"First Time For Everything" Fest is an anonymous, one-shot, theme-based fic and art fest hosted at snape_potter on LJ, IJ, and DW. And, no! Not necessarily that first time (though it can be). It doesn't even have to be the first time our guys tried a particular sexual activity or position. First day on the job where Harry is Severus's supervisor, first time Severus agreed with Harry on anything, or the first time Severus picked up the tab on a date with Harry. Any first between the two will work. For more examples, please see our FAQs.
Timeline:
Sign-Ups: Begin June 24, 2013
Creations are due: August 19, 2013
Posting starts: September 16, 2013
Rules: - Participants must be eighteen years old by September 16, 2013.
- Snape/Harry must be the primary pairing of all creations. Secondary pairings are allowed but the primary pairing (or threesome) must include Snape/Harry.
- We accept all ratings from G - NC-17.
- The minimum word count for fics is 1,000. There is no maximum.
- As with all snape_potter fests, you will be given the option to have the mods go through the entries for basic SPaG (Spelling Punctuation and Grammar) errors and wonky coding, however, we are no substitute for an actual beta. All fics should be beta-read or at the very least SPaG-proofed. If you need a beta, please contact the mods and we will make every attempt to assist you.
- For fic, your story should be submitted in fully post-ready form. That means that we should be able to copy and paste from your document right into a livejournal html posting window without making changes. It is a good idea to test your coding by making a private-locked post before submitting.
- Submit your fic as .doc, .rtf, or .txt. No gdocs or .docx and please turn off "curly quotes".
- Fic creations will be posted anon. We prefer art to be unsigned until after reveals are posted, but with the possibility of uncredited art being reposted elsewhere without artist permission, signed art is permitted. However, both art and fic headers will reflect an anonymous status until the reveals are announced.
- You may not post your creations elsewhere until after the big reveal.
- Email your creations and any questions you may have to spfestmod @ gmail.com
- Please use one of the following headers:
For artists:
For authors:
- Most importantly: have fun! Yes, that's a rule. All the fests at snape_potter are dedicated to celebrating the delight we have creating and re-inventing new ways for our two favorite men to interact together. And enjoying ourselves while we do this is all part of the celebration.
FAQs:
Q. - Do I really need to read all the rules and FAQs or are they pretty much the standard ones for fests?
A. - They're pretty standard, but we'd still suggest you read them.
Q. - Where will the fest be held?
A. - The fest will be held at snape_potter and all stories, art, and mod posts will be cross-posted to IJ, LJ, and DW. Commenting will be enabled at all three sites.
Q. - Will there be a call for prompts?
A. - Not this time. The theme of the fest is 'first times'. That means all the entries need to be related (however loosely) to the first time for something between Severus and Harry. If you can fit a first time for something in there somewhere, we can make it work. ;D
Q. - Do you have a list of *optional* prompts in case someone needs inspiration? I don't even know where to begin.
Let your imagination run wild. The fest welcomes traditional firsts like a first kiss, first owl, first time they spent the night together (maybe even just sleeping), but also relationship milestones like the first time Harry or Severus said they were sorry or wrong, the first time Severus or Harry took care of the other (or perhaps one of Harry's children) when they were ill, or the first time Harry or Severus introduced the other as their partner. And there is always the option of even completely non-traditional first times like the first time Severus talked to Harry about Lily Potter or the first time Harry realized he trusted Severus. Don't over-think it. Write the first time scenario you want to see.
Q. - When will I be able to sign-up?
A. - Sign-ups begin June 24, 2013.
Q. - How do I sign up?
A. - Sign-ups should be made in the comment section of the sign-up post on IJ, LJ or DW and should use the sign-up template. All comments will be screened.
Q. - Will people know who signed up for the fest?
A. - Eventually. ;D But all comments on the sign-up post will be screened. One of the mods will e-mail participants to confirm their participation. Please contact the mods at spfestmod @ gmail.com if you do not receive a confirmation of your sign-up.
Q. - May I submit crafts or jewelery as my entry?
A. - Absolutely.
Q. - What if I sign-up and then the muse dries up?
A. - There is no penalty associated with not being able to submit an entry. Though the mods would appreciate knowing if you need to drop out or if you need an extension. We're all friends here.
Q. - Where should I submit my completed entry?
A. - All entries and any questions should be submitted to: spfestmod AT gmail DOT com
Q. - Will the entries be posted anonymously? Who is doing the posting?
A. - All entries will be posted by the spfestmods. And they will be posted anonymously. A masterlist of entries will be posted at the conclusion of the fest.
Q. - When will our submissions be due?
A. - All submissions are due August 19, 2013.
Q. Do you happen to have a nifty icon I can use to promote the fest?
A. We sure do! Please credit Mathia Arkoniel for the art and swtalmnd for the icon.