Penname: Shell Presto [Contact] Real name:
Member Since: 02/05/2009
Membership status: Member
Bio:
I'm a copy editor and graphic artist by trade and a writer and comic artist by hobby (though I'd do either of the latter by trade if I could).

I was drawn back to writing fanfiction after a long hiatus because, like most everyone here, I found myself entranced by Buffy. And I must say I wish I'd found it sooner.

I don't list myself as a beta reader because I'm rather harsh in criticizing things -- though strictly in a I-think-you're-capable-of-doing-better or a I-need-to-be-convinced sort of way. Though I'm all about praise and respect as well. (Consequently, if you think you could use an opinion like that, feel free to contact me.)

If you've ever gotten a critical review from me, it means I like your stuff and want to see it improve -- and that I've been working at a newspaper too long. I encourage everyone to take anything I say with a grain of salt.
AIM: 0
Beta-reader: 0
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Reviews by Shell Presto
Prior Claims by Dorians Kitten Rated: NC-17 Liked [Reviews - 113]
Summary: Set post ATF, spoilers through Chosen and Never Fade Away, goes AU after that. Buffy is once again mourning the loss of the men she loved when she receives an unusual visitor. It appears she may have a second chance (or should we call it a fourth or fifth chance?). Will she take it? Does he want her to? Nominated at the Fang Fetish Awards!! Thank You. Nominated at the Spuffy Awards for Best General Saga, Best General Angst and Best General "We Missed the Bed, Again" !!!!!!!!!!!!
Categories: General NC-17 Fics
Characters: None
Genres: Romance, Angst
Warnings: Adult Language, Sexual Situations
Series: None
Chapters: 18 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 32027
[Report This] Published: 02/26/2008 Updated: 04/19/2008
Reviewer: Shell Presto Signed Liked
Date: 03/17/2009 Title: Chapter 3: Chapter Three

hee hee.

Between the mirror, tequila and blood, never has a scene with vomiting been so strangely endearing.

Reviewer: Shell Presto Signed Liked
Date: 03/17/2009 Title: Chapter 8: Chapter Eight

I find this chapter extraordinary because it really plays well with Spike now and Spike as he was. There's a contrast and ease that you make him fully aware of and able to play with, and that's new to me.

Consequently, loved that the council had his book.

Other things:
-Dinner scene had a lot of potential, really thought it should have been longer
-Loved his reaction to her asking about him being human
-I really would have liked to see him wear himself out. They used to go all night when he was a vamp, but he doesn't have the strength or stamina to keep up with Buffy anymore. I never really intend to write a Spike as human fic, so if you ever want to explore that, feel free. Anyway, it just seems like they're doing a lot of rolling in the sheets for a guy who's still recovering.

Reviewer: Shell Presto Signed Liked
Date: 03/17/2009 Title: Chapter 16: Chapter Sixteen

I love Spike's explanation of how it's gonna be. He always has to wear 'Love's Bitch' on his sleeve. It's how he's best.

Also, while I didn't review every chapter, I've been reading for more than 3 hours, my rear is asleep, and I'm sad that I have to walk away to go get food. So it's a good story.

Maybe More by Dorians Kitten Rated: NC-17 Liked [Reviews - 247]
Summary: William Pratt is busy trying to blend in and survive his new life and school when Buffy Summers crashes into his life. He tries to convince himself that he is thrilled to simply be the friend of such a charismatic whirlwind, but could it be that she might, just maybe, be looking to him for more. Nominated at the Spuffy Awards round 16 for Best Fantasy Romance. Runner Up at the COH Awards for Lonely School. Thank YOU!
Categories: NC-17 Fics
Characters: None
Genres: Romance
Warnings: Sexual Situations, Buffy/Other
Series: None
Chapters: 23 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 42485
[Report This] Published: 03/21/2008 Updated: 05/11/2008
Reviewer: Shell Presto Signed Liked
Date: 06/23/2009 Title: Chapter 13: Thirteen

"The sight of her on her knees before him was a bit too much like one of his more graphic fantasies. William jumped slightly. “Pet! No.” He reached down to try and push her away."

Granted I haven't read much spuffy fic, but I'd bet $50 that this is hands down one of the best and funniest moments in all of spuffy ficdom. No, really. I was highly amused. As a matter of fact, this may make it as my favorite chapter in this fic. But we'll see.

Summary: "She was one of those un-fuckable Sunnydale girls. One who was probably too prude and pure to get involved with a bastard like me. You see, besides having what my father calls an intolerable penchant for swearing, I also can never keep my room clean, I procrastinate like nobody’s business, I rarely think before I act, and I’m a tad bit unreliable. I’m also a bit of a prick if you haven’t picked up on it yet." Fantasy fic with an odd touch of canon
Categories: NC-17 Fics
Characters: None
Genres: Romance, Action
Warnings: Violence, Adult Language, Sexual Situations
Series: None
Chapters: 11 Table of Contents
Completed: No Word count: 33240
[Report This] Published: 11/02/2008 Updated: 05/06/2012
Reviewer: Shell Presto Signed Liked
Date: 09/04/2009 Title: Chapter 2: Unfuckable Blonde Girl

Thisis pretty light and fluffy so far, but I'm definitely enjoying it. Wasn't expecting the surprise at the end of Chapter 1, and I'm definitely enjoying the barbs between Spike and Buffy -- very reminiscent of the back and forth from the show before they hooked up, which is something I always miss.

I'd like to say that it bothers me when you describe him putting on a 'punk shirt.' You're not painting a picture there, it could be anything from a ripped shirt to a shirt with a logo, to having safety pins... anything! So please paint us a clearer picture in the future, and I'll keep reading.

Author's Response: Duly noted about the 'punk shirt' thing. Glad you enjoyed the barbs between Spike and Buffy. Those are the most enjoyable things for me to write. I also think the two are most interesting to watch when they hate each other.

Summary: Season 4 Initiative based. Buffy is captured by the Initiative before Spike but when they are pitted against each other for 'testing' they continue their shaky truce. The duo have to put past feelings aside in order to find a way out of the Initiative and work together to bring down the operation. Buffy is finally forced to see the world in shades of gray and learns more than a few new things about the so-called 'evil' demon community in Sunnydale
Categories: General Fics
Characters: None
Genres: Romance, Action
Warnings: Violence, Adult Language, Sexual Situations
Series: None
Chapters: 14 Table of Contents
Completed: No Word count: 49178
[Report This] Published: 01/08/2009 Updated: 08/28/2010
Reviewer: Shell Presto Signed Liked
Date: 03/27/2009 Title: Chapter 8: Eight

Gotta say I love the analysis of slayer vs. soldier here. Sometimes I get bogged down in philosophy within a fanfic, but not here. *applauds*

Besides that, nice flow, nice detail, natural voices.

Summary: Starts season seven as Buffy collects Spike from the First's cave and then veers off from cannon. When The First took Spike, Buffy....missed him. It was a hard revelation for her. Doing something about it could be even harder. Nominated at The Spark and Burn Awards and at The Fang Fetish Awards. Thank You!
Categories: General Fics
Characters: None
Genres: Romance, Angst
Warnings: Violence, Adult Language, Sexual Situations
Series: None
Chapters: 15 Table of Contents
Completed: No Word count: 33974
[Report This] Published: 01/25/2009 Updated: 09/14/2010
Reviewer: Shell Presto Signed Liked
Date: 03/07/2009 Title: Chapter 1: Part One

I have to say you bring a lot of good observations to the table. I love the" three things she offered" line. It is effective, characteristic of spike, and packs punch. I also like how you get in Buffy's head. It seems to flow well. I often find that, especially in season 6 and 7 fics, I can't picture buffy saying or doing what she does, but this one works. Although I will say i wasn't expecting her to sleep in the same bed as spike.

What really, really put this fic over the top, though, was Dawn's insight into how her sister was acting, and tying it back to Joyce. That shows you really have a feel for the show in general and all the characters. Shows a lot of thought on your part.

Reviewer: Shell Presto Signed Liked
Date: 03/23/2009 Title: Chapter 6: Part Six

I like the balance of light humor and introspective seriousness in this chapter.

My favorite line is: "until she was sure that she could do something about them."

Shows you know the character.

What She Deserves by TammyAsh666 Rated: NC-17 Liked [Reviews - 8]
Summary: What if Spike was the one to get hit by the invisibility ray in "Gone?"
Categories: Ficlets/Song Fics
Characters: None
Genres: Romance
Warnings: Adult Language, Sexual Situations
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 1568
[Report This] Published: 03/14/2009 Updated: 03/14/2009
Reviewer: Shell Presto Signed Liked
Date: 03/15/2009 Title: Chapter 1: What She Deserves

I really would have liked this to be longer. I know that you were just responding to a challenge, but we spend so little time both in the characters' heads and gauging their reactions to each other that it feels very out of the blue and not very fulfilling when Spike admits what he thinks of his situation and Buffy reacts.

You have some good description, and good moments, it all just feels incomplete.

Must be the Heat by TorriM Rated: NC-17 Liked [Reviews - 68]
Summary: Revised! *Buffy blew up a power station in the middle of a heat wave, and now she's been ordered to babysit Spike so Giles can escape the Scoobies for a night. Hmm, what oh what could possibly happen? *** SMUT!!! Takes a bit before it kicks in, but this is dirty, raunchy, kinky smut. Absolutely NC-17! There's bloodplay and rudeness. If that doesn't sound like your cup-o-tea, don't read.
Categories: General NC-17 Fics
Characters: None
Genres: Romance, Angst
Warnings: Violence, Adult Language, Sexual Situations, Freaky/Kinky
Series: None
Chapters: 12 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 24423
[Report This] Published: 03/14/2009 Updated: 03/25/2009
Reviewer: Shell Presto Signed Liked
Date: 03/29/2009 Title: Chapter 3: Chapter Three

I'm amazed there aren't more reviews... this is excellent so far. I'm a fan of annoying, sarcastic evil Spike, myself, and this story hits its target. You also capture Buffy's voice well.

Love the details in the writing, 'avalanche of condiments' springs to mind, and the train of thought 'first nonsexual thought: blood' moment.

Hope I continue to be impressed as I read...

Author's Response: Oh, thank you! To be honest, I'm amazed by all the reviews; I wasn't really expecting too much, so I'm thrilled beyond belief! And I'm glad you like the details; I write what I see so sometimes I feel like I'm getting too focused. :)

Author's Response: Oh, thank you! To be honest, I'm amazed by all the reviews; I wasn't really expecting too much, so I'm thrilled beyond belief! And I'm glad you like the details; I write what I see so sometimes I feel like I'm getting too focused. :)

Author's Response: crap another duplicated response? what the hell? stupid computer. :(

Reviewer: Shell Presto Signed Liked
Date: 03/30/2009 Title: Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve

So I finished, and I have to say that it was excellent. You kept the tension high, didn't have lulls, and maintained good characterization throughout. Like I said, it's impressive when people take on Buffy and Spike this early in the show and make it believable, and you thoroughly did. *applauds*

Author's Response: Oh, thank you so much! I think the earlier time periods of the show are my favorites... You know, before Spike got all mushy with Buffy? Still all dark and dangerous? Yeah. definitely. ;)

by Rated: [Reviews - ]
Summary:
Categories: Orphan
Characters: None
Genres: None
Warnings: None
Series: None
Chapters: 0 Table of Contents
Completed: No Word count: 0
[Report This] Published: 01/01/1970 Updated: 01/01/1970
Reviewer: Shell Presto Signed Liked
Date: 04/02/2009 Title: None

I didn't really pick up on the angst or sadness -- not that it wasn't there, but the story was so short the feelings weren't fully developed and so I didn't get a good sense of it, if that makes sense. If you were trying for a good emotional connection, you would need to slow down and draw things out. But looking at this as very short piece of fiction, it's well written and pretty good. I like how you describe sounds and use repetition. I don't see it too often in stories, and it's refreshing in this instance. Oh, and the banner is nicely done. First time I've seen someone draw a banner, and I'm a fan of such things, so awesome!

Author's Response: Thanks muchly for the feedback!! yes, it is a short piece and I usually do draw things out Muuuuuuch longer - with whole weird plotiness things and all that. So this was something of an experiment to see what I could accomplish in a shorter piece. It's had some folks quite weepy, which pleases me, but personally: yes, it could be a lot longer. Heee! As the reader I sort of throw you in there, don't I? But then there is the playing, so I hope that made up for the brevity. :) lol Thanks very much for reading and commenting. I find it all very helpful and inspiring. And I'm pleased as punch that you like the banner. I can't do manip art (iz hrd), so unless someone makes me a banner, I pretty much draw everything, then play on the computer to make banners. I'm trying to figure out composition, amongst other things. I drew the main banners for both Spike Reborn and None Other Than You too. *bats eyes* would love to know what you think of those ones :) :) :) Thanks buckets for reading and commenting!!

Summary: Dawn Pratt is tired of all her friends having a thing for her father, so she stops inviting them over to her house. She takes a chance on Buffy Summers, a new friend of hers, not realizing that was the one girl she never should have invited over.
Categories: NC-17 Fics
Characters: None
Genres: Romance, Angst
Warnings: Adult Language, Sexual Situations
Series: None
Chapters: 21 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 27969
[Report This] Published: 04/11/2009 Updated: 08/06/2009
Reviewer: Shell Presto Signed Liked
Date: 04/13/2009 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Well written, but not enough material here yet for me to get a good feel for your writing. I'll be looking for future chapters.

Gotta say, though, nice twist with the not-so-introduction.

Author's Response: I figured the twist would be something that no one expected, so I went with it. Thanks for reading=)

by Rated: [Reviews - ]
Summary:
Categories: Orphan
Characters: None
Genres: None
Warnings: None
Series: None
Chapters: 0 Table of Contents
Completed: No Word count: 0
[Report This] Published: 01/01/1970 Updated: 01/01/1970
Reviewer: Shell Presto Signed Liked
Date: 04/25/2009 Title: None

Greatly enjoyed. You capture Buffy's voice well, and Spike's dialogue. Like the little jabs and the 'soda pop' line.

For being a quick read and not too deep, you still walk a nice line of giving us Buffy's isolation around people and resistance/need with Spike.

Author's Response: Woot! thanks so much. That is great to hear.