for THEM. And they would be sad if you stopped <3

Honestly, Lovely, I wouldn’t let it get you down. YES we all love kudos and comments and would hope our friends would comment and kudos on a fic. Truth is, sadly, some of those people may have busy real lives, and taking time out to comment on or read fics is time consuming, especially if your friends do want to give your story their full attention. I speak from experience here... I have promised SO MANY PEOPLE that I will read their fics – I’m sure they’re side-eying and glaring at me right now as they read this – and I’m just working my way through a list based on how I feel. Somedays, I need über-fluff. Other day, I want an Angst Feast. Sometimes long fics, which take me a few days to read, and other times, I’ll plow through 10 short fics. It’s nothing personal, Lovely. <3

That all said, again I invite you to submit to me a new ask with some of your fave fics, so I can get it out there for you <3

Love you, and never stop writing <3

[bertytravelsfar]

WIP Challenge

Tell your blog the titles of all the WIPs you are currently working on right now and a little about them and then tag five other writers.

I was tagged by the lovely @khorazir  Thank you, my dear.

1.The Gag Gift Recurrence - this is a quicky Valentine’s snippet from the Fit Of Fashion ‘verse that may or may not be published later this week! (I’ve learned not to make predictions about my WIPs).

2. Straws and Camels - one that is about 60% done. Sherlock has invaded John’s privacy one time too many and John is furious - until he’s suddenly not. This one cannot decide whether to be cute and amusing or slightly angsty and smutty. When it decides, I will finish it.

3. Untitled Cambridge Fic - wherein Sherlock is a punt operator - making money because Mycroft is being tedious - when he picks up a fare that proves more interesting that the usual. John Watson is courting Mary Morstan, but the romantic punt ride around the Backs in Cambridge he had planned is abruptly changed by their boat driver! Just in planning so far. I couldn’t resist Sherlock in a punt.

4. Leo Ascendant - I have started this a couple of times now and I’m just not happy with the language I’m needing to use - and my lack of ability to do so. It’s a modern version of Apollo 13 - John is the astronaut needing assistance from Sherlock Holmes at Mission Control to get him and his crew back to Earth safely after a problem with their craft occurs. (The falling in love from a loooooong distance fic.)

5. The Dissociative Identity Disorder Fic - this is a big one and is only in planning at the moment. It’s so big it’s a bit scary to be honest! The theory is that John has noticed that Sherlock is behaving oddly after they have been living together for a few months. When Sherlock disappears, Mycroft explains to John that a trauma at a young age caused Sherlock to experience D.I.D and he reintegrated his multiple personalities over years of therapy and trial and error - all except one, that he chose to shun instead - the part that was emotional, trusting, playful and vulnerable. Mycroft believes that Sherlock will now have to face that last part of himself and find a way to allow it to become one with him if he is to be able to continue to live with John and all that entails. Can John persuade Sherlock that upsetting the status quo will be worth it?

6. The Genius Loci Fic - a Rivers of London/Sherlock fusion because I want a world where Nightingale and Holmes both exist! Sherlock finds out more than he’d bargained for when he moves in with Dr John Watson, the current vessel for the Spirit of St Bartholemew’s Hospital - or Sherlock has to face that not everything can be explained by science! Still in planning.

7. The Dragon Fic Part 2 - plotted out but sitting there, staring at me and refusing to be written. A sequel if Those Who Dream Of The Sky in which we discover why those dragon rumours have started and who is behind them.

8. The Overheard Fic - just an idea so far. Sherlock has noticed something about John that requires further investigation - to wit, his own behaviours seem to have a much bigger effect on the good doctor than one might be able to explain away. Experiments ensue. 

Tagging @allsovacant, @loveismyrevolution @shiplocks-of-love @elldotsee

and @shelleysprometheus 

Sorry if you have already been tagged!!! 

[helloliriels]

After All

"Don't give up."

A deep baritone spoke from behind him, stepping out of the fog and shadows.

John turned around. Slowly. Tears streaming down his face. A look of absolute anguish written there, as he exposed everything he had kept long hidden, to the man he loved. 

"He may not have heard you before." Sherlock's face was writ with apology.

 Contrite. 

He smiled sheepishly, as he watched Watson's response change to one of wonder,  "Not very observant, is he? This love of yours...?"

John couldn't help himself. He laughed at that. Sputtering a bit through his tears - since he couldn't seem to stop... his hand went up to his face. He let the rest of them flow now. It was like a dam had finally broke. Even though he felt so relieved. 

So Sherlock hadn't been ignoring him!

Sherlock waited, hands in his pocket. Uncomfortable in his own skin...

... Afraid to leave. Now that he had come.

... Afraid to get too close. Like he might startle a frightened rabbit. 

                              Watson had that effect on him.

John was collecting himself now. He straightened his back and then clenched and unclenched his fists. Watson's silent signal. Ever present when faced with tough situations. He was ready to face this. 

"Kind of an idiot, this one," John said in reply. His half-hearted laugh hard to interpret.

Sherlock took a moment to respond. And John felt himself tense up a bit.

"You sure you still want him?" Sherlock asked. He was speaking so quietly now. So it was a serious question. Weighted.

John took a shaky breath and fixed him with both eyes. Giving Sherlock a long, and meaningful look before he answered firmly,

                             "Yes." 

It was there now between them.

Like a simple fact. A given.

                              And suddenly, tangible. 

Something inside Sherlock released, and he could feel himself exhale. Tears now coming to his own eyes. Unusual, to feel the sting. He had not expected it.

"Yes, of course. Yes," Watson reiterated nodding, so that Sherlock would know that he meant it, for real. That he was committed to this decision, fully. And that his mind had not wavered in any way once he had known this, this, was real. 

Sherlock closed the distance between them quickly, eyes scanning Watson as if taking him in. Drinking him in. Storing this moment safely away in the recesses of a wing built entirely for this purpose, a wing that John hadn’t known until that moment, he had. 

His hands reached up to caress Sherlock's cheek softly, as he brushed away an errant tear there, "I've always wanted him,” he said solemnly. 

This time, it was Sherlock's turn to cry. But they were happy tears, streaming onto John Watson’s warm, waiting hands. And John brushed them away, smiling at each little betrayal to the sociopath’s façade.

“I can’t seem to stop,” Sherlock laughed. All smiles and gasps, as he tried to collect himself. To tamper down this all too apparent sign of his own humanity.  He kissed John’s open palm.    

                      He was messy. Beautiful. 

So like him. John thought. Being of two minds. Happy and Sad. Never in one place. Never of one mind. Always torn.

Always confused, by Watson. 

His puzzle. His enigma. 

Who had moved in with a limp and made a home in his non-existent heart, and found that it was beating after all.

   Posted on AO3 - helloliriels ‘After All’  

(tags under the cut)

@johnlocky @arwamachine @writingismydivision @chinike @just-a-donut-who-reads @heyblinken @shows-up-naked-covered-in-bees @1-800-get-sherlocked @forfucksakejohn @br00klynn2428 @5296locked @colourfulwatson @eurosstudyinsherlock @kimarusama @jakegyllenholmes @this-is-my-main-i-follow-from @beth-b @saoirse-1887 @iwlyanmw @sassy-little-hedgehog @was-fuck-off-watson @summerfly-lesbian @barrybclout @rachel1337 @2smach @loves-to-read-fanfic @eavidreader @morgendaemmerung89 @wasthelicklipreallynecesarryjohn @underestimatemethatwillbefun @what-if-mr-ducie-had-a-wand @sherlockcrossing @allsovacant @athenaholmes @dancerdovegirl 

[cupidford]

happy birthday, dear heartache by allsovacant

Johnlock Love Letters #2248

Sherlock comes home on his birthday two years after dismantling Moriarty's network.

[earlgreytea68]

24. fave fic you read this year (in any non-rpf fandom, pls!)

This is an easy one, because last year I was lucky enough to have fics gifted to me for my own fandoms! <3

Swan Song had a few stories show up in 2019: 

Inevitable Christmas Album by QueenThayet

Swan Lyrics by allsovacant

Wherever You Find Love (It Feels Like Christmas) by swtalmnd

Shenanigans also had some fics added to it!

this is no doctor who musical by mayerwien

give me your heart (and i’ll give you my love) by celestexists

and everyone says this love will change you by mayerwien

#maybe i’m an idiot but BITCH WHATEVER by mayerwien

night and day by celestexists