FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is a Big Bang?
There are many different types of Big Bangs, all varying slightly, but generally a bigbang is a process in which authors write long fics (10,000 or 20,000 words) and artists make art/fanmixes for them.

How do I sign up?
If you're an author, you head over to the Author Sign Ups and sign up! If you're an artist, you head over to the Artist Sign Ups and sign up there!

Author Requirements

What are the requirements for my fic?
Your fic must be at least 10,000 words long and be classified under the fantasy genre. This can mean a lot of things: angels, demons, vampires, werewolves, faeries, &c. Anything goes here.

What genres/fandoms are allowed?
The only requirement is that it must be fantasy. Books, movies, poems, anything. Want to write a crossover? Go ahead. Original fiction is also allowed so long as, again, it's fantasy.

If I have more than one idea, can I write both?
As long as you think you'll be able to finish both by the deadline, go right ahead. If it comes down to having two incomplete fics or abandoning one and finishing the other, we ask that you please try to complete at least one.

Can I write a story with my friend?
Sure, go ahead!

Artist Requirements

What are the requirements for art?
You can make whatever kind of art you feel like, in whatever medium you choose—drawing, painting, digital art, photo manips, even regular photo shoots if you like. Since the authors will have three months to write, we ask that you put some time and effort into your art, to match the effort that the authors have put into this challenge.

What are the requirements for a mix?
Mixes must include at least five songs, though you should feel free to include more. Most mixers also include front and back art for a CD case and link to the songs (whether uploaded for download or just on youtube) but it's not required.

How do I know what I'm making art for?
After the authors turn in their rough drafts, the mods will make a claims post. We'll include a short summary, the pairing and fandom (if applicable) and any other information we think might be relevant. You can then post a comment choosing which story you'd like to make art for, and then that story is yours!

Ok, so how do I make a claim?
Claims are done on a first come, first serve basis. We will be putting up a post and the artists and fanmixers will reply to it with their first, second, and third choices. You will be assigned the first fic that is available within those choices.

What happens if the number of authors and artists don't match up?
We will do several rounds of claiming so that EVERY fic has both art and a mix in the event that fics outnumber artists and mixers. If it's the other way, we may open up the fics so that more than one artists or mixer is assigned to the same fic. Either way, everyone who wants to participate will get to participate.

If I'm a mixer and an artist, can I claim the same fic for both?
As long as the story is available on both claiming posts, yes. If not, it's ok to do art for a different story than you do for a mix. After all, that means you get to read two stories, not just one!

How will I get my art/mix to my author?
After the claiming, you will be provided with the contact information for your author.

Schedule

Author Sign Ups Open: June 5
Artist Sign Ups Open: June 5
Author Sign Ups Close: July 31
Rough Drafts Due: Sept. 30
Artist Claims Open: Oct. 5
Final Fics Due: Nov. 1
Posting Starts: Nov. 5

What should my rough draft look like?
Rough drafts should be at least 8,000 of the required 10,000 words. Whether it's finished and just needs to be edited (and added to) or is still missing the ending (or even the beginning, depending on how you write) is up to you. The point of the rough draft deadline is to make sure that you'll be able to make the final deadline for the finished fic.

Can I have an extension?
The mods will be evaluating requests for extensions on a case-by-case basis. We will do our best to be accommodating, but we would hope that you will use the time given you wisely.

Community Maintenance

So, do I join the community, or just watch it?
Go ahead an join. The community settings are currently set so that only the moderators can make posts, but that will change when it comes time to post. But for now, go ahead an join!


Posting Requirements

What are the requirements for me to post my story?
All stories (and art and mixes) should be posted to your personal journal and linked to in your post in this community. If your personal journal is friends locked, and you would prefer not to make even a single post unlocked, please talk with either your mixer or your artist and see if you can work something out. Otherwise, all posts should be made by the author and include links to the both the art and the mix.

Additionally, we ask that you include the header below. You should feel free to add to it if you think we're missing something (like a warning, or notes), but please make sure that you include all the information in the header.

<b>Title:</b> <b>Author:</b> <b>Artist:</b> <b>Mixer:</b> <b>Fandom:</b> [You may put "Original" here if your story is not fanfiction] <b>Word Count:</b> <b>Rating:</b> <b>Beta:</b> <b>Summary:</b> <b>Art:</b><a href="ART LINK">TITLE</a> <b>Mix:</b><a href="MIX LINK"><TITLE</a>

Can I post my story on my journal early to show it to my friends?
No, the first post of your fic must be on the reveal day. If you are using a friend as a beta, please make arrangements for them to see your story privately (by friends filter, but preferably by email).

What do I do if my story is too big to go in a single post?
Most people choose to break up their story into two or more parts an then create a master post that links to all the parts, the art and the mix.

Where should I upload my art/mix?
There are several free sites such as Megaupload, Sendspace, or Mediafire that can be used for large files or songs. Tinypic is a good place for images or .gif files, as is Photobucket.

Misc. (including Drop Out rules)

What do I do if I have to drop out?
If you're dropping out, please email Sky-mod (cerulean.sky @ gmail.com) with the text below. No reasons needed if you don't want to provide them. We do ask that you drop out before the artist claiming opens, so that the artist doesn't waste their time on a story that won't end up being finished for the challenge.

<b>Name:</b> <b>LJ you signed up with:</b> I am letting you know that I am dropping out of Fantasy Big Bang.

I don't really want to use LJ for this, but I have a DW account...
You are in luck! There is already a DW mirror community for this, over here: Fantasy Big Bang. Please feel free to sign up there. When the time comes, the mods will provide all the instructions for how to go about posting your story or art.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to comment here!