As a person with common sense, I'm rather wary of sharing things about myself online. But I'll tell you a few things, things that don't really matter overall...I grew up in a southern US state (hence my username). I love writing; I write original pieces, but I also enjoy writing fanfiction. I love music, and play a few instruments. I adore animals, and my sole roommate was my beloved mutt until I found a stray cat that we ended up adopting (and I say we, because the cat acts like she's almost as much the dog's as she is mine).

In May 2012, I graduated from a prestigious public university with a double major in political science & global studies (focusing on international politics and Africa) and a minor in Arabic language & culture. I graduated a year early in order to save money and proceed to grad school. I now live in NYC (along with 8 million other people) but I'm currently on a break from my masters program in attempts to preserve my remaining sanity ;).

I've been reading a fair bit of fanfiction lately, in part as an escape from the real world as I struggle with stress/'s a battle I've fought before, and nothing new, but fanfiction can be a great escape from the overwhelming feelings and stress and pressures. Though depression can wreak havoc on the muse or any inspiration, I've actually had several story ideas over the past few months and there are a few stories I'm dabbling with when I get the motivation/time to write. Since my work with them is so sparse I have yet to publish anything, but if I can get a decent amount written, I may start publishing before I complete the stories. I also have ideas for a couple of oneshots (or other short stories), so I might perhaps publish something then.

In the meanwhile, feel free to read my previously-posted work (as old and awful as some of it may be...despite my having deleted some of the older, worse stuff). And of course, please leave comments on whatever you read!

Universes I'm Interested In:

-Sweep by Cate Tiernan- I wrote several stories for this series, and it was the first series I wrote for. Unfortunately, I wrote for this series back when I was 12/13 and the writing was...well, it made me want to tear my eyes out when I read it a few years later. Therefore, I deleted those stories (I don't even know if I have them on my hard-drive anymore, especially as it's several computers since I wrote them), and I'm afraid I don't really read any of those stories anymore.

-Harry Potter- This was the second universe I got into, and one I've stayed with...mostly. At first I was really only interested in Lily/James, and that's what is featured in most of my published stories. This has changed over the years, especially in reading habits. I went through and read every single completed Remus/Sirius story a few years ago, although I don't read it much anymore and I never wrote any stories with the relationship. I also got into AU Harry growing up stories for a while. I have the beginnings of a few of those sitting in some file somewhere, although many of them haven't even been opened in a couple years (or more). I also got into reading HarryHermione, and I think I started one or two stories for that pairing...but I didn't get far. Then I got into one of the more unconventional pairings of the HP universe, that being Harry/Draco. I can't explain it, but I really enjoy it. I started a fair few of those stories as well, but I think most of them were lost to perils of hard-drive crashes. I've gotten back into Harry/Hermione again, and I've got one story cooking in that line, and another that may turn up that way but since it starts in Harry's childhood I haven't really gotten that far.

-Twilight- I've been enjoying some unconventional pairings in this universe as well. I've read a lot of Bella/Jasper, and even written/published one story of my own. I do enjoy Bella/Edward in the series (for the most part), but I'll only read certain Bella/Edward stories in fanfiction- it depends on the plot and how well it's written. And while I liked the idea of Bella/Jacob in the series...I can't stand the idea of Bella/Jacob fanfiction. I'm odd, I know. I started a Bella/Edward stories this past year but haven't gotten super far with them. I have lots of ideas, but the process of sitting down to pound them out on the keyboard isn't going so well. Hopefully I'll be able to progress with them further and publish in the near future.

-Bones- I was really into this universe, but the fanfiction community/stories have less pull now that Bones & Booth are together in the show. I was working on several stories of my own, but again, there's that pesky problem of school and real life...Hopefully, however, I'll be able to finish and post some stuff too.

-Castle- I've read a few good stories, but haven't gotten particularly invested in this fanfiction community. I also don't think I've started any stories for this universe.

I do like various other series, but I haven't really checked out their fanfiction yet. I'll let you know if I add another universe to my fanfiction perusals.

Something else you should know about me, I tend to rant a lot. And thus, my fanfiction related rants are below...

Flames: I detest not only flames, but the flamers themselves. If I don't like a story, I stop reading it pretty quickly. I don't understand the need people seem to feel to be so mean in reviews. Yes, some stories on this site are very very very bad, but still- you don't need to rub the writer's face in it! Leave them alone!

Reviews: I review every story I read. Well, every story that I read that I don't hate at least. As a writer myself, I know how much reviews mean to the author. And how kind reviews make the harsh reviews not hurt so much. And the ridiculous ratio of hits to reviews. Thus, I always review- in hopes that others will do the same kindness for me.

Mary Sues/ Avatars: Oh how I hate these. I swear, fanfiction wise they are my biggest pet peeve. Even more than flames. Well, most likely. I mean...oh goodness gracious...Seriously- who wants to read that? I sure don't...

Thus ends my rant, for now at least...

"I, SweetSouthernGal, do solemnly swear to review all the fics I read, regardless of the number of reviews, its age, or anything else. I have joined the review revolution."

Join the revolution! And check out "The Reviews Lounge" C2!

SweetSouthernGal