Author Profile: Vienna_Waits

[lucifuge-5.livejournal.com]

Author: vienna_waits 
Website/link to fic: Her LJ Memories, one entry at the DSA and two entries at the older Due South Seekrit Santa Archive
Fanlore page: It's right here.
First DS fic posted: 2005
Full disclosure: I recced one of her fics last year during my turn at the crack_van  wheel. So, in short, I'm just a fan.
Pairings: None besides a Frannie/German guy from the "Dead Men Don't Throw Rice" episode flashfic.
Style and strengths: As one of the few genfic writers in the fandom, she displays a talented hand while writing different kinds of stories within the same genre. She takes what could be so-so premises and makes them into really fascinating and entertaining fanfic. Her respect for everyone in the due South universe translates into high-quality stories that touch the heart, bring a smile to the reader's face and offer new observations on well-known characters. Her Fraser, RayK, Bob Fraser and even Diefenbaker voices will ring true to any due South fan.
Other DS/C6D activity: None.

Some favourites

Stronger (NC-17 for noncon and violence, flashfic.) This is a dark fic. Pitch-black and extreme  (please, heed the warnings at the beginning of the story!) this is also about dignity and coming full circle. What starts as a mild fic--with Mort musing about his line of work--becomes a tale on the price of survival in the most horrible conditions. vienna_waits  gives us one of the reasons behind Mort's life-affirming perspective as well as how much his past continues to shape the man he is today.

The Pursuit of Happiness, or Chasing Serenity (G, 5401 words) Why is Frannie aiming at a pile of toilet paper with a Super Soaker? Who exactly is going to 'get it' if she gets harmed? Why is Fraser trying to keep her from freaking out? This fic is so good (both funny and interesting), it could have been an actual due South episode. A big part of the awesomeness in this story is seeing Frannie using her smarts to go after what she wants without it being about getting a man/getting married/getting in Fraser's pants. As a matter of fact,it is her friendship with Fraser and with Ray Kowalski what makes me smile every time I read it. 

The Secret Life of Renfield Turnbull (G, 1691 words) This fic is based on The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. We follow Turnbull as he goes through his day, keeping the Canadian Consulate clean and running errands for Inspector Thatcher. In between one scene and the next, Turnbull's mind goes off into heavy instances of daydreaming, each more OTT than the previous one. What draws me to this story is that it can be read in two levels: as a crackish fic, i.e. Turnbull is such a lovable doofus, and as a compelling psych insight into one of Turnbull's coping mechanisms. Either way is a fun read.

In Pork, There's Profit  (G, ficlet) This story is a short scene of classic snark between Fraser and Dief. It involves the stock exchange, Fraser admonishing Dief and Dief doing whatever he wants. Cute to the point of being giggle-inducing, this is a story worthy of a read.