So I figured, given we've got almost eight stories on the site now written in it, laying a few ground rules for the Henry Harrelson stories wouldn't be a bad idea, right?

Here goes!

Since my initial challenge I put out a few years ago there have been several REALLY good stories written with this setting, and I'm actually surprised at how consistent they've all stayed considering there has been very little communication between authors concerning the character of Henry Harrelson or the method by which his shop really works. Nevertheless, knowing the basics of what is allowed and not in the shops, and the character of the store's owner, could probably help anybody who plans to write stories in the future.

At the very least it will help me, since I most certainly want to do more.

The Setting:

Henry Harrelson's Custom Fit Boots is a semi-magical setting limited to more mundane occurrences than usually happen in magic-infused stories. The time period can be any time between the early twentieth century and the modern day, and will always revolve around an event involving the Henry Harrelson's Custom Fit Boots store, a small store that specializes in finding just the right boots, heels, sneakers, or whatever other footwear the shopper needs. The store is slightly run-down, or some times just seemingly out-of-date or stuck in another time period almost, but clean, and should be kept represented as a pleasant environment.

Henry Harrelson himself is also a pleasant man. His physical appearance can vary somewhat, but he should always come across as a friendly old cobbler who has just that little bit of information more than you ever give him about who you are and why you are in the store -- often times even knowing information the main character of the story doesn't know themselves. His intentions are always good, and he never pushes anyone into making a choice: convinces, yes, or even cajoles, but never pushes.

The "magic" of the series is in Henry Harrelson himself and his skill as a cobbler, not in any transformation or changes the boots and shoes themselves cause. It is a series based around self-discovery, not change.

The Rules:

1: Stories are NOT forced femme, age regression, or any other genre that implies actual magical or non-consensual change on the part of the main character. No actual transformation occurs with the boots, only affirmation or discovery of parts of the wearer's personality they might otherwise have kept hidden. Discovery, not change.
2: Anybody can write in this universe without asking permission first. However, it IS requested that you let me know about your story so I can read it, and that if either I or another trusted author in the series (Drea DiMaggio, for instance) point out areas where the story doesn't fit with the general consensus of what Henry Harrelson's is, you consider changing the story to fit.
3: While not absolutely necessary, try to keep stories PG-13 or lower in age rating. Just because boots are often associated with foot fetish or kinkwear doesn't mean they have to be.
4: Until such time as stories qualify for an actual "universe" tag, the custom tag Henry Harrelson's Custom Fit Boots can be used to identify stories that fit the above criteria, helping to keep all stories within the universe easily accessible to interested readers.
5: Authors who wish to write new stories in the universe need to have read at least a handful of stories already in it, to help keep Henry loosely consistent from story to story. (Thanks Rev. Anam Chara for the suggestion!)

Rev. Anam Chara also brought up the idea of a consistent timeline, as well as a detailed consistent background for Henry Harrelson, both of which I made the executive decision to semi-nix in favor of playing the universe much more loosely. Absolute agreement between background elements concerning Henry Harrelson or a super-clean timeline are not all that important, any more than a specific limit or founding date on stores around the world. It can be safely assumed that, when Henry Harrelson needs to be at any particular establishment in his name, that he IS there, making use of Doctor Who-esque wibbly wobbly timey wimey-ness to explain if need be, though doubtful it will ever be an issue.

For the writers who have written Henry Harrelson stories already: let me know if you agree with or have issues with the rules and standards stated above. ALL stories currently written for the universe on BC are considered canon unless by popular agreement they are rendered not so. I will do my best to keep an up-to-date list of Henry Harrelson stories at the bottom of this post.

Current stories in the universe:

Two Pair
Stanman's Henry Harrelson Story
You Can't Always Get What You Want
A Red Pair Of Boots
Booted
A Miss-Matched Pair
A Pirate Out Of Water
Not Into Boots But I Couldn't Resist... Dammit!

If you notice a story that is missing please let me know so I can add it to the list! Thanks!

Melanie E.