Well, technically it has been a year and one month but let’s not quibble. In November October 2012 I launched my first fan fiction effort. This was on the back of having fallen under the spell of Fifty Shades of Grey, subsequently discovering that it started life as Twilight Fan Fiction and having that moment of temporary insanity that said, “Well, if she can do it, why can’t I?” “I’ll give that a go.”
That first effort was Investing Elliot the title of which was a play on the 2003 novel by Graham Gardner. (It’s okay, you weren’t the only one who didn’t get it). While the book had very little to do with my story it has huge resonances with my journey as a writer.
The original book description says that Elliot is “young teenager who decides to become a different person and ends up being invited to join a secret society which is orchestrating a reign of terror at his new school” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inventing_Elliot). In many ways, that is exactly what my journey has been. Well, okay, not the reign of terror bit (not really) but certainly the secret society. And I have loved it.
Writing fan fiction has been tiring, demoralizing, a waste of time, great. It created discipline when I didn’t have any (I can now spend hours on facebook avoiding work without breaking a sweat), it helped me to push past writers block (with a cricket bat) and to fit things in when life gets to busy (like ending up in hospital with a stress related illness). Blogging the journey has also helped to hone my thinking (I have more ideas for my exit strategy now than just being a world famous author with a movie deal). Of course, I had plans to stick to a proper blogging schedule but…
Now, I could go on about everything I learned about doing things wrong, or what I learned about my own sexuality, or what it means to write in this genre, or the nature of fan fiction creativity. I could tell you about how I became a celebrity reporter, or getting a my first bloggasm award. But I won’t bore you with all of that.
Instead, what I want to share with you are a set of challenges that I created for my friends and fellow fanfickers. I would love to know your responses to any or all of these challenges. So they will come out for you in a series of posts over the next few days. Please participate. I would love to hear from as many of you as can be bothered.
In the meantime, I will be over here celebrating with that card that you couldn’t be bothered sending me.
BTW – a big shout out to my dear friend Colleen for creating my stunning new banners and background. Love you, girl!
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Sasha Cameron - Writer 
Thank you Sasha for everything you have shared over the last 13 months. (Its a actually a year just choose a lunar calendar!) I was lucky enough to discover you blog shortly after you started apparently. I look forward to what you have to offer in the future.
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Thank you my dear friend. Only you would be able to tell me the justification for celebrating out of phase. I am so very glad that you found me and I value the very genuine and thoughtful ways that you contribute to my work. I hope we discover what the future brings together, not just as reader/writer but as mates. Sasha xx
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Thank you Sasha. So give what is Sasha’s offical BDay (and I don’t mean your alter ego”s) ? When did you first post on fanfiction.net ? While I’m being rude and asking on what date did you launch this beautiful musical blog? And my thanks to Colleen for the new look and senual colors of violet and black.
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Oh Chris you must never ask a girl her age. You know that. 😉 11 October seems to be the date. The blog came in November. And I shall let Colleen know. Although she is most likely lurking somewhere here. Sx
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Sasha, it has been a Blast meeting you and following around the globe with your fantastic adventures and superb writing in mind blowingly awesome stories!!!! We’ve come a long way Baby! You have brightened my world and for that and your friendship I thank you!! Lurve you! Liz
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It has been quite a journey, sweet and lurvely Liz. Can’t tell you how much your friendship means to me. Let’s make plans to share stories face to face soon. Sasha xx
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Geez, time has flown by, Congratulations on the awesome body of work you have created in your first year. Your story lines are so inventive, and I love to read the way you weave them in and out of FSOG. Love your blog on every level. Happy belated anniversary!! Hope we are still together years from now!
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I can’t quite believe it myself. I thought I would have achieved more and yet I have achieved so much more than I ever expected. Thank you for your kind words and I hope I can continue to give you a reason to hang around. Sasha xx
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Dear….VERY Dear… Exceptional… Magnificent…Super-Extra-Never-Ordinary spinner of webs and byways that always lead up down obtusely through a tingly tangled pricker bushy…garden path of… Brilliant wordsmithy…writerly…things! I am a newby to what you do- and fanfic…but- ” a rose by any other name” you are fantastic writer…fanfic my fanny! All of the greatest operas were variations on a theme… As a writer you are a rollercoaster! One of the best! Happy happy happy Birthday! The literary world is a better place to live because you were born! 😀 I can’t wait to see the grand and glorious heights you are going to soar to! Have you ever had the best bread pudding ever???? That is your writing… hot warm surprising naughty… I mean nutty! 😉 Naughty bread pudding would be…. well I guess that could be really good too…hmmm…. Well you are fantastic, you keep writing You are such a birthday gift to anyone lucky enough to read your work! hot warm surprising bread pudding
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Oh, my goodness! What an effusive response. I like the idea of being a nutty bread pudding. My dad used to make the most amazing bread puddings, that and lovely golden syrupy dumplings. Comfort food that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside and take you hurtling back to your childhood. I too believe that we are constantly writing variations on a theme and although I have resisted the notion of doing anything with Kate and Elliot in terms of creating my own work, don’t be surprised if elements of their story appear in something original one day. Thank you for your continued support and I do look forward to your comments. Please keep them coming. Sasha xxx
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[…] It’s Been A Year! Why didn’t you remind me? (sashacameron.com) […]
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Oh Sasha, congratulations! And a very happy anniversary/birthday! You really are an amazing writer. My best wishes to you 🙂
(Love the new design!)
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Thank you, Jenn, and thank you for your generosity with the translations. I really appreciate your efforts. Sasha xxx
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