Okay, I can't make up my mind about something in a fic I'm working on, so I decided to take a poll and go with whatever ya'll say. I'm working on the next installment of my post-"Not Fade Away" Angel series. When we left our heroes they were driving west after leaving L.A. and Wolfram & Hart behind them. I want them to (eventually) start fresh in a new town but... I can't for the life of me decide where. Seriously, I've changed my mind back and forth so many times that Word is starting to grumble under its breath. It's a stupid thing to get bogged down on, but I keep second-guessing myself and I just need to settle it once and for all and finish the damn fic.
The choice is essentially between two cities: Houston and New Orleans. For character/story reasons I want it to be one of those two. Here's what I'm wrestling with:
Houston
Pros: Because it's my hometown I'll be able to give the story an authentic setting without spending a lot of time researching.
Cons: Because it's my hometown it's just too damn Mary Sue.
New Orleans
Pros: The vampire/NOLA thing is ripe for skewering. And New Orleans is just plain awesome.
Cons: The vampire/NOLA thing has been done to death. And after the tragedy of Katrina it somehow feels... weird to set a fanfic there.
I'm leaving it entirely in ya'lls capable hands. And no, you don't need to have read the first part of the fic (or even know anything about Angel) to have an opinion.
The choice is essentially between two cities: Houston and New Orleans. For character/story reasons I want it to be one of those two. Here's what I'm wrestling with:
Houston
Pros: Because it's my hometown I'll be able to give the story an authentic setting without spending a lot of time researching.
Cons: Because it's my hometown it's just too damn Mary Sue.
New Orleans
Pros: The vampire/NOLA thing is ripe for skewering. And New Orleans is just plain awesome.
Cons: The vampire/NOLA thing has been done to death. And after the tragedy of Katrina it somehow feels... weird to set a fanfic there.
I'm leaving it entirely in ya'lls capable hands. And no, you don't need to have read the first part of the fic (or even know anything about Angel) to have an opinion.
So, where should I set my post-NFA fic series?
Houston
7(63.6%)
New Orleans
4(36.4%)
Comments
I have a soft spot for the post-NFA/NOLA connection because one of the first fics I wrote was one of those. It really can work on so many levels. Plus, it can be a tender, hopeful reminder of good times if handled by someone as skilled as you are.
Besides, the NOLA cliche is just too... It would distract me way too much. OTOH, lots of potential for humor. Can't you just see Spike making fun of Angel for the NOLA choice? heee!
I do have a whole scene written where Spike bitches about being dragged to NOLA which I'm rather fond of. But then, how many stories do you read set in Houston? There's lots of fresh territory to be explored there. And I wouldn't have to worry about getting the details of the setting wrong.
Gah, see how I can't make up my mind?
That answers it then... I'd hate for the scene to go. NOLA forever! :P
Do you mind me asking where you are in Houston? I'm currently living in Cinco Ranch (Katy); I went to Rice; I was born in Alief.
I hate Houston. But I voted for it because I love the thought of vampires bopping around down here and reading something I'm familiar with. So my reasons are Mary Sue, too.
And now I'm off to save your fic so I can read it sometimes when I have more free time...
But yep, when I was living down in the Village I really enjoyed myself. Especially once they put the Metro Rail thing in. And the Heights are beautiful.