Snack -- Vive le grudgefuck!

[themostepotente]

Well...

I just finished my second Snack -- 3000k. I'm quite pleased. The first one I actually wrote -- brilliant plan of action, executed poorly. I must go back and fix one of these days.

I love this pairing for a multitude of reasons;

They hate eachother.

They really hate eachother.

They really, really hate eachother.

So to all the gifted Snack writers -- amanuensis1, cluegirl, ellen_fremedon, fabularasa, isiscolo...

What is the key ingredient to writing this pairing and doing so convincingly?

IMHO, this is one, if not the most difficult slash pairings to pull off.

It's like...trying to snap a picture of your two-year old at Sears Portrait Studio :P

It's like...putting a pair of sunglasses and a big floppy hat on your dog, hoping he'll stay that way and strike a pose :P

They...just...won't...cooperate.

FYI -- I'd love to hear from everyone. If I have forgotten anyone that writes Snack in abundance, 'please' just give me a firm slap on the wrist, and I'll edit.

--P

Comments

[cluegirl.livejournal.com]

Well, when I did it for Morte O Merce, I fell back on basic psychology: What we hate in other people is what we find loathsome in ourselves. Ergo, the more you hate someone, the more you are really like them where it counts. Factor Snape and Black into that, strip away the things like a wealthy versus a poor upbringing, and the socialization of their school houses, and they really are quite similar. They're both cruel, they're both judgemental, they're both rash when angry, and then guilt ridden when they prove to have been wrong, they're both unforgiving, and they're both in love with their own intelligence.

So, having established what they each hate about each other, to build a relationship between them, all you have to do is find the GOOD points they have in common as well: Loyalty which, once given, is unswerving. Resourcefulness, resiliency, fierce honourability, coupled with a sneakiness which is very useful. Courage, adaptability, intelligence, and magical prowess.

All you have to do then is create a situation where the strengths they share can become more important than the weaknesses. Which is why Hurt/comfort works so well between those two. They will never be romantic, and they will never stop fighting, but that is because neither one of them will ever be really comfortable with their reflection. So as long as you keep the tension between them, it can be really satisfying.

So there: Clear as mud, right?

[isiscolo.livejournal.com]

Ooh, I agree with this. The idea of "we're more alike than we realize" is very powerful.

I also think that it's important to show the hate, even in an established relationship fic. For example, in Fab's Misericorde, even though they were in a relationship, we see the prior hate through Harry's eyes. Without the acknowlegment of the conflict, established relationship fic in this pairing seems ridiculous.

Show the hate; show the realization of common ground; focus on the tension as they try to bring the two into harmony.

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

Established relationship with Snack can be done, but IMHO, it's nothing that can be satisfied in one PWP, or even one fic.

You have the best Snack icons, Isis.

You know what would be incredibly hot? A Snack collab with you and Cluegirl.

I think I'd cast you as Sirius and her as Snape.

You'll let me know if this ever comes to pass. *grins*

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

Actually, dear -- what you say makes A LOT of sense.

You have such an incredible gift of theorizing. You explain things simply yet eloquently, and you never have a problem getting your point across.

And this, woman, is why you are my voice for Lucius Mlfoy. You make me see things I wouldn't normally see myself.

Which begs the question -- where were you my Freshman year for frickin' Algebra? I 'might' have passed with you at the helm :P

Morte O Merce was a phenomenal read, but I've probably told you that.

-P

[cluegirl.livejournal.com]

Oh no, I failed algebra too -- I'd have been no help at all, I'm afraid.
But thanks for the props. And I'm glad you liked MoM too.