I'm really not a reader of fan-fiction. Maybe it has something to do with the few extremely creepy examples I came across in my early days of online fandom, but I really don't like the stuff that's about Keanu as Keanu. While I agree that he's an exquisite muse, and that there's frequently high quality writing involved, there's something about the things that are projected onto him that leave me a little squicked out. (Full disclosure: way back in the days I posted on USENET, I was baited into writing a piece of cliche-ridden tripe just to prove I could. I file it with the bungee-jumping experience. Regrettable. Should have kept my mouth shut.) We all have our fantasies but frankly I don't want to read every graphic, sticky, veiny detail of yours, ok? Thanks. That's just me though. There are folks that do, so....um....keep it up...so to speak.

That being said, I recognize that fanfic is certainly a popular form of creative expression, and using what/who you know and love as inspiration to create is a great place to start exploring your skills. On the non-squicky upside, there's a lot of good character-based fiction out there, and since it actually serves to explore a character beyond (or before) what we experience in a flim storyline, I tend to find it easier to enjoy. The various stories found over at BillandTed.org are a great example of good writing by fans who know and love their characters.

These stories vary from short and sweet - including two different versions of how Little Bill and Ted met - to most excellent homages to classic tales with a twist - to the very touching and thoughtful, including one where Ted decides to use the time machine to try to prevent the death of his mother, and my favorite: Someone to Watch Over You, written from the perspective of Ted's mother about the early days of the friendship of Bill and Ted.

It was raining steadily by late afternoon, and already you and Bill were restless and wanting to go outside. As any concerned mother, I resisted your pleads at first, but the minute there was a break in the rain I gave my permission. I barely caught sight of your raincoats as you darted through the kitchen into the back yard to carry out your boat races or whatever it is you used to do out there in the mud and water.

I was surprised to see almost two hours had passed when the sound of heavy drops hitting the aluminum rain gutters urged me to call you inside. I stood at the back door to make sure that wet garments would not force me to clean the kitchen floor again. Bill stepped easily out of the black galoshes, and I thought how terrible it was that his mother couldn't even buy him the right sized clothes. Then I saw your unprotected, soaking wet tennis shoes and understood.

"Ted 'Theodore' Logan! What do you mean, going outside without your boots?"

"But Mom, Bill didn't have any boots, so I lent him mine."

You try so hard to protect your children, repeatedly warning them and keeping after them, and yet things get by you and you want to unleash your exasperation upon the unwitting youth. But your explanation got to me. How could I possibly punish an act of selflessness?

That one made me a little pheklempt. *sniff*

I haven't had a chance to read them all, but I'd venture a guess that none of the stories at BillandTed.org are beyond PG-13 (and I'd like it to go on record right now that if there exists any Bill and Ted slash? I DON'T WANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT.) So if you'd like to take some time catching up on the possible histories and alternate exploits of the two great ones it's a good place to pass the time.