mijan | SQUEE! Proposal for Prophecy ACCEPTED!

I just received an e-mail from the Prophecy people with the following:

"We are pleased to inform you that your proposal for a roundtable entitled "Characterization of Canon Characters in Slash Fanfiction Writing" has been accepted by the vetting committee as a part of Prophecy's daytime Formal Programming. Congratulations!"

There's obviously more to it, but in short, I've been accepted! So, now that I have that assurance, I want to tell everyone about it, and ask you to attend! I wanted to have a guided round-table style presentation discussing how fanfiction authors approach the characterization of our canon males in slash fanfiction. I've noticed that people often approach writing characters differently, depending on if they're going to be gay or straight, despite the fact that the personality of the character really shouldn't change. At least, I don't think it much should. Either way, I proposed a discussion and here's what I submitted:

This will be an in-depth discussion of characterization of canon characters in slash fanfiction writing. The writers of our fandom have a variety of ways in which they approach the challenge of taking canonically straight or orientation-ambiguous characters and giving them a defined homosexual or bisexual nature. We will explore the different approaches of characterization observed in fanfiction, to include:

- Close adherence to canon.
- "Flamboyantly" gay characterizations.
- The "Top/bottom", "Seme/uke", "Man/woman-man" dynamics often applied to gay couples as stereotypes, regardless of the canon nature of the characters.
- Fandom clichés for specific characters.

This presentation will be conducted as a guided round-table discussion. For the first half of the presentation time, I will give brief introductions to each style of characterization that will be covered, then read brief samples of writing from select various authors demonstrating each of the major categories of discussion. After each introduction and reading, I will open the floor to discussion of each writing style. The prompts will be:

- Is this a style you enjoy or dislike?
- What does this style contribute to fandom?
- Is this style true to how you view the characters, whether or not it is canonical?
- Is this style an authentic portrayal of homosexuality, or is it a misrepresentation?
- If this is a misrepresentation, are slashers actually doing a disservice to gay people?

Other prompts will naturally be added in the course of discussion.

For the second half of the presentation, a guided comparative analysis of these characterization styles will be conducted. Using several characters, to include specifially Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy, Severus Snape, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Lucius Malfoy, we will explore how these different characterization techniques are applied, and whether or not they are effective for some characters and not others. We will also ask ourselves whether our characterization habits are a positive contribution to fandom, or whether we are limiting ourselves and our writing by the clichés and labels we tend to use.

So, that was the proposal. However, I know that in the course of a round-table, other things will come up. Fandomers are nothing if not independant thinkers, yes?

If anyone has suggestions for selections of writing that I could use as samples, PLEASE let me know! I'd actually be happier using other people's suggestions for samples, instead of things I select myself. I want this to reflect fandom thoughts at large, and not just my opinions. Any other thoughts will be appreciated (although be aware that I can't use everything!).

And finally, if you're coming, let me know if you plan to attend!

SQUEE!