#and gets time traveled into Jane Austen's England

[clonerightsagenda]

It started with that dead guy next door book but there has been a huge boom in 'book titles that make me think the love interest will be some type of Creature but it's just a boring dude who owns a small business or whatever. but there's also a Creature. peripherally.' *Chuck Tingle voice* Not pounded in the ass by the undead entity haunting my home because a) they are incorporeal and b) they are not the love interest probably because they're incorporeal and everyone wants their romance novels to be [spicy/insert whatever juvenile term we're using this week instead of just saying it has sex in it]. False advertising and cowardice.

[anxious-bisexual-0]

Episode 1: out of the shadows

Portia just walking and waving to buy stuff is so funny

Aww pen admiring the debutantes is so cute

MADAME DELACROIX SUPERIORITY

Gregory is a king

Hyacinth you are amazing

I love how no one knows it’s Francesca playing except for kate…

I do wish there was a “wow Bath really changed you” or something

Benedict knowing what Fran was playing is amazing

Ya know I knew he traveled and you can’t get out of England at that time without a boat but seeing Colin walk off the boat sparked something in me

Aw poor pen just wants love

“Squawking” hyacinth you’re lovely

Colin is a whore I’ll say it now and no doubt I will say it again

I don’t think Colin actually saw her,,,, he would have gone across the street to speak with her if he did.

YESSSSSSS INTRO SLAYYYYYY

I love how they change the intro with each season

MMMMM half naked Colin yay

“Sturdy” I love it

The queen being bored is so me

Those poor debutantes

So miss Stowell is the one who uses BSL but then is hearing for the rest of part 1? Maybe HOH? Idk but slay for representation

Colin where were you

The shock with “style of the season” is fantastic

Aw poor violet seems so sad with Fran wanting to leave

Fran is so lovely. Beautiful and relatable.

Brimsly slays always I can’t ever hate him

Colin what????? stop winking you weirdo

HARRY DANKWORTH IS JUST A PRETTY IDIOT I LOVE HIM

Poor aunt petunia

“Without any man telling us what to do!” -Finch and Dankworth looking at each other 😬😐

“Hiding jars of coin under the floorboards!” -like your daughter, Portia????

My poor pen, you deserve so much better with that outfit and hair

Cressida makes me want to scream idc how much they make me sympathize with her

Pen baby you can’t hide behind that bird thing I’m sorry love

Kate is as always ABSOLUTELY STUNNING I love her and her bond with violet

“Lady Bridgerton” “yes?” I LOVE THEM

Colin no doubt practiced those lines in the restroom or something

Him wearing green and pen’s colors is KILLING MEEEEEE

“Flowers in bloom. Each one of you.” The only flower you care about, my dear, is the WALLFLOWER who you’ve known your whole life SHUUUUT UP

The cowpers always sucked

The Featherington girls always steal the show I love them

Colin you think you’re not flirting with her? You absolutely are.

PEN READ HIM HIS RIIIIGHTS BABY

prudence shut up

Philippa makes me so happy I love her

Again, dankworth just being pretty and in love is fantastic

PORTIA GO AWAY

I love pen just laying in bed restless about her wardrobe cause that was me this past month and I just bought so many new clothes and I love them so much

Does madame Delacroix know about pen’s love of Colin?

THE BOW

“I lost count, in truth” -no you didn’t you liar

Wait don’t Colin and Pen name their daughter Jane after Jane Austen???? (In the books????)

“And what of Penelope?” -you’re obsessed

Eloise very heavily implied that Pen was LW and Colin didn’t catch on, the beautiful idiot

PENELOISE

also Rae is a queen I love her

“I wish you very well, Penelope” kills me

Ben says “Purpose” and Colin wants to cry

“A very cold lady.” “She is colder now, im afraid.” I love him idc

SLAY BARON OF KENT

Anthony is a munch yet again

YES PEN GLOWUP

She is so gorgeous I can’t even begin to describe it

I love how everyone looks at pen except Colin. And Eloise being in awe. AND ALBION BEING A PROUD BIL

Colin your jaw is on the floor stop drooling

I ACTUALLY LIKE EMBROIDERY

Pen, baby love, maybe you should have practiced the chitchat before you got there

Eloise just wants to talk to Pen I can feel the yearning ugh

Colin you idiot you should have gone to talk with her before she left the ball

How did the Queen not recognize Pen? Wasn’t she on those cards last season for unmasking LW?

I would like to see a zebra ball

Fife and those other assholes talking to Fran makes me want to SCREEEEEEAM

Kate what did you to do Anthony he’s so calm

I love seeing pen and Fran together

Ugh Nicola Coughlan is so short I love her so much

The way Debling read her so quickly is so funny to me

Cressida, as always, an asshole

ELOISE SAY SORRY LOUDER

Colin saw pen run away and IMMEDIATELY had to find her. Couldn’t continue to make conversation while she was in distress

“Charming dress” “the color rather suits you” GURL SHUT UP

yes you tell him, pen

I wish they spoke about the letters more this season

SHOCK HIM BABE HAHA BITCH SHE HEARD YOU GET OUTTA HERE

pen really shouldn’t have gone home so angry,,,, she needed to BREEEEEATHE before writing that Whistledown

Dundas talking to portia like that is kinda confusing,,,, isn’t this situation kinda similar to the Mondrich situation?

What happened to the cherry pit, dundas?

Cressida why are you boasting about being a bitch

I don’t think we’d heard Cressida talk this much

I love Anthony’s little ear flop

That’s a strong desk.

The house is so large that Fran and violet in the drawing room can’t hear kanthony fucking is so silly

I love violet making music metaphors without knowing much about music

Fran it’s ok I love you

COLIN YOU ARE INSANE

SO HE REMEMBERS THE COMMENT HE MADE.

the way his voice wavers a bit at “ashamed” kills me

“Very good friend” as he looks down and can’t make eye contact. That is a sign of a man in love. He doesn’t understand his feelings and he’s so confused

CHARM?? BABY THIS IS A CHARADE

“THE ONE PERSON WHO HAS ALWAYS TRULY MADE ME FEEL APPRECIATED” WHAT THE FUCK

The smile and second hand wrapping around hers? Killer.

She’s so happy and relieved and then

BAM

OH SHIT WHAT DID I WRITE LAST NIGHT OH NO

Mondrich family slay

Poor little baby lord Kent he’s so shocked

I love the tennis references. Cause tennis goes at least as far back as king henry VIII

so Philippa knows that pen loooooves colin?

Eloise not telling Colin is noble but also really stupid????

Colin calm down you drama queen it wasn’t that bad

“I will never forgive her” and Eloise trying to see if he knows that it’s pen, knowing that he will forgive her.

HELL YEAH YOULL RUIN HER (not in the way you think,, buddy boy)

[laventadorn]

This is half about danmei, which isn't the main or even tertiary purpose of this blog, BUT also half about writing in general, so here I stick it.

I've been reading danmei since 2020 but I've really struggled to write anything for it. If i measure success by just getting something going, the fic I'm currently working on is the most "successful" venture I've had. It took me ages to even crank out the opening scenes. Despite longing to write in the New Hyperfixation for a long time, I just couldn't grok it.

Initially I thought it was unfamiliarity with the background of the culture the media was based in. With HP, for example, there is a whole lot of English culture that's easily accessible to me, and I studied British literature in school for years. Obviously this isn't the same thing as being English, but it gave me enough of a background to fake it that once when i applied to a graduate program in England, they thought I was actually English.

But with china, there is so much I don't understand and can't access in the same way, so I thought perhaps that was the problem.

But now I'm thinking it's more about the literary approach.

The tradition I learned to write in is one of realism. I often cite Jane Austen as my favorite author; she was a writer of realism: people, situations, and style are all as close to reality as possible. She was actually one of the most hard-line realist writers of the time, even meticulously accurate in minutiae such as how long it took to travel between cities, or when you could reasonably expect to receive a letter. The way she renders character is also heavily based in the psychology of real people, especially in the latter half of her career. And I love the psychology of character. Nothing interests me more as a reader or a writer. It's what I use as a foundation for writing: how to render people and their emotional responses within a tradition of realism, so that they feel (as much as possible, given that i also love fantasy) like genuine human beings.

But this is not, in my experience of it, what Chinese BL is about.

Now, the first of my caveats is that plenty of western media isn't, either (though fandom tends to be obsessed with it to the point of mania, where a character's psychology is microscopically detailed, in particular their responses to trauma). But western media often maintains a veneer of it -- my favorite marvel movie is Captain America: the Winter Soldier, which features Steve feeling purposeless and empty in a world he no longer fits in. (And then his internal conflict is symbolically made external with the reappearance of his dearest friend, whose mind has been wiped to forget him.) That whole movie revolves around Steve's psychology. And that's a big budget blockbuster movie chock full of punchy, blow-uppy action scenes. It still finds time to make a character feel depressed and lost.

(They then did absolutely nothing interesting with it, but you know. They had a single moment.)

To a certain extent, if western media is character based, it has to explore the characters' mental state, and tries to do so in a way that enlightens both the audience and the character, opening up their dark parts and forcing them to change. We probably have Joseph Campbell to thank for a lot of this; his Hero's Journey was modeled heavily on the works of Carl Jung, the psychologist. In fact, Carl Jung was hugely influential in English-speaking literary criticism of the 1970's. (I say "English speaking" because that's the only field I'm familiar with.) To give you the biggest example I know of, Ursula K. le Guin's phenomenal Earthsea trilogy is steeped in Jungian psychology, no book more so than the opening novel, A Wizard of Earthsea. The climax of that novel blew my mind, by the way.

My second caveat is this: it's not that the patterns of Chinese BL don't have character work, or that they aren't concerned with the character's interiority. With my fixation on character, if those things were entirely absent, I wouldn't be reading these books. It's more that the media tradition of hyper-focus on the characters' mental state, the delicate unfolding of their psychology, is not what drives the media. The characters do suffer, and they have feelings and desires, but they are often preternaturally strong-willed and able to withstand horrific trauma while still maintaining their sense of self.

(Two characters really come to mind. One is Chang Geng from Sha Po Lang, whose "mother" repeatedly puts him through such intense physical and psychological abuse in his childhood that you wonder how anyone could possibly stay sane. But he's also been injected with a magical poison that will drive him insane, and gives him bloody nightmares every night, and requires him to drink blood -- you get the idea. The other is Gu Mang from Yuwu: Remnants of Filth, who goes through things that are just mind-bogglingly Yiiiikes. Each of them feels the pain, but realism isn't where we're trying to arrive at, because it would be impossible for a real person to hold it together under the things they endured. But neither of them is supposed to be like a real person. Chang Geng, Gu Mang, is supposed to be more.)

Nothing is always. To use the novel I'm writing for as an obvious example toward some measure of realism, Xie Lian spends Book 4 being deeply traumatized; it's part of his character journey and essential to the plot. But his character psychology is still not based in realism. It wasn't designed to be. MXTX herself said in her afterword for TGCF that neither Hua Cheng nor Xie Lian were remotely like real people, because they weren't supposed to be. They were supposed to be larger than life, more than mere existence.

So when I am puttering around with my Psychology of the Individual writing tool, I get a bit wrong-footed because the entire way that I approach writing does not seamlessly settle into this brave new frontier. How can I realistically explore the emotions and mind of people who are not written to be like real people at all? That's what's truly been stumping me.

[dollarbin]

Dollar Bin # 13:

The Mountain Goats' Sweden

Here's a (Mostly) True story:

In the fall of 1995, John Darnielle, the founder, songwriter, frontman (and, occasionally, the sole member) of The Mountain Goats taught me how to cook.

As a second year student at Pomona College I took the one on-campus job no one else wanted: fast food line cook. No one wanted the job because it required actual labor; every other on-campus job involved sitting at a desk in a library, museum, gym or office while doing your homework. But I was ready to heat oil, and labor. I was ready to eat as much free ice cream as I could in-between orders.

The job was an odd choice for a vegetarian like me at the time: I spent the first hour of every shift slicing enough partially thawed, homogenized meat for the full day of orders ahead; once both of my hands were entirely numb from the meat's cold it was time to drink a giant vat of free Sprite and then move on to other prep tasks. Slice the tomatoes. Fire up the grill. Then, once the place opened, I'd spend the rest of my shift burning all that sliced meat to a crisp for altered and/or indifferent fellow college students.

John Darnielle trained me. He'd already released two records at that point, but I had no idea who the hell he was. My ignorance drove him nuts.

By the time he arrived each day my hands were already numb and my personally selected music was already on the stereo system. In the fall of 95 that meant a heavy rotation of Guided By Voices' Alien Lanes, Uncle Tupelo records and Yo La Tengo's Electr-O-Pura. I'd put on Tom Waits' The Black Rider at closing time so everyone would go the hell home; that always cleared the room.

But I never played The Mountain Goats; I'd never even heard of them. Throughout that fall I worked alongside a blossoming rock star. And I had no clue whatsoever.

John was the first and only friend I've ever had who wore a leather jacket. He was also ridiculously old for an undergraduate; we're talking mid-to-late-twenties. Every day he'd arrive, compliment my taste in music, trade his jacket for a weathered apron and then look at me earnestly. It was weird. I saw that he wanted me to say something, that he wanted me to know something. Desperately. But I had no idea what the hell it was.

After a bit he'd sigh and begin the day's training. Here's how to flip 'em kid; here's how to fire up that grill.

Then, at some point, he just broke down and told me: he knew James McNew; he had a record deal; he was just back from a tour of Germany, where people were crazy for any kind of American music; he was starting to make some real money (hence the leather jacket). He thought I'd like his music.

At that point I'm afraid I made the situation much, much worse. I laughed at John Darnielle and accused him of lying.

"Yeah right, dude. You're a rock star. And I'm the queen of England."

He listened. He paused. Then he shut down the register and said we needed to go outside. And so we went. College kids stood about, confused. Who was gonna get them their curly fries if the kid in The Dead t-shirt and the weird old guy took a break?

I remember, like yesterday, standing next to him in the sun. He'd taken off his apron and put his leather jacket back on. The vibe was very weird.

"Look, I'm not joking," he said. "My band used to play shows here on campus, but we're just too big for that now. Go to Rhino records; you're a vinyl guy, right? They've got my latest album on vinyl for like 7 bucks."

(Remember: this was the secret golden age of vinyl: CDs cost $12-15 and records of the same thing cost $7-12. And we all thought we needed to spend more for the CDs! If I had a time machine, I would not go back and see who killed JFK; rather, I'd spend a sweet summer with Jane Austen and then propose marriage to her, then I'd travel to 1969 to see Neil and Crazy Horse live, THEN I'd go back to 95 and buy everything I could grab on vinyl CHEAP.)

Okay, back to John Darnielle in 95: "Look: my new record is called Sweden," he said. "Only it has absolutely nothing to do with Sweden. That's the joke. Listen to it; you'll know it's me right away. I sing like I talk. People think we have like 25 members in the band, but it's really just me and this girl who plays bass. I lie in my songs, all the time. But I'm not lying to you."

And then he just walked off. In the middle of his shift! I was left to man the counter on my own. Fries were ordered; burgers were burned to a fabulous crisp. And The Black Rider came on way early. I had something I needed to do.

As soon as the quitting bell rang I hopped on my bike and road straight to the record store. As usual, the counter was manned by the angriest guy in the whole world. His name was probably Haemon, and he always sneered at whatever I was buying. This was years before High Fidelity, but he was already auditioning for Jack Black's part. The dude just hated me. I remember buying a Sonic Youth Tee in there one time. He ripped me apart while ringing me up. Is it any wonder that a few years later we all decided to shop on Amazon?

Anyway, by the time I got to the store, I'd pretty much decided John Darnielle was for real. And quite quickly I found his record, walked it to the counter, handed it over guiltily (Rhino Records had their workers stand behind a counter that was a full two feet higher than the sales floor so as to allow Jack Black Sr. behind the counter, who was tall to begin with, maximum superiority over his pathetic customers), and then, for the first and only time, the guy did not give me a hard time.

"Well, well, well," he said. "You're finally buying something of value. Poser."

(Remember when we all called each other "poser"? Now we all call each other unprintable things. Ah, the 90's...)

Well, you can see where this is going. The Mountain Goats were indeed that guy John from my day job. His singing was ridiculous, like Lou Reed if he was a passionate player of Magic, The Gathering. His melodies were infectious, like Bob Pollard if he was earnest, not drunk. His lyrics were cute and bizarre, like Dylan if he actually attended college, then managed to double major in Classics and English. The recording process was infantile, like me in the kitchen. Or rather, like me in life.

It was all precious. It was all awesome.

I returned to work a day or six later, eager to see my new friend John and tell him all about it. He was a genius! He was Robyn Hitchcock meets Johnathan Richman; he was Thomas Pynchon with a guitar; he was my new hero.

And then, I never saw him again. That moment in the sun turned out to be the last moment we ever spent together. I guess he went and got a life.

Hello out there, John! It's 28 years later and your recent publicity pics make you look, in the words of one of this blogs' 40+ (wow!) readers, like an alternative high school teacher: he sees you; he respects your pronouns. Guess what, John? That's a better description of me than you these days. You're playing the Belly Up this fall. I'm not even playing Magic, The Gathering.

So go, take a listen to Sweden! It's great. Check out the hilarious T.S. Eliot intro to I Wonder Where Our Love Has Gone. Enjoy the alternative Swedish titles for every song. Be reminded of how Hercules died: consumed by an article of his own clothing. Flip to the B Side and enjoy a nice coconut cream pie.

And while you are listening, picture an earnest and very talented guy in a leather jacket in 1995, patiently teaching a very young and hopeful kid how to flip burgers and fry up the grill. See him. See me. We're both dreaming of incredible futures: incredible futures that came true.

Happy Friday everyone! And John, while I've got you here: thanks for being patient and nice to me way back then. I'm sorry I needed you to introduce me to your music. Please tell Stephen Stills he sucks.

[bookishbethanyerin]

• puck & prejudice •

Sometimes a book comes along thay just brings you an immense amount of joy: and Puck & Prejudice is exactly that for me.

The second I heard “hockey player time travels to Regency England,” I knew I wanted to read this, and when I opened it up and saw the dedication to a BTS member (💜), I knew it was going to be exactly the balm I needed.

The story follows Tucker Taylor, an NHL goalie who finds himself transported to the 1800s while visiting his Jane Austen-obsessed sister in Bath, and Lizzy Wooddash, a friend of Jane’s with her own writing aspirations and burning desire for independence. After discovering Tucker emerging from a pond (😏) and quickly accepting he is a time traveler, Lizzy agrees to help him get back to his time. But then Jane and Lizzy’s cousin throw in a kicker – Tucker has to marry Lizzy so that once he disappears, she can be a “widow” and thus have her freedom.

It’s an incredibly fun and deeply feminist story with a whole lot of heart and some pungent spice – and it’s obvious that Lia Riley had the absolute best time writing this.

So if you’re in the need of something a little bit silly but in the way that feels like the best kind of comfort romcom (and who among us isn’t?), definitely pick up Puck & Prejudice.💜

🥅A massive thank you to @avonbooks and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy. Puck & Prejudice is out on November 12th!💕

[janeaustenluvr13]

Book recommendations for autumn

Although the temperature outside is shockingly high, I have already stepped into my autumnal state of mind. I can't think of a better fall activity than writing a Tumblr post with a list of books one can read while drinking a pumpkin spice-flavoured coffee while snacking on biscuits and listening to the rain.

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie (or any other criminal novel, preferably read by night while covering yourself in your favourite blanket.)

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen (a brilliant parody of gothic novels and delusional teenage girls, perfect spooky vibes)

Dead Poets Society by N.H. Kleinbaum (gay teenagers study poetry under the most magnificent teacher in entire literature)

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (It's even more cringy than you remember it from your middle school years)

The Secret History by Donna Tartt (Obnoxious terrible characters study antiquity while losing themselves in the process)

If We Were Villains by M.L.Rio (The same as the Secret History but make it Shakespeare-obsessed theater kids).

Harry Potter and the philosopher's stone by Remus Lupin (A classic, as long as you don't live under a rock you've probably read it already, nonetheless it wouldn't be an autumn book list without this novel, although it's a love-the-franchise hate-the-author situation)

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (This book will make you regret not being a posh kid who can afford to go to YALE, it makes the idea of joining a secret society extremely appealing).

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky (A broke law student kills a usurer, which is the beginning of an avalanche of disaster. Spoiler, The book ends with him becoming a catholic while dating an ex prostitute).

Little Women by L.M. Alcott (Watch Greta Gerwig's adaptation for an extra fall vibe, the book is wonderful as well. Makes me regret not having sisters).

Jane Eyre by the one and only Charlotte Bronte (Aka why romanticizing Victorian England is an indicator of idiocy).

Persuasion by Jane Austen (A novel that will gaslight you into believing that if you're twenty-seven your bloom is gone, you might as well never leave the house again if you're not married).

Frankenstein (This book freaks me out so much, it's gorgeously written.)

Macbeth (The moral of this drama is to never trust three witches you meet when strolling over Highlands).

Wuthering heights (I could write an entire essay about how superior Mr. Darcy is to Mr. Rochester, but Wuthering Heights still is one of the best novels I've ever read. The spooky vibes are immaculate, it made me want to travel to Haworth during fall).

The picture of Dorian's gray (Dorian Gray would've hated the "aged" TikTok filter.)

The invisible life of Addie Larue (The first line of this book is a summarization of its plot, for the entire novel "A girl is running for her life.", However, we grow to love her in the process).

That would be it. Autumn is one of my favourite seasons, and I can't wait to get the most out of it. I'm sorry in advance for the person I'll become after drinking Pumpkin Spice Latte for the first time this year. May the Christian Autumn Girls rise and sweaty, sun-burned summer preferring children fall.

[lacomandante]

🧶 — any non-writing hobbies/interests?

munday asks!

Yes! I have quite a few, actually. I like to think I'm a jack of all trades. I do historical sewing, and atm I'm currently working on a pair of regency stays. It's a little annoying because I've been working on multiple dresses, only to have to stop because I don't have the correct undergarments to accurately measure if the dress fits or not. So I had to stop what I was doing and make these mockups...I'll get there eventually lol. I also make dolls! Which I never posted photos of when complete, I'll need to do that. Unfortunately I'm very easily fatigued, and sewing is easily one of the most exhausting hobbies I have physically and mentally, which means a lot of these projects take months or years.

Reading, but I feel like that's a given for most people in the rpc. I feel like it's very important to read in order to grow your own ability to write. Currently rereading the Witcher series, alongside Sharpe's Gold and Company. I've also been reading a lot of English accounts of travels through Spain, detailing the landscapes, customs, manners, etc. I think since January I've read over 8 books detailing these things...probably over 2,000 pages combined? I'm endlessly fascinated with historical accounts and I honestly can't get enough of them. Currently reading Letters written during a journey in Spain, and a short residence in Portugal published in 1808. There's a huge gap in the history of Spain during this period so it's been very helpful (although biased) filling in the blanks.

I also do drawing and painting, but this hobby has kinda fallen on the wayside this year. I find myself impatient, but I need to get back into groove of things, as I do really want to improve more.

I would say I do gardening, but...this year my plants almost instantly fried in the California heat, and every time I look into my backyard I just see their decayed husks so. Maybe attempted gardener is best...I have more houseplants than anything, and I struggle to keep my pothos alive, which are pretty easy to take care of....I think I have more of a hobby of buying plants...

Oh! I also do a lot of penpal writing. I joined a Jane Austen FB group and joined a pen pal group in there. I'm more of a casual fan and not really obsessed with her works, but I do enjoy them. I've got three pen pals so far, and they're all older women in England (one I was luckily enough to find that also writes/speaks Spanish so I get to practice!). Two of them are in Kent, and one is in Yorkshire. They're all very sweet and kind and nothing makes me happier than getting their handwritten letters in the mail. I also adore making fancy designs for the envelopes and stuffing them full of stickers and pretty things. Here's a few samples of things I've made (steadily improving lmao) - two for my penpals, and one for Sam :)

I suppose archival work also falls into this? I know how to pirate, burn and rip dvds and blurays, how to convert and preserve files, and I'm currently learning how to preserve and convert VHS. It's really fascinating to me, and I've even learned a little bit of coding and programming on the side for it.

Oh! I also like to make gifsets and photo manips- 10 years of being in the rpc with photoshop skills helps a lot with this. I LOVE making manips of Teresa in other Sharpe films, or in different scenes. I actually have quite a few but haven't posted many of them. Mostly for au's and rp's/fics Sam and I have written and explored.

I also play the guitar, but I say this very lightly. More like I can read tabs, and play some songs, but honestly I'm self taught and would say I'm very much a beginner at best. I really enjoy it but haven't had much time, nor the means to learn more sadly. But I enjoy plucking and learning chords to my favorite songs.

[thelistvault]

Top 10 Love Stories You Can’t Miss

Are you a person who enjoys reading love stories as much as I do? Are you searching for great books about love stories but don’t know which one’s read? If so, you’re at the right place. I’m writing this article for all the readers who are looking forward to buying the best novels on love stories. For each book, I’m including a gist of what the story is about, just to get you interested in reading the book without giving the insight of the entire story. I want you to get engrossed and read these books and enjoy them at your best.

So here are the Top 10 novels I’d suggest: 1. A Week to Be Wicked, by Tessa Dare

This novel is a blend of fun and romance. This story centers the unconventional romance between Minerva Highwood, a brilliant but socially awkward geologist and Colin Sandhurst, known for his charm, but a bit reckless. Minerva wants to attend a prominent science meeting in Edinburgh to present an important discovery she made, but she needs someone to go with her. She requests Cotlin to pretend they are eloping to Scotland, so that she can attend the meet. She is confident that she’s going to win the competition. Therefore, in return, she promises to help him with his financial trouble. The book is humorous and clever conversation exchanges between Minerva and Cotlin as they embark on a journey as eloping. However, as they travel, they start developing genuine feelings for eachother. They face unexpected and funny moments, which makes the story very interesting to read. This novel is a part of “Spindle Cove" series, which is renowned and has won several awards for its creativity and the joyous writings. 2. Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë

This story is based on Jane Eyre, an orphan raised by her cruel aunt. Her early life was filled with challenges, abuse and isolation, which shaped her into a strong willed woman and taught her to fight her hardships with strength and determination.

As a governess at Thornfield, Jane meets Edward Rochester, the mysterious master of the house. Her time at Thornfield became the center of narrations, particularly as she falls in love with Rochester.  However, their romance is complicated by Edward’s dark secrets including his hidden wife, who is mentally ill. This brings about an ethical and emotional touch to the story, as Jane battles with her sense of mortality and her desires to accept his love. This novel is celebrated for the way Jane battles with her emotions, hardships and the bend of romance it involves. It also includes elements of horror and mysteries.

3. Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen

One of the most famous timeless classics. This novel is known for being funny, romantic and smart. It centers around the Bennets. There are five sisters in the Bennet family, but the story majorly revolves around Elizabeth, second daughter, who was smart, and had strong principles. This story begins with Mr. Bingley’s shift to Bennetts neighborhood, where Elizabeth meets Mr Darcy, Bingley’s friend; they don’t get along as Elizabeth judges him on the basis of his proud and reserved behavior. Over time their opinions change for each other and eventually they fall in love with each other.   There are several short stories and small characters in the book exploring different aspects of love, marriages and social status. The main message of the book is understanding and respecting each other. It also helps us in realizing the importance of marrying for love, not for money or social standings. You’ll mainly enjoy reading this book as it's funny and romantic. Characters are memorable and the way they navigate through the society rules makes it more engaging to read.

4. North and South, by Elizabeth Gaskell

This is a profound novel about Margaret Hale, who moves from the peaceful South to the busy industrial North of England. The novel begins with Margaret enjoying the serene life in rural south, but her life turns upside down when her father moves to industrial North. Margaret encounters the hard reality of life and meets John Thornton, a mill owner. Margaret is unhappy with the way Thornton runs his mill and treats his fellow workers. Eventually with the passing days she sees the positive side of Thornton and starts to develop a liking for him. This story isn’t just the narration about Margaret and Thornton’s love story, it also shows how challenging it is for both the workers and their bosses, and how people from different social backgrounds view each other. Margaret’s kind and caring nature depicts the importance of understanding and working together despite the differences they have. This novel is interesting to read as it is a combination of romance and social issues. Novel ends with a hopeful note how understanding and respecting each other can bridge even big differences. 5. Shanna, by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss

This novel is adventurous cum romantic, it is based on Shanna Trahern, a strong and beautiful woman. Shanna is determined about not marrying a man whom she isn’t in love with, therefore she makes a bold decision of marrying a prisoner, Ruark Beauchamp, right before he is executed. So, she can say she’s married but she doesn’t have to live with her husband.

But, unfortunately things didn’t go as planned, and he turned out to be a good and innocent man. And he didn’t die, he escaped to clear his name and take revenge. Shanna thought she was done, but she found she started having feelings for Ruark. The story includes their journey through oceans and danger. They face many challenges that test their love. This story includes action, mystery, and love with interesting characters and beautiful places. It's great for you if you love reading love stories that materialize after a lot of changes.

6. Lord of Scoundrels, by Loretta Chase 

It is a historically romantic novel and the best one to read in the genre. It is based on the passionate relationship between Sebastian Ballister, the Marquess of Dain, and Jessica Trent. Sebastian, known as Lord Dain is a notorious character and thinks no end of himself. Jessica Trent, a beautiful and intelligent young woman comes to Paris with an intention of rescuing her brother Bertie from Dain’s bad influence, but she ends up getting attracted towards Dain. After a public incident where Dain compromises with Jessica’s reputation, they end up getting married in a surprising way. After getting married they experience a lot of changes as a couple. They start to face their complex feelings and challenges of their past. Jessica helps Dain understand he is loveable and eventually Dain starts to trust and respect Jessica’s strength and intelligence.

Ultimately, Lord of Scoundrels portrays the way both the characters grow and heal together, realizing love can change even the hard feelings for eachother. This story is celebrated for its vivid characters, witty dialogue and emotional depth. 7. Rebecca, by Daphne du Maurier

It is a classic novel about a young woman who marries a wealthy widow named Maxim de Winter. The new couple move to Maxim's large estate, Manderley, where Mrs Maxim de Winter learns about her husband's first wife, Rebecca, who died in a boating accident. Rebecca’s memory was everywhere in Manderly majorly because of Mrs. Denvers, the housekeeper. Mrs Denvers loved Rebecca so much that she couldn’t accept Mr Maxim’s new wife. Young Mrs Denver finds it very challenging to fit into her new role, as everywhere she turns there’s Rebecca’s presence felt. She feels out of place and difficult to manage. As she tries to settle in her new life. She discovers Rebecca’s life wasn’t perfect as she thought it to be, Eventually, she learns of a shocking incident related to Rebecca’s death, which made her think  if she really knew her husband. 

Rebecca is filled with suspense and unexpected twists that keep you entertained and wanting to read. It’s a story involving past influence on the present and finding your own identity. If you enjoy mysteries, it’s a great book to read.

8. The Princess Bride, by William Goldman

This novel is a combination of adventure, romance and humor. This book is centered around the beautiful Buttercup and Westley, her lover. After Westley leaves to seek his fortune, he is reported to be killed by the Dread Pirate Roberts. Buttercup is in extreme grief. Despite this, she ends up getting engaged to Prince Humperdinck. Just before their marriage, Buttercup gets kidnapped by a trio among them one is a brilliant strategist, second one is a giant and the third one is a swordsman who wants to take revenge against his father’s death. This story takes a thrilling turn when Westley comes back as a mysterious man to rescue Buttercup from kidnappers and the evil prince. The adventure includes sword fights and clever tricks that makes the story very interesting to read. The Princess Bride is a perfect story for the ones who enjoy reading stories with a lot of action, humor and romance. This story sets an example of how true love and bravery can overcome all obstacles. 9. Bet Me, by Jennifer Crusie

It is a delightful romantic comedy. This story revolves around Minerva Dobbs, known as Min and Calvin Morrisey, known as Cal. This story starts with Minerva overhearing her date David betting Calvin that Cal cannot cannot convince Min to stay with him in a month. Min is disheartened hearing this but decides to play along. Min and Cal experience some initial reservations towards each other, but as the time passes by they start to meet over dinner, and start talking to each other's family who add depth and humor to their life. Eventually they start enjoying each other’s company and start understanding each other. Be Met is a funny and romantic story to read. It is not just about betting or romance; it’s also about discovering oneself challenging social norms, and finding happiness in an unexpected place. It’s a feel-good book that proves love has no bounds and can spring from the most unlikely circumstance, making it a perfect read for anyone who enjoys a mix of humor and heartfelt romance. 10. Vision in White, by Nora Roberts

This story is based on the love lives of four childhood friends running a wedding planning company called Vows. This story centers on Mackensie Elliot “Mac”, a talented photographer who enjoys capturing the magical moments of a couple's special day. Her personal relationship is a bit complex because of her self-centered mother. Mac’s life takes a turn when she meets Carter Maguire, a kind and sweet English teacher. This romance unfolds with Carter gently encouraging Mac to overcome her fears and open up to the possibility of love. As Mac overcomes her past she learns to balance her professional life and relationship. During this transition her friends Emma, Laurel and Parker stand as a strong support with her. These add to the depth of the narration, showcasing the strength of their friendship and dedication to each other and their business.

Vision in White is a heartwarming story about love, friendship and personal growth. This story makes you so engrossed that by the time you reach the last pages you’ll start missing Mac and Carter, and start cheering for them. Bottom Line: These novels will offer you a range of stories, each with a charm and emotional depth. These stories not only explore the complexities of love and relationships but also provide engaging narrations that make you feel good. So don’t delay in picking one of these books and getting engrossed in the story.

[journeythroughsurrey]

Exploring the Natural Wonders and Breathtaking Views of Box Hill in Surrey, England

When you think of Box Hill in Surrey, England, you can't help but imagine a destination that blends natural beauty with historical richness. Here, ancient trails invite you to explore landscapes that have captivated visitors for centuries. Whether you're hiking through lush woodlands or cycling along scenic routes, Box Hill offers something for everyone. Another historic gem in Surrey allows visitors to delve into centuries of history while soaking in its majestic surroundings. Isn't it intriguing to contemplate the hidden stories and unique experiences that make this area truly special? Let's uncover what makes Box Hill not just a picturesque spot, but a place teeming with history and vibrant life.

History of Box Hill

Throughout its long history, Box Hill in Surrey has been a site of both natural beauty and historical significance. When you visit, you'll find that this area is rich in ancient landmarks that tell stories of its past. Dating back to the Bronze Age, Box Hill's chalky slopes have seen countless generations come and go. The ancient burial mounds, known as barrows, are proof of the people who lived here long before modern times.

You might be surprised to learn that Box Hill has also played a role in more recent history. During the Victorian era, it became a popular spot for day-trippers from London, keen to escape the city and enjoy the countryside. The hill even inspired notable literary figures; Jane Austen mentioned Box Hill in her novel 'Emma,' highlighting its cultural impact.

Walking along the trails, you'll come across remnants of old forts and lookout points used during the Napoleonic Wars. These sites add to the hill's historical significance, making it more than just a place for scenic views.

Getting to Box Hill

After delving into the rich history of Box Hill, you might be wondering how to reach this historically significant and naturally beautiful site. Luckily, you have several transport options to choose from.

If you're traveling from London, the most convenient way is by train. Hop on a train at London Victoria or London Waterloo and head towards Box Hill & Westhumble station. The journey takes just under an hour, making it perfect for a day trip.

For those who prefer driving, Box Hill is easily accessible by car. Take the M25 motorway and exit at Junction 9, then follow the signs for Dorking. From there, it's a short drive to Box Hill. There's ample parking available, but it can fill up quickly on weekends, so arriving early is a good idea.

Another travel tip is to take into account cycling. Box Hill is a popular destination for cyclists, with well-marked routes and challenging climbs. Whether you're an experienced cyclist or just enjoy a leisurely ride, you'll find the journey rewarding.

Public buses also serve the area, with routes connecting Dorking and Leatherhead to Box Hill. Plan your trip ahead to guarantee a smooth journey to this picturesque locale.

Hiking Trails

Box Hill offers a variety of hiking trails that cater to all levels of fitness and experience. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a casual walker, you'll find a path that suits your needs. Before you set off, make certain you've got the right hiking gear, as the trail difficulty can vary considerably.

Consider these popular trails:

The Stepping Stones Walk: This moderate trail takes you through picturesque woodlands and across the River Mole.

Box Hill Hike: A strenuous 8-mile loop that rewards you with stunning panoramic views.

Happy Valley Circular Walk: Ideal for families, this easy trail features gentle slopes and open meadows.

Juniper Top and Bottom Walk: A challenging route with steep inclines and breathtaking scenery.

Hilltop Stroll: Perfect for beginners, this short and easy trail offers beautiful vistas without too much exertion.

Each trail offers a unique experience, so choose one that matches your fitness level and interests. Always check the trail difficulty before you go, and don't forget essentials like sturdy boots, water, and a map.

Proper preparation guarantees a safe and enjoyable hike, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of Box Hill.

Wildlife and Flora

Exploring the trails at Box Hill, you'll encounter a diverse array of wildlife and flora that make each hike a unique adventure. The area is a haven for naturalists, offering you the chance to see a variety of species up close. Box Hill's commitment to wildlife conservation guarantees that native plants and animals thrive in their natural habitats. You might spot butterflies flitting among wildflowers or catch a glimpse of deer gracefully moving through the woods.

The chalk grassland of Box Hill is particularly rich in native plants. You'll see everything from vibrant orchids to rare herbs that are carefully preserved by ongoing conservation efforts. The hill's mixed deciduous woodland offers a different kind of beauty, with ancient oaks and beeches providing a canopy for numerous understory plants.

Bird watchers will find Box Hill especially rewarding. You may hear the melodic song of the nightingale or see kestrels hovering in search of prey. The presence of such varied wildlife highlights the importance of preserving these natural habitats. Another nature lover’s paradise in Surrey offers a similarly rich diversity of flora and fauna, making Box Hill a must-visit for anyone who cherishes the beauty of the natural world.

Scenic Viewpoints

From the summit of Box Hill, you'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across the Surrey countryside. Whether you're an avid photographer or simply a lover of natural beauty, the scenic viewpoints here offer unparalleled photographic opportunities. As you gaze out over the rolling hills, you'll notice how the landscape transforms with the seasonal changes, each season bringing its own unique charm.

Imagine standing at the top and witnessing:

Spring's renewal: Fresh blooms and vibrant greenery as far as the eye can see.

Summer's lushness: Dense foliage and sun-dappled pathways.

Autumn's splendor: A tapestry of red, orange, and yellow leaves.

Winter's serenity: Frost-kissed trees and a peaceful, quiet atmosphere.

Golden hour magic: Sunsets and sunrises that paint the sky in rich hues.

Each of these moments provides ideal conditions for capturing stunning photographs, whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone.

The changing seasons guarantee that no two visits are ever the same, making Box Hill a perfect spot to return to time and again.

Don't miss the chance to experience these awe-inspiring views and create lasting memories.

Outdoor Activities

For outdoor enthusiasts, Box Hill offers a plethora of activities to enjoy amid its stunning natural landscape. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking to escape the hustle and bustle, you'll find plenty to do.

One of the highlights is the extensive network of cycling routes. These paths cater to all levels, from gentle trails for beginners to challenging climbs for experienced cyclists. Don't forget to bring your bike and helmet!

After a vigorous ride or a leisurely stroll, you'll want to relax and take in the views. Box Hill boasts numerous picnic spots perfect for a laid-back afternoon. Spread out a blanket, unpack your picnic basket, and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. Some of the best locations offer panoramic views of the Surrey countryside, making your lunch break even more special.

If you're into running, the undulating terrain provides an excellent workout. And for those who love wildlife, the area is rich with flora and fauna, offering ample opportunities for birdwatching and photography.

Local Attractions

When visiting Box Hill, you won't want to miss the charming local attractions that add to the area's unique appeal. This picturesque region offers a blend of natural beauty and rich cultural experiences. Another nearby landmark in Surrey provides breathtaking views and a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history, enhancing your exploration of this beautiful area.

Here are some local attractions you should definitely explore:

Box Hill Village: This quaint village is perfect for a leisurely stroll, featuring charming boutiques and cafes where you can sample local cuisine.

Denbies Wine Estate: As one of the largest vineyards in England, Denbies offers tours and tastings that showcase the best of Surrey's wine production.

Box Hill Viewpoint: Don't miss the panoramic views from the top of Box Hill. It's a must-visit spot for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Polesden Lacey: This stunning National Trust property hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including concerts and art exhibitions.

Mickleham Priory: A historical gem, this priory offers a glimpse into the region's rich past and is perfect for history buffs.

Whether you're indulging in the local cuisine or attending vibrant cultural events, Box Hill's local attractions guarantee there's something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Cafes or Restaurants Near Box Hill?

Yes, you'll find plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby that offer local cuisine and scenic views. Enjoy a delicious meal while soaking in the beautiful surroundings. Don't miss the chance to relax and savor the experience!

Is Box Hill Dog-Friendly?

Yes, you'll find dog-friendly trails and pet-friendly accommodations. Your furry friend can explore the beautiful trails, and you won't have trouble finding places to stay where pets are welcome. It's a great spot for dog lovers!

What Are the Best Times of Year to Visit Box Hill?

You'll love visiting in spring and autumn for pleasant weather and vibrant foliage. Summer's great for picnics and hikes, but it can get crowded. Winter offers peaceful walks, though some seasonal activities might be limited.

Are There Any Guided Tours Available at Box Hill?

Yes, you can find guided walk experiences offered by local tour companies. They'll provide insightful tours, highlighting natural beauty and historical significance. Just check their schedules and book ahead to guarantee availability during your visit.

Is There Parking Available at Box Hill?

Yes, there's parking available. You'll find parking accessibility to be quite good, with several lots to choose from. There are parking fees, so make sure you're prepared for that. Enjoy your visit!

When you visit Box Hill, you'll be stepping into a world rich with history and natural beauty.

Whether you're hiking the trails, spotting wildlife, or soaking in the panoramic views, there's something for everyone.

Don't forget to explore the charming villages and local attractions that make this area so special.

With its vibrant cultural events and outdoor activities, Box Hill is the perfect getaway any time of the year.

You'll leave with unforgettable memories and a desire to return.

After you've enjoyed all that Box Hill has to offer, why not make your way over to Gutter Cleaners Surrey? Located just a short drive away, our business is dedicated to keeping your home in top shape.

Whether you're heading back from a day of adventure or simply want to ensure your property is well-maintained, we're here to help. Follow the driving directions below to easily find your way from Box Hill to Gutter Cleaners Surrey.

Gutter Cleaners Surrey

Westfield Rd, Slyfield Industrial Estate, Guildford GU1 1SD, United Kingdom

+442039875074

7C6P+W4 Guildford, United Kingdom

[xtruss]

This wood-and-wicker wheelchair—photographed in a hospital room in Saint Remy, France—is an older design. Early wheelchairs were more cumbersome than sleek, modern wheelchairs that allow users to live independently and participate in everything from sports to travel. Photograph By Jim Richardson, National Geographic Image Collection

How the Wheelchair Opened up the World to Millions of People

Wheelchairs have existed since the invention of the wheel. But technological advances have revolutionized the way that people use them.

— By Erin Blakemore | July 14, 2023

Bath, England, wasn’t just the hotbed of romance and gossip depicted in Jane Austen novels—it was a place of freedom for people with limited mobility who sought the healing waters of its Roman baths.

These tourists often arrived in an “invalid” or “Merlin’s chair”—a predecessor of the wheelchair. These revolutionary vehicles freed them to participate in the city’s famous social life, usually with the help of servants who pushed them from place to place.

But though they offered unprecedented mobility, these wicker-and-wood chairs were seen as a sign of invalidism and dependence—and couldn’t have been more different from the modern wheelchairs that offer even more ways to move. How did wheelchairs go from clunky to user-friendly? Thank wheelchair users themselves.

'Merlin Chairs' and Other Early Wheelchairs

Wheeled seats have existed since the invention of the wheel, but it took centuries for the devices to gain traction with the masses. At first, people with mobility issues were pushed in wheelbarrow-like devices or wheeled furniture pushed by medical attendants or servants. When Philip II of Spain, who suffered from gout and arthritis, commissioned a wheeled chair in the late 16th century, it was known as an “invalid’s chair.”

It would take until 1655 for the first self-propelled wheelchair to emerge. Stephan Farffler, a clockmaker who lost the use of his legs in a childhood accident, created the device so he could propel himself to and from church in Nuremberg, Germany. His invention resembled a modern recumbent bike, relying on a hand crank to propel himself forward. Today, it’s considered a forerunner of the tricycle, but at the time, the unique invention hinted at the potential uses of self-powered, wheeled devices.

Farffler’s design pushed wheelchair technology forward, and a number of inventors created similar devices. One of them, Belgian impresario John Joseph Merlin, created a “gouty chair” that relied on gears and cranks to propel users. The design became so popular that wheelchairs were called “Merlin chairs” for more than a century afterward.

Still, even these early wheelchairs were mainly used by wealthy people with servants to push them. That’s because they were difficult to produce, heavy, hard to operate, and almost completely ineffective outdoors—more like indoor furniture than assistive devices. As art historian and disability historian Elizabeth Guffey writes, “It was a delicate chair for delicate people.”

The First Mass-produced Wheelchair

Wheelchairs became more ubiquitous as years went by, especially in the wake of the Civil War and both World Wars, which left hundreds of thousands of veterans with compromised mobility. But wheelchairs were seen as medical devices, not accessories for independent living, in part due to their size and cost.

In the 1930s, paralyzed mining engineer Herbert Everest complained about the weight of his heavy wheelchair to another engineer, Henry Jennings. Together in Jennings’ Los Angeles garage, the pair created a foldable wheelchair that weighed half as much and cost much less to produce. It would become the first mass-produced wheelchair—and the most popular design of its time. Suddenly, wheelchair users could propel themselves outside, get into and out of cars, and go where they wanted with little or no assistance.

Ironically, though, the advancement would go on to stymie wheelchair development for decades due to the inventors’ monopoly on the foldable design and prevailing attitudes about disability that suggested wheelchair users needed to be protected from the world. Even medical professionals objected to alternative designs that emphasized user independence.

“Perhaps [medical professionals] thought that they knew best,” says Nicholas Watson, Professor of Disability Studies and Director of the Centre for Disability Research at the University of Glasgow.

Wheelchairs Made for—and by—Their Users

Wheelchair use skyrocketed with the polio pandemic of the 1940s and the increasing toll of modern warfare—plus the development of antibiotics that allowed more people to survive spinal cord injuries, says Watson.

Once again, a new generation of wheelchair users clamored for more—and ended up revolutionizing the use and meaning of wheelchairs. Some weren’t content to simply sit in the chairs; they wanted to play in them, too. Starting in the 1960s, wheelchair athletes in search of better athletic performance started modifying their chairs to make them lighter and easier to use.

And the growing disability rights movement stoked even more demand for better wheelchairs from users themselves. “When people look at a disabled person, the wheelchair is the most outstanding trait, and they tend to forget that they’re a person,” athlete Marilyn Hamilton, who lost the use of her legs after a paragliding accident, told the Los Angeles Times in 1982.

Hamilton was one of the athletes who pushed for better wheelchairs—or made their own. Athletes reduced the chairs’ weight by removing the handles others once used to push them—a declaration of independence and a way to lighten the chairs. Then, they started modifying the wheels, adding speed and maneuverability with modifications that ran counter to designs created to “protect” users from the world outside.

Eventually, writes Watson, wheelchair athletes were all but making their own wheelchairs. By the 1970s and 1980s, wheelchairs with names like Quadra and Quickie were changing the way users experienced the world around them, giving them unprecedented access indoors and outdoors.

“Our chairs are so aesthetically pleasing that it helps break down [barriers between people of different abilities,” said Hamilton, who helped design the ultralight Quickie wheelchair. “It’s a tremendous asset for disabled people.”

Meanwhile, powered wheelchairs, first introduced in Canada in the 1950s, were increasingly available, too, allowing people with arm mobility limitations to use wheelchairs, too.

The Legacy of Wheelchair Innovations

These lighter, more maneuverable chairs didn’t just change the daily lives of the people who used them—they changed their self-perception. The history of wheelchair development “shows disabled people as active agents and directing their own lives,” Watson says—lives that are made more mobile and independent.

So what’s next for wheelchair design? Watson predicts that artificial intelligence will be increasingly used in wheelchair navigation. Engineers are also working on ways to prevent dangerous wheelchair tips, even bringing tech like radar and cameras on board. These days, everything from sit/stand wheelchairs to personalized rim design and custom wheels support users’ individual needs while adding a bit of flair to their ride.

Where will wheelchairs take their users next? The answer is only a matter of time, technology, and belief in the inherent abilities of wheelchair users.

[buffyfan145]

Finished reading “Jane in Love” and loved it!!! :D It’s a romance novel of Jane Austen getting to time travel to meet her true love as he’s actually here in modern day England, but this comes with a price as her legacy and past starts to get erased as they fall in love and start a relationship which causes her to make a heartbreaking decision. It was so good and I really hope that movie that was in the works at Amazon is still happening.

[beforeiread-studies]

Favourite books of 2022

I don't think I read even one book that came out in 2022? So these are simply the books I've read during the year. A lot of non-fiction in this list, for some reason.

This year I read 105... stories? between books and comic books but only 16 are worth mentioning.

Fiction

(didn't read much fiction this year)

Medea by Christa Wolf. Read for German Literature class. It is of course a retelling of the Ancient Greek myth. It was great but I still prefer Cassandra.

Snowdrift & other stories by Georgette Heyer. A collection of her earliest short stories. I bought this second-hand in a charity shop in England (the flex) and it's such a gorgeous edition! Plus Georgette Hayer is delightful! The witty banter and humour are right up my alley. Can't wait to read more from her.

Loveless by Alice Oseman (yes, Heartstopper's author). Oh, all the aroace feels. It made me cry. Really, really recommended to any aroace-spec or questioning folks.

Lady Audley’s Secret by Mary Elizabeth Braddon. A Victorian classic, read for a Victorian Lit class. I've never been madder at a book before. I was literally fuming for two weeks afterwards! I have the sequel on my shelf right now and I count on reading that in 2023.

Non-fiction

Come Fly The World by Julia Cooke. A history of stewardesses of PanAm at the beginning of the Jet Age. It's fundamentally about women fresh out of college who longed to leave their hometown and travel and then they did. Plus, PanAm's involvement with the Vietnam War and the stewardesses' role in all of this and the fight for fairer contracts for stewardesses. It was amazing.

Atomic Habits, by James Clear. Game changer, especially the introduction. The way I see habit and productivity has shited a lot after this book.

Junkyard Planet by Adam Minter. The first one is about the junk industry around the planet, how the old cables you throw in the US might end up in China, where the plastic is reused for a new computer that gets then selled back to the US. It was so fascinating. I had never thought about half of it.

Secondhand by Adam Minter. This is kind of the sequel. It focuses on the secondhand business. It has a very interesting section on how Goodwill shops actually work and another on how Japan's idea of shopping secondhand completely shifted in the span of 5 years or so. Highly recommended.

The Birth of the Pill by Jonathan Eig. Read in the aftermath of Roe v. Wade. It was so bloody interesting. It doesn't only talk about the research behind the Pill. It also goes all the way back to the sexual revolution in the US during the first half of the 20th century, how the term "birth control" was coined, how Planned Parenthood was founded, etc. So fascinating!

Jane Austen and Food by Maggie Lane. It talks both about what people in the Regency Era ate and about how Austen uses food in her novels to characterize her characters. Such a different and fun approach!

Women’s Work by Elizabeth Wayland Barber. Textiles in prehistoric times AND why textiles were (and are still) considered women's work. It's mostly about weaving (and I don't weave, only knit) but it was incredibly fascinating. Recommended to all fabric crafters with an interest in history.

Diario di un'apprendista astronauta (Journal of an astronaut apprentice) by Samantha Cristoforetti. Astrosamantha was the first Italian woman to become an astronaut. This is her memoir about her experience from her being selected to the end of her first space travel in 2015 (she went back in 2022 too). Now I want to read every astronaut biography ever. Not sure whether it's available in English.

Comic books

Dimentica il mio nome by Zerocalcare. This one is only in Italian, sorry. If you are curious about Zerocalcare and/or Italian, I'd recommend looking up his cartoon series Strappare Lungo I Bordi (it's produced by Netflix). This was my first time reading Zerocalcare which is such a shame! My sis owns another one of his comics so guess what I will be borrowing in the new year...

Secret Playlist by 2F. Korean webtoon, available on Webtoon. It just ended a couple of days ago and I'm so going to miss it! It's about Hanju, who posts songs online as Plii and doesn't want to reveal her secret identity, and Doguk, an idol who wants to collab with Plii. And they are classmates!

Positively Yours by Jung Lee. Another Korean webtoon. This one is about a surprise pregnancy after a one-night stand. It's also extremely cute. I read it 2 times in one year.

Persepolis by Marjani Satrapi. Read both volumes in the aftermath of what is currently happening in Iran. I'm 100% certain that you've seen at least one drawing from this comic. I didn't know anything at all about Iran so this was a nice introduction to the subject.

[impossiblebird]

the universe of Pluto is way wider than it appears to be. a few things drifted away from their planet but are still there in its gravitational field. they tell the backstory of its creation, all the elements that were dropped or added during the writing, all there is to know to make this story come to life. here is a first glimpse behind the scenes of Pluto! 🪐

- as you know, i focused on your first prompt: time travel AU that’s a little sad but with a happy ending (i was, indeed, feeling kind 🥰). i also attempted to include some elements of your third prompt (a jane austen kind of love story with found family, pining, very gay, that ends at christmas), i hope i succeeded at that as well! but the plot twist is: i was also planning to include your second prompt (one of them having secret magic)!

- indeed, in the original draft, newt could control electricity! pretty rad, right? he could literally produce electricity with his fingertips! that’s why, in the og script, the reason why the DeLorean doesn’t work anymore is very clear: the battery is dead. newt knows very well that he could make the car work again, he just…chooses not to. you see, he kinda likes thomas, and if a little white lie by omission can make him stay, well, who can blame him?

- incidentally, the whole “teresa accidentally repairing the time machine” was a last minute addition

- of course, thomas eventually discovers his secret. how? well, you see, somehow even though thomas has been in the past for days, his phone doesn’t seem to run out of battery. the thing is, newt secretly holds the phone at night to charge it up. he has noticed how important this device is to thomas, how it’s the only thing of home he has left while he is stranded in the past. so he makes sure it doesn’t die out, because it’s important to thomas

- but when thomas realises that, he also realises newt has been lying to him when he said he couldn’t find a power source for the car. they get into an argument and newt gets very upset and angry, and accidentally strikes thomas with lightning.

- after being passed out for a few minutes, thomas wakes up to a panicked newt who thinks he accidentally killed him. after a little scene where newt patches up thomas (with thomas telling him how, since he’s the one in nursing school), newt agrees to power up the car battery if thomas promises to stay the night for the yule ball (and we all know how that goes!)

- when they first kiss, sparks fly (literally)

- originally the reason why the isaacs left england was because newt lost control of his powers, which led to a disastrous incident, causing some deaths. that is why he was so distraught when he hurt Thomas with his powers, scared that history was repeating itself. the Alby storyline only appeared last minute, once i realised i couldn’t include smoothly the whole electric powers thing (and also because it would have been too long and the plot could work without it) and in the end i think i like the alby storyline way better, even though some elements of magical newt were interesting to imagine

- there would have also been a scene where thomas asks newt where his powers come from and newt simply says he doesn’t know and doesn’t mind not knowing nor not understanding how they work or why they exist, and thomas positively loses his mind over it, reinforcing the theme of the pursuit of knowledge vs. the acceptance of the unknown

🥹 you have NO idea how interesting this is to me!!!

hearing about the bts to drafting and editing a story is always so fun to hear about and omfg….. you did not disappoint. YOU’D WRITTEN NEWT WITH POWERS. while i can see why you took it out (and it was definitely a good choice) i’m kind of in love with all those extra little details like the powers being why he left england, him keeping his powers secret and not fixing the time machine, him ACCIDENTALLY ALMOST KILLING THOMAS?!?!?!?? and him keeping his phone charged up oh my god you really thought of absolutely everything.

the story is absolutely perfect as it is imo, but you telling me this had just added a whole extra layer to it in my brain…………. it’s like you’ve just told me about a Pluto au and i am quite frankly obsessed. what a thought, newt with electrical powers.

thank you so much for sharing this with me 🥺 i’m loving all the pluto lore and fun facts so much 💛

[bethanydelleman]

3 Half-Drunken Sailors vs....

When Fanny is in Portsmouth, she can’t go out alone with Susan, but apparently having Henry Crawford with them makes going out okay. Likewise, Lady Catherine talks about having a manservant go with Georgiana/Elizabeth when they travel. This implies to me at least a suggestion that this man would be defending the women against muggers or something should that happen.

So here is the scenario. Three, half-drunken sailors vs. one, unarmed Austen man who is defending one or more Austen women. Who comes out on top?

Obviously Admiral Croft, Captains Wentworth, Benwick and even injured Harville would triumph. As does William Price and Colonel Brandon (flannel waistcoat or not). The woman that Admiral Croft is with isn’t Sophia because no one would dare take on the two of them.

I give Captain Tilney and Colonel Fitzwilliam almost no credit for their military service, I suspect they both serve on the home front and are better at parading around in their uniforms than hand-to-hand combat. But they would still probably win or at least scare their assailants off.

Bingley would probably try his best, but my money is on Caroline for being ten times as scrappy.

John Dashwood runs away screaming while Fanny coldly runs one through the heart with her hat pin.

Frank is excited to be a hero, right up to the first time he gets hit. He realizes he might actually get hurt and runs away. Jane Fairfax gives Frank a look so withering that the sailors laugh and let her go.

Sir John Middleton and Charles Musgrove happen to actually be armed and win (I know, they cheated) because they are literally ALWAYS up for some hunting.

Edward at least tries, despite Lucy being the woman he is defending. Robert comes in at the end and manages to scare them off by sheer luck, he takes all the credit.

Tom Bertram laughs and offers them some more booze. Is found three days later and claims it was the best week of his life. Maria and Julia walked home unharmed.

Henry Crawford is surprisingly good at brawling, with the help of Susan Price they fight off the sailors. Fanny assures him afterwards that he shouldn’t worry about being hit in the face, he was already unattractive, but she said it very sweetly.

Mr. Bennet manages to talk his way out of it, but can’t resist a clever insult as he walks away. He is forced to give the men everything he has one him. Mrs. Bennet congratulates him for “giving one of his set downs” despite the outcome.

Wickham, despite having a real, actual loaded gun in his hands, turns tail like the miserable little coward he is. Lydia and Kitty do the sensible thing, for the first time in their lives, and flee.

Willoughby talks his way out of it and later tells everyone that there were actually ten sailors and he bested them with his bare fists. Elinor, who happened to be with him, just lets him talk. She knows the truth will come out eventually.

Henry Tilney manages to talk his way out of it, which is good, because it might have shattered his image of Catherine as a naive and innocent young woman if he’d seen what she can do with a baseball bat.

John Thorpe tries to talk them down, utterly fails and gets robbed of his whole six shillings and worse, humiliated by his sisters all over town for failing to defend them.

Sir Thomas would literally die for his children but would have been crushed if he knew how little they cared if he won or not. Luckily he always travels with servants and they helped scare the sailors off. Lady Bertram would have been frightened, but she slept through the whole thing.

And lastly, Mrs. Norris would slaughter half of England to save a shilling, no one stands a chance.

[outoftheblue-if]

Out of the Blue IF — A Regency Romance

Demo | Instagram | Pinterest | Discord | Spotify | Ko-Fi 

Out of the Blue is a romance/mystery/fantasy interactive fiction set in Regency Era England for anyone (like me) who is obsessed with Jane Austen and other period dramas, and always dreamed of being transported into that world to find romance and intrigue.

It’s also just a lighthearted project I’m working on to practice my writing skills and get familiar with Twine as a platform for other interactive fiction projects that I have in the works. Definitely a WIP, so characters and plot might change throughout.

Coding | Tags | FAQ

You are a university student struggling to find the motivation to finish your degree as the world seems to be falling apart around you, when you find yourself transported to what appears to be Regency Era England. With no idea how you got there or how you can get back, you are at the mercy of the fates. Given the probability of being classified insane if you reveal your true origins, you decide to feign amnesia. Lucky for you, a wealthy couple decides to take pity on you and take you in.

Will you be able to keep your secret hidden from your new friends, or risk ending up in an asylum? Will you conform to the expectations of regency society, or show regency society what a modern person is like? Will you solve the mystery of how you ended up there and find your way back home, or perhaps decide that you’d much rather stay?

Fully customisable character - name, gender, pronouns, appearance, sexuality, background, studies ++

Character driven story with choices that matter

Try to solve the mystery of your time travel

Romance - romance any of five different love interests, two male, two female and one non-binary

Friendship - build friendships and meet new people

Explore an AU England in the 1800s

Isobel Claymoore [she/her] | Portrait | Playlist |

Isobel resides at Oakley Estate with her father, who runs the local coal mines. Being the daughter of a man whose fortunes were acquired through trade, she is not widely accepted amongst the higher class society, and her reputation is only made worse by her being an unmarried woman in her thirties. At first glance, Isobel appears to be cold and haughty; a proud woman who has little interest in you, but as you spend more time around her, you might discover there is more to her than meets the eye.

Maximillian “Max” Winthrope [they/them or he/him] | Portrait | Playlist |

Max is the eldest son to Lord Charrington, the Earl of Charrington, and thus the heir to both title and land. He is upbeat, frivolous and a bit of a flirt, and people aren’t quite sure what to make of him. Although he seems to be cheerful and unconcerned, you can’t help but feel like he’s holding something back. Will you discover what lies behind his careless facade? 

Richard Winfield [he/him] | Portrait | Playlist |

Richard is a Captain of the Royal Navy, just returned from the Napoleonic Wars to his childhood home to visit his brother and his wife at their new abode. Though he has made a name for himself, and amassed a sizeable fortune, his deepest desire is to find a spouse to start a family, and build a home, with, but he seems to be caught up on the past. He is suspicious of your intentions and sceptical of the credibility of your story. Will you be able to change his opinion of you and help him move on from his past?

William Taylor [he/him] | Portrait | Playlist |

William is a local farmer who struggles to get by while raising his two children by himself since his wife disappeared. Given that William and his son are the ones who found you and helped you, you feel like you should repay him somehow, but William seems to take an immediate dislike to you and wants nothing to do with you. Will you be able to weed out the story behind his harsh, biting shell and worm your way into his fortified heart?

Clara Amelia Hamilton [she/her] | Portrait | Playlist |

Clara is the daughter of one of the wealthiest families in Charrington, the Hamiltons of Ainsley Park. She comes from a life of comfort and privilege, seemingly lacking in nothing. Being cheerful and outgoing, she is well liked and generally always surrounded by people, so why does she feel so bored? Will you help her find some sense of purpose in her life, and possibly fill that void in her heart?

[qqueenofhades]

20+ Books That You (Might Actually Want) To Read During Pride Month!

Right, so. I got annoyed after seeing the list referenced in this post last night, told myself that my books are all packed up so I couldn’t do anything about it, and lasted all of a whopping 10 minutes before picking up my phone and attempting to make my own list instead. Behold, my from-memory attempt to present 20 books with strong LGBTQ plots, characters, and/or authors, that DON’T just rely on Suffering and Identity Politics and are... you know... fun.

Listed in alphabetical order by title. Links take you to Bookshop.org, where you can buy them from your local independent bookstore at a discount and NOT from the evil empire.

1. A Master of Djinn – P. Djeli Clark * author of color * steampunk Cairo in 1912 * djinn! magic! murder mystery! * butch Arab lesbian main character * devout hijabi Muslim badass assistant * anticolonial alternate history

2. An Accident of Stars – Foz Meadows (Sequel: A Tyranny of Queens) * trans author * bi, pan, trans, aro representation * racially diverse characters * all female POV characters * high-fantasy world adventures

3. Boyfriend Material – Alexis Hall * queer author * look I love this book SO MUCH and have absolutely screamed about it before but also I LOVE IT SO MUCH * contemporary M/M fake dating in modern London, complete with full cast of disaster found-family queer friends * it is. fucking. HILARIOUS. I almost died the first time reading it * there is a sequel called HUSBAND MATERIAL scheduled to be released in 2022; I am a normal amount of excited for this book

4. Gideon the Ninth – Tamsyn Muir (Sequel: Harrow the Ninth) * the book cover says “Lesbian necromancers explore a haunted palace in space!” * that is exactly what you get * slow-burn enemies-to-lovers F/F main romance * I cannot describe this book, it is dark, genre-bendy, science fiction-y, Hunger-Games-with-lesbian-necromancers-in space? Kinda? I have literally never read anything like it * also fucking HILARIOUS

5. One Last Stop – Casey McQuiston * queer author (who wrote Red White and Royal Blue) * bisexual fat girl from the South/lesbian-daughter-of-Chinese immigrants from the 1970s-riot-grrl main romance * time traveling mystery involving the Q train in Brooklyn (mentions Brighton Beach ahem) * magical realism * many more found-family chaotic queers including a trans Latino psychic and a Black accountant by day/drag queen by night and the mean little gay disaster who has a hopeless crush on them

6. Parasol Protectorate (series) – Gail Carriger * this is one of my favorite series, and there are five books: Soulless, Changeless, Blameless, Heartless, and Timeless * steampunk vampires/werewolves late Victorian London, like Jane Austen crossed with P.G. Wodehouse (they are all fucking hilarious) * pretty much everyone is queer; we got your flamboyantly camp gay vampires (Lord Akeldama ftw!) We got your gay werewolves! We got your lesbian French inventors! We got your big disaster idiot werewolf main male love interest! We got your crazy adventures! You name it we got it! * two spin-off novellas: Romancing the Werewolf (M/M) and Romancing the Inventor (F/F) * she has a ton more books in this same universe and writes sexy queer supernatural romance as G.L. Carriger

7. Plain Bad Heroines – Emily M. Danforth * queer author * historical horror-comedy set between a haunted girls’ school in early-1900s New England and in the modern day * all sapphic female main characters * plays with style/form/voice, a story within a story within a story

8. Red White and Royal Blue – Casey McQuiston * you’ve probably heard of it but here I am reccing it again * the biracial son of the first female POTUS falls in love with the Prince of England; shenanigans absolutely ensue * yes, the British monarchy still absolutely sucks a big fat dick * hilarious, heartfelt, reads like fanfic, just go get it, it will change your life

9. Rosaline Palmer Takes The Cake – Alexis Hall * same author as Boyfriend Material, this is his newest * bisexual female protagonist * absolutely perfect satire of The Great British Bake Off (you can tell this man has watched EVERY SINGLE SERIES and all of the holiday specials) * sweet and surprisingly thoughtful

10. Starless – Jacqueline Carey * genderqueer/transmasculine main character of color * almost all main characters are brown people! * lush Middle Eastern/India-inspired fantasy world * gods, prophecies, monsters * the best Oh God Why Me I Am A Horrible Mentor wise-old-mentor

11. The Future of Another Timeline – Annalee Newitz * nonbinary (they/them) author * time travel but make it The Handmaid’s Tale * will probably make your head explode * feminist, queer, subversive * diverse characters

12. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue – Mackenzi Lee * queer author * technically YA but historical/magical adventure set in the 1700s * bisexual disaster main protagonist and love interest of color * (mis)adventures across Europe * has a sequel (see below) with the badass asexual sister of the protagonist

13. The Hate Project – Kris Ripper * nonbinary/genderqueer author * M/M enemies to lovers/sex with no strings attached (spoiler alert: strings attached) * HECKING HILARIOUS * sweet, escapist, and very low stakes * diverse characters, including fat protagonist with realistic anxiety disorder

14. The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy – Mackenzi Lee * PIRATES, obviously * sequel to Gentleman’s Guide * asexual female protagonist * strong queerplatonic f/f friendship * more historical/magical 18th century adventures

15. The Last Rune (series) – Mark Anthony * Imma be real with you chief, I haven’t read this series since I was a clueless teenager with no idea why I liked Gay Stuff so much, so if it does turn out to suck now, don’t throw rotten veggies at me * but especially since it was written in the NINETIES, this series was hella progressive?! * gay characters, disabled characters, characters of color, all playing significant and heroic roles in six-book epic fantasy cycle * people from Earth end up in high-fantasy world of Eldh * endgame M/M romance for the main character * books out of print, I think, but you can find them cheap somewhere like AbeBooks; first one (Beyond the Pale) linked above

16. The Library of the Unwritten – A.J. Hackwith * queer author * heaven-hell-Valhalla supernatural adventures * The Good Place x Good Omens x Lucifer x The Librarians * Pansexual Black badass female heroine * Queer found families * The Sassiest TM Bisexual Villain Turned Reluctant Hero (is he my favorite? Why on earth would you think that.)

17. The Priory of the Orange Tree – Samantha Shannon * epic doorstopper science fiction/historical fantasy set in a vaguely 16th-century world * main F/F romance between a queen and her sorceress bodyguard * sassy old gay alchemist whose backstory will give you Feelings * so many strong women and characters of color * no homophobia! marriage is fully gender-neutral, spouses are called “companions”

18. The Song of Achilles – Madeline Miller * likewise one you have probably heard of but still * a little light on the myth/historical part imho, but the writing is beautiful and will give you many feelings * M/M romance between Achilles and Patroclus  * reimagining of The Iliad (her other book Circe is also really good)

19 The Stars are Legion – Kameron Hurley * all-female apocalyptic space opera * messy messy antiheroines * grimdark war fantasy * queer sci-fi drama

20. Witchmark – C.L. Polk * author of color * M/M romance * main character is a veteran and a doctor dealing with his own hidden magic and repressed war trauma * gaslamp fantasy set in a world reminiscent of post-WWI England * strong sibling relationship