#“... because I jilted her a year ago and she didn't like it. Now she thinks she has to destroy everything I love to get me to fight her...”

[nadiajustbe]

The scene where WoTW and Howl were running across the yard might have been so confusing and creepy though the Megan's point of view.

Imagine sitting at home, minding your business, washing dishes or playing in the yard, and suddenly this weird-looking lady, dressed as she just escaped from some kind of really unique and rich troop, wearing a dark, gorgeous, medieval-like dress and high heels, that's almost impossible to buy at the store nowadays just... appears before your eyes.

She stands on the grass, leaning on the swing and you're already reaching for your home phone to call the police because how the hell did she find a way into your house?? Except you didn't have enough time to do it because right after that some kind of weird, physical force starts dragging you to this strange, creepy woman, and you want to tell her to go to hell with her stupid tricks, but you can't.

And you kids, waking right alongside you, cannot do anything, too. You can't all possibly be mad, can you?

An when it starts to get even weirder and unavoidable, your jobless, potential-losing piece of a brother, comes into a scene, jumping through the damn fence, dressed in the same weird-looking costume, as If he escaped the same wery troupe (seriously, If you weren't so worried about your kids and unnatural forces right now, you'd think what would happen If people saw this atrociously long sleeves and eye-burning colours), and just...runs at the mysterious woman right away, dragging away your daughter in some kind of sport-like movement. Your brother and the woman then start running across the yard in the most ridiculous way possible.

The force stops. Your brother and the woman go out of sight. You take your kids into the house and pretend this never, ever happened in your lifes.

[bookaddict24-7]

REVIEWS OF THE WEEK!

EVERY WEEK I WILL POST VARIOUS REVIEWS I’VE WRITTEN SO FAR IN 2024. YOU CAN CHECK OUT MY GOODREADS FOR MORE UP-TO-DATE REVIEWS HERE.

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172. Funny Story by Emily Henry--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I'm a big fan of Emily Henry, something about her books always hooks me in and, save for one book, I've grown to really enjoy and look forward to her stories (without reading the synopsis because I like going in blind).

The premise of this isn't overtly original BUT it was entertaining. I also loved the mirroring of the beginning and the end with the "let me tell you the funny story of how we met" line (I'm paraphrasing). I thought that was a fun touch that added levity to the ending AND really brought me into the story at the beginning.

I was a big fan of the tension between the two jilted lovers and how they grew their friendship before anything else even happened. They're both flawed characters who have had to overcome heartbreak and just happened to be each others' best support for their ordeals. I thought that they worked so well together, especially because their both (understandably) jaded by love. The subplot of their fake dating was a fun twist that added heat to the story and even though I don't know if I'd call this Henry's steamiest romance, I'd say that FUNNY STORY has the best sexual tension I've seen in Henry's books.

I liked the exploration of all of the relationships in the MC's life and how they helped her become who she is, or who she will be by the end of the book. I liked that she was flawed and made mistakes because it was realistic. I especially loved that she had this moment of realization that she needed to find out who she was and where she wanted to be when finally out of a relationship that didn't actually work for her. Also, LOVED that she was a librarian.

The love interest. Oh man, he is ADORABLE and honestly, I don't know how anyone could pick the stuffy fart of the MC's ex-fiancee over him. I wish we had a POV of his experiences with the MC because he himself has such a complicated past with relationships and family. I wish we could see into his mind during the whole breakup that happens at the beginning of the book. That's maybe one of the only things I wish we had more of in Henry's books--dual POVs.

This was cute, fun, at times heartbreaking, and a great read for the summer. Henry doesn't miss and I'm excited for her next book already. I don't know how she does it, but she's definitely an auto-read author for me.

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173. The Dragon's Bride by Katee Robert--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I finally picked up THE DRAGON'S BRIDE and I will admit that I was wary. I'd tried a Katee Robert book a few years ago and found it to be a boring experience.

This one, however, was a lot of fun and I loved how the relationship between the two characters developed. Since it's more of a novella, it was definitely on the faster-paced and shorter side. But to be honest, I would have probably been bored if this was any longer.

The spicy scenes were SPICY. I feel like this one had me bugging my eyes out the most of the books I've read in the last few years. But now I want to read the rest of the books in the series.

Is this a serious book? Not really, save for the fact that the MC deals with some heavy topics like abuse and PTSD. But the romance is lighthearted and as slowburn as it can get in such a short book. I loved the level of consent the dragon had for his bride and the turmoil they both felt as they started falling for each other.

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174. Over the Woodward Wall by A. Deborah Baker--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really, really enjoyed this snippet of a story. I think it's perfectly fitting that the author is also the author of the WAYWARD CHILDREN series because the mood was the same. This was whimsical, lyrical, and engrossing. I wanted the kids to truly find answers and a way home.

I think the quirky characters really make this story--not just the MCs, but all of the ALICE IN WONDERLAND-esque characters they come across. This is a middle grade book, but I can definitely see this just being an adult fantasy novel for the adult who always wished they'd gone on a fantastical journey as a kid.

I also thought that the way the two MCs contrast each other was really fun. One child clearly needs to learn how to loosen up from the "adult" expectations his parents have placed on him, while the other needs a bit more attention and care to ease the energy that partial parental negligence has gifted her. They worked really, really well together and I loved seeing their journey to friendship.

I highly recommend this story, especially for those who are looking for something fun and quick to read in the garden.

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175. Peacocks of Instagram by Deepa Rajagopalan--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received a copy via the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my review in any way.

I'm not a big short story person, but when I heard the synopsis for this, I immediately knew I had to read it. I tried out a new way of approaching this short story collection--one short story per night because one of the things that turns me off short story collections is how overwhelmed they sometimes make me feel. This method worked perfectly and it even helped build up the anticipation for reading the next story.

Deepa Rajagopalan's collection is incredibly rounded. Not only did we get thought-provoking stories, but also surprising conclusions for several of the characters as they inadvertently affected other characters in other stories.

And made even better was Rajagopalan's writing and how immersive it was. It also flowed so beautifully, making the heavier topics feel so easily digestible. The pacing was quick and most of the stories felt like punches as a result.

While some stories were definitely stronger than others, they all came together wonderfully. I loved their commentary on the Indian diaspora and how immigration was handled. I loved the deeper examinations of culture, racism, bigotry, classism, family, capitalism, and karmic justice--there was a lot of revenge in this and it was awesome.

Anyway, if you're looking for a new short story collection to hook you, then I think you're going to love this one! Highly, highly recommend!

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176. Otherworldly by F.T. Lukens--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed OTHERWORLDLY, especially because my last attempt to read Lukens was a bit of a hot mess. Thankfully, this one makes me want to check out the last few books they've written.

This was a fun adventure with a lot of heart. The curiosity of the paranormal MC and the sweet way he falls for the second MC was adorable. I also thought his storyline was fun (even if it wasn't wholly unique).

I loved the side characters and how the second MC learned to find what made them happy. I found their storyline to be both sad and hopeful. They had incredible support from their cousin and cousin's girlfriend, even when their family tried to break that confidence with their requests.

Like another reviewer mentioned, this was definitely more of a cozy contemporary fantasy novel. Sure, there was the paranormal underworld and the creatures hunting the MCs down, but it didn't stray too much from the small town setting.

Overall, I'm glad I read this and I definitely want to get to the backlist titles. I love when an author surprises you!

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177. The Underground by K.A. Applegate--⭐️⭐️⭐️

THE UNDERGROUND was an interesting addition to this series because we get a new potential weapon added to the story, even though the kids are so morally conscious that the option might now make an appearance in future books.

One of the biggest things that I noticed, however, is how much the language was really a reflection of the time. It made me slightly uncomfortable, but I know I also am reading this in 2024.

The story itself was good and adventurous. It's always a bit more exciting when we get the story from this character's perspective!

Onto the next book!

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178. Mindy Kim and the Fairy-Tale Wedding by Lyla Lee & Dung Ho (Illustrator)--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another adorable MINDY KIM story has passed and I loved seeing how much Mindy has grown as a little character. She's so sweet and supportive of her dad's happiness. As a person who was partially raised by a single parent, I was so happy when my mom found someone new. And I see this reflected in this story, since Mindy just wants her dad to be happy.

I think stories like this one are so important for young readers, especially because it may be relatable to them. This is why I love that young readers read--it helps them build that empathy.

Mindy teaches kids that if you work hard, you can reach your goals (and even if you don't, or if "reaching your goals" looks a little different, then that's okay!) She's got a great head on her shoulders!

I do wish more little ones read these books, because I find that they teach so much--such as culture, how different some families may look, life lessons, and how to have good communication with those you care for.

Will be picking up the next one in the series next month!

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179. Alex Wise vs. the End of the World by Terry J. Benton-Walker--⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

ALEX WISE has a character or two that I'd like to slap some sense into (*cough*the dad*cough*), but this didn't take away from how ridiculously fun this book was--even if it DID deal with the end of the world.

I'll admit that ALEX WISE started a bit on the slower side. I wasn't sure quite where it was going, especially with some of the things the MC and his sister get up to before the main storyline begins. I did appreciate, however, how we were given a backstory for the MC and why his relationship with his father plays so heavily into the way he is and how he carries himself in the story. I felt so awful for the MC. It honestly broke my heart.

The heart of the story was FUN. I loved seeing these characters work together to overcome a seemingly impossible to defeat villain. It played really well into the concept of empathy and how sometimes the most obvious solutions aren't always the right ones.

While the story felt a bit on the longer side for me, it was still an enjoyable adventure that I'll definitely be recommending to the younger readers who stop by the bookstore! I'm looking forward to the sequel!

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Have you read any of these books? What were your thoughts?

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Happy reading!

[zalrb]

Bridgerton 3.05 Review

"It's just, we've known Penelope for all these years and now she'll be my sister!" No one has questions??

Youngest Mouse Man brother sounds like Daniel Radcliff.

You didn't know she had feelings for Colin? You were best friends? And I feel like she wasn't subtle??

This is supposed to be a heart-wrenching moment between Eloise and Penelope and I do not care.

I still want Edwina to come and massacre them all.

Hey, Kate, where is your sister?

How is that man not the oldest of the Mouse Man Brothers?

Oh my god the Bridgerton family is BORING.

Idk Eloise and whatsherface Mean Girl girl should have a romance. It'd be interesting.

I mean, Penelope's mother is right to be cautious. One Bridgerton brother JUST jilted the sister of his wife. They're fickle af.

Colin standing up for Penelope is supposed to be this Moment but the acting is not good.

AND HE TURNS HER TO THE MIRROR SO SHE CAN SEE HERSELF AS HE COMPLIMENTS HER IN A WAY FOR HER TO GAIN CONFIDENCE. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

It's not fair, but if we're doing this

I'm just going to think of when Jamie described Claire's hair

14. Jesus Christ, Nicola's back must be TIRED. She's doing the best she can because dude is dead in the face.

15. *cries* she needs a better scene partner.

16. So, does every Bridgerton pairing have the "We should stop" "Do not stop" moment, then? No variations?

17. She's moaning, she's panting and he's just ....

18. This mirror scene should either be sensual or hot and instead it's mechanical.

19. Yes, yes, naked vulnerability, he strips for her, so they can see each other and just be bare together, *cries* you need chemistry for this.

20. I also feel like Penelope covering her breasts undercuts the scene? Like we don't have to see them, they can do different cuts and angles to let us know that she's naked without us having to see it or they have to have some dialogue about not being shy or embarrassed etc. etc.

21. "Tell me what to do." I mean he couldn't be, like, kissing her neck and she asks that breathlessly and then they pull away and have this conversation?

22. I just ... for a show that's supposed to be spicy and romantic, it's pretty clinical.

23. Jesus Christ, I'm not even 20 minutes in?

24. Even when he says "Not there. Not yet." He could SOUND like he's struggling?

25. I just feel like Colin going slow and Penelope not having experience and him checking in with her and making her comfortable and explaining that sex may hurt etc. doesn't mean the scene has to be devoid of heat or passion or gentle sensuality in terms of tone.

26. I'm slightly surprised he didn't go down on her, though, that's like a staple? And it's usually before penetrative sex. Interesting.

27. "I'm very happy. Who gives a SHIT about my sister."

28. "But Colin..." I mean to be fair, Eloise, he discovered this like five minutes ago.

29. "I would much rather go off riding" the two NOT LIKE OTHER GIRLS.

30. "Do I look a mess?" No, he did not blow your back out.

31. "What did you wish to tell me?" that it is I, LADY WHISTLEDOWN.

32. Wow, he is not a good actor.

33. "All she had to do to get him to marry her is be herself" and emotionally blackmail him for a kiss.

34. I know they need to keep up appearances for the sake of propriety but considering that they just had sex, Penelope for the first time, I would've expected some secret smiles and lingering gazes. Like FNL was really good at showing giddiness even with just shots of feet

35. Cressida, that's right.

36. "We should tell them tonight." "I thought you wanted to wait" since when were either of you considerate of other people? Please.

37. This show should be so much more fun.

[deanwasalwaysbi]

Thinking About How This Wasn't Actually a Denial

But was it self preservation?

The year was 2013 and rather than a denial, Jensen said "Don't ruin it for everybody now."

What was the fan 'ruining' for everybody? The Con? or something else? So if I was a tinhatter - and sometimes I am - I might think about other tv shows from the past that were covertly queer and how they handled the question, were TV shows 'out'?

Mainstream shows like Bewitched, you know, shows that are so clearly straight, you can tell because... well. ... they never technically used the word 'gay'. ... witches honor

SPN Film Studies is Back in Session! Join Under the Cut for more on supernatural & the story about how Bewitched! came out of the Broom Closet

Bewitched aired from 1964-72, it's so old the first season was in B&W. The show starred Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha, the strange housewife with a stranger secret. Her husband, Darrin, unwittingly married into the whole witchy family, from the now drag icon Agnes Moorehead's Endora with her open marriage, to the unmarried and batty Aunt Clara (Marion Lorne who played the mother in Hitchcock's heavily gay coded 'Strangers on a Train'), to the extremely coded Uncle Arthur (gay actor Paul Lynde). (We can't know for sure, but it seems at least 4 members of the cast were gay themselves.) The core premise of the show involves Samantha balancing who she really is with repressing that self for the safety and comfort of her family.

Samantha and her husband keep her [ahem] 'queer' nature a secret which gets harder on Samantha when she has to tell her daughter to live the same way, “I know what fun it is to be a part of the magical life ... to have so much at your fingertips. But we’re living in a world that’s just not ready for people like us, and I’m afraid they may never be. So you’re going to have to learn when you can use your witchcraft and when you can’t.”

There are plenty of generic 60s wacky hijinks but there are also whole episodes metaphorically about repression being harmful, episodes where characters asked if another was a 'thespian', episodes where Darrin was queercoded while under a spell, episodes about representation & bad stereotyping in media, and even two episodes where witches discussed whether it was time for witches to come out to the mortals, (whether mortals could accept that they were just nice normal people trying to live their lives like everybody else - or not - and would just freak out and kill them again).

When it came time to recast Dick York's Darrin with a new 2nd lead, Elizabeth and her husband, William Asher, knowingly cast the gay Dick Sergeant. (Although he wasn't out publicly at the time.) Then, when Sergeant came out in '91, Montgomery supported him and the two served together as the grand marshals of the Hollywood pride parade.

Dick Sargent expressed in the 90s what he would want in a Bewitched reunion episode: for Darrin to meet another like couple, a witch and a mortal who are married, and another, and another, and end up forming a whole community and support group, finding out that it was never so uncommon after all, that it was actually "about 10% of the population." The two would march in the first mortals and witches pride parade, saying they should have come out years ago.

In '94, Montgomery had this to say about the queer themes of the show, “Don't think that didn't enter our minds at the time. We talked about it on the set, that this was about people not being allowed to be what they really are. If you think about it, Bewitched is about repression in general and all the frustration and trouble it can cause. It was a neat message to get across to people at that time in a subtle way.” (x)

Interviewer: Are you concerned that your involvement in the gay-pride parade will lead people to believe you're a lesbian?

"[Laughing] I'm really not worried about that. There are bigger things to worry about. Like the presidential election and finding a cure for AIDS. I did the parade in support of Dick. I mean, in the end, didn't we all?" (x) (Montgomery was also one of the first celebrity allies to fight for LGBTQ rights and support HIV/AIDS-related fundraisers.)

So did they talk about it at the time? No. You can bet they didn't speak about it publicly. What would have happened if a fan, publicly, had asked Elizabeth, William, or Dick about the show's queer allegory content? This was a time when being gay was a literal felony. They would have had to have lied or risked losing the show, their careers, and possibly subjecting themselves to violence.

Now. back to Jensen and the Schrodinger's long con:

This was in 2013 - The same year that the Supreme Court of the United States struck down a federal ban on gay marriage. You certainly couldn't call homosexuality illegal in the US at that time. It's the same year that Dabb and Sgriccia spoke about the Aaron moment on the DVD and whether there's 'this potential for love in all places' for Dean. Of course Jensen said this about the very same scene: "But it was - you know - it was comedy. It was a comedic moment in the show and fortunately Dean gets a lot of the comedic moments in the show and it was just, you know, Ben was poking fun at the fact that - you know, how can we make this very kind of manly, heterosexual guy uncomfortable - uh -you know, or  or have him back on his heels and throw him off his game a little bit.”

I'm reminded of 2012 when Ben Edlund stepped in about a Destiel question at comic con, pretending it was some freaky thing that fans had made up even though he'd already written and directed TMWWBK, which had already aired.

Jensen: “What’s Destiel?” Ben Edlund: That’s some weird shit. Jensen: Is this something that you created, Ben? Ben: You don’t want any part of that.

Or the next year for season 9 when Jensen said “I think the whole Cas and Dean thing has gotten out of hand”  “I don’t think there’s anything secret to their relationship even though a lot of people wish there was” EVEN THOUGH- that season we got the nightstands acknowledgement and Misha (or both of them?) was told to “play him like a jilted lover”

Or Jensen's knowing bromance smile in 2015

I think recent events (cough spn gate) have made clear that the network and many viewers were still uncomfortable with CAS being gay in 2020, deleting even familial mentions of Cas from the finale episodes once he was revealed to be not only gay but also in love with Dean. (x) (x) (x) Can you imagine then what Warner Brothers would have said to an acknowledge bisexual Dean Winchester in 2013? Granted, there was no Trump election, but legitimate, could that have been the end of the show? Or the Russian and Conservative US viewership? Is it possible that Jensen would have feared so?

Is it possible that Jensen had a more personal reason for a knee jerk defensive response?

So was Jensen covering in 2013? Well. This happened 5 years later in 2018:

That hostile "? No." came even though Misha confirmed that he and Jensen had discussed Destiel by that point. Granted, discussing Destiel as a concept and accepting Dean being inherently bisexual are two very different things - Cas is GN after all - still, less than encouraging.

I may never get over the jumps back and forth that Jensen did. At this point I think there's no denying that a lot of SPN's queer content was on purpose, even as writers and actors were telling fans and network execs otherwise. Yet when each person involved was brought in? that question haunts me at night. I have gone off before about the timeline in my pursuit of whether Jensen was Ben Hur'd (x) and, if so, for how long. I'm sure many in this fandom have so much to add.

In the meantime we'll just have to cherish this moment from 2019:

Interviewer: 'So, tell us just a little bit about what you’re most excited to tackle with your character this final season.’ Jensen: “Cas. Just like a full football form tackle.”

Bewitched references in SPN:

2.05 - Dean: Well, it looks like he can't work his mojo just by twitching his nose, he's gotta use verbal commands.

2.20 - Dean says Barbara Eden was hotter than Elizabeth Montgomery - sigh - Dean.

7.05 - Dean thinks a husband has no idea his wife is a witch, and refers to him as Darrin. Dean also indicates he likes the first Darrin better. - (I guess I can't make a comment about how much TV Dean watched as a kid if I get all of his references and also haven't saved the world.)

14.03 - Jules refers to the witch as 'Brunhilde' - this is a minor character in bewitched but more so from mythology and likely referred to the cartoon witch from WB cartoons - the stereotypical witch that faced bugs bunny with the green skin and straw hair.

let me know if you have any to add. Stay Witchy ✌

[missbrunettebarbie]

Rules of Scoundrels review

When I first read the summary if this series, I wasn't impressed. The idea of 'gaming hell' romances that focus on four owners of a gaming club had some appeal and the fact that it was recommended by @starry-sky-stuff made me read it.

And I am glad I did because I LOVED it! I think what I love most about it is that it has genuine passion behind it. Sarah Maclean really loved these characters and their world, she didn't just write out of inertia. I also really appreciate that, with each book, she distanced herself from the 'privileged but still supposedly relatable virgin heroine who has never done anything wrong in her life'. Penelope -the heroine of the first book- was this, but even here I appreciate she was a 'jilted bride' in another series (that I haven't read). It's very rare for female characters who are mostly there to be rejected to get focus and love stories of their own. Pippa -the second heroine- is an odd, awkawrd girl (with glasses!) who has actual passions like anatomy and horticulture and is not very good at reading social cues. Then there is Mara, who is not only not an aristocrat, but actually framed her male lead for her murder. As for book 4, well, let's just say its female lead may just be my favourite romance heroine ever.

I read the series (almost) in order (book 1, book 3, book 2, book 4), and I fell on love with Chase, the mysterious founder of the gaming club where most of the action happens. So by the time I got to Chase's book I was excited if somewhat cautionous because I was told by many -goodreads reviwes, Keely, my own mom LOL- that it's rather boring and disappointing. But it did not feel this way at all to me! On the contrary, I adored every page of it and found it a very satisying end to the series.

I definitely recommend anyone who wants to read this series to do it in order and preferably without reading the summary of the fourth book. I didn't know this and I am kinda sad I didn't get to try figure out Chase's identity. Then again, would I have fallen for the character so hard if I haven't known the truth? This is the question.

Now, the books, rated in order, from worst to best.

4. A rogue by any other name (book 1)- Probably the most 'tame' out of all the books, because the author played by the rules of the genre. As I said Penelope is the most traditional of all the heroines and this wouldn't have been a bad thing....if she wasn't head over heels in love with her husband who is revenge obssessed and treats her horribly. And even knowing this, I would have still been more tolerant of this 'love story' if the heroes weren't childhood friends. This may seem like an odd statement, but I would forgive a stranger faster for mistreating me than a so-called friend. The summary of the book could easily be: Bourne plots and ignores Penelope while pining for her; meanwhile Penelope broods about her husband not wanting her. Anyway, it was a good introduction to the series, but I am not impressed.

3. No good duke goes unpunished (book 3) - The heroine accidentally framed the hero for her murder twelve years ago. In her defense she was only sixteen, had an abusive father and was about to be the....fourth(?) wife of a really old guy so she needed get out of there pronto. Also she never planned to frame anyone for any murder, but as often happens to plans, hers went wrong. Now she's back and promises to clear the hero's name in axchange for money. This is an emotional connection if there ever was one! I actually loved how entangled Mara and Temple's lives were, how they never seemed to be able to get rid of the other. I even bought the fact that they were in love! And I liked that, as I said, Mara is not only lower-class (and has a job!), but has done morally questionable things as well. However it kinda feels like Temple forgave her too easily.

2. One good earl deserves a lover (book 2) - Classic virgin and rake romance...except the virgin would very much like to know what she's getting into before her arranged marriage and rake may not quite live up to his reputation. And also wants her far, far away from him. This book is laugh out loud funny, Pippa is a delight and the premise...the premise its ridiculous, as the male lead points out over and over again. Still the ending left me satisfied especially since Pippa saves the day while Cross mostly...broods and resigns himself to misery. It loses points because Cross' angst is ridiculous (even if you were in that carriage instead of your brother, your sister would still have been harmed in the accident!) and he got controlling and tiresome towards the end.

1. Never judge a lady by her cover (book 4)- Like the contrarian I am, most people's least liked book in the series turned out to be my favourite. What can I say, secret identity, love-hate relationships, adorable kids, morally questionable women, self-made men...these things appeal to me! I am aware that anyone who doesn't care for the heroine would not enjoy this, but lucky me, I was not one of those people. My favourite part of all the other books was everytime Chase meddled in someone's love life so it was really enjoyable to see Chase's love life. And in true Chase style it was grandiose, dramatic and full of secrets!

[orochimartyr]

😡 + ✌ + ✍ + ✔ + ☯ + ▲ + ▼ + ♫ + ❤ + ⌘ + ღ + ☂ (Sending these again in case the first ask didn't go through, with some more symbols; please answer this one, instead!)

Oh my god Kame why. From this meme about roleplaying! This is going to be LONG POST!

😡Worst role play-related encounter and what advice you would give to others to avoid similar situations?

Ok. So something I still feel guilty about is hurting some irl feelings (years ago!) when everyone got a little too emotionally invested. I assume the party involved was younger and like many rp’d to be part of a community. They got attached to Orochi who discarded them because A) he’s Orochimaru and B) I might have had some primal negative reaction to people trying to know me. I’m sure it really upset them & still hope they are ok.

After school special: ALWAYS be aware of the line between muse & mun. ALWAYS try to understand people might be younger or not understand something. If you’re ever not sure it is never “immersion-breaking” to ask after people OOC so everyone is on the same page. A lot of people project themselves through their character & its not exactly healthy. There was a point in my life I had no social support except RP & it was not a good thing! 

✌ : Fondest role-play memory, between muses?

I met one of my best friends way back in the 2007 chat-room days. She had a cat girl OC named Shadow. That’s how 2007. But we’ve been through a lot together but eventually her character married some character from an entirely different fandom (True Blood?) & Orochimaru became her weird (ex-husband) patronly figure?? And just their smart ass dynamic and him having to interact with other foreign characters was really fun.

Also my beloved Twitter Kabuto had married a med nin OC employed by Oro to assist. Eventually there was an RP baby & letting Orochimaru hold it was like THE cutest shit I have ever written.

✍ : Offer 3-5 tips on how to get other role players started on interacting with your muse.

Ask him questions. Orochimaru loves answering questions. Its less fun knowing all of this shit if nobody asks him anything.

Be respectful. Or not respectful depending on how you want shit to go down. My Orochi isn’t quick to anger but he doesn’t necessarily have to be angry to stab you.

Memes bro. I actually don’t write much anymore as I’m sure you noticed my blog has become snakes & silliness. But if I can answer asks in short I surely will.

✔ : What drew you to the character you currently play? What types of characters are you generally drawn to?

Snakes? I’m a sucker for a good villain, is what. Orochimaru was just my kind of creepy yet elegant shit. I seem to be drawn to villains and anti-heroes that look inhuman but behave very humanly and are terrible at acknowledging it. Give me those depressed, jilted, mentally ill villains that have perfectly valid reasons for being the way they are and just mess them up. 

☯ : Greatest challenge to writing your character?

Its been so long its hard to say. I think perhaps that I feel sometimes I don’t write him EVIL enough. Like my Orochimaru is sort of benign amongst other Orochi writers. I like to play up his backwards benevolence and his intelligence but I don’t like to fight with him. Other muses usually pick up on this & nobody has forced his hand or questioned him. Dat charisma.

▲ : What sort of information do you like to see on someone’s role play page that helps you determine whether or not you would want to write with them?

I mean I like an about page for OCs def. I always peek at blogs that interact with me. I don’t interact with people that seem like they’re super serious and exclusive because I just. I’m a filthy casual at everything in life.

▼ : Are there popular head canons for your character that you disagree with? Why?

I don’t conform to the hyper sexualized, everything-is-debauchery take on Orochimaru. His true love is information and its not even a healthy relationship.

♫ : Are there parts of your own personality that you reflect onto your character? How do they work?

Ohohoho boy. As I mentioned I spent a couple years living through Orochimaru and they weren’t good years. Denying people access to me on the grounds of that being ridiculous was definitely the worst of it. I still have a hard time with it myself. On a lighter note thinking logically & this dark sense of humor work with him flawlessly.

❤ : What are some role-plays that you have done/are doing that you particularly enjoy and wish to share with your followers?

Oh man! I’ve deleted all my links, I think. But definitely a thread I did with Sasuke (HybernalOnyx I think) Wherein both characters were jailed together after the war. It went on awhile & got deep. 

When I first joined tumblr I was in some RP groups. One was a modern AU where a veteran Orochi settled down after a lifetime of fieldwork to manage the town’s library. One thread Orochimaru hurt his damn self & an only recently acquainted Kabuto helped him despite snake stubbornness. It was cute, man.

Also did a thread in a different group with a Gaara wherein Orochimaru espionage’d around in the form of a horned viper. Shenanigans ensued.

⌘ : Where do you get some of your inspirations for plots/head canons? Offer an example, if possible.

Huehuehue. Studies and documentaries in psychology and science give me ideas sometimes. Asylum horror movies also. Orochimaru’s various mental illnesses are definitely there. The ‘Alligator heart shunt’ experiment had just been laying around in one of my biology labs. Morgues. I’m big on morgues.

ღ : What sorts of plots/characters/scenes do you have the most difficulty writing, and why?

Writing fast paced action is always difficult because you have to depend on your partner so much. Those are best done in chat rooms or short format rp’s and I write...like I write a lot of stuff guys. I’m a descriptive asshole.

Also sometime different muses approach him in ways I have a hard time justifying him not like. you know. Killing them?? I don’t want to be a bitch but at the same time Orochimaru has no time for you??

☂ : Spread some love: mention someone you’ve met that has influenced you or your writing in a positive way, and explain how.

I’ve literally met a lifelong friend through rp & I still love her. I love Sammy my OG Twitter Kabuto for pushing me over to Tumblr where I can write as much as I want. I love @uchihasavior for all the meta (& ItaOro what). I love U for continuing to interact with me even though I half-ass everything now.