Snape After DH Fest: Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in learning more about how the fest will be run, and guidelines for how to post your story/art?
1. What exactly is this Snape After DH Fest thing?
It's a fest to explore Severus Snape, in light of the new information we get in Deathly Hallows. We hope - and expect - that many stories will "fix" his death, by bringing him back in some way, or exploring this character in the afterlife. All stories or art should clearly focus on some aspect of DH canon.
That's all that's required to participate. You just have to be willing to write (or draw) about Snape using DH canon. Stories and art of all sorts (short or long stories, or any sort of art---but please see our restrictions regarding sexually-explicit art that depicts minor characters, below) are welcome! All genres (het, slash, or gen) are welcome! There is a 500 word minimum length for stories, however.
Unlike most Fests or Ficathons or Challenges, there are no formal assignments for this Fest.
Writers and artists are simply invited to participate by creating a work that uses a prompt from our list.
Don't see what you want on that list?
You can add another prompt by submitting it in comments to that post by August 10th. Or, if you don't want to use one of the prompts, that's fine. Write your own story, your way. We're not fussed, as long as the story focuses on Snape and incorporates some aspect of DH canon.
Also, unlike most Fests, the Snape After DH Fest will not have a permanent archive, beyond this lj comm.
Instead, we will be creating a Master Post of Links to all Fest submissions. Since we will be linking to those submissions, your stories/art can be posted here, or can be archived elsewhere, like your LJ, or Inkstained Fingers, or fanfiction.net, or Fiction Alley, or your own personal website.
At the end of the Snape After DH Fest, we will have a (hopefully huge) list of links to stories, pieces of art, and pieces of non-fiction that will provide HP fans with many new and interesting Snape-centric stories, some of which "fix" canon by bringing him back.
2. When will it be held?
It will start at midnight on Oct. 15th, 2007 (GMT) and end at midnight on Nov. 1, 2007 (All Souls' Day, which we find appropriate)
3. Why the deadline? How come this Fest seems to be so, er, lacking in rules and formal assignments and stuff?
The main goal of the Snape After DH Fest to generate new Snape-centric stories, with plots and outcomes that explore the new canon, and which (in some cases) give Snape a better outcome than he got in canon. We want to be as flexible as possible about making that happen.
Some people like deadlines, some don't. Some like to write short fic, others prefer long fic. Some are galvanized by deadlines, others abhor them. Some like very specific sorts of challenges (see the prompts list for those) others prefer fewer restrictions. Some people already have works in progress, others haven't started yet. And then, ultimately, someone (Cordelia) has to collect up all the links to the stories and artwork and make them available to fans. :-)
Thus, we are providing a deadline for people who enjoy working under pressure or who like to crank out short fic in a short time (i.e. drabbles). We're providing a firm end date for people who want to be more leisurely about things but who might not finish unless there is a fixed deadline.
And we need that final deadline for me too, so that cordelia_v know when she can collect all the URLs and make up that Master Post of Links!
4. What do I have to do to participate?
This part is incredibly simple.
Between now and Aug. 10th, we're accepting suggestions for prompts. You can go to the prompt list here to look them over, and see if there's anything that interests you. Make suggestions for additional posts in the comments to that post, if you like.
On Aug. 10th, claims will be opened for the prompts. Each prompt can be claimed by up to three people: first come, first served.
You do not have to use of of these prompts. If you have your own idea, and want to use that, it's fine.
Once you have your prompt (or your own idea) start writing or drawing!
On Oct. 15, 2007, we will make a post to my LJ (in addition to an announcement at daily_snitch and at hogwarts_today) signaling that the Snape After DH Fest has begun.
Then, all you have to do is to finish your story or create some art that in some way uses the new canon and which focuses on Snape. And then post it to this comm. Please use the submission template at the top of your post, and then put the rest of it behind an lj-cut, regardless of rating.
Sometime before midnight on Nov. 1, 2007 submit a post to this comm, using the Submission Template (described below) and post the submission (with the template, plus the art/fic itself under an lj cut) or post the template plus a link to your story, drabble, or artwork, if you've posted it somewhere else.
That's it.
You will need to join this comm, so that you can post your story (or a link to your story here), but membership is open.
All you have to do is to is post it here, or post a link to it here (if you've posted it on your own lj, or at an archive, etc.). Use the submission template at the top of your post, and then put the content below it behind an lj cut (if it's on this comm.) or give the link to your post elsewhere, regardless of rating.
We'll post reminders on our own journals and on this one, letting folks know that the final deadline is approaching! :-)
5. When Can I Get Started?
You can start creating at any time. Right now, in fact, especially if you have an idea for a longer story, or complicated artwork.
6. Oh heck, it's Nov. 10, 2007 and I just finished my story now! Should I still post a link to my story/art to this comm?
Yes, please do.
cordelia_v has email notification turned on so she'll get your message. However, the link to your story might not get added to the Master Post of Links right away depending upon how busy her RL is, and she will note it on the page as a late submission.
7. Who can participate?
Anyone.
We are adopting a Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy regarding age. We do not want to know how old you are. Do not tell us.
We will put a content warning on both the Fest Main Page and on the Master Post of Links (and hide the links behind a cut tag) after we assemble it so that people who are underage will know to avoid that page. Yes, we're using the honor system here.
Please be aware that the stories/art that participants submit may contain slash or het and may contain content or pairings that you may personally find objectionable. If any of that bothers you, then do NOT click on those links and do NOT get upset with the creators of that content.
It's simple: be responsible and be courteous, that's all we ask.
8. What sorts of stories/art can I submit?
You may submit any stories or art, of any rating, as long as it is Snape-centric, and incorporates DH canon.
However, given recent events on LJ and the clarification of U.S. obscenity and child pornography laws, the moderators of the Snape After Deathly Hallows Fest have decided - for all participants' [legal] safety - that sexually-explicit images of characters under the age of 18 (or who appear to be under the age of 18) will not be permitted. As per U.S. obscenity laws), this rule applies only to artists, and not stories contributed to the fest.
We're also asking all artists to include a statement in their posts specifically stating that the characters are 18 and over if an artwork is sexually explicit. That way if it gets reported, there's already a note with viewers to see saying that from the artist's POV the characters were drawn to be adults.
We're sorry if this seems unduly restrictive, but at the moment, it seems in the best interests of all concerned.
Note: If you are submitting a story containing chan,non con, incest, or bestiality, you MUST label it as such in the Warnings section of the Submissions Template.
9. I usually write/draw dark/angsty fic that doesn't have happy endings. Is that sort of stuff okay?
I usually write/draw happy/fluffy stories that focus just on fun. Is that sort of stuff okay?
I write/draw chanfic/incest/noncon/etc., can I submit that too?
Absolutely! There are no restrictions on content.
Please Note: Regarding stories or art with chan, bestiality, or incest content, you must clearly note that in the Warnings section of the submission template.
10. I prefer to write drabbles. Can I submit my drabbles?
I like to do quick sketches, cartoons, things like that. Are those okay to submit?
I've got a huge series I'm writing and one of the parts focusses mainly on a new pairing in an old cliché?
Yes to all!
Fiction of all lengths is welcome and art of all types is welcome. We only ask that the fiction be complete in and of itself. Therefore, no WIPs are allowed. However, a completed part in an on-going series is perfectly fine.
Artists, and writers of fiction must use the submission template when they submit their work.
Title: self-explanatory Author: you -- and a link to your email address or LJ if you have one or want to share it Link: a URL, if you are posting elsewhere, and not on this comm Type: Fiction, Art Length: i.e. Short story, Novella, etc. Or your approximate word count if that's easier for you to calculate. Remember, the minimum length for all stories is 500 words. Pairings: please state the major pairings, or say if it's gen
Warnings: i.e. Chan, Incest, Bestiality, Non-con, Death story, D/s, anything that you think a reader should know about.
Please note: if your story contains Chan, Incest, or Bestality, you MUST add in the warning.
Series: Yes/No (if yes, please add a link to the series) Rating: U.S.-ian ratings, please. i.e. G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17, etc. Summary: Please write something here that will give readers a bit of insight into the story, the art, or the non-fiction. For authors--you don't have to give away the whole plot here! :-) Notes: anything else you'd like to add, thanks to betas, etc.!
Please note: If your story, art, or essay is archived on a site that requires a password, PLEASE let readers know that in your Notes. A simple "Requires password" will do.
After the submission heading, please post the content of your story/art behind an lj-cut, regardless of the rating. ________________________________________
Confused about U.S.ian Movie ratings? You're not the only one! Here is a summary:
Rated G – GENERAL AUDIENCES: All ages admitted. Rated PG – PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED: Some material may not be suitable for children or pre-teenagers Rated PG-13 – PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED: Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Rated R – RESTRICTED: Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. Rated NC-17 – No one 17 and under admitted.
Basically, use your best judgment on the ratings. You can find clarification of the rating system here ________________________________________
Please do NOT post something in this comm. like:
So here's my SS/DM story: http://xxx. yyy. zzz. com/myfic.html ! LOL ;-)
We cannot read every single submission and add it to the comm for you. We won't fill out the template for your story/non-fiction/artwork. *You* must fill out the Submissions Template. Please be as complete as possible; readers are counting on you!
12.Why are you singling out chan, non con, bestiality, and incest fic/art/essays for special warnings?
The ONLY reason we are requesting that contributors mark their submissions this way is because those three topics seem to be consistent 'hot-buttons' within the HP fandom community.
Contributors are welcome to warn for other elements if they wish (i.e. BDSM, death story, partner betrayal), however only these four: Chan, Non con, Bestiality, and Incest are required.
We, personally, have no objection to such content. However, we do not want any author or artist to end up with a flame from an irate reader who accidentally reads a story or essay or views a piece of art with that sort of content.
We really do want this to be a positive and enjoyable experience for contributors as well as for readers/viewers.
13. Where the heck do I post my fic/art? Can I post it to other places too?
We will open the Fest on Oct. 15, 2007 with a single snape_after_dh Fest Announcement Post.
Sometime before Nov. 1, 2007, simply go to this comm and post your story or art there or post a link to it there, including the official Submission Template that describes your submission and either provides a link to it (to an archive where you've posted the work, your own personal webpage, an LJ entry, etc.) OR an lj cut, with the material on this lj, beneath the cut .
It's that simple.
If your story was inspired by the snape_after_dh Fest we would appreciate it if you mention that fact when you archive your story somewhere, but that isn't a requirement by any means! :-)
If you don't want to post it here under a cut, possible archives include: your LJ, or Inkstained Fingers, or fanfiction.net, or Fiction Alley, or your own personal website.
14. Where will all these stories/etc. be archived?
Rather, we will create a Master Post of Links page on this LJ, that includes links to all the stories/art created for this fest. The link can either be to a post on this comm. (if you post it here directly) or to another URL (an archive, your own lj page, etc.) where you have posted it.
15. What will this Master Post of Links look like?
A. There will be a blanket disclaimer stating that the works herein relate to JKR's creations and that are not meant to infringe copyright, etc.
B. There will be an obvious, unambiguous content warning on the page indicating that some links may contain subject matter that readers might find objectionable and for each reader to assume personal responsibility and examine the Submission Template very carefully before choosing to view content.
C. The link to every story/piece of art/non-fiction will contain the full Submission Template so that readers can make informed choices about which stories/art/non-fic to view (or not) based on that information.
D. The links will be organized according to category (fiction or art). Within each of those categories, the links will be in alphabetical order according to author name.
16. I just found this HugeEnormousOMG typo/grammar error/logic error/whatever in your FAQ!
Please let me know what it is by replying to this post and I'll fix it! :-)
17. I've got a question about the Snape After DH Fest but you haven't answered it here!
I've got a great idea for a scenario/art-idea/etc. Where can I post it?
Please post your ideas for stories/scenarios over at the prompt list post
If it's a question about something we haven't covered here, please feel free to either post your question here or to email cordelia_v at: cordeliav@aol.com . She will be happy to clarify anything and if necessary, she'll add your question (and its answer) to the FAQ.
18. How do I find out about updates? Where will you be posting updates about the snape_after_dh Fest?
On Oct. 15, 2007, we will be making the formal snape_after_dh Fest post. Bookmark that post for updates. We will also be posting weekly reminders to our own LJs and to daily_snitch and hogwarts_today.
In the meanwhile, until then, simply bookmark this post and check it out periodically.
We will add an UPDATES section to the FAQ and you can find out new Fest information there. In addition, we will add answers to new questions to the end of the FAQ.