Fan Fiction, Sex Gods and Single Girls

A/N: PLEASE READ! This is NOT an actual new chapter or new material!

First: If you haven't yet read chapter 52, DO!

Next: I had PM's from readers asking about the past emails between Stardusted and bellybeans, so I went back and rounded them up. Here they are in chronological order. You know Bella will re-read. I thought this might be handy if you wanted to do the same now that everyone (bellybeans) knows who everyone (STARDUSTED) is! She'll read them with new knowledge. You don't have to re-read if you don't want to, obviously.

Last: I'll post chapter 54, an actual update, next weekend. I'm back at work and have been sick for the past three weeks, so the going has been slooowww. Sorry.

Chapter 53: Correspondence

Written by Edward late Friday night/Saturday morning, after the evening at La Luna Nueva, upon discovering From Hate to Heat for the first time...

Read by Bella sometime Saturday morning...

Review alert from: STARDUSTED

Message: Hello bellybeans,

I have a confession to make. I'm quite new to the whole "Written in the Stars" universe and I only stumbled upon the Star-lighted site quite by accident. But I was very intrigued and I'm glad I found it. I'm amazed that there are so many Star-fiction writers and stories out there. I had no idea…it's truly mind-boggling.

Your newest story is the first one I've begun reading, so of course this is also my first review ever.

Honestly, I was in shock as I read the initial meeting between Stella and Ethan. It's probably safe to say that most of your readers have never had such a fiasco of a first meeting with a potential future "maybe more." Many romantic comedies begin with a "meet cute" but this was more along the lines of a "meet dreadful" for these two characters. Their embarrassment, confusion and anger were palpable; I felt I was there. One would wonder how a romance could evolve from a start like this. But this is fiction, after all, and that's how many romance novels go.

I must say I'm surprised Stella might even contemplate any type of a relationship, friendship or otherwise, with someone as rude and obnoxious as Ethan. How can such a man possibly be the right man for her? What if he's…a bad guy? He's certainly dubious at best. Is it really possible for someone this awful to redeem himself and become a better person?

I suppose I'll have to read the story to find out how things go. I just think Stella should be careful. Maybe she'll do the wise thing and keep any feelings she has for him in check. Perhaps it would be better if they wouldn't become friends…although maybe it's already too late to suggest that.

I also read your profile and found it interesting to see how many similarities there are between yourself and your Stella. I wonder just to what extent that goes. Are you "your Stella" and are you really hoping to change "an Ethan?"

Overall, your style of writing is enjoyable and I'm looking forward to your next chapter. I'm interested to see how things play out. I have some definite thoughts about the way things should go, but then I'm not the writer here; I'm just an avid reader.

I hope to read your next chapter soon,

STARDUSTED

oOoOoOoOo

Written by Bella Saturday afternoon after Edward took her to pick up her truck at La Luna Nueva in their matching "Team Asshole" hats...

Read by Edward after buying star lights at Twi-Lighting and before buying new bedding at The Top Sheet…

Reply from: bellybeans

Message: Hi STARDUSTED!

Thank you for the review and welcome to my universe! Well, I'm sharing it with thousands of other readers and writers, so maybe it's not mine. But now it's our universe! So…Welcome!

It is truly amazing how many fans there of these stories there are and just how many stories are out there, waiting to be read. Truly mind-boggling, as you said in your review. I was surprised when I stumbled upon this site, just as you were, but it's a nice place to explore, so I'm glad you'll be joining me.

So you're popping your "review-cherry" with "From Hate to Heat" lol Thank you for that honor…I promise I'll be gentle. ;)

I'm impressed with how much you wrote for your first review, and I'm intrigued by the content. I must admit, it's not the usual tone I get in a review from a reader of these stories. Most Star-fic readers are breathlessly waiting for Ethan and Stella to fall in love despite the odds stacked against them, not holding their breath, hoping they don't. Readers usually look for a Happily Ever After when they read Star-fiction stories; it's sort of expected in this genre...an unwritten rule. But then again, it's my job as the writer to convince you, the reader, that what I'm writing is as it should be, so I'm going to do my best getting Ethan, Stella (and you!) to the Happily Ever After finish line.

Like you said, I would think most readers have never had an initial first meeting with a potential future "maybe more" quite like this. (I really liked the way you worded that!) It was, as you said, a "meet dreadful." (Another great comment!) But things can only get better from there, right? You would certainly assume they couldn't get worse. And I'll take it as a compliment to my writing that you "felt you were there," though I'm guessing you're glad you weren't.

Your take on the situation is that Ethan is not an acceptable man for Stella. In my author's note I warned you that you might not like Ethan at the beginning of the story. At this point in the developments, he certainly isn't an acceptable man for her, but people can change, as I also said in my author's note. (You know, you'd better be reading them—we sometimes give you important information there—and you never know when there will be a test! lol) Anyway, people change and reinvent themselves in real life all the time; some for the better, some for the worse. The choice is always up to the individual to choose the right path.

Stella certainly shouldn't be contemplating a romance with Ethan just yet. She'd be crazy to do that! But since she will be living in close proximity, it would make things easier if they could get past that initial meeting and form a friendship.

In your review you wrote, "Perhaps it would be better if they wouldn't become friends…although maybe it's already too late to suggest that." I assume you are referring to the fact that the plot is already mapped out. And of course that is the case; it is too late to suggest otherwise. But I think it is a logical direction they can go, despite their start. It would take much more effort to continue in anger than it would to just forgive and forget and move on. Wouldn't you agree?

Ethan isn't a bad guy at heart; not at all. (I guess I feel like I know him!) I think he likes being in control and I think he lost his equilibrium that first morning, for whatever reason. Perhaps he just woke up on the wrong side of the bed and started off on the wrong foot. Sometimes things just seem to go from bad to worse and it's difficult for us human beings to put the brakes on and just stop what we're doing…even when we know it's not right. We all do things we regret.

I do agree with you, though…Stella should be careful, romantically speaking, but I think it's safe for her to try to build a friendship with Ethan. Keeping her feelings in check is definitely advisable, given what she has seen of him so far. But it would be unfair of her to write him off as a lost cause without giving him a chance—maybe he will turn out to be "the good guy." He just might surprise her (and you!) and be worthy of a chance at friendship and even a "maybe more."

So you checked out my profile, looking for clues, did you? I always get a kick out of readers checking out my profile, wondering how it fits in with the story I'm currently writing. Readers often ask if a situation in a story is one familiar to me from my own real life experiences. My life is not generally as exciting as this first chapter of FH2H. (That's actually a gross understatement; my life is usually quite uneventful.) But I've always had a very good imagination to make up for it.

I'm intrigued…you wrote you found it "interesting how many similarities" there are between myself and my Stella. Well, we are both in our twenties, both teachers, and we share a love of reading. Three similarities don't seem like "many" to me, although I suppose I have put myself into this character and maybe you sense that. Writers often write what they know…it is the easiest way for something to come across as believable.

You asked if I am "my Stella," and if I'm hoping to change "an Ethan." That sounds like a sneaky way to try and find out if this story is based on real life experiences! Okay, maybe not so sneaky! lol I think a writer likes to escape into the world they create. So the part about me being my own Stella is possibly true. But I wouldn't try to change a real-life Ethan. Change has to come from within, not from an external force. One person can't force another to be something they are not. I've watched relationships fall apart for that very reason. I think people have to want to change of their own accord—for themselves—first and foremost.

I'm glad you like my style of writing. I'm flattered. And I'm glad to know you are looking forward to the next chapter and how things will play out. I'm hoping to update the story in the next few days, so you shouldn't have too long to wait to see where this goes next. I'm curious however...you wrote that you had definite ideas about the way things should go. I always enjoy readers sharing their ideas with me; it gives me food for thought and possible directions to contemplate. This is such an interesting and interactive way to write a story, and I always welcome reader input. So don't be shy. : )

I have to admit I looked at your profile too, curious for more information about my newest avid reader. But there was nothing there. Surely you can give me something? Some peek at who you really are? It would seem only fair. Of course it's not required, but I'll readily admit to being a curious girl. (If you only knew!)

Apparently I'm a rather long-winded girl, too! I can't believe I've written this much in a review reply. You've definitely brought out the wordy-girl in me, but I've enjoyed thinking about your comments and reflecting on my answers. I hope I haven't scared you off from writing a review or a PM in the future. I'll try to tone down the length next time.

Thank you for reading and reviewing. I hope to hear from you again, STARDUSTED, and I hope to convince you of where my story is going. I think we all want a Happily Ever After, we just might not expect the way we get there…it could even be with the crazy neighbor right across the street!

Keep in touch.

-bellybeans

oOoOoOoOo

(Edward's Profile.) Written by Edward sometime Saturday evening while preparing for the barbecue the next day...

Read by Bella Sunday afternoon before the barbecue…

Penname: STARDUSTED
Real name: definitely not STARDUSTED. How embarrassing would THAT be?
Member Since: September 2, 2011
Website:
Beta-reader: No

I'm in my late twenties, self-employed, living in Written-in-the-Stars-Ville in the Pacific Northwest. I'm unmarried and unattached and have never been married or attached, but that could change; the future isn't set in stone. A HEA with my own potential future maybe-more could be out there.

I can admit to being a lifelong bookworm, though I've never tried my hand at writing. I admire someone who has the courage, discipline and ideas to give it a go. I don't think I could manage it.

I just recently discovered the Star-lighted fan fiction universe and am actually quite new to the whole "Written in the Stars" phenomenon as well. And if I have to choose sides, I'm more Team Ethan than Team Jethro.

oOoOoOoOo

Written by Edward Sunday morning before the barbecue after dreaming of a picnic in a strawberry and wildflower-filled meadow with Bella the night before.

Read by Bella Sunday afternoon, just before going over to the barbecue…

Message from: STARDUSTED

Message: Hi bellybeans

Thank you for replying and breaking me in so gently. ;) I was glad to hear from you since I didn't really know how this worked.

Your comments about change and choosing the right path struck a chord with me. You seem to be very compassionate and I agree, "forgive and forget" is a good motto to live by. We all do things we regret…sometimes even as we are doing them. And change does have to come from within, but I think it's also valid to want someone we respect to see us more positively and to strive for that.

I'd like to see your Ethan become a good guy and deserve a "maybe more" with his Stella. Hopefully your next chapter will show him taking some steps in that direction.

I also wanted to let you know you have shamed me into posting a profile, so feel free to satisfy your curiosity. And don't worry, curiosity is human nature…trust me.

Have a great rest of the weekend, get that next chapter posted, and maybe even spend some time with a crazy neighbor—we could possibly learn something from those crazy neighbors—even if it's simply how best not to behave. ;)

STARDUSTED

oOoOoOoOo

Written by Bella Sunday afternoon just prior to going over to Edward's for the barbecue.

Read by Edward that night after the barbecue and a kiss from a swooning girl.

Message from: bellybeans

Message: Hi STARDUSTED!

Got your message and read your profile!

As to the message: I try to be compassionate. We all make mistakes and hopefully learn from them. It's important to put yourself in the other person's shoes. You know they don't set out to do wrong, but you have to applaud them if they try to right things.

Ethan will become a respectable character. He has to, if he's going to deserve a "maybe more" with the girl of his dreams. ;)

As to your profile: So you live in the Pacific Northwest? Me too! Like my Stella, I just moved to Seattle. And I'm in the same boat as you in the relationship department…single and unattached. I guess I have always put all my effort into my education, rather than the social aspects of school. The result seems to be that I am fairly smart yet overwhelmingly awkward with the opposite sex. But I like your view…the future isn't set in stone.

Thanks for sharing a little bit about yourself. You have no idea how curious we writers sometimes are about our readers. With that in mind, I have a rather strange question to ask and I hope you won't take offense. You never really state it one way or another…but I'm wondering, are you a male or a female? I'm just curious…and curiosity is human nature after all, right?(You said so yourself!)

I've been working on chapter 2 and hope to post it tomorrow night. And believe it or not…I am indeed going to spend some time with a crazy neighbor this weekend! LOL That sounds mean…my crazy neighbor is actually quite nice. ;)

Have a good rest of the weekend.

-bellybeans

oOoOoOoOo

Written by Edward Sunday night, after the barbecue, the swoon, the kiss, and a text conversation regarding a first date for breakfast.

Read by Bella on Monday night after their first date, just before a phone call from Edward inviting her to dinner at his house the next evening…

Message from: STARDUSTED

Message: Hi bellybeans!

Well, since you are wondering, and since curiosity is indeed human nature, and since you asked so nicely, (and no, I was not offended by the question) I do happen to have both X and Y chromosomes, not just the standard X chromosomes. So that does, in fact, make me a guy. I'm curious though; what made you curious about my gender?

I liked what you said about the importance of putting yourself into the other person's shoes when they do wrong, knowing that they might not intentionally have set out to do so. Hopefully your Ethan will set things right with his Stella and she will see that he is trying to be a sincerely respectable "character." As the writer, you have to be able to put yourself into both of their heads and see both sides of any dilemma they face, so it should be interesting to see how their situation reconciles.

I'm glad to know you approved of my profile. I had no idea writers would be curious to know a bit about their readers. Of course you must know your readers are curious about you, so it works both ways.

So we are both single and unattached? I have to admit I am hoping to change that. I've met a girl with whom I would definitely like an attachment. And like you, I am fairly smart, though my personal knowledge of how to go about that sort of attachment is quite limited. I guess I can only try my best, keep my fingers crossed, and hope I get it right, right?

I truly hope you enjoyed your weekend and I'm looking forward to your next chapter.

STARDUSTED

oOoOoOoOo

Written by Bella on Monday night after a phone call with Edward and after putting on an old Dartmouth sweatshirt she just happens to have, and which she kind of likes to pretend is his. ;)

Message from: bellybeans

Message: Hi again STARDUSTED!

We are becoming quite the pen pal pair!

I had a feeling you might be a guy. There was nothing specifically masculine about what you wrote, but your gender-free style was exactly what made me curious. Most reviews I get have a sort of female "voice" to them, especially in this fandom, but yours didn't. You'd be surprised, based on what reviewers write and how they write, it's kind of fun to guess at gender, age groups and life-experience categories. Sometimes I'm wrong, but more often I am pretty close when I inquire or check a profile. (Assuming the reader has posted a profile!)

What you said about writers putting themselves into their characters' heads is true. You do have to sort through logical reactions they could have, based on how you've written them and the situations you've put them in. And creating dialog that flows and sounds natural for those characters, and at the same time sounds character-specific can be challenging, but I like that challenge; it makes writing stories fun.

I wish you luck in your attachment goal with the girl you've met. It turns out I may have some attachment goals of my own now. Remember that crazy-yet-nice neighbor I mentioned in my last message? Yeah…well, he's really much more nice than crazy. ;)

My weekend was exceptional. I hope yours was the same. Look for my next chapter soon or put the story on alert if you haven't already.

Take care, STARDUSTED! Have a good week!

bellybeans

oOoOoOoOo

Written by Edward sometime Tuesday while at work after speaking with and texting his…girlfriend. ;)

Read by Bella just prior to heading over to her boyfriend's house for Pizza Night (and the FanFiction Confessional)...

Review alert from: STARDUSTED

Message: Hello bellybeans!

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed chapter 2 and the peek into Stella's thoughts on Ethan, and how her impression of him changed over the course of a few days. Ethan's thoughts on Stella have surely changed as well. I'd love to know what Stella dreamed about Ethan…unless it was a nightmare, which is entirely possible.

Andrea's idea, for Stella to turn her experience into a story, had me grinning; here we are, after all. Andrea is a good friend, with a devious mind, perhaps, but a good friend, as is Jethro—willing to play the part of boyfriend and defender—although unfortunately succumbing to sports-car-envy.

I found it quite intriguing that Stella "missed" Ethan when he was gone. She must have been on his mind as well if he ordered her a replacement hat online. He seemed inclined to patch things up between them. It's just unfortunate that his timing was off—that he gave her the "Asshole" hat when she was already feeling guilty, upsetting her and making her flee.

Stella's snoop in "The Predator's" home was surprising but actually rather logical. I mean, if some interesting and enigmatic someone has your attention; it just seems human nature to be curious, though it might lead us to do something against our better judgment.

The chapter was over all too quickly. I wanted so much more. But the ending left me feeling hopeful for them both. The whole judging a book by its cover theme—we all do it to some extent and yet we all want to be judged on our own merit; not by a perception of what we might be.

I look forward to future "collaborations" between Ethan and Stella.

Your fan,

STARDUSTED

A/N: That's everything. The question is…will she just talk to him about this latest PM, now that she knows, or will she actually write back? Hmmm… See you next weekend with an actual update.