The Collaboration period has begun! In these quiet months before works are due, we want to foster a sense of excitement, camaraderie, and celebration among our participants. To that end, all participants were given the option of a formal interview by our mod, Alix, or an informal “ask-game” survey. We hope you enjoy getting to know our phenomenal creators as much as we have!
Q&A with saviinika
Who is your favorite character?
This is such a tough question to answer, because the full panoply is rich and wonderful, but in the end, I'd have to say Varric. He's an intriguing character from the moment you meet him in the series—Cassandra makes sure you are invested in what he has to say—and from then on, he's an integral part of your Hawke, your Inquisitor, and your Rook's lives. The story of Thedas would not be as compelling without his ability to weave the characters into it and make you care.
What is your favorite rare pair?
I picked this question because it directly ties into the last: my favourite rarepair is Cassandra/Varric. She is so, so soft under her competent exterior, and he absolutely has a competency kink. They're both romantics, both Andrastian, and both of them, whether they want to admit it or not, are willing to give the world to the people they care about. Varric would bring out the more playful side that we can see in Cassandra once you get to know her, and she would keep him honest. When he finally puts his stubbornness into action courting her? Swoon.
Who is your favorite companion/advisor?
Without a doubt, it is Dorian. I cheered so loudly when he appeared for the first time in DATV, after he was a staple in my party in DAI. He is that friend you can rely on to give you a genuine read on a situation while still maintaining his good humour. I think I would love to get drunk with him.
Who is your favorite DA villain?
If you look at any of my socials for thirty seconds, you'll know the answer to this question: it's Solas. And though it's Solas because my Rook wants to get in his pants, it's also Solas because the story of his rise to villainy is compelling. He's a good person who was made to do bad things, and thus was shaped into who he is in DAI and DATV. He's still a villain, don't get me wrong, but being able to empathize with his actions is incredibly important to the outcome of DATV.
If Solas is off the table, it's Flemeth. I adore her, I adore Kate Mulgrew, and I want to be a dragon when I grow up.
What is your favorite origin, background, or faction?
My first game I ever played in the DA universe was actually DATV, where I made my Rook as a Grey Warden. At the end of Act 1, I knew I needed to go back and play the other games first. DAO only cemented my choice, so even though DAI is not kind to the Order, I will always have a Grey Warden Rook. They are far and away my favourite faction. In War, Victory.
What is your favorite headcanon?
I firmly believe that Andraste is Mythal. The similarities between Andraste and Flemeth are too similar to be ignored, and the Chant of Light too closely mirrors Solas's struggles. In the Temple of Sacred Ashes in DAO, you even get to hear about Andraste from many of the people whose lives she'd touched, and there is a parallel for all of it that can be drawn with the Evanuris. If you want to go deeper, we know that the Golden City is not really the seat of the Maker, it's where the First of the Sun and his children are locked away, but didn't Elgar'nan shape the world into being? It's all too cleverly woven together for me to believe anything else.
What is your favorite Easter Egg/hidden trick in DA?
This is a toss up between the Gulliver's Travels scene you can find at the ritual tower near Adamant in DAI, and all the objects that make their way into DATV from the other games, like the astrarium, the wheels of cheese, the armour that ends up at the Lighthouse from the Mass Effect universe, Hawke's armour - it all makes me grin, honestly.
When did you start writing fanfic and/or fanart?
Started in 2000 with the release of the Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring, so I've been doing this for a long time. My ao3 account is much, much newer - a friend introduced me to the site and then practically shoved the registration form at me when I told her how long I'd been writing fanfiction. (I was a ff.net user before under a different name.) After that, it became an outlet for a lot of things, and now, it keeps me sane. I love the communities I've become a part of, and made some real fandom friends through it.
What is your favorite trope to write or illustrate?
I love putting my characters into situations, which means Whump or Hurt/Comfort is most often what I'm churning out. I also do a mean Yearning/Pining, but I write everything from Teen- to explicitly rated, so it can vary depending on the fandom/characters. I also love playing with alternate universes, and a good portion of my fics are non-canon compliant, but it's so interesting to take these beings that I love and see what would happen if they were plunked down somewhere else.
What other events do you like to participate in?
Besides a Big Bang (and this is my second), I like Mini-Bangs, fandom weeks/months, and exchanges. I've done several of the last two, and my first mini-bang was earlier this year. Exchanges are probably the most difficult for me, but I've loved the work I've put out for them, so it just takes the right earworm to wiggle in and take hold. Participating in many different efforts is great fo me because when I stagnate on one fic, I can move to something else (a new fandom, new setting, new tone) and it revitalizes me to carry on. Long story short, if there's an event, I know I'll be writing.
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality✓ Free Actions
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
As we look forward to another year, there’s no better time to celebrate our wonderful community of creators. This year, we’re shining a spotlight on our alumni: the talented writers and artists who successfully completed the Dragon Age Big Bang in previous years. All past DABB alumni were given the option of an interactive interview with our mod Alix, or an informal written survey. If you’re thinking about participating this year, check out the insights and advice from those who tread this path before!
Q&A with Rosella
What was your favourite thing about participating in the Dragon Age Big Bang?
After helping moderate the DABB in 2024, I dipped my toes into the creative side of the event for the first time in 2025 and had a blast. I love the collaboration of it all, the mutual hype and celebration of our art! It's wonderful to be surrounded by likeminded creators who love the same media and are invested in enjoying it together. It also helped me as a moderator to see the creator's side of the event, to find spots we can improve and identify what works.
What advice would you give to new DABB participants?
Let it go! The self doubt, the fear, the defeatist mentality that says "I can't do it." If I, a chronic one-shot writer (which is just as good an art form as long-fic writing, btw) can write a 25k+ fic that I'm proud of, so can you! Tell the self-criticism to take a back seat and focus on having fun, and it'll all flow, I promise.
What would you say to someone who is deciding whether or not to sign up?
Examine whether you a) want to have fun, b) want to create something, and/or c) want mutual accountability and community while you do it. If any of the above are true, sign up! You won't regret it.
As we look forward to another year, there’s no better time to celebrate our wonderful community of creators. This year, we’re shining a spotlight on our alumni: the talented writers and artists who successfully completed the Dragon Age Big Bang in previous years. All past DABB alumni were given the option of an interactive interview with our mod Alix, or an informal written survey. If you’re thinking about participating this year, check out the insights and advice from those who tread this path before!
On the importance of self-indulgence
Alix and Hek talk actually completing fics, favourite children and weddings
Alix: So, it's June, we're back in that lovely time of the year where we all tear our hair our while we wait for writing to start. How are you feeling? [Editor’s note: It is not June anymore … what is time, really?]
Hek: I'm feeling great! I was really excited to join again this year, and while the waiting is making me rock back and forth muttering in my enclosure, I've got people in the next cell over so we can at least pass notes under the door!
Alix: As much as I'm eager to get started, I kind of love this time of year. The hype is so real.
Hek: It's very distracting from the things I need to do but I love it
Alix: So this is going to be your second time doing DABB. What brought you back?
Hek: Oh man. So many things, but I think the big one is actually completing the fics. It's a great push to write something super self-indulgent without getting stuck in my feedback loop of writing every chapter and fueling myself solely on the comments and kudos of a fic. It's like I'm finally writing purely for myself and the freaks (affectionate) who have been following my whole writing process
Alix: I am of the opinion that the world needs more self-indulgent fics that we write simply because we want them to exist for ourselves.
Hek: We need SO MANY MORE OF THEM
Self-indulgent fics fuel me... keep me living
Alix: I think you can really tell when someone just loves what they're writing. It just shows.
Like I think your fic last year you can just tell how much you love those characters.
Hek: They're my favorite guys... putting my favorite guys together in a room just to see what happens and letting everyone watch it as a treat
Which is really just what fic is about. Are we living if we're not putting our favorite guys together and seeing what kind of chemical reactions occur?
Alix: What was your favourite thing you got to put in your fic?
Hek: oh god don't make me pick
Alix: choose a favourite child, hek
Hek: Please hold while I choose a favorite child
Okay. I think the favorite thing in my fic has got to be Sylvia's wedding — I got to do a lot of headcanon Tevinter wedding culture around it, like the Contexo Cantionum, and I think it was some of my best character work. I especially enjoyed writing Dorian during it. Something about writing him as an unwilling wedding party attendee and one of the few people who understands that the bride would rather be anywhere else. Something about his comprehension of her sacrifices really touches my soul.
Alix: I love that so much. Your artist did a scene related to the wedding, too, right?
Hek: YESSSS Ed did this wonderful art piece about Sylvia getting ready for her wedding. When we were matched, I had no idea what part of the fic she'd latch onto, and I was so pleasantly surprised when it was the morning of Sylvia's wedding.
I think that was one of the best parts of DABB for me because she really latched onto the moment shared between Sylvia and her mom, and we spent so much time talking about it. I got more ideas for Sylvia's mom both in future chapters and... maybe a future fic for Sylvia?
I think the art piece perfectly encapsulates the throughlines of the fic: legacy, loneliness, and the ever-pervasive shroud slavery casts on Tevinter. Ed did so good I would tattoo it on my eyeballs so I could see it every time I blinked if I could
Alix: We're running low on time, so one last question before I let you go. If someone asked you whether they should do DABB or not, what would you say? What advice would you give them?
Hek: Absolutely do it! Do the thing! It's so much fun, and I love community-based creation more than anything, so I'm rather biased on that front lol. If you join, I recommend that you go for that one fic you've always wanted to write, but you never had an excuse to start. This is your excuse. And there's always an artist who's been waiting to draw something that suits your fic perfectly : )
As we look forward to another year, there’s no better time to celebrate our wonderful community of creators. This year, we’re shining a spotlight on our alumni: the talented writers and artists who successfully completed the Dragon Age Big Bang in previous years. All past DABB alumni were given the option of an interactive interview with our mod Alix, or an informal written survey. If you’re thinking about participating this year, check out the insights and advice from those who tread this path before!
On firsts
Alix and Critta talk first fandom events, ADHD hobby purchases and collaboration.
Alix: So we're about 10 days down in the countdown towards writing this year. How are you feeling? [Editor’s note: It is now nearly a month after the start of writing … welcome to the magic of time travel.]
Critta: Chomping at the bit, actually! I am very excited about my idea.
I've already done my outline!
Alix: That's exciting! How does it compare to how you were feeling this time last year?
Critta: Well last year it was my first ever event EVER ever, so I was a bit nervous, worried that maybe my idea wouldn't be picked up by anyone, the usual imposter syndrome.
VS now, I am far more confident in myself and my writing.
Alix: So the first ever event you signed up for was to write a 25,000 word fic? What made you decide to start there?
Critta: Well, funnily, I had just come off writing my first ever longfic (prior to this my highest WC was 2,500ish) and I was riding the high!
It felt so fascinating to do more than just a single shot, so to speak.
Alix: That's really awesome. How did you find the difference between writing a longfic on your own versus writing one during DABB?
Critta: Oh huge! For one, the structure! Having those check ins kept me on-pace in a way I didn't have! Plus, the community of us coming together and essentially cheerleading us all to victory was a blessing in disguise.
Anytime I was worried about a scene or tone or word I could ask and get so much good feedback.
It’s hard for your brain demons to be mean when you're surrounded by praise, weirdly.
Alix: Truly a surprise.
Critta: But I couldn't wait to come back!
Alix: Well, we'll be back soon. But not quite yet. How are you keeping yourself occupied during the wait, besides outlining?
Critta: Oh, easy. If I yell in other people's threads, then I get to absorb so many cool ideas to cheerlead for others! Plus, I have a Tomodachi island, and Pokopia is still plodding along.
If that isn’t keeping me, i have an entire craft room of ADHD hobby purchases.
Alix: Oh, I have one of those ....
Critta: They are a guilty pleasure for sure.
Alix: What kind of crafts?
Critta: Ok so if i list them all we may be here overtime.
Alix: A couple then!
Critta: But I have clay, woodworking, paints, inks, wax sealing, miniatures, resin, sewing, and candle making just to name a scant few.
Plus the natural surplus of supplies to make those fun.
Alix: Wow that's a lot. And writing, obviously. You keep busy!
Critta: ADHD brain needs many stimulation or otherwise it throws tantrums.
They’re my reward for doing boring adult things like shopping and chores.
Alix: What are you most looking forward to about DABB this year? (No story spoilers, obviously, just in terms of the event.)
Critta: Well, no spoilers but definitely my story. I spent a good portion of the time between events travelling a rabbit hole of unexplored lore that I am keen to get into! But mostly I missed the community! A bunch of us stayed in touch afterwards, but there’s something magical about a bunch of writers coming together to tell stories, and artists coming to celebrate those writers and stories.
I'm excited to meet even more new people, reconnect with old friends and get tasty tasty artwork.
Alix: If you had to pick one thing that you're proudest of from last year, what would it be?
Critta: Oh gods uh —
Honestly? I think it was two things in tandem.
Alix: I'll allow it!
Critta: I wrote horror and it was good, like, I surprised myself!
The art that came from my story! It’s still my lock screen!!!
I am not a horror person, i shy away from all of it, so to go from that to writing it and doing it well was a big surprise.
It made me proud to expand my comfort zone!
Alix: That's really cool! On the art side, how did you find the collaborative part of DABB, working with your artist?
Critta: My artist truly encapsulated the story so well, it was hard not to cry when I saw it!
She and I spent a lot of time back and forth just Leonardo pointing at each other when we nailed what the other meant.
She fell so in love with my character and you can see that in every brushstroke.
It was easy as pie to communicate, I got very lucky to be blessed with her.
Alix: That's so nice. I love hearing everyone's collaboration stories, it's such a unique part of the event
Critta: Absolutely!
The artists are so talented, and getting to see a part of your story, or representation of it come to life under their hands is modern magic.
Alix: Last question before I set you free — If you could say one thing to someone who is considering doing DABB this year, what would it be?
Critta: Come join the fun! Its chaos, but in the best way! Friendly people who all just want to share their love of DA, and lift you up to be the best writer and artist you can be!
It is the most welcomed I have ever felt, you won't regret it.
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
✓ Live Streaming✓ Interactive Chat✓ Private Shows✓ HD Quality✓ Free Actions
Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
As we look forward to another year, there’s no better time to celebrate our wonderful community of creators. This year, we’re shining a spotlight on our alumni: the talented writers and artists who successfully completed the Dragon Age Big Bang in previous years. All past DABB alumni were given the option of an interactive interview with our mod Alix, or an informal written survey. If you’re thinking about participating this year, check out the insights and advice from those who tread this path before!
On lifelines
Alix and Olivia talk grief, fandom friends, and sticking with it
Alix: So, I know we've started writing for this year, but, casting your mind back to last year, was that your first time doing DABB?
Olivia: Yes, it was! It was actually my first time even writing fanfiction at all--I really ended up jumping in feet first lol!
Alix: Wait I'm sorry, what, you had never written fanfiction at all and you decided to jump in by writing a 25k fic????
That's incredible.
Olivia: What can I say? I've never liked starting small haha!
Alix: No kidding!
Olivia: I had done a ton of original writing before--I was a longtime NaNoWriMo participant back in its heyday--so it wasn't quite as frightening as I think it sounds when I say it sometimes. So I didn't think I was being quite as ambitious as I was at the time.
Of course, fic is a whole different ballgame, working with existing character voices and such, and I had never published any of my original work before, so it did end up being a little more daunting than anticipated.
Alix: What made you decide to take the plunge?
Olivia: So I burned myself out on original writing back in 2020/21 and ended up taking a really long break. It wasn't until I played Veilguard when it released that I felt some of that creative spark coming back, and when I went back and played the other DA games and fell in love with more characters, I started having more and more ideas of what was happening in between the moments we see in game. I was considering writing an AU focusing on my Hawke during Inquisition and kicking around what that worldstate would look like.
Then in May, my dad passed away. It was expected—he was ill. But it was still devastating. I remember being on bereavement leave, sitting with my mom and scrolling through tumblr—because what else do you do when you're grieving and off work?—and saw the DABB announcement.
I asked my mom, "Do you think this would be a good idea, or would it be too big a commitment?" We both agreed it would be good for me to have something positive to focus on, and people to talk about writing with. So I signed up, committed to writing about that initial AU idea, and...the rest is history!
Alix: I'm so sorry about your dad. I don't know if knowing it is coming makes it any easier, right? I'm so glad that DABB gave you something positive through was obviously a very difficult time.
Olivia: Thank you. Yeah, in some ways, it's easier and in some it's harder. Grief is never really easy, after all. But DABB really was a lifeline. I went in expecting just a project I could sink my teeth into and unexpectedly discovered a community that I cherish immensely to this day.
Alix: The community really is incredible. I made friends (including you!) who I keep in touch with a year later. It's pretty amazing for that.
Olivia: It's so special!! I've never had fandom friends before, and it's so much fun to have people to talk about silly headcanons with, who egg me on in my ideas, who I can egg on in theirs. I'm very grateful!
And the experience is so supportive, too. Everyone is ready to hype each other up, scream about what you're doing, help brainstorm and get you over a rough patch. It's just a wonderful community all of you mods have built!
Alix: Obviously sign-ups for this year have closed, but for anyone doing DABB for the first time this year, do you have any advice?
Olivia: I think my advice is: stick with it, especially when it gets tough. There were a lot of times I wasn't sure I was going to be able to finish, and thought maybe I should just give up. Obviously life was happening to me a lot last year. I got behind and discouraged. But I talked to the community about how I was feeling and got the encouragement I needed. It was worth being vulnerable, worth persevering, and really seeing how much I was capable of, even during a really difficult time!
I guess my secondary piece of advice, hidden in there, is: lean into the community! We all have each others' backs, and we all want each other to succeed
As we look forward to another year, there’s no better time to celebrate our wonderful community of creators. This year, we’re shining a spotlight on our alumni: the talented writers and artists who successfully completed the Dragon Age Big Bang in previous years. All past DABB alumni were given the option of an interactive interview with our mod Alix, or an informal written survey. If you’re thinking about participating this year, check out the insights and advice from those who tread this path before!
On cave trauma
Alix and Joly talk first fandom events and scope creep
Alix: So, DABB retrospective time! Tell me a little bit about the fic you wrote last year and what drew you to your idea?
Joly: I wrote "The Scorpion and the Halla" which was about an Arlathan-era agent of Fen'Harel investigating the first instance of Ghilan’nain’s Blight Labs and the concept of the Blight as something that could infect people and cause problems. DAtV has those memories you can uncover, and I have complicated feelings about them, but they are a neat narrative device and I really wanted to look closer at the concept of the Blight as both an experiment gone wrong (or right, if you're Ghilly) and the repercussions of the war with the Titans.
Alix: What was your favourite thing (or thing(s), if you can't pick just one) about your fic? Is there anything you were particularly proud of?
Joly: I joke a lot about the Cave Trauma because it was really hard to write such an extended action-heavy sequence, but I am really pleased with the result! I think the rising action and climax of discovering the Blight experiments and trying to get that news back to the Rebellion reads well as an action-sequence, which has never been something I feel strong about in my writing.
Alix: I do remember all the talk of caves!
Joly: It went on so long. I think it ended up being like. Five chapters? Maybe six? It was supposed to be two.
I thought I was gonna die there.
Alix: It's wild how things can grow beyond our control like that. You think you have it all planned out, and then....
Joly: I feel like that happened to a lot of folks. We all got into some spot where it just kept going or we realized this one spot needed to be dialed in to focus.
Alix: There's a reason we all joke about scope creep!
What was it that made you sign up for DABB in the first place?
Joly: I hadn't really done a fandom event before, and I knew I had an idea I could stretch into the word count. Prior to last year's DABB I'd never really attempted a multi-chapter fic so it was super intimidating, but I wanted to see if I could hold a narrative that long. Turns out I can!
Alix: One of the things I've noticed doing these interviews is how many people signed up for DABB as their first significant fandom event, and that's just so delightful to me.
Joly: Yeah! It was a really nice experience to introduce me to fandom events, when I had worried it was going to be overwhelming.
Alix: Is there any advice you want to share with this year's writers?
Joly: I think for me it was really important to get the idea down before worrying about word count. You can always go back and pad places or cut back. What helped me stay on track was making sure the narrative was moving forward and then coming back to fix the paint.
Mostly I think being active in the chat and encouraging others and receiving that encouragement was the best part of the experience, so I would definitely recommend getting brave and making friends. It never felt like a burden to work on the project, because the chat was always active and ready to cheer whatever you manage for that day.
As we look forward to another year, there’s no better time to celebrate our wonderful community of creators. This year, we’re shining a spotlight on our alumni: the talented writers and artists who successfully completed the Dragon Age Big Bang in previous years. All past DABB alumni were given the option of an interactive interview with our mod Alix, or an informal written survey. If you’re thinking about participating this year, check out the insights and advice from those who tread this path before!
Q&A with Aleyo
What was your favourite thing about participating in the Dragon Age Big Bang?
Having an excuse to revisit my OC from my very first Dragon Age playthrough and give some proper attention to her story. It brought up a lot of nostalgia remembering irl friends and their characters as we all played the game for the first time, and the deep dives researching the world and lore as I wrote reminded me a lot of why I fell in love with the series (and Alistair <3) in the first place.
As an added bonus, it was a rare opportunity to see my character and story through the eyes of others: my fellow writers in the discord chat, who helped cheer and brainstorm and keep up my motivation to write when inspiration ran thin; the wonderful artist I was paired with (Finn!! You're the best!!), whose ideas as we brainstormed together really helped inspire scenes in the story and firm up my own visions of the characters; and the beloved readers who came at the end to pick up the story and let it run down new paths in their own imaginations, and so many of whom shared their reactions and takes in lovely comments that I still treasure today.
For a longtime lurker in fandom, this was an amazing chance to interact with fellow fans from all points of the journey.
What advice would you give to new DABB participants?
(There are so many writers to whom this advice does not apply, so do ignore this if you totally have that 200k epic in you, haha) Try to settle on a smaller-scale story! I actually signed up and failed to complete the very first DABB before the first check-in because I had an amazing idea that very quickly spiraled out of control into something that would not be possible to complete in the time frame. When I signed up this time, I had a very solid idea with a very set structure that limited how much the story could run away from me (because stories inevitably do, to a certain degree!). I also designated a bonus chapter in my outline that I didn't write at all until the end and which could be cut if I was running out of time (which thankfully, didn't happen).
Also try to find ways to fit writing into your daily life! While I have always been a sit-down-at-the-keyboard kinda gal, 8+ hours a day of computering at my day job made me sick of my desk… so I picked up a notebook and wrote most of the chapters longhand, typing them up on the weekends (and getting in a little editing as I went along too!). Keeping my notebook handy also helped keep track of the little plot bunnies that haunted me during work hours, so when I had the time again after work, I could pick up my inspiration where it left off.
What would you say to someone who is deciding whether or not to sign up?
If you're on the fence, it doesn't hurt to sign up and see how much progress you can make before artist matching and the real commitment begins! And if you have that story idea bouncing around in your head but you always think, nah, I don't have time to write that one--maybe the Big Bang is your excuse to give it a go. You might be surprised where it leads you!
