Scrubs Fic Picks

Join the Update List!

2006-07-26T19:40:00.000-05:00

Dear Readers,

This update isn't about recommending a story -- it's actually about a new way for you to discover our recommendations. If you'd like to be notified by e-mail when we add a new story recommendation to the blog, please send an e-mail message to daytime.diva@gmail.com with the subject line "Scrubs Fic Picks Update List." Each time the blog is updated, you'll receive an e-mail directing you to Scrubs Fic Picks to read about the new recommended story.

The first five lucky readers to send us an e-mail will also be offered an invitation to join gmail.com. If you've been looking for a new e-mail service without ads, send us your response quickly for the chance to receive an invite code! :)

Happy E-mailing!
DD

"Distorted Fear" by Athena13 and pugmom

2006-07-25T11:38:00.000-05:00

Recommendation: Athena13 and pugmom's "Distorted Fear"

Today's recommendation is our first piece written by not one talented author but two! "Distorted Fear" is a thrilling story that throws some of our favorite GH characters into tense and dangerous situations, and both Athena13 and pugmom keep the action and the suspense at high pitch.

"Distorted Fear" begins as all Scrubs fics should -- with one Dr. Patrick Drake naked, right out of the shower at Robin's apartment. What seems like a typical Scrubs story at first quickly morphs into something different. After her morning tryst with Patrick, Robin suddenly disappears from Port Charles. The story that follows shows new sides of Patrick as he realizes how important to him Robin really is. Characters like Anna and Noah also become important to the search for Robin, and their story is a real treat for those who support an Anna/Noah pairing. Perhaps most rewarding for longtime GH and ABC Daytime fans is the inclusion of characters from the past, like Sean Donnelly. My personal favorite part of the story thus far? Athena and pugmom have brought Brenda into the story as the search moves to Europe, and they've paired her in situations with Robin's All My Children cousin, Aidan Devane. Now they've made me love a couple that includes an actress who is no longer on daytime television and an actor who isn't even on General Hospital! If that's not a feat, I don't know what is. :)

Athena and pugmom are still working on "Distorted Fear," so the still-unsolved mystery can be found here in the regular Scrubs fic forum. I can't wait to find out where Robin's gone! Let the two of them know how fabulous this story is so that we get more great updates soon! :)

Happy Reading!
DD

"There Has to Be a Reason" by Julie

2006-07-20T21:58:00.000-05:00

Recommendation: Julie's "There Has to Be a Reason"

Today's story was recommended by one of our favorite authors, Steph. She sent a message to me about one of her favorite stories, "There Has to Be a Reason" by Julie (whose screen name is bookworm24). Steph called the story "a great two-parter that addresses some interesting issues for Robin, while leading to Robin and Patrick discussing some of their own issues."

I eagerly read the story myself and definitely agreed with Steph that it belonged with the Scrubs Fic Picks. Julie's story is timely as well as compelling. Recent speculations about future stories have focused on Scrubs dealing with the dangers and consequences of HIV, and Julie explores those same problems. The basic premise of the story is pulled from the current storyline on General Hospital dealing with Dillon and Lulu's affair. When Lulu confides in Robin about sleeping with Dillon, Robin reiterates the importance of using protection only to discover that Lulu and Dillon didn't. Robin doesn't deal well with this revelation, and her ensuing actions provide the story for the second part of the fic, in which Patrick helps her work through her emotions. Julie delves into a side of the HIV story that the writers on GH have so far ignored, and she's done it very well. We're able to see new sides of Robin and Patrick through the Lulu/Dillon story, and I wish that the writers on the show would use the connections between characters to tell stories as interesting and compelling as this one!

"There Has to Be a Reason" is a completed, two-part fic, and it can be read here on the Scrubs Message Board. If you enjoy the story as much as Steph and I did, be sure to send Julie some feedback to let her know! Also, if you have read a fic and enjoyed it, feel free to follow Steph's lead and recommend it to be included on the blog. Thank you, Julie, for sharing the story with us, and thanks to Steph for recommending it!

Happy Reading!
DD

"Can't Get You Out of My Head" by Steph

2006-07-15T22:28:00.000-05:00

Before I post today's rec, an apology for the scant updating this week. Hunting for furniture for my new apartment and ironing out final plans for beginning a new job soon took up lots of time, but really, I think the reason that I was so apathetic about updating was the lack of decent Scrubs screen time on General Hospital. Sometimes, though, it takes very little to inspire an update, and tonight, the combination of a great reader comment (thanks, daysdiva!), an awesome new Scrubs scoop (check out ABC Soap Scoop on abc.com!), and a really fab fic helped me decide to give y'all a new recommendation.

Moral of the story? If you read the blog and enjoy the recommendations, comments are always really appreciated. It's nice to know that people are benefitting from the recs! Also? Good Scrubs spoilers will brighten any bad mood, as will a great piece of fan fiction. Which brings us all to...

Recommendation: Steph's "Can't Get You Out of My Head"

If any of you were less than satisfied with the Carly-rrific Boys' Night Out this week on GH, this fic could be the perfect remedy to your unhappiness. Steph (always a great choice; she's a Best Bet, of course!) has remixed the BNO idea into a great little Scrubs one-parter that paints Patrick's fantasy in a whole new light.

I was excited for BNO -- I mean, three of the hottest men on the show plus two of the funniest? perfect! -- but, like many of you, I was pretty disappointed with the outcome. We were treated to yet another confirmation that all of Patrick's actions are motivated by his feelings for Robin, but I had hoped that maybe Robin was so burned into his brain that he'd be unable to really fantasize about anyone but her. Unfortunately, that proved to be untrue on screen, but in Steph's fic, we get a treat in which Patrick's fantasy is commandeered by the Robin in his head. All of the feelings Patrick's trying so hard to ignore are brought to the fore, and he can't help but cope with them.

All of this (plus a hilarious Coleman moment) can be found in Steph's wonderful story, posted on the Scrubs Message Board here. If you like the fic, be sure to let her know, and if you like the blog, please leave a comment! Thanks for sharing this piece with us, Steph. Let's hope that the Scrubs good time will soon be rolling once again! :)

Happy Reading!
DD

"For Better or Worse" by Beccabo

2006-07-11T23:04:00.000-05:00

Recommendation: Beccabo's "For Better or Worse"

Today's recommended fic, "For Better or Worse" by Beccabo, tackles a topic that many Scrubs writers have attempted: Scrubs entering into a marriage of convenience. Lots of writers have done a great job writing about Scrubs marrying before they admit their true feelings, but few have written the fics as well as Becca.

Robin and Patrick decide to get married in this story to save their medical careers. After performing their unauthorized liver transplant surgery on Noah, Robin faces the possibility of losing her license to practice. If she and Patrick marry, he can refuse to testify against his spouse. The plan seems perfect -- as long as no feelings are involved.

But, of course, in their own Scrubs way, Robin and Patrick are soon unable to hide their growing love for each other. Becca even treats us to a romantic getaway to a faraway island for the pair. Robin's career soon becomes the least of their problems, as they face the prospect of ending their marriage -- or the uncertainty of staying in it.

"For Better or Worse" has been completed on the Scrubs Message Board, and you can read it here. Becca is consistently one of the best writers on the Scrubs board, producing all kinds of great stories, so be sure to send her some feedback if you enjoy her work! Thank you, Becca, for sharing "For Better or Worse" with us!

Happy Reading!
DD

The Monday Mailbag: July 10, 2006

2006-07-10T17:23:00.000-05:00

The Monday Mailbag: News from the Scrubs Fic Picks Blog

Scrubs Fan Fic Awards

Right now, several members of the Scrubs Message Board are sponsoring awards for the best in Scrubs fan fiction. There's still plenty of time to vote for your favorites in several categories, including "Best Tear Jerker," "Best Comedy," "Best Completed Fic," and many more. Many of the authors recommended here have been nominated, so be sure to head over to the board and PM your votes to KimsonFan101. The Official Voting List can be found here. Good luck to everyone in contention, and congratulations to all of the nominees!

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A Visitor's Guide to Port Charles

In the Author's Lounge forum of the Scrubs Message Board, ggirl asked a question about the distance between Port Charles and Manhattan. Her question made me curious about how much we know about Port Charles, so I did some googling and found a Wikipedia page all about our fictional New York town. You can find it here, with loads of information about the town and its businesses. If you have any other information that you think would be useful for authors writing fan fiction about General Hospital drop a comment or an e-mail and let me know! I'll post the information in a separate entry for the authors' reference.

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If you have a question about the blog, a story you think should be recommended, or any other comments you'd like to make, please either leave a comment at the end of this entry or e-mail me at daytime.diva@gmail.com.

Happy Reading!
DD

"Home" by Jess

2006-07-10T14:03:00.000-05:00

Recommendation: Jess's "Home"

Today's recommended fic is a new take on Robin and Patrick's reunion after she returns from the Markham Islands. We're all familiar with their scene together at MetroCourt on the show, but this story brings Robin home immediately after Jason, Patrick, and Liz are taken to the police station after Sam's unauthorized brain surgery. Jess's "Home," a one-part story, gives us a new perspective on their relationship by rewriting this scene.

We're treated to two of the best parts of Robin and Patrick's pairing in this story: their bickering and their genuine caring for each other. Robin arrives at the police station to find the three of them in a jail cell, and she announces that she's only come to bail Patrick out. The catch up on their time apart the best way they know how: arguing. Liz and Jason provide us with an outsider's perspective and some humorous comments. Perhaps the most satisfying part of the story, however, is the way that Jess captures Robin and Patrick's affection for each other even through their argument. Jess provides the reader with a sense of their connection to each other, and it's refreshing to read that while they are so disconnected on screen.

You can read "Home" here on the Scrubs Message Board. Jess's screen name on the board is "Middiegurl08" for those who may have difficulty finding her stories. Thanks, Jess, for sharing this fic with us!

Happy Reading!
DD

"In This Life" by Court

2006-07-07T17:20:00.000-05:00

Recommendation: Court's "In This Life"

Today's recommendation is an oldie-but-goodie from the Scrubs Message Board archives. Court's one-part story, "In This Life," is a warm-and-fuzzy story. If you're still looking for a remedy to the on-screen angst, this fic should fit the bill!

To celebrate New Year's Eve, Patrick arranges a night away in a cottage for himself and Robin -- her description of the cottage even eerily anticipates the cabin of May 29th fame -- and Robin is predictably enamored with the place. In Court's universe, the two of them have an established relationship, and it's wonderful to read a version of Scrubs in which their bantering is sweet and good-natured instead of biting and hurtful. This version of Scrubs seems to have accepted each other's faults and developed a real relationship. It's a refreshing take on the pairing that I wish would inspire the writers at General Hospital!

This New Year's Eve party has all of the usual trappings -- music, dancing, ridiculous party hats, champagne, and of course, surprises at midnight. You can enjoy all of the fun here in the fan fiction forum of the Scrubs Message Board. Thank you, Court, for allowing us a window into this little Scrubs world!

Happy Reading!
DD

"Home Is Where the Heart Is" by Steph

2006-07-06T22:32:00.000-05:00

Recommendation: Steph's "Home Is Where the Heart Is"

Today's recommendation is a fic that all of you should already be excited to read, because it was written by one of our Best Bet authors, the wonderful Steph. "Home Is Where the Heart Is" is another great distraction from the angst we're currently seeing on the show. While still exploring the emotional side of Patrick and Robin's relationship, it provides a gentler means for Patrick to think about his feelings. Even more exciting, it allows us to see more of Patrick's family and expands his character's somewhat limited backstory.

The fic opens with Robin stumbling upon an obviously upset Patrick, who has just learned that his maternal grandmother has died. Instead of pushing Robin away, Patrick allows her to comfort him, especially after a tense conversation with his father. Even more amazing, when Robin decides that she's going with him to the funeral, Patrick lets her in instead of shutting her out. As Robin helps Patrick cope with the loss of one of his last real connections to his mother, Patrick begins to realize how much Robin really means to him.

Along with letting us see a new emotional side to Patrick through his growing feelings for Robin, "Home Is Where the Heart Is" also shows us more about Patrick's mother's family. We meet several of his relatives, whose sharp observations about his relationship with Robin help him to understand how much he cares for her. Steph also uses Patrick's grandmother's house as both a great setting for major scenes in the story and a metaphor for the love and connection he feels for a part of his family that seems so distant to him.

Overall, the story is carefully crafted and beautifully written, and those looking for a story that has an interesting and original plotline as well as great characterizations will definitely appreciate "Home Is Where the Heart Is." Thanks for sharing this great story with us, Steph! If you like the story, which can be read here, as much as I do, please don't hesitate to share your thoughts and feedback with her!

Happy Reading!
DD

"Scenes from the Loft" by Citygirl

2006-07-05T17:30:00.000-05:00

Recommendation: Citygirl's "Scenes from the Loft"

While all of the stories recommended on this blog so far have been completed and archived, today's recommendation is a story that, while still in progress, shows such promise that it deserves to be added here although only a few chapters have been posted. Citygirl's second contribution to the fan fiction forum on the Scrubs Message Board, "Scenes from the Loft," has provided Scrubs fic readers with a welcome respite from the angst on screen with its funny situations and its promising Robin/Patrick interaction.

The premise for the story comes from a piece of speculation about an upcoming plotline for the show: Robin moves into a loft with Kelly and Lainey. Significant time has passed from the arguments that Robin and Patrick had on the show last week, although the two of them have not reconciled. Citygirl puts Robin through her paces as the three women move into their new place. Each humorous scene that results requires Patrick to show up at their loft, and each time he appears he and Robin move closer to renewing their relationship. The story is well crafted, and the writing is effortless.

"Scenes from the Loft" can be found here on the Scrubs Message Board. Because she is still in the process of writing the story, I'm sure that she would appreciate comments and encouragement as she continues both this story and her other on-going fic project, "The Green-Eyed Doctor." If you enjoy the story as much as I do, please let her know! Thank you, Citygirl, for sharing your story with us, and I think I speak for lots of Scrubs fic readers when I say that I can't wait to read what's next!

Happy Reading!
DD

P.S.: Thanks to everyone who has sent in comments and feedback about the blog. Your contributions will help me to improve the blog and to include more of the community's thoughts and ideas. Please, if you would like to join the conversation, click on the comment link and post away!

The Monday Mailbag: July 3, 2006

2006-07-03T18:52:00.000-05:00

The Monday Mailbag: News from the Scrubs Fic Picks Blog

Spread the Word!
The blog is heading into its second week of existence, and already we're counting some of our favorite Scrubs authors among our readers. We're spreading the word on the Scrubs Message Board to help those who may be looking for a great story to read find their way to Scrubs Fic Picks. If you're browsing the message board and you come upon this graphic...

...just click to link to this blog and read your favorite stories! I have the graphic in my signature on the board, and anyone else who wants to promote the blog can feel free to save the graphic to their own image account and add it to their signature as well!

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Step Out and Say Hello!
Thanks to tryntee13 for leaving us a great comment on one of this week's entries! Now, we'd like to hear from the rest of you! If you're reading the blog, please consider leaving a comment at the end of the entry. Want to add your own thoughts about the recommended story? Want to contribute your praise for one of your favorite Scrubs authors? Just click the "Comment" link at the end of the entry to tell us what you think. You don't have to be signed up with any service to comment; we accept comments from anonymous guests as well as from blogger.com members. We can't wait to hear from you!

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A Missing Treasure
Two of the fics that I had planned to recommend on this blog have turned up missing from the Scrubs Message Board! If you're looking to read Snoopy's classic "Turnabout" or its sequel, "Familiar Strangers," they can no longer be found on the site. Reportedly, Snoopy has moved on to a different message board, and she has removed her stories from the board. While the stories will not be recommended here because I cannot provide a link at which they can be read, they are still wonderful works and worth a read if you're up for a little extra work. If you PM Snoopy at her new board, she will e-mail you the stories. You can read more about her decision to go and the way to access her fics here.

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If you have a question about the blog, a story you think should be recommended, or any other comments you'd like to make, please either leave a comment at the end of this entry or e-mail me at daytime.diva@gmail.com.

Happy Reading!

DD

"Tied Up and Twisted" by Rilla

2006-07-02T21:34:00.000-05:00

Recommendation: Rilla's "Tied Up and Twisted"

And now, as they say, for something completely different. :) The fics that I have already recommended on the site have one major thing in common: they focus on the development of Robin and Patrick's relationship within the context and setting that we see on the show. They have dinner at the MetroCourt, they fight in the hospital supply closet, they spend the night at each other's apartments or hotel rooms. As soon as you begin reading Rilla's completed thriller, "Tied Up and Twisted," you may realize that you're entering a universe that is significantly altered from the one presented on the show.

"Tied Up and Twisted" brings one of the characters featured recently on the show, Manny Ruiz, to the forefront. Instead of torturing Sam in the basement of the hospital, however, this time he's focused on Robin. The situation picks up nicely with Robin's previous humane treatment toward Manny on the show; instead of returning her kindness, thought, Manny exploits her in this fic. We get to see the Robin raised by two spies in this story, as she must use every skill she has learned from her parents to survive in Manny's clutches.

The Patrick featured in this story is forced to cope with a world completely different from the operating room, as well. When we saw Patrick fumbling his way through the Markham Islands adventure on screen, many chuckled at how out of his element he appeared. As Patrick realizes in "Tied Up and Twisted" that he is in love with our intrepid Dr. Scorpio, he must navigate the unfamiliar, dark world of Manny Ruiz to find her. By making Patrick reconsider his feelings as he searches for Robin, Rilla shows us that he is just as "tied up and twisted" in his feelings as Robin is by Manny.

Rilla's "Tied Up and Twisted" can be found in its entirety here at the Scrubs Message Board. A bit of an advanced warning for those who may be squeamish: the story does contain some violent situations. Thank you, Rilla, for sharing your wonderful story with us! I'm sure I speak for the entire community when I say that we hope you write more great stories for us soon!

Happy Reading!
DD

Best Bet: Steph (LicksHisLips)

2006-07-01T22:08:00.000-05:00

July's Best Bet Author: Steph (LicksHisLips)

What can one say about Steph's fics? Plain adjectives like "wonderful," "insightful," and "original" seem inadequate. I have chosen Steph as the first "Best Bet" author on the SFP blog -- and undoubtedly the only one who will be awarded the title before any of her fics are recommended! -- because her writing is, in my opinion, consistently among the most interesting and most polished available at the Scrubs Message Board. Many writers are talented, but few produce the sheer number of good and compelling stories that Steph does.

My introduction to Steph's fics about Robin and Patrick was her lovely post-ep story, "Leap of Faith." I was immediately struck by the ease with which a reader could dive into her writing; her dialogue is at once complicated and understandable, her descriptions both detailed and admirably simple. "Leap of Faith" is just one example of her skill at writing continuations of and elaborations on scenes from the show. However, she also writes gifted longer stories, most notably her recent series "How to Get a Player to Commit" and its sequel, "The List," which is still being updated at the message board.

Steph's fics are full of romance and angst, interesting premises and familiar characterizations. Most of all, her writing is user-friendly; she easily writes complicated situations while somehow still making them accessible to the audience. She is as skilled at comedy (like "The Break-Up") as she is at more emotional stories, such as the inventive "Home Is Where the Heart Is." It's no wonder that Steph is a fan favorite at the Scrubs Message Board. In fact, I'm off to read the latest chapter of "The List" as soon as I finish recommending her to the rest of you! :) All of these factors combine to make Steph our first SFP "Best Bet" author: a writer whose fics are consistently just plain good. You'll never have to wonder whether to click on one of her stories ... if you're one of those who has yet to experience her writing, use the handy "Complete Works So Far" guide below -- chock full of fics that are destined to join the SFP recommended list -- to jump right in!

Happy Reading!
DD

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The Complete Works of Steph (So Far!)

One-Part Stories

And So It Goes

The Art of Being Sure

If Tomorrow Never Comes

Leap of Faith

The Love of a Good Woman

Scenes from a Marriage

The Walls We Erect

We've Got Tonight

Wicked Games

Multiple-Part Series

The Break-Up

Home Is Where the Heart Is

How to Get a Player to Commit

The List

Out of Sight, Never Out of Mind

Sweet Temptation

"First Date Jitters" by Beccabo

2006-06-30T15:40:00.000-05:00

Recommendation: Beccabo's "First Date Jitters"

Today's recommendation is Beccabo's one-part fic, "First Date Jitters." According to Becca, the inspiration for the fic came from a reader's comment -- she said she really liked so-called "zip-me-up" fics. In response, Becca wrote this lovely little piece, and it has since become a favorite short story of the readers who post on the Scrubs Message Board.

The premise of the story is simple. Patrick has asked Robin to go with him to the Excelsior, which Robin reports is "the most expensive and romantic restaurant in Port Charles." She's leaving straight from the hospital for their date, so after a conversation with Elizabeth about her plans for the evening, she heads to the locker room to change her clothes. Patrick and Robin don't interact until the end of the story, when the inspiration comment comes into play, but Becca uses Robin's thoughts about their relationship and Elizabeth's comments during their conversation to reveal the emotional connection between the characters.

A great quick read, and a great "dip your toe" introduction for those who may be new to Scrubs fic, "First Date Jitters" can be found on the Scrubs Message Board here. Beccabo is a prolific fan fiction writers whose other works will undoubtedly be featured on this blog in the upcoming weeks, so feel free to sift through her other fics on the site as well. Thank you, Beccabo, for sharing this gem of a story with the community!

Happy Reading!
DD

"Crack" by Athena13

2006-06-29T16:38:00.000-05:00

Recommendation: Athena13's "Crack"

Many stories in the Scrubs fandom have dealt with the issues of Patrick's inability to commit to a serious relationship and of Robin's HIV-positive status, but few have done so with as much sensitivity, emotion, and care as Athena13 does in her recently finished fic, "Crack." A favorite of readers on the Scrubs Message Board, "Crack" takes its title from Athena's central premise; in her words, "in a game of no-strings addicting-as-crack-cocaine sex, who cracks first?" For good reason, readers claimed the metaphor for their own, finding Athena's writing as truly addictive as Patrick and Robin's bedroom antics.

Although the story begins with a focus on Patrick and Robin's acceptance of their relationship, it eventually turns to an even weightier subject than whether or not they should be committed to each other. When Robin is hit hard with a reminder of the limited time she has because of her HIV status, she and Patrick must also come to terms with what it means to love someone with HIV. The story works beautifully through all of the emotions and uses a physical journey to Paris to embody the emotional journey that both characters must take.

Luckily for you, dear readers, "Crack" has been completed, and can be read in its entirety -- either free of reader comments or with the comments included -- on the Scrubs Message Board. You can enjoy the story in the archived section of the fan fiction forum here. Athena also has her own fan fiction archive at athena13.com. Thank you, Athena13, for sharing this wonderful story with us.

Happy Reading!
DD

Welcome!

2006-06-29T16:01:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Scrubs Fic Picks, a blog that provides fans of General Hospital's Robin Scorpio and Patrick Drake with recommendations and reviews of the best fan fiction stories in the community. The vast majority of these stories can be found on the Scrubs Message Board, and I'll provide a link to each story reviewed and recommended on the site.

There aren't really any specific criteria for a story to be recommended here: basically, I'll pick the stories that I enjoy reading on the site. If you have read a story and think others would like to hear about it, feel free to e-mail me at daytime.diva@gmail.com, and I'll check it out. Also, please use the comment section of each post to add your own thoughts on a story!

Along with reviewing single stories, I will also be awarding a "Best Bet" award each month to a writer whose stories are consistently worth reading. The award will come with a little graphic that can be used on message boards and web sites, plus a big boost to the author's pride and hopefully a remedy for any kind of writer's block. :)

Enjoy the blog! Again, if you have any questions, comments, recommendations, marriage proposals, or general advice, send it to me at daytime.diva@gmail.com.

Much love,
DD