Resource Creche Thread: New Topic- Cliffhangers: Necessary or Evil?- LISTS UPDATED 5-31

Newbies and Masters alike,

Welcome to The Creche, where newbies and oldbies can come together and pair off as Padawans and Masters!

Master = A Master is a mentor and someone to help you find your way around the boards, as well as a friend and automatic reader (in most cases). Many of the Masters listed in here are very interested in helping to improve a youngling's writing skills and begin their own story threads.

Padawan = 1. A NEWBIE. 2. An experienced writer who would like to expand his/her skills.

Creche_Master is: LilyHobbitJedi

We also have a group of wonderful helpers who are more than willing to lend a hand to the newbies. They are the Order of The Braid. Oldbies, please let us know if you?d like to be a member. If you have questions and for whatever reason would rather not PM us or the mods, you should turn to them.

The Order of the Braid

Zonoma
NYCitygurl
JadeSolo

 

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

1) All Masters (yes, all you oldbies) and potential Padawans (this means you, newbies!) must fill out the form found in the next post.

2) Look through the various applicants every once in a while -the complete lists are updated faithfully with dates and links. I highly recommend actually taking the time to read the provided samples.

3) When you find someone that seems like a good match, then PM him/her! Both Masters and Padawans are allowed to make first contact) Don't be shy!!!

Make sure your PM states "Adoption Inquiry" or something along those lines in the subject so that it does not get overlooked.

Listing yourself as Master or Padawan makes you fair game for Adoption business PMs from prospective partners.

4) Be patient while waiting for a response.

5) If you do not feel it is a good match, that's okay. Decline gracefully and move on. You need to feel comfortable with your partner. This is supposed to be educational and FUN.

6) Finally! When the deed is done, and both of you are happy... come share the good news with us!!

 

IMPORTANT!!

If you would like to be listed as a Master or a Padawan then please fill out the following survey and post it. Be thorough, each question there is because these are things that tend to be important to most people when looking for a new partner.



NAME:

LOOKING FOR: (please indicate Master or Padawan)

ERA:

FAVE CHARACTERS:

STRENGTHS:

WEAKNESS:

I LOVE TO WRITE:

NO WAY WILL I EVER WRITE:

RANDOM FACTS AND FUN INFORMATION ABOUT ME: (number of current Padawans for all Masters!)

LINK TO A SAMPLE OF MY WRITING (if onsite sample is available):

---

Trying to figure out what kind of person your new partner is? You may want to try out this survey to break the ice. Silliness is heartily encouraged here, even amidst the serious business of writing. Take time to get to know the other person; knowing more about them makes it easier to work together. [b]I would recommend you do this survey via PM.[/b] Some of it might even relate to writing? [face_mischief]

[b]What time did you get up this morning?

What was the last film you saw at the cinema?

What is your favorite TV show?

What do you usually have for breakfast?

Favorite cuisine?

What food do you dislike? Prefer?

What is your favorite CD at the moment?

Morning or night person?

Favorite sandwich?

What characteristic in other people do you despise? Look for?

Favorite item of clothing?

If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would it be?

What color is your bathroom?

Favorite brand of clothing?

Where would you like to visit?

What was your most memorable birthday?

Favorite sport to watch?

Pets?

What did you want to be when you were little?

What date on the calendar are you looking forward to?

What music do you like?

Your Favorite Book?[/b]

 

Here are the lists you?ve all been waiting for! If you would like to be on one, please post in the last page of the thread or drop a PM to the Creche_Master. I try to update them daily. However, make sure you post the survey. They?re organized by era preference, so names may appear more than once. Don?t hesitate to check someone out.

---

[color=firebrick][u][b]Padawan List[/b][/u][/color] (in chronological order according to Era)


[color=darkblue][b]Before the Saga[/b]:[/color]


[link=http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=22600913&brd=10304&start=27158162][color=firebrick][b]solobratz[/b][/color][/link] - 7/24/07
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=27339514&brd=10304&start=27952798][color=firebrick][b]saichen[/b][/color][/link] - 1/9/08
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=27339514&brd=10304&start=28025983][color=firebrick][b] Captain_Pete_Solo[/b][/color][/link] - 1/28/08
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=27339514&brd=10304&start=28172800][color=firebrick][b] AuroraDumalOfBoden[/b][/color][/link] - 3/8/08
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=27339514&brd=10304&start=28626245][color=firebrick][b] Obi-Gon_Skywalker[/b][/color][/link] - 6/22/08
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=27339514&brd=10304&start=28717972][color=firebrick][b] Katana_Geldar[/b][/color][/link] - 7/9/08
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=27339514&brd=10304&start=29023448][color=firebrick][b] Thorn058[/b][/color][/link] - 8/22/08
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/27339514/r30644443/][color=firebrick][b] SunriderJazz[/b][/color][/link] - 12/23/09
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/27339514/p21][color=firebrick][b]Star_Bender[/b][/color][/link] - 7/31/10
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/27339514/p21][color=firebrick][b]Syryu[/b][/color][/link] - 12/31/10


[color=darkblue][b]Saga[/b]:[/color]


[link=http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=22600913&brd=10304&start=26911101][color=firebrick][b] CHEVALIER_RYU[/b][/color][/link] - 6/12/07
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=22600913&brd=10304&start=26924102][color=firebrick][b] nate_the_great[/b][/color][/link] - 6/14/07
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=27339514&brd=10304&start=27938155][color=firebrick][b] ollyver[/b][/color][/link] - 1/5/08
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=27339514&brd=10304&start=27938688][color=firebrick][b] Rainge[/b][/color][/link] - 1/5/08
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=27339514&brd=10304&start=28042771][color=firebrick][b] tenelka_jacen[/b][/color][/link] - 2/2/08
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=27339514&brd=10304&start=28172800][color=firebrick][b] AuroraDumalOfBoden[/b][/color][/link] - 3/8/08
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=27339514&brd=10304&start=28298678][color=firebrick][b] dreamshell[/b][/color][/link] - 4/8/08
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=27339514&brd=10304&start=28447784][color=firebrick][b] Anduli_Vader[/b][/color][/link] - 5/11/08
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=27339514&brd=10304&start=28474437][color=firebrick][b] Quigonjecca[/b][/color][/link] - 5/18/08
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=27339514&brd=10304&start=28717972][color=firebrick][b] Katana_Geldar[/b][/color][/link] - 7/9/08
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=27339514&brd=10304&start=28824935][color=firebrick][b] JEDIGUNSHIP[/b][/color][/link] - 7/24/08
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=27339514&brd=10304&start=29023448][color=firebrick][b] Thorn058[/b][/color][/link] - 8/22/2008
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=27339514&brd=10304&start=29180837][color=firebrick][b] Jaina_Jade_Fel[/b][/color][/link] - 9/19/08
[link=http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/27339514/p12/?572][color=firebrick][b]CloneCaptainRex[/b][/color]

 

Essentials of the Creche

I WANT TO BE A MASTER, BUT AM I QUALIFIED?

Do you like people?
The primary purpose of a Master here in Fan Fic is to befriend their padawan. Be a tour guide, encourage him when he is down, always read and reply to his stories, and be willing to offer constructive criticism gently and with regard for his feelings and age.

Do you have a working knowledge of the Terms of Service?
To be a knowledgable tour guide and help steer your padawan clear of common newbie mistakes, you should have a working knowledge of the Terms of Service and be willing to refer to the Fan Fic FAQ for answers to questions you don?t know the answer to.

Are you ready to act like a responsible role model for an impressionable newbie?
It?s all part and parcel of having a padawan, guys. Responsible role models are essential. This is a lesson unto itself, though. More on that later.

Do you have the time to encourage a new writer, read their story(s), and reply to them?
If you just want a padawan to have a cool signature, then move on, please. A padawan whose own master does not take the time to read at least some of their work and show a genuine interest in them can easily become discouraged from pursuing their writing.

Since we are here to encourage writing, make your padawans? stories a priority. This is time consuming at times. I also assure you that it is incredibly rewarding to watch the progress of their writing skills.

Is that really all there is to it?
There is always, always more. After all, one should never stop learning, right? But the rest can be learned. The most important part is having the desire to help someone.

Where do I sign up?
If this sounds like something for you, then please feel free to browse the padawan lists and create your own Master?s profile, post it, and we will link it in the first page.

---

[b][i] THE RIGHT PADAWAN[/i][/b]

This subject is debated from time to time around here, so I?ll offer several schools of thought.

[b]First: Same to Same[/b]
This is the most popular method of finding a padawan here in the Creche. Many people scroll through the lists and lurk, waiting for a profile to appear with a familiar and comfortable list of ?favorites?. Usually Masters look for a potential padawan to share a favorite character, relationship, era, or a penchant for writing Original Characters or a certain genre (Romance v/s Action, for example).

[b]Second: Opposites Attract[/b]
Some people go looking for Masters outside of their comfort zone on purpose. Most of these potentials know what exactly their weaknesses are and look for a Master to help strengthen them.

[b]Third: It?s About The Personality![/b]
Sometimes, it?s just all about the personality. Even if the profile looks great, you just don?t click. It?s okay, it happens. This is why getting to know a potential padawan via a few PMs is a great idea.

Conversely, a padawan with a profile that turns you off may be such a fun personality that you become interested in their interests while they take part in yours. That is what I call a win, win situation.

[b]Fourth: Relationships Found Through Story Threads[/b]
Some of the best Master/Padawan relationships begin as author/reader friendships. Allowing this kind of relationship to build into a mentorship can be very enjoyable for both people involved.


[b]Regardless of the method you choose, some careful thought and frank questions help to avoid uncomfortable Master/Padawan pairings. Once you have narrowed it down a little bit, consider the following:


Know Your Own Expectations and Limitations.[/b]
While you are choosing a padawan, examine your skills frankly and hold them up to the students expectations and goals.

[ul][li]Are you a harsh beta?[/li]
[li] Will you be giving assignments that highlight their skills and force them to work out their weaknesses?[/li]
[li]Do you just want a padawan to help them out here and there, leaving the betaing to someone else?[/li]
[li]Can you help them

 

Resources for Newbies

Yes, there?s a lot going on in these forums. Here are some links that might get you headed in the right direction ? whatever that may be. If you?re looking for something to get you started in your writing, I recommend checking out the character threads as they usually have challenges and prompts to get you started. I also highly recommend you look at the Fan Fiction Index, home of the comprehensive link list.

• Fan Fiction FAQ ? You?ve got questions? They?ve got answers.


• FanFic Orientation Guide ? To help you get settled in. Also has clues to board oddities, like the Awards.


• Beta Readers Index v4.1 ? Some Masters beta. Some don?t. Here?s to go if yours chooses not to, or if you just want a second opinion.


• Plot Bunny Thread ? Want to write, but not sure what? Here is where other authors take their plot bunnies and release them to the wild ? or at least the Hutch. Note: This is not the place to post ideas if you don?t want someone else to adopt them.


• The Unofficial Star Wars Encyclopedia and Wookieepedia


• Lazy?s Amazing Link Machine ? Once upon a time, it was very hard to find threads in the Fan Fiction area. Then, lazy made an amazing link machine to make life easier for the rest of us.


• Writing Workshops - Have trouble with a certain area of writing? Check in with these workshops organized by dianethx - they have activities to help you get some practice in the areas where you need some improvement.


• Character Threads ? There are a lot of characters in the Galaxy. Chances are, if you like to write ?em, they have a thread here. Here are some bigger names from Star Wars, but by no means a comprehensive list:
  -Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader
  -You Can Take the Farmboy Off the Farm? Luke Skywalker
  -Palpatine
  -Warrior Queen, Gentle Lady - Padmé Amidala Naberrie Skywalker
  -Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon
  -The Bespin Café Version 2.0 ? Han Solo and Leia Organa Solo

 

So you want to be a Master? Think you have what it takes? Well, if you don?t, we have now have a Masters? Training Course thread to help you polish those important skills needed to guide an initiate to Knighthood.

Previous topics:

Well? I haven?t written them yet. But when I do, they?ll be linked here.

 

Previous Discussion Topics (Your burning questions may have already been answered!)

• How to Break the Ice in a New Pairing - 8/20/07


• Masters with multiple Padawans: Instant Board Family, Complete with Sibs! - 8/28/07


• Padawans with multiple Masters: Rare occurrence and happy happenstance? - 9/5/07


• Making the First Post: What made you want to jump in or keeps you from doing so? - 9/16/07


• Creche Writing Prompts: Useful or Useless? - 9/25/07


• My Master Has Disappeared! What Should I Do? - 10/8/07


• My Padawan Disappeared! What Should I Do? - 10/25/07


• To Beta or Not to Beta: That is the Question - 11/11/07


• What Padawans Want - 12/4/07


• What Masters Want - 1/7/08


• What YOU Want - 2/28/08


• Your Favorite Things - 4/8/08


• The Awards and You! - 7/1/08


• So.... Now What? - 8/19/08


• The Woes of Writerhood - 9/28/08


• Dry Spells - 10/20/08


• Writing and the Holidays - 12/6/08


• Your Other Favorite Corner of the Boards - 1/31/09


• Of Which We Will Not Write - 3/26/09


• The Source of Inspiration - 7/12/09


• How You Write - 9/19/09


• Burnout - 2/18/10


• Distractions from Other Media - 6/3/10


• Time Management - 9/16/10


• Masters: How do YOU Challenge your Padawan? - 1/1/11


• Cliffhangers: Necessary or Evil? - 5/31/11

 

Previous Writing Prompts and Responses

• Out of Their Element - 9/16/07


• Tis the Season - 12/4/07

 

This is a test. This is only a test. Had this been a real post, you would have been given some sort of direction in which to continue the conversation. And since this is a Star Wars board, I must now have the obligatory movie reference.

Move along, move along!

 

And we are up and running!

And with it comes our first discussion topic: How To Break the Ice in a New Pairing

So you've made it; you posted the survey, found yourself a nice Master to help you with your writing and navigating these boards. But, how do you figure out something about the person beyond the computer screen? How do you find out crucial information, like whether your Master will groan at your Obidala or if his heart belongs to Tenel Ka? Let alone about him/her as a person? Masters, how do you find out about your Padawan?

EDIT: This and many of the following discussion topics are brought to you by JadeSolo, who gave me a fantastic list of ideas in the old thread. Thank you, Jade!

 

HURRAY!

What a lovely set of intro posts. Nice organization. And I think I mentioned this when you put up the sample posts, but I think the little introductory collection of links is a fantastic idea.

On the discussion:

I only have one experience to go on so far, but I felt drawn to Elana partly because of her stories, partly because of her PM, and... well, to be honest, partly because she seemed amenable to being a pretty laid-back mentor. A lot of it was just kind of a general feeling, but her view of the GFFA as seen in her stories was a comfortable one, which was important to me at the time. I'd been writing in several fandoms already but was new to this forum, so at that point I was mostly looking for someone I could ask specific questions about getting along on these boards, rather than someone to help me get the hang of fanfic in general or to give me writing-development help.

I think I ended up asking her straight out if that was all right with her, once I started feeling she might be a good match.

In general, I think I'd try to sort out things like favorite characters and the things that cause someone to run screaming up the wall and huddle on top of the ceiling fan before agreeing to a pairing. *grin* There are always the stories that deftly dodge objections or just blow straight through them, and surprise me by making me like something I wouldn't expect to from hearing the concept described -- but that can be hit-or-miss even with some of my established favorites. I don't think I would commit to helping a new author write stories about a concept I usually dislike; I don't think I would feel I could guarantee being helpful and effective, so it wouldn't be fair.

Finding out about them as a person.... You know, I don't think I have anything useful to contribute there at all. I'm usually content to get to know people online very slowly, in that sense. I'll read stories, I'll read discussion posts, sometimes I'll track down other-topic discussions or a LiveJournal and that does speed things up... but I tend to interact with people mostly in terms of the milieu where I met them and discovered a common interest. Then eventually we both start mentioning other things and picking up on other parts of each other's lives. But it's not for everybody, and it certainly isn't efficient.

 

Wow, it's so new and shiny!!!

Happy to see this underway. Anything I can do to help, just let me know.

 

Wow! A great job on this!

 

Wowza! Great looking new place!

 

Nice job!!! Wow! The new thread looks great!

While I'm here, I wanted to take this opportunity to make the official announcement that my dear Padawan, AnakinsFavorite, has been Knighted.

*snips AF's Padawan braid and hands it over*

*discreetly wipes away a tear*

It has been an honor and a pleasure, hon! Congratulations!!!

 

The new thread looks FANTASTIC! I can see that a lot of hard work went into getting this up -- and it is absolutely wonderful!

I've been a Padawan for pretty much my entire boards-life, with the exception of, say, three days. I found Ish through a Master/Padawan thread in the Welcome Newbies board, so I can't say anything about posting surveys.

I remember that one of the best things Ish could have done for me when I was a newbie and I had just become a Padawan was to sends each other surveys, not unlike the one that we have in this thread, but shorter. It really helped me get to know her in those first few weeks.

One of the other things that I recommend for newcome Padawans is that having conservations with your Master about anything -- be it fanfics, movies, local weather, school, whatever -- really helps you to get to know someone by forging friendships through talking. It really helps the Master/Padawan relationship when you can consider your Master a dear friend.

But I think many people know that.

 

I'm glad everyone likes it! Thanks for all the help finding links and critiquing the sample pages!

As for getting to know each other, my padawan and I exchanged emails and did general "getting to know you" Q&As, what we do, general location, etc. We also played some games of chess and chatted via gmail. (By the way, I've yet to win a chess game against him. )

 

Great job on the flashy intro TMJ!
*looks around*
I think I agree with Leona, so nice and shiny!


Ehem?yes to contribute to the discussion. I suggest the master makes the first step. I mean, sure there may be many a newbie who are just fine and comfortable around their new masters, or just outgoing period. But I?m sure I?m not the only one who felt shy around my master at first, at least.

I guess starting up some kind of conversation would work. I mean just general get-to-know-you questions. Like when you?re introduced to some one you don?t know at a party or something.

I like that idea of the silly survey BTW, TMJ.

 

I completed the smaller preliminary survey for a master a few days ago and after reading this thread, I think I would definitely want the master to make the first approach.

Getting to know someone online is a process that I believe is more gradual for some folks (I am on of those folks). Finding common ground over time and receiving support and encouragement from the person will help to foster and develop any new acquaintance.

I am not brand new to the boards as I registered in 2005 but did not actually begin to post responses until early this year. I tend to sit on an idea for a while before acting on it. Being a newbie can be a bit daunting.

 

Thanks, Parky! It's been fun being your Padawan!

*sniff*

 

Since this seems to have been randomly overlooked on 8/21, Congrats to AF!

Now, do we post the survey in this thread?

On the matter of breaking the ice, I first ask what they'd like to work on and then ask them to send me a story or excerpt of their choosing. I focus on what I like.

 

I guess I should probably confess that I never liked icebreakers when people were making me do them. This one's better -- it's for people who actually want to start getting to know each other and it does not, for instance, operate under the delusion that I will be more comfortable with a large group of strangers if I either tell them truthfully about my most embarrassing moment or lie to them all.

 

LOL, yes, it's important to do it on a more private level and make the person comfortable with you.

 

Great to see this up and running!!!

A good icebreaker is just to talk with your master/padawan about things: school, romantic partners, jobs, TV shows, Star Wars -- not necessarily something to do with writing, just chat about things and form a friendship.