ajconstantine

[ajconstantine]

Writer's Meme, 2024 Edition

I've been tagged by @levoiosally

-------------------------

How many works do you have on AO3?

15. Which doesn’t seem like a lot, but most are multi-chapters, and one of them is 200,000 words long, which it the equivalent of about 40 one-shots. 😁

What’s your total word count?

572,580

What are your top 5 fics by kudos? All Good Omens fics:

Winged Awakening (Angel/ demon, wing grooming)

Cinders Bound by Golden Crown (Omegaverse Cinderella AU)

Caramel Delight (Human neighbors AU)

Temple of the Muses (Human Victorian courtesan AU)

In Love We Rise (Angel/ demon, established relationship, exploring the progression of said relationship)

Do you respond to comments? Why/why not?

Absolutely. I love engaging with my readers.

What's the fic you've written with the angstiest ending?

I always write happy endings because that’s what I love to read. 😍 That doesn’t mean my stories are free of angst, though—I’ve certainly written stories filled with tension and heartbreak. For me, one of the joys of writing lies in creating something that evokes emotion—whether it’s joy, sadness, longing, or triumph. Making readers truly feel something is, in my eyes, the ultimate achievement for a writer.

Do you write crossovers?

Heh, sort of. I wrote a Good Omens/ Cinderella crossover, and I wrote an Our Flag Means Death crossover set in an Omegaverse Good Omens universe that I created in a previous story.

Have you ever received hate on a fic?

Hm. Not hate, exactly. I have occasionally received unkind comments. I firmly believe in the power of the delete comment button, use it as needed, and move on.

Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Yes! I love writing romance, and for me, crafting spicy scenes is a deeply satisfying way to conclude to the romance arc. It’s also its own unique challenge—typically my goal is to write scenes with emotion and flavor rather than simply a play-by-play of actions, so that it’s more in the realm of erotica than porn.  

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Not really. I participated in a collab where each writer took turns writing a handful of paragraphs for a fic, which isn’t quite what I think of as co-writing. I’d be open to trying out co-writing with someone who has a similar writing style.

What's your all-time favourite ship?

Good Omens and Aziraphale/Crowley, hands down. I've been writing this pairing since 2020 and am still not the least bit tired of it. 😊

What are your writing strengths?

Hmm… I’m not sure, really. I know the areas I’ve gotten better at, which are things like not jumping around POV like a jackrabbit on steroids, minimizing speech tags, reducing filtering, and showing not telling. All things I’m still working on improving.

What are your writing weaknesses?

Probably describing the setting/ scenery around the characters.

What was the first fandom you wrote for?

Good Omens!

What's your favourite fic you've written?

Temple of the Muses. It’s my longest fic, I poured my heart and soul into it for well over a year, and I think it has my best romance story arc.

What are your writing goals for the next year?

Writing a second chapter for my one-shot The Allure of Correction, and then finally tackling and completing one of my multi-chapter WIP's that's been unfinished for ages. Which is either an Aladdin or a pirate AU.

Tagging other folks if they'd like to share their answers to these questions; it's fun. 😁 @mirjam-writes @miraworos @d20owlbear @musegnome

[ajconstantine]

I’m absolutely thrilled to share that my Good Omens story Teach Me Your Lessons, Teach Me Your Touch has been recorded as a podfic by the talented OutrageousRing! I’m beyond flattered that they took the time to bring it to life in audio form. They have a lovely voice, so go get it in your ears!

As part of the process, I decided to revisit the story before they recorded it. What was meant to be a bit of polishing quickly turned into a complete re-write (despite my best efforts to avoid spending many, many hours working on it, ha). Since this story was one of my earlier works, I’ve learned so much about writing over time, so now it feels like a brand-new piece. 😘

Effervescent thanks @outrageousring5655! I'm utterly delighted. 😍

More Holiday podfics for your enjoyment! Listen, am I posting this early? Sure, if you abide by modern conventions like calendars and when I said I would do things. But, I'm finished with this lovely project early and I can't wait to share it, so I won't!

Listen Here

This was my first podfic of a work by @ajconstantine and I hope it won't be my last! I adore this story, it's sweet and beautiful and features the fulfillment of long held desires. What more could one possibly ask for? If reading isn't your thing, please do yourself a favor and go read the original fic. It's so lovely and will make you feel better.

Thanks so much to @goodomensafterdark and @cemeteryangel725, @thegaromask @seekingjoy7 and @shipper-of-all-things for listening to me talk about this and for your support and encouragement.

[ajconstantine]

Aww, I always adore it when as story I wrote is recommended, thank you! I had fun looking up the Victorian language of flowers for Temple of the Muses-- it doesn't play a large role in the story, but it does make an appearance.

hi :D big fan of what y'all are doing here, it looks like a lot of work/time <2

I was looking for fics that involve the language of flowers, since i haven't found a lot

thanks :D

I'm sure we've recommendations fics like this before, but can I cannot find the posts. Oh well, here are some for you...

Honeysuckle and White Jasmine by HolyCatsAndRabbits (E)

While on a bad blind date at a coffee shop, bookshop owner Aziraphale meets a gorgeous red-haired barista. Also Aziraphale knows flower language and he's not afraid to use it. So now Aziraphale was going on a date with someone Tracy knew. Since Tracy had arranged it, Aziraphale let her pick the place as well: Double Double, a new coffee shop. Tracy had promised that the shop was lovely and had a selection of rich desserts, which was honestly the part that had convinced Aziraphale. Aziraphale’s one bit of defiance was the flowers. He had a book or two in his shop on flower language, and he’d decided that the bouquet was going to be the sweetener for the day (besides the dessert), the spoonful of sugar that helped the medicine go down. Yellow carnations: Disdain, disappointment, rejection. Red snapdragon: Deception. Purple columbine: foolishness. White candytuft: indifference. And finally butterfly weed, a bright little orange cluster flower, which meant Let me go! Armed with his passive-aggressive (but quite lovely smelling) bouquet, Aziraphale took a cab to Double Double.

i am just the (new invention) by littlesnowpea (T)

A list of hobbies Crowley has picked up over the past 6000 years: -gardening -cooking -fashion -pining for Aziraphale -making YouTube videos A list of hobbies Aziraphale has picked up over the past 6000 years: -reading -book restoration -music -pining for Crowley -commenting on Crowley’s YouTube videos When Aziraphale starts giving Crowley flowers, Crowley takes to his YouTube channel to discuss the meaning behind it, where Aziraphale comments encouragement to confess his feelings – under an alias, of course. There is absolutely no way any of this could ever go wrong.

The Language of Flowers by GreenGlitchBitch (T)

“We can communicate through flowers! It’s being talked about in Britain. Hasn’t quite caught on yet, so we wouldn’t be too suspicious” Aziraphale said. Basically, Crowley and Aziraphale are in love throughout the ages, and in order to keep their respective head offices from knowing, they use flowers to send each other messages.

you took my soul and wiped it clean by staringatstars (G)

On a summer afternoon, a stranger in a cream-colored vest and coat walked into Crowley's flower shop with a rather odd request: "What sort of floral arrangement would you make for one whom you love very much, even whilst knowing they could never feel the same?"

Pressed Flowers by TheNoctambulist (T)

A romance between two business owners of London's SoHo. Anthony Crowley, proud owner of Eden (Producer of Fine Flowers and Bouquets since 2008), didn't expect to find love in his life. Ever. He had his plants, and what more could a florist want? But when Aziraphale Fell, a slightly fussy, altogether chaotic bookshop owner wanders into his shop looking for a bouquet, he begins to question what he really wants at all.

Pray For Us, Icarus by Atalan (Series, G-T)

For three centuries, Crowley has been reincarnated over and over as a human with no memory of his past. Aziraphale has tried to find a way to restore him to his true self, but all he seems to do is hurt them both. This time, he only means to steal a brief moment when he walks into Crowley's flower shop. But Crowley can't let it go...

- Mod D

[ajconstantine]

Oh goodness, my writerly heart just goes pitter pat with joy when readers share how much they enjoyed my Good Omens AU Temple of the Muses.

I poured my heart and soul into that story and am quite proud of it.

Anyone looking for a superbly researched, historically rich, heart achingly romantic, page turner of a character journey between courtesan Crowley and Earl Aziraphale Fell? Just finished this and it was FANTASTIC by @ajconstantine.

It's got rags to riches! it's got victorian london! it's got social commentry and historically accurate events! it's part set in a Parisien brothel! it's got people putting raw ginger up their bums! It also has declarations of feelings that will make your heart ache and it's inexplicably under-kudosed. I recommend everyone get to it asap.

[ajconstantine]

Hi, and happy Yuletide, holidays and/or the end of the year! I'm once again wandering from askbox to askbox, asking questions from my fellow Good Omens fanfic writers.

How was your writing year? What's the favourite story you wrote? Yes, YOUR favourite of YOUR work! Feel free to gush about your creations, I'm looking forward to hearing all about it!

I wish you all the comments and kudos, and an exceptional new year! 🧡 Mirjam

I had a great writing year, thanks for asking! My favorite story is Temple of the Muses, a Victorian-era romance story that hits all of the classic notes; falling in love, facing seemingly insurmountable odds and overcoming them, all wrapped up in pretty historical setting. (waistcoats, top hats and hoop skirts galore) It’s the kind of story I love to read and I’m so pleased to have written one.. 

[ajconstantine]

Ready to get into the holiday spirit? After years of working on this story each winter, I'm delighted to finally share Dickens Fair, a Christmas-themed Good Omens meet-cute story just in time for the season!

The story is fully written, and I'll be posting a chapter each week—a little holiday present in your inbox to enjoy all season long!

Dickens Fair

Anthony is reluctantly dragged to Dickens Fair—a festive world of Victorian reenactment and holiday cheer—by his exuberant friend, Ana. A confirmed Christmas cynic with no love for anything merry and bright, he never expects to meet someone who could change his mind. But when he meets Ezra, a captivating bartender with a knack for serving up warm drinks and smiles, Anthony finds himself irresistibly drawn back to the enchanting hustle and bustle of Fair.

Ezra has all but given up on love, disillusioned by past disappointments. Yet something about Anthony's charm (and wickedly handsome good looks) makes him reconsider.

As their paths intertwine amidst carolers, can-can dancers, and Dickensian theater, both men are challenged to find the courage to risk their hearts and embrace the magic of the season together.

Tags:

Meet-Cute

Alternate Universe - Human

Victorian Reenactment

Bartender Aziraphale (Good Omens)

Customer Crowley (Good Omens)

Modern Era

Christmas

Flirting over boozy drinks, flirting over bangers and mash, flirting while waltzing, really finding any excuse to flirt at all

[ajconstantine]

I am so thrilled to have been gifted fanart for on of my very favorite scenes in Cinders Bound by Golden Crown, a Good Omens Cinderella AU. Because who doesn't love a BAMF Aziraphale, am I right?

Aziraphale bent down, lifting the man under his shoulders and knees, and cradled him against his chest protectively.

His lip lifted into a feral snarl. “I'm taking away him with me.”

The Duchess's face twisted in anger, and she dared to protest. “No, I won’t allow it—”

His arms tightened around the man in his arms as he roared with the full force of his fury. “You dare to defy your Prince?! I’d like to see you try to stop me so that I can have the pleasure of ripping your throat out with my teeth!”

#goodomensfanfiction #goodomensfairytaleau #BAMFAziraphale #ajswritingsnippets

I won't give him, I won't leave him here! I won't let him die here…

A scene from fanfiction Cinders Bound by Golden Crown by AJ_Constantine on the A03. / Cinders Bound by Golden Crown - AJ_Constantine - Good Omens (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

[ajconstantine]

Ooooo, my very first story read as a podfic! I am Muppet Flailing so much over this. It's a special treat hearing my story come to life. Go give it a listen. 💖

New podfic! 'The Allure of Correction'

Have a bonus podfic! @ajconstantine won the TIC5 auction for a podfic, and requested their 'The Allure of Correction'.

In 19th-century England, Anthony Crowley takes great pride in his prestigious position as the butler to Lord Aziraphale Fell, the Viscount of Eastgate. The Viscount has a reputation for exacting standards, which Crowley diligently adheres to, carefully formal and correct. Mostly. There were times he couldn’t resist the allure of requiring correction. Which, as it turned out, suits them both exceedingly well. Crowley knows that he harbors certain desires concerning the Viscount. Desires he carefully boxes up and secures the lids on tight. Over time, those boxes begin to feel as if they are constructed of sodden pasteboard, crumpled and crumbling. Their contents leaking to the point he can hardly think of anything else. The Viscount’s lingering gazes that hint of longing and subtle touches complicate matters. But the rigid boundaries of their societal positions, that of a lowborn servant and a nobleman, enforce the impossibility of anything improper. Until the allure of correction becomes a catalyst for transformation that unravels the tension between duty and desire.

E-rated, 1 hour

[ajconstantine]

Squee!! I have been gifted with artwork for one of my stories! This artwork was inspired by one of my favorite visual scenes I love it ever so much. Thank you So Much @pookasluagh, I'm so delighted! Roses, lilies, chrysanthemums, and marigolds in shades of red, orange, and yellow were artfully arranged around Crowley's nude body, their petals overlapping in a delicate dance of color and texture. The rich reds ranged from deep crimson to vibrant scarlet, the orange blooms varied from soft peach to fiery tangerine, and the yellows shone like the sun. As the final flower was placed, it created the illusion that he was floating in floral flames. 

Dessert

Inspired by Temple of the Muses by AJ_Constantine 💕

(Specifically, the flashback section - "Dessert" - of Chapter 20.)

[ajconstantine]

Ineffable Con goodies!

[ajconstantine]

If you are a Good Omens fan, buy a ticket!! Most of the panels will be offered virtually, and there is a great lineup of Good Omens guests. I've attended the past three conventions virtually and had a great time.

Even if you can't attend when it's live July 26-28 2024, most of the panels are recorded, so you can watch them later at your convenience.

Proceeds go to the Alzheimer's Research Foundation in the UK, which is an incredibly worthy cause. Buy a ticket!!

🔔We are delighted to announce that The Ineffable Con 5 is live for booking!🔔

For the first time, The Ineffable Con will be fully hybrid, with the in person convention being held in a picturesque English village close to Tadfield (more commonly known as Hambleden!), for an optional Sunday night outing!

You can find out more about both in person and virtual attendance in our FAQs and you can book for both options here: https://www.theineffablecon.org.uk/event-directory/

[ajconstantine]

I've been hoping to find a San Diego Comic Con Good Omens cosplayers group, and since I can't find one I created one.😊

I would love to connect with other Good Omens fans and cosplayers at SDCC and organize a meet-up if there is enough interest. Please join the group if you go to SDCC and are a Good Omens fan, and share with others that might be interested!

Facebook group:

www.facebook.com/groups /sdccgoodomenscosplayers

[ajconstantine]

I am so pleased to donate several items I hand made to the Ineffable Con for their charity auction.

The proceeds will go to Alzheimer's Research UK in memory of Sir Terry Pratchett, which is such a very worthy cause.

😍 MORE AUCTION GOODIES! 😍

The ineffable AJ Constantine has created this gorgeous Crowley fascinator for the TIC 5 auction!

We have also had some earrings and Crowley scarves sent for the auction and prizes-thank you, AJ!

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/AJConstantine

[ajconstantine]

I have been gifted with fanart for my Good Omens story In Love We Rise! Swoon. I particularly enjoy that it's from one of my favorite scenes in the story.

It is a story about an angel and a demon figuring out how to be comfortable being intimate with each other. It makes complete sense to me that two non-humans would explore ways to learn to be intimate in ways that may seem odd to a human. That, combined with an Easter candy food fight scene, equals pure sweet fluff. Excerpt from the story:

Aziraphale licked Crowley's cheek again, and again. The moment felt as slow as dripping honey and just as sweet. A distant part of his mind wondered at what they were doing. He’d certainly never seen humans lick each other like this. But certainly, many of God’s other creatures did. Perhaps he was following an instinct more akin to a lesser beast, and it was satisfying a hitherto unknown instinctive urge to groom a mate, to express affection; to claim as one’s own. 

Whatever the reason, it felt right, and deeply satisfying. 

After thoroughly laving one cheek, he moved his head with the notion to continue onto the other, but Crowley sought out his lips. and they were kissing again, deeply and sensually. 

That was exquisitely nice as well.  

Inspired by: "In Love We Rise" by @ajconstantine

Licking each other as a form of affection.

The definition of mindless feel-good fic, with great smut🤌🏽🤌🏽 10/10 would recommend

[ajconstantine]

There is something irresistible about Cinderella stories.

hello hello hello! how are you lovely mods doing? first of all I want to thank you for this blog, it's given me all the best GO fics I've read!!

I wanted to ask you, are you guys aware of any Cinderella!au fanfic for AziraCrow? Cause I've been thinking about writing one, but I don't want to accidentally make it too similar to an existing one!

Thank you ever so much ❤️

Hi, I'm good thanks! We have some Cinderella aus here, and I've got more now...

Raven by desk_mess (T)

King Gabriel's son, Prince Ezra, is coming of age to take a wife for themself. A servant-girl, Antonia, dreams of escaping the clutches of her cruel step-mother and step-sisters. Little do they know they have someone looking out for them. After all, it's ineffable. (Good Omens Cinderella AU) (Rated Teen for Language and Implications.)

A Midsummer Midnight’s Dream by pilatesandpinot (E)

Aziraphale Fell dreams of becoming an actor and dancer but instead lives in servitude to his wicked stepfather and stepsisters. When a mysterious duke invites all of the eligible bachelors and bachelorettes to the Midsummer Masquerade Ball, he thinks he’s found his escape. His stepfamily shuns him from attending, though that’s not something Aziraphale or his sassy godmother will take laying down. Will Aziraphale find his happily ever after, even if it’s not entirely what he expected? A Cinderella/Fairytale inspired AU

Cinderfall by a_serpent (G)

Azira Fell had a really though childhood - his parents died and he had to live with his terrible stepmother and stepbrothers. Everything changes when one day Az meets intriguing (and deadly handsome) redhead stranger.

Cinderphale by Ezra_Oakenshield (G)

As the title suggests, this is a rewrite of "Cinderella" with the Good Omens characters. After the death of his mother, Aziraphale is at the mercy of his cruel adopted siblings. They reduce him to a lowly servant. The solace he finds is with his animal friends, his bookkeeper friend from town, the mysterious blank book that she gave him, the prospect of the three-night ball at the palace, and a certain handsome red-head with dark glasses.

Cinders Bound by Golden Crown by AJ_Constantine (E)

Good Omens Alpha Beta Omega Cinderella AU From the far end of the ballroom Prince Aziraphale’s eyes locked on Crowley as he raised his hand beseechingly. Crowley couldn’t look away from him if his life depended on it, although he was keenly aware of the increasing number of eyes joining the Prince’s to stare at him standing frozen on the dais. As he realized that he was incapable of not answering the silent call of the bright Alpha below him, a calm washed over him, acting as a soothing balm over the jagged edges of his seething emotions. Just breathe. He inhaled shakily as he began descending the steps to the ballroom floor. Prince Aziraphale mirrored his steps, stepping forward to close the distance between them. The sea of nobles between them parted like waves receding from the shore as they moved closer. When Crowley drew close to the Prince, his hand slowly rose to settle in the Alpha's outstretched one. The Prince looked at Crowley's face searchingly. His voice was quiet yet ringing with intent as he asked, "May I have this dance?"

- Mod D

[ajconstantine]

My access to AO3 at home was recently blocked by the website filtering program my husband maintains. Aghast at the atrocity, I was compelled to tell him of my outrage in prose.

Dear Internet Overlord (husband),

I pen this missive with an air of utmost dismay and disbelief, for it has come to my attention that your internet system is exhibiting a most egregious behavior—the blockage of access to the AO3 website.

The sheer audacity of this act is an outrage of the highest magnitude, and I find myself compelled to express my profound displeasure in the most vehement terms. To compound the injury with an insult, the site category has been labeled as "tasteless."

Tasteless, I say! I implore you to reconsider such a gross mischaracterization, for the AO3 realm is a sanctuary of literary and artistic brilliance. It is a place where words dance upon the page like nimble ballerinas, and where the brushstrokes of creativity paint a canvas of unparalleled beauty. (Admittedly, there may be a smattering of less refined content, but let us not dwell on such trivialities.)

Picture, if you will, an artist of words, now shackled and denied the opportunity to share their craft with a community that thrives on supporting and nurturing such artistry. My very soul, once vibrant and full of creative vigor, is in danger of withering into the desolate existence of a literary crone—miserable and deprived of the camaraderie that AO3 provides.

I beseech you, noble custodian of the virtual realm, to rectify this atrocity with the urgency it deserves. Failure to do so may force me to embark on a quest into the perilous wilderness (or the nearest Starbucks, whichever proves more accessible) in search of alternative sources of the exalted webpage that is AO3.

Alternatively, I may succumb to the depths of madness, rendering me unfit to share in the responsibilities of co-parenting. In such a lamentable event, I would, of course, be compelled to bequeath unto you the solemn duty of tending to our progeny for all eternity. The choice, dear sir, rests in your capable hands.

Yours incredulously, AJ Constantine

His response:

Dear AJ Constantine, I hope this message finds you amidst some peace, despite the trying circumstances you've encountered in attempting to access Archiveofourown.org.

First and foremost, please accept my deepest and most sincere apologies for any frustration, inconvenience, or distress these technical difficulties may have caused you. I understand that Archiveofourown.org holds a special place for individuals such as yourself seeking solace, inspiration, and community, and I deeply regret any disruption to the refuge it provides. I recognize that your connection to the content on Archiveofourown.org goes beyond a mere online presence—it's a source of joy, escape, and connection. The pain and suffering you may have endured due to your inability to access the platform is not lost on me, and I genuinely empathize with the impact it may have had on your life. I have identified and resolved the issues and reinstated seamless access to the website, and I hope that this will alleviate the distress you may be feeling. (Please don’t leave me over this. Think of the children.) Your husband

(I decided not to leave him over it, but it was a close call. 😁)

[ajconstantine]

I am the parent of an autistic child and this story is so meaningful to me in so many ways. Not the least of which is how one interaction of human connection and kindness can make a lifetime of difference.

“My friend told me a story he hadn’t told anyone for years. When he used to tell it years ago people would laugh and say, ‘Who’d believe that? How can that be true? That’s daft.’ So he didn’t tell it again for ages. But for some reason, last night, he knew it would be just the kind of story I would love. When he was a kid, he said, they didn’t use the word autism, they just said ‘shy’, or ‘isn’t very good at being around strangers or lots of people.’ But that’s what he was, and is, and he doesn’t mind telling anyone. It’s just a matter of fact with him, and sometimes it makes him sound a little and act different, but that’s okay. Anyway, when he was a kid it was the middle of the 1980s and they were still saying ‘shy’ or ‘withdrawn’ rather than ‘autistic’. He went to London with his mother to see a special screening of a new film he really loved. He must have won a competition or something, I think. Some of the details he can’t quite remember, but he thinks it must have been London they went to, and the film…! Well, the film is one of my all-time favourites, too. It’s a dark, mysterious fantasy movie. Every single frame is crammed with puppets and goblins. There are silly songs and a goblin king who wears clingy silver tights and who kidnaps a baby and this is what kickstarts the whole adventure. It was ‘Labyrinth’, of course, and the star was David Bowie, and he was there to meet the children who had come to see this special screening. ‘I met David Bowie once,’ was the thing that my friend said, that caught my attention. ‘You did? When was this?’ I was amazed, and surprised, too, at the casual way he brought this revelation out. Almost anyone else I know would have told the tale a million times already. He seemed surprised I would want to know, and he told me the whole thing, all out of order, and I eked the details out of him. He told the story as if it was he’d been on an adventure back then, and he wasn’t quite allowed to tell the story. Like there was a pact, or a magic spell surrounding it. As if something profound and peculiar would occur if he broke the confidence. It was thirty years ago and all us kids who’d loved Labyrinth then, and who still love it now, are all middle-aged. Saddest of all, the Goblin King is dead. Does the magic still exist? I asked him what happened on his adventure. ‘I was withdrawn, more withdrawn than the other kids. We all got a signed poster. Because I was so shy, they put me in a separate room, to one side, and so I got to meet him alone. He’d heard I was shy and it was his idea. He spent thirty minutes with me. ‘He gave me this mask. This one. Look. ‘He said: ‘This is an invisible mask, you see? ‘He took it off his own face and looked around like he was scared and uncomfortable all of a sudden. He passed me his invisible mask. ‘Put it on,’ he told me. ‘It’s magic.’ ‘And so I did. ‘Then he told me, ‘I always feel afraid, just the same as you. But I wear this mask every single day. And it doesn’t take the fear away, but it makes it feel a bit better. I feel brave enough then to face the whole world and all the people. And now you will, too. ‘I sat there in his magic mask, looking through the eyes at David Bowie and it was true, I did feel better. ‘Then I watched as he made another magic mask. He spun it out of thin air, out of nothing at all. He finished it and smiled and then he put it on. And he looked so relieved and pleased. He smiled at me. ‘'Now we’ve both got invisible masks. We can both see through them perfectly well and no one would know we’re even wearing them,’ he said. ‘So, I felt incredibly comfortable. It was the first time I felt safe in my whole life. ‘It was magic. He was a wizard. He was a goblin king, grinning at me. ‘I still keep the mask, of course. This is it, now. Look.’ I kept asking my friend questions, amazed by his story. I loved it and wanted all the details. How many other kids? Did they have puppets from the film there, as well? What was David Bowie wearing? I imagined him in his lilac suit from Live Aid. Or maybe he was dressed as the Goblin King in lacy ruffles and cobwebs and glitter. What was the last thing he said to you, when you had to say goodbye? ‘David Bowie said, ‘I’m always afraid as well. But this is how you can feel brave in the world.’ And then it was over. I’ve never forgotten it. And years later I cried when I heard he had passed.’ My friend was surprised I was delighted by this tale. ‘The normal reaction is: that’s just a stupid story. Fancy believing in an invisible mask.’ But I do. I really believe in it. And it’s the best story I’ve heard all year.”

— Paul Magrs (via yourfluffiestnightmare)