Reading fanfic makes me happy. There are just so many amazing stories out there for fans to freely read, anywhere and at anytime. They put our favorite characters into different scenarios that we never saw play out on screen, but could - and sometimes should - have aired instead.

It helps keep the show alive for the fans, long after it’s been off air and the actors have moved on to new projects. But it also helps the fans express their creativity; it’s an outlet for them to shine, stretching their writing muscles and improving & developing their skills.

I also love seeing how fans can take an episode, a scene, or even a particular word and put their own spin on it, telling the story they feel should be told and want others to read. I spend hours reading fanfic; a lot of it is better than some of the published novels out there.

I’ve read thousands of #Stargate fics over the years and I tend to bookmark any that I enjoy and would read again. It’s great, but it means I have to trawl though hundreds and hundreds of bookmarks now when I want to find a particular story.

Last year, I started compiling a masterlist of (specifically) Sam/Jack fanfiction; I wanted an easier, quicker way to find the stories I love.

It’s an ongoing project, but I’ve rediscovered some absolute gems along the way, so I thought I might start a #FicRecFriday thread for 2020 and highlight one (or some) of my favorite stories (or authors) every week.

Since there’s not a lot else I can do right now (except catch up on some reading), I might as well start with the recs All the fics are Sam/Jack centered and are works that I have read, re-read, and will read again.

So, as we’re into a new year - new year, new beginnings and all that - I’ve two fic recs for this week that fit those themes...

Fic rec 1: “What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?” by ShoeQueen - https://m.fanfiction.net/s/8911586/1/What-Are-You-Doing-New-Year-s-Eve

(Summary: Jack and Sam are reunited at a New Year's Eve party, and sparks fly.) #FicRecFriday

While this second fic goes right back to where the series started with a scene filler for ‘Children of the Gods’.

Fic rec 2: “First Impressions” by AuroraGem - https://archiveofourown.org/works/14278650 

(Summary: You never get a second chance to make a great first impression.) #FicRecFriday

I will do my best to keep this thread going, but I may need a nudge now and again. Also, if any fellow shippers out there have any fic recs they’d like to share, or particular stories they’d like to read, feel free to get in touch! #Stargate #SG1 #FicRecFriday #fanfic #SamJack

Time for this week’s #Stargate #FicRecFriday and I’ve another two choices...

Fic rec 1: “Second Secrets” by CooperTrooperSG1 – https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6167602/ 

(Summary: Episode addition for S2’s Secrets. Set after Jacob’s revelation; and Jack’s the only one there.) #SamJack

Fic rec 2: “Color of Distraction” by justanotherjen – https://archiveofourown.org/works/196880 

(Summary: Sam's home on some leave but Jack can't seem to take his eyes off her hair. Set during SGU time.)

#FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

It's #FicRecFriday time!

Fic rec 1: "Out Go The Lights" by PepperF – https://www.fanfiction.net/s/3321506/1/Out-Go-The-Lights

(Summary: Four times Sam and Jack kissed in a closet.)

#Stargate #SamJack

Fic rec 2: "Like Kissing A Stranger" by missparker – https://archiveofourown.org/works/126493 

(Summary: There is not one day he spends on this planet, or any other, that his mouth doesn't get him into trouble. Episode addition to S3's Point of View.) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

It's that time of the week again... it's #FicRecFriday

Today, I've gone for a birthday fic (since it was RDA’s 70th yesterday), plus a real angsty story set during season 4, after some fans got together during the week to discuss the highs and lows of SJ's relationship.

Fic rec 1: "Traditions" by Little Red – https://www.fanfiction.net/s/1767498/1/Traditions

(Summary: Not surprisingly, given his occupation, Jack O'Neill turned 50 off-world. It was raining. And Sam Carter was throwing up.) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack #fanfiction

Fic rec 2: "Tilting At Windmills" by Akamaimom – https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11443804/1/Tilting-at-Windmills

(Summary: Jack's struggling to deal with the events of Euronda. Angry, depressed, and alone, he needs Sam's help to find his way home – literally, and figuratively.) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

Today's first #FicRecFriday is an AU oneshot, so I know it won't be for everyone...

Fic rec 1: "Mine" by fogsblue – https://archiveofourown.org/works/12332547 

(Summary: Jack's been blowing stuff up for 20 years, now someone else is taking his job). #Stargate #SamJack

Fic rec 2: “Desperate Times” by CSIGurlie07 – https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11970578/1/Desperate-Times

(Summary: SG-1 has to get Sam home, and Sam has to come to terms with what happened. An episode extension for S5 ‘Desperate Measures’). #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

The first #FicRecFriday for February has some definite whump content!

Fic rec 1: “Untouchable” by Phoenix-cry – https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4053740/1/Untouchable

(Summary: It is amazing how two people can be so close and so far apart at the same time.) #SamJack #Stargate

My second rec for today is one of my all-time favourites!

Fic rec 2: “Midnight At The Oasis” by bluemoonmaverick – https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8710678/1/Midnight-at-the-Oasis

(Summary: What if Abydos wasn't destroyed, and Jack and Sam really did go to Skaara's wedding?) #FicRecFriday #SamJack #Stargate

I know I'm a little late in the day, but here is today's first #FicRecFriday (Happy Valentine's! )

Fic rec 1: "Botany Lesson" by PodBayDoors – https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4061741/1/ 

(Summary: Sam thought she knew about Valentine's Day flowers – but she didn't.) #SamJack #Stargate

There was also a lot of "Heroes" chat on my feed this week, so...

Fic rec 2: "Ignite" by beautifultrouble – https://archiveofourown.org/works/16046702 

(Summary: For the first time since he'd been told about what happened on P3X-666, he felt alive.) #FicRecFriday #SamJack #Stargate

Finally getting around to today's #FicRecFriday!

Fic rec 1: "In The Absence Of Cake" by hilandncr – https://www.fanfiction.net/s/6603224/1/In-the-Absence-of-Cake

(Summary: The day started out rather promising, but Samantha Carter could now say this had been the worst birthday she had ever had.) #SamJack #Stargate

Fic rec 2: "Logical Mind vs Emotional Heart" by MW01 – https://archiveofourown.org/works/13243941 

(Summary: He should be smart. He's still her CO regardless of how much he wants her. Or how much she professes to want him in the middle of the night during a storm.) #FicRecFriday #SamJack #Stargate

Can’t believe this is the last #FicRecFriday for February!

My first choice is a bit of an odd one (the story is set around the Christmas holidays and features Pete), but it was inspired by this photo which @amandasunicorn shared earlier in the week. Trust me! #Stargate #SamJack

So, here we go!

Fic rec 1: “Picture It” by GateSeeker2 – https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7795085/1/Picture-It

(Summary: Christmas is a time for remembering past family traditions and making new current memories. But can one certain individual let go of previous memories?) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

Fic rec 2: “Temporary” by Bobbie23 – https://archiveofourown.org/works/20697251 

(Summary: Temporary has a way of becoming permanent.) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

I think we could all do with some happiness right now, so hopefully this week's #FicRecFriday will do just the job for someone.

Fic rec 1: "Blessed" by Rachel500 – https://archiveofourown.org/works/280910 

(Summary: Jack gets into trouble off-world; only Sam can save him.) #Stargate #SamJack

Fic rec 2: "Almost Prophetic" by Dkateri – https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5778005/1/Almost-Prophetic

(Summary: What did the looks that passed between Sam and Jack after Vala's wedding pitch mean?) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

It's #FicRecFriday and we're going for a really cute story for today's first rec!

Fic rec 1: "Caught" by glindalovesshoes – https://archiveofourown.org/works/18066548 

(Summary: When Jack tries to pack for a weekend at the cabin, he realizes some of his things are missing.) #Stargate #SamJack

Fic rec 2: "The Continuum Deception" by fems – https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7743802/1/The-Continuum-Deception

(Summary: Colonel Jack O'Neill grudgingly accepted his new orders; he would just have to view Col Samantha Carter as another assignment.) This is an amazing – and long – fic! #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

#FicRecFriday and we are going for totally fun, cliché and trope-filled goodness only this week! #Stargate #SamJack

Fic rec 1: “Here’s A Dumb Idea” by CoraClavia – https://archiveofourown.org/works/19968298 

(Summary: Twenty years' experience in Black Ops, and this is what he comes up with.) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

Fic rec 2: “Long Distance” by crowdedangels – https://archiveofourown.org/works/14066811 

(Summary: Keller's eyes met Sam's and she could practically hear the Doctor's thoughts: 'This is him, isn't it? It's so him.') #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

Fic rec 3: “Setting The Mood” by Sarah_M – https://archiveofourown.org/works/16292300 

(Summary: The moment they open the door to their room two things become immediately apparent.)

Mind the rating on this one, kids. But it's chock-full of tropes & just fantastic! #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

Fic rec 4: “SG-1 And A Baby Makes Five (You Do The Math)” by clottedcreamfudge – https://archiveofourown.org/works/13468128 

(Summary: “You acquire a kid, Carter?”) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

Just before I share this week's #FicRecFriday, I hope you are all keeping safe and healthy; and if anyone ever needs to chat – whether it's to rant or share your anxieties or you just need gifs of cute puppies or kittens or baby pandas – I'm here.

Fic rec 1: “Five Times Jack Asked Sam Out (Biting the Bullet)” by ijemanja – https://archiveofourown.org/works/1935330 

(Summary: Five times Jack O'Neill asked Samantha Carter out, and one time he didn't have to.) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack #StaySafe

Fic rec 2: “Launch” by AstraPerAspera – https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4826064/1/Launch

(Summary: The General Hammond is ready for its new commander, but Sam and Jack are having a difficult time saying goodbye.) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack #StaySafe

It’s #FicRecFriday time!

Fic rec 1: “To Save A Life” by janissima – https://www.fanfiction.net/s/3221763/1/To_Save_a_Life

(Summary: The act of saving the life of one small child brings about life-altering changes for Jack and Sam.) #Stargate #SamJack

There's three parts to this fic; all of them can be found via the link below.

Fic rec 2: “Convergence” by Annerb – https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5589630/1/ 

(Summary: Jack O'Neill is a man waiting to die, and she's the only one brave enough not to look away.) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

Today's (slightly later than usual) #FicRecFriday

Fic rec 1: "Our Hearts Are Holding Hands" by professortennant – https://archiveofourown.org/works/16463123 

(Summary: Major Carter has been inadvertently struck with a technology designed to stimulate her desire for intimacy.) #SamJack #Stargate

Fic rec 2: "Look Again Into Your Heart" by mrspollifax – https://archiveofourown.org/works/598565 

(Summary: She's not used to braving the weather in heels and an evening dress.) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

This week's #FicRecFriday is here!

Fic rec 1: "Aliens Made Them Talk About It" by NiceHatGeorgia – https://archiveofourown.org/works/12649983 

(Summary: Person A gifting Person B a magical object that will teleport them to any location of their heart’s desire.) #Stargate #SamJack

Fic rec 2: "Rampant Runnings Of The Subconscious Mind" by amaradangeli – https://archiveofourown.org/works/13872108 

(Summary: Nothing horrible had happened to her.) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

The final #FicRecFriday for April!

Fic rec 1: "Past The Breakers And The Markers" by nandamai – https://archiveofourown.org/works/528705 

(Summary: On the plus side, Anubis had no way to find them, either.) #Stargate #SamJack #stranded

Fic rec 2: "Campfire Stories (Season 2)" by polrobin – https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4487022/1/Campfire_Stories_Season_Two

(Summary: Vignettes set in season 2 following the growth of the relationship between Sam and Jack.) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

So, I can only apologise for possibly (i.e. most definitely) missing #FicRecFriday yesterday...

Fic rec 1: "Homemade Souffle" by Kate1013 – https://archiveofourown.org/works/19484830 

(Summary: “So, let me get this straight – you lied about the fact you can’t cook?”) #Stargate #SamJack

Fic rec 2: "Can't Fight This Feeling" by acemerrill – https://archiveofourown.org/works/18657244 

(Summary: Jack tracks down Sam after the events of Shades of Grey to make sure they are okay moving forward.) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

I'm on time for this week's #FicRecFriday

Fic rec 1: "Fine With It" by MissAnnThropic – https://www.fanfiction.net/s/2104083/1/Fine-With-It

(Summary: Jack’s with another woman, and she’s fine with it.) #Stargate #SamJack

Fic rec 2: "Body Say" by tobeconquered – https://archiveofourown.org/works/18259733 

(Summary: "If my body had a say, I wouldn't turn away.") #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

I hope everyone is still keeping safe and well!

This week's #FicRecFriday includes one of the first fics I remember reading for the fandom, as well as one of the most recent fics I've read... #Stargate #SamJack

Fic rec 1: "A Little TLC" by Sally Reeve – http://www.samandjack.net/fanfics/viewstory.php?sid=460&ageconsent=ok&warning=4

(Summary: So, when exactly did O'Neill figure out that his feelings for Carter went rather deeper than they were supposed to?) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

Fic rec 2: “Choices Matter” by Scifikt – https://archiveofourown.org/works/23955556/chapters/57614719

(Summary: Sam is the General running the SGC. When Teal'c brings a device for Daniel to examine, Sam gets sucked into an adventure.) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

It’s time for #FicRecFriday!

Fic rec 1: “Arm Wrestling” by professortennant – https://archiveofourown.org/works/15433341 

(Summary: They never did actually arm wrestle, after all.) #Stargate #SamJack

Fic rec 2: “Early In The Morning” by CoraClavia – https://archiveofourown.org/works/20915291 

(Summary: Last night was team night, and this morning, Jack needs coffee.) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

Sorry it's late, but I'm pretty sure it's still Friday somewhere in the world...

Fic rec 1: "The Larks Still Bravely Singing Fly" by mrspollifax – https://archiveofourown.org/works/625293 

(Summary: Post-series, Sam goes missing. Jack pretends everything is ok.) #FicRecFriday #SamJack #Stargate

Fic rec 2: "We Better Talk This Over" by Lena86 – https://archiveofourown.org/works/18466510 

(Summary: Sam had been aware of his attention all day in a way she'd be hard pressed to define. The man was a master at looking without looking.) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

I had planned to pick a couple of fluffy stories for this week’s #FicRecFriday but I’ve also been reading ALL THE ANGST lately, so...

Fic rec 1: “The Space Between” by Callie – https://archiveofourown.org/works/219644 

(Summary: There's a little space between them on the bed.) #Stargate #SamJack

Fic rec 2: “Blue Dark” by ardvari – https://archiveofourown.com/works/10627674 

(Summary: The sun’s barely peeking above the horizon and already she’s up.) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

I'm back (briefly) for #FicRecFriday - I hope you're all still keeping safe and healthy.

Fic rec 1: "Unlahfulliche In Lyhte" by PepperF – https://archiveofourown.org/works/209977 

(Summary: Really, when it came down to it, it was Daniel's fault.) #Stargate #SamJack

Fic rec 2: "Unhappy Campers" by Sarah_M – https://archiveofourown.org/works/16411694 

I've recced this on three separate occasions this week. It's that good.

(Summary: Jack's in a good mood considering they are one night's sleep away from a Tok’ra planned mission.) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

It's another #FicRecFriday!

Fic rec 1: "Yesterday's Life" by Kedd – https://archiveofourown.org/works/773324/chapters/1452051

(Summary: She feels frayed and faded, like a scrap of fabric accidentally discarded and forced to weather the elements.) Reposted on AO3 y'day; it's angsty but good! #SamJack #Stargate

Fic rec 2: "Things Just Aren't Like That Here" by Miss_Mil – https://archiveofourown.org/works/24751498 

(Summary: Daniel returns from the Alternate Reality with a note. From Doctor Carter, To Major Carter.) This was also posted on AO3 this week and I just loved it. #FicRecFriday #SamJack #Stargate

I kind of forgot that it was Friday... whoops.

Fic rec 1: "A Brother, His Sister And Her Jack" by petitestars – https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5011803/1/A-brother-his-sister-and-her-Jack

(Summary: Mark and Jack have the chance to talk while waiting for Sam to recover.) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

Fic rec 2: "Backlit" by a_loquita – https://archiveofourown.org/works/260783 

(Summary: If she really does have a future, what the hell is she doing?) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack

We’re already into July with #FicRecFriday... what?!

Fic rec 1: “Black Holes And Revelations” by nextgreatadventure – https://archiveofourown.org/works/219878 

(Summary: It’s late and dark and as far as she’s concerned, the world has stopped for them.) #SamJack #Stargate

Fic rec 2: “Restless Walls Of Flames” by Aenigmatic – https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9004453/1/Restless-walls-of-flames

(Summary: Captain Samantha Carter knew that he meant trouble the moment she laid eyes on him.) #FicRecFriday #Stargate #SamJack