Season of Our Discontent was a fabulous and highly anticipated contest. And if you love angst as much as I do, I am positive you were chomping at the bit as each entry was posted. And because it was a contest and anonymous to boot, all sites were asked to refrain from promoting any particular story individually but we could promote the contest on a whole. But now with the announcement of the winners, we are free to chat and promote away!

Back in August when the contest was announced, I posted the announcement and I used prompt #1 as the banner. It is the same picture that I am using on this post. To me, it epitomizes so much of what angst truly is and just reached out to me. It was by far my most favorite and the most difficult of the 10 prompts offered.

I read each and every entry that came in and was thrilled there were so much participation. No two stories were a like, each had very unique angles, and all hurt my belly in some form or another. It was by far one of the best contests I have seen in the fandom and can only hope it continues yearly.

I chose two stories as my favorites for entirely different reasons. I have re-read them countless times and still can not pick one over the other. I hail the judges trying to choose the outcome, very difficult task they undertook.

My Favorites -

This story used prompt #1 so naturally I was immediately drawn to it. It was definitely a good sign. It really wasn't an easy prompt at all but if it spoke to you, it would be an amazing story. And it is. The writer has even said there is a possibility of a future take. I would love that. To know how Edward turns out? A continuation of a one shot is always a thrill for me.

Summary: Edward Masen had it all. One tragic night changed everything. A night forever etched behind his eyes. A cross, a gnarled tree, a necklace, and a girl with beautiful brown eyes. All paths lead back to her, but is it enough to save a dead man walking?

Face The Rain is a story of desperate despair and self destruction. Of mistakes, assumptions, and misplaced guilt slowly eating away at any hope for a future. It ends with the hope of a slowly evolving new beginning. We don't know if there is a HEA for Edward, but there is the thought that maybe there could be.

"Gazing up to where she's pointing, I see several tiny green leaves budding on the branches just over our heads. I swear I can hear the booming laugh of my brother and feel his hand on my back."

A Swirl of Circles and Stars by Tkegl

June 2012, that's what I am looking forward to. It is the TwiFic Meet Up in Las Vegas. Not only will it be an amazing time meeting people I chat with, Lakermom37 will be there and we are roommates! Along with Twimom817 and Kare831. The dynamic duo invited me to share their room and then invited Lakermom37. They are also the pre-reader and beta for Letting Down The Walls. They are quite the talented trio and I am thrilled to death to know them and can't wait to meet them personally.

Letting Down The Walls is a touching and poignant story. It is a story of a girl suffering from severe psoriasis and a boy with a broken heart caused by betrayal. In this case, Bella and Edward, but it could be any one's story. A story of promise, hope, and rising above adversity.

The writer of this story is Lakermom37 and also a sufferer of severe psoriasis. I personally had no idea how debilitating the disease could be until I started looking in to it. Most people, myself included, only know the less severe version, itchy dry patchy skin, but there are such severe levels, you would be astounded.

Lakermom37 is writing this story for her love of writing as well as bringing attention and knowledge to the unknown severity of the disease. She is a friendly and generous person, donating a story to Fandom4AJD, and she always has a nice word for everyone. To rise above and go about her daily life, to open up her personal story and educate us on a disease we know little of, a wife and mother, as well as entertain us with her story writing.

Come meet Lakermom37, you will be amazed who she really is and will love her as much as everyone who knows her. She is what is good in the fandom. And if you are not reading Letting Down The Walls, you need to start reading it. It is a wonderful story with a very unique story line.

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I was invited to go see Twilight at the movies about a week after debuted at the theater. I had never heard of the books or the story line but was intrigued by a human/vampire relationship. Oh, and Rob was a pretty hot Edward too...I was HOOKED.

How did you find the fandom?

I was in a low point in my life both personally and health-wise in late 2008 and early 2009. This is when I became completely enamored by all things Twilight. I was on bed rest and quite frail for several months following two evasive surgeries. I immediately bought all four books to occupy my time, which I read in order multiple times, along with Midnight Sun. When I needed more, I googled "Twilight Stories" on a hunch and tada...my fan fiction addiction began.

Are you in the Twicloset?

Sort of...Most ALL of my close friends and family know I read FF. I do have a few close friends, my hubby, my only sister and my 22 year old daughter that are aware that I'm writing a FF story. Three friends are reading LDTW as "lurkers" and so far my daughter wants nothing to do with my writing and with "mom writing lemons" I think I prefer it that way...I guess I just like the anonymity of writing under a pen name.

Do your significant others support your fandom life?

My hubby and I have been together 24 years. He doesn't quite understand my fascination with Twilight but he doesn't get mad or jealous over my Edward/Rob Addictions. He supports my writing because it's such a personal and real story for me.

Have you met fandom people in real life?

Not yet...but I am excited to be going to the Twi Fic meeting in Las Vegas in June 2012 so I will hopefully get to meet everyone then. I do talk to my beta/pre-reader team, twimom817 and kare831 via email and I do know their REAL names, where they live, etc...lol.

Why or how did you start writing fan fiction?

I started because I have been an avid reader for so long. I've read most every Edward/Bella combination that has been written and most ALL completed 100,000+ word M-rated FF. I've never read a story where one of the characters has psoriasis and I thought I'd give it a shot. So far so good. :)

How do you come up with your story lines?

Well, I use a lot of personal experiences. I was 28 and married for ten years when I first developed psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis so that part of LDTW was adapted for the story line, and no my hubs isn't a dermatologist. Really, I've been asked that. The feelings Bella has in my fic are real...and no matter who you are or how confident you are, psoriasis makes you feel unattractive. It's a mean disease that is 50% physical and 50% mental. That's what I'm trying to convey in LDTW...the struggle to feel loved and sexy and worthy. 

Favorite fics - Completed and WIP's.

Oh wow... I'd have to say Blood and Glory by drotuno, A Pound of Flesh by jaxon22, Unplanned Perfection by littlecat358, Quiet Storm by SexiLexiCullen, Evermore Experience by deJean, A Slow Boil by kts, Beyond Time by tkegl, The Cannabean Betrothal by ItzMegan73, A Special Life by Twimom817, Perfect Game by kare831, Set In Stone by psyche001 for completed fics; Transcendence by savage7289, Blessed Are the Forgetful by orrington rose, When You Came Home by Melanie Carter and In Your World by solosintwilight.  I could go on and on...oh, and I LOVE Letting Down the Walls by Edward's My Obsession 1971. LOL!

What kind of environment do you like to write in?

I have a home office so I prefer to go there and shut out the rest of the world, except Twitter.

Where and when do you write and on what?
I write on my desktop, laptop and also my iPhone. I vary on writing times...sometimes a plot bunny bites me at the oddest times! Mostly I write on Wednesday afternoons and the weekends. I try to post weekly.

How do you find time to write?

I have two grown college kids so I have more free time than I used to. I try to balance time with hubs, work, kids/family and writing/reading FF.

I began with a five chapter outline. After that, the characters and plot just blossomed on their own. I have an idea on each chapter on where I want to go with it but sometimes the characters just don't lead me that way. It's odd but true. Edward and Bella tell the story...I'm just along for the ride. Also, kare831 and twimom817 help steer me when I get of base.

Who's POV do you like writing?

Edward's POV. Bella's POV should be easier but it really is the hardest of the two to get across to the reader. I don't want to project a whiny, immature Bella. She is neither but is shy, has no self confidence, is inexperienced with all things sexual and slightly introverted. Edward is confident and knows he's attractive but he's been burned in the past and never got past it.

I bounce ideas off my hubby, twimom817 and kare831. Sometimes I type multiple pages just to delete them and start all over. Some things are harder to write than others...like Bella's lack of sex knowledge. It has been a LONG time since I've "been there" so I have to dig deep to make that part work for me.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to start writing?

Do it!! It's more than I ever expected.

Do you write professionally? Do you aspire to?

Oh goodness no. I love to write but I don't think I'm ever going to be that good at all. I  wish I was though!!

Believe it or not but I haven't really gotten any yet. I know my story isn't for everyone and I will be proud of any and all reviews I get. I'm sure I've had flouncers...it took 18 chapters for the first E/B sexual contact. Those who like hot, steamy sex early on probably gave up on me long ago.

If you could say one thing to your readers (fans) what would that be?

THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN ME AND MY STORY!! I do this all for the love of writing and reading.

One thing you can't live without?

Probably my iPhone. I like to be wired at all times.

What part of the world do you live in?

Kentucky, USA

Are you working on anything right now you would like to tell us about?

Well, besides LDTW, I am going to be writing a short story in January for the Fandom for Juvenile Diabetes. It will be my first compilation for a cause and I'm very excited. I'm not 100% decided on my plot line yet but It will be a Vamp Edward/Human Bella story. We'll see.

And a nosey one - how did you come up with your pen name?

HA! Well, I obviously throw people off with my Twitter  handle being @lakermom37 and my FFn pen name being Edward's my obsession 1971. Twitter wouldn't let me use my FFn name. I came up with my pen name during a casual conversation with a friend about my obsession with all things Twilight and all things Edward...thus the name was created and stuck with me.

What gave you the idea for Letting Down the Walls ?

Being a severe psoriasis sufferer...I had read all kinds of fic dealing with cancer, depression, paralysis, etc...so I thought I'd put one out there for folks like me...and I have found several in the Fandom that suffer from psoriasis as well that thanked me for making others aware of our day to day challenges.

What is your reason for posting?

To share my heart-felt story with the Fandom.

How long have you been writing your own stories?

Since September 2011, You may not know this but I had a major screw up editing some unbeta'd chapters and I had to delete LDTW completely and re post it. I lost 75 reviews and no telling how many readers are waiting for an update on a dead FFn link. That happened in November and it broke my heart.

Is your goal to become a full time writer?

No...but I will write as long as the readers want me to.

Do you work with a writers a group?

Yes, I have kare831 and twimom817 that pre-read and beta my stories. lIllicit Writer made my blog, Edwardsmyobsession1971.blogspot.com and vbfb19 made my banner for LDTW. Check out my blog...it is too cool.

 A few days and then I work on one chapter at a time. I can't jump ahead too far since I never quite know what my characters are going to do next.

I write in Word.

What is your opinion of FF writers who publish their FF stories and change the names, is it something you would consider?

I have no problem with what other writers do but I plan to always write Twilight FFn and I don't for see any non-canon pairings unless its supplemental characters. Edward belongs with Bella...period. At least for me.

How does your own stories in print/internet make you feel overall?

Amazed! I know I don't have thousands of reviews but I so check my story stats and I have so many readers that don't review. I'm very proud to be part of the Fandom.

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Summary: Bella is a transfer to U Dub from Phoenix with severe self-esteem issues from a chronic disease. Edward is a med school student seeing patients at his Dad's practice. When they meet, will Bella let Edward in her life or is she too damaged for love?

It was Tennyson that said "it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all". What a freakin' moron.

What a great opening line! It still makes me laugh. Letting Down The Walls is a story filled with hope, new starts, dreams, some angst and romance, all my favorite emotions. And there's a Bella with very low self esteem. And not the typical low self esteem Bella we usually read about. This Bella suffers from chronic psoriasis. At first, I didn't understand why this would make Bella so painfully introverted. I thought I knew what  psoriasis was. I've known people with it. Dry itchy skin is what I thought. I was wrong. There are very different levels of the disease, for some, debilitating and Bella's is severe to the point where she withdraws in to her own shell and keeps all covered up. She's embarrassed, doesn't trust anyone and not strong enough to join the world, at least at this point in her life.

Know what you are writing about, especially when you delve in to specific genre's and subject matter. Lakermom37 gives a very vivid picture of what Bella's life is like living with such a disease. And as severely as the disease affects Bella, Lakermom37 does a wonderful job of using it as a back drop for the story. And while you are aware and educated, it is not the focus. Bella is. How she takes baby steps out in to the world, opens her heart a bit and starts letting people in, all with the encouragement and support of new friends.

The story starts out with Bella leaving Arizona for Washington. She is a mid term college transfer student. Upon arrival, there is a brief encounter with Charlie, who she really isn't close with, but they love each just the same. Her first encounter with "Tasmanian" Alice as her roommate is obviously overwhelming. Her other roommate is Rosalie.

We meet Dr. Edward Cullen, med student in chapter 8 and the sparks fly. Edward is beside himself with his attraction for his patient. That doesn't happen to him, especially with the heart break he suffered at the former hands of Tanya. And so the romance begins. A very slowly paced progression. I like that. Would have made no sense if they attacked each other upon meeting. They both have tremendous issues to work out.

Letting Down The Walls is a feel good story. Even with Bella suffering from her disease and Edward's heart break. These two are destined for one another. That doesn't mean all will be rosy, there are rocky times, but you just get a good feeling as you read.

Lakermom37 does a wonderful job weaving a tale of dark and light as well as making us understand a disease most do not understand. I am so glad I stumbled on to this story. It is a very original story line and filled with powerful emotions that pull you in.

Definitely give it a try, you will not be disappointed.

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"I will be whatever you need, Bella. Thank you for saying yes. Now, let's get you home."

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Join me tomorrow for my interview with Lakermom37 where she tells us all about her writing and what brought her to the fandom. It's an interview you won't want to miss!

The three of us on TOK have participated in many contests across the fan fiction world, which has also branched off into the original fiction world, even to the point of winning some of them. Being so experienced... why not host our own? So, here we have the TOK contests.

Finally, we're ready to announce our first one-shot contest's theme! So here we go!

Twilight is all about romance and relationships, the love triangle of Edward, Bella and Jacob, but what about family and friendship? Aren't they important? In this contest, we want to see one-shots based off non-romantic relationships, like the relationship between Alice and Bella going shopping or between Leah and Seth coping with their father's untimely passing, in a way that doesn't involve any romance.

This is a anonymous contest

Submissions open on Saturday, December 10th, 2011 and close on Tuesday, January 10th, 2012

Voting opens on Saturday, January 14th, 2012 and closes on Saturday, January 21st, 2012

It's no secret that there are children all over the word who are suffering from abuse and neglect. Over 3 million reports of child abuse are made every year in the United States; however, those reports can include multiple children. In 2009, approximately 3.3 million child abuse reports and allegations were made involving an estimated 6 million children.

There were more than 46,000 confirmed cases of child abuse in Australia last year. That's almost 1 case every 10 minutes where a child is suffering from neglect or physical, sexual or emotional abuse (often by people they know and should be able to trust). Many of these kids get no professional help whatsoever, and end up with lifelong problems.

In the United Kingdom, research indicates that abuse and neglect are both under-reported and under-recorded. According to their most recent statistics (March 2011), there are approximately 46, 700 children who are known to be at risk of abuse right now, and one in four young adults were maltreated during childhood.

In an effort to help put an end to child abuse, Fandom 4 Children has been organized. We are hoping that members of all fandoms from all across the globe will be willing to reach out and contribute in some small way through donations to charities or by contributing to the compilation we are organizing. If you would like to donate, please go to the Where To Donate section of the blog for information on how to donate and receive a copy of the compilation when it is sent out. If you are an author and would like to contribute, please go to the Author Sign Up section of the blog for more information.