Eyes Turned Skyward

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/468758721/miss-fisher-the-movie/description

The Miss Fisher Interstitial.

Sometime lurker, newish poster

It was an unexpected surprise to wake up this morning to discover that the entire works of the previous two ficathons were deleted. I was, on a personal level, devastated–by the loss of comments on my own fics, but even more by all the wonderful fics that have been taken away. I have been told that this was an error that occured while Sassasam, the previous ficathon administrator, was deleting her own works.

I had scheduled a ficathon reminder post for Sunday, celebrating the end of the Kickstarter (just over a day and a half left!) and marking the “Two months until fics are due” milestone. I am jumping this forward now to reassure all ficathon participants that this is an error that cannot be repeated–future ficathons organised by myself will be posted using an account separate to my personal one, so even if there is a reason to delete my account in the future, your fics will not be among them. I am also looking into the logistics of posting and then removing the Ficathon account from the work completely, leaving only the original writer.

In the spirit of preserving history and in making it easy to find the fics in the future (I foresee me leaving a lot of new comments on old fics), I invite everyone who has had a ficathon fic from previous exchanges deleted to add their works to the open collection Found Family for Ficathon Orphans (MFMMFicExchange).

Obama used to be a law professor. This is key.

Law school is so, so different from college. 

In college, everyone expects there to be a “syllabus day,” kind of a grace period where they can show up and get the lay of the land, figure out the bare minimum that they can get away with, the TA gives everyone their office hours, there’s an introductory lecture, and everybody leaves a few minutes early to go take a nap or something. You do the bullshit assignments, you say something in class now and then to get your participation check mark, and figure out how badly you can do on the final and still pass. 

But see, in law school, all the methodologies you’ve spent the last 17 years operating under go out the window. Day one of law school is you being thrown into the deep end of the pool—you’ve had a homework assignment for two weeks now, and it’s to read the first 200 pages of your casebook. And now it’s you and the teacher (who is usually as smug as Alex Trebek) gauging and assessing what you managed to absorb while you skimmed through all those pages of reading so you could hurry up and get to the other 150 pages of reading for your next period class, in front of 50 people who are all smarter than you. And if you fuck up, or you didn’t do the reading, you are at the mercies of not just the professor, but the silent satisfied judgment of your peers. 

Law school is hard, and it will make you feel stupid and tongue-tied and like you don’t know anything and can’t form an argument—because you don’t, and you can’t. Everybody there has had a 4.0 since birth. Everybody there was the smartest kid in their class, and you’re all rabidly competing for a sliver of a chance at something down the road. It’s petty, and savage, fiercely entrenched in a culture of formalities and ceremony, and exactly like Washington DC. 

Yesterday when I was driving home, the NPR reporter talking about the Oval Office meeting mentioned that Trump had thought it was going to be a “getting to know you” type meeting, but that he was surprised when Obama stretched their talk out to 90 minutes before sending him along to the Capitol building where he met with congressional leaders for more lengthy meetings and stuff he didn’t want to do.

And he hasn’t even gotten to the actual job yet. 

So think about that as we go into this. 

Trump walked into the Oval Office like a two-pump-chump freshman thinking it was syllabus day, and what he got was the first day of law school, and he hadn’t done the reading like everyone else had, and Professor Obama decided to put him in the hot seat. 

This was Obama’s chance for the most perfect revenge that would never be picked up on as revenge at all. He was gracious, polite—everything he needed to be for a peaceful transition and a good review from the press. And that would continue when the doors were closed, because that’s the key. Not a Come to Jesus meeting, oh no. If Obama were smart—and he is very smart—he would have treated Trump like an equal, and brought the discussion to a level that assumes far more of Trump than anyone has so far. Assumes that he’s an adult who’s been paying attention. Statistics, esoteric minutiae about the executive branch procedure, economic growth numbers, labor figures, domestic policies, countries Trump has never even heard of, shit that would never in a million years have been in Trump’s campaign soundbites or digestible summaries. 

No way to escape. No aides to remember any of it for him. Just the two of them. 

Because that’s what would strike a precise chill into Trump. The thundering realization that he’s woefully unprepared for the hard, boring, thankless reality of this, and Obama’s version of a smooth transition won’t and shouldn’t include remedial civics. 

That’s what I saw when they shook hands and Trump stared at the floor instead of looking back into Obama’s face. He’s just figured out how little he knows about any of this. 

It has come to our attention that there are some folks who feel the idea of a Miss Fisher Con is operating outside the bounds of…well, we’re not quite sure what, to be honest.

What is a “Con” but a chance for fans to gather and let their freak flag fly for their favorite thing. Whether that is ComiCon, which encompasses all manner of geekery goodness, or something like Sherlocked, or of course the legendary Star Trek conventions that have been around for decades.

Why shouldn’t the inspiring and vivacious Phryne Fisher not have her own gathering as well we thought?

Gosh, wouldn’t that be something?! Hundreds of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries fans gathered in one spot at the same time from all over the world. Wow, that’s like a song. No, wait Sarah, we didn’t mean actually sing. No that was lovely, you do have a beautiful voice. Wait, what? We’re still rolling? Oh! So seriously, how fun would that be?

So, what are the Adventuresses’ Club members here for? FUN?! Adventure! Community!

What are we not here for? Drama, passive-aggressive comments on social media, or fandom policing (ew, ick that feels awful even to type).

Wow, fandom - there are LOTS of fics that we missed, obviously! Some of these came in via private message, some came as replies to a previous Bookshelf post, and some came in via Slack chat (and it’s possible that we added a few more ourselves, but who’s counting, right?). I just hope we captured them all! If we missed yours - or you didn’t get around to sending them - please let us know or just reblog. Let’s share all the fic love!

We’ve compiled two lists from what you all sent us: new fics to the Bookshelf and ones that had already been listed. But who doesn’t have those books that you’ll buy from a used bookstore just so that it doesn’t languish on the shelf by itself? No? Just me? *cough* Moving on.

We’ve even collected a couple of rec lists we found on Tumblr if you want to start with someone else’s bookshelf! None of these lists are in any particular order, so feel free to cherry-pick in whichever way you like (want to read the smutty ones first? All about a specific writer? We won’t judge!). Thank you all for coming along on this adventure with us - this fandom is the absolute best!

Recs from Tumblr Readers

Little Moments by theblue-swallow (and the Lilyverse series). This story is changed to a random set of one shots from my AU. “The Dinner” being the first. Time frames may change from chapter to chapter. (Rated T)

Kick Off by Sassasam. They stayed for the match from kick off to conclusion but neither of them had sport of that nature on their minds. (Rated M)

Twenty Questions by Sassasam. Phryne and Jack’s first time together proves to be an interrogation as much as it is an assignation. (Rated E)

The Search by Sassasam. Takes place during the events of Murder a la Mode. At the House of Fleuri Jack must search Phryne for the missing Aubergine pearls. (Rated T)

Days of Jade, Nights of Onyx by Elliott Silver. A pastiche of scenes from Jack and Phryne’s newest joint venture. Where there is an ending, there is also a beginning. (Rated M)

You Always Surprise Me Don’t Ever Stop (collection) by RakishAngle (afterdinnerminx). Three works. (Rated variously)

A Lack of Pretense by mardia. He leans into her hand, and murmurs, “So you found me. Thought you would.” Phryne’s throat is too tight for her to speak at first, but she eventually manages to smile. “Yes. Of course I did.” (Rated T)

Inappropriate by PromisesArePieCrust. Liquor-loosened tongues. Season 2. And alternate ending. (Rated M)

Speechless by PromisesArePieCrust. A short break from City that Works this week for some fluffflufffluff, romanceromanceromance, with my favorite trope of all time, kissing in the rain. (Rated T)

A Grown Man by LadyRoxie. Jack’s had a rough day… Kissing Miss Fisher was just the start. (Rated E)

The Unexpected Perks of Knotting a Tie by xfphile. He really, *really* needed to start thinking things through before he opened his mouth. (Rated E)

The Next Morning by pulpriter. “And then what happens?” pulpriter’s feeling puckish–and so are Jack and Phryne. (Not rated)

Interpretation by pulpriter. Filling in the blanks for Jack. (Not rated)

Authenticity by Fire_Sign. A smutty, drabbley ficlet for the first PFF. (Rated M)

Just This Once by leafingbookstea. The twin brother I created on Tumblr gets his story - ONE TIME ONLY (Not rated)

Dance Me to the End of Love by leafingbookstea. Phryne and Jack and one last dance. (Rated T)

Too Wise to Woo Peaceably by flashofthefuse. After Phryne left for England, Jack did not follow, but attempted to woo her from a distance with unsatisfactory results. Phryne returns to Melbourne and the two of them stumble as they work to reestablish their connection, with some assistance from well meaning friends. (Rated M)

Strange Capers by Fire_Sign. Two years ago, Phryne Fisher returned her father to England; Jack hasn’t seen her since. At least until he arrives at his latest crime scene and spies a very familiar figure crouching over the body… (Rated M)

Angles and Positions by Dispatch22705. 25 drabbles, one posted each day from now until Christmas. Sexy Jack and Phryne times, each one 100 words and featuring a different angle or position. (Rated E)

The Betrayal of Memory by TheHonorableMrsMcCarthy. Set after the events of Cocaine Blues. Jack is at home processing his day. (Rated M)

We’ll Build Our Alter Here by youspeakmysoul. Jack was ignoring her, surely he would see that breaking and entering was her only viable option. (Rated E) When His Pants Begin to Go by missingMelbs. Jack is here to do some gardening. Phryne is drooling. Fate intervenes. (Rated T)

Mock Turtle by jasbo. Phryne sipped her cocktail and scanned the room, wondering how long it would be before she could leave. She would say this for literary parties: the alcohol was excellent. (Rated Gen)

The Green-Eyed Monster by PhrancesP. Phryne feels a bit inadequate compared to St. Kilda’s voluptuous new widow. (Not Rated)

What the Water Gave Me by missrainydays. Surrendering was not something that Detective Inspector Jack Robinson was accustomed to doing, but the ocean made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. (Rated T)

The Messenger by girldetective. The mark was placed with calculated precision. Low enough on the neck that the bearer would think it hidden by his collared shirt, high enough that it would be revealed when he turned his head to beckon the waiter. (Rated T)

A Moment in Queenscliff by Sassasam. A single moment told from two different but strangely similar points of view. (Rated T)

Wise Gifts by Blacksquirrel. If you love something set it free. If it comes back it’s yours. If not, it was never meant to be. (Rated E)

The Female Gaze by Sarahtoo. Five times Jack Robinson was caught in the shower and one time he acted on it. (Rated E)

Then the Sky Will Seem More Blue by meldanya. During World War II, Dot and her family start a new project. (Rated T)

He Calls Her Beautiful by LadyRoxie. He calls her many things when she is Miss Fisher. (Not rated)

An Abbotsford Man by Sarahtoo. Phryne and Dot bring refreshments to a pick-up footy game. (Rated T)

500 Words You Should Know: 422. Rubenesque by JackPhryne4eva. Dottie undresses on her wedding night. (Rated T)

Chaff and Grain Together by gaslightgallows. Even the most amazing and wonderful of detectives can be laid low by a cold. (Rated G)

Undercover Escort by PlayfulMay. Jack goes undercover as an escort to the persuasive Miss Fisher. (Rated M)

Sweltering by Collingwoodgirl. Melbourne is suffocating under a heat wave. Phryne uses the Inspector’s weakened state to her advantage. (Rated M)

And I Do Lift My Aching Arms to You by gaslightgallows. A simple diversionary tactic turns into something a little more involved, when an undercover Phryne and Jack have to allay the suspicions of their fellow party-goers. (Rated E)

The Worrying Kind by whopooh. Jack Robinson is a worrier and Phryne Fisher hasn’t appeared in his minimal office for more than ten days. What has happened? Why does Dot Williams seem to feel guilty about it? And does innocent Hugh understand more than people give him credit for? Part of The SmitCoin Challenge. (Rated G)

A Bed for My Friends by gaslightgallows. Jack sits down to breakfast with one of Phryne’s lovers. Or rather, several of them. (Rated T)

To See Each Other Whole Against the Sky by Sassasam. Someone is sending Phryne Fisher gifts. It is a mystery she wants to solve as soon as possible. (Rated E)

Not (yet?) completed: Coded Expressions by Sarahtoo; Addicted by Dispatch22705; Jessa Called Jay by Elliott Silver; Paint Chips by divingbell; Phracking Fridays by PromisesArePieCrust; When in Rome by satin_swallow; Marked by Fire_Sign.

Had to Get a Second Copy

(Or: recs that were already on the Bookshelf)

Finally by Evendale. What if Aunt Prudence had not interrupted that fateful moment in episode 12? An exploration of Jack and Phryne’s relationship, mostly bedroom-related :) Each chapter has a different theme, so they can be read more or less separately. (Rated E)

Death at the Warrny by Miss_Lilian. Jack gets the thighs out… in the line of duty, of course! (Rated T)

The Wager by soupsouffle. Jack makes a wager with Phryne. Fluffy, smutty romping ensues. (Rated E)

The Cream in My Coffee by Sassasam. Modern AU; Cafe 1928 is the hippest dining destination in Melbourne, but when Phryne Fisher moves in across the road, things will never be the same again. (Rated E)

City that Works by PromisesArePieCrust. Modern AU with role reversal. Set in Chicago. (Rated M)

Ulumbarra by Idolatrous. Phryne is receiving death threats, and Jack does what it takes to keep her safe. (Rated M)

Lucifers to Light by gaslightgallows. Bert intercepts Jack at the engagement party in “Murder in the Dark” before Phryne does. (Rated E)

I Ask No Man Pardon by TheHonorableMrsMcCarthy. An unexpected friendship between Rosie and Phryne forms, which leads to an unexpected journey of personal discovery. (Rated E)

You Asked For It by gaslightgallows. 400 drabbles strong and still going, every pairing you’ve ever thought of, and some you’d never guess. (Rated M overall, but many are Gen/T level)

But Not Out of Mind and its sequel Kiss of Death: A Sydney Interlude by Francophilly. Phryne and Jack have gone their separate ways, but what happens when they’re out of sight? (Rated M)

A Series of Optical Illusions by Fahye. Miss Phryne Fisher sets a trap, throws a party, and reconciles her differences. (Rated M)

The God Abandons Antony by counterfog. At its base, this is about Jack and Phryne’s first time. But it’s more than that. (Rated E)

Under a London Sky by theblue_swallow. She breathed in sharply when she saw him and she immediately felt her heart rate quicken. She gripped her bag tighter, forcing herself to calm down. She was a grown woman. She had had enough men to be calm about this, mature about this. (Rated M)

A Glass Splinter (aka SuperAngst) by Fire_Sign. What if Henry Fisher hadn’t inherited the barony? (Rated M)

There Are Bluebirds Over by Sassasam. It’s 1940, and Phryne and Jack meet again during WWII. (Rated M)

The Gift by Heavyheadedgal. Mr. Butler prepares for Miss Fisher’s return. (Rated Gen)

They Tell A Story by TheEyeOfTheOncomingStorm. Inspired by Illusion of Freedom by Yeoyou. Soulmate AU. Jack’s POV.  (Rated T)

All Sorrows Are Less With Bread by Sarahtoo. Concetta finds her happy ending. (Rated E)

The Melody Lingers On by meldanya. Jack and Phryne’s marriage has crumbled. Can they put it back together? (Rated M)

Fighting Vainly the Old Ennui by Fahye. In which Inspector Jack Robinson is having a fairly uneventful year, divorce notwithstanding, until he acquires a lady doctor for a drinking buddy and receives a series of flirtatious notes from a jewel thief. (Rated T)

Other Tumblr Rec Lists

http://aljwritesphryne.tumblr.com/post/150926714036/fic-recs

http://whopooh.tumblr.com/ReadingMissFisherIndex

Recommendations by: @reibenpat, @balticprincess, @quiltingmom, @jojogaldi, @babsmd, @221aubrina, @flashofthefuse, @ladygrayluvs, @michele02132, @bill0014, @olderbynow​, @bumblemama

Earlier posts in the Miss Fisher’s Bookshelf series:

Part 1: Collections and Series

Part 2: Tropes and Genres I

Part 3: Tropes and Genres II

Part 4: Alternate Universes and Outside of Canon

Part 5: Secondary Characters and Relationships - Queer Friendly

Part 6: Phrack I

Part 7: Phrack II

Part 8: Smut

There’s a post on Firesign23’s blog and one on mine where we’ve archived all of these too, in case you feel the need to go back to them! Happy reading, everyone!

Look for the Benedick to your Beatrice.

You don’t have to kill yourselves and you can spend the rest of your life being snarky at each other and then making out in the end. 

Today - September 23rd - we start from the beginning - S1E1 at 8.30 pm EST, 1.30 am UK, or 2.30 am Central Europe, 10.30 am AEST Saturday morning for any Australians who might want to join. (AND WOULDN’T IT BE GREAT TO HAVE SOME AUSTRALIANS JOINING???)

If you have not been part of the rewatches before - now is the time to join the fun! We watch together (you’ll need Netflix or DVDs or another way to access the episode) and chat on Slack. It is chaotic, hilarious and a great way to connect to others in the fandom.

(This is how I really got to know this wonderful group of Phrack packers that I meet online every day…)

For a Slack invite contact @jasbeaux, @firesign23 or @omgimsarahtoo and send them your EMAIL address.