Steven released this Spotlight in May, 2001
May's "Spotlight" is on the alchemist.
Alchemist's 'Daria' fics specialize in what I called "speculative fanfiction", a type of canon fanfiction that takes a general guess or speculation of what could happen in a season of 'Daria', which, in this case, is the (unfortunately) last season, and could pass as an actual episode of the show. Obviously, his fics wouldn't be *exactly* right, but close enough to an area of the current show to maybe say, "Hey, that's pretty close!" He actually *has* come close in some cases, far off in others, but still quite good nevertheless when he's off.
Alchemist bares comparison to another "speculative" writer for this 5th season, Thomas. Of the two, I believe the alchemist's fics contain a bit more of drama to them (and Thomas' comedy), though alchemist can deliver the comedy as well. Let's take a look at his fics, which he actually calls "episodes", along with the titles. Please remember that as a general "Spotlight" rule, I'd prefer that you read them yourself if you haven't, so I try to just skim the plot without giving too much away.
In Episode #501, "The Missing Link", the alchemist picks up from "Is It Fall Yet?" with the character Link. Judging by the title, it shouldn't be hard to figure out what it's about. Alchemist portrays a worried and thusly more "human" Daria, which also sets the tone about OH for his continuum. Tom, Quinn, and Jane make appearances as well to help Daria out.
In Episode #502, "Memories", there's something *else* missing: A particular moment that Daria and Tom seem to have forgotten, but almost every one of Daria's fellow students and even Quinn know what happened. A mystery indeed...or *is* it?
In Episode #503, "A Small Stumble for Stacy", we see a terrified Stacy determined to do better grade-wise. We see Jane do something very foolish, and Daria getting revenge against her for it. Oy.
In Episode #504, "Midterm Mania", well, simply out, the *midterms* are here! "Smart Quinn" enters with a vengeance! Enough written...
In Episode #505, "Power Struggles" deals with Daria confronting a controversial subject that affects her parents as well, so much so, it begins to possibly affect their marriage! (Hint: this subject is being dealt with by the Bush administration, but you'll have to read the fic to see what it is) There's also some bad stuff brewing with the dynamic of the Fashion Club, and Daria's in the middle of it!
In Episode #506, "The Last Straw", everything hits the fan with Daria, who's had more than enough. A certain sleaze gets what's coming to him, and Daria plays peacemaker with her parents.
In Episode #507, "The Games We Play", is an interesting POV of mostly the same events over a few days from five different characters: Daria, Jane, Tom, Quinn, and Helen. In other words, five different fics (with separate links) that form the one. Some may think that this fic will be repetitive in showing certain events over, but I didn't think it was that big of a deal myself. The one I thought stood out was from Tom's POV, by which alchemist actually *shows* Tom's friends (from his take), giving them depth. Hey, if the writers of the actual show don't want to tell us what makes Tom tick, then I think alchemist fits the bill here.
In Episode #508, "On This Night, A Star is Born", Daria's enlisted by Brittany of all people to help her with her "Kevie". Wait 'till you find out what Daria does. It's the furthest thing from your mind, at least it was to me...
In Episode #509, "Escape From Lawndale", Daria, Jane, Quinn, and Tom are tired and under pressure, and decide to, well, see the title, to release some steam.
The alchemist adds a Christmas Special, "A Very Daria Christmas", to his repertoire. No, it's *not* your standard "Daria learns something deep from Christams" stuff, but it has its Christmas moments. Look for appearances from Amy, Rita, and Ruth, too.
The alchemist also has started another possible series spin-off, a 'Daria' character who's gone to college. Guess what? It ain't Daria, but it's *Quinn* instead! "Smart Quinn" grows up!
In between these 'Daria' fics, the alchemist, as written previously, portrays a more humane, caring, more coming-out Daria, a Quinn who's beginning to become more mature, more of Tom (possibly more than any other current writer out there), and what makes him tick, and his influence on Daria, Jane and her "recovery" from the events of the end of Season Four and "IIFY?", even a stronger, more confident Stacy (hey, that speculation's coming true on the actual series), and a Sandi who's beginning to understand(?) that she isn't as important as she thinks at school. It seems that the alchemist is adding the little things in his fanfics to the characters that will add up to big things in the end. In essence, they're all growing up. He actually adds more "meat" to his fics in many places then the show itself, which is one of the points of fanfiction is: To fill out any gaps that may be missing.
In closing, the alchemist is a canon-type of "speculative" (though you really can't call it that anymore with the series currently going on) fanfic writer who adds a touch of drama and more depth to his take on the 'Daria' characters, in many cases, more than the show itself. What do YOU (and the author himself) think? Thanks.
Robert Nowall
I wish I could do as well with the characters in their natural settings. It seems like all the kids are growing. The Alchemist is certainly a fanfic writer whose work is worth looking for...
My Name is Kenny
Exactly where would I find #509? I can't seem to find it.
D.T. Dey
>It's on my site (hasn't been submitted to the sites yet, as I've been a bit busy.
>http://www.drunkenalchemist.dyn.dhs.org/Daria/ff/ >(clickable link below)
>/Alchemist
Wow. I take it Tom traded in his old Jag XJ6 Series 1, for a beamer.
sam
>It's on my site (hasn't been submitted to the sites yet, as I've been a bit busy.
>http://www.drunkenalchemist.dyn.dhs.org/Daria/ff/ >(clickable link below)
The notary bit always cracks me up. :)
Author's Response
>May's "Spotlight" is on the alchemist.
Thanks Steven. Your check is in the mail.
>Alchemist's 'Daria' fics specialize in what I called "speculative fanfiction", a type of canon fanfiction that takes a general guess or speculation of what could happen in a season of 'Daria', which, in this case, is the (unfortunately) last season, and could pass as an actual episode of the show. Obviously, his fics wouldn't be *exactly* right, but close enough to an area of the current show to maybe say, "Hey, that's pretty close!" He actually *has* come close in some cases, far off in others, but still quite good nevertheless when he's off.
I tried to keep close to the characters, if not necessarily the as-developing canon. Since I was writing a series, I had to choose between character development, keeping close to the true canon, and maintaining my sanity. Choose any two of three.
>Alchemist bares comparison to another "speculative" writer for this 5th season, Thomas. Of the two, I believe the alchemist's fics contain a bit more of drama to them (and Thomas' comedy), though alchemist can deliver the comedy as well.
Hey, I happen to like character development, which naturally leads to more dramatic situations. I try my best to keep it from getting too heavy...
>In Episode #507, "The Games We Play", is an interesting POV of mostly the same events over a few days from five different characters: Daria, Jane, Tom, Quinn, and Helen. In other words, five different fics (with separate links) that form the one. Some may think that this fic will be repetitive in showing certain events over, but I didn't think it was that big of a deal myself. The one I thought stood out was from Tom's POV, by which alchemist actually *shows* Tom's friends (from his take), giving them depth. Hey, if the writers of the actual show don't want to tell us what makes Tom tick, then I think alchemist fits the bill here.
The boy's just hard to write for without some sort of motivation behind his actions. I mean, if the show had actually developed him just a bit, imagine how much different our little 'debates' would have been.
>It seems that the alchemist is adding the little things in his fanfics to the characters that will add up to big things in the end. In essence, they're all growing up. He actually adds more "meat" to his fics in many places then the show itself, which is one of the points of fanfiction is: To fill out any gaps that may be missing.
Its the little things that make life worthwhile. I guess I just have a thing for three-dimensional characters, one of the things that attracted me to 'Daria' in the first place, and one of the things I've tried to do in my fics as well.
>In closing, the alchemist is a canon-type of "speculative" (though you really can't call it that anymore with the series currently going on) fanfic writer who adds a touch of drama and more depth to his take on the 'Daria' characters, in many cases, more than the show itself. What do YOU (and the author himself) think? Thanks.
I think the check wasn't big enough :) I greatly appreciate the honor. Thank you Steven, and all out there who have read my works.