Hello, there. I'm Minna. I hail from sunny (muggy, sticky) Florida. I'm a Hufflepuff over on the Beta Boards, and I write fiction and poetry on here, as well as making graphics over on the boards. I have been audiofic'd, won a few QSQs, even finally managed to place higher than third in a few challenges, which took several years of membership to happen, but by far the strangest thing that's happened on here is that I seem to be (as of this writing, Oct 2014) on the Top Ten Most Prolific Authors list on here. Thanks, PA!
Despite that title, I am a very slow writer, and several of my chaptered fics are unlikely to ever be updated and I mostly keep them around just in case. Um, sorry about that. If that kind of thing is going to annoy you too much, perhaps stick to my one-shots and poems.
Probably the most hilarious fanfiction I've read. Also has kept me up late enough that I'm going to get less than two hours' sleep, but then that's my own fault for not being able to resist continuing to laugh at the Marauders' escapades. I love the concept and the list items (and plot points) had me in stitches.
Loved Dumbledore's costume, by the way. The minute he got the fake French accent I was like "Inspector Clouseau! AWESOMENESS!" ("Does your dewg bite"...teehee. Gotta love Dumbledore. Gotta love Clouseau.)
Author's Response: Hey, I wanted to say thanks for the review. I don't use Mugglenet anymore, so I completely forgot I still had this fic up on here! (I wrote it SO long ago.) It's so nice of you to send me such a complimentary review and I'm glad SOMEONE knew who Inspector Clouseau was! (Of course I wrote this long before the newer Pink Panther movies came out with Steve Martin.) Anyway, I just wanted to let you know, since you said you enjoyed "Padfoot Prohibited" so much, there IS a sort of sequel, but I only posted the first few chapters on Mugglenet. So if you want to read more of it, you'd need to go to FanFiction.Net. You don't have to be a member to leave reviews, but if you leave an anonymous review, be sure to let me know that you're the same person so I can thank you again (or feel free to email/IM me if you have questions or anything). Anyway, the sequel is called "Black Blood" and my pen name is the same, I think: Liveley. I haven't updated in a long time, but new reviews always remind me that I need to, so thanks a bunch.
P.S. My deepest apologies for keeping you up reading so late. ;)
Nominated for a Quicksilver Quill for Best Romance-Non Canon 2007, 2008, and 2009. In 2010 mods changed the rules (they got tired of the same fics being nominated ^_~) so no more QQ hopes, but that's okay. No proof is needed that Draco/Ginny = love.
* Written before the HBP, this tale presents an alternate sixth year in which Dumbledore lives, Draco is more than a foil to Harry, and Blaise Zabini is a girl. I hope readers who ship Draco/Ginny will enjoy the story which includes dancing with faeries, Celtic and Norse mythology, school holidays in London and Spain, and loads of fantasy and romance. "Is this a kissing book?" (to quote the Princess Bride) Yes, it is. *
(Warnings were added for safety, due to brief allusions in later chapters, not graphic content.)
Just reviewing somewhere in the middle because this is a really amazing story. It's just my cup of tea: great characters, great plotline, and great allusions! I love seeing Shakespeare and faery mythology worked into the Potterverse.
Also, there's a question that's plaguing me: Where did you get the name "bandersnatch?" It sounds so familiar...like something from a video game or something...
Author's Response:
The Bandersnatch is from Lewis Carroll, a poem you've probably read called Jabberwocky. One of the stanzas goes:
Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!"
Oh my God. This story is just so beautiful, I can't even express it properly. If I were one to cry at stories, I think I would have cried at the end. Very feelingly written, and very moving.
So, I'm not usually a slash person, but I ran across this somehow, was curious and...well, it's really good. Remus and Sirius are hilarious, I found myself laughing my way through it. Sirius is just so...well, very Sirius. And poor, put-upon Remus! I loved the dialogue--I actually like, in a story, when something happens and you only figure out what it is by what the characters say about it. Also, with the dialogue, you draw your own conclusions about some things. However, I also loved the prose, because it gave me insight into what's really going on in their heads--and what tone of voice they're using, which I admit disagreed sometimes with my original impressions. I guess I could compare it with reading poetry myself, then having it explained by my English teacher. And the line about the "figment of someone else's imagination" was my favorite--a very weird picture and also the funniest line, in my opinion.
I loved reading this! I love how all the families are so involved in each other's lives, so that the various parts of the Weasley clan might as well be living under the same roof, they're that close. It's just so very...Weasleyish. Ha. Not to mention I can just picture Harry loving having all that family around him after the childhood he had.
And sweet Hufflepuff, what a great story. Laugh and tears and anger and plots and death....I could go on. All in one amazing package.
I love the next generation you made up, too. I won't list them 'cause it'd get long but I love how they have bits of their parents and grandparents in them.
And not to mention it was told in a great voice and ended perfectly. I always love happy endings! It ended well, indeed.
Author's Response: I'm glad you enjoyed it so much! That always makes my day to hear (or read, as the case may be!) Family is very important to me, and therefore I think it's always big in my stories, especially when J.K. Rowling made such an amazing family out of the Weasleys! And of course, poor lonely kid Harry would love having a big family :) I'm also glad you liked the ending. While I can appreciate endings in books and fanficions that aren't happy, I'll always like those that are much better -- and I'll never be able to write anything that doesn't have a happy ending! Thanks very much for the review.
Haha. I love this. A very nice parody of the Jabberwocky with a twist of Luna-cy.
Author's Response: Luna just fits it so well, doesn't she? I also wrote her a take on The Hunting of the Snark but haven't published it. Thank you so much for reading it and leaving a review, I really appreciate it! ~Gina :)
I don’t think so.
She would be a Slytherin Princess, still as golden, only more cunning and less conventional.In this story, let her teach you in gaining influence over the very people who crave it.
LucillaJoanna of Hufflepuff is here playing Lachesis for the May One-Shot Challenge......And won Second Place!
(Rating only for mild language)Oh, this is awesome! I love how it holds almost entirely true to canon...except for Hermione's house. Hermione does make a great Slytherin, I must say. I especially loved the bit where she planned the duel involving the Densaugeo curse. And you're right, Hermione could be any house. Heh.
I loved this! I'm not feeling very articulate right now, but I just thought I'd let you know that this is really, really good.
Hmm...my favorite might be Ivy. Least favorite...Ophidias.
Author's Response: That means a LOT to me, because I wrote this story when I was thirteen, and I'm seventeen now! Although... if you read on for the rest of the series, your opinion of Ophidias might actually change. Whoops, I shouldn't have told you that! ^_^
I have now read about three of your stories in a row (not all at once mind...I did sleep at least once in there, and eat several times...) and I have come to the conclusion that I freaking love you. xD
This story in particular was just really really good. You have the Marauders down pat. They aren't cliche - even Peter is definitely a Marauder, while still remaining Peter, dunno how to describe it...basically he's not completely stupid and wimpy? And of course I spent most of the story laughing like a hyena. And I love the OCs! Especially Marty, of course. She's wacky and new and awesome, without being...well, too OC-ish, if you know what I mean. She fits at Hogwarts. More than that, I just love her and her Causes and her family and her weirdness. And Luanne. Because I love Luanne and James's weirdo father/daughter relationship.
I could go on and on with awesome stuff about this...but I won't because you know about it already. Just know that seriously, everything about this story rocked.
Not a very coherent/professional review, but there you go. I love it. It's now on my favorites list. (Which like, rarely rarely happens because with most stories I just can't be bothered to stick them on there).
Anyway. Weird rambling review over with. Bye. =)
Author's Response: Thank you so much! And hey, I thought it was an awesome review, not weird or incoherent at all, it really made me smile! I'm so glad you like my writing, particularly this fic as it's one of my favourites too! :) And also the characters - writing and developing them has always been the best bit about writing for me, so I'm always so happy when it pays off! Basically, thank you - I'm really glad you liked it. =)
I'm re-reading - and liking it just as much the second time round - and my curiosity has gotten the better of me: what was the "obscure Ravenclaw reference"?
To make this a less pointless review, can I just say again how much I love your characterizations in this? I love love Marty (and purely because of my own tendency to look for Luna's mum in Marauder fics, I've been wondering if the reason she isn't in Remus' life later because she up and married Xeno Lovegood). That last bit actually is to the point, because part of the reason I love Marty is that she's just such a Hogwarts person. Does that make any sense at all? She's the crazy girl, but she's Hogwarts crazy.
Also I love how you showed here Remus' trouble with stopping his friends from some of their crueler moments...and the fact that the boys can be cruel, which is something you don't see In a lot of Marauder fics but which canon tells us was true of them at times.
Also, I really feel bad for Marty here. She really is a girl who's not used to friendship - I love that she doesn't really get why the making up thing is hard for them, because she generally has not been in that kind of situation. But then you see that just because she's used not having it doesn't mean she doesn't need it.
Author's Response: Ah - the obscure Ravenclaw reference is because on the MNFF forums, Ravenclaws (of which I was one at the time, and I suppose still am, though I haven't been on in a very long time) referred to themselves as "turnips". And Marty found a turnip when tidying up the Common Room. That's all - like I said, obscure. :)
Many people have asked if Marty is Luna's mum, and while this would be good, I'm afraid the answer is no, she's not. You explained it perfectly though - she's Hogwarts crazy. Hogwarts attracts characters who are a bit loopy, and I'm sure Luna's mum was one of those people. Having said that, Marty and Luna would have got on brilliantly though, had they gone to school at the same time!
Thank you for your comments about characterisation too - it's one of my favourite parts of writing, so I'm always so glad when people pick up on it, and it seems like you understand what I was trying to do perfectly! =)
Teddy Lupin's first year at Hogwarts. Canon-compliant. Nominated for a 2008 QSQ for best Post-Hogwarts story.
The war is over, and all is well, they say, but the wounds remain unhealed. Bitterness divides the Houses of Hogwarts. Can the first children born since the war's end begin a new era, or will the enmities of their parents be their permanent legacy?
I have to say, this is the most brilliantly written fanfic I have yet read. The characters are realistic and fun, the plot is riveting, and really, I can't tell you how much I loved reading it! I had to pry myself away from the computer to eat, sleep, go to school, etc. (As I do with any good book).
Since I’m a syntax nut, I have a few nitpicky grammar/spelling notes:
‘He levelled his wand, aiming strait at Harry’s chest.’ – chapter one
In this case, the word is spelled “straight.”
‘“Well, if you’re going to act like a total idiot, I guess I’ll just piss off then. I’ll tell the boss that you’ve lost your marbles.” declared Frank as he walked off.’ – chapter three
The period after marbles should be a comma.
‘This is just getting better and better, his mind scathed.’ – chapter three
I don’t think scathed is a verb. (There’s also another instance later when the wife’s talking).
‘Too long have torn families apart, ruined futures, and destroyed all hope for those praying for better days! It has been too long!”’ – the epilogue
You probably wanted to say, “Too long have you torn…”
And now that that’s over with, allow me to gush over how funny the story was. Voldemort killed by a cement mixer—priceless. Not to mention Bellatrix vanquished with a toothbrush (however did he manage that?) And a nice game of U2…
And no, this is not your Easter Egg, merely a review to tell you how much I loved Out of the Darkness. =)
Author's Response:
Hello, Minna!
Thanks for the review, and for the lovely banner! Also, I appreciate your proofreading – you’d make a good beta, if you aren’t one already.
Anyway, I’m glad you found Voldemort’s absurd demise amusing! I intentionally leave the details of Benjamin Dover’s defeat of Bellatrix a mystery, but in my imagination, he pokes his toothbrush though the eyehole of her Death Eater mask.
~ Tim the Enchanter
I liked this story--it was hilarious. Unfortunately, I couldn't figure out who 'Widebuttocks' was until he introduced himself because I kept reading 'Chastity' as 'Charity' because the Muggle Studies teacher before DH was Charity Burbage, and therefore thought it was earlier than it was. >.> Anyway, great story, love all the mistakes she makes and that line about the 15 year olds being able to hex her three-fourths of the way to Uranus was gold. My only problem was that Neville was a little meaner than I expected him to be...
Author's Response: Hello there, Minna. :) Oh, Merlin curse it, I hadn't noticed the similarities in the name (I believe that when writing, I had forgotten about Charity Burbage, and was under the impression that the reason why it sounded similar was because Charity is my cousin's name), or else I might have named my character differently. I'm glad you liked/enjoyed my story/jokes, and I see what you mean about Neville. He's just a little too condescending, from how I see it now. Looking back, I see that I could have characterized him a bit better. Sorry about that bit there.
This is a very interesting (and realistic) view of Ron learning to drive. The bit where he accidentally hit the horn was amusing and it was nice to be reminded that Ron really DOESN'T know much about the Muggle world, even if he does wear Muggle clothes sometimes. A very good story, and great grammarwise as well, which is suprisingly rare.
Winner of the 2008 Quick Silver Quills Award for Best General Story.
The first book in the Alexandra Quick series.
The war against Voldemort never reached America, but all is not well there. When 11-year-old Alexandra Quick learns she is a witch, she is plunged into a world of prejudices, intrigue, and danger. Who wants Alexandra dead, and why?
This story is canon-compliant with the Harry Potter universe, but the characters and settings are all original. I've put a lot of work into envisioning a world as detailed as the original series; I hope you enjoy it.
Brilliant! After I read Hogwarts Houses Divided I just had to read more of your writing and I loved this one. The American wizarding society you created is as complex as British wizarding society, and I love how different America and Charmbridge are from England and Hogwarts. Another thing I really liked here is how not everything's black and white--I get the feeling these "Dark" wizards aren't nearly as black as they're painted.
And the characters are very interesting; Alex's exploits made me want to shake her, but she is a very lovable character for all her faults. And I love her friends--especially Constance and Forbearance.
And by the way, one thing I had to add: the name Goblin Market made me laugh...very clever reference there.
I think if I cried for stories, I would be crying now. Short, but very heart-wrenching--poor Hermione! And there's such contrast: Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins are living their everyday lives and are mildly confused by the strange actions of a young girl; meanwhile, said young girl's heart is breaking because her parents don't remember her. And the last exchange: 'Who in the world was that?' 'I have no idea.' Wow. Have to say that this fic is going on my favorites for being super-powerful.
I hate you. I hate you. I hate you.
Which is, of course, code for "I absolutely love you, you're a freaking awesome writer."
No, seriously. I got so so involved in this story emotionally. If I cried at books/stories, I would've cried for this one (and I don't say that about a lot of stories). Even though the story was so full of sadness - something I usually kind of hate - I loved it. The plot, everything. And the characterizations, all of them, were so good!
Also the originality of it all was refreshing. I mean, okay, Time Turners not so much. But the disease? And the idea of ROSE being in love with Severus - I must admit that was mostly the reason I clicked into this story; I was curious how you would pull that off. And you did, oddly enough - it wasn't a happy love, but it was realistic.
Seriously. Kudos to you on this. It's just a marvelous story. Depressing, but amazing.
AHH. Finally, finally got around to reading this one all the way through (I've read the first two books in this epic at least twice each). Must say, the only thing I dislike about this installment is its summary! I thought for sure, the minute I'd finished the prologue, that Emma was going to end up dead, and I was not happy because I love Emma. Thank God I finally pushed on anyway and read it, 'cause I think this was the best one yet of the three Potter's Pentagon fics. Not gonna lie, I kind of love Jordan-as-Seer. And I got a lot of weird looks from my roommates while I was reading this - there was much squeeing, "Ohmygodohmygod!"s, and running away from the computer because something bad was happening. Basically, I got REALLY into this.
I used to kind of think Jordan was a bit of a git and a loner, but now I kind of love him. O.o Also loving me Ted and Ivy and Emma and...rawr. I love all the characters! Couldn't possibly pick a favorite.
On a related note, I think your Merlin is my favorite Merlin ever.
I know this is a really useless review, but I can't do anything but squee. So glad I finally got around to reading this one!
Dude. I think you're not NEARLY as bad at "serious" stories as you think you are. This was a remarkable story, in my opinion. It's powerful, and it provides insight into - gives *humanity* to - a character who everyone probably writes off as just another Death Eater - no more or less than a monster. And it's also well-written, in my opinion, despite what you might think. And I just loved this description of the Death Eaters: "the ranks of the haters, the destroyers, the warriors of discrimination." =)
Only one issue with it: by the end of the description of the woman, I was almost sure she was Andromeda...and then she got killed. O.o *Was* it Andromeda and this story needs an AU warning, or was it just a coincidence that the eyes looked similar?
Anyway. I think the lady doth protest too much. Not all your stories suck. (I can't say that all your stories rock, of course - just that the ones I have read do. :P)
Minna
Author's Response: First off, I have to say that I'm SO, SO SORRY I haven't been online -- when I promised to beta that one-shot of yours, I had totally forgotten that I was going to be at my aunt's house without Internet. I just remembered five minutes ago, and I only saw the notification for this review when I logged into my Yahoo account to see if you'd sent me the story -- I've been using my AOL account far more lately, but as I didn't see an e-mail from you I don't suppose it matters at the moment anyway. Again, I'm sorry, and if you let me beta for you in the future I swear I'll be more reliable.
That being said, thanks so much for the kind review! I'm so glad you think I'm a good writer, much as I disagree. And no, she wasn't supposed to be Andromeda -- just a woman that reminded Rodolphus of Bellatrix. Andromeda married a Muggle-born, not a Muggle. I really should have made that more clear -- another reviewer thought she was Andromeda, too. *embarrassedface*
I'm so sorry for bugging you about a new chapter - that was before I knew this one had come out! I'm so very happy to see it at last, because I'm addicted to this story now. The characters are all so perfectly done, and I love how you are filling in everything about Tonks and Remus we never saw in the books. They remain exactly the same characters JKR wrote, but more real with the weight of their own experiences behind them and more loveable for it. I don't know how I could possibly tell you how much I enjoy this story. Thank you for writing it...and of course I want more but I'll stop bugging you for a while!
Author's Response: minna, I never replied to you. Now, you can nag me for a new chapter (It's been ages... I know), but I am actually writing it. Glad you like the story.