Anna ([info]asynca) wrote,
@ 2007-03-25 19:31:00
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Essential Elements of Teamwork (EPIC)
Title: Essential Elements of Teamwork
Author: Asynca
Rating: NC-17
Central Characters: Wilson/House/Cuddy.
Words: 72,176
Pages: 163
Credits: [info]silja_b for her generous advice with regard to all things medical.

Essential Elements of Teamwork (word doc, 465kbs).

(spoilers below, read story first!)




























Some random, unrelated thoughts about writing Essential Elements of Teamwork.


I actually think it’s fucking arrogant of me to write an Author’s Notes and actually expect people to read it; but since more than one (read: two…) people actually expressed an active desire to read what I have to say about Essential Elements of Teamwork, I figured I might as well post some thoughts on it. It’s an excellent way for me to debrief myself, if anything.

When I first came up with the concept of Essential Elements of Teamwork, it was going to be a death!fic. Wilson’s travels through the story were going to lead him to the discovery that as long as House existed in his life, that having his conventional, traditional family was never going to be possible. House was going to die from his overdose 200 words from the end in part 3.10 – giving Wilson the opportunity to finally have that life he’d always thought he wanted. Only at that point was he going to realize that his desire for a ‘normal’ family was a smokescreen.

I actually plotted two parallel narratives, because I figured I might not be able to bring myself to go through with House dying. It wasn’t until about 2.5 that I made a firm decision House was going to live, and he and Wilson were going to end up together. I left a lot of foreshadowing for House’s death in the earlier chapters, because it’s something that would constantly be on Wilson’s mind anyway.

I’m one of those rare authors who do actually plot their fic. Some writers are talented enough to be led where their stories want to take them – I can’t operate like that. I think it may be the ex-English teacher in me; I’ve lectured students for so many collective hours regarding essay structure and the importance of internal circularity that it’s a difficult concept for me to escape (although I’m going to attempt it with this A/N). As such, Essential Elements of Teamwork was heavily planned, with each chapter having at least a paragraph of what I wanted to show/achieve within it, as well as scraps of dialogue I thought of during my day and wanted to include.

Unfortunately, however, a lot of ideas needed to be sacrificed for the A-Plot (which, funnily enough, was actually more padding the Wilson/House-Wilson/Cuddy dynamic than it was the actual sperm swap storyline), including some exploration of Cameron/Chase and Cameron/House, and some painfully stark parallels to be drawn between Wilson’s and Cameron’s behaviour with their love interests. Chase was going to be the innocent victim of Cameron/House, and Cuddy the innocent victim of Wilson/House. I’m actually sad that had to be scrapped, because it implicated Wilson as less of a benevolent narrator and showed a more confused, blind-sided lover whose indecisiveness with regard to House negatively impacted the women he was involved with. I think there’s still a whiff of that in the final, but it’s nothing near as clear as I’d intended it to be. Le sigh.

I’ve also mentioned a few times that I think this storyline would absolutely have worked with no sex. I do love using sex to examine the dynamic between two people, and I love writing sex anyway – but there were definitely alternate methods I could have used to build rapport between characters. However, this isn’t TV. People can’t just tune in for the pretty of watching Robert Sean Leonard, and I need to be realistic. In the fanfic realm, the way to get people interested in your stories and garner readers is to write sex. It’s what people want – so if I want any readers, the sad truth is my story needs to be full of it. Happily for me, the good ship House/Wilson isn’t an incredibly secular pairing and has an extremely educated and very dedicated fanbase who also tolerate het fairly well.

Writing 72,000 words inside two months has had an incredible impact on my life; I’ve lost 16lbs, missed out on 177 hours of sleep (is it sad that I kept count?), ditched 4 of my classes and called in sick 3 times for work. Also, my friends have started to complain that they can’t remember what I look like, and I’m becoming highly skilled at pretending I don’t notice tumbleweeds of cat-hair collecting in doorways, corners and around furniture legs.

As much as I’d like to say it’s a relief to be free of Teamwork, I feel like I’ve just lost a limb.

I’ve planned a rebound though; thanks to everyone’s support, encouragement and perseverance I’ve decided I’ll write a sequel. There wasn’t enough room for me to address House’s Daddy Issues within Teamwork, but I feel they are incredibly important to his character and won’t be touched again by canon. I want to try a kid!fic in the Teamwork!verse with a difference: House refusing to relate to his child out of a strong belief that the kid is better off without his influence. House does have an affinity with kids in general, but there’s a lot to fear in his own child: that he’s condemned a kid to misery through the contribution of his genetics, that he’ll inevitably do something to wreck the child’s life – and that the child should never have been his, anyway. It was conceived of a lie. Not to mention House’s own issues with his own father, and the memorable quote from Son of a Coma Guy (we love you, St. Doris), regarding “the delusion that fathering a child install[ing] a permanent geyser of unconditional love.” All this does not a happy father make. Meanwhile, Wilson is smitten by the newborn and makes an incredibly doting father-replacement while House is brooding. I won’t be addressing Wilson/Cuddy again in anything but a platonic, supportive relationship.

At this point I'd like to extend an invitation to anyone (who's read this far, for starters...) who has any concrit, questions or comments relating to the meta of this fic they'd like to raise with me. *points to Comments function* Use at will.

(Post a new comment)


[info]drunken_hedghog
2007-03-25 10:51 am UTC (link)
This is probably very evil and likely to get me flamed I like the idea of House dying near the end and Wilson coming to that realisation. It's not that the ending Teamwork has doesn't work (because it does, incredibly well), it's just that I like dramatic realisations.

I would be fascinated by a sequel where you look at House and his Daddy Issues. We've seen brief glimpses of him fighting them throughout Teamwork (having the book and torturing himself with it is one that sticks out), and I'd be intrigued by Cuddy's reaction to his distance - whether she'd prefer him to be that way, or if she'd like him to play a part.

But it might be a good idea to have a month (minimum) off before you start the sequel. Take a break, rest on your laurels and go do all that RL stuff. You certainly deserve it.

Oh and as for plotting, I'm so bad at that I wish I'd attended one of your English classes. What's the internal circularity thing about? *ready to take notes*

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]asynca
2007-03-26 08:43 am UTC (link)
This is probably very evil and likely to get me flamed I like the idea of House dying near the end and Wilson coming to that realisation

It makes for impact, a storyline like that - but sometimes I think it's a cheap way to whack people over the head. Want to get attention? Kill someone. Want to make sure people remember your fic? Kill someone. It's much harder to have a character come to a realisation like that without doing something so dramatic. I don't even know if Wilson's really there; I put some subtle allusions in to the last chapter to imply that House is Wilson's family, but it's defintely not as clear as I could have made it. Actually, I'm kinda happy with it.

But it might be a good idea to have a month (minimum) off before you start the sequel. Take a break, rest on your laurels and go do all that RL stuff. You certainly deserve it.

Thanks! That's good advice. I'm doing my masters at the moment, and I have study and classes to attend on top of my full-time job. So I really should focus on that.

Oh and as for plotting, I'm so bad at that I wish I'd attended one of your English classes. What's the internal circularity thing about? *ready to take notes*

If you need any help - I'm THE ESSAY NAZI. Seriously. My students would always try and give their essays a final glance-over before shakily handing them in to me.



(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)
(no subject) - [info]drunken_hedghog, 2007-03-26 11:23 am UTC

[info]eryslash
2007-03-25 11:38 am UTC (link)
I'm so glad House didn't die.
And I'm SO HAPPY you're writing a sequel. (So happy I think I'm almost going to cry. Aw, I'm such a girl) Really, that's...WONDERFUL.
Teamwork it's such an important part of the fandom, of my love for the show itself, that it was going to be very sad: no more squeeing whenever you posted a new chapter, no cute stupid noises in your journal anymore...
And now I know it won't stop! YAAAAY! Besides, the plot for the sequel of Teamwork is...SO. GOOD. I love kid!fics (the good kind, of course, like [info]deelaundry's and, soon, yours), and I'm sure you'll handle the plot wonderfully.
But I agree with [info]drunken_hedghog: take some rest! Like...a week of rest. Because I'm going to Palermo for a week and I don't know if I'll have time to go to an internet point *headdesk*

Aha, no, seriously, knowing you're not cruel enough to yourself to stop writing Teamwork, just made my day *heart* Ohhhh, happiness!

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]asynca
2007-03-26 08:46 am UTC (link)
Teamwork it's such an important part of the fandom

Whoa. That's quite a claim! Whether or not it's actually true, my head just inflated a couple of inches.

Besides, the plot for the sequel of Teamwork is...SO. GOOD. I love kid!fics (the good kind, of course, like deelaundry's and, soon, yours), and I'm sure you'll handle the plot wonderfully.

I hope so. I'm still trying to figure out my A-plot (because I've already decided the baby will be a B-plot) - and then I need a C-plot to play around with, as well. I think Chase will make a comeback. I love that boy.

Thanks again for your enthusiasm and support.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]misanthropicobs
2007-03-25 01:52 pm UTC (link)
If you don't know it already I think that Teamwork is an awesome story. I'm glad that House didn't die though, I'm one of those folk who want our guys together. As for the sequel YES, write it, I had wondered about that side of House while reading Teamwork and I'd like to see that aspect explored. Take a short break (like maybe 5 days or so first though).

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]asynca
2007-03-26 08:52 am UTC (link)
As for the sequel YES, write it, I had wondered about that side of House while reading Teamwork and I'd like to see that aspect explored.

I initially wanted to include it, but something that distressing (even if he's already found ways to successful ways of coping with it) can't be pushed to the side behind another plot. It's got to be the main reason you're exploring a storyline. So, yes. Looking forward to taking a peek at that part of House.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]jdr1184
2007-03-25 03:22 pm UTC (link)
I think the key to a Daddy Issues sequel will be the why House thinks he wouldn’t make a good dad. I’ve seen the premise ‘kid is better off” before but they never really explained why. I personally don’t think House would think of himself a bad father because of his lifestyle or even his drug addiction. They are not pluses, but they’re not enough of a reason. I see House’s fear more to do with repeating his father’s mistakes. The whole ep of Daddy’s boy was so confusing because House condemned his father for telling the truth but he constantly condemns the world for lying to him. Would anyone really want fake praise and admiration from their parents? Wouldn’t you really want the truth as long as you knew that you still had their love? The fact that John House was borderline physically abusive puts Daddy’s boy into a different view. I say borderline because when I described the scenario to someone closer to House’s age, he wasn’t the least be surprised or thought it was all that bad. In fact, he said ice bath and sleeping under the star is a lot better than being whipped with his father’s belt. I think that it was likely more John House’s mental abuse that screwed House up that physical. He doesn’t want to rob his child of whatever it is he thinks his father took from him. I’m not sure I know.

I’ll stop babbling now. I can’t wait for the next epic to begin.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]asynca
2007-03-26 08:56 am UTC (link)
I’ve seen the premise ‘kid is better off” before but they never really explained why. I personally don’t think House would think of himself a bad father because of his lifestyle or even his drug addiction. They are not pluses, but they’re not enough of a reason.

Well... I'm not sure I agree with that. A friend of mine has a disassociative, drug-addicted father and struggles with wishing for his love and attention often. He's too depressed and self-absorbed and proud to give her that.

I see House’s fear more to do with repeating his father’s mistakes.

And his own. House commits a lot of interpersonal infractions.

In fact, he said ice bath and sleeping under the star is a lot better than being whipped with his father’s belt. I think that it was likely more John House’s mental abuse that screwed House up that physical.

I agree with you on this one. Imagine putting an eight-year-old boy out in the yard all night, even during the summer. The boy is acutely aware there's no one to protect him; anything come enter the garden - robbers, animals, aliens - and harm or kidnap him. It's the lack of barrier, the lack of safety that is the bigger abuse here. It's the father saying to the son - I don't care if something happens to you. I'm putting you deliberately where things can harm you.

That's hugely, hugely traumatizing.

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(no subject) - [info]jdr1184, 2007-03-26 10:17 pm UTC

[info]earlwyn
2007-03-25 03:59 pm UTC (link)
I, too, am of the relieved-House-didn't-die party. That would have been awfully cruel, especially 200 words from the end.

One of the things I loved and hated about Teamwork is how flawed House and Wilson are together. It's incredibly realitis, especially how you have portrayed it, but it almost makes me forget why they are friends in the first place. You mentioned that in your original ending, Wilson would realized that he could never have a traditional, conventional life with House in the picture, which it what he thinks he wants, only to later realize he doesn't actually want it. Are you going to play with that in the sequel? Because, imho, canon Wilson has either come to this realization already - that he'd give up whatever plans he thought he wanted in his life for time spent with House - or he needs to come to this realization throughout Teamwork (if you do, indeed, continue it); otherwise, there doesn't seem like much motivation for him to stay with House.

However, if he does decided he wants House instead of marriage and children, the works, etc., would he been so keen as to play baby daddy when House refuses? The Wilson you've depicted is a bit shrewd and has a few bastardly tendencies. I could see him offering to help Cuddy out but not, you know, being absolutely smitter over a kid. I feel like that might be drifting into fanon cliche, if you don't mind me saying, and I'd be mournful to see such an excellent story as Teamwork fall into any sort of cliche. I'm interest how you portray the child thing.

I think there has been a subtle change from the way their sexual relationship started out - two honry, lonely friends helping each other out? - to what it is now, with deeper feelings. I'd like to see both Wilson and House deal with that. It can't be easy.

Also, the other thing I wished had more closure (and this could just be me, personally, who thinks this) was that I don't think House would respond to the knowledge that Wilson and Cuddy slept together very - nicely. He'd be jealous. I think you kind of left it open for interpretation at the end with Wilson's thought that he could bring up House and Cameron's kiss if House tried to bring up Wilson and Cuddy together - I can see Wilson being all right with it. I wonder if House will be all right with it, though; if he would still trust Wilson. Wilson, also, given his past comments on cheating, would, I think, tell House eventually about sleeping with Cuddy. That is, unless, he doesn't view sleeping with Cuddy as cheating.

As I read through everything (again), I also had a question. Throughout Teamwork, House does incredibly deciteful and harmful things, but I still empathize with him. There's just enough gray area not to condemn him to the hangman's noose. Yet, he gets rather the short end of the stick as far as endings go, as he appears to be in love with his best friend (who may or may not still be harbouring desires for married life to a female), estranged from Cuddy to some extent, suspended from work, detoxing from a high overdose, and plagued with guilt that he will be a father soon. Do you, um, hate House or something; or do you plan to resolve some of this? I know it's ridiculous to wish a happy ending for House (because House will never be happy) but - I'd at least like him to have less problems than he has right now. Do you have any plans for that or do you not consider House to be very worthy of getting a few good turns in the future?

Good luck detoxing from writing this. I know what it's like to have your life so consumed by one piece of work that when it ends, there's a vaguely empty and lost feeling. Two to three weeks has always been enough time for me to recover rest-wise and then long to jump back into the fray. Just, you know, a hint of sorts. *wink*

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]petrichor_fizz
2007-03-25 06:40 pm UTC (link)
I don't know if it's an unhappy ending for House. I think that, while Wilson still finds Cuddy attractive, he has fallen in love with House and is committed to him (although, granted, Wilson does have commitment issues). He will probably be reinstated fairly shortly, and he will recover from the overdose, given a little time. It is true that he's alienated from Cuddy and feels guilty, but overall I think it's worked out reasonably well for him. After all, there will always be problems in life. Sometimes endings aren't "happy" or "sad", they're just... endings.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)
(no subject) - [info]earlwyn, 2007-03-25 07:58 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]petrichor_fizz, 2007-03-26 08:09 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]asynca, 2007-03-26 09:19 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]asynca, 2007-03-26 09:19 am UTC

[info]empressaurelius
2007-03-25 04:18 pm UTC (link)
This was incredibly interesting to read, hon-thank you for writing it. Death!fic would've worked fine, but I like the way that you decided to do things. I'm not surprised to hear about the effects writing this story had on you-it was obvious that you were putting a lot into it.

So, all that being said, I cannot WAIT for the sequel. I totally think that House would struggle with being a father, and that Wilson would step up to the plate-I was thinking of writing something about that myself.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]asynca
2007-03-26 09:20 am UTC (link)
So, all that being said, I cannot WAIT for the sequel. I totally think that House would struggle with being a father, and that Wilson would step up to the plate-I was thinking of writing something about that myself.

Whoops! Sorry for planning something similar to your idea. Would it help if I reassure you our stories will probably end up being very different?

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)
(no subject) - [info]empressaurelius, 2007-03-26 04:22 pm UTC

[info]deelaundry
2007-03-25 05:03 pm UTC (link)
I love author's notes; thank you for writing them. You already know, but I'll reiterate, that I would love to know more about Cuddy's issues/motivations in the sequel.

I'm glad House didn't die, because I think it makes it more poignant that Wilson reflects on the fact that House is very likely to die early. He has to give his heart knowing that it's likely to be broken, and he'll end up alone again.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]asynca
2007-03-26 09:21 am UTC (link)
You already know, but I'll reiterate, that I would love to know more about Cuddy's issues/motivations in the sequel.

Duly noted ;)

He has to give his heart knowing that it's likely to be broken, and he'll end up alone again.

I can't wait to write Wilson as beautifully in love with House and completely terrified by everything associate with that. Wilson's fear manifests as controlling, lecturing and manipulating ;)

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]poeia
2007-03-25 05:29 pm UTC (link)
I agree that an outline, at the very least, is important when you write in installments. Even if you have to revise it along the way, it keeps you from meandering all over the place and writing 144,000 words instead of 72k. Writers who submit completed works to their publishers can probably afford to see where the story takes them because they can always rewrite before others get to see their work.

I actually wouldn't have cared if you hadn't included the sex. I enjoyed it (a lot) but what kept me coming back was the compelling story. I think House and Wilson belong together because they fit. And, if they only way they could make it work would be a platonic relationship with hooker day once a week, that would work for me too.

The Chase/Cameron/House dynamic that you had to drop would have been interesting. And I'm always interested in seeing different people's take on House's daddy issues so I have that to look forward to.

And thanks for not making it a death fic. I can deal with that in one-shots, but not in a story I am so caught up in. It would have been much to traumatic.

So take a break - you earned it. If the sequel is also going to be long (please!) I would suggest getting a few chapters ahead in the story before you begin posting. It might take a little of the pressure off you. (Plus, there was so much happening in this one, I found I'd have to reread the previous chapter to keep it straight when the intervals were more than a couple of days.)

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]asynca
2007-03-26 09:26 am UTC (link)
If the sequel is also going to be long (please!) I would suggest getting a few chapters ahead in the story before you begin posting. It might take a little of the pressure off you. (Plus, there was so much happening in this one, I found I'd have to reread the previous chapter to keep it straight when the intervals were more than a couple of days.)

This is a good point, actually, and thanks for making it. I write plotty narratives, and people forget what's happening if you don't update constantly. I even had to sink to sticking a "[dramatic voice]PREVIOUSLY, ON TEAMWORK[/dramatic voice]" snippet at the opening one of the chapters.

I think I'll write longer chapters for the next story - I'm absolutely determined to execute the subtleties of a complex plot better in the sequel than I did in the original. Longer chapters would take the pressure off me to constantly update, and would give me more of an opportunity to review what I've written and revise it if necessary. I'm thinking 6000-8000 words per chapter is likely.

And thanks for not making it a death fic.

You're most welcome. I love my boys too much to separate them permanently.


(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]bleached_drama
2007-03-25 05:53 pm UTC (link)
I did kind of wonder how you were pumping out so many awesome chapters after another. You're certainly dedicated! And I'm glad to see it go, myself. As an aside, I don't think using notes makes you a weak author. In my experience, most people who just write freely have to go back and edit to get things to make sense.

I'm glad House didn't die, mainly because I would have cried my eyes out. I can barely handle well-written "House and Wilson are no longer friends" storylines, much less "House dies a possibly painful death after chapters and chapters and Wilson realizes what he lost."

The kid fic sounds great. You're right, a lot of people don't go into depth about why House would be afraid of it. When you have something like what House has in your past, it's easy to see yourself slipping into the same role as, in this case, House's father. On top of that, House does have real flaws (tendency to snap at people at random, drug habit, possible death at a young age...). So while I don't think he'd make a bad father, it's not like even Wilson is going to think he'd be perfect... It should be interesting. But take your time!

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]asynca
2007-03-26 09:29 am UTC (link)
You're certainly dedicated!

...or crazy. You pick.

I can barely handle well-written "House and Wilson are no longer friends" storylines

You're totally talking about [info]deelaundry's jailfic, aren't you? MY GOD. I've never cried so much in my life. Who'd have thought a fic where no one died could make me bawl my eyes out?

So while I don't think he'd make a bad father, it's not like even Wilson is going to think he'd be perfect...

I think I'm also going to need to examine what differentiates 'Good Father' from 'Bad Father' in order to address House's issues.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]petrichor_fizz
2007-03-25 06:44 pm UTC (link)
It's so interesting that you intended this as a death fic. I do think that it would have worked well, and been very poignant, but I think I might have felt slightly cheated after 30 chapters of rooting for them to get together.

I really like author's notes, because the process of writing is fascinating to me (and I write myself, compulsively but sporadically - it's heartenting to see somebody so dedicated and disciplined, which is what I need to learn to be).

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]asynca
2007-03-26 09:30 am UTC (link)
but I think I might have felt slightly cheated after 30 chapters of rooting for them to get together.

I decided I didn't want hoardes of angry readers marching after me with flaming torches and pitchforks. It was a surprisingly powerful motivator for House to live *g*


(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)
(no subject) - [info]petrichor_fizz, 2007-03-26 08:09 pm UTC

[info]nakannalee
2007-03-25 07:05 pm UTC (link)
Congrats! You did it! :P It's entirely selfish to say this was over too soon, but you've ended at a perfect spot for this fic to feel complete and yet the story is just beginning.

As so many others have said, take a nice break and recooperate. This story was just so compelling and enjoyable to read; it's no surprise that it took such a toll to write it. It will be easier to write a sequel if you're not tagging along on Teamwork's coattails. Relax, kick back, enjoy some retrospection.

I loved what you were saying about Chase as innocent victim of Cameron/House, and Cuddy the innocent victim of Wilson/House. But how you executed the story worked too.

Also, I'm glad you didn't kill House off. It would have been absolutely devastating to read along, only to get punched in the gut with something like that. It would have been a justified ending, but... Yes, I like this much, much better.

I agree about what you said about the sex scenes. To a certain extent it is needed to draw in readers. I personally love that you included some, though. While I believe the fic would have easily stood on its own without it, describing the intimacy between House and Wilson and Wilson and Cuddy enhanced and revealed more about the characters and their inter-personal relations. It also helped to get the reader emotionally involved and invested in the most private aspect of their lives. So yes, the fic would've worked without it; but you used just enough, well-written, for it to make the fic that much better.

I have to admit, I'm not a very big fan of kid!fics in general, but of course I'll be tuning in to see what you write, especially with the daddy issues waiting to be fully confronted.

Once more, incredible job. *hugs* Now go treat yourself to some indulgent personal time! You deserve it. :D

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]asynca
2007-03-26 09:37 am UTC (link)
I have to admit, I'm not a very big fan of kid!fics in general, but of course I'll be tuning in to see what you write, especially with the daddy issues waiting to be fully confronted.

Any reason in particular? Any cliches you particularly hate? I'm not a big fan of cliches, so if you can draw my attention to them, I'll be careful to avoid them.

To be honest, Liam is going to be a total plot device - so I wouldn't worry about him taking over the story. He's also going to be too young to have much of a personality beyond being a fussy, colicky baby. He's more a symbol to House than he is his own entity. I think it's predictable Wilson will love him, though. Wilson strikes me as being very happy to roost - and, of course, they won't be spending enough time with the baby for Wilson to develop any real negative feelings toward it.

Thanks - as always - for your incredible support and encouragement. You are one of the very tangible reasons why I continued Teamwork, and I want to let you know that I appreciate you being there for me.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)
(no subject) - [info]nakannalee, 2007-03-26 08:25 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]asynca, 2007-03-26 08:42 pm UTC

[info]azrielsdaughter
2007-03-26 01:52 am UTC (link)
I was bad, I read the author notes first. X3

And now I get to go and read the entire thing! Yay! I'll probably spend a week reading it, then get back to you. ;) That's just how Ashton rolls.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]asynca
2007-03-26 09:38 am UTC (link)
ASHTON. *forehead slap*

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)
(no subject) - [info]azrielsdaughter, 2007-03-26 04:52 pm UTC

[info]jerico_cacaw
2007-03-27 06:28 pm UTC (link)
I actually plotted two parallel narratives, because I figured I might not be able to bring myself to go through with House dying.

From what I’ve seen in the original entry and your answers to other people’s comments, this ‘I plot’ thing you do (please don’t confuse with I-pod) follows a method, yes? There is Plot-A, which is the main, and Plots B/C/etc are secondary to it. So you might not delve into the subplots as deeply as you first planned, I can understand that; you might even not use them or watch as they evolve into a completely different creature to the original one.

But Plot-A is, in my mind, something like the story’s spinal column; there are limbs and organs and you know the rest, but it is the vertebrae what keeps the being up. So when you said there were parallel narratives, the image that comes to my mind is that of a twin pair, but following the story-as-a-being analogy, I have to say it looks more like a two-headed entity. And, you know, that you had to choose which one gets to live.

As a fan of science fiction, speculation is something I recurrently face; what-if scenarios, parallel words. Alternate, aborted endings in non-scifi stories is similar enough to get my curiosity piqued, thus this somewhat bizarre, apparently out of the blue author-harassing from my part *wink*.

So, from the line I quote at the beginning: was that the only reason you changed the story conclusion? I’ve seen other authors not dealing with characters dying because they simply can’t see it, like a concept that refuses to become true in their minds. But from your words, I get you were able to see it but unable to express or give birth to it. Is my interpretation correct?

I ask out of curiosity, having experienced both feelings: trying to paint a scene in my mind that just comes to nothing (I’ll make a pause to admit het is the bane of my muse’s existence); and sitting for an hour staring at a white page, unable to put something into words, for multiple reasons -- shame, fear, reluctance … even lack of proper words, or simple lack of ability to correctly transmit the atmosphere.

Some writers can say ‘I’ll kill [insert character name here]’ and go with it without much thought; but, being you a plot-ty one, and keeping in mind that you didn’t decide what to do until 2.5, I’d like to ask how much did you ponder in the subject. Was it a ‘hell no’, ‘hell yes’, ‘hell no’, ‘hell yes’, ‘hell no’, ‘all right, you win’ session with your inner self, or a pros and cons kind of thing? Or did the story simply lead you to believe it was the thing to do (to keep House alive, in case I’ve lost you there)?

*looks attentive at the English teacher*

[this is me trying to keep you mind away from plotting the sequel. Now, stop thinking about Liam Cuddy and his extended family or your brain will never get its much deserved rest. You can ponder existentialist questions meanwhile, thus this comment.]

[my fan side won’t stop poking at me until I admit on enjoying your story much. And, really, that last Cameron scene was completely unexpected. Double chocolate cookies for surprising me =B.]

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]asynca
2007-03-27 08:14 pm UTC (link)
So when you said there were parallel narratives, the image that comes to my mind is that of a twin pair, but following the story-as-a-being analogy, I have to say it looks more like a two-headed entity.

Yeah, a two-headed entity is a better description than a twin pair. The two plotlines were the same until they reached about 2.9, 3.1, and they diverged after that. They split at the neck of the story, if you will.

So, from the line I quote at the beginning: was that the only reason you changed the story conclusion?

I'd like to say it was because I felt I could accomplish the same goal without killing House. I actually don't think that's entirely true. Perhaps, if I had more time to look at this story, if it were truly a novel I could find a way to express the gravity of belongingness Wilson feels to House without killing House. However, the main reason I decided not to kill House was because I think it's an AWFUL betrayal of readers to make them read 72,000 words (originally 75,000... 2.10 went missing), and then have one of the main characters die unexpectedly. There were quite a few people following this, and I just couldn't do that to them. I couldn't do it to Teamwork!Wilson, either, who feels like a real person to me. So, whilst I could definitely conceptually see House dying, I care about too many aspects of the story, the readership and characters to go ahead with it.

my fan side won’t stop poking at me until I admit on enjoying your story much

Hee. Thanks!


And, really, that last Cameron scene was completely unexpected. Double chocolate cookies for surprising me =B.]

I like surprises. If I'd had more time with the Cameron-and-House as Wilson-and-Cuddy storyline it MAY not have been as unexpected, though.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

(Anonymous)
2007-04-10 02:21 am UTC (link)
You can definitely add the number of interested people from two to (at least) three. I didn't find this until late because I was scared by the het, but then it was recced enough that I had to read, and boy am I glad I did! The incredible dynamic between House and Cuddy through the medium of Wilson was fabulous. The dialogue was spot-on, though I'll admit that I usually cast Stacy in a different light than you did. (That doesn't mean I didn't like yours, though!!)

I'll be keeping an eye out for the sequel.

(And sorry for the anonymous comment...my friends don't know I'm a slash-whore. Or that I read porn online. They're *cue rolling eyes* republicans. *Sigh*)

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]asynca
2007-04-10 02:28 am UTC (link)
Greetings, Mysterious Stranger!

my friends don't know I'm a slash-whore. Or that I read porn online. They're *cue rolling eyes* republicans. *Sigh*

My deepest sympathies. *comforting shoulder pat*

I'm glad Teamwork worked for you; I'm always encouraged when well-spoken (written?) reviewers make precision comments about what elements they liked.

I will agree that my Stacy varies from the way other people see her. Hopefully not too dramatically from canon, though.

Thanks for commenting, I always like to have a roll-call of readers, even if they have to be anonymous ;)

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]gustav_anon
2007-04-14 02:22 am UTC (link)
I've only started writing fan fiction recently, but I've been reading for a long while. I think I can honestly say this is the best fic I have ever read. Ever. In any fandom.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]asynca
2007-04-14 02:29 am UTC (link)
Wow!

That's certainly very high praise - and I thank you for your support! However, the House, MD fandom in particular generally gives birth to some absolutely amazing stuff - in particular, you might like to check out [info]nakannalee, [info]daasgrrl and [info]queenzulu's LJs for some pretty challenging, insightful fiction.

Oh, and since I'm here, I'll self-pimp that the Epilogue for Teamwork is here, and the Prologue for the sequel to Teamwork (Eggshells) is here.

(fixed a link tag)

(Reply to this) (Parent)

[info]twelvenight
2007-04-14 12:57 pm UTC (link)
I only came across this yesterday and read it in one go. (You are not the only one, who lost some hours of sleep because of Essential Elements of Teamwork *g*). It's a truly wonderful story. It is such a treasure to find a story in which the main characters are portrayed as multi-facetted adults and that contains a good plot, plus either good background knowledge or substantial amount of research. Brava! I have friended you and hope that's ok. Looking very much forward to the sequel.

(Reply to this)


[info]bibablack
2007-06-03 11:25 am UTC (link)
I just finished reading this and I have to say its amazing with perfect characterization. However, sometimes I wanted to slap slut!Wilson for being so clueless (much like canon!Wilson). I love (and found it heartbreaking!) how you made House become slowly more bitter and self destructive because of (and corresponding with) Wilsons infidelity.House seemed to be happy at first with finally having Wilson, but came to realise the depth of his affections were not exactly reciprocated. At least not consciously. I have thought for ages that this sort of thing is the reasoning between canon!Houses actions during S3; because of something that happened between them at the end of S2. Or maybe Im just delusional:)

Also I love you so much for what you wrote about House smiling 'bashfully' at Wilson after the Tritter fiasco. I noticed that too. Im under the impression Teamwork!House is still pissed at Wilson at th end of this, as Wilson hasnt really, fully shown he reciprocates the intensity of Houses feelings. I agree with and like what you said about Wilson being confused though. Sometimes I think confusion is what drives Wilson.

Before I stop rambling I have a question (not a good one, please dont hit me!) Is 'Pepsi' really Mark, or someone else? I thought House might be referring to Wilson when he was talking about 'Coke'.

(Reply to this)


[info]miraba
2007-09-09 06:28 am UTC (link)
I've just spend the last 5 hours glued to my monitor. I'm 15 episodes through season 3 (Cameron kissed House, Chase and Cameron hooked up again, no update on Cuddy's hopeful pregnancy). Can I make it through the other stories without running into spoilers for the rest of the season?

(Reply to this) (Thread)

[info]asynca
2007-09-09 06:44 am UTC (link)
Yes, there should be no spoilers past Cameron and Chase hooking up in Eggshells.

I wrote it when I was about where you are in s3.

(Reply to this) (Parent)(Thread)
(no subject) - [info]miraba, 2007-09-09 01:00 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]asynca, 2007-09-09 08:11 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]miraba, 2007-09-09 10:47 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]miraba, 2007-09-10 05:40 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]miraba, 2007-09-10 08:32 pm UTC

[info]naggawikka
2008-01-14 10:55 am UTC (link)
I'm relatively new to this fandom but I've read as much as I could since I've begun -- Teamwork is one of the longest housefic I've read, and surely the best.

I loved how you managed to stay true to all the characters; not only House and Wilson, but also Stacy, or even Mark, get to be 3d characters ... and I loved your tidbits on Chase, even if I'm not specially interested in him in the show. In my (allegedly restricted) experience, it's rare for fics to show Wilson and House as flawed and still letting the reader believing that it could work. I loved Cuddy here too, how she knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to try and get it. I still don't know how I feel about her disregarding totally House and Wilson's relationship for a big part of the story, to be honest -- but I still think it is credible.

Like, uh, almost everybody who commented, I'm very glad that House didn't die; the main reason being that as deelaundry said, the specter of his impending death, omnipresent in Wilson's mind, give their relationship a different twist.( other reasons being that hey, I don't like my favorite characters to die and I wouldn't have deal so well at 6 AM after an insomnia ^^ ) I could totally see this fic ending sadly, with Wilson finally giving up, defeated.

About the sex scenes: maybe they weren't necessary, as you said, but still you manage to give them meaning. If found the first encounters of House and Wilson especially rich and telling about them and their view of each other, and realistic -- like Wilson kind of wishing it was anybody else, the search for an appropriate position, etc.

What else? I loved Wilson's point of view, how some of the issues aren't closed and how we still don't know about some of House's motivations -- in a way I'm not sure he himself is really that clear about them sometimes, which is an nice change from fanon omniscient!House. And I liked your portraying of Wilson, kind of overwhelmed and incapable of saying "no" to the women after him, and with a somewhat de-dramatized look upon cheating -- it makes his canon divorces very plausible.

So, thanks for sharing, sorry for the spelling mistakes ( I'm French, still moved by this story *and* had about 3h sleep ...), I'm off to read the sequel now!

(Reply to this)


[info]cadeira
2008-06-30 04:35 pm UTC (link)
Many people have commented on this story and included their thoughts about writing and plotting. I fear I don´t have much to say to that, because the sheer twisted cunningness of your plotting overwhelmed me. I took my time to read this; had it printed out and stuff... and really it felt like a little world I could dive into after the day.
There were some things I adored immensely about this story, some things about the OMC characterizations I didn´t like that much but everytime something felt off for me, the little silver hammer appeared and made me yell "YES! Exactly, that´s so true!" (One example would be Mark showing up at House - it felt strange to me but the speech he gave... every-EVERY little thing about that was so true and well observed!
There were also points at which I was convinced "That is even too twisted for him... except it really isn´t."
I´m pretty glad you didn´t kill House and I´m also quite glad everything awkward and dysfunctional about the relationship of all those people was sustained. Many stories try to "fix" canon. You took it and showed the miserableness in all its glory but somehow also managed a kind-of-Happy End.
I´m also seriously in awe of your treasury of words!
In a word... wonderful.

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