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you-are-my-neverland · 5 months ago

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writeblr introduction

this is my fifth-hundreth time doing this, but i wanted an easy introduction that i could update without many frills, so here goes.

introducing....me!

online, i go by star! (she/her)

college student majoring in foreign langauges, with a chinese (mandarin) concentration and a linguistics minor

i hope to go into literary translation of some sort, but we'll see how it goes

in my free time, i like to watch asian dramas, listen to music, and read; i also dabble in video editing

i talk about the above and more on my main @astarlightmonbebe, which i also follow from

when it comes to writing, i love reading/writing

character driven stories with lots of complicated relationship dynamics (give me more of we-used-to-be-close, estranged or otherwise multilayered found family/sibling relationships, fated to be but hate it, etc)

magical realism, especially coming-of-age

low or middle fantasy

lore/mythology/religion (love folklore, legend, especially ones that change, grow, and are more real than they seem)

what i'm working on (current as of august 2024)

wip: godhood

naying yue’s father has been missing for three years. after stabbing her bff/lover in the eye and getting expelled from college, she decides to celebrate her twenty first bday by killing herself. however, her plans are derailed when she is attacked by monsters, rescued/kidnapped, and told her father abducted her as a young child, and that her real identity is the heiress to a powerful family who is part of the mysterious Outsider World…

new adult low fantasy inspired by/incorporating wuxia elements

drafting book one right now; will likely be at least three books if i get there

comic sans ppt

other ideas bouncing around

a high school sports wip revolving around a sport called cyclone, where biking meets medieval jousting to create a very metal sport. gil reyes, once a cyclone prodigy and now on limited time, finds himself dumped and kicked out of his cyclone crew. a street tournament with a cash prize and a claim to fame leads to him starting his own crew, recruiting the scholarly sprinter, aadya; high school dropout and underground stunt rider/racer, yama; the duo of sprinter winnie and bruiser jade; a rural girl with brute strength and a boxer’s instincts, elle; and a brilliant time trialist who knows nothing about cyclone, pazu.

paper tigers

status: constantly rotating around in my head on a hot plate

when moonlil acang's father, the warlord of the north, dies in a violent explosion of which the only survivor is a mysterious girl he has apparently brought back from the mountains, moonlil is forced into a position he's never wanted. setting inspired by 1920s china/chinese history. featuring: grave robbery, complicated siblings, mythological elements, and a dose of revolutionary, imperial, and military politics.

the phosphene phenomenon

status: sketching out the details, potentially plotting

three years after witnessing a total solar eclipse and falling into a coma, diyu wakes up to find himself with New Eyes and a ghost attached to him. lalita's been dead for years, but she knows nothing but her own name. tasked by death to help other spirits move on before she, too, can find her afterlife, lalita and diyu have no choice but to team up, along with sunny, the one person diyu has never been able to stand. featuring: a super intense rivalry (swear), self discovery journeys, ghosts and mental illness, agents of death, and so on.

previously on here i’ve successfully completed the first drafts of two wips, fairbone and the metamorphosis of the lost (tmotl), which still occasionally pop up.

i’m not always the most active, especially during the school year, where my focus is on trying to write a few words a day if any at all, but i’m always excited to hear and interact with other’s work!

#.txt #writeblr introduction #writer introduction #writing #about me #my wips #my goal is to pin this and update as necessary instead of consistently recreating introductions #i haven’t changed my url in the four-five years i’ve been here so hi again #cyclone is my little pet project because i just caught up on windbreaker #i’ll be studying abroad for most of the summer so idk if i’ll have time but who knows!!!#wip pile updated aug 9th 2024 since i'm thinking about them again (the wips...)

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spaceorphanssecondbreakfastclub · 2 years ago

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SO's Bookclub : The Specter

Title: The Specter Author: Joan Lowery Nixon Genre: YA Mystery

Goodreads Summary: Seventeen-year-old Dina is fighting cancer and is angry at the whole world. But when Julie, a nine-year-old survivor of a car accident, becomes Dina's roommate at the hospital, there's no time for Dina to keep on being angry. Because Julie is frightened. Desperately frightened. She's sure that someone caused the accident she was in ‒ someone who will return to kill her. Now she's insisting on being with Dina all the time. But by befriending Julie, is Dina making herself the target of a dangerous killer?

Review: It's now 1982, a year skipped, because JLN was probably writing one of her hundred Orphan Train books (this woman was prolific, and yet most people don't remember her - weird, right?).

Keeping watch over some trope-ish things I've been tracking -- Set in a small Texas town? Check. Religious community? Check - and this time in Spanish. Male hero popping up half way through the novel but romance is never firmly sealed with a kiss? You've got it! I've also noticed that these books often have some kind of older matriarch in them. In Christian Lattimore - it was her grandmother who ran the family. In The S��ance - an elderly aunt was the caregiver. In this one, a retiring, Hispanic nurse takes care of the two kids. Interesting, right?

Oh - and conversations about college. Our main character, Dina, is really obsessed with college -- but it makes sense that she's preoccupied with it, because she has Hodgkin's Disease and doesn't know how long she'll live.

Oh boy, is this an uplifting book...

The story revolves around Dina dealing with her cancer treatment - all the meanwhile, a strange girl named Julie ends up in the hospital bed next to her. (Now that I think of it -- Julie, a car crash survivor, probably wouldn't end up in the same section as the cancer patients - but it's probably best not to think too hard about these plots.) The book is split up into two distinct parts - the first part dealing with everything that happens at the hospital and the second half dealing with being fostered by a retiring nurse.

Oh right, because both the teenage Dina and the 9yo Julie are orphans. This book just doesn't stop hitting you with these tragedies, but they're all in service to the plot that Nixon is trying to sell. Does it all work? Mmmmm - I suppose it's better than everything that happened in Christina Lattimore.

Here's the thing - it's kind of hard to talk about this book without getting into spoilers because all of it kind of hinges on the 'twist' that's at the end of the book. I will say - even if I hadn't remembered (and I was surprised at how easily it came back to me) it's pretty obvious what the twist is. Even the cover is spoilery once you know what's happening. It might have been intentional, though, to drum up drama. You're one step of all the characters in the book the whole way, and that adds to the tension.

The crux of the book lies on the growingly complicated relationship between Dina and Julie - and the mystery surrounding what happened in Julie's past that got her to this point.

I can't say that this was the most intriguing plot. Honestly, it might have been better as a short story - as the character development of Dina trying to cope with her cancer going into remission just felt like filler and padding time to get back to the, somewhat thin, plot of what was happening with Julie. I can say that Dina was at least a decent main character - and better written than either Christina or Lauren, but, while this is still a quick read, the book drags -- especially when it pushes in on the drama and consequently stretches out the mystery.

I should also note - while there is quite a bit of tension in the novel, it's not steeped in that unnerving late 70s/early 80s horror-esque feel. While definitely dated, it feels more generic than feeling of a single time and place.

Alright - so I am going to talk about the twist, so that'll be under the cut. The non-spoilery ending of this review will be -- it's fine. Not my favorite, not terrible, but not great either. Meh.

Rating: 2.75 Stars

**spoiler section**

Okay - so here's the thing. The whole twist is that after her mom decided to run off with this dude who nearly killed her father, Julie decided to cause the crash to kill them all. (Or did the guy kidnap them? I'm a little fuzzy on this.)

The thing is -- I feel like the ending is trying to paint Julie in a sympathetic light at the end. Oh, this poor girl and all the trauma she's been through. And her dad is alive - and they'll go live happily ever after.

But here's my issue. The kid is a freaking psychopath. Everything she does with Dina is psychopathic behavior. And she tries, multiple times, to murder people without really any kind of remorse. Everything she does is manipulative and selfish. And I guess I don't buy that the basis for all of this is psychological trauma from what happened to her. Not saying she wouldn't be traumatized because she would be. But the girl is also a psychopath. And I'm worried for her dad once he comes out of that coma...

The thing though, too, is that Julie is really what made me not like this book. She is terrible and annoying. The rest of the characters are fairly interesting (if a little dull). Dina is a find MC. Her love interest, Dave, is the first male hero I've liked. And her Hispanic community she gets fostered into are really fun. But Julie and all of her games - and the fact that they all keep making excuses for her is really annoying. The twist isn't that hidden, and like I said earlier, probably purposely done - but it makes it even more frustrating seeing it coming. I know times were different back then, but would they really so easily shuffle this girl, with these behaviors off so easily? Ug.

Anyway - that's my two cents on that. I still found it overall a better read than Christina Lattimore, though.

#books #book review #joan lowery nixon #the specter #sbc bookclub

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themovieblogonline · 1 month ago

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The 4:30 Movie Review: A Nostalgic Dive into Youth and Love

Kevin Smith's The 4:30 Movie takes viewers on a humorous, heartwarming journey through the trials of teenage love, friendship, and the transformative magic of cinema. Set in 1986 New Jersey, this semi-autobiographical coming-of-age comedy weaves Smith’s signature humor with a poignant look at adolescence, all wrapped in the nostalgic allure of movie theaters and the rebellious spirit of sneaking into R-rated films. Anchored by an energetic young cast, including Austin Zajur as Brian David and Siena Agudong as Melody Barnegat, the film evokes the awkwardness, hope, and excitement of youth with a distinctively personal touch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gDMPU2h2YU Premise: At its core, The 4:30 Movie is a deceptively simple story that unravels over a single day, encapsulating all the anticipation, mistakes, and self-discovery that come with teenage life. Brian David (Zajur) nervously invites his crush Melody to see an R-rated detective comedy, Bucklick, a film adapted from her mother’s favorite book series. This sets off a chain of events that sees Brian, along with his two best friends Burny (Nicholas Cirillo) and Belly (Reed Northrup), embarking on a misadventure at the local Atlantic Cinemas. What begins as a plan to theater-hop their way through a day of films turns into a test of friendships, personal aspirations, and the courage to face both romantic and personal fears. Capturing teenage life: The premise offers a refreshing sense of innocence. Instead of high-stakes drama or convoluted subplots, Smith keeps the narrative grounded in everyday experiences. It’s about skipping school, awkward phone calls to crushes, petty arguments, and the weight of teenage expectations. The film captures that fleeting moment in life where the world seems both impossibly large and yet intimately small, revolving around close friendships, crushes, and personal dreams. Kevin Smith is back in form: For fans of Smith’s previous work, The 4:30 Movie carries many of his trademark elements—snappy dialogue, quirky characters, and sharp observational humor. While his earlier films like Clerks and Mallrats delve into the mundanities of young adult life, The 4:30 Movie captures the innocent, youthful era before that—before full-time jobs, before relationships grew more complicated, and before cynicism fully set in. The film feels like a love letter to that time in Smith’s own life when movies were not just a form of escapism but a formative part of his identity. One of the standout aspects of the film is how Smith uses humor to emphasize the social awkwardness of adolescence. Moments such as Brian’s Emergency Breakthrough calls from his mother, interrupting his date and exposing his juvenile concerns, are pitch-perfect in delivering comedic relief without undercutting the film's emotional core. At the same time, The 4:30 Movie doesn’t shy away from exploring the growing pains of young friendships. Burny’s increasing frustration with Brian’s budding romance and the group’s banter create tension but also serve as a reflection of how friendships evolve under pressure. Austin Zajur and company are electric: Austin Zajur’s portrayal of Brian is endearing, capturing the essence of the character’s vulnerability and youthful ambition. As the film’s protagonist, Brian is both the moral center and the emotional anchor, guiding the audience through his awkward missteps with a blend of innocence and charm. His tape recorder, a constant companion used to record his thoughts, is a subtle but effective reminder of his aspirations to become a writer, and it underscores the film’s exploration of finding one's voice, even when life feels overwhelming. Nicholas Cirillo as Burny delivers a strong performance as the self-proclaimed ladies’ man, bringing humor and bravado to the group dynamic. However, as the film progresses, Burny’s tough exterior is gradually peeled away, revealing insecurities that many will find relatable. His relationship with Brian and Belly is one of the film’s emotional pillars, with Smith carefully balancing comedic banter and more reflective moments. Reed Northrup’s Belly provides additional comic relief, particularly in scenes where he finds himself in absurd situations, such as being thrown out of the theater or caught in embarrassing predicaments. His character’s loyalty to his friends, despite the mishaps, is heartwarming. Supporting cast: Siena Agudong as Melody adds a layer of sincerity and depth to what could have been a one-dimensional love interest. Her chemistry with Zajur is authentic, and her character’s frustrations and hopes are not only tied to her relationship with Brian but also to her own personal struggles. In this way, Smith avoids reducing Melody to a mere plot device, giving her the agency to stand out as her own person within the story. Ken Jeong’s role as the egotistical manager Mike provides much of the film’s antagonism, but his over-the-top antics and love for banning patrons give the film a cartoonish villain that works within the comedic tone. His clashes with the teenage characters, especially when he wields his authority through the absurdly named “Movie Mobile,” add to the nostalgic charm of small-town America in the 1980s. Made for film lovers: At its heart, The 4:30 Movie is a film for movie lovers. Kevin Smith’s deep-rooted admiration for the cinematic experience shines through in every frame. From the fictional Astro Blaster & The Beaver Men to the cheeky sex comedy Dental School, Smith lovingly pokes fun at the kinds of films that populated multiplexes in the ‘80s. The sense of awe and mischief that comes with sneaking into an R-rated film is something many cinephiles can relate to, and Smith uses it as a backdrop to explore the broader theme of finding one’s passion. But beyond the humor and hijinks, the film also reflects on the bittersweet nature of growing up. Brian’s encounters with the female usher who dreams of being a filmmaker, and the heart-to-heart with Melody in the park, remind the audience that life, much like the movies, is about taking risks. As Brian and his friends struggle with their insecurities, ambitions, and relationships, The 4:30 Movie becomes a story not just about sneaking into theaters but about learning to stand up for oneself and facing the unknown. Overall: While The 4:30 Movie may not break new ground in the coming-of-age genre, it succeeds in delivering a heartfelt and hilarious trip down memory lane. Kevin Smith’s ability to blend humor with moments of emotional sincerity, combined with a charismatic cast, makes this a film that will resonate with both fans of his earlier work and those discovering his unique style for the first time. With its nostalgic setting, witty dialogue, and an ode to the magic of movies, The 4:30 Movie is definitely worth watching.

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pagebypagereviews · 3 months ago

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Immerse yourself in the atmospheric charm and deep-rooted secrets of the Southern landscape as "Shakedown in Savannah," the twenty-third book in the "Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Series," invites readers into another captivating adventure with the intrigue and wit that fans have come to adore. This installment unravels yet another tapestry of deception and sleuthing in the heart of Georgia where our familiar and beloved amateur detective, Carlita Garlucci, alongside her band of quirky companions, delves into the underbelly of Savannah's shady dealings. Authored by the adept Hope Callaghan, the series has consistently delivered cozy mystery staples—small-town vibes, charming characters, and clever whodunnits—which retain readers and attract new fans, reinforcing the genre's relevance and modernity. Consider this review your exclusive invitation to join the Garlucci family escapades, as they navigate through a labyrinth of corruption, family drama, and murder. "Shakedown in Savannah" not only promises to provide the quintessential cozy mystery experience but also tackles the complexities of familial bonds and community ties within the narrative's suspenseful unraveling. Each page turn is a testament to Callaghan's ability to balance light-hearted dynamics with the gravity of solving a crime. The book stands as a beacon in the cozy mystery genre, ensuring that justice is served with a side of Southern hospitality, all while posing the question: how well do you truly know your neighbors—and your city? Plot The plot of "Shakedown in Savannah" revolves around a new mystery that the protagonist and amateur sleuth, Carlita Garlucci, must solve within the historic city of Savannah, Georgia. As part of the long-running "Made in Savannah Mystery Series," this installment depicts a gripping narrative where a local business owner finds themselves in the grip of an extortion scheme. The story unfolds as Carlita, along with her family and close friends, uncovers clues and navigates complex relationships with various local characters, each possibly harboring secrets that could be pivotal to solving the case. Complications arise when the criminal elements in the city begin to sense that their plans are under threat, leading to increased tensions and a race against time to prevent any harm from befalling the community. The narrative is typically cozy in its approach, steering clear of gory details or explicit content, focusing instead on the puzzle-solving element that keeps readers engaged until the satisfying resolution. Characters The character dynamics in "Shakedown in Savannah" are at the core of its appeal. The series protagonist, Carlita Garlucci, is portrayed as a strong, intuitive woman with a knack for getting to the bottom of the most puzzling mysteries. Her Italian heritage and tight-knit family are essential aspects of her character and contribute significantly to the story. Supporting characters include Carlita's children, who assist her in the investigation, and a colorful cast of locals, each uniquely contributing to the development of the narrative. The interactions between the characters are warm and often contain a humorous undertone, yet there is a depth to their relationships that adds to the richness of the narrative. These recurring characters have grown over the series, and readers who have followed the story from the beginning will enjoy deeper insights into their personalities and backstories, while new readers can still appreciate the dynamics at play within this latest mystery. Writing Style The writing style of "Shakedown in Savannah" is characteristic of cozy mysteries, where the prose is light, engaging, and accessible. The author employs a storytelling method that balances dialogue with descriptive passages, immersively capturing the essence of Savannah with its historic charm and southern flair. Language used is conversational and friendly, making the book a comfortable read for a broad audience. Attention to detail

in scene-setting allows readers to visualize the setting and action without overpowering the narrative flow. The pacing is well-managed, with moments of tension and revelation interspersed with calmer periods that give readers a chance to piece together clues alongside the protagonist. This approach ensures that the novel is both a page-turner and a pleasurable, easy read. Setting The setting of the novel is a character in its own right, with Savannah, Georgia, providing a lush, atmospheric backdrop to the story. The city's historic districts, beautiful parks with Spanish moss-draped trees, and antebellum architecture are not just mere locations but contribute to the plot's ambiance and authenticity. The author skillfully uses the setting to add suspense and intrigue to the story – the charm of the old city juxtaposed with the undercurrents of mystery and danger as the protagonist navigates its streets to solve the crime. Mention of real locations, such as famous squares and landmarks, lends verisimilitude to the narrative and can be particularly engaging for those familiar with Savannah or interested in its heritage. Unique Aspects One of the unique aspects of "Shakedown in Savannah" is its incorporation of Italian-American culture, seen through the protagonist and her family, which adds an extra dimension to the storytelling. The family's warm, open-hearted approach to life and business contrasts appealingly with the darker elements of crime and suspense. Furthermore, the book's commitment to the cozy mystery genre—eschewing graphic violence and explicit content—appeals to readers looking for a more gentle approach to crime fiction. Another distinctive feature is the strong sense of community within the book; despite the presence of crime, the relationships and mutual support among the characters uphold positive themes. Lastly, the series' longevity allows for satisfying development of character arcs and relationships, a draw for longtime fans and a mark of depth for newcomers, who may be enticed to explore previous books to experience the full progression. Similar to Shakedown in Savannah: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Novel (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Book 23) Book Review ```html Shakedown in Savannah Book Review Analysis table width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; th, td border: 1px solid black; padding: 8px; text-align: left; th background-color: #f2f2f2; .pros color: #2e8b57; /* Green color for pros */ .cons color: #8b0000; /* Red color for cons */ Pros of Shakedown in Savannah Book Review Engaging Plot The book offers an engaging plot that keeps readers invested in the storyline and eager to see what happens next, enhancing the reading experience. Familiar Characters Long-time fans of the series can enjoy the consistent presence of familiar and beloved characters, creating a sense of comfort and continuity. Humor The occasional infusion of humor provides a light-hearted balance against the mystery, adding to the overall charm of the book. Setting The Savannah setting is vividly described and adds a rich backdrop to the mystery, giving readers a virtual tour of the historic city. Cons of Shakedown in Savannah Book Review Predictable Plot Points Some readers may find certain plot twists predictable, potentially diminishing the suspense and excitement. Formulaic Elements The book may not deviate much from the series formula, which could lead to a sense of repetition for some readers. Character Development Regular readers might feel that character development is lacking or stagnant, as little may have changed or evolved from previous books. Genre-specific Restrictions As a cozy mystery, the book may not provide the level of depth or challenge that enthusiasts of more complex narrative styles seek. ``` Evaluating the Genre and Sub-genre When selecting a mystery novel such as "Shakedown in Savannah," start by assessing whether you enjoy the broader genre and its specific sub-genre – the cozy mystery.

If you're drawn to stories that include a murder or mystery to solve, where violence and sex are treated with a lighter touch than in hardboiled detective stories, this might be the choice for you. Cozy mysteries often feature an amateur sleuth, rather than a professional detective, and they focus heavily on character development and community. Checking out the previous books in the Made in Savannah Mystery Series may give you a sense of the recurring themes and style of the author. Consider the Series Continuity Picking up a book that is well into a series, such as the 23rd installment, might be daunting. Look at how dependent the story is on prior knowledge. While some series can be read out of order as each book stands alone with its separate mystery, others are sequential with character relationships and overarching stories. Research whether "Shakedown in Savannah" requires familiarity with earlier books for full enjoyment or if it's crafted to welcome new readers as well. Author's Reputation and Reviews Research the author's reputation and reader reviews. An established author like Hope Callaghan, creator of the Made in Savannah series, often has a loyal following. Reading reviews of the first 22 books might reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the series, and whether the author's style aligns with your reading preferences. Be wary of reviews that contain spoilers but look for comments about pacing, character development, and plot to guide your buying decision. Book Length and Pacing Consider the book's length and pacing. Cozy mysteries like "Shakedown in Savannah" can range from quick reads to more substantial volumes. Think about the amount of time you want to invest in a book and look into whether the pacing is fast or leisurely, as this can influence your overall reading experience. Check the Quality of Writing and Editing Another important factor is the quality of writing and editing. In the realm of cozy mysteries, and self-published works in particular, this can vary significantly. Look for a sample of the book if possible, to get a feel for the writing style, and also to spot any potential recurrent editing issues. Price and Format Availability Consider your budget and the format in which you prefer to read. "Shakedown in Savannah" might be available in various formats such as hardcover, paperback, e-book, or audiobook. Each format comes with a different price tag. Electronic versions are often less expensive and more portable, while print editions offer the tactile experience that some readers prefer. Look for Promotions and Discounts Lastly, be on the lookout for promotions and discounts. Publishers often offer deals on ebooks, and sometimes even print books, particularly when a novel is part of a long series. Signing up for the author’s or publisher’s newsletter, joining reader groups for the genre, or visiting book deal websites can be beneficial in finding a good price. Availability in Libraries and Bookstores If you are not quite ready to purchase, check if "Shakedown in Savannah" is available at your local library or bookstore. This can be a cost-effective way to explore a new author or series without committing to a purchase. Borrowing the book first may help you decide whether you would like to invest in your own copy or further explore the series. FAQ for Shakedown in Savannah: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Novel (Book 23) Book Review Is "Shakedown in Savannah" suitable for readers new to the series? While "Shakedown in Savannah" is the 23rd book in the Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Series, the author provides enough context for new readers to jump in. However, for a better understanding of recurring characters and relationships, it might be more enjoyable to start with earlier books in the series. Do you need to read the Made in Savannah series in order? While each book in the Made in Savannah series can usually be enjoyed on its own, reading the series in order can provide a more enriching experience as you can observe character development and overarching storylines.

Is "Shakedown in Savannah" appropriate for all ages? As a cozy mystery, "Shakedown in Savannah" is generally considered suitable for a wide age range. However, it's targeted primarily at adults and may include some minor adult themes and references that might not be suitable for very young readers. How long is the book "Shakedown in Savannah"? The exact length of "Shakedown in Savannah" can vary depending on the format (e.g., paperback, hardcover, e-book). You may want to check the product details on the retailer's page for the most accurate information on the number of pages or word count. Can "Shakedown in Savannah" be read as a standalone novel? Yes, "Shakedown in Savannah" can be read as a standalone novel. The author usually includes enough back story and character introductions so that readers can follow along without having read the previous books. What is the main genre of "Shakedown in Savannah"? "Shakedown in Savannah" is a cozy mystery novel, which is a subgenre of crime fiction. These types of books are known for their light-hearted and non-violent approach to mystery-solving, usually taking place in small communities. Are there any graphic scenes or explicit content in "Shakedown in Savannah"? Cozy mysteries, including "Shakedown in Savannah", are known for their lack of graphic violence and explicit content. Therefore, readers can expect minimal to no graphic scenes or explicit language. Will readers who enjoy "Shakedown in Savannah" find other books in the series similar in tone and style? Yes, readers who enjoy the tone and style of "Shakedown in Savannah" are likely to find the rest of the Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Series consistent in delivering a similar reading experience. Is there a cliffhanger in "Shakedown in Savannah" that leads into the next book? Cozy mysteries often resolve their main plot within each book. While there may be ongoing character development that bridges between books, "Shakedown in Savannah" typically wraps up its central mystery by the book's conclusion. Any potential cliffhanger would likely pertain more to character relationships than to unsolved crimes. Where can readers find more information about the author and future books in the series? Readers can find more information about the author and future books in the Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Series by visiting the author's official website, social media pages, or by looking at their profile on online book retailers and author platforms like Goodreads. In conclusion, "Shakedown in Savannah: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Novel (Book 23)" stands out as an enthralling addition to the much-loved Made in Savannah Mystery Series. For devotees of cozy mysteries, this book not only promises a gripping narrative filled with twists and turns but also transports readers to the charming southern ambiance of Savannah. Through vibrant character development and immersive storytelling, author Hope Callaghan has once again delivered a must-read novel that combines humor, suspense, and engaging family dynamics. The book shines with its intricate plot that keeps you guessing until the last page, showcasing its value for those who relish solving puzzles alongside relatable protagonists. The author's skill in weaving together the cultural richness of Savannah with a riveting mystery is even more reason for readers to consider this novel a worthy addition to their collection. Whether you've been following the series from the beginning or are just discovering the world of the Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery series, "Shakedown in Savannah" offers insights into the beautiful city's landscape and the benefits of a tightly-knit community facing challenges together. With its charming setting, engrossing narrative, and captivating characters, this book is not just another cozy mystery; it's a testament to the genre's ability to entertain and engage readers in a meaningful way. If you're in search of a cozy mystery that combines a sense of place with intricate plotting and lovable characters, "Shakedown in Savannah" is a perfect choice.

It's a book that will entertain, intrigue, and leave you eagerly anticipating more adventures with the Made in Savannah family. Other Shakedown in Savannah: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Novel (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Book 23) Book Review buying options

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blogger360ncislarules · 1 year ago

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Sullivan’s Crossing is a place to heal and reconnect on the romantic drama airing Wednesdays on The CW. And that’s just what neurosurgeon Maggie (Morgan Kohan) needs to do after her business partner is indicted for fraud and she’s charged with negligence.

Back home, she’s reunited with her estranged father Sully (Scott Patterson), plus she meets the mysterious Cal (Chad Michael Murray). And sure, sparks are flying, but she does have a boyfriend (Allan Hawco’s Andrew). TV Insider turned to Sullivan’s Crossing showrunner and executive producer Roma Roth to find out what’s in store on the show based on Robyn Carr’s books.

How is being back at Sullivan’s Crossing causing Maggie to look at herself differently and choices she’s made, who she is, who is and isn’t in her life?

Roma Roth: She’s been gone for many years, and she has spent a life focused on growing up in the city with a different father and building and revolving her world around expectations that other father had for her and what her mother had planned for her. She has drifted away from who she once was when she was growing up at the Crossing, and when she comes back to the Crossing, she’s trying to figure out who she is again.

Maggie and Sully’s relationship is so complicated, and they have a lot of work to do to rebuild. How are they going to go about doing that? What are the first steps they each need to take?

Neither one of them really understands how they feel about the other one. They’re both carrying around baggage from their past, and to start their relationship off, they haven’t seen each other for many years, so they kind of need to do a little dance around each other first and kind of get to know each other. [That’s] the first step. Both Sully and Maggie have pushed down their feelings over the past, which are being reawakened as they are reintroduced to each other, so those feelings are now coming back to the surface. They have to try and reconcile themselves with those feelings.

How is having Maggie back affecting Sully in ways that he may be hiding?

Sully has an interesting past. We will start to peel the onion slowly over the course of the season and eventually will reveal that he’s keeping close to the vest that he’s kind of ignored. We’ll start to see more about what the backstory is with Sully and Maggie as the season develops.

Who are each of them leaning on as they’re trying to rebuild this relationship?

We have this wonderful indigenous cast, Tom Jackson and Andrea Menard, who play Frank and Edna. Edna is kind of like an auntie, pseudo-mother for Maggie. She’s somebody who’s very maternal and supportive and warm, as opposed to Maggie’s real mother, who could barely boil an egg and who had more social climbing in what she wanted to do with her life versus living in a campground. Frank is also kind of like a second father, grandfatherly maybe even, type for Maggie. Both of them are her touchstones at Sullivan’s Crossing in addition to Sydney [Lindura], who was her childhood best friend [and is now] her confidant. And then Frank and Edna are also Sully’s confidants as well; they’ve been friends for years.

Cal’s the mystery man right now. What can you share about his past and how you’re going about revealing more about that?

Well, it wouldn’t be a mystery if I revealed anything about his past. [Laughs] We wanted intentionally to make him mysterious, and he starts to become more of a central figure as you progress in the episodes, which I’m sure everybody in America will be excited to hear. But we wanted to make sure that he was mysterious enough that Maggie is attracted to this man but also is fighting her attraction towards him. We don’t really know much about who he is, where he came from, why he’s there — these are all things that are going to be revealed over the course of the season.

So we’ll have the majority of answers about him by the end of Season 1?

You will.

What did you want to do with Maggie and Cal’s dynamic this early on in the series? And how did you approach their first meeting?

For any good romance drama show to work, you need a meet-cute at the beginning of the season; usually a meet-cute is two people not liking each other very much. And because you want the characters to be able to have an arc and growth and unrequited love is kind of the key for a good romance drama, we want to keep them apart but still have the audience aware that they’re longing for each other or that they’re interested in each other. So we start off where they’re not in a great place and then we start to have them kind of appreciate who they each are, start building a friendship, and then you’ll have to see what happens over the course of the season.

What will it take for the two of them to open up to each other?

They are going to go through a lot of experiences together – some will be a little bit more action-driven, others will be more emotional-driven — that will help to pull these two together.

And there’s the matter of Maggie’s boyfriend. What makes this love triangle different from others?

Andrew is somebody who embodies Maggie’s world and expectations of who she is in the city life that she’s kind of designed for herself. Cal, who is somebody who’s now staying at the campground, is more in line with, I think, who she once was. The dynamic is interesting because Andrew’s not in Sullivan’s Crossing all the time, but we have to keep him a viable love interest. So we have some hurdles that our lead has to overcome and that keep pulling her back into Boston, where Andrew is. There’s a geography difference, [whereas] I think in most shows, you would have the love triangle all in the same location.

When I spoke with Chad recently, he said that Sullivan’s Crossing is a place of healing. How are we going to see that play out for Maggie call and Sully this season?

It’s a place of healing and support and community. It doesn’t mean that they’re all going to get resolved in Season 1 because we hope that our audience will be coming for many, many seasons. I think that Sullivan’s Crossing is, by its nature, this beautiful, gorgeous Nova Scotia landscape. It’s being in nature, reconnecting with the earth and the world we live in, both metaphorically and physically.

Looking at Maggie and Sydney’s relationship, who’s going to need to lean on the other more as the season progresses? It’s Maggie now, but will that change?

I think both of them need each other, and they go on parallel journeys which kind of echo each other. We wanted to make sure that all of our characters that we’re creating aren’t just there to support the lead story arc. Each one of them has their own journey that they have to go on. In fact, everybody in Sullivan’s Crossing has a journey, an emotional journey that they’re going on and learning life lessons. And so Sydney is there for Maggie, but Maggie is also equally there for her friend Sydney.

What can you say about Sydney’s arc?

Sydney came to Sullivan’s Crossing from New York, where she was a model, and she has decided to make Sullivan’s Crossing her home, but she has not reconciled her past yet, which we will find out in ongoing seasons.

What can you tease about how Season 1 ends to set up Season 2?

All I can say is it ends with a big bang, and you will be wanting to turn your television back on for Season 2 to figure out where we end up.

Is that an emotional bang? Life or death?

It ends on a ginormous cliffhanger, which will have you on the edge of your seat.

#sullivan's crossing #the cw

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ash-and-books · 2 years ago

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Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb: Six moments lead us to two girls, one kiss, and three little words that were maybe always true in this gorgeous novel perfect for fans of Nina LaCour and Jenny Han. After years of bickering, Penny and Tate have called a truce: they’ll play nice. They have to. Their mothers (life-long best friends) need them to be perfect, drama-free daughters when Penny’s mother becomes a living liver donor to Tate’s mom. Forced to live together as the Moms recover, the girls’ truce is essential in keeping everything—their jobs, the house, the finances, the Moms’ healing—running smoothly. They’ve got to let this thing between them go. There’s one little hitch: Penny and Tate keep almost kissing. It’s just this confusing thing that keeps happening. You know, from time to time. For basically their entire teenaged existence. They’ve never talked about it. They’ve always ignored it in the aftermath. But now they’re living across the hall from each other. And some things—like their kisses—can’t be almosts forever. Told through two girls’ present and six moments from their past, this dynamic love story shows that sometimes the person you need the most has been there for you all along.

Review:

Six moments, two girls, complicated histories, and how they fall in love. Penny and Tate aren’t exactly friends: they bicker and fight but they are always there for one another. Their mothers (life-long best friends) make their relationship even harder. When Penny’s mother offers to give her liver to Tate’s mom five days before the surgery both their lives are turned upside down. Now they will be forced to live together as their moms recover and they create a truce in order to keep everything in order from their jobs, the house, the finances, and their mom’s healing running smoothly.... the only problem is that they both have a complicated history of almost kissing each other. Penny and Tate have feelings for one another but they never talk about it, they make it a rule to ignore it... but they both can’t stop looking and caring for the other.

Tate’s life revolves around making sure her mom is happy, paying bills, swimming... and Penny. Tate will do anything for her and for Penny.

Penny’s life has been turned upside down. After a river accident that killed her dad and left her with an injured hand, her mother has completely checked out on her, lost in her grief. All Penny has is her Grandmother to look after her. Penny’s mother is consumed in her grief and Penny has to look after her, working overtime to pay bills, trying to make sure the house is running, and making sure her mother eats and sleeps. Penny is barely holding it in and it doesn’t help that her mother has stopped her from seeing her therapist and forbids Penny from doing any water related sport after the accident and has sold her father’s half of the company that Penny plans on owning. After springing the surgery on Penny, its just one more thing her mother is doing without telling her.

This is a slow burn sort of friends to lovers story that mainly deals with grief and loss and healing. Penny’s Mom was the worst, there I said it. I completely understand where she’s coming from but the way she treated Penny? No absolutely not. It’s one thing to be dealing with grief its another thing to tell your child they are hard to love, completely ghost them, force them to pay for finances and become the parent, and barely even talk or care for them. I loved the romance but what I loved most of all was Penny’s healing, her journey through all of this and seeing her get to deal with her own grief for once. Told between past and present, we get to see various moments between Tate and Penny’s relationship and the way they both have had to deal with difficult things and how they are always looking after one another. This was a truly sweet story and I would definitely recommend it.

*Thanks Netgalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

#book review #bookish #lgbtq book #lgbtq books #sapphic reads #sapphic books #sapphic romance

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scorpionatori · 3 years ago

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Forbidden Book of Friends Reveal: Anime vs. Manga

I don’t know what decision making goes into the ordering of anime episodes when adapting them from the manga, but it’s a shame the scene of Natori telling Natsume about forbidden exorcists techniques was moved around when it was one of the biggest revelations in the series. The anime moving the scene from the arc with Takuma and his shiki to the arc with Matoba’s letter worked, but it took a lot of impact out for Natsume and Natori and the audience. Let’s compare these two arcs and the topics and story elements they deal with:

Matoba’s letter (ch52-54):

Matoba sends Natsume a lengthy letter that he never opens, and ends up finding him and blackmailing him into helping solve a dilemma for his clan. Earlier Natsume had lost the letter at Natori’s apartment after asking for his help resealing a youkai. Natsume finds out more about exorcist drama and politics with Matoba’s clan. He also learns that Natori is regularly being threatened with curses and that the lizard not going to his left leg may mean he’ll lose it one day. Natori finds the letter Matoba sent to Natsume and sees that he is getting further pulled into the world of exorcism, and he destroys the letter. The main topics this arc deals with are:

Exorcist clan politics and history, Natori being targeted by colleagues, exorcists colluding to sabotage the Matoba clan

Natsume becomes increasingly worried about Natori’s safety due to his colleagues trying to hurt him and the unsettling implications of the lizard avoiding his left leg.

Natori becomes increasingly worried about Natsume’s safety and involvement with exorcists and tries to intervene secretly.

Takuma and his shiki: (ch60-62):

Natsume finds one of Natori’s paper dolls damaged by rain after watching one of his movies at a downtown cinema. He worries he’s in trouble and heads to the address on the doll where he ends up finding out Tsukiko had hired Natori to investigate something for her. They ultimately find out two of Takuma’s shiki thought they were abandoned by him after he lost his sight, and Tsukiko had put up barriers out of worry, which kept them trapped outside. Natori accidentally overhears about the book of friends from the other shiki, Ginro, who mentions Natsume having something dangerous on him that exorcists shouldn’t even have. Later, Natsume finds out that Taki’s circles and the book of friends are forbidden by exorcists because they’re considered cruel and dangerous. Natsume performs the ritual of release for the shiki. After he and Natori say goodbye to each other, Natori tells Urihime to find out what dangerous item Natsume has been hiding. The topics in this arc are:

Human and youkai relationships, complications from them making contracts with each other, humans losing their ability to see youkai, therefore leaving behind the ones who cared for them.

Humans who can’t see youkai feeling helpless to protect those who do.

Exorcists have rules about what kind of spells and contracts are allowed, and Taki’s circle and Reiko’s book of friends are both forbidden objects.

Continued from the Matoba’s letter arc, Natsume and Natori are both becoming more and more worried about each other’s wellbeing.

Natsume’s ongoing dilemma about wanting to tell Natori about the book of friends but not knowing if he should.

The topic of forbidden techniques does work somewhat in the Matoba letter arc, as it fits in with exorcist politics. However, the arc did NOT deal with what was most important about the revelation: the book of friends.

The book of friends was not a topic in the letter arc. The arc mainly focused on the turmoil in the exorcist community and the history of the clans, Matoba’s desire to acquire Natsume as a powerful ally for his clan, Natsume’s increasing concern for Natori’s wellbeing, and Natori’s increasing anxiety around Natsume getting sucked into the world of exorcism, and his overprotectiveness and attempts at intervening in secret.

There was no room in here to fit in the book of friends revelation in a way that was actually impactful. Natsume didn’t have time to reflect on finding out his grandma’s book is considered too cruel to exist, he was too busy having to help solve a massive problem for Matoba at a large exorcist gathering. Natori knew nothing about Natsume carrying something forbidden at this point and barely noticed his concern. And besides, he was also too busy worrying about Natsume receiving letters from Matoba. The very important revelation about the titular item of the series becomes a fleeting anecdote that isn’t touched on or important for the rest of the arc, and therefore diminishes its impact.

The Takuma arc, on the other hand, was perfect for this revelation. The main plot of the arc revolves around the messy complications of contracts between humans and youkai. Natsume spent a lot of time thinking on his desire vs hesitation of telling Natori about the book, only for Natori to accidentally overhear about it. And shortly after that, Natsume innocently asks if there’s spells that allow humans without sight to see youkai (thinking of Taki’s spell) and immediately learns that that sort of thing is forbidden. Then he hears that the exact sort of contracts that are in the book of friends are also forbidden and considered cruel.

There was way more tension here with this scene happening shortly after Ginro mentions the book when Natori walks in. Natsume knows he caught at least part of the conversation, and Natori now knows Natsume has something dangerous on him called the “book of friends”. He doesn’t know what it is at first, but later when he sees Natsume’s reaction to hearing about forbidden contracts, it becomes pretty obvious what kind of thing the book is. This also causes Natori to become very concerned.

Natori was definitely able to connect the dots between what he heard earlier and Natsume’s face when he finds out about forbidden contracts, which gives him more clear motivation to find out what it is as well. In the anime, all he knows is that Natsume has something called the “book of friends” that is the kind of thing exorcists aren’t supposed to have. In the manga, he hears this and then afterwards sees how scared and worried Natsume is when he hears about forbidden contracts for the first time. It’s safe to assume at this point that something that was titled “the book of friends” is probably a book of forbidden contracts with youkai. This makes the reason behind Natsume’s constant involvement with youkai even more apparent. Not only is he in possession of something outlawed by exorcists (when he was recently dragged into a big dilemma by the leader of the community), if he’s in possession of a large collection of youkai contracts who are bound with their real names, this explains why they go after him so much and why he can not keep a distance from them. Natori knows for sure now that Natsume has a massive target painted on his back for both exorcists and youkai, beyond just his strong spiritual power. He knows full well what his colleagues and Matoba are like, and how dangerous youkai can be. This gives him a much stronger motivation for gathering info on the book of friends when he has a pretty good idea of what it is, as opposed to in the anime when he only had a very vague idea. Even if it was wrong to search for info on it without Natsume’s knowledge anyway, Natori’s fear of the book of friends and urgency in finding out what it is is more understandable in the manga, whereas with how it was framed in the anime, people probably found it easier to read him as suspicious and sneaky more than very genuinely concerned about Natsume’s safety with such a thing.

Again, I don’t know what all goes into the ordering of episodes in anime adaptations, and it doesn’t matter as much in an episodic series such as Natsume Yuujinchou, but there’s still definitely important things that can get altered or left out or taken out of a better context when the order is changed from the manga. Natsume finding out his grandmother’s book is forbidden was a very important reveal for a lot of reasons. It’s very difficult for him to learn that the item he already had a lot of complicated feelings on is considered cruel even by exorcists. This increases his feelings of guilt for having such an item and his love for his grandmother vs his fear that she was a bad person for binding so many youkai (in general this was not touched on enough in the anime, but I could write a whole other essay about that). He’s also been debating whether or not to tell Natori about the book of friends since they first met, only for him to find out on accident. And then shortly after he learns from him that it is forbidden in the exorcist community to bind youkai with their real names when making contracts. Overall, while they made it work with the changes, it wasn’t as impactful for the characters or the audience to move that scene from its original context.

#natsume yuujinchou #natsume takashi #natori shuuichi #this isn’t ~super~ long but #I’ve been meaning to make a post about this for awhile haha

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roddyretrograde · 3 years ago

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Back when i watched the show i was a huge fan of lucas and peyton but i think as i grew as a person and into adulthood, I've realized that peyton and jake were actually the relationship/bond that i related to or that i craved the most. I think it was rare to see two teenagers quickly becoming really good friends, supporting each other etc. and then fall in love. I just think that it was really sad the way their story ended because it's basically peyton saying "i want to marry you" and then the whole lucas thing that complicates everything but at the end it felt wrong that she went back and we didn't hear from him at all anymore. Even though i totally understand why Jake told her to go back, i think it was a shame. What are your thoughts on that?

I feel like they had way more chemistry together, they were honest and beautiful and they trusted each other. I also noticed how peyton was with him, she was thriving as an individual and same for Jake.

I think you're completely on point! I think one of the worst takes on Jeyton by some of the fandom is that it made Peyton "just a teenage stepmom" when really, when Peyton was friends with Jake she was doing so much more than when she was in season four. For example, in season one, she was fighting to regain Brooke's trust, her friendship with Haley was thriving, and she was in a good place with Nathan, which is rare for an ex-girlfriend and ex-boyfriend fresh out of a toxic relationship. She was never just hanging out with Jake.

Then in season two, she created Tric, was struggling with her mental health, was thriving with multiple friend in Brooke, Haley and Anna, and going through a period of growth with accepting her mom's death and who she was as a person. When Jake came back, he was fully supportive of Tric and didn't feel the need to meddle and but in while also helping her with it, still had a good relationship with all her friends, including being there for Nathan and when the Nicki drama came back into their lives of course she was focused on that because she saw Jake and Jenny as her family.

When Peyton was in love with Jake, she was the best version of herself. She was always a good friend, always a good partner, and still so involved in music, her art, Tric, and school.

Their chemistry was off the charts, which is obvious because it's easy to see that Hilarie adored working with Bryan and felt safe on set when he was there.

It's why she saw a future with Jake. When season four started though, Peyton's interest in a lot of things dwindled. She was isolated from her friends most of season four, she didn't have Brooke who she'd fought so hard to have back in her life, she was barely involved with Haley, Mouth, or even Rachel who they teased to having a better connection with Peyton than Brooke in season three (don't get me wrong I love Brachel). Peyton's whole world once again revolved around trauma and Lucas.

It was also her only real story arc in seasons five and six. They made it so she came back to Tree Hill for Lucas instead of Brooke or music or herself. Haley took most of Mia and eventually the entire record label. She went back to season one Peyton and lost all of her growth. She became scarily obsessed to the point of buying the same book over and over. Every conversation she had almost revolved around Lucas, even with Skills and the creepy record store guy. Even her favourite band the Cure, and her bedroom which was purely Peyton's diary the entire first four seasons, became an homage to Leyton. She even missed when Brooke was assaulted and believed bullshit lies like the fact that she had two black eyes and bruises all over her body from falling down the stairs. She lost her individuality and her sense of self, when Peyton was this whole well rounded person for the first three seasons.

It's why I love Jeyton. Peyton's personality was never Jake because Jake loved Peyton for Peyton. Not how he could save her or fix her.

#jeyton #anti leyton #one tree hill #anonymous #asks #peyton sawyer

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icequeenbae · 4 years ago

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Desert Flower (m) Ch. 2 | BBH

Pairing: Baekhyun x Reader x Baëkhyun

Characters: EXO and X-EXO (not all of them mentioned)

EXO vs X-EXO dynamics, complicated relationships, angsty, action, smut (as usual)

Warnings: sorta mingling with your ex’s ‘evil twin’, mentions of blood/ violence (nothing too graphic… I suppose), Y/N gets teary a lot(?), explicit content, rough sex, unprotected sex

Word Count: ~13.5k (full), ~3.4k (Chapter 2)

Summary: Baekhyun, your beloved boyfriend of three years, suddenly breaks up with you and disappears from the city in an attempt to protect you. But leaving you alone and clueless means trouble will surely find you. For it is easy to spot a flower in the desert.

Masterlist >> One >> Two (m) >> Three (m) >> Four (fin)

Author’s Note: This chapter is going to be a little different! There’s angst, there’s drama, there’s smut... You will find out what I meant by ‘complicated relationships’ 🤭 Don’t forget to share your thoughts^^

Tags: @blahblahblah-boo @baeklightsx @wooya1224 @baekklove

Chapter 2. Get him back

The day he left you it was pouring, and in your mind, it rained ever since. Hours turned into days, days turned into weeks, and weeks flew by. You did everything on autopilot, without thinking or differentiating between tasks. Everything around you was a grey mess, and you couldn’t maintain a single thought in your head, not one thought that didn’t have something to do with the breakup.

Was it even that? He just left, telling you that it was ‘for your own good’. Asking for no opinions. Frankly, you were angry with him. You would've been furious, but it was hard to tap into your irritation when it hurt so much in your chest. For the first time in your life, you realized that you were gone too far. So far, that you felt like a piece of you was missing now. The one you’d possibly never get back.

You also realized that you belonged fully to that friend circle as well — there wasn’t even anyone for you to talk to anymore, or wallow with, which made your sorry ass feel even more pathetic. Your entire world revolved around your protective boyfriend of three years, and now that he was gone it felt as unsafe as ever. Who knows, maybe it was your sixth sense alerting you as to what was to come.

It happened over a month after your last encounter with Baekhyun.

You were lounging in the campus library, mostly because your weeks of heartbreak caused you to miss a few deadlines, so now you had to take additional assignments to do well at the finals. Having no inspiration, or better yet, no one to hurry to, made you stay there for long hours, barely managing to get one task completed at a time.

The space was almost empty since it was rather late, and looking around you suddenly felt a tinge of nostalgia. Muttering that you should get ahold of your stupid self, you walked slowly towards the tall aisle with your useless book. In the labyrinth, you wandered for a bit, reminiscing of the first interaction with your… now ex? Your first boyfriend? Your first love?

The thought left a bitter taste in your mouth, and you opted for walking further as if surrounded by books you could somehow block your bubbling feelings out.

A strange sound caught your attention.

No idea why, you kept walking towards it, soon stepping around the corner and freezing on the spot.

Only a few feet away there was a couple making out. The girl was pressed harshly into the shelves and grunted, as her partner shoved one hand underneath her shirt to squeeze her breast, and his other one grasped her neck, adding to the obscenity of their misplaced passion. You were ready to flush tomato red and vanish on the spot when you noticed something… familiar.

That side profile.

You would never mistake it for anyone else’s.

Wide-eyed in shock, you almost jumped when the male turned around, dark irises foreign to you. His eyebrow raised slightly as he took in your distress with half-lidded eyes, not even bothering to stop groping the girl.

‘B- Baekhyun?’ You said in such a tiny voice that you barely even heard yourself.

The sound of your book dropping to the floor ripped you out of the stupor, and you turned around. Out of the labyrinth you ran, not even bothering to put your belongings back into your bag neatly. You simply grabbed everything from the table and kept running. The surroundings were blurry, but you could see one thing clearly – his lustful eyes, mocking your naivety.

It hurt too much. Unable to hold your tears till you make it home, you found yourself locked in the stall of the nearest bathroom. The way you cried there was almost physically painful, and you struggled to catch enough air as you did. Nor did you care enough to prevent yourself from making noises. Your whole body was shaking with your sobs, and you weren’t entirely sure you hadn’t gone crazy just then. From seeing what you saw. From reopening the still-hurting wounds and seasoning them richly with salt.

However long it took you to dehydrate yourself with the seeping sorrow, you managed to stop, hiccupping only every now and then. Finally shoving your laptop and notes into your bag, you got out of the stall. Walking up to a mirror on wobbly legs, you gasped at your puffy face and red swollen eyes. Not that you really cared, but it was quite late, so you had good chances of sneaking out and getting home unnoticed.

Unless someone would be purposefully waiting for you to show your face, of course.

You took notice of the dark figure across the hall momentarily after exiting the bathroom. Turning the other way, you increased the pace of your steps, almost breaking into running speed to put some distance between the two of you.

‘Hey,’ a voice called from behind, and you felt a hand grabbing your upper arm to stop you.

The nerve he had.

‘Don’t fucking touch me!’ You barked at him, ripping away from his grasp fiercely.

He blinked, letting go, and you almost hiccupped again at the sight of his hair – even more silvery-white now than when he left you, slightly unkempt (from the prior activities, no less). As he opened his mouth to say something, you beat him to it.

‘Don’t talk to me. Don’t even look at me. You make me sick!’ You spat, wanting to both claw at his beautifully sculpted face and to snivel pathetically again. Instead, you turned around and took off before he gathered himself enough to try initiating a conversation again.

Because… What the fuck was he thinking?

***

You fell ill. It probably wasn’t unrelated to what happened at the library, but you became so feverish that your roommate was on the verge of driving you to the hospital. Three days later your fever finally broke, however, you felt weak and drained and depressed for another week afterwards.

Staying at home, you kept rewinding back to the ‘event’. How could he? Coming back like that, and not even having the decency to not screw around right under your nose. You were repulsed by what you saw, and it was almost hateful how the heaviness in your chest only worsened. The bitterness of the situation added to it – he lied to you, just to be with someone else weeks, or, perhaps, even days, hours after. Maybe all of it was a lie, you didn’t know anymore.

This Baekhyun… You didn’t think you’d ever known him.

The subsequent week you avoided all of the crowded areas of the campus, dreading that you’d have to face him again. It would be impossible to maintain your calm in that case, so you took all of the possible precautions. But what could you have done if he was looking for you?

Upon your following encounter, you failed your attempt to vanish out of his sight the way you did before. It was essentially you walking into a trap, as you headed home rather late after finally squeezing your last important assignment out on paper. Not giving the outside world a single moment of attention, you stopped at the top of the stairs to put your phone into your bag and zip it up.

‘Aren’t you a mystery woman, Y/N,’ the voice almost made you drop your stuff.

You glanced up, taking notice of the murky figure, leaning onto a nearby tree. As he began walking in your direction, you turned on your heels and took off. It felt stupid to run from him like this, but you absolutely did not want to break down in front of him. You wanted to preserve at least some dignity.

As you flew down the stairs, you stumbled and almost dove headfirst to the ground. Thankfully, a swift limb wrapped around you before you could do that.

‘Are you dumb?’ He exclaimed into your ear.

‘Let go of me!’ You writhed in his hold, trying to free your body from the illusive familiarity of his touch.

‘You’re a danger to yourself! What the fuck,’ he swore under his breath, releasing you at once.

‘I told you to leave me alone. Do whatever you want, just stay out of my freaking life, Baekhyun!’ You yelled in his face, fuming from his shameless behavior. Why was he acting like nothing was even wrong with this?

‘Unbelievable. Your twin screws someone over, and you’re the one held accountable,’ he rolled his eyes.

Twin… what?

‘What are you talking about?’ You asked in bewilderment.

‘I believe, introductions are in order. I’m Baëkhyun, nice to meet you.’

***

That was… embarrassing. So embarrassing.

You had no idea there was, well, a live copy of Baekhyun walking around. And even though your ex-boyfriend was secretive, you couldn’t believe he left something like this out. Were you an actual joke to him?!

Baëkhyun said they weren’t particularly close. He explained to you that he hadn’t seen his twin in years, and his friends helped him obtain the little knowledge of his whereabouts that led him here. Thinking he could find Baekhyun by asking around he… got ‘involved’ with a girl or two. Or a dozen, who knows? But, apparently, your reaction the first time you’d met piqued his curiosity. When you flushed at the memory, apologizing profusely, he only said that he found it odd and strangely cute, the way you got upset with him.

‘I’m not as great of a guy as Baekhyun,’ he shrugged. ‘Not that I’m trying to be, anyways.’

You frowned.

After the way he left you, Baekhyun was not at the top of your ‘greatest people of all times’ list either. You could understand why your new acquaintance mentioned this, you had witnessed enough to gather that he was not at all well-behaved. Also, his ways of extracting information… Not very professional, to say the least. But who were you to judge? Now that you’d learned that he wasn’t your ex, you were genuinely ashamed of the hysteria of the past couple of weeks.

But Baëkhyun was different.

When he got your number and promised to text, you didn’t think much of it. You hummed and rolled your eyes – as if that was going to happen. Yet he surprised you by sending a quick message the following week. And then… you just kept talking. Which went on for a while, whilst you’d grown slightly addicted to it. Somehow, Baëkhyun became the only person who could take your mind off of his twin. So, even when you finally went on the long-awaited summer break, you stayed in touch with him. And not only via text – you’d been seeing each other on a regular basis.

Randomly at first – you’d just bump into him somewhere around the university premises, and he’d then suggest grabbing coffee. But as it progressed, you ended up inviting him over for dinner. Partially because you felt acutely lonely with your roommate gone, and partially because… you missed him. It was hard to put a finger on it – you’d initially thought that it was just misplaced longing for Baekhyun that pushed you towards his twin, and it felt so wrong. Almost like you wanted to use him to soothe the ache in your heart that had been bothering you ever since your ex-boyfriend had left.

Yet Baëkhyun seemed so magnetic. He hypnotized you with his blue eyes, which changed from the icy light color to dark, almost black, and were just as sharp as his twin’s. And his sassy smirk – the one he had plastered across his face almost always. Baëkhyun wasn’t warm like Baekhyun, yet there was still something about him that had you walking willingly into his trap. Maybe it was the mysterious glint in his eyes as he looked down at you or the way he sized you up whenever he caught a glimpse of you, like you were his prey. Being alone with him felt both dangerous and exciting, and you kept fooling yourself, basing your blind trust on nothing but his relation to your ex.

You never noticed how quickly he managed to build trust between you. And how you didn’t even know much about him, yet you did tell him a lot. Like that one time, he asked you where you thought Baekhyun was.

‘Wouldn’t I like to know,’ you chuckled, sadness in your voice. ‘He just left. I don’t think he even kept his phone.’

‘I always said he was the dumb one of the two. And to think that he’s the strategist,’ he snorted, splayed on your couch comfortably.

You looked at your hands in your lap, subconsciously calming yourself by playing with your fingers.

‘Stop,’ you shivered as his palm covered your fidgety hands. ‘Stop thinking about him.’

Eyes traveling to his face, you caught a glimpse of the frown that formed there.

And then he kissed you. Out of the blue, giving you no time to think or pull away.

And you let him. Grabbing at the soft leather of his pants, you allowed him to do as he pleased with you. Baëkhyun tasted familiar, though his kissing was anything but – rough and messy, lots of tongue and teeth, making your head spin with flaming passion. You didn’t resist when he pulled you into his lap, or when he ripped your clothes off, item by item. He was not asking and you were not thinking. It didn’t feel like something you should stop at the time. Rather, you thought you would’ve cried had he paused for longer than a second, so you kept clinging to him in response.

The demanding grip he had on your thighs only made you crave it more, lust seeping into your system as you wrapped your arms around his neck and rolled your hips into his. He emitted a deep sound, helping you grind on him.

‘Good girl,’ he gritted into your lips, landing a slap or two on your ass along the way.

As you kept going, your bare breasts grazed his skin, and your panties became soaked and sticky. You were probably flushed rosy red as you chased the tight feeling in your lower abdomen, his eyes hungrily taking in your frenzy. He slapped you again, a sharp hit resonating through you like electricity.

‘Baëk,’ you half-moaned. ‘Please fuck me-’

You couldn’t even believe that you were begging him like that, out loud. But the desperation grew as your body threw itself at him, demanding release.

He moved your panties out of the way, fingers instantly getting wet with your arousal.

‘Such a needy little slut,’ he murmured, making you shiver.

It was all new. The name-calling, the manhandling, the way he bit harshly into your lower lip and tugged at your hair. And somehow, it was exactly what you needed.

He didn’t waste much time to prep you, opting for taking his already hard length out and running the tip between your folds, making you jolt and cry out, nails digging into the back of his neck.

‘Sink on my cock and take what you want. Like a bad girl would.’ He addressed in a low voice, smearing the remainder of your lipstick over your mouth with his thumb. ‘Wanna be a whore for me?’

‘Yes,’ you muttered, and he smacked you on the ass again, emphasizing that you needed to be louder. ‘Yes!’

He let go of your hips, hands resting on your legs, allowing you to slam down on your own. You whimpered at the slight burn but kept going. Moving this fast wasn’t the way you were used to doing it, but all the more exciting for that. Using his shoulders to steady yourself, you worked your hips hard. A sheen of sweat on your chest glimmered as you increased the pace, wailing as his tip nudged at your cervix. He watched you with his dark blue eyes, hands kneading your ass, and filthy mouth guiding you.

‘Squeeze your tight little hole.’

Meanwhile, you struggled to maintain the tiresome pace, yet held onto the sensation of his girth pressing against your walls as he glided in and out of you.

‘Ah fuck, Baëkhyun!’ You moaned, feeling the tickle of perspiration making its way down your abs.

‘I know you’re close.’ He licked his lips seductively. ‘Want me to help?’

‘Yes, yes, please,’ you keened, leg almost cramping from the uncomfortable position.

‘Leave your begging for another time, baby. Like I said, if you want something, you should take it.’

You whined, head spinning at the suggestion. His eyes, expectant, traced the stubborn crease between your brows while you kept rocking your hips. Then, you did the first thing that came to your blurry mind. Your hands reached up to grasp his hair and pull hard, tilting his head back and leaving the long column of his neck exposed for the attack of your lips. Sucking a bruise on it harshly, you then used your teeth to ensure he’d have a bright mark in a few hours. Creeping up his neck and his jaw, you licked at his lower lip, and then into his mouth – like an animal would.

‘Oh,’ he smirked, hands seizing you and holding you down, with him snug inside you. ‘So, my good girl is not as innocent as she seemed?’ He teased, the lustful glint in his eyes boosting your confidence to the level of insolence.

‘Shut up,’ you replied firmly, sliding off of him and flopping backwards to finally get some circulation in your legs. ‘Stop slacking off and make me come, you asshole.’

His eyes flashed at your brazen words. Shoving you roughly until you were flat on your back, he grabbed onto your thighs, dragging you closer to him. Instantly you cried out as he landed two consecutive slaps on your pussy, holding his heavy hard-on at the base. Pleased with your reaction, he did it again, not saying another word before he bottomed out inside you. A new wave of arousal washed over you, and you clenched around him, eyes fluttering shut. He didn’t even think to spare you the morning soreness as he nailed you like an actual whore.

‘Ah right there, right there- oh fuck, Baëkhyun,’ you sobbed, clawing at his flexed arm, when he placed one of your legs over his shoulder and leaned forward, basically stretching you open for himself.

This position made you feel vulnerable, like you had no choice but to take everything he was giving you, but it was what you needed. His every thrust resonated inside, making your muscles clench, and ripping more curses and moans out of you. Even though his pace was rather brutal, there wasn’t too much pain along with it – Baëkhyun knew all the right spots.

Mouth agape, you arched your back in silent agony, and a few more hits of his thighs later came so hard that it almost made you pass out on the spot. The hand over your mouth muffled your scream, and he let your leg slide off of his shoulder, pressing his palm against it to keep you in place and prevent you from closing your knees.

Muscles contracting uncontrollably, you whimpered at his continued thrusts as you became too sensitive from the drawn-out pleasure, tears soaking your lashes by the time he finally pulled out.

Baëkhyun grunted lowly, and you opened your eyes to witness him jerk himself off at the sight of your swollen, fucked out pussy, not even blinking until thick ropes of his semen painted your lower belly.

Despite having just performed a thorough fucking, he lowered himself on his elbow slowly and brushed the rogue strands of hair away out of your eyes.

‘You’re a naughty one. I love it,’ he murmured, positioning one of his hands on your neck as he kissed you deeply. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll teach you how to be in control.’

And so, you let yourself fall down the rabbit hole. And there was no telling what you’d gotten yourself into.

>> Chapter 3

A/N: Whooo, Baёk is here, stirring some kind of trouble, isn’t he? 🤭 Our poor Y/N-ie is walking on thin ice. What do you think of their relationship? Feels a little bit like cheating, right? Technically it isn’t. But still, the darkness is always pretty seductive...

#baekhyun smut #byun baekhyun smut #baekhyun x reader #exowritersnet #baekhyun x you #icequeenbae fics #Desert Flower #exo smut #baekbaёk

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whumpmyworld · 4 years ago

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Welcome to the world of kdrama whump part 4!

Oh wow how am I at part 4 already? But I keep finding new kdramas and I keep finding new whump in them so here I am! Let’s just get right to it shall we? If you want to see the other 3 parts you can find them here: part 1, part 2, part 3

Period Drama:

1. Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung ( 신입사관 구해령)

Available on Netflix

So first up on this list is a really cute period drama that is packed with so much of funny scenes and also really serious stuff. It’s set in the 19th century and it’s about a female historian Goo Hae Ryung and how she becomes a historian and we also learn about prince Lee Rim and he’s a writer in secret! and it’s got quite a bit of mystery too which I quite liked. and Cha Eun Woo is really great in this along with Shin Se Kyung.

Here’s a list of the whump that @whumpetywhump did. You should check it out!

2. The King Eternal Monarch ( 더 킹: 영원의 군주)

Available on Netflix

Ah, this one. I almost didn’t add it to the list because i wasn’t happy with the way it was written. but whump and cinematogaphy wise, this show is so good! (plus wdh + whump never disappoins). So it’s set in a parallel world to ours in the ‘Kingdom of Corea and it revolves around a plot to murder the royal family but the prince survives and goes on to be the king in current day Corea. but some how, with the use of Manpasikjeok which is like a supernatural flute, they can travel between worlds, (between the Kingdom of Corea and The Republic of South Korea). So the story focuses on the king and a mysterious person who saves him on the night the king dies. Pretty interesting concept, could have been executed better but oh well. It was pretty funny and intertaining for the most part.

Action:

1. Two Cops ( 투깝스)

Available on Netflix, Viu and Viki

Oh this show is so good too! It’s about a detective who is trying to solve a case and then catches the guy he was after but then somehow the guys spirit ends up possessing (but in a funny way, it’s not scary) the detectives body and so they need to work together to solve the case which starts to get complicated. There’s whump for both the characters and it’s pretty goood!

Here’s a list of all the whump!

2. My Secret Terius ( 내 뒤에 테리우스)

Available on Netflix, Viue and Viki

My Secret Terius is so fun! and so cute but also really dramatic. It starts off with the lead loosing her husband and a mysterious man who lives next door to her. He’s basically a NIS agent and he’s got a lot of back story which you will find out throughout the show. And then Go Ae-Rin (the lead lady) discovers that there was some conspiracy to her husbands death and they work together to solve the mystery all while fighting other bad guys too..

Also, the kids in this show are super cute. Here they are trying to help Kim Bon heal after he was rescued.

3. Flower of Evil ( 악의 꽃)

Available on Viu and Netflix

One of my top 3 kdramas from 2020 i think! So this one is about Baek Hee Song and he’s married to a detective and they have a cute little daughter! and Baek Hee Song is like the perfect guy but in reality he had a lot of secrets and he’s been living under someone else’s name and his wife doesn’t even know. So his past slowly comes to light all while his wife is figuring out a case that may or may not involve him. It was pretty intense but also really intersting and Lee Joon Gi whump never disappoints, just look at this gif XD

Angst and Melodrama Family:

1. 18 Again ( 18 어게인)

Available on Netflix and Viu

So, if you’re in the mood for some heartfelt kdrama with lots of tears and lots of heartwarming moments, this is definitely the show for you. I don’t think I made it through any of the episodes without crying. So this is actually based of the American movie 17 again! It follows the same premise of our main guy (Hong Dae Young) getting turned into an 18 year old kid and him and his wife are on the verge of a divorce. But there’s so much more with how they struggle as young parents, to their relationships with everyone and their jobs. Everything about this was so good! (If you watch/watched this come yell about it with me. I can’t stop talking about it)

2. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay ( 사이코지만 괜찮아)

Available on Netflix

I think this was one of the top kdramas for 2020 and rightly so because it’s so good! aside from some flaws it had a really great storyline and talks alot about mental health/traumas. So this is about a guy who is a psychiatric nurse and he has a brother who he takes care of. The story also focuses on a children’s book writer who has antisocial personality disorder and how they make it through life esp with all the trauma they’ve faced. It’s such a pretty show with a pretty decent storyline and of course some nice whump throughout. You should definitely check it out.

Supernatural:

1. Bring It On Ghost ( 싸우자 귀신아)

Available on Netfix, Viu and Viki

I didn’t think i was going to like this because it seemed kinda of scary and I don’t do well with horror. But this show was so good! It was a little scary but it was also really funny at the same time. It’s the story about a girl who dies and becomes a ghost so she’s wandering around. Then she meets an exorcist and becaomes friends with Bong Pal. They, together with the help of two uni friends go around fighting ghost and sending them away. It’s kinda like a kickass ghost fighting club with a little bit of mystery added it. So of course you can imagine that there will be whump :D

Here’s a list of all the whump! Thanks again whumpetywhump :)

2. The Uncanny Counter ( 경이로운 소문)

Available on Netflix

I think this has been recommended a few times here but I had to include it officially in this list. So this is about a group of people called Counters who hunt down evil spirits and they all have some kind of abilities. Then this high school kid, So Mun, ends up becoming one of them through certain events that take place and he’s some how involved in one of the cases that the counters are involved in. This show has everything I love! Found family, best friend trios, action as well as humour. It just finished airing too! Good stuff.

Here’s a list of all the whump! Thanks @love-me-a-lotta-whump

And there we have it! Part 4. I hope you guys will enjoy these kdramas as much as I have and if you have any other shows that you would like to see in a future list let me know! or if you want to talk about any of these shows, I’ll be here :D

#kdrama #whump #welcometokdramawhump #wtkw #rookie historian goo hae ryung #the king eternal monarch #two cops #my secret terius #hi bye mama #eighteen again #18again #it's okay to not be okay #bring it on ghost #the uncanny counter #flower of evil #part 4

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chainofclovers · 3 years ago

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Ted Lasso 2x2 Thoughts

Having watched the first two episodes of the second season of Ted Lasso, I exist in two mindsets simultaneously:

I enjoy watching episodes of this situational comedy! It is fun.

I have watched one-sixth of a gut-wrenching film about mental health. I would like to finish the film, but I have no choice but to accomplish this in small increments over the next ten weeks.

I’ve only watched 2x2 one time, but this week is bonkers and I’m not sure I’ll be able to rewatch before 2x3 airs, so here are my impressions.

I am very, very obsessed with how Jamie just found out George Harrison died (or so he says) and is clearly going to be part of a whole father-son journey with his own dad and Ted and Ted’s own dad and Henry and Sam and Sam’s dad...and Ted's actual son is a small child who still believes all the Beatles are alive.

I am also obsessed with every single exchange between Ted and Sharon, which are so fraught, so full of detail, so well-executed. I know a lot of people were pretty bummed that Ted said his favorite book was The Fountainhead, but I don’t think Ted or Sharon were being entirely honest about their favorite books. To me it felt like they were using book titles to...not play a game, exactly, but circle around each other a bit. By claiming The Fountainhead, which he admits is a curveball, Ted’s saying he’s independent and committed to his methods, even if all evidence points to some struggles on that front. By claiming Prince of Tides, Sharon’s asking Ted to think more about therapy and psychology and its place in his personal and professional relationships. I don’t think either of them are setting out to maliciously lie to each other about books; I actually think that by speaking in this veiled way, they end the episode more open to each other.

I also found it really interesting that (to my memory) we’ve never seen Ted obsess over video games, so his whole speech to Sharon about choosing not to deny himself (unlike how she denies herself sugar) also felt like an example he was trying to come up with to prove a point without having to talk about the really core issues in his life. Obviously there are plenty of people who love video games and music, but Ted uses music and music history and trivia and musicals to drive conversations all the time, and it’s genuine. Practically half of his conversations with Beard revolve around music, and when he uses his disarming get-to-know-you tactics on Rebecca last season, it feels (and is) genuine because the first thing he wants to talk about is music. It’s totally possible that video games are a big thing with him, but it feels like he’s doling out very second- or third-tier examples and metaphors in this psychologist-gaffer relationship that he’s still so cautious about.

Ted panics and tries to give Rebecca’s biscuits away! The triangulation continues! I love Rebecca’s little indignation.

I also love her face when she deletes the word “filthy” in front of Keeley. The best face. It’s such a funny moment.

Can I just say that I really liked all the Keeley and Roy stuff...mostly because I’m not sure that I’ve ever seen a character (especially a female character) realistically masturbate within the context of a character arc on an adorable TV comedy and for this to lead to some realistic embarrassment but also some realistic discussion about a relationship? It’s pretty lovely, and it made me happy. I continue to feel like the writers on this show are doing a particularly interesting job creating a whole lived-in atmosphere for these characters, and moments like that contribute to that feeling.

Taking a dramatic pivot back to the whole parenthood/fatherhood theme, oof. Ted’s individual conversations with Jamie and with Sam are both really moving, and it’s very “all people are different people” to get confirmation that Ted’s father wasn’t necessarily abusive towards Ted the way that Jamie’s father abuses him, but that Ted’s dad had a whole different thing going with himself. I think it’s important that Sam has a supportive father, Jamie has an abusive father, and Ted had a self-abusive (presumably) father as Ted has to deal with his own absence from Henry. And I’m so interested to see how it all plays out with Jamie returning to the team. I didn’t get the impression that anyone upstairs (Rebecca, Keeley, Higgins) were surprised; they all would have known Jamie’s return was happening. I haven’t decided how I feel about the team yet--if they were surprised in some way, or more just in a continued state of feeling stunned about Ted’s decision. Either way, it’s a great setup for all the issues with decision-making Ted’s already had and will likely continue to have as things get more difficult for him personally. I’ve been a little surprised by some fan reactions to this choice, because it seems to me that this is VERY clearly a decision that will hurt Sam in particular and the team as a whole, and also very clearly a decision that wasn’t done lightly, and also a decision colored by fatherhood-obligation feelings (help the person with the worst dad!), and yeah...it’s just complicated. I’ve seen a few reactions on here that indicate that this is somehow the first time Ted’s ever made a mistake and he’s ruined now, and that just doesn’t jive with the flawed, loving, complicated character I’ve been watching for twelve episodes now. Characters on this show don’t make mistakes or grey-area decisions for the heck of it or because it creates drama that will be interesting to watch; they make mistakes and grey-area decisions because people regularly do that, especially when they’re struggling.

Ted and Keeley being delighted by Sharon’s bike was great. The two most enthusiastic characters having a shared enthusiastic reaction to something is awesome.

Rebecca is the real Chaos Hammer! The water bottle gift basket?!? Her face when Keeley points out that there are lots of foods without sugar?!? The way she genuinely seems glad to meet Sharon and totally understands how to conduct herself in this professional relationship (with warmth, a bit of formality, etc.), but she wanted to get in a little dig as payback for Sharon rejecting her BFF’s biscuits?! Even if she was also upset that Ted panicked and tried to give them away in the first place? Lots to think about. And man, I really love that Rebecca seems to feel so much more settled in her friendships that she’s able to have a little fun. There’s a wacky person under all the suit jackets and hairspray and I love her.

I know there’s a lot more to think about in this episode, but that’s the stuff that’s lingering with me after having watched 2x2 first thing last Friday morning. I am super excited for 2x3 and I continue to feel like season 2 is Doing Great Things.

#ted lasso #ted lasso s2 spoilers #ted lasso 2x2 #meta by me #a lesbian watches ted lasso

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rughydrangea · 3 years ago

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reveal your watch and rewatch drama list

@yeo-rims tagged me, and the state of what I’m currently watching is kind of shameful, but I was in the mood for some ritual humiliation!

watching:

Severance! I’m four eps in and loving loving loving the creepy atmosphere and of course the anti-capitalism! I also just love how fucking weird everything is, the way that every time the severed characters start talking about Lumon or the handbook or the other departments it’s so stilted and formal (I’m thinking especially of Zach Cherry’s character comparing the different departments and his summary of MDR is something like “we’re loyal and true” like they’re fucking knights of the round table or something).

Kongen Befaler! I’m on the currently airing season, finally, except for I’m really sad about it, because soon I’ll be completely caught up. This show is so fun; I really do think the Taskmaster format is tough to fuck up, but I love seeing how different productions put their spin on it; Olli as the super-sexy assistant with contempt for everybody except Atle, whom he humors, is such a fun twist. Also the casts have been genuinely delightful and the fact that apparently there are absolutely no workplace safety standards in Norway is troubling, but it does give us a ton of incredible tasks revolving around fire.

Magnificent Century: Kösem! My reaction to this show is basically identical to my reaction to the original: it’s great when it’s women scheming and backstabbing, it’s soporific when it’s men talking about politics (I skip all those scenes), and I love a complicated romance, but I frankly don’t think there’s anything complicated about Kösem living and dying for Ahmed and him promising that he loves her too and then constantly fucking other women and yelling at her when she gets hurt. That’s not complicated, that’s a man sucking. And frankly, I wish they would let Kösem be more pragmatic about her life and her relationship with him because hanging it all on love is impossible to buy when he doesn’t act like he loves her! (It’s even more frustrating that they also pulled this shit with Suleiman in the original, which was actually much worse, because historical Suleiman basically was monogamous once he got serious about Hürrem. I sat through that once, I really am not enjoying round 2, which is why I’m looking forward to Ahmed dying). Also, I’m watching the Russian dub, so whenever I watch it I can justify it as work.

Joy of Life... I’m about halfway through, I’m basically enjoying it, but I haven’t watched in a few weeks, I just don’t feel anything compelling me to go back to it. I don’t plan on dropping it just yet, but I may if I don’t find a desire to return.

Someday or One Day.... I watched the first episode, and thought it was not bad, but it really didn’t grab me. The only reason I haven’t dropped is that I know the plot hasn’t properly started yet, but it’s the show’s job to make me care about getting to that point!

plan to watch:

That upcoming sageuk with Jang Hyuk, Lee Joon, and Kang Han Na... Red something? I miss sageuks!

My Liberation Diary? Is that the title? It’s from the writer of My Ajusshi, I can’t resist, plus Kim Ji Won!

Our Blues. I don’t like omnibuses but I like No Hee Kyung and I can’t deny I’m really looking forward to seeing Kim Woo Bin in a drama again.

What else..... Maybe Pachinko? I’m reading the book right now though so it might be a while. And I legit can’t think of any other shows. I mean, Taskmaster when it comes back, of course. Any other sageuks anyone feels like making... Oh yeah, isn’t Joo Won doing one?!?!! Another Joseon prohibition drama, though, right after Yoo Seung Ho and Hyeri. The way you know that I have taken leave of my reason when it comes to Joo Won is that I plan to watch his next drama even though his last drama was Alice.

rewatching:

....I’m rewatching s6 of Taskmaster along with the official podcast. I don’t know what to tell you, that show gives me joy like nothing else. Sometimes all you want in life is to watch a man try to fill a condom with whipped cream.

not tagging anyone, but please do it if you want!

#...okay i'm watching more than i thought i was #but the fact that i'm being so bad about dramas is really breaking my heart #somebody make a drama that grabs me by the guts please!#real life

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leah-yasmin-writes · 3 years ago

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WIP Intro: Perils of a Large House

Excerpt

Katherine loved her house.

From the outside, her not-quite humble abode appeared almost small. Aside from it being detached and rather distant from its neighbours on either side, there weren’t many obvious clues to its size from the front. The viewpoint made it difficult to notice how far backwards the property stretched, or to see how the back expanded in width, hidden behind tall, well-placed trees. Overall, the Clarke residence looked unassuming.

Angelic golden Christmas lights lined the front of the house, creating a halo of warmth that enchanted passersby, and an elegant wreath hung on the door, small enough to seem cozy and tasteful. Someone looking at the house from this angle might describe it as quaint, like a little house from a fairy tale. Only upon stepping inside would they see how truly large it was. Not in an intimidating way, but it was spacious and stuffed with things, giving its occupants plenty of room to breathe and plenty of reason to feel suffocated.

Basic Info

Title: Perils of a Large House

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Family Drama

Status: First draft complete

Synopsis: A moderately wealthy and recently retired woman, Katherine, invites her three adult daughters and their families to stay at her house for the Christmas, and each branch of the family brings along its own secrets and traumas. When they are all brought together under one roof and a snowstorm rages outside, leaving them with no option to escape, this family is forced to confront the problems they have been trying very hard to hide under their expensive rugs.

Main Characters

Katherine Clarke: The matriarch of the Clarke family. Widowed at 36, she raised three daughters as a single, working mother. She was dedicated to her job, working in government administration, and at times allowed her work ethic to interfere with her parenting. She is generous to a fault, materialistic and highly sentimental, often leading to conflicts with her daughters over how many gifts she buys for them and her grandchildren. She is a very traditional person but is making an effort to become more open-minded in order to make her less conventional family members feel accepted. She loves her family deeply but often struggles to show it in the ways they need her to.

Nadine Clarke-Linwood: Katherine's eldest daughter. Nadine is a recently disbarred crown attorney, and is happily married with two children. Her daughter, Katie, was taken away by CAS a year prior and was only returned a month before the events of the book. She and her husband attempt to resettle their children into normal life, struggling to cope with their daughter's trauma and the way it is further complicated by Katie's autism, as well as making sure that their son does not feel neglected or overwhelmed by his sister's constant desire for his support. Her life is further disrupted by her worries for her youngest sister, and her tense relationship with her middle sister and mother. Nadine is an incredibly anxious and rigid person, but deeply caring and always willing to go above and beyond to help her family.

Taylor Clarke: Katherine's middle daughter. She's a videogame designer who is happily married, happily childless, and a devoted aunt. She used to be very close to her younger sister but they drifted after Suzie's marriage and now most of their contact revolves around Taylor's close relationship with Suzie's sons. She is very close to Nadine's son but struggles to connect with Nadine's daughter. Her relationship with her mother is very difficult, and she believes her mother is unwilling to accept her unorthodox personality. Taylor is blunt and stubborn but fiercely loyal and has a wicked sense of humour that she frequently uses to try and lighten the mood and cheer up her loved ones.

Suzie Lemaire: Katherine's youngest daughter. She's a stay-at-home mom with two young sons and a husband who is difficult to please. Since her marriage, she has slowly distanced from her family (aside from Nadine) due to their clear disdain toward her husband. She only agrees to come for the holidays because she knows Nadine will be driving in to the city to stay and Nadine has agreed to convince the rest of the family to tone down their animosity. Suzie is overly submissive and self-absorbed but sweet and diplomatic. Before her marriage, she often played the family peacemaker, and the family has struggled without her to fill that role.

If you want to be added or removed from the taglist, please let me know!

Taglist: @aelenko @reininginthefirewriting @zmlorenz

#writeblr #wip #wip introduction #writing wip #realistic fiction #writblr #creative writing #original writing #leah yasmin writes #perils of a large house

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themovieblogonline · 1 month ago

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The 4:30 Movie Review: A Nostalgic Dive into Youth and Love

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