1. Just what is a lyric wheel, anyway?

The lyric wheel starts when a group of people send their names in to their humble wheel-mistresses, who collect the names in a random order and make them into a list. The first person on the list (A) chooses a set of song lyrics and sends them to the second person on the list (B). B sends their own set of lyrics to the third person (C), and so on, until the last person on the list sends lyrics to person A. Hence the name 'wheel'.

Addendum: For the FFX yaoi ML, lyrics are sent to the Wheel mod, who will send them back to the writers, keeping the names of the original submitters anonymous. Names will be revealed at the end of the Lyric Wheel.

When each person has received a set of lyrics, the object is to create a story giving that person's interpretation of the lyrics, and including at least one quote from the song.

Addendum: To clarify, one line from the given song must be included in the fic. It does not need to actually be quoted, but simply included into the story.

2. Is this supposed to be songfic?

Not at all. The object of the story is not to write a story where the characters hear the song on the radio or dance to it or sing it to one another - in fact, that's exactly what the story should NOT do. The only part of the song that should appear in the story are the quotes being used, and the general theme or idea of the song.

3. What kind of song can I use?

First of all, the song has to have lyrics (duh). Though there isn't a limitation to what sort of music - jazz, country, rock, rap, polka, from any era anything that has words that you think are suitable to Due South FFX and its characters. We do ask, though, that you be kind to whoever you send lyrics to. While novelty songs are fun to listen to, having to think of a story inspired by 'The Macarena' might give your fellow writer a serious headache.

The only real restriction is that the song must be in English (or have an available English translation).

4. How long does the story have to be?

We'd prefer that you keep them fairly short, no more than 4 pages (2000 words, or 10K); though if you're particularly inspired, well, write to your heart's content.

Addendum: For the FFX Yaoi ML, fics should be at least 10k in a text file. There is no maximum limit beyond that.

5. What kind of story can I write?

Any story, any genre, any pairing, any style, happy, angsty, romantic, hilarious, terrifying. All we ask is that you keep at least one character from the show; you're welcome to add original characters, alternate universes, crossovers, etc.

Addendum: Since it's for a yaoi ML and site, the pair should be either yaoi or yuri, (the latter may change with prior notification).

Just one rule no sex-only stories. PWPs are welcome, as long as there is some attempt to tell a story or develop one of the characters.

6. Does the story have to be beta'ed?

Not at all; in fact, we'd prefer that it wasn't. Not everyone has access to good beta readers, and just to keep everyone on an even playing field, we'd like everyone to send in their stories completely unadulterated.

7. How much time do I have to write it?

Somewhere between 10 days and 2 weeks. 2 weeks from the date you receive your lyrics.

8. What if I don't like the song I'm given?

Unfortunately, you're stuck with it. If you don't understand the lyrics, or if the song is just too bizarre to use, then we'll see about exchanging them, but if you simply don't like the song, if it isn't your style, we suggest you just try making the best of it.

9. Does it have to be a one-shot?

Yes. Each Lyric Wheel entry should read as a stand alone fic, in case the reader has not or can not come across the related parts to the entry.